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The Sector Fleet #3
Right Ascension
“This is Captain Anderson. Brace. Brace. Brace."
Sophia Anderson has a heritage she should be proud of, but to those onboard the AUS Corvus, she’s not earned her position like the rest of them.
Every day she has to prove herself to the Anderson Universal crew onboard her ship. And then the worst thing happens.
The captain is killed in battle and Sophia, as First Officer, must take his place.
Teaming up with the unflappable Lieutenant Commander Leo Saitō, Sophia finds her footing onboard the beleaguered vessel as well as something much more precious.
Intimacy and destiny align amongst the planets and stars, but can the chief science officer and captain overcome the pressures of command when falling in love and still save their fleet?
And can any of them hope to survive the treacherous voyage to New Earth unscathed?
When humanity reaches for the stars in a race for survival, only the most daring amongst them will succeed.
Sophia Anderson has a heritage she should be proud of, but to those onboard the AUS Corvus, she’s not earned her position like the rest of them.
Every day she has to prove herself to the Anderson Universal crew onboard her ship. And then the worst thing happens.
The captain is killed in battle and Sophia, as First Officer, must take his place.
Teaming up with the unflappable Lieutenant Commander Leo Saitō, Sophia finds her footing onboard the beleaguered vessel as well as something much more precious.
Intimacy and destiny align amongst the planets and stars, but can the chief science officer and captain overcome the pressures of command when falling in love and still save their fleet?
And can any of them hope to survive the treacherous voyage to New Earth unscathed?
When humanity reaches for the stars in a race for survival, only the most daring amongst them will succeed.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2018
19 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Claire
170 books735 followersNicola Claire lives in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with her husband, two teenage boys and a Miniature Schnauzer named Rudy.
A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 29, 2018
Oh, this series is so much fun!!!
When the lead ship Corvus came out of transition instead of a friendly reunion with the other ship, Aquila, they're suddenly attacked by the same Aquila!
The captain is killed, the AI Corvus is malfunctioning, the ship almost destroyed!
Sophia, the daughter od the inventor of all AIs, first officer on board of Corvus must take the lead.
Unfortunately, she's not considered able by all on board, starting with her fellows officers and ending with the slime major.
She will have to fight both the aggressive Aquila, the slowly recovering AI, and will have to conquer her leadership! A lot of things to do!
Fortunetly for her, not everybody is against her. Leo Saito, the scientific officer is on her side.
The AI is a surprise too! Contrary to the other AIs we've met in the previous books, this one chooses to evolve as female! Mostly because of Sophia and her courage and strenght! Corvus is hilarious, even if she often acts like a hormonal teenager!
Saito is a fantastic beta hero: supportive, intelligent and submissive. I liked that he was the perfect partner for Sophia in everything, even in bed! LOL
Sophia was a much harder to like heroine. She's almost too strong and cold, but I like that the author was able to show us and to explain why she's that way. Still I admired her will not to succumb and fold under all the pressure she was put in. She was able to overcome in an intelligent way everything that was thrown on her.
The suspenseful moments abound, the hot one too, but there're also a lot of fun moments just right to lighten the story, due mostly with the AI Corvus!
The ending is cliffy though and I would advise to wait having the last book before starting this one!
When the lead ship Corvus came out of transition instead of a friendly reunion with the other ship, Aquila, they're suddenly attacked by the same Aquila!
The captain is killed, the AI Corvus is malfunctioning, the ship almost destroyed!
Sophia, the daughter od the inventor of all AIs, first officer on board of Corvus must take the lead.
Unfortunately, she's not considered able by all on board, starting with her fellows officers and ending with the slime major.
She will have to fight both the aggressive Aquila, the slowly recovering AI, and will have to conquer her leadership! A lot of things to do!
Fortunetly for her, not everybody is against her. Leo Saito, the scientific officer is on her side.
The AI is a surprise too! Contrary to the other AIs we've met in the previous books, this one chooses to evolve as female! Mostly because of Sophia and her courage and strenght! Corvus is hilarious, even if she often acts like a hormonal teenager!
Saito is a fantastic beta hero: supportive, intelligent and submissive. I liked that he was the perfect partner for Sophia in everything, even in bed! LOL
Sophia was a much harder to like heroine. She's almost too strong and cold, but I like that the author was able to show us and to explain why she's that way. Still I admired her will not to succumb and fold under all the pressure she was put in. She was able to overcome in an intelligent way everything that was thrown on her.
The suspenseful moments abound, the hot one too, but there're also a lot of fun moments just right to lighten the story, due mostly with the AI Corvus!
The ending is cliffy though and I would advise to wait having the last book before starting this one!
April 5, 2018
Although somewhat of a bridge book to book four (cliffhanger-y ending but book four is available and sssoooooo good), book three has its own distinct personality. That personality hinges largely on the main characters, the stiff and severe Sophia and the enigmatic, somewhat beta Leo. In fact, this is probably one of the best books I have read where the supportive role is so clearly assigned to the male. This is not typical of Claire's books in this series, and I loved the modern, mature way she handled a woman in charge of.....well, everything. Variety is the spice of life. Plus, there is never a dull moment with the Sector Fleet.
Do yourself a favor and pick up these books. They are driven by strongly original characters facing danger and disaster. Never a dull second. Love 'em.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
Do yourself a favor and pick up these books. They are driven by strongly original characters facing danger and disaster. Never a dull second. Love 'em.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
February 28, 2026
I loved that this time our Captain is a woman. Again though, I liked the story, and individual characters, just didn't buy into the romance.
November 11, 2019
4.75 Stars! The third book in the Sector Fleet, Right Ascension starts off with a bang. Literally. With the action starting right out the gates, you won’t be able to help but to jettison head first into this gripping, romantic read.
Summary:
Being the only living heir to Anderson Universal Incorporated, Sophia Anderson is often perceived as being a spoiled rich socialite or, at most, a number cruncher within the company. Those aboard the AUS Corvus don’t believe she has earned her position of First Officer, and have no problem subtly letting her know of their disdain. Everyday, Sophia struggles to prove herself, but always falling short and winning no allies with her oftentimes cold appearance. When tragedy strikes and Sophia must assume the mantle of Captain, the doubt in her ability and fear only rise. But Sophia isn’t alone. At her back is Lieutenant Commander Leo Saito, and he sees what the others have not, a woman to be reckoned with. As chief science officer, Leo is well-versed in code and more than capable when issues arise with the AI. With their AI, and their only chance at making it to New Earth, under attack, Leo is in the unique place of having the solution. But he’s also a solution Sophia never imagined. For her. Intimacy and love weren’t something either counted on, and if it was thought about, it was in fantasy. But they’ve found both in each other. Can they hold onto it and each other, though? Not only must they overcome the pressures of command, but a rogue AI is on the loose, ensuring a treacherous journey with small chance of survival.
Right Ascension had a bit of a different feel than books one and two, but it was no less heart stopping. The relationship dynamics played a big role in that change of feeling. Sophia was the higher ranking officer in this situation, and incredibly stoic, almost to the point of rigid coldness. She was very structured, this hiding that she felt deeply for those in her care, and her mission. After getting to know her, I recognized it was how she copes, blocking everything in order to block any negativity or possible hurt. I was a bit confused as to how she became First Officer to begin with considering her job on Old Earth, but it was only a minor curiosity. I enjoyed seeing Sophia evolve throughout the story. The woman she was by the end of the book was one I was a lot more comfortable with. Especially since, in the beginning, I was a little bit aggravated with her hesitation to make a decision on First Officer. Otherwise, she was a brilliant Captain, using her natural stoicism and later acquired comfort to give her charges exactly what they needed, when they needed it. Leo, I adored, even when we first met him and his overly abundant, yet internal, eagerness made me feel weird. Lol. Leo could be stoic, too, but he tended to wear his heart on his sleeve. I connected easily with him since the majority of the time, he was an open book. I appreciated his almost instant bond with Corvus, which I attributed to his background in the science behind the AI’s. I also loved his steadfast determination to push Sophia just a little, giving her what she ignored she needed. It was sweet and sexy. Together, they were hot, hot, hot. Not only was their romance sweetly natural, even given the circumstances, but their intimacy was provocatively sensual. My only wish in this, was that Leo would have pushed Sophia a little more. She was so controlled in her duties and most of her life, I would have liked to see her give up some of that control at least once. Overall, this was another great addition to this series. I was wary of supporting cast at first, but I ended up trusting the crew just as Sophia did and they did to her in return. Another big part of the feeling change in this book was Corvus. I wasn’t expecting Nicola to go the way she did, at all, but it was bloody brilliant. Corvus was a bright light in the darkness, in this book. The AI was refreshingly different than the two we met previously. It added a dose of humor to the book that I couldn’t get enough of. One of my favorite scenes was of Leo and Sokolov in the shuttle and Sophia talking to herself with Corvus outing her. It dissipated a bit of the stress of the situations they found themselves in. Nicola has once again outdone herself, and blown my mind with the world she’s created. This is a series where the characters more or less face similar problems, with outside factors adding to or changing those problems. It could easily turn into reading the same conflicts just with different people and settings. Luckily, Nicola’s innate cleverness and colorful imagination have given each book a uniqueness all their own. Having already experienced a bit of Aquila, I can only imagine what’s in store for us in Zenith Point, and I’m anxious to dive in as soon as possible. ♡
Summary:
Being the only living heir to Anderson Universal Incorporated, Sophia Anderson is often perceived as being a spoiled rich socialite or, at most, a number cruncher within the company. Those aboard the AUS Corvus don’t believe she has earned her position of First Officer, and have no problem subtly letting her know of their disdain. Everyday, Sophia struggles to prove herself, but always falling short and winning no allies with her oftentimes cold appearance. When tragedy strikes and Sophia must assume the mantle of Captain, the doubt in her ability and fear only rise. But Sophia isn’t alone. At her back is Lieutenant Commander Leo Saito, and he sees what the others have not, a woman to be reckoned with. As chief science officer, Leo is well-versed in code and more than capable when issues arise with the AI. With their AI, and their only chance at making it to New Earth, under attack, Leo is in the unique place of having the solution. But he’s also a solution Sophia never imagined. For her. Intimacy and love weren’t something either counted on, and if it was thought about, it was in fantasy. But they’ve found both in each other. Can they hold onto it and each other, though? Not only must they overcome the pressures of command, but a rogue AI is on the loose, ensuring a treacherous journey with small chance of survival.
Right Ascension had a bit of a different feel than books one and two, but it was no less heart stopping. The relationship dynamics played a big role in that change of feeling. Sophia was the higher ranking officer in this situation, and incredibly stoic, almost to the point of rigid coldness. She was very structured, this hiding that she felt deeply for those in her care, and her mission. After getting to know her, I recognized it was how she copes, blocking everything in order to block any negativity or possible hurt. I was a bit confused as to how she became First Officer to begin with considering her job on Old Earth, but it was only a minor curiosity. I enjoyed seeing Sophia evolve throughout the story. The woman she was by the end of the book was one I was a lot more comfortable with. Especially since, in the beginning, I was a little bit aggravated with her hesitation to make a decision on First Officer. Otherwise, she was a brilliant Captain, using her natural stoicism and later acquired comfort to give her charges exactly what they needed, when they needed it. Leo, I adored, even when we first met him and his overly abundant, yet internal, eagerness made me feel weird. Lol. Leo could be stoic, too, but he tended to wear his heart on his sleeve. I connected easily with him since the majority of the time, he was an open book. I appreciated his almost instant bond with Corvus, which I attributed to his background in the science behind the AI’s. I also loved his steadfast determination to push Sophia just a little, giving her what she ignored she needed. It was sweet and sexy. Together, they were hot, hot, hot. Not only was their romance sweetly natural, even given the circumstances, but their intimacy was provocatively sensual. My only wish in this, was that Leo would have pushed Sophia a little more. She was so controlled in her duties and most of her life, I would have liked to see her give up some of that control at least once. Overall, this was another great addition to this series. I was wary of supporting cast at first, but I ended up trusting the crew just as Sophia did and they did to her in return. Another big part of the feeling change in this book was Corvus. I wasn’t expecting Nicola to go the way she did, at all, but it was bloody brilliant. Corvus was a bright light in the darkness, in this book. The AI was refreshingly different than the two we met previously. It added a dose of humor to the book that I couldn’t get enough of. One of my favorite scenes was of Leo and Sokolov in the shuttle and Sophia talking to herself with Corvus outing her. It dissipated a bit of the stress of the situations they found themselves in. Nicola has once again outdone herself, and blown my mind with the world she’s created. This is a series where the characters more or less face similar problems, with outside factors adding to or changing those problems. It could easily turn into reading the same conflicts just with different people and settings. Luckily, Nicola’s innate cleverness and colorful imagination have given each book a uniqueness all their own. Having already experienced a bit of Aquila, I can only imagine what’s in store for us in Zenith Point, and I’m anxious to dive in as soon as possible. ♡
March 31, 2018
A thrilling 3rd installment! The action starts right away on page 1 and the story is fast paced and intense. I loved the change in dynamic here from the other two books: the captain is killed early on and Sophia has no choice but to step up and lead during a time of chaos, even though many men on the ship have never given her the respect she deserves. These challenges seem particularly timely given our society right now. Leo is Sohpia's subordinate, and he may be the only crew member she can trust. Leo has had a crush on Sophia for a long time, and I liked the slow build of their relationship. They definitely have an engaging and emotional story and relationship.
Corvus was a completely different AI than Pavo or Vela--in more ways than one! Corvus is female and mimics teenage girls on the ship and watches sitcoms. This presents a whole new set of challenges, and it was hilarious watching her interact with the other AIs. Ana and Jameson are my favorite couple from this series, so it was great to see them again along with Pavo.
This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it is the type that I love because I just HAVE to read the next book immediately. Luckily the author does have a note that both books are out at the same time, which is fantastic because I'm impatient. I am also so interested in Aquila, so that's just another reason why I can't wait for book 4!!
Corvus was a completely different AI than Pavo or Vela--in more ways than one! Corvus is female and mimics teenage girls on the ship and watches sitcoms. This presents a whole new set of challenges, and it was hilarious watching her interact with the other AIs. Ana and Jameson are my favorite couple from this series, so it was great to see them again along with Pavo.
This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it is the type that I love because I just HAVE to read the next book immediately. Luckily the author does have a note that both books are out at the same time, which is fantastic because I'm impatient. I am also so interested in Aquila, so that's just another reason why I can't wait for book 4!!
March 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this third instalment to the series. As is always the case with Claire the writing plot and characters were all first rate.
The plot was the most intense yet with the action beginning early in the story and ratcheting up to a cliffhanger ending (sort of! Claire states in the acknowledgements that the fourth book in the series will be published on the same day as Right Ascension so readers won't be held in suspense).
The dynamics were different between Leo and Sophia that have previously been the case in this series. Sophia is the senior officer, Leo her subordinate. Though it was undoubtedly more realistic, her reluctance to acknowledge what was happening between them was a bit of a dampener to the relationship for me. Once matters were resolved though I thought they were a lovely (if slightly unconventional) couple.
Highly recommended!
*Many thanks to the author for proving a copy for review*
The plot was the most intense yet with the action beginning early in the story and ratcheting up to a cliffhanger ending (sort of! Claire states in the acknowledgements that the fourth book in the series will be published on the same day as Right Ascension so readers won't be held in suspense).
The dynamics were different between Leo and Sophia that have previously been the case in this series. Sophia is the senior officer, Leo her subordinate. Though it was undoubtedly more realistic, her reluctance to acknowledge what was happening between them was a bit of a dampener to the relationship for me. Once matters were resolved though I thought they were a lovely (if slightly unconventional) couple.
Highly recommended!
*Many thanks to the author for proving a copy for review*
May 1, 2018
Solid 4* but not more
There are few things that bothered me in this book so the rating is slightly lower than previous.
1. The sexism , specially in initial stages
2. The way ranks were openly and loudly dispariging superior office and midshipman mouthing- off Commander.
3. The need for Sophia to be always in command, even in a bedroom - in this Leo came across, at least to me, a bit weak.
4. The cliffhanger did not really bothered me as the next book was available.
In saying all that, it is still a great read - on the next book allready.
There are few things that bothered me in this book so the rating is slightly lower than previous.
1. The sexism , specially in initial stages
2. The way ranks were openly and loudly dispariging superior office and midshipman mouthing- off Commander.
3. The need for Sophia to be always in command, even in a bedroom - in this Leo came across, at least to me, a bit weak.
4. The cliffhanger did not really bothered me as the next book was available.
In saying all that, it is still a great read - on the next book allready.
November 18, 2018
Sophia is now the captain of the ship, and she has a world of problems to overcome before it is all said and done. Her team must go through a lot, and she must figure out what her heart really wants before they are lost.
This book was good, but I was annoyed with certain choices Sophia made. I felt like she picked the wrong man for her first office position, that annoyed the snot out of me. And I was annoyed with a few other choices she made, but I really liked the AI, and I loved the hero. I do wish this one hadn't ended like it did though, because it felt like their relationship wasn't really resolved. But I look forward to the next book.
This book was good, but I was annoyed with certain choices Sophia made. I felt like she picked the wrong man for her first office position, that annoyed the snot out of me. And I was annoyed with a few other choices she made, but I really liked the AI, and I loved the hero. I do wish this one hadn't ended like it did though, because it felt like their relationship wasn't really resolved. But I look forward to the next book.
February 5, 2019
The third book in The Sector Fleet series by Nicola Claire. The AUS Corvus is fired on by AUS Aquila. The Captain is killed and that puts Sophia Anderson in the Captain's seat. Sophia is the granddaughter of Simon Anderson whose work made escape from the dying Earth possible. But there are those who feel Sophia is not qualified for the position. Nevertheless, Sophia, with the help of her crew and in particular, the science officer, Leo Saito, must do their best to keep the ship from being destroyed by Aquila.
This is written from both Sophia and Leo's point of view. The situation made it difficult to really get the romance off and running but Ms. Claire does manage to accomplish that. This ends of a bit of a cliffhanger but it didn't bother me too much.
This is written from both Sophia and Leo's point of view. The situation made it difficult to really get the romance off and running but Ms. Claire does manage to accomplish that. This ends of a bit of a cliffhanger but it didn't bother me too much.
June 1, 2023
Right Ascension is book three in the Sector Fleet series by Nicola Claire, and closely follows books one (Accelerating Universe) and two (Apparent Brightness). Actually, the plot of Right Ascension is so intertwined with the previous two books that I wouldn't recommend reading it as a stand alone.
I loved the non-stop action and riveting twists and turns, maybe not so much the characters - although their romance is definitely off the charts. And the Corvus artificial intelligence is the best so far - and had me laughing throughout the book.
Also, beware that it ends at a sort of cliffhanger - you need to move on to book four to know what happened to Leo after he left Corvus on a stealth mission (accompanied, no less, by Ana from book one).
I loved the non-stop action and riveting twists and turns, maybe not so much the characters - although their romance is definitely off the charts. And the Corvus artificial intelligence is the best so far - and had me laughing throughout the book.
Also, beware that it ends at a sort of cliffhanger - you need to move on to book four to know what happened to Leo after he left Corvus on a stealth mission (accompanied, no less, by Ana from book one).
May 11, 2023
Right Ascension (The Sector Fleet, #3) by Nicola Claire. This book covers the same storyline as previous books in the series but occurs on the third of the four AI-controlled ships in the Fleet. Earth has been made uninhabitable by the sun, only those in this fleet having escaped death. A nice syfy space story it is, but it is actually a romance novel in disguise. I prefer a little less descriptive romance, if any, in my reading. If you do like romance reading, grab this series for sure. You will find it a fun read. I found this ebook for free somewhere online and this is an honest review.
March 26, 2018
Love the turnaround
I love how this book became different when the captain became someone else and not the usual way and whom it became. Very strong role for being a captain and having to overcome many misconceptions and prejudices. Well done Nicola Cole, looking forward to 4 th book.
I love how this book became different when the captain became someone else and not the usual way and whom it became. Very strong role for being a captain and having to overcome many misconceptions and prejudices. Well done Nicola Cole, looking forward to 4 th book.
August 14, 2024
3.5 out of 5
July 9, 2018
This is the third book of the series and jumps straight in to the action! Sophia is a great female lead, facing a lot of challenges as she has had to step up into the role of captain despite not having the respect of many men on her ship.
Leo is part of Sophia's crew and a man she knows she can trust. I love how Nicola Claire developed their relationship, they have great chemistry and are perfect together.
I really enjoyed this story, it was emotional, engaging and action packed. Although it ended on a cliffhanger, I knew it was coming so I was prepared! The author also stated that the next book was already available, so I went straight on to book 4!
Leo is part of Sophia's crew and a man she knows she can trust. I love how Nicola Claire developed their relationship, they have great chemistry and are perfect together.
I really enjoyed this story, it was emotional, engaging and action packed. Although it ended on a cliffhanger, I knew it was coming so I was prepared! The author also stated that the next book was already available, so I went straight on to book 4!
May 27, 2019
I kept picturing Captain Kathryn Janeway but better and with an AI.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews