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Project Enterprise #2
Girl Gone Nova
NOTE: Alternate cover edition for ASIN B00EFB8IIG.
Doc-Delilah Oliver Clementyne's-orders are simple: do the impossible and do it yesterday. A genius/bad ass, she does the impossible on a regular basis. But this time the impossible is complicated by an imminent war between the Earth expedition to the Garradian Galaxy and the Gadi, an encounter with some wife-hunting aliens, and not one but two bands of time travelers. The only way it could get worse? If the heart she didn't know she had starts beating for the wrong guy...
Doc-Delilah Oliver Clementyne's-orders are simple: do the impossible and do it yesterday. A genius/bad ass, she does the impossible on a regular basis. But this time the impossible is complicated by an imminent war between the Earth expedition to the Garradian Galaxy and the Gadi, an encounter with some wife-hunting aliens, and not one but two bands of time travelers. The only way it could get worse? If the heart she didn't know she had starts beating for the wrong guy...
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2013
30 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Baird Jones
112 books177 followersPauline Baird Jones is the author of quirky, fast-paced romantic adventures that blend danger, laughter, and love in equal measure. She writes across genres—from romantic suspense and science fiction to comedy thrillers and steampunk—but her stories always share the same heartbeat: heroines who discover their courage, heroes who celebrate their strength, and humor as the best weapon in impossible situations. If you’re looking for an escape from the ordinary, her books deliver adventure, romance, and just enough laughter to keep you smiling long after “The End.”
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 18, 2012
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal challenge-- This book was originally added to my to-read list June 10, 2010.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: book 10 of 15 for Moon Challenge
Grade A-
Girl Gone Nova is quite a roller-coaster ride! What stands out for me, both now and as I read it, was what you don't know about what is going on. The catch is that you know you don't know the what and why. It's like walking on a familiar path but in the fog. You feel both sure and unsure of where you're going and it keeps you alert.
Pauline Baird Jones has written a complex puzzle of a plot, mixing time and space travel, advanced technology such as nanoagents, and good old-fashion military space opera. This book is the second of a series, and reading the first book, The Key, is recommended for complete understanding of some major plot points. It's not absolutely necessary, but some things the reader is assumed to know and understand, so it's helpful to have read it.
The plotting is masterful. I enjoyed trying to guess what was actually going on and how the author was going to resolve it all. When time-travel is thrown in the mix, things can get complicated quickly and making a coherent story out of it can be a challenge. For the most part, Ms. Jones succeeds, although the ending got a bit muddled. The resolution was more complicated than necessary and ended up detracting from the story overall for me.
Doc and Hel were both unique, and Ms. Jones succeeds in developing their characters slowly and satisfyingly throughout the book. Her secondary characters were also interesting and often well-defined.
My only other caveat is that the book dragged in places due to too much internal musing by the characters. Granted, the musing was usually entertaining and even enlightening, but just because something is good doesn't mean it adds to the story. The internal musing too often came in the middle of key scenes and slowed down the action. Removing some paragraphs, or even removing some sentences from some paragraphs could have tightened up the flow of the book.
Overall recommended for SFR lovers. I've already downloaded the next two books in the series and look forward to reading them.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: book 10 of 15 for Moon Challenge
Grade A-
Girl Gone Nova is quite a roller-coaster ride! What stands out for me, both now and as I read it, was what you don't know about what is going on. The catch is that you know you don't know the what and why. It's like walking on a familiar path but in the fog. You feel both sure and unsure of where you're going and it keeps you alert.
Pauline Baird Jones has written a complex puzzle of a plot, mixing time and space travel, advanced technology such as nanoagents, and good old-fashion military space opera. This book is the second of a series, and reading the first book, The Key, is recommended for complete understanding of some major plot points. It's not absolutely necessary, but some things the reader is assumed to know and understand, so it's helpful to have read it.
The plotting is masterful. I enjoyed trying to guess what was actually going on and how the author was going to resolve it all. When time-travel is thrown in the mix, things can get complicated quickly and making a coherent story out of it can be a challenge. For the most part, Ms. Jones succeeds, although the ending got a bit muddled. The resolution was more complicated than necessary and ended up detracting from the story overall for me.
Doc and Hel were both unique, and Ms. Jones succeeds in developing their characters slowly and satisfyingly throughout the book. Her secondary characters were also interesting and often well-defined.
My only other caveat is that the book dragged in places due to too much internal musing by the characters. Granted, the musing was usually entertaining and even enlightening, but just because something is good doesn't mean it adds to the story. The internal musing too often came in the middle of key scenes and slowed down the action. Removing some paragraphs, or even removing some sentences from some paragraphs could have tightened up the flow of the book.
Overall recommended for SFR lovers. I've already downloaded the next two books in the series and look forward to reading them.
June 25, 2020
This alternate reality space opera features intergalactic travel in the modern era. Delilah is one of the most interesting characters in a long time. Genius level with all the issues of trying manage too many competing thoughts at once she makes a great spy/assassin. She meets her well deserved match in the supreme leader of a galactic empire. But not everyone wants a happy ending and some is messing with the time line. PBJ does a great job of handling the time line jumps without creating headaches or serious cognitive dissonance.
*Read as part of the two book set, Project Enterprise: Bundle 1
*Read as part of the two book set, Project Enterprise: Bundle 1
August 6, 2020
An entertaining romp that follows closely from The Key. Doc is crazy skilled, but lacks a purpose. The addition of time travel is a necessary maguffin, and wasn't too confusing. Some of the challenges and escapes are outrageous, but that's half the fun. I'm still not happy with some aspects, but overall this is very good space opera.
I'll be reading the next few, as they come in a set.
I'll be reading the next few, as they come in a set.
July 2, 2010
Delilah Oliver Clementyne (Doc) is a genius whose expertise is making the impossible possible. Doc’s secret name is the Chameleon and she fits this moniker well, being able to change herself at will to blend in with whatever situation she finds herself. Doc’s aboard the Doolittle, in the Garradian Galaxy, waiting for instructions from her superior, when she meets Helfron Giddioni, leader of the Gadi. Doc is shocked at her attraction for him but there is strife between the Earth ship and the Gadi and war seems imminent. When Doc heads toward the small planet Kikk in order to try to access their weaponry, she is kidnapped by a band of aliens trolling the galaxy, collecting wives for the men on their planet. Doc manages to get away, only to find herself time-traveling with the Gadi leader, trying to avert a war that will destroy her ship and its people while dodging the leader of the wife-stealers, who is intent on having her as his own.
Jones is adept at creating kick-butt women characters who can give as good as they get. Doc is mentally quick and physically lethal. She’s a woman who has never felt like she fit in until she meets Giddioni, whom she is instantly attracted to. But that doesn’t stop her from doing her job, even if it means battling the Gadi leader and his minions. The action is nonstop, the suspense gut-wrenching, and the plot rollicking fun.
Jones is adept at creating kick-butt women characters who can give as good as they get. Doc is mentally quick and physically lethal. She’s a woman who has never felt like she fit in until she meets Giddioni, whom she is instantly attracted to. But that doesn’t stop her from doing her job, even if it means battling the Gadi leader and his minions. The action is nonstop, the suspense gut-wrenching, and the plot rollicking fun.
July 13, 2023
GIRL GONE NOVA is bk2 in Pauline Baird Jones’ Project Enterprise Space Opera/Sci-fi Romance series. GGN is a Romance Adventure Time Travel novel.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Satisfied Stars. I loved the setting, characters, the adventure. I found the lack of Sexcapades quite refreshing! This is my 3rd Pauline Baird-Jones Space Opera novel and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Continuing in the Ancient Garridian space system 2yrs after the conclusion of THE KEY in a galaxy far beyond the Milky Way ~
Two years ago (in THE KEY) the US space exploration ship, the Doolittle, achieved first contact with several alien races and discovered an unoccupied ancient but advanced technological (by earth standards) Garridian outpost. Before leaving alien space and returning to earth for much needed supplies, a number of outpost-based earth scientists were inadvertently left behind/lost. Shortly before Doolittle’s departure, these scientists had activated a space/time portal and utterly disappeared.
DOC, Deliah Oliver Clementyne, is a gifted and highly capable independent agent-troubleshooter. She has been temporarily attached to the US Doolittle military exploration ship upon its return into Garridian space. It is hoped that DOC, with her medical and military abilities, her brilliant mind and specialized skills will discover where (and when) the Lost scientists disappeared from the outpost portal and bring them back.
As previously agreed King Helfron Giddioni’s warships have been protecting the ancient outpost from all other interlopers during the 2yr absence of the Doolittle. Upon the Doolittle’s return, Helfron hopes to finally negotiate a shared access agreement to this advanced technology.
Comments ~
1) While it might be possible to jump into GIRL GONE NOVA without first reading THE KEY, I wouldn’t recommend it. The author currently has THE KEY, bk1, available for free on her website. I would grab and read that first. It’s a great read!
2) I love the escape and imagination found in Space Opera novels. Both are present in this series. The main characters are also intelligent, capable people with integrity that I can identify with while hoping they achieve their goals and win their HEA. :D. I feel as if I am getting to know the main (and secondary) characters as individuals, almost as if I know them as people - which is rather fun. There is a sense of the Star Gate series here.
3) As I mentioned earlier, it is quite refreshing to discover an author and an entire series of Space Opera Romance which is entirely free of Steamy Sexcapades and is low on Strong language/Profanity (I believe 10 or less). Amazing! I read a lot and have found either or both are included in nearly everything today.
4) While I loved the first 3 books I have read by Baird-Jones in the Project Enterprise series and intend to continue reading it, I did find certain Time Travel sections in GGN confusing. I had to go back and reread certain sections (several times). I didn’t find this a particular problem, it just slowed down my (usually quick) reading. Both THE KEY and GIRL GONE NOVA are rather long books, with over 450p. Both great values for the price and fun reads! (with THE KEY currently available free as noted above).
5) The only reason I didn’t give GIRL GONE NOVA a straight 5 Star rating is because I had to reread certain sections (and the book is plenty long without that). I’m not sure if this was me being confused, or if the Time Travel is simply a confusing concept to grasp. Nevertheless, trying to figure out what exactly was occurring - and When? - (I’m not gifted in mathematical/theoretical situations) pulled me out of the story at times - so I dropped a Star. But truly no Biggie. I am happily continuing with this series.
6) I recommend GIRL GONE NOVA (and the Project Enterprise series) to readers who enjoy Space Opera or Space Opera Romance, Light Sci-fi, Time Travel novels, Clean Adventure fiction, and to those who enjoyed the Original Star Trek series, Star Gate and the like.
So, simply suspend credibility and enjoy the ride.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. But minimal (10+ or -).
VIOLENCE - PG. Think Original Star Trek.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Kisses and slow building romance (without any included Sexcapades). Again, think Original Star Trek romance.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Satisfied Stars. I loved the setting, characters, the adventure. I found the lack of Sexcapades quite refreshing! This is my 3rd Pauline Baird-Jones Space Opera novel and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Continuing in the Ancient Garridian space system 2yrs after the conclusion of THE KEY in a galaxy far beyond the Milky Way ~
Two years ago (in THE KEY) the US space exploration ship, the Doolittle, achieved first contact with several alien races and discovered an unoccupied ancient but advanced technological (by earth standards) Garridian outpost. Before leaving alien space and returning to earth for much needed supplies, a number of outpost-based earth scientists were inadvertently left behind/lost. Shortly before Doolittle’s departure, these scientists had activated a space/time portal and utterly disappeared.
DOC, Deliah Oliver Clementyne, is a gifted and highly capable independent agent-troubleshooter. She has been temporarily attached to the US Doolittle military exploration ship upon its return into Garridian space. It is hoped that DOC, with her medical and military abilities, her brilliant mind and specialized skills will discover where (and when) the Lost scientists disappeared from the outpost portal and bring them back.
As previously agreed King Helfron Giddioni’s warships have been protecting the ancient outpost from all other interlopers during the 2yr absence of the Doolittle. Upon the Doolittle’s return, Helfron hopes to finally negotiate a shared access agreement to this advanced technology.
Comments ~
1) While it might be possible to jump into GIRL GONE NOVA without first reading THE KEY, I wouldn’t recommend it. The author currently has THE KEY, bk1, available for free on her website. I would grab and read that first. It’s a great read!
2) I love the escape and imagination found in Space Opera novels. Both are present in this series. The main characters are also intelligent, capable people with integrity that I can identify with while hoping they achieve their goals and win their HEA. :D. I feel as if I am getting to know the main (and secondary) characters as individuals, almost as if I know them as people - which is rather fun. There is a sense of the Star Gate series here.
3) As I mentioned earlier, it is quite refreshing to discover an author and an entire series of Space Opera Romance which is entirely free of Steamy Sexcapades and is low on Strong language/Profanity (I believe 10 or less). Amazing! I read a lot and have found either or both are included in nearly everything today.
4) While I loved the first 3 books I have read by Baird-Jones in the Project Enterprise series and intend to continue reading it, I did find certain Time Travel sections in GGN confusing. I had to go back and reread certain sections (several times). I didn’t find this a particular problem, it just slowed down my (usually quick) reading. Both THE KEY and GIRL GONE NOVA are rather long books, with over 450p. Both great values for the price and fun reads! (with THE KEY currently available free as noted above).
5) The only reason I didn’t give GIRL GONE NOVA a straight 5 Star rating is because I had to reread certain sections (and the book is plenty long without that). I’m not sure if this was me being confused, or if the Time Travel is simply a confusing concept to grasp. Nevertheless, trying to figure out what exactly was occurring - and When? - (I’m not gifted in mathematical/theoretical situations) pulled me out of the story at times - so I dropped a Star. But truly no Biggie. I am happily continuing with this series.
6) I recommend GIRL GONE NOVA (and the Project Enterprise series) to readers who enjoy Space Opera or Space Opera Romance, Light Sci-fi, Time Travel novels, Clean Adventure fiction, and to those who enjoyed the Original Star Trek series, Star Gate and the like.
So, simply suspend credibility and enjoy the ride.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. But minimal (10+ or -).
VIOLENCE - PG. Think Original Star Trek.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Kisses and slow building romance (without any included Sexcapades). Again, think Original Star Trek romance.
August 16, 2014
Doc (Delilah Oliver Clementyne) is the child of two highly intelligent parents who have passed on the dubious gift of high genius. She comes into a situation, assesses and acts all before anyone else has even hung up their coat. Doc is a kick ass first, ask questions never type of person. Normally, I don't respond to this type of heroine, but Doc's genius always seems make me see it her way.
There is a lot going on in this story. Intrigue, time-travel, war, exploration, alien technology, and last, but not least, romance!
Great story! Girl Gone Nova is the second book in Ms. Jones series, though it stands on its own. I did not read The Key first, and found I had no problem keeping up. Actually, I didn't read this book either - I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I plan to check out more of Ms. Jones' books in the future.
There is a lot going on in this story. Intrigue, time-travel, war, exploration, alien technology, and last, but not least, romance!
Great story! Girl Gone Nova is the second book in Ms. Jones series, though it stands on its own. I did not read The Key first, and found I had no problem keeping up. Actually, I didn't read this book either - I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I plan to check out more of Ms. Jones' books in the future.
July 26, 2013
Slow reading in the beginning and then it finally hooked me at about the middle. Doc is such a complicated person that at first I thought she might be part cybernetic. The romance was sweet. The blurb at the back of the book is inaccurate, there's no love triangle or second choice. Loved the book!
July 21, 2010
A wonderfully entertaining sci-fi romp with time travel, alpha-aliens, and a heroine you don't want to mess with. Pauline Baird Jones' sense of humor shines through in this fun and exciting adventure.
April 20, 2011
This was a great follow up book to The Key. We see the lead of the Gadi,Helfron, again and meet more interesting/strange people from other galaxies. There is also more story development on the outpost from the The Key. Well done.
September 27, 2010
Funny, had me laughing from the get go. A modern sci-fi in an "alternative" present."
June 22, 2019
Totally mind blowing!
Delilah Oliver Clementine, or Doc as she is known, has been sent to the Gadi galaxy in her aspect as the Chameleon. She is a genius who can multi task faster than most people can say ‘fast’! She has degrees in many disciplines including medicine, physics. She has been sent to see if she can solve the portals travel. Before coming she met Sara, the Key, when she helped deliver her baby and they became fast friends! Shortly after arriving she attends a Gadi reception for her people and meets Hel, the Gadi Leader, just before a bomb is detonated.
From this point on we are bombarded with action, and time theory that can make your eyes cross! I remember reading a review on book one by a guy who said he picked it up to read until he realised that it was a ‘romance’! He promptly stopped reading it! His loss! Yes, this series has some ‘romance’ in it but so did Heinlein’s later books (e.g. Glory Road) but it is good sci-fi! It certainly doesn’t have explicit sex scenes in it. The reviewer also said that the story was based on pseudoscience. I’ve got news for him; most sci-fi is! It is speculative fiction. Authors rely on assumptions that certain scientific problems would have been solved and go from there! I’m surprised that someone so closed minded reads sci-fi at all.
Anyway people, get into this series and enjoy!
Delilah Oliver Clementine, or Doc as she is known, has been sent to the Gadi galaxy in her aspect as the Chameleon. She is a genius who can multi task faster than most people can say ‘fast’! She has degrees in many disciplines including medicine, physics. She has been sent to see if she can solve the portals travel. Before coming she met Sara, the Key, when she helped deliver her baby and they became fast friends! Shortly after arriving she attends a Gadi reception for her people and meets Hel, the Gadi Leader, just before a bomb is detonated.
From this point on we are bombarded with action, and time theory that can make your eyes cross! I remember reading a review on book one by a guy who said he picked it up to read until he realised that it was a ‘romance’! He promptly stopped reading it! His loss! Yes, this series has some ‘romance’ in it but so did Heinlein’s later books (e.g. Glory Road) but it is good sci-fi! It certainly doesn’t have explicit sex scenes in it. The reviewer also said that the story was based on pseudoscience. I’ve got news for him; most sci-fi is! It is speculative fiction. Authors rely on assumptions that certain scientific problems would have been solved and go from there! I’m surprised that someone so closed minded reads sci-fi at all.
Anyway people, get into this series and enjoy!
April 27, 2021
Overall it was ok with good bits. Doc & Hel are the main characters in this book with some other perspectives. The bests bits were General Halliwell & Briggs scenes. Some with Doc scenes were good, especially when Doc uses her nanites to gather information for him & updating him on the situation. I also liked her confrontation with the 'time wardens' & when she in black op mode.
Most of the boring scenes were Doc & Hel perspectives, when they are separated from each other & from the Doolittle, & on occasion when they are together acting on their attraction to 1 another. Page turner/skip that part.
Most of the boring scenes were Doc & Hel perspectives, when they are separated from each other & from the Doolittle, & on occasion when they are together acting on their attraction to 1 another. Page turner/skip that part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2015
Loved Doc Delilah. The Chameleon. Kick-ass, fun, witty humour. No damsel in distress that needed to be saved. Loved Hel even more for 'not' being that damsel in distress saving kind of guy. He did not interfere with Doc being herself. Did not try to change her. Some places in the story dragged for me but their dynamics, the way they worked together, kept me going. Hope to read more of their relationship.
April 22, 2014
I love action and adventure, but not graphic violence. I've learned that, generally, women writers are more willing to deliver the action without relying on gore and guts. And that's absolutely the case with Girl Gone Nova.
Pulse pounding action, and romantic attraction. Intricate plot and crafty turns. These kept me engaged throughout.
And Doc, what a terrific character. Outstanding intellect, no ego, willingness to barrel through life. That's a great game for me.
Pulse pounding action, and romantic attraction. Intricate plot and crafty turns. These kept me engaged throughout.
And Doc, what a terrific character. Outstanding intellect, no ego, willingness to barrel through life. That's a great game for me.
April 23, 2021
It was an ok book with some good bits. Good bits coming from General Halliwell & Briggs scenes. When Doc pisses off Vidor and uses her nanites to get information for Halliwell as well as completing her missions. Also her confrontations with the 'time wardens' & into black op. mode.
Most of the boring bits were Doc & Hel scenes, especially when they are separated. Only when they were using their nanites was it good.
Most of the boring bits were Doc & Hel scenes, especially when they are separated. Only when they were using their nanites was it good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
Slow burn forbidden love
I came to this series late and am totally fixated on it now! I loved the slow burn forbidden love angle. The characters are so interesting and the plot so fascinating that I devoured this book in one sitting! The positive part of starting a series late is that the next one is already available. So of course I’ve started book 3!
I came to this series late and am totally fixated on it now! I loved the slow burn forbidden love angle. The characters are so interesting and the plot so fascinating that I devoured this book in one sitting! The positive part of starting a series late is that the next one is already available. So of course I’ve started book 3!
November 28, 2021
Lots of Fun!
Time travel does have its quirks! Doc and her companion, Leader of the new universe, want safety and peace for their peoples by trying to fix the time distortions that are interrupting their lives! Lots of action and adventure plus a warrior heroine who forgot her life/living was important, too. But save the universe first.....
Time travel does have its quirks! Doc and her companion, Leader of the new universe, want safety and peace for their peoples by trying to fix the time distortions that are interrupting their lives! Lots of action and adventure plus a warrior heroine who forgot her life/living was important, too. But save the universe first.....
January 4, 2016
Loved it! Want to read everything this author has written. Would like to read a LOT more about Doc and Hel. Seems they are off to a good start for a lot of adventures. :) Will certainly be reading all the rest of this series.
November 8, 2015
Dissatisfied
I expected a better story. This is a love story not a sci fi novel. I couldn't even get more than 10% into the book. Brother page is about the Doc getting Deepak in the knees for an alien. I would not recommend this book. I would like a refund if possible.
I expected a better story. This is a love story not a sci fi novel. I couldn't even get more than 10% into the book. Brother page is about the Doc getting Deepak in the knees for an alien. I would not recommend this book. I would like a refund if possible.
September 10, 2015
Really cool book, loved it. Fanastic ride and fun.
March 7, 2017
A great story
March 13, 2018
Really good story. (Much better than book 1).
March 10, 2019
Absolutely loved it! A kick-arse leading woman, supervpowers, nanites, aliens, what more could you want - oh and love the tech. More more more
March 27, 2022
Great second book. Only missed the couple from book one, wanted to see them again, but this next group of characters was even better if that was possible. Such strength! Loved it
May 21, 2022
By far the best in this series!! I loved the simmering romance between Doc and Hel, the twists at the end kept me up all night to finish. I will read this book again!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews