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The Universe Between Us
Charming biochemist Ana Mitchell has a lot on her mind―she’s about to leave on a covert mission to colonize Mars. To keep her high-tech farmhouse in order while she’s at training camp, she needs to find a reliable housemate. Singer University student Jolie Dann, an attractive farm girl-turned-artist, answers the ad to save some money and focus on her passion. She soon finds herself falling for the secretive and fascinating Ana―against her better judgment because the one thing that Ana has told her is that she’s leaving, for good. Suddenly, the mission’s timeline is accelerated and their relationship is thrown into chaos. Will Ana choose to put the universe between herself and Jolie, or will she take a chance on the one person who can keep her on Earth?
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
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149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 16, 2017
3 3/4 Stars. This was a nice romantic read from a new author. I would put this more in the futuristic category, not sci-fi. I enjoyed this read and am impressed that it was a debut book. If Esther keeps writing like this, I think she’ll do pretty well.
In the year 2060, the Earth is dying and colonizing Mars is more important than ever. Biochemist Ana, had been training since she was a child to live in a colony on Mars. Now 25, Ana knows her turn will come very soon. Due to her scientific background and practicing for Mars, she has built an interesting house which produces its own fresh food. She puts an ad out for a roommate who will keep up the house when she is in training. When the beautiful Jolie answers her ad, Ana realizes things are about to become very complicated.
As I mentioned above, this is a futuristic romance, with romance being at the heart of this book. I know some people don’t love sci-fi, so don’t let that put you off since I wouldn’t really classify this as sci-fi anyway. This is a book that is for romance fans.
The main characters are both very likeable, especially Ana. We see a lot of Docs and cops in lesfic, but not many scientists and I really enjoyed her character. The main characters are not perfect, they make mistakes, but I think that’s what makes them more connectable to us as readers.
The romance is where the book shines, which is good since it’s the main point of the book. While the characters got together pretty quickly, it worked for me. I absolutely believed their connection to each other. The chemistry is absolutely there and the sex scenes were good.
There were a few small issues I had with the book. There is one small storyline this is put into the book that never really amounts to anything. It was too add a little danger and I guess affect the timeline, but I think Esther should have just kept it out. It was not needed. Also, a few choices the characters made, I questioned, but I will leave this part out due to spoilers. Also, I would have loved the ending to be just a little longer. I wanted more. My point, just a few small changes and I would have rated this even higher. That’s why I think Esther could do well as an author. She is pretty good already and I think with more experience she will only keep improving.
This was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to romance fans. I will absolutely keep my eye out for Esther in the future.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
In the year 2060, the Earth is dying and colonizing Mars is more important than ever. Biochemist Ana, had been training since she was a child to live in a colony on Mars. Now 25, Ana knows her turn will come very soon. Due to her scientific background and practicing for Mars, she has built an interesting house which produces its own fresh food. She puts an ad out for a roommate who will keep up the house when she is in training. When the beautiful Jolie answers her ad, Ana realizes things are about to become very complicated.
As I mentioned above, this is a futuristic romance, with romance being at the heart of this book. I know some people don’t love sci-fi, so don’t let that put you off since I wouldn’t really classify this as sci-fi anyway. This is a book that is for romance fans.
The main characters are both very likeable, especially Ana. We see a lot of Docs and cops in lesfic, but not many scientists and I really enjoyed her character. The main characters are not perfect, they make mistakes, but I think that’s what makes them more connectable to us as readers.
The romance is where the book shines, which is good since it’s the main point of the book. While the characters got together pretty quickly, it worked for me. I absolutely believed their connection to each other. The chemistry is absolutely there and the sex scenes were good.
There were a few small issues I had with the book. There is one small storyline this is put into the book that never really amounts to anything. It was too add a little danger and I guess affect the timeline, but I think Esther should have just kept it out. It was not needed. Also, a few choices the characters made, I questioned, but I will leave this part out due to spoilers. Also, I would have loved the ending to be just a little longer. I wanted more. My point, just a few small changes and I would have rated this even higher. That’s why I think Esther could do well as an author. She is pretty good already and I think with more experience she will only keep improving.
This was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to romance fans. I will absolutely keep my eye out for Esther in the future.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
December 15, 2017
I’ve seen the future, and the future is bright for this author.
Ana Mitchell, a biochemist, is part of a one-way mission to Mars. But when she asks Jolie, a local art student, to be her roommate and look after her home while she's away, the two are irresistibly drawn to one another. Will their love be enough, or will duty win out?
I’m not into full on science-fi, futuristic books, but this book although set in the future a little after 2060, it was done in a way that it was all the technology we know today, just fast forwarded a little bit. It meant that I could totally lose myself in the story and picture everything realistically. I loved it. Really well done, really brilliantly done.
This romance had it all, it was so sweet and so darn sexy. My god love is the most powerful thing in the world. In the universe. Its books like these the bowl me over with the power that love and romance has to bring happiness into peoples lives. These are the books that make me want to write romance, and support lesfic, because it so good and can make people so happy to escape for a little while and see that happily ever after is possible. It was gorgeous, but it was also real. The women had flaws, they made mistakes along the way, but true love always finds a way.
Also the author used the gorgeous setting to her advantage, it was whimsical and romantic and had my clutching my heart and swooning. The river, the tree where Jolie drew, the apple orchard, the shooting stars. So gorgeous, totally worked.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for ladies in science, especially biochem and biomed. Surprisingly, it rarely happens in romance. It so refreshing and so inspiring to see myself in a book!
I look forward to reading whatever comes next for this author! Happy writing!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ana Mitchell, a biochemist, is part of a one-way mission to Mars. But when she asks Jolie, a local art student, to be her roommate and look after her home while she's away, the two are irresistibly drawn to one another. Will their love be enough, or will duty win out?
I’m not into full on science-fi, futuristic books, but this book although set in the future a little after 2060, it was done in a way that it was all the technology we know today, just fast forwarded a little bit. It meant that I could totally lose myself in the story and picture everything realistically. I loved it. Really well done, really brilliantly done.
This romance had it all, it was so sweet and so darn sexy. My god love is the most powerful thing in the world. In the universe. Its books like these the bowl me over with the power that love and romance has to bring happiness into peoples lives. These are the books that make me want to write romance, and support lesfic, because it so good and can make people so happy to escape for a little while and see that happily ever after is possible. It was gorgeous, but it was also real. The women had flaws, they made mistakes along the way, but true love always finds a way.
Also the author used the gorgeous setting to her advantage, it was whimsical and romantic and had my clutching my heart and swooning. The river, the tree where Jolie drew, the apple orchard, the shooting stars. So gorgeous, totally worked.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for ladies in science, especially biochem and biomed. Surprisingly, it rarely happens in romance. It so refreshing and so inspiring to see myself in a book!
I look forward to reading whatever comes next for this author! Happy writing!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2018
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I chose this one right on the tails of Can You Hear Me?, another sci-fi lesfic book with the longest of long-distance relationships and plenty of mutual pining. But despite massive amounts of gay pining (always a favorite of mine) and excellent writing quality, this one failed to make a huge impression on me.
The characters (college student Jolie and reclusive scientist Ana) fell in love very quickly and were separated just as fast, making the reunion not as amazing as it could have been. Ana starts out needing someone to watch her beloved home while she embarks on a top-secret mission and Jolie, down on her luck and not wanting to return to rural Nebraska, is eager to get to know the mysterious woman with the awesome house. But it seems like once they finally get together, they part, and their longing is overshadowed by the fact that they really didn't know each other well to begin with. I wouldn't say Ana and Jolie don't have chemistry, because they definitely do. I just wanted more of them before the melodrama began.
I love the set-up and the atmosphere of the story--we really get a feel for the cozy isolation of Ana's house, and having the two women fall in love in that setting is lovely. I also liked the side characters (Nova, Karlee, Martine). I love when lesfic stories include strong supporting female characters as well, even complicated and sometimes not-so-sweet ones like Karlee.
I think my biggest issue with this one is Ana. Her characterization is really uneven, which made me continuously wonder which Ana Jolie would encounter from day to day. Sometimes she was a nerdy, socially awkward scientist, other times an overworked and focused career woman, sometimes a suave sexual magnet. I never got a feel for her like I did for stressed, still-coming-into-herself Jolie, and even now, her character doesn't leave a huge impression on me. However, I did really enjoy how her secretive "mission" isn't revealed until we've gotten to know her, because it really raises the stakes of the book.
For a first novel, this is pretty decent. I'd definitely read Jane C. Esther's future works. It just doesn't stand out to me as a really memorable romance.
I chose this one right on the tails of Can You Hear Me?, another sci-fi lesfic book with the longest of long-distance relationships and plenty of mutual pining. But despite massive amounts of gay pining (always a favorite of mine) and excellent writing quality, this one failed to make a huge impression on me.
The characters (college student Jolie and reclusive scientist Ana) fell in love very quickly and were separated just as fast, making the reunion not as amazing as it could have been. Ana starts out needing someone to watch her beloved home while she embarks on a top-secret mission and Jolie, down on her luck and not wanting to return to rural Nebraska, is eager to get to know the mysterious woman with the awesome house. But it seems like once they finally get together, they part, and their longing is overshadowed by the fact that they really didn't know each other well to begin with. I wouldn't say Ana and Jolie don't have chemistry, because they definitely do. I just wanted more of them before the melodrama began.
I love the set-up and the atmosphere of the story--we really get a feel for the cozy isolation of Ana's house, and having the two women fall in love in that setting is lovely. I also liked the side characters (Nova, Karlee, Martine). I love when lesfic stories include strong supporting female characters as well, even complicated and sometimes not-so-sweet ones like Karlee.
I think my biggest issue with this one is Ana. Her characterization is really uneven, which made me continuously wonder which Ana Jolie would encounter from day to day. Sometimes she was a nerdy, socially awkward scientist, other times an overworked and focused career woman, sometimes a suave sexual magnet. I never got a feel for her like I did for stressed, still-coming-into-herself Jolie, and even now, her character doesn't leave a huge impression on me. However, I did really enjoy how her secretive "mission" isn't revealed until we've gotten to know her, because it really raises the stakes of the book.
For a first novel, this is pretty decent. I'd definitely read Jane C. Esther's future works. It just doesn't stand out to me as a really memorable romance.
January 16, 2018
You have two characters that meet and are instantly attracted to each other. Good thing, right? Most of the times yes, because then the story will build on that attraction, get that dialogue rolling and capture your interest and propel you to keep reading the world be damned. Here not so much, and that will be the reoccurring problem. There is no dialogue only eye-catching beauty, lust, then lots of sex with a healthy dose of sorrow.
The premise of the book was great, it just got lost along the way. What could have been a great friend to lover relationship, with one of the mains who needs to leave to colonize Mars, turns into quick sex, now I’m upset and a bucket load of whining. Plus, the secondary characters do nothing for the book at all. If anything they bring the story down and muddle the story.
I needed a hell of a lot more details, more dialogue and the characters not having a quickie with someone else at the 85% mark. Not to mention chapters of anguish and agony are resolved in tow pages and that’s your ending. This book needs more polish, I hate writing bad reviews but I cannot recommend this one.
The premise of the book was great, it just got lost along the way. What could have been a great friend to lover relationship, with one of the mains who needs to leave to colonize Mars, turns into quick sex, now I’m upset and a bucket load of whining. Plus, the secondary characters do nothing for the book at all. If anything they bring the story down and muddle the story.
I needed a hell of a lot more details, more dialogue and the characters not having a quickie with someone else at the 85% mark. Not to mention chapters of anguish and agony are resolved in tow pages and that’s your ending. This book needs more polish, I hate writing bad reviews but I cannot recommend this one.
December 20, 2017
2.5 for me. 12 chapters of pain and anguish are not very entertaining. At all. (That translates to roughly 40% of the novel) I can take it in small doses but nearly half the book? Come on.
What she did right. Well the characters are really well written. The futuristic (not really sci fi) snippets are carefully placed and don't overwhelm the book. The secondary characters, specifically Karlee I could have just done without. She's a... nevermind. Didn't like her at all. Nova was all right though. (Jolie's bff) On Ana's side, there's basically her crew and her mom. And who doesn't know a mom like that out there. Bleh.
The author has potential though. Maybe she can write something that sorts out conflict a little faster than HALF THE FRIGGING BOOK. But we'll see.
What she did right. Well the characters are really well written. The futuristic (not really sci fi) snippets are carefully placed and don't overwhelm the book. The secondary characters, specifically Karlee I could have just done without. She's a... nevermind. Didn't like her at all. Nova was all right though. (Jolie's bff) On Ana's side, there's basically her crew and her mom. And who doesn't know a mom like that out there. Bleh.
The author has potential though. Maybe she can write something that sorts out conflict a little faster than HALF THE FRIGGING BOOK. But we'll see.
January 8, 2018
Ana Mitchell has been carefully groomed by her mother to be the leader of a mission to colonise Mars. While Ana works at the University during the day as a biochemist, by night she is secretly conducting experiments to provide the mission with food and other survival materials on Mars. During the extended mission training in the Atacama Desert, Ana needs a housemate to look after the high-tech house and extensive fruit and vegetable gardens at her farm.
Jolie Dann is studying art at the local university. Freshly out of a job, she needs somewhere really cheap to stay. Spotting an ad for a housemate, cheap rates but labour required, she applies and comes face to face with the stunning Ana.
As Jolie and Ana find themselves heading into relationship territory, the one solid they have is that Ana is leaving for good in a matter of months. Secret mission or not, that timeline rapidly approaches. Will Ana choose to put the mission before her own happiness?
This was the first book written by Esther, but it feels quite accomplished. It was well plotted and the story worked well. The two main characters were engaging, particularly Ana. Both had well developed back-stories, and this gave them points of connection as well as points of difference. They were interesting characters to read. The secondary characters were two-dimensional, and more could have been done with them to give the story a bit more depth.
I thought it interesting to see how Esther handled the romance. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but there were scenes that were unexpected, which provided a greater understanding of the two main characters.
One of the aspects I liked the most was the near-future aspects of the book. Global warming wasn’t mentioned at all, but the weather had changed and so growing food and food security was an issue. There were changes to the technology, and the behaviour of the characters as a result, but Esther has been conservative in her socially integrated tech. It was perhaps a little disappointing that the ‘high-tech’ farmhouse didn’t actually have more technology in it, or perhaps more creative technology. However, the new tech was well integrated into the lives of the characters, and didn’t seem out of place.
This was a interesting lesbian romance set in the near future on the fading planet of earth.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Jolie Dann is studying art at the local university. Freshly out of a job, she needs somewhere really cheap to stay. Spotting an ad for a housemate, cheap rates but labour required, she applies and comes face to face with the stunning Ana.
As Jolie and Ana find themselves heading into relationship territory, the one solid they have is that Ana is leaving for good in a matter of months. Secret mission or not, that timeline rapidly approaches. Will Ana choose to put the mission before her own happiness?
This was the first book written by Esther, but it feels quite accomplished. It was well plotted and the story worked well. The two main characters were engaging, particularly Ana. Both had well developed back-stories, and this gave them points of connection as well as points of difference. They were interesting characters to read. The secondary characters were two-dimensional, and more could have been done with them to give the story a bit more depth.
I thought it interesting to see how Esther handled the romance. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but there were scenes that were unexpected, which provided a greater understanding of the two main characters.
One of the aspects I liked the most was the near-future aspects of the book. Global warming wasn’t mentioned at all, but the weather had changed and so growing food and food security was an issue. There were changes to the technology, and the behaviour of the characters as a result, but Esther has been conservative in her socially integrated tech. It was perhaps a little disappointing that the ‘high-tech’ farmhouse didn’t actually have more technology in it, or perhaps more creative technology. However, the new tech was well integrated into the lives of the characters, and didn’t seem out of place.
This was a interesting lesbian romance set in the near future on the fading planet of earth.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
January 17, 2018
This is a romance between biochemist Ana Mitchel, who’s about to leave in a secret mission to colonise Mars, and her housemate, art student Jolie Dann. As time goes by, their feelings for each other grow but also the date for Ana’s departure to Mars gets closer. Will Ana put her commitment to science above all, even if it means losing her chance at love?
Solid debut novel by Jane Esther which is in my recommended lesfic new releases of January 2018 (see https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...). This is a sci-fi, young adult romantic novel, emphasis on the romance part. If you are a sci-fi fan, there is little to enjoy as the focus is on the romance between the main characters. There's a bit of insta-love, soul searching and angst but it is believable considering their ages and the particular situation they are in. My main concern is that some parts of the book seem to drag and others are rushed, specially the ending. Having said that, it's worth a read.
Overall, a good debut novel. Recommended if you enjoy romances with a bit of angst at the side. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
Solid debut novel by Jane Esther which is in my recommended lesfic new releases of January 2018 (see https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...). This is a sci-fi, young adult romantic novel, emphasis on the romance part. If you are a sci-fi fan, there is little to enjoy as the focus is on the romance between the main characters. There's a bit of insta-love, soul searching and angst but it is believable considering their ages and the particular situation they are in. My main concern is that some parts of the book seem to drag and others are rushed, specially the ending. Having said that, it's worth a read.
Overall, a good debut novel. Recommended if you enjoy romances with a bit of angst at the side. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
December 13, 2017
Absolutely a joy from beginning to end. The story was well composed and characters were fantastic. The length was appropriate as well and I was highly satisfied with the ending. Wooosh, Anna was A+. Scientist lesbians for the win!
January 16, 2018
*I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
DNF @ 33%
I picked this one up because I wanted to expand my reading and reading something with a lesbian romance is something I haven't read much of. Because of this need, I really tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt and tried getting through it. Unfortunately, that didn't work for me.
First off, the romance is totally insta-love -- seriously, though this is insta-lust. Why do they even like each other? There is not much mentioned about why they like each other, although maybe I'm not picking up subtle clues. Then again, this book is pretty much straight up romance. If you give me something else to latch on to usually I'm decently okay with this, but I have nothing to connect with the characters with even. This book felt like it jumped to moments of them together to moments where they think about each other and just a bit of outside influence thrown in too.
The characters I didn't think were really flushed out either. Who are they? Give me some details -- what year in school is Jolie? Why is Ana listening to her mother and not living her own life at the age of 26 !! when she obviously wants to stay on her farm. I know the basics, but these other details would be nice to help me get to know them and like them.
Unfortunately, the world-building left something to be desired too. I thought there was going to be explanations or detail about even the time so I could understand or get a sense of things, but this didn't happen. Instead, world-building is told subtlety with mention to: self-driving cars, global warming, sending people to the moon... all awesome, but I wanted just a bit more to ground me. Where are we? Why are people trying to live on other planets?
Why I quit? Honestly, I'm kinda bored. I do think others, especially people looking for a romance between girls will be able to power through or if people like subtle books where everything isn't told to them, but I wanted more of a story.
DNF @ 33%
I picked this one up because I wanted to expand my reading and reading something with a lesbian romance is something I haven't read much of. Because of this need, I really tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt and tried getting through it. Unfortunately, that didn't work for me.
First off, the romance is totally insta-love -- seriously, though this is insta-lust. Why do they even like each other? There is not much mentioned about why they like each other, although maybe I'm not picking up subtle clues. Then again, this book is pretty much straight up romance. If you give me something else to latch on to usually I'm decently okay with this, but I have nothing to connect with the characters with even. This book felt like it jumped to moments of them together to moments where they think about each other and just a bit of outside influence thrown in too.
The characters I didn't think were really flushed out either. Who are they? Give me some details -- what year in school is Jolie? Why is Ana listening to her mother and not living her own life at the age of 26 !! when she obviously wants to stay on her farm. I know the basics, but these other details would be nice to help me get to know them and like them.
Unfortunately, the world-building left something to be desired too. I thought there was going to be explanations or detail about even the time so I could understand or get a sense of things, but this didn't happen. Instead, world-building is told subtlety with mention to: self-driving cars, global warming, sending people to the moon... all awesome, but I wanted just a bit more to ground me. Where are we? Why are people trying to live on other planets?
Why I quit? Honestly, I'm kinda bored. I do think others, especially people looking for a romance between girls will be able to power through or if people like subtle books where everything isn't told to them, but I wanted more of a story.
March 3, 2018
I don't think that I have read this author before. I was attracted to it because I really enjoy sci-fi. But after reading this I wouldn't consider it as sci-fi. More like the preparation for a future elsewhere. In this case Mars because Earth is dying. But romance is definitely the flavor of this book.
Bio Chemist Ana has been training for Mars since she was a child. She has even built a house that is self sufficient. Growing her own food and stuff. But because she is away so much training she advertises for a room mate who can maintain the house in her absence. Along comes Jolie and Ana knows things have just gotten very complicated. Romance is definitely at the heart of this book.
I would have preferred more action but it is a good read. I will definitely look out for this author in the future. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Bio Chemist Ana has been training for Mars since she was a child. She has even built a house that is self sufficient. Growing her own food and stuff. But because she is away so much training she advertises for a room mate who can maintain the house in her absence. Along comes Jolie and Ana knows things have just gotten very complicated. Romance is definitely at the heart of this book.
I would have preferred more action but it is a good read. I will definitely look out for this author in the future. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
December 23, 2017
I liked everything about this book except the timing. At certain points it felt a little drawn out and then towards the ending it got more and more rushed. I still can’t believe that the ending was the ending... first I thought there is a page missing but I guess the author just decided to end the story abruptly. I think that is my main and only complaint about this story.
The characters were were great and the futuristic snippets were well placed and not overpowering. Ana is a great character - she is smarty, sexy and is insecure, which makes her even more likable. Jolie is a bit too cocky but she fits with Ana and I can see how they fall in love and there is definitely chemistry between them.
I would definitely recommend this book!!!
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
The characters were were great and the futuristic snippets were well placed and not overpowering. Ana is a great character - she is smarty, sexy and is insecure, which makes her even more likable. Jolie is a bit too cocky but she fits with Ana and I can see how they fall in love and there is definitely chemistry between them.
I would definitely recommend this book!!!
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
April 15, 2020
Left me a little unsatisfied, I feel like it wrapped up a little too quickly and ended abruptly. I would have loved an epilogue.
But overall well written, slow burning but still captivating storyline with a really unique premise.
But overall well written, slow burning but still captivating storyline with a really unique premise.
December 31, 2018
Now this book is exactly what I'm talking about! Sci-fi, Mars mission, high-tech houses, and lesbians! Starting with the intriguing prospect of a woman who's been trained her whole life to go on a top-secret mission, this book offers a whirlwind of a plot and a helluva climax (or two, or three...) Certainly one of the best things about this book was its nearly all-woman cast, save for parents and the occasional coworker--and that, in my opinion, makes this book even better, for how often do we see a truly women-centered book that basically rejects the mere presence of men?
This was a fun, exciting, heck of a ride that I was so glad to be a part of. I absolutely can't wait for Esther's next book--it's bound to be as exhilarating as this one!
Review cross-listed here!
This was a fun, exciting, heck of a ride that I was so glad to be a part of. I absolutely can't wait for Esther's next book--it's bound to be as exhilarating as this one!
Review cross-listed here!
March 9, 2018
Rather enjoyed this futuristic romance. Really just a romance with a smidgen of science fiction thrown in. I was reading an ARC so I have to forgive the one or two editing errors I noticed as I am sure they will be caught before final release.
October 30, 2024
This is a familiar trope made fun by Esther’s interpretation of an occupied scientist who gets hits in the head with love (laugh). Ana is a character I identify with as I am usually somewhere else when someone is talking to me. I do not know if I would make the decisions she made, especially if another loved one’s dreams were hinged on what I would do. It is a great dilemma.
Jolie is a sweet character and not your stereotype art student. I am not sure if I like the dynamics between another character and Ana, I kind of feel that it is an easy way out when those types of relationships have so many layers.
Bottom line: this is a romance and not a general fiction story and Esther gives us a sweet romance. Don’t let the Universe stand between you and this book. This is a quick, easy, weekend read.
I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall
Jolie is a sweet character and not your stereotype art student. I am not sure if I like the dynamics between another character and Ana, I kind of feel that it is an easy way out when those types of relationships have so many layers.
Bottom line: this is a romance and not a general fiction story and Esther gives us a sweet romance. Don’t let the Universe stand between you and this book. This is a quick, easy, weekend read.
I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall
June 8, 2018
With low profile books like this one, I've learned to not expect too much. In this case, I ended up pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this.
The Universe Between Us follows two ladies that fall for each other, but have the departure of one of them, Ana, leaving for Mars, looming over their relationship. I thought the romance was cute, though a bit on the insta-love side. I thought the subtle sci-fi elements and disability rep were very refreshing to read about. Everything was wrapped up nicely at the end.
Well worth picking up.
The Universe Between Us follows two ladies that fall for each other, but have the departure of one of them, Ana, leaving for Mars, looming over their relationship. I thought the romance was cute, though a bit on the insta-love side. I thought the subtle sci-fi elements and disability rep were very refreshing to read about. Everything was wrapped up nicely at the end.
Well worth picking up.
January 2, 2018
Ana is a 26-year-old biochemist whose mother has raised her to be part of a private corporation's mission to colonize Mars. She's been training for it since she was 13. Part of her training included building a self-sufficient farmhouse. The problem is she needs someone to take care of it when she's gone if she doesn't want it to fall into dilapidation.
Jolie, a student at the local university, answers her ad for a roommate in order to cut down on living expenses, quit her job, and make more time for her art. The two are immediately attracted to one another, but Ana can't tell Jolie anything about the upcoming mission. All Jolie knows is that Ana will be going away and soon. Is the chance at love, even if it's short-lived, worth it?
This story is set in a realistic near future, one where Earth is becoming less and less habitable, forcing humanity to turn to the next closest planet. Esther threads in details about what this future is like--automatic cars, screens everywhere, bracelets that let people take video calls. It's nothing earthshattering in terms of technology, but these details are enjoyable glimpses of the world, and Esther utilizes them well. If anything, I wanted more from the science. Ana is a biochemist and in charge of the colony's food supply. She mentions experiments but doesn't go in depth. I thought this aspect could have been explored more, but I did like what was there.
I felt like the writing could've been polished a bit more. I liked Jolie and Ana, but I didn't get enough of a sense of who they were outside their relationship. That's partly a constraint of the plot because the characters need to get together if Ana's upcoming departure is going to have emotional heft. I would've liked to see more of Jolie's life at the university and more of Ana's life in her terrarium and with her experiments. I would've been more accepting of it, I think, if the dialogue had felt more natural. It's sometimes stilted, and characters jump from one subject to another without Esther giving us their inner thoughts to make that jump. It was off just enough that it sometimes popped me out of the story.
I'm okay with endings being neatly tied up. However, where this one lost me was in the conflict that separates Jolie and Ana. Without giving much away, if Ana's job was so important, I would think there would be measures in place for replacements, maybe even an entire B-crew. In this way, the conflict felt a little too contrived for me to be worried about the fate of their relationship.
Overall, this was a relaxing, breezy read, perfect for huddling up indoors when it's cold outside. I'd recommend it to readers who are romance fans.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, and Jane C. Esther for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jolie, a student at the local university, answers her ad for a roommate in order to cut down on living expenses, quit her job, and make more time for her art. The two are immediately attracted to one another, but Ana can't tell Jolie anything about the upcoming mission. All Jolie knows is that Ana will be going away and soon. Is the chance at love, even if it's short-lived, worth it?
This story is set in a realistic near future, one where Earth is becoming less and less habitable, forcing humanity to turn to the next closest planet. Esther threads in details about what this future is like--automatic cars, screens everywhere, bracelets that let people take video calls. It's nothing earthshattering in terms of technology, but these details are enjoyable glimpses of the world, and Esther utilizes them well. If anything, I wanted more from the science. Ana is a biochemist and in charge of the colony's food supply. She mentions experiments but doesn't go in depth. I thought this aspect could have been explored more, but I did like what was there.
I felt like the writing could've been polished a bit more. I liked Jolie and Ana, but I didn't get enough of a sense of who they were outside their relationship. That's partly a constraint of the plot because the characters need to get together if Ana's upcoming departure is going to have emotional heft. I would've liked to see more of Jolie's life at the university and more of Ana's life in her terrarium and with her experiments. I would've been more accepting of it, I think, if the dialogue had felt more natural. It's sometimes stilted, and characters jump from one subject to another without Esther giving us their inner thoughts to make that jump. It was off just enough that it sometimes popped me out of the story.
I'm okay with endings being neatly tied up. However, where this one lost me was in the conflict that separates Jolie and Ana. Without giving much away, if Ana's job was so important, I would think there would be measures in place for replacements, maybe even an entire B-crew. In this way, the conflict felt a little too contrived for me to be worried about the fate of their relationship.
Overall, this was a relaxing, breezy read, perfect for huddling up indoors when it's cold outside. I'd recommend it to readers who are romance fans.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, and Jane C. Esther for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2017
Reading this book, there were so many little details that jumped out at me. I often found myself thinking "I love that".
The novel is set in what seems to be the relatively near future, without specific dates. It involves, science, speculative thoughts, and an slightly positive view of a possible future. Although the world is continuing to fall apart, people are more open minded at least.
I enjoyed the novel, and the romance at its centre. However, there were a number of points where conflict seemed to be resolved too quickly - too simply. Within the space of a few pages turmoil turned to acceptance. This took away from the potency of the story as a whole. Never the less it was an enjoyable story to read. I look forward to more from this author.
The novel is set in what seems to be the relatively near future, without specific dates. It involves, science, speculative thoughts, and an slightly positive view of a possible future. Although the world is continuing to fall apart, people are more open minded at least.
I enjoyed the novel, and the romance at its centre. However, there were a number of points where conflict seemed to be resolved too quickly - too simply. Within the space of a few pages turmoil turned to acceptance. This took away from the potency of the story as a whole. Never the less it was an enjoyable story to read. I look forward to more from this author.
January 14, 2018
Set in the future where one can travel to Mars, this romance is a well written and enjoyable read. Ana and Jolie fight and find their attraction – one that does not seem to have a mutually satisfactory resolution. With her goals predetermined by her family history, Ana discovers a world of feelings for Jolie. Those feelings are at odds with her career and destination. Jolie struggles to insulate herself from the emotional involvement that will only result in loss. How do you deal with an earthshaking attraction that has no long-term future? This is worth the read.
Read
June 21, 2020I don't usually read romance novels, and this is the first time I've read any lesbian romance, but I found in on a shelf and I was intrigued. Not being a romance person, I appreciated the futuristic setting and the details that came with that, plus the secret mars mission that one of the main characters was dedicating her life to. I did also like the characters and I was happy that they found love, even though it was a rocky relationship for a while.
June 6, 2020
I initially picked this up because I thought it was going to be f/f in space. Turns out I was wrong, but I loved it anyways. It’s a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2019
Ana has lived alone most of her life getting ready to leave earth and, with a crew of other young adults, create a new colony on Mars. To preserve the home she has built on earth, she advertises for a roommate. Jolie is an art student in college and is looking for a less expensive living situation that will allow her to quit her part-time job and spend more time in the art studio. There's an attraction when the two meet, but this is no time for Ana to get involved with someone since she's leaving Earth in a matter of months.
There's a lot of strength in this book. The world building is really detailed and interesting. Even though the author doesn't specify the exact time period, I'm guessing the book is set late in this century. While the author gives us equal parts Jolie and Ana, I found Ana's character much more compelling and wish there'd been more background and character development for her. It's really the change in Ana that characterizes the book, less so Jolie.
There's a lot of strength in this book. The world building is really detailed and interesting. Even though the author doesn't specify the exact time period, I'm guessing the book is set late in this century. While the author gives us equal parts Jolie and Ana, I found Ana's character much more compelling and wish there'd been more background and character development for her. It's really the change in Ana that characterizes the book, less so Jolie.
January 8, 2018
The story had me entertained from the beginning with not only the characters but a glimpse of technology in the future and potential environmental changes. Ana Mitchell, a sexy and cool biochemist has been preparing since age 13 to go on a space journey to colonize Mars. Jolie Dann, a talented art student looking to save money and spend more time on her art. Can you say, love at first sight? I can appreciate a good romance with some angst...will she or won't she? I wish the story was longer so the reader could have learned more about Ana's experiments and family dynamics as well as Jolie's art and family. teh supporting characters were a nice contribution to the story as well as providing the characters with a sounding board.
ARC provided with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.
ARC provided with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.
January 4, 2018
Netgalley
Going back and forth between two and three stars.
I always enjoy being dropped in a world and having to find my way in it without too much/any explanation.
However, this being a romance and thus the ending being clear from the start, the Mars mission was a bit of an unfortunate plot. I would have enjoyed this more in a non-romance setting.
Going back and forth between two and three stars.
I always enjoy being dropped in a world and having to find my way in it without too much/any explanation.
However, this being a romance and thus the ending being clear from the start, the Mars mission was a bit of an unfortunate plot. I would have enjoyed this more in a non-romance setting.
no-thank-you
May 16, 2018One of my personal reactions got in the way, I was otherwise very much enjoying this. I didn't love the comments by one of the main characters about she didn't like this gal who was pursuing her because the gal was "easy to get." Felt a little shut-shaming. :(
January 19, 2018
This is an amazing mindblowing novel with two great leading ladies who capture the true meaning of romance and love with just enough angst to make it seem realistic and not staged.
January 26, 2018
I loved the premise of this book with two girls falling in love at the worst time because one of the girls, Ana, has to go on a mission to Mars and it looking for a roomate to take care of her home. Jolie signs up and moves out of her sorority house and becomes Ana's roommate. It was an unplanned romance, but filled was full of passion and care that leaves them both broken hearted when Ana leaves.
I did not finish this book. I was so close to reading but I had been pushing myself through this one and decided it wasn't worth it in the end. I felt the characters were rather flat. We know that Jolie is an art professor but we don't get much of her nor of Ana's actual life in their professions. It just focuses on their romance and I know this is a romance story, but I would have loved to see them in their careers in what I had read. It was instant love at first sight when Jolie goes to meet Ana and I did love seeing the conflict they had with their feelings because of the situations and the fact they were roommates and tried to hold back for a while. The kissing/sex scenes were pretty good too.
But this story just fell flat for me. I didn't really feel anything the characters were feeling and the heartbreak they were going through because we didn't see them in their personal lives or when they were together for long. From what I could tell with the ebook, the entire story itself is short and I feel like Esther could have expanded their lives more and maybe brought a few obstacles in their relationship especially with Ana's mission that she couldn't tell Ana much about.
I would only recommend it if you want a short read with fluff and a little heartbreak and nothing much more than that.
I would rate this book a 3/5 stars.
I did not finish this book. I was so close to reading but I had been pushing myself through this one and decided it wasn't worth it in the end. I felt the characters were rather flat. We know that Jolie is an art professor but we don't get much of her nor of Ana's actual life in their professions. It just focuses on their romance and I know this is a romance story, but I would have loved to see them in their careers in what I had read. It was instant love at first sight when Jolie goes to meet Ana and I did love seeing the conflict they had with their feelings because of the situations and the fact they were roommates and tried to hold back for a while. The kissing/sex scenes were pretty good too.
But this story just fell flat for me. I didn't really feel anything the characters were feeling and the heartbreak they were going through because we didn't see them in their personal lives or when they were together for long. From what I could tell with the ebook, the entire story itself is short and I feel like Esther could have expanded their lives more and maybe brought a few obstacles in their relationship especially with Ana's mission that she couldn't tell Ana much about.
I would only recommend it if you want a short read with fluff and a little heartbreak and nothing much more than that.
I would rate this book a 3/5 stars.
February 20, 2018
A solid work from a debut author (and librarian!) The plot and themes are nothing novel, but they are presented appealingly so that I never lost interest. Add in intriguing and smart female protagonists, quick dialogue, a complicated relationship with just enough sex, a slight dystopian twist, and (hallelujah!) no dead lesbians at the end, and it’s tough not recommend it. I almost passed it by, as I’m not the biggest sci-if fan, but that’s not what it is. The near future setting is believable and allows the story to grow organically, and all action takes place on terra firma. Overall, it’s the kind of not-too-sappy, not-too-serious love story that lesbian fiction need more of.
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