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Staying Afloat #2
Ashore
You can only put the past away for so long.
This had never been truer for the crew of Matt’s ship, the Lady Lisa. Even as their engine suffers a critical malfunction and Matt scrambles to fund the costly repairs, Val, the ship’s reticent engineer, unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a deadly ghost from his past. Now it’s up to Matt, Ryce, and Tony to rescue him, even if it means breaking the law and striking an uneasy bargain with a local black-market kingpin—but what if this time their best efforts simply aren’t good enough?
And it might be that Val isn’t the only crew member Matt risks losing when his budding relationship with Ryce unexpectedly runs aground. With their love and commitment put to the test, Matt and Ryce must rally to save their friend and to keep their ship afloat, but in a race so desperate there might not be any real winners.
This had never been truer for the crew of Matt’s ship, the Lady Lisa. Even as their engine suffers a critical malfunction and Matt scrambles to fund the costly repairs, Val, the ship’s reticent engineer, unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a deadly ghost from his past. Now it’s up to Matt, Ryce, and Tony to rescue him, even if it means breaking the law and striking an uneasy bargain with a local black-market kingpin—but what if this time their best efforts simply aren’t good enough?
And it might be that Val isn’t the only crew member Matt risks losing when his budding relationship with Ryce unexpectedly runs aground. With their love and commitment put to the test, Matt and Ryce must rally to save their friend and to keep their ship afloat, but in a race so desperate there might not be any real winners.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2019
About the author
Isabelle Adler
12 books113 followersIsabelle Adler writes M/M romance, sci-fi, adventure, and fantasy.
She has been a voracious reader from the age of five and always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.
She has been a voracious reader from the age of five and always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 11, 2020
3.5 Solid Stars!
When we last saw our intrepid hero Matt, and his crew of three, they had barely escaped the dreaded space pirate Rodgers, and had come away unscathed by an almost intergalactic military scandal.
While trying to live a more honorable existence, Matt and his new lover Ryce, are slowly getting into their groove as a couple. However, things get a bit tricky when Matt’s beloved ship breaks down, mooring them on a space station scrambling for resources and jobs to pay the unexpected bills. To make things more complicated, his engineer Val, can’t help but try to avenge his wife’s death when the opportunity arises, and all bets are off for a peaceful and quick repair of their problems
What could go wrong does and then some.
Not only is Matt and his crew caught in the crosshairs of the station's resident crime boss but Matt and Ryce’s relationship is also tested when the military dangles a carrot in front of Ryce to come back. Hence, beware some no communication between these two, each making assumptions about their own inadequacies and what the other is feeling and wanting. There’s lots of insecurity going on, but their budding romance was quite sweet with some nice steam. Toss in Matt’s huge self imposed sense of responsibility which was as annoying as it was admirable, and this crew is all things loyal that luckily often worked to their advantage.
All the points for outer space setting, with bad guys galore, and a captain with a heart of gold despite him not wanting to advertise it. This was pretty fast paced. The dire situation quickly turns desperate. The conflicts and challenges kept piling up, and I often wondered how the crew would get themselves out of problem after problem. However, be reassured that the good guys come out on top with a disconcerting possible revelation in the works that will only provide more trouble in the future.
Though I wanted a bit more levity and a bit more smexy, I know Adler is writing another book in this series, and I’ll continue to keep coming back for more because I can’t resist such a setup!
When we last saw our intrepid hero Matt, and his crew of three, they had barely escaped the dreaded space pirate Rodgers, and had come away unscathed by an almost intergalactic military scandal.
While trying to live a more honorable existence, Matt and his new lover Ryce, are slowly getting into their groove as a couple. However, things get a bit tricky when Matt’s beloved ship breaks down, mooring them on a space station scrambling for resources and jobs to pay the unexpected bills. To make things more complicated, his engineer Val, can’t help but try to avenge his wife’s death when the opportunity arises, and all bets are off for a peaceful and quick repair of their problems
What could go wrong does and then some.
Not only is Matt and his crew caught in the crosshairs of the station's resident crime boss but Matt and Ryce’s relationship is also tested when the military dangles a carrot in front of Ryce to come back. Hence, beware some no communication between these two, each making assumptions about their own inadequacies and what the other is feeling and wanting. There’s lots of insecurity going on, but their budding romance was quite sweet with some nice steam. Toss in Matt’s huge self imposed sense of responsibility which was as annoying as it was admirable, and this crew is all things loyal that luckily often worked to their advantage.
All the points for outer space setting, with bad guys galore, and a captain with a heart of gold despite him not wanting to advertise it. This was pretty fast paced. The dire situation quickly turns desperate. The conflicts and challenges kept piling up, and I often wondered how the crew would get themselves out of problem after problem. However, be reassured that the good guys come out on top with a disconcerting possible revelation in the works that will only provide more trouble in the future.
Though I wanted a bit more levity and a bit more smexy, I know Adler is writing another book in this series, and I’ll continue to keep coming back for more because I can’t resist such a setup!
May 15, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Ashore is the second in the Staying Afloat series, following Adrift. This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. The story continues to follow Matt Spears and his growing romance with Ryce. They are a sweet couple, even though I wanted to smack Matt more than once for being an obtuse. To say they have communications issues is an understatement, but there is a connection between them that really resonates and makes their story one worth investing in. The action here is fairly taut and well written, even though the racing aspect is a bit too reminiscent of the pod racing scene from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Still, the pacing is good and Ashore is an easy book to become sucked into.
The only downfall of Ashore is its tendency to find easy solutions for really difficult problems. It felt like several of the huge plot lines (which I won’t mention due to spoilers) were built up and serious time was spent detailing the complexity and difficulty of them, only to have them cleared up in a page or two. Or they resolved off page, like Ryce’s second race, and that felt a bit deflating as a reader. I wanted the same level of devotion to the resolution that I got to the buildup.
Ashore is a strong entry into the Staying Afloat series. It struggles a bit with its resolutions, but on the whole the story is well developed and the characters are definitely a highlight. This series is building itself into an interesting arc and I’m definitely curious to see where it goes next.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Ashore is the second in the Staying Afloat series, following Adrift. This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. The story continues to follow Matt Spears and his growing romance with Ryce. They are a sweet couple, even though I wanted to smack Matt more than once for being an obtuse. To say they have communications issues is an understatement, but there is a connection between them that really resonates and makes their story one worth investing in. The action here is fairly taut and well written, even though the racing aspect is a bit too reminiscent of the pod racing scene from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Still, the pacing is good and Ashore is an easy book to become sucked into.
The only downfall of Ashore is its tendency to find easy solutions for really difficult problems. It felt like several of the huge plot lines (which I won’t mention due to spoilers) were built up and serious time was spent detailing the complexity and difficulty of them, only to have them cleared up in a page or two. Or they resolved off page, like Ryce’s second race, and that felt a bit deflating as a reader. I wanted the same level of devotion to the resolution that I got to the buildup.
Ashore is a strong entry into the Staying Afloat series. It struggles a bit with its resolutions, but on the whole the story is well developed and the characters are definitely a highlight. This series is building itself into an interesting arc and I’m definitely curious to see where it goes next.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
May 2, 2019
I loved this sequel to Adrift. I was already invested in Matt and his crew and Ashore is a fantastic new installment of their story. Poor Matt is so oblivious to his own feelings and those of his lover, Ryce. And there's no time to discuss anything because Val has been kidnapped and the baddies are threatening to cut off bits of him to motivate everyone else.
This is a well-paced space-romp with a background love story that is tender and believeable. I'm looking forward to book three. (Please let there be a book three? 😍)
This is a well-paced space-romp with a background love story that is tender and believeable. I'm looking forward to book three. (Please let there be a book three? 😍)
April 24, 2019
The descriptive bit: Staying Afloat is a great sci-fi series written by Isabelle Adler. NineStar Press was kind enough to send me the first book in the series (Adrift) so that I could read and review the new addition: Ashore. Matt Spears is Captain of the Lady Lisa and her small crew. He’s a small-time smuggler with enough of a conscious that he tries to keep things marginally legal. When a job comes up that will make the crew some good money, Matt meets pilot, Ryce Faine. But Ryce isn’t who he seems to be and neither is the mission!
In Ashore, the adventures and misadventures of the Lady Lisa and her crew continue. When the ragtag group lands for repairs they end up in a tangle with local thugs. One of the crew members, Val runs into one of the men who was responsible for the death of his wife. Val wants revenge and soon the group is entangled in another mess.
My thoughts bit: Adrift was a great read! In the first installment of the series, the Lady Lisa is heading towards a planet on which there is a secret location. Ryce Faine had taken control of the ship and won’t give them any details about their journey. Captain Spears finds himself becoming intrigued by his mysterious guest. As the two men get to know each other, it’s revealed that Ryce is half-Onorean. The Onoreans are a scientific species and control the conception and birth of their offspring. Sadly, Ryce’s mother was raped by an off-worlder and gave up her son because he represented everything she was ashamed of.
One of the things I loved about Adler when I read her first books was the detail she puts into the worlds and people in her stories. The first story I read of hers was much shorter and I loved the character development. This series is no disappointment in character development! Matt Spears is basically a good guy, he drinks too much, can’t survive without coffee and he likes to hook up with people when they swing past a bar. Things get interesting when a bit more of Matt’s past is revealed. He’s had some run-ins with space pirates and still suffers nightmares because of the brutal assault that happened. Estranged from his family, Matt is fiercely protective of his ship and his crew.
Ryce and Matt manage to chip away at each other’s walls as they continue along with the mission. They end up with their lives in each other’s hands and learn that they can, in fact, trust each other. Ryce’s secret mission is a bit morally ambiguous. I don’t want to reveal too much about it here in this review, because it was an absolute pleasure to read along as it was revealed in the book.
Suffice to say that by the end of the book there is a fledgling relationship between Matt and Ryce.
In the second book, Ashore, the adventures of the crew continues. The Lady Lisa is in desperate need of repairs and happens to end up where Val (The engineer) comes face to face with the man who murdered his wife. Set on revenge, Val tangles with the wrong people and then the rest of the crew finds themselves up to their eyeballs in trouble. New crew member Ryce (Yes, he stayed), and Matt are having trouble understanding what they mean to each other and how or even if their life together will work.
The space-pirate-politics (who knew that was even a thing) is so well written that I was sucked right in! I’m so on-board with Matt’s story and I really can’t wait for the next part of the series. Adler is very skilled at giving the reader enough detail to get hooked on the characters and still leaving enough to look forward to!
This series is a rip through space with a kick-ass crew who love each other in spite of their quirks. These books are action-packed, intriguing, and full of heart. I’m a fan.
In Ashore, the adventures and misadventures of the Lady Lisa and her crew continue. When the ragtag group lands for repairs they end up in a tangle with local thugs. One of the crew members, Val runs into one of the men who was responsible for the death of his wife. Val wants revenge and soon the group is entangled in another mess.
My thoughts bit: Adrift was a great read! In the first installment of the series, the Lady Lisa is heading towards a planet on which there is a secret location. Ryce Faine had taken control of the ship and won’t give them any details about their journey. Captain Spears finds himself becoming intrigued by his mysterious guest. As the two men get to know each other, it’s revealed that Ryce is half-Onorean. The Onoreans are a scientific species and control the conception and birth of their offspring. Sadly, Ryce’s mother was raped by an off-worlder and gave up her son because he represented everything she was ashamed of.
One of the things I loved about Adler when I read her first books was the detail she puts into the worlds and people in her stories. The first story I read of hers was much shorter and I loved the character development. This series is no disappointment in character development! Matt Spears is basically a good guy, he drinks too much, can’t survive without coffee and he likes to hook up with people when they swing past a bar. Things get interesting when a bit more of Matt’s past is revealed. He’s had some run-ins with space pirates and still suffers nightmares because of the brutal assault that happened. Estranged from his family, Matt is fiercely protective of his ship and his crew.
Ryce and Matt manage to chip away at each other’s walls as they continue along with the mission. They end up with their lives in each other’s hands and learn that they can, in fact, trust each other. Ryce’s secret mission is a bit morally ambiguous. I don’t want to reveal too much about it here in this review, because it was an absolute pleasure to read along as it was revealed in the book.
Suffice to say that by the end of the book there is a fledgling relationship between Matt and Ryce.
In the second book, Ashore, the adventures of the crew continues. The Lady Lisa is in desperate need of repairs and happens to end up where Val (The engineer) comes face to face with the man who murdered his wife. Set on revenge, Val tangles with the wrong people and then the rest of the crew finds themselves up to their eyeballs in trouble. New crew member Ryce (Yes, he stayed), and Matt are having trouble understanding what they mean to each other and how or even if their life together will work.
The space-pirate-politics (who knew that was even a thing) is so well written that I was sucked right in! I’m so on-board with Matt’s story and I really can’t wait for the next part of the series. Adler is very skilled at giving the reader enough detail to get hooked on the characters and still leaving enough to look forward to!
This series is a rip through space with a kick-ass crew who love each other in spite of their quirks. These books are action-packed, intriguing, and full of heart. I’m a fan.
May 29, 2019
Oh, Matt, you wiseass, I missed you! That was the first thought that popped into my head when cracked this book open. Mind you now that he’s happily in a relationship, he did tone himself down a tiny bit. One can argue that being in love turns people sappy or soft, but isn’t that the whole point? I think all that bravado and smartassery is often just a facade we show to others we don’t trust enough or deem worthy enough to see our real selves. I know from experience that it’s way easier to drop a snarky comment than to be frank. God forbid others would know I have feelings. Where would it all end? Just like Matt, I came a long way, and with practice it gets easier and less daunting.
The second installment in this series is not so much about Indiana Jones style treasure hunting adventures, but more about getting to know the characters better while they are stranded in a spaceport due to engine malfunction and lack of funds.
True to himself it doesn’t take Matt long to piss off the local crime boss while hustling for jobs, but to make matters worse, even Val the silent, connoisseur of Russian literature ends up in jail, and consequently on the hit list of some very bad guy, and eventually kidnapped, all because he confronted a man involved in his wife’s murder. Woo-hoo! Now we are talkin’!
Despite of them not having to run after mysterious artifacts, things got pretty tense really quickly, with having to devise a plan to win a deadly race, and retrieve Val. If that’s not enough to get your blood pressure up, fear not. An offer, too good to refuse is putting a strain on Matt & Ryce’s relationship for good measure, and makes Matt question his own family dynamics. There’s a good dose of wallowing and hiding of emotions which is not the best policy if one is about to maintain a healthy relationship, is it. *eyebrow wiggle*eyebrowwiggle
Ryce also sets out on a side mission to find out more about his birth mother, but soon has to realize blood relations don’t always mean anything. Yeah, you know, family is important, but what or who you consider family is really only up to you.
I don’t know about you guys, but I do enjoy stories that delve deep into relationships of all kinds. As in the first book, Isabelle Adler skillfully weaved together a fast paced plot with some intriguing interpersonal drama making Ashore a truly delicious mix.
The second installment in this series is not so much about Indiana Jones style treasure hunting adventures, but more about getting to know the characters better while they are stranded in a spaceport due to engine malfunction and lack of funds.
True to himself it doesn’t take Matt long to piss off the local crime boss while hustling for jobs, but to make matters worse, even Val the silent, connoisseur of Russian literature ends up in jail, and consequently on the hit list of some very bad guy, and eventually kidnapped, all because he confronted a man involved in his wife’s murder. Woo-hoo! Now we are talkin’!
Despite of them not having to run after mysterious artifacts, things got pretty tense really quickly, with having to devise a plan to win a deadly race, and retrieve Val. If that’s not enough to get your blood pressure up, fear not. An offer, too good to refuse is putting a strain on Matt & Ryce’s relationship for good measure, and makes Matt question his own family dynamics. There’s a good dose of wallowing and hiding of emotions which is not the best policy if one is about to maintain a healthy relationship, is it. *eyebrow wiggle*eyebrowwiggle
Ryce also sets out on a side mission to find out more about his birth mother, but soon has to realize blood relations don’t always mean anything. Yeah, you know, family is important, but what or who you consider family is really only up to you.
I don’t know about you guys, but I do enjoy stories that delve deep into relationships of all kinds. As in the first book, Isabelle Adler skillfully weaved together a fast paced plot with some intriguing interpersonal drama making Ashore a truly delicious mix.
May 26, 2019
The one thing that really draws me to these books the most is the stunning characterisation. The standout for me is how that doesn't just mean Matt, but all of the crew of our beloved ship.
The other part of this wonderful story is that I've never found myself thinking "that's a dumb choice for a smart character to make. " a frequent complaint in stories where a character makes a decision based on progressing the plot that an intelligent human shouldn't make. This is so rare I find it delightfully refreshing when it does happen that characters make smart choices. Bad stuff still happens, but it's because bad stuff is unavoidable or driven toward us, not because we did the dumb. Very refreshing indeed!!
I won't give any big spoilers, but I got on the emotional rollercoaster really early and I think I like this more than book 1!!
The other part of this wonderful story is that I've never found myself thinking "that's a dumb choice for a smart character to make. " a frequent complaint in stories where a character makes a decision based on progressing the plot that an intelligent human shouldn't make. This is so rare I find it delightfully refreshing when it does happen that characters make smart choices. Bad stuff still happens, but it's because bad stuff is unavoidable or driven toward us, not because we did the dumb. Very refreshing indeed!!
I won't give any big spoilers, but I got on the emotional rollercoaster really early and I think I like this more than book 1!!
July 14, 2019
As always, I found myself completely enamored with Isabelle Adler's writing.Ashore picks up not long after Adrift, Matt finds that his ability to find trouble (or trouble's ability to find him, whichever you prefer) is once again rearing it's ugly head. Current debt, repairs needed to the ship, and a complete lack of income leaves the crew high and dry in this installment of the series.
In many ways, this is a book about pasts. We get to see more of Ryce's past, of his biological mother as well as speculation about his biological father (which, I am sure you'll agree, is INTENSE). We are shown glimpses into Tony's past, one which makes her uncomfortable. And Val's past is the catalyst of it all, the match-strike that sets the whole mess of dry kindling ablaze. Add to that the slow-burn, often poorly communicated and misconstrued feelings between Ryce and Matt, and the vague threat of old, violent enemies coming back give this story the fuel it needs to keep you turning the pages.
I highly recommend this book. It is as good, if not BETTER than it's progenitor.
In many ways, this is a book about pasts. We get to see more of Ryce's past, of his biological mother as well as speculation about his biological father (which, I am sure you'll agree, is INTENSE). We are shown glimpses into Tony's past, one which makes her uncomfortable. And Val's past is the catalyst of it all, the match-strike that sets the whole mess of dry kindling ablaze. Add to that the slow-burn, often poorly communicated and misconstrued feelings between Ryce and Matt, and the vague threat of old, violent enemies coming back give this story the fuel it needs to keep you turning the pages.
I highly recommend this book. It is as good, if not BETTER than it's progenitor.
April 19, 2019
Full RTC closer to release day May 6th
Isabelle Adler nailed it again with this book & from the first page I was hooked.
This book was exactly what I needed rn - without even knowing it.
The action was on point, the crew, mostly Val is getting in danger and the lives of the crew members are severe threatened a few times.
I adored the intimate scenes between Matt & Ryce and that they had a few happy moments - which are rare and even more precious in their pureness.
The book ends with a small cliffhanger and while I had my suspicions I was pretty astonished by some of the events and what it means for the crew, especially Ryce and Matt.
5 out of 5 stars - totally recommended.
It's best to read after book 1, Adrift, but it is possible to enjoy this book too without former knowledge if you can handle a few hinted and just mentioned details from before.
Isabelle Adler nailed it again with this book & from the first page I was hooked.
This book was exactly what I needed rn - without even knowing it.
The action was on point, the crew, mostly Val is getting in danger and the lives of the crew members are severe threatened a few times.
I adored the intimate scenes between Matt & Ryce and that they had a few happy moments - which are rare and even more precious in their pureness.
The book ends with a small cliffhanger and while I had my suspicions I was pretty astonished by some of the events and what it means for the crew, especially Ryce and Matt.
5 out of 5 stars - totally recommended.
It's best to read after book 1, Adrift, but it is possible to enjoy this book too without former knowledge if you can handle a few hinted and just mentioned details from before.
October 3, 2019
The journey picks up with Ryce and Matt in a relationship neither of them seems sure will work. Ryce has been offered a new job, and Matt--not wanting to hold him back--urges him to take the opportunity. But Ryce doesn't want to go! He wants to help Matt repair the Lady Lisa. Also, they sort of need to save Val, who foolishly chased after one of his wife's murderers.
What I enjoyed most about this book was how the relationships are challenged by various failures. In the first book, Ryce was perhaps a bit too perfect, but In Ashore he finds himself struggling in love, life, and even his ability to pilot. There's also more strain on the budding relationship, with the two of them struggling with the greater intimacies of love.
I'd rec this book to anyone who enjoys action-packed romances with tender moments aplenty.
What I enjoyed most about this book was how the relationships are challenged by various failures. In the first book, Ryce was perhaps a bit too perfect, but In Ashore he finds himself struggling in love, life, and even his ability to pilot. There's also more strain on the budding relationship, with the two of them struggling with the greater intimacies of love.
I'd rec this book to anyone who enjoys action-packed romances with tender moments aplenty.
Read
July 17, 2019Category: Romance
Genre: Sci-Fi
Word Count: 67900
Sex Content: Explicit
Pairing: MM
Orientation: Bisexual, Demisexual
Identity: Cisgender
Warning: Depictions of violence, abduction, mutilation, alcoholism. Mentions of torture and past rape. Allusions to substance abuse.
Available from these vendors:
NineStar Press - http://ninestarpress.com/product/ashore/
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QYXWQHX
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/asho...
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ashore
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Genre: Sci-Fi
Word Count: 67900
Sex Content: Explicit
Pairing: MM
Orientation: Bisexual, Demisexual
Identity: Cisgender
Warning: Depictions of violence, abduction, mutilation, alcoholism. Mentions of torture and past rape. Allusions to substance abuse.
Available from these vendors:
NineStar Press - http://ninestarpress.com/product/ashore/
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QYXWQHX
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/asho...
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ashore
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
May 19, 2019
Reviewed by Jenn for Diverse Reader
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ashore is book two in the Staying Afloat series and Adrift ( book one) should definitely be read first.
This story is all about not being able to outrun your past and your ghosts. It’s a really good follow up to book one, it answers some questions and asks a whole lot of new ones. I’m curious to see what the author will do next, there is certainly more to do with these characters. We see Matt, Ryce, and their crew, Tony and Val aboard the Lady Lisa.
The ship has taken a beating and she and her crew need some serious R&R. They do not have many good options, honestly…there are no good options. When they try to seek out help and repairs, they’re met with trouble. Trouble in the form of people wanting to do them more harm. Seriously, that cannot catch a break.
Matt and Ryce’s relationship takes a real hit as well when the past comes back to haunt them. Each of our four main characters are tested, some possibly irreparably so. This series has, at its heart, Matt and Ryce. Theirs is not a hot and heavy focal point of the series but is important to this tale. Seeing where we go with them in this book brings out a lot of feelings for me. I like them together, especially given the harshness of the world they live in.
This series, while definitely of the fantasy/science fiction genre, is easy to follow. We get very real plot points and it’s a character driven drama…all things I love. This is a fun ride, a little different than most of what I normally read and that’s part of why I enjoyed it so much. Hopefully we’ll see another book coming soon…I have questions!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ashore is book two in the Staying Afloat series and Adrift ( book one) should definitely be read first.
This story is all about not being able to outrun your past and your ghosts. It’s a really good follow up to book one, it answers some questions and asks a whole lot of new ones. I’m curious to see what the author will do next, there is certainly more to do with these characters. We see Matt, Ryce, and their crew, Tony and Val aboard the Lady Lisa.
The ship has taken a beating and she and her crew need some serious R&R. They do not have many good options, honestly…there are no good options. When they try to seek out help and repairs, they’re met with trouble. Trouble in the form of people wanting to do them more harm. Seriously, that cannot catch a break.
Matt and Ryce’s relationship takes a real hit as well when the past comes back to haunt them. Each of our four main characters are tested, some possibly irreparably so. This series has, at its heart, Matt and Ryce. Theirs is not a hot and heavy focal point of the series but is important to this tale. Seeing where we go with them in this book brings out a lot of feelings for me. I like them together, especially given the harshness of the world they live in.
This series, while definitely of the fantasy/science fiction genre, is easy to follow. We get very real plot points and it’s a character driven drama…all things I love. This is a fun ride, a little different than most of what I normally read and that’s part of why I enjoyed it so much. Hopefully we’ll see another book coming soon…I have questions!
May 26, 2020
Lady Lisa and its crew are stranded at remote system, unable to continue flying because of some serious issues in its engine. Deciding that desperate times require desperate measures, Matt Spears seeks a honest but humble job in the station… which sometimes brings him right into the business of a shady local kingpin and ends with all his crew at risk… Matt will do anything to keep them alive, specially his pilot Ryce Faine, even if saving him implies losing him for good
My-oh-my what an intense story we have here. Despite being ashore, Matt, Ryce, Val and Tony manage to get involved in a number of crazy, dangerous adventures which involve Val being kidnapped and held hostage, Ryce flying illegal races, and Matt breaking and entering other ships… all this while trying to work out his and Ryce’s relationship, a complicated thing full of secrets on both sides…
Again, Richard Eckman does an amazing job in the narration, masterfully using change of pit and intonation to help the listener attune to the many changes in the pace of the story. It is a proficient performance that keeps you completely enthralled to the end.
I really liked it
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
My-oh-my what an intense story we have here. Despite being ashore, Matt, Ryce, Val and Tony manage to get involved in a number of crazy, dangerous adventures which involve Val being kidnapped and held hostage, Ryce flying illegal races, and Matt breaking and entering other ships… all this while trying to work out his and Ryce’s relationship, a complicated thing full of secrets on both sides…
Again, Richard Eckman does an amazing job in the narration, masterfully using change of pit and intonation to help the listener attune to the many changes in the pace of the story. It is a proficient performance that keeps you completely enthralled to the end.
I really liked it
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2019
In the second book of the Staying Afloat series we are back on board the Lady Lisa. Matt and Ryce along with crew Val and Tony are in dire need of funds for repairs. Their choices, as usual are bad and badder. When they run afoul of the station bad guys, their lives, in one way or another, are in danger.
Learning something about Ryce’s past, Matt must decide whether to tell him. Val’s past slaps him in the face and he can’t ignore it. For the greater good Matt decides to let Ryce go to give him the future he needs.
Matt and Ryce’s romance is a very slow burn, while it’s a part of the story it’s not center stage.
This was a twisty space opera. Not a lot of SciFi jargon to understand. Basically just characters who were well thought out, their futures are uncertain but as a family they face it together. I hope there is another chapter (or two) of their story. The first book of the series should definitely be read first.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Learning something about Ryce’s past, Matt must decide whether to tell him. Val’s past slaps him in the face and he can’t ignore it. For the greater good Matt decides to let Ryce go to give him the future he needs.
Matt and Ryce’s romance is a very slow burn, while it’s a part of the story it’s not center stage.
This was a twisty space opera. Not a lot of SciFi jargon to understand. Basically just characters who were well thought out, their futures are uncertain but as a family they face it together. I hope there is another chapter (or two) of their story. The first book of the series should definitely be read first.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
May 22, 2019
A super strong scifi adventure sequel to the Adrift novella. It stays with the single pov of the captain but I loved that we got more of the crew which is the only thing I felt was missing from the previous novella. One of the things I loved most about Adrift was even though it was a space adventure set around the crew of a spaceship it felt self contained and tense, this book continues that theme. The crew are stuck in a new, completely different place with a new and completely different challenge. Full of pod racing, space station crime bosses, plenty of fighting for their lives, but also plenty of intense character moments as Matt struggles to keep his crew safe and whole while not falling back into his alcohol addiction. It's a short, easy to read adult scifi that keeps the vastness of space contained to a small but no less awesome story.
ugh
May 4, 2026DNF - PG 58
Why?
Look, I hadn't bought into the romance in the first book, so we were already on shaky ground. But, in just the... barely over 1/6 that I read here, we have Matt being 'petulant' about a job offer Ryce gets AND:
...
This book COULD have it without the romance. (Because the sci-fi aspect of the first book WAS good.) But the romance will kill any enjoyment I could find here if this is what I can expect.
(And, seriously, Matt, it's not hard: I'm happy for you but I do not want you to go.)
Why?
Look, I hadn't bought into the romance in the first book, so we were already on shaky ground. But, in just the... barely over 1/6 that I read here, we have Matt being 'petulant' about a job offer Ryce gets AND:
He'd barely exchanged a word with Ryce this morning, and while he supposed it was asinine of him, he simply didn't know what to say that wouldn't sound sour despite his best efforts.
...
This book COULD have it without the romance. (Because the sci-fi aspect of the first book WAS good.) But the romance will kill any enjoyment I could find here if this is what I can expect.
(And, seriously, Matt, it's not hard: I'm happy for you but I do not want you to go.)
August 4, 2019
I read this follow up to Adrift in a few hours today. I loved it despite the damn cliffie ending.
My only complaint is that I have no clue when the next in series will be coming. The worst type of nemesis might be on the loose from the Federation prison and is playing head games with Matt just when he's getting a break in bad luck pursuing him and his makeshift family. And that's when the book ends, of cause. I want more!
My only complaint is that I have no clue when the next in series will be coming. The worst type of nemesis might be on the loose from the Federation prison and is playing head games with Matt just when he's getting a break in bad luck pursuing him and his makeshift family. And that's when the book ends, of cause. I want more!
April 20, 2020
Nothing special. A bit disappointing.
Almost no heat on page.
Almost no heat on page.
May 5, 2020
Slightly better story.
But same narrator same issue.
But same narrator same issue.
August 9, 2020
Finished this two days ago, and I can’t for the life of me remember how it ended and barely what it was about.
So, I guess I didn’t like it much.
So, I guess I didn’t like it much.
January 23, 2023
I did like this one better than the first book. But still wish they would talk to each other rather than assuming.
May 2, 2019
An excellent continuation to the series. The character development is extremely well done. The little details really bring these characters to life. The relationship development was exactly what I hoped for. I was worried it would be rushed, but it was done perfectly. I hope we get even more of Matt and Ryce's story.
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