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Starfighter Training Academy #1
The First Starfighter: Game 1
Starfighter Training Academy. It was just a game. The newest, hottest video game release of the year. Choose a role. Build the perfect hero who joins you on missions to save the Vega star system from the evil Queen Raya and her merciless Dark Fleet.
Play for hours? Check.
Obsess over the in-game romance between your avatar and the sexiest alien you've ever seen? Check.
Win? Beat the heck out of the game? Check and check.
Open your door at 3:00 in the morning to find that smoking hot alien you thought you made up in your head standing there? Um... okay.
Wake up on the other side of the galaxy with that same alien insisting you're his... and that you haven't been playing a video game, but completed the training program to become the first Starfighter from Earth?
Holy sh$t.
Play for hours? Check.
Obsess over the in-game romance between your avatar and the sexiest alien you've ever seen? Check.
Win? Beat the heck out of the game? Check and check.
Open your door at 3:00 in the morning to find that smoking hot alien you thought you made up in your head standing there? Um... okay.
Wake up on the other side of the galaxy with that same alien insisting you're his... and that you haven't been playing a video game, but completed the training program to become the first Starfighter from Earth?
Holy sh$t.
230 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2021
392 people are currently reading
1817 people want to read
About the author
Grace Goodwin
88 books1,938 followersVisit Grace's Goodwin's website:
http://GraceGoodwin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
May 25, 2021
So here’s the thing... there’s homage and there’s plagiarism. This book, in my humble opinion, really skirts that line, like really skirts it. The name alludes to the original, but no nod or acknowledgement in a foreword that the book is based upon a movie. This is just the Last Starfighter (the original, and best) romance style. There’s not enough to distinguish this from the original. Really bizarre to read people complimenting the author’s original idea. Yes, it was original when Jonathan R Beutal wrote the screenplay.
April 23, 2021
What happens when the video game you have been playing for months turns out not to be a game?
*****
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 2.5 flames
Genre: Sci-fi Romance / Aliens
*****
Grace Goodwin is back and with a new series, the Starfighter Training Academy. Gone are our interstellar brides and now we welcome Elite Starfighters.
Jamie is a human female, with few friends, no love interests, and no real family. The only thing she looks forward to is coming home, putting on her headphones and playing the Starfighter game online with her friends Mia and Lily. Of her two friends, she is the one closest to beating the game, which is bittersweet because she has fallen for her avatar partner Alexius and she knows that as soon as she wins, her game will start over and she may never be able to build him again. He is everything she could ever want in a man/alien. I mean heck, she designed him, she chose his personality traits, his build, everything. He is perfect.
But when Jamie beats the game...imagine her surprise when she is awakened to a pounding on her door...and Alexius (Alex) her dream man/alien is on the other side telling her that she needs to come with him to Velerion, his home planet because she is now an Elite Starfighter, and they are a bonded pair.
The First Starfighter lays the groundwork for a new alien race and struggle. The Velerion’s have been at war with Queen Raya and the Dark Fleet for years. The Velerion’s elite fighter pilots are rare as most have been killed in the war. What will happen when they discover new starfighters on new planets? How will Jamie react to her game world becoming real?
The First Starfighter is filled with romance, suspense, steam, space battles, and a hot alien with oodles of patience. I enjoyed both the main characters, and the secondary characters were interesting and now I can’t wait to see what happens when Lily and Mia arrive. It was a great start to this new take on an alien romance! I can’t wait to read more from the Starfighter Training Academy series and to see how the Velerion’s defeat the Dark Fleet.
*****
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 2.5 flames
Genre: Sci-fi Romance / Aliens
*****
Grace Goodwin is back and with a new series, the Starfighter Training Academy. Gone are our interstellar brides and now we welcome Elite Starfighters.
Jamie is a human female, with few friends, no love interests, and no real family. The only thing she looks forward to is coming home, putting on her headphones and playing the Starfighter game online with her friends Mia and Lily. Of her two friends, she is the one closest to beating the game, which is bittersweet because she has fallen for her avatar partner Alexius and she knows that as soon as she wins, her game will start over and she may never be able to build him again. He is everything she could ever want in a man/alien. I mean heck, she designed him, she chose his personality traits, his build, everything. He is perfect.
But when Jamie beats the game...imagine her surprise when she is awakened to a pounding on her door...and Alexius (Alex) her dream man/alien is on the other side telling her that she needs to come with him to Velerion, his home planet because she is now an Elite Starfighter, and they are a bonded pair.
The First Starfighter lays the groundwork for a new alien race and struggle. The Velerion’s have been at war with Queen Raya and the Dark Fleet for years. The Velerion’s elite fighter pilots are rare as most have been killed in the war. What will happen when they discover new starfighters on new planets? How will Jamie react to her game world becoming real?
The First Starfighter is filled with romance, suspense, steam, space battles, and a hot alien with oodles of patience. I enjoyed both the main characters, and the secondary characters were interesting and now I can’t wait to see what happens when Lily and Mia arrive. It was a great start to this new take on an alien romance! I can’t wait to read more from the Starfighter Training Academy series and to see how the Velerion’s defeat the Dark Fleet.
April 21, 2021
IT’S ONLY A GAME FOR HUMANS
I loved the concept of this story, the characters, interaction, mystery, suspense, danger, angst, and then throw in a bonded mate and cue up the romance! What appears as an interactive Starfighter Training Academy game, played with other players and teams worldwide, might actually be much more in reality. Each player designs an alien to their specifications and let the games begin.
The story will have a loner, Jamie Miller, Baltimore, Maryland, looking forward to her time at home and playing Starfighter Training Academy with her virtual friends, Lily and Mia. Jamie is so close to completing her training, and both Lily and Mia aren’t far behind. Jamie is so sure that she will succeed, but it comes with mixed emotions—the end of the game--saying goodbye to her teammates and Alexius of Velerion that she created.
But, what if this isn’t a game? What if this is just training for the future? What if Alexius is real? At the end of the game, the bonding ceremony is more—much more?
“We have been paired through the Starfighter Velerion training program. We have spent many hours training together. Fighting together. Do you accept my crest as a sign of our permanent bond? Will you stay with me, Starfighter? Will you remain at my side and fight with me to the end of our days?”
“This is General Aryk of Velerion. Congratulations, Starfighters. Your successful bond has been recorded in the Hall of Records at the Citadel. It is my honor to bestow upon you the rank of privileges of Velerion Starfighters.”
What happens when Alexius shows up at 3 am and ready for Jamie Miller of Earth to join him as a Starfighter? Is this some kind of joke? The story has plenty of interaction as she must decide what to do, stay or go. Then to discover that what appeared as a game was actual training missions to aid the Velerion against an evil Queen and the Dark Fleet.
“You were trained. You excelled. It is time to fulfill your destiny and fight at my side. I was with you through your entire training. We sat side by side. We spoke. We fought. We failed. We won. You chose me from a statistically large number of Velerions. I desire you. I crave your physical form. You spirit. You mind. You already said yes.”
The story has Jamie accepting the pair bond, going with Alex and discovering that everything he told her is real—down to the decorations in their home—and better yet, Valor, the ship she named and flew in all the missions. Can she actually fly it—this isn’t a video game; this is an actual vessel with weapons.
“I am yours and you are mine. I’ve been waiting for you for months, Jamie. You are an Elite Starfighter, bondmate. We were in the Valor together. We are a team. Nothing you do is done alone.”
“Jamie had no idea what she was to everyone on this moon base and the entire planet below. She was hope. Protection. Strength.”
I love the chemistry between Jamie and Alex and how she learns quickly that they are compatible while working, during dangerous encounters, and especially as passion engulfs them. The story has life and death danger, and while she feels he betrayed her, maybe if she listens, she will understand more—playing games, or is it a fight for survival?
A great beginning to this series, and knowing that both Mia and Lily are about to complete their missions—I look forward to their stories too.
I loved the concept of this story, the characters, interaction, mystery, suspense, danger, angst, and then throw in a bonded mate and cue up the romance! What appears as an interactive Starfighter Training Academy game, played with other players and teams worldwide, might actually be much more in reality. Each player designs an alien to their specifications and let the games begin.
The story will have a loner, Jamie Miller, Baltimore, Maryland, looking forward to her time at home and playing Starfighter Training Academy with her virtual friends, Lily and Mia. Jamie is so close to completing her training, and both Lily and Mia aren’t far behind. Jamie is so sure that she will succeed, but it comes with mixed emotions—the end of the game--saying goodbye to her teammates and Alexius of Velerion that she created.
But, what if this isn’t a game? What if this is just training for the future? What if Alexius is real? At the end of the game, the bonding ceremony is more—much more?
“We have been paired through the Starfighter Velerion training program. We have spent many hours training together. Fighting together. Do you accept my crest as a sign of our permanent bond? Will you stay with me, Starfighter? Will you remain at my side and fight with me to the end of our days?”
“This is General Aryk of Velerion. Congratulations, Starfighters. Your successful bond has been recorded in the Hall of Records at the Citadel. It is my honor to bestow upon you the rank of privileges of Velerion Starfighters.”
What happens when Alexius shows up at 3 am and ready for Jamie Miller of Earth to join him as a Starfighter? Is this some kind of joke? The story has plenty of interaction as she must decide what to do, stay or go. Then to discover that what appeared as a game was actual training missions to aid the Velerion against an evil Queen and the Dark Fleet.
“You were trained. You excelled. It is time to fulfill your destiny and fight at my side. I was with you through your entire training. We sat side by side. We spoke. We fought. We failed. We won. You chose me from a statistically large number of Velerions. I desire you. I crave your physical form. You spirit. You mind. You already said yes.”
The story has Jamie accepting the pair bond, going with Alex and discovering that everything he told her is real—down to the decorations in their home—and better yet, Valor, the ship she named and flew in all the missions. Can she actually fly it—this isn’t a video game; this is an actual vessel with weapons.
“I am yours and you are mine. I’ve been waiting for you for months, Jamie. You are an Elite Starfighter, bondmate. We were in the Valor together. We are a team. Nothing you do is done alone.”
“Jamie had no idea what she was to everyone on this moon base and the entire planet below. She was hope. Protection. Strength.”
I love the chemistry between Jamie and Alex and how she learns quickly that they are compatible while working, during dangerous encounters, and especially as passion engulfs them. The story has life and death danger, and while she feels he betrayed her, maybe if she listens, she will understand more—playing games, or is it a fight for survival?
A great beginning to this series, and knowing that both Mia and Lily are about to complete their missions—I look forward to their stories too.
February 15, 2022
So bad, so cheesy. A women on earth plays a video game with her friends every night, designing her male copilot into the man she wishes were real. It turns out the game was a training camp sent by aliens, and her sexy avatar copilot is actually real. When she becomes the first to win the game, she’s taken to space and becomes a hero to the aliens who needed her “expertise” in battling the bad aliens.
June 4, 2021
Its like Star Wars with sex and I am here for it!
June 18, 2021
The premise and first few chapters of this book drew me in - a video game that's actually a recruitment program for alien starfighters! A hot co-pilot knocks on your door to sweep you away! It's an amazing setup. But...
The not-so-good:
- The characters rehash everything that's happened so far every few chapters and it grates. Even if this were written as a serial it'd be too much, and has a one or two sitting read it made my eyes roll.
- I get the feeling that Goodwin is trying to be better about LGBTQIA+ inclusion but misses. Players create an in-game partner and the options are, "male, female, or androgynous". Um, those aren't the only three options? And why do players choose sex, not gender or presentation? Or just select body type, hair color, personality traits, etc. without labeling it on the binary?
- Alex makes a big deal about consent, but it's incomplete and sketchy. Jamie agrees to go with him to another planet, but not to being marked, drugged, and implanted with foreign tech a moment later. There's an element of 'you're so hot, I guess I have to say yes' which doesn't feel right, either. With a fated mates-esque set up like this I want to see a bit more questioning or reluctance, not instalove.
- The only thing that makes the "aliens" alien is they're tall. A planet of pro volleyball players, wow.
- The action scenes are mediocre, characterization thin, writing choppy, and the plot is often rushed.
With this setup I was hoping for an amazing story, but I put it down at 70% and almost didn't pick it back up. I don't see myself continuing the series.
-------
Content notes: mentions of alcoholism and neglect
The not-so-good:
- The characters rehash everything that's happened so far every few chapters and it grates. Even if this were written as a serial it'd be too much, and has a one or two sitting read it made my eyes roll.
- I get the feeling that Goodwin is trying to be better about LGBTQIA+ inclusion but misses. Players create an in-game partner and the options are, "male, female, or androgynous". Um, those aren't the only three options? And why do players choose sex, not gender or presentation? Or just select body type, hair color, personality traits, etc. without labeling it on the binary?
- Alex makes a big deal about consent, but it's incomplete and sketchy. Jamie agrees to go with him to another planet, but not to being marked, drugged, and implanted with foreign tech a moment later. There's an element of 'you're so hot, I guess I have to say yes' which doesn't feel right, either. With a fated mates-esque set up like this I want to see a bit more questioning or reluctance, not instalove.
- The only thing that makes the "aliens" alien is they're tall. A planet of pro volleyball players, wow.
- The action scenes are mediocre, characterization thin, writing choppy, and the plot is often rushed.
With this setup I was hoping for an amazing story, but I put it down at 70% and almost didn't pick it back up. I don't see myself continuing the series.
-------
Content notes: mentions of alcoholism and neglect
June 14, 2021
This was an interesting concept, even though some reviews talk about plagiarism. I haven't heard of the movie The Last Starfighter before, so I cannot comment on that. I liked this setting where Jamie plays a new video game where she chooses a fighting partner and trains to become a starfighter to rescue the Vega star system and fight against an evil queen. When she wins the game and the virtual partner asks her to joins him on his quest, she clicks okay. Still thinking it was all a game, she is opens her door in the middle of the night to said hot partner who is very real and asks her to come with him to Velerion as they are pair-bonded now. Well, that's not what Jamie expected..
Grace Goodwin writes about alien mates and interstellar kind of mail order brides and what I had read from her so far was very entertaining. As her stories go, this one was quite tame regarding the sex scenes and the focus was more on the concept of sending a training program to Earth disguised as a video game to find and lure more starfighter to help them win a fight against the evil queen who is set on destroying the Velerions. Jamie plays the game online with the help of two fellow female gamer she met while playing and it seems this is a trilogy where each of the girl gets her own story. I really like this setting and storyline and cannot wait to read the other two books.
Grace Goodwin writes about alien mates and interstellar kind of mail order brides and what I had read from her so far was very entertaining. As her stories go, this one was quite tame regarding the sex scenes and the focus was more on the concept of sending a training program to Earth disguised as a video game to find and lure more starfighter to help them win a fight against the evil queen who is set on destroying the Velerions. Jamie plays the game online with the help of two fellow female gamer she met while playing and it seems this is a trilogy where each of the girl gets her own story. I really like this setting and storyline and cannot wait to read the other two books.
April 12, 2021
Gamer Girl meets Alien Spy - what a combo!
Finally, a book that celebrates girl gamers! I'm not one myself but it's great to see some representation. Jamie may be a delivery driver by day but in her free times she, and some online-only friends, kick butt and save the Galaxy. But what happens once she completes the "academy"?
Are the secret levels or Easter Eggs? Will she have to start over? What about her "partner" Alex?
Can she keep him if she has to start over? Life is going to get way more complicated for Jamie cos she is about to get to meet aliens up close and personal!
Alex and Jamie are perfect. Star pilot student and the hardened alien warrior - on with a secret or two to hide! I loved Jamie's reactions - she just illustrates what my own reaction would be getting zapped into space. Alex is determined to make their partnership and bonding work. He jst needs to get Jamie to see that just because their relationship was in the game, doesn't mean that his feelings for her aren't real.
I got a complete blast back to the '80s with this - one of my favourite films was Last Starfighter and this is like a modern-day, female-led version. Completely my cup of tea. I can't wait to see how Jamie's squad copes when they find themselves lost in space!!!!
Finally, a book that celebrates girl gamers! I'm not one myself but it's great to see some representation. Jamie may be a delivery driver by day but in her free times she, and some online-only friends, kick butt and save the Galaxy. But what happens once she completes the "academy"?
Are the secret levels or Easter Eggs? Will she have to start over? What about her "partner" Alex?
Can she keep him if she has to start over? Life is going to get way more complicated for Jamie cos she is about to get to meet aliens up close and personal!
Alex and Jamie are perfect. Star pilot student and the hardened alien warrior - on with a secret or two to hide! I loved Jamie's reactions - she just illustrates what my own reaction would be getting zapped into space. Alex is determined to make their partnership and bonding work. He jst needs to get Jamie to see that just because their relationship was in the game, doesn't mean that his feelings for her aren't real.
I got a complete blast back to the '80s with this - one of my favourite films was Last Starfighter and this is like a modern-day, female-led version. Completely my cup of tea. I can't wait to see how Jamie's squad copes when they find themselves lost in space!!!!
April 25, 2021
DNF 60% Dull & immature characters to say nothing of the scientific plot holes. TBH It was lazy writing. I’m off to request a refund & would obviously not recommend.
Disclaimer: I am aware some controversy exists regarding the books’s concept. I’ve not personally seen Jonathan R. Betuel’s The Last Starfighter nor have I played the arcade game 🕹 by the same name & I have only watched 30 minutes +/- of the Fearless children’s animation film. I can’t comment on the possibilities of plagiarism but am aware the concept at the very least possibly even the world aren’t original. My rating is for this book alone as I’m unfamiliar with any comparable works by other artists or authors mentioned above.
Disclaimer: I am aware some controversy exists regarding the books’s concept. I’ve not personally seen Jonathan R. Betuel’s The Last Starfighter nor have I played the arcade game 🕹 by the same name & I have only watched 30 minutes +/- of the Fearless children’s animation film. I can’t comment on the possibilities of plagiarism but am aware the concept at the very least possibly even the world aren’t original. My rating is for this book alone as I’m unfamiliar with any comparable works by other artists or authors mentioned above.
April 27, 2021
I've always loved Grace Goodwin's stories and have read them all. The Interstellar Bride Series is an auto buy for me. I am still waiting anxiously for Warden Egara to get her mates (Soon, Please!).
On to this new series:
Jaime Miller of Baltimore, Md. is an introvert. She works as a delivery person, dropping off packages all day long, rarely seeing anyone. When she gets home, she gets to let out her alter ego, a Starfighter pilot of a super fast and deadly space craft. Starfighter Training Academy is the hottest new multiplayer game on the world market.
In the online chat room she pairs up with two new friends. Lily from England and Mia from Germany. Together they spend many months going through the game's many levels and challenges. They each created avatars for themselves and one to join them, each picking out traits from a provided list and created their personal ideal man. The only thing they could not pick
out was the name of their dream man. Jaime's is called Alexius, or Alex of Valerion. He is everything she could dream of in a man: tall, dark, handsome, muscular, intelligent, Alpha, teasing or dominating on occasion. Mia created Kassius while Lily has her Darius. They are all more than a little in love with their avatars.
They are all provided with initial verbal responses both for themselves and the avatars. Toward the end of the game, they have added many more words and phrases. The trio and their avatars each have different responsibilities to successfully complete each level of the game, earning points as they progress. Jaime is only one game away from winning.
The girls have mixed emotions about that. They want Jaime to win, but the loss of each other and more importantly the loss of their male avatars is painful.
They go for the win. They work together and Jaime shines and wins the final game. The screen shows her receiving the Starfighter crest from her co-pilot (Alex) and he asked her to become his life-long partner, both in their Starfighter and their personal lives. Of course Jaime accepts. The official pronounces that the bonding is recorded in the Hall of Records.
Jamie knows that she plans to play this game again and again, each time choosing to be a Starfighter pilot, and hopefully getting Alexius as her co-pilot.
She says goodnight to Mia and Lily and then cleans up her small living room and heads to bed.
Around three in the morning Jaime is awoken by loud knocking at her door. When she opens the door it is to see Alex standing there. He has to do some persuasive talking to get Jaime to agree to come with him.
Thus, begins a fast paced action-filled love story that will keep you up too late flipping pages until you reach the HEA.
Can't wait for the next book in the series! A well deserved FIVE STAR rating from me! Loved every minute of reading!
I purchased this book and received an ARC from Booksprout.
On to this new series:
Jaime Miller of Baltimore, Md. is an introvert. She works as a delivery person, dropping off packages all day long, rarely seeing anyone. When she gets home, she gets to let out her alter ego, a Starfighter pilot of a super fast and deadly space craft. Starfighter Training Academy is the hottest new multiplayer game on the world market.
In the online chat room she pairs up with two new friends. Lily from England and Mia from Germany. Together they spend many months going through the game's many levels and challenges. They each created avatars for themselves and one to join them, each picking out traits from a provided list and created their personal ideal man. The only thing they could not pick
out was the name of their dream man. Jaime's is called Alexius, or Alex of Valerion. He is everything she could dream of in a man: tall, dark, handsome, muscular, intelligent, Alpha, teasing or dominating on occasion. Mia created Kassius while Lily has her Darius. They are all more than a little in love with their avatars.
They are all provided with initial verbal responses both for themselves and the avatars. Toward the end of the game, they have added many more words and phrases. The trio and their avatars each have different responsibilities to successfully complete each level of the game, earning points as they progress. Jaime is only one game away from winning.
The girls have mixed emotions about that. They want Jaime to win, but the loss of each other and more importantly the loss of their male avatars is painful.
They go for the win. They work together and Jaime shines and wins the final game. The screen shows her receiving the Starfighter crest from her co-pilot (Alex) and he asked her to become his life-long partner, both in their Starfighter and their personal lives. Of course Jaime accepts. The official pronounces that the bonding is recorded in the Hall of Records.
Jamie knows that she plans to play this game again and again, each time choosing to be a Starfighter pilot, and hopefully getting Alexius as her co-pilot.
She says goodnight to Mia and Lily and then cleans up her small living room and heads to bed.
Around three in the morning Jaime is awoken by loud knocking at her door. When she opens the door it is to see Alex standing there. He has to do some persuasive talking to get Jaime to agree to come with him.
Thus, begins a fast paced action-filled love story that will keep you up too late flipping pages until you reach the HEA.
Can't wait for the next book in the series! A well deserved FIVE STAR rating from me! Loved every minute of reading!
I purchased this book and received an ARC from Booksprout.
October 12, 2024
This story stretched my imagination too far and I've got a pretty great imagination.
Jamie plays a video game with some online friends. She created her online companion, they go on missions together, and she beats the game. Then her online companion shows up at her place because he's actually a real person (alien) and the game she was playing was actually a training simulation. She's this alien world's best hope of beating back their ruthless enemy.
Are we being for real?
She's supposed to be able to fly and fight based on a game. And she excels at it.
BFFR.
Jamie plays a video game with some online friends. She created her online companion, they go on missions together, and she beats the game. Then her online companion shows up at her place because he's actually a real person (alien) and the game she was playing was actually a training simulation. She's this alien world's best hope of beating back their ruthless enemy.
Are we being for real?
She's supposed to be able to fly and fight based on a game. And she excels at it.
BFFR.
April 23, 2021
So this was seriously a happy surprise. I'm a sucker for science fiction fantasy stories and I'm a huge gamer. One of my favorite older movies is the Last Starfighter, a teenager who gets the highest score in an arcade game, which is actually a virtual representation of a real battle going on in space. Non the less he is recruited and becomes the last starfighter. I freaking loved this movie and concept, Grace Goodwin brings to life a similar story but the female side and I was immediately sucked into this fantastic world. This was my first book by Grace Goodwin and after reading this one, I purchased a ton of her other series and got just as hooked.
The First Starfighter follows Jamie who isn't living a life as a social butterfly. She would rather go home, put on her headset and dive into her favorite video game. She has no family, her job is not something she is thrilled for, she just goes day by day. Her only friends are two girls she has never met but they are also huge fans of Starfighter. The game has you battle an alien force while creating a custom avatar as your partner to fight the intergalactic enemy. She has been playing for months to win the game and it isn't easy, but when her chance comes to win she is both worried and excited. If she wins the game she loses all her setting and her beloved partner she created Alexius. But she has come this far and her team of friends are all trying to get closer to that win. But when Jamie does win, she is in for a big surprise.
Jamie is thrown into an intense and whirl winding situation, she learns the game is real and so is her partner. She has been chosen to help in a war between two alien races, the Velerion's and Queen Raya. She has a lot to take in all at once and she takes her new reality with force, she is fierce! I enjoyed reading her journey and even more so her connection with her Partner Alexius.
I don't want to say much more but this is the first book in the series. There is a ton of action, sexy steamy romance that is off the charts hot, a great beginning of world building of an alien world and I enjoyed every minute of it. I cant wait to see what happens next and what happens with Jamie's two friends Mia and Lily who also play the game.
The First Starfighter follows Jamie who isn't living a life as a social butterfly. She would rather go home, put on her headset and dive into her favorite video game. She has no family, her job is not something she is thrilled for, she just goes day by day. Her only friends are two girls she has never met but they are also huge fans of Starfighter. The game has you battle an alien force while creating a custom avatar as your partner to fight the intergalactic enemy. She has been playing for months to win the game and it isn't easy, but when her chance comes to win she is both worried and excited. If she wins the game she loses all her setting and her beloved partner she created Alexius. But she has come this far and her team of friends are all trying to get closer to that win. But when Jamie does win, she is in for a big surprise.
Jamie is thrown into an intense and whirl winding situation, she learns the game is real and so is her partner. She has been chosen to help in a war between two alien races, the Velerion's and Queen Raya. She has a lot to take in all at once and she takes her new reality with force, she is fierce! I enjoyed reading her journey and even more so her connection with her Partner Alexius.
I don't want to say much more but this is the first book in the series. There is a ton of action, sexy steamy romance that is off the charts hot, a great beginning of world building of an alien world and I enjoyed every minute of it. I cant wait to see what happens next and what happens with Jamie's two friends Mia and Lily who also play the game.
April 16, 2021
Alright now your talkin. I am a huge fan of the movie The Last Starfighters, so I had high hopes for a PNR theme book. Guess what? I really enjoyed it. I love that Jamie the girl is our gamer who is the first starfighter. Way to represent. Poor Jamie really isn't living her best life and her game and online friends is her only pleasure in life. Her alien companion on the game is her dream fantasy. But when Jamie shows up on her doorstep to tell her its all true and his planet needs her special skills she is freaked out. I love that this book had it all, great space action and sexy bedroom scenes. The chemistry between Jamie an Alex was hot! I am really excited to read the next chapter of this series and see if her earth online friends join her in space.
May 1, 2021
Remember that 1984 movie The Last Starfighter, where a teenaged boy played an arcade game (Wow! Arcade games!) and when he won, he was whisked off to outer space by lizard aliens to fight their big battle for them? Well, imagine that story updated to today’s online gaming world and turned into a romance between a human woman who’s almost won the game playing as a starfighter pilot and her alien co-pilot and weapons master, and you’ve got Grace Goodwin’s fantastic book.
This story is just pure fun, and part of what made it work for me is that it turned the insta-love trope so common in alien romance into something logical, as Alex and Jamie have spent hours and hours playing together in the game getting to know one another. When they finally connect in person, their interest in one another and their mutual attraction springs from something that made a great deal of sense to me.
I also loved that Jamie is the pilot and the one taking the lead when they are on their ship. Alex is a strong person but willingly yields to Jamie’s judgment and experience on their missions. Alex is a complex character with some job experiences that give him a unique perspective on the dangers facing his world. I loved some of the actions he took towards the end of The First Starfighter that were utterly unexpected.
So how can you beat the combination of action, drama, plot twists, and insta-love that really isn’t? You can’t. I read The First Starfighter in one gulp, utterly drawn in by the story and the characters. It’s as fun a ride as that 1980s movie—with the added advantage of romance between the protagonists thrown in!
This story is just pure fun, and part of what made it work for me is that it turned the insta-love trope so common in alien romance into something logical, as Alex and Jamie have spent hours and hours playing together in the game getting to know one another. When they finally connect in person, their interest in one another and their mutual attraction springs from something that made a great deal of sense to me.
I also loved that Jamie is the pilot and the one taking the lead when they are on their ship. Alex is a strong person but willingly yields to Jamie’s judgment and experience on their missions. Alex is a complex character with some job experiences that give him a unique perspective on the dangers facing his world. I loved some of the actions he took towards the end of The First Starfighter that were utterly unexpected.
So how can you beat the combination of action, drama, plot twists, and insta-love that really isn’t? You can’t. I read The First Starfighter in one gulp, utterly drawn in by the story and the characters. It’s as fun a ride as that 1980s movie—with the added advantage of romance between the protagonists thrown in!
April 23, 2021
A good start to a new Series, i found the storyline really good and of course it had a great HEA. But seen this is a honest review, i have to say that i found that the story in the wasn't all that engaging and it didn't all the time hold my attention. This is only my own personal opinion, and i love Graces books to pieces.
When Jamie wins a game, she finds herself paired with Alexius of Velerion, thinking that this was part of the game, she accepts his badge as the first Elite Starfighter. But soon finds its not a game when she comes face to face with her Avatar on the gaming screen.
What follows in this story is very interesting and intriguing to say the least.
I just loved Jamies character, she is one very smart cookie, as for Alexius well all i have to say is that these men of Velerion are handsome to say the least!!!
Enjoy!!
When Jamie wins a game, she finds herself paired with Alexius of Velerion, thinking that this was part of the game, she accepts his badge as the first Elite Starfighter. But soon finds its not a game when she comes face to face with her Avatar on the gaming screen.
What follows in this story is very interesting and intriguing to say the least.
I just loved Jamies character, she is one very smart cookie, as for Alexius well all i have to say is that these men of Velerion are handsome to say the least!!!
Enjoy!!
April 20, 2021
Time to level up
What a fantastic story! There is just enough reality that I was immediately enthralled in the outcome. The author really put me through the wringer with each new turn of the page, especially there at the end. I knew what was going on and yet my heart still skipped a beat. Jamie is the perfect gamer to become the first starfighter, she’s sassy and committed and not afraid to take risks. Alex is her perfect partner, he is dedicated and invested in her success, not to mention he is a gorgeous alpha male. I love the characters and can’t wait to see what happens with Jamie’s friends. They sound like they are every bit as sassy and gung ho as she is. Now it’s time for the real question, where can I get a copy of that game for myself?
What a fantastic story! There is just enough reality that I was immediately enthralled in the outcome. The author really put me through the wringer with each new turn of the page, especially there at the end. I knew what was going on and yet my heart still skipped a beat. Jamie is the perfect gamer to become the first starfighter, she’s sassy and committed and not afraid to take risks. Alex is her perfect partner, he is dedicated and invested in her success, not to mention he is a gorgeous alpha male. I love the characters and can’t wait to see what happens with Jamie’s friends. They sound like they are every bit as sassy and gung ho as she is. Now it’s time for the real question, where can I get a copy of that game for myself?
December 22, 2021
*audio listened on hoopla
July 26, 2023
I’ve been reading a lot of dark stories lately,so needed something a bit lighter and this book did the trick..it was a quick read and was quite good..it was a cute alien romance (I wish the aliens were more alien looking though)
September 22, 2021
Oh FFS. I haven’t rolled my eyes or skimmed/skipped that much of a book in ages. DNF at 33%. A plot might eventually show up, but I gave it a full third of the book and it was just all fluff and drivel so far. It was kinda cute while her and her friends were playing the game at the beginning, trying to beat it and reach the end, but then it belly flopped. As soon as the alien hottie arrives at her door to whisk her away, it becomes nonstop “she’s my mate and she’s so amazing and she’s gonna save us all cause she’s such an elite starfighter and wow is she hot and I can’t believe she’s mine and she means so much to me.” Meanwhile the girl is all, “OMG you’re real? And you’re an alien who wants to take me away to be a starfighter? Well, you are hot, so okay. Nevermind my friends here on earth, I’m a loner so my two friends won’t miss me and I don’t need to give notice at my job or worry about closing out of my apartment lease or anything like that. I’m sure it’ll be fine if I just disappear off the face of the planet overnight. And I’m going to just focus on how cool being a starfighter will be and I’ll ignore that I’m going into a WAR, a losing war at that! I could die, but oh well, he’s so hot.” 🙄 I can’t. I’m done. The INSTANT attraction, lust, romance, etc, was all too much for me and way to fake feeling.
Damn shame, cause an alien romance version of the old Last Starfighter movie sounded so cool.
Damn shame, cause an alien romance version of the old Last Starfighter movie sounded so cool.
April 13, 2021
Alright now your talkin. I am a huge fan of the movie The Last Starfighters, so I had high hopes for a PNR theme book. Guess what? I really enjoyed it. I love that Jamie the girl is our gamer who is the first starfighter. Way to represent. Poor Jamie really isn't living her best life and her game and online friends is her only pleasure in life. Her alien companion on the game is her dream fantasy. But when Jamie shows up on her doorstep to tell her its all true and his planet needs her special skills she is freaked out. I love that this book had it all, great space action and sexy bedroom scenes. The chemistry between Jamie an Alex was hot! I am really excited to read the next chapter of this series and see if her earth online friends join her in space.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
May 5, 2021
I think I might be biased because I don't like video games, especially the type of war-like battle scenarios featured here.
The premise is interesting but I didn't feel any steam between Alex and Jamie, it was mostly focused on combat and Alex trying to convince Jamie that this was real and not a video game.
One thing that irked me was that there didn't seem to be any differences between humans and Velerions. Queen Raya was a typical, one-dimensional "bad-guy".
The premise is interesting but I didn't feel any steam between Alex and Jamie, it was mostly focused on combat and Alex trying to convince Jamie that this was real and not a video game.
One thing that irked me was that there didn't seem to be any differences between humans and Velerions. Queen Raya was a typical, one-dimensional "bad-guy".
April 21, 2021
Ever since I read the first chapter of this book in a teaser email from the author, I have been counting the days until I could finally read the whole story. The waiting was excruciating, but the book was totally worth it!
Grace Goodwin is one of my favorite authors, and I automatically order her books as soon as they become available.
As much as I love the Interstellar Brides series by Grace Goodwin, this new series is just as amazing.
The strong and sassy female characters are treated with the kind of respect that all women should get to experience in their lives. The main female character, Jamie, may start the story as a shy, introverted nerd playing a cool new video game, but she experiences the kind of great personal growth that can only come from having a supportive partner, successful efforts and finding their true purpose in life. While the main male character, Alexius (Alex), does not experience as much personal growth, he is still a compelling part of the story. Both characters are complex and multi faceted and you can’t help but root for a happy ending for this couple.
With this new series, we are introduced to a whole new universe that is detailed and unique. The story is fast paced, full of humor, action, drama and fun sexy scenes. I just can’t say enough good things about this book.
Each book of this series is a standalone story, and will center on one couple and their contribution to the overall storyline. Be prepared to read this book in one sitting! You will get so caught up in the story that you won’t want to put it down until the end of the book - and you will be ready for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grace Goodwin is one of my favorite authors, and I automatically order her books as soon as they become available.
As much as I love the Interstellar Brides series by Grace Goodwin, this new series is just as amazing.
The strong and sassy female characters are treated with the kind of respect that all women should get to experience in their lives. The main female character, Jamie, may start the story as a shy, introverted nerd playing a cool new video game, but she experiences the kind of great personal growth that can only come from having a supportive partner, successful efforts and finding their true purpose in life. While the main male character, Alexius (Alex), does not experience as much personal growth, he is still a compelling part of the story. Both characters are complex and multi faceted and you can’t help but root for a happy ending for this couple.
With this new series, we are introduced to a whole new universe that is detailed and unique. The story is fast paced, full of humor, action, drama and fun sexy scenes. I just can’t say enough good things about this book.
Each book of this series is a standalone story, and will center on one couple and their contribution to the overall storyline. Be prepared to read this book in one sitting! You will get so caught up in the story that you won’t want to put it down until the end of the book - and you will be ready for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
Hot and Smart 👌😍
Grace Goodwin really knows how to write 🙌 The story flows effortlessly and her characters are relatable and entertaining through every page. And even though the premise of the story is pretty straightforward - human woman gets abducted by the gorgeous alien she has been dreaming about and asked to help save his homeworld from an evil invading alien queen - G.W. ads such a layer of skill and what to me appears to be incredibly realistic sounding technical jargon that this book rises to a new level of sci-fi romance.
Sure, it can get a little old (when you've read as many stories like these as I have) hearing about how incredibly gorgeous and perfect and loving the MFC is, but isn't that what we all want in our male protagonist anyway? I might have wished for a few alien differences to human males to make it more credible because how incredible is it to find an alien species that look, think, and act like us in every way but across the universe... 🙄 BUT then again, the players 'build' their own perfect fantasy characters in the game and it might have been difficult to get a match with the real deal if there were tentacles or horns involved 😄
But I absolutely recommend this series - AND this writer - to anyone looking for an easy, entertaining and sm$xy read with flawless and intelligent writing.
Grace Goodwin really knows how to write 🙌 The story flows effortlessly and her characters are relatable and entertaining through every page. And even though the premise of the story is pretty straightforward - human woman gets abducted by the gorgeous alien she has been dreaming about and asked to help save his homeworld from an evil invading alien queen - G.W. ads such a layer of skill and what to me appears to be incredibly realistic sounding technical jargon that this book rises to a new level of sci-fi romance.
Sure, it can get a little old (when you've read as many stories like these as I have) hearing about how incredibly gorgeous and perfect and loving the MFC is, but isn't that what we all want in our male protagonist anyway? I might have wished for a few alien differences to human males to make it more credible because how incredible is it to find an alien species that look, think, and act like us in every way but across the universe... 🙄 BUT then again, the players 'build' their own perfect fantasy characters in the game and it might have been difficult to get a match with the real deal if there were tentacles or horns involved 😄
But I absolutely recommend this series - AND this writer - to anyone looking for an easy, entertaining and sm$xy read with flawless and intelligent writing.
April 15, 2021
The concept of this novel is something I feel is super original for a fantasy series and it mixes something a lot of people know and love into a fantasy genre. The uniqueness of the plot had me.
I feel like the main character, Jamie, was really well developed. I also feel like the author made the character super personable and relatable to readers. Having the novel be in just one perspective would have made this novel amazing. But because this novel was written In dual points of view, I feel like there was a lack of character development of our hunky alien friend, Alex.
My personal opinion on dual points of view includes full character development of both characters. I feel like we should be able to jump into each characters head and enjoy the ride. Not fully developing the character and leaving him as a mysterious hunky alpha male leads to gaps in the story that could have been filled by a single perspective.
My overall view of this novel is that it was good. The beginning was pretty amazing and the plot kept me intrigued enough to enjoy the rest of the novel. If you’re looking for a hot and heavy romance read mixed into your fantasy this is your book. It’s a great first novel in the series.
I was given an ARC for review.
I feel like the main character, Jamie, was really well developed. I also feel like the author made the character super personable and relatable to readers. Having the novel be in just one perspective would have made this novel amazing. But because this novel was written In dual points of view, I feel like there was a lack of character development of our hunky alien friend, Alex.
My personal opinion on dual points of view includes full character development of both characters. I feel like we should be able to jump into each characters head and enjoy the ride. Not fully developing the character and leaving him as a mysterious hunky alpha male leads to gaps in the story that could have been filled by a single perspective.
My overall view of this novel is that it was good. The beginning was pretty amazing and the plot kept me intrigued enough to enjoy the rest of the novel. If you’re looking for a hot and heavy romance read mixed into your fantasy this is your book. It’s a great first novel in the series.
I was given an ARC for review.
April 23, 2021
Wow this book was so exciting right from the start and it got better and better with every page turned. Jamie Miller and her gaming friends Mia and Lily have bonded over and been playing the new sensation Starfighter training Academy game and get together on weekends to play, Jamie is in front of her friends by two missions and hopefully tonight Jamie can beat the game as the pilot with Mia as the tech and Lily in the robot body crushing everything in her path and together they are an amazing team but can Jamie beat the evil Queen Raya and her Dark fleet for good, as it turns out she can and does finally and at the end she is congratulated by her avatar Alexius (Alex)and asked to be his bondmate an except his crest with her friends cheering her on she does so because her is so hot and amazing and then a General welcomes her to the Starfighter fleet. Afterwards they call it a night some time later she is awoken but a loud knocking on her door and when she opens it Alex is standing there asking her to come save his world. I better stop now I’m giving away to much, just get this amazing book you won’t be disappointed one bit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2021
I have to say for my first experience in the sci-fi romance genre, I couldn't have picked a better book. LOVED the plot. My nerd heart devoured it. I also really loved Alex and Jamie. The whole concept of this book and their relationship just worked. And I think that's why I liked it.
The plot itself was a bit flat. We got lots of information but also just the bare minimum. But it was enough to immerse the reader in the world. Again, it worked. I'm used to deeply woven romances so this one is a step outside my comfort zone. And I discovered that there's a whole side of romance I've never considered and now I'm excited to explore it a bit. And that's all thanks to Jamie and Alex and their story.
Interesting plot, sweet/steamy romance, a bit of angst, FAST-paced, and to the point. I can definitely see myself continuing with this series. I'm too invested in the story to quit.
April 20, 2021
Wow!!! What a fantastic start to this new series. From the first time I read the teaser scene in the newsletter, I have been counting down until this book came out!!... and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. I freaking LOVED it!! I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one go.
It’s so good that it had my heart racing right along with the characters.
I wish I could read the next one right now.
I received this book as an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
It’s so good that it had my heart racing right along with the characters.
I wish I could read the next one right now.
I received this book as an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
April 24, 2021
I'm still relatively new to Grace Goodwin's books, but one thing I noticed right away is that the premise involving Jamie ending up on Velerian was a harder sell because what she thought was a game most certainly was not, and I don't blame her for being all sorts of confused and in disbelief when she learns the truth about the "game." I will say though that I thought recruiting new Starfighters was an interesting concept.
April 20, 2021
Jamie is really good at being a starfighter in her gaming platform. She doesn't realize it's real, until she meets Alexius in the flesh. Their chemistry is instantaneous. There is love, danger, mystery, suspense, & betrayal. This book is so good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2021
This was intense, suspenseful, action-packed and steamy. I was transported to a different world and found myself wishing I could be a Starfighter too. I loved that the premise is geared toward women. Jamie and Alex were paired perfectly together and their intense chemistry was palpable even in the face of danger. Now I’m on edge wanting the next book
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