True As Steel

Cyborg Redemption #4

by Regine Abel

His need to be with her defied logic.

Yesterday, Jarog Kaijo was a Major in the Cyborg Military Elite of Kirs. Today, he is condemned to a life sentence for rebellion. When a series of explosions rock the transport ship taking him to the prison colony, it’s a race for survival to any means of escape. In the process, he irrationally rescues an injured female he doesn’t even know. Her fierceness as their vessel collapses all around them catches his eye. But her loyalty, strength, and determination during their journey awaken in him feelings he hasn’t experienced in the six years since his transformation.

Stranded on a mercenary planet with a powerful, but emotionally closed-off Cyborg, Tamryn’s world is completely turned upside down. With both their faces branded as rebels and bounty hunters on their trail, she must silence her mistrust of Jarog and join forces with him to reach her contact on the planet—the mercenary cartel leader of Satos. Along the way, the tormented soul Tamryn discovers beneath the Cyborg’s controlled façade stirs her in an unexpected fashion.

When presented with a chance at redemption off-world with other Cyborgs, Jarog is torn by his growing feelings for Tamryn. How can he leave her behind when escalating violence in the region threatens the one woman who reawakened the man in the machine?

Genres: Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Adult, Aliens

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.

​Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.

Reviews

[Cheesecake]

Well DNF at 59%.
No particular reason. I've been under the weather for weeks and have no patience for books that don't capture my interest.
This one has all the ingredients to make a fun book, and yet I'm bored. The idea of finishing it sounds like a chore.
I don't connect with the MCs. They are fine and interesting sounding, but boring to read about.

Meh.

I think this author(s?) needs to push the envelope more. They play it too safe and that only works in short stories.

[Serena Buffaloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story !!

I thought that this was a wonderful story about acceptance, redemption, friendship and love .
Jarog is an Elite cyborg warrior, who finds himself unjustly branded a a rebel traitor and is sent to a prison that is beyond harsh. At least him and his fellow cyborgs will be able to handle the harsh conditions .
The human rebels, not so much.
Tamryn was also arrested and branded a traitor. Once on board the prison barge opportunities present themselves, and Tamryn and Jarog are thrust into impossible situations while fighting for their lives. And they find that they must learn to trust each other , and work together.
I enjoyed this story because I thought that the way they related to each other was funny, and natural. Even though they came from different backgrounds, they could still find a way to work together. I hope that the other books in this Cyborg Redemption series is as good !!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the of the book I liked both mcs. Story was good. I liked that they didnt jump in sack right away.

I only wish other books in the series were under KU. I have never heard of the other authors and wouldn't mind giving them a try. They have very little reviews and I have so many books on my tbr list I am hesitant to buy. I was also disappointed that none of the side characters from this book get their own stories.

[Celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid world building with more complex politics than usually visited in SFR. Interesting and unique battle elements with a sci-fi twist. Characters that like and respect each other and gradually fall to love. Some unforeseen twists and turns. I enjoyed this installment of this series.

[JML · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous cyborg romance💖💖💖💖

Everything about this book was excellent. World building is steady and weaves the story tightly together and Tamryn and Jarog are two fabulous lead characters. Tamryn, is only one of the many in her family fighting in the resistance. The emperor that she once swore allegiance to has become a maniacal despot bent on becoming a conqueror of worlds. She and many other members of her family have been secretly working against the emperor but in a dating raid were caught and sentence to prison. Jarog is a cyborg in the emperor's elite forces he was a loyalist even when there were times he questions his orders he never failed to carry them out. But many of his brethren joined the resistance and the emperor decided all cyborgs were guilty and needed to be punished. They too were sentenced to prison. This is where Tamryn and Jarog meet. The emperor had no intention of letting them get to the prison the ship start to explode in mid flight and it becomes a free food all to get to escape pods. Jarog sees Tamryn execute several military moves and is intrigue. Intrigued enough when she gets hit too pick her up and get into an escape pod with her. When they land the adventure begins. They have too find safety and allies before they are hunter down for their the huge bounties on their heads. As they fight for their lives they grow closer and their attraction flares into something solid, passionate and worth fighting for. They make each other stop and look at information and situations from differing perspectives, ultimately becoming one off best power couples I've read about in a long time. I highly recommend you give this book and this series a chance you won't be disappointed! Fantastic story!💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a good Cyborg romance and happily this was the kind of Cyborg romance I was looking for.

Jarog is part of an elite group of Cyborgs warriors fighting for the emperor of a galaxy. Unfortunately he was very evil. He rounded up all the Cyborgs because there was a division in their ranks and some were opposed to the way he ruled. He rounded up all of them and sent them on their way to a prison planet. But he had plans set in motion that they would never make it. Also on board was a large number of human rebels. While trying to escape the impending explosion of the space ship he noticed a young woman fighting for her life and although it was not logical, think Spock, something inside him decided to rescue her. In the pandemonium, their escape pod was damaged and of course and because of the mind link they shared, Jarog could sense most others in his “pod” didn’t make it.

Jarog and Tamryn, the young woman he rescued managed to make it to safety. Along the way Jarog started to develop feelings for Tamryn, something he hadn’t experienced since he volunteered to become a Cyborg and defend the emperor.

I quir enjoyed this book and it did a fine job quenching my Cyborg craving. There was adventure and romance. I liked the main characters and I’m glad I found it to read.

[Nancy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your romance with a side of action then this book is for you! Both Jarog, a cyborg, and Tamryn are branded Rebels by Emperor Shui and sentenced to a prison planet. During transport their ship is rigged to blow and Jarog rescues Tamryn in his escape pod. They land on a mercenary planet with a price on their heads. Can they find allies on a hostile world? Tamryn wants to reunite with family, but that task seems impossible. They definitely don't have time for relationships or love. But what if their arrangement could become more? If you love cyborg romance then pick this book up. It was non-stop action and quite the page-turner. I really enjoyed this one! 4 stars

**There are 3 other books in this series by authors Lolita Lopez, A.M. Griffin, and Michelle Howard!

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read! I understand that various authors will take up the mantle and continue to write about this world. What a great way to reach new readers! I always am drawn to a Regine Abel book. Most times I don't even read the summary because I know if Regine writes it, it will be exceptional. That being said, I thought this story was action packed and engaging. The romance was smoking hot too!😈 Readers that are new to Regine, give this one a try. I guarantee you will be downloading all her books. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jarnog is a cyborg and Tamryn is a human with a military background. The Emperor has become a tyrant and decided to brand the cyborgs and humans with letters on their faces so they will be hunted everywhere they go. The couple end up escaping in a pod and crashing on a planet. This is a story full of action, sex, steam and sci-fi adventure.

[Kellyythoralabatalla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Se me había olvidado poner que lo terminé. 🤭

No me pareció nada espectacular porque sigue la misma estructura de las historias de RA, se me pareció a la saga de Zion Warriors. Lo que no me gustó de aquí es que sentí que terminaron como pareja solamente por qué coincidieron y ya, como que los dos se conformaron con ellos mismos y ya.

Como para pasar el rato o tal vez no.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Regine's writing, and her creativity is outstanding. Whether she is describing a culture or a world or a race of aliens or a battle or relationships ... Regine Abel is one talented author. The chemistry and emotion between this human rebel and the cyborg loyalist was fantastic. These characters have depth, and they grew throughout the story. he action was just enough for balance and well described. Highly recommend! I read an ARC of this book and am happy to offer this honest review.

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling story in a unique shared world!
It’s all about choices. A unique look at an unemotional cyborg and how he relates to his new circumstances. I am delighted with Jarog and Tamryn as a couple - they are well matched. Tamryn is a powerful and talented woman with goals she’s determined to achieve. I think she ‘gets’ Jarog better than anyone. They bring out the best in each other. This is an action-filled, thrilling, non-standard romance. Romance comes in many forms. This one is a winner!

[Daphnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

What an enjoyable read! From rebellion, to cyborgs, to civil war - great story with great characters. If you're into sci-fi reads I highly recommend.

[Denisse Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como que es el 4°? 😅 Avisen hombre!

Ligero, fácil de leer y me gustó el desenlace.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading Jarog and Tamryn story. Even with all the difficulties this characters had to go in some situations it was worth it in their journey to find one another and find their happiness. I hope there is more to come of this world of cyborgs I so enjoy reading this new world this author has created and I’m so looking forward for more.

[Bebe Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Regine Abel and I love cyborgs, so this book was a real treat. I was worried when he left her to fend for herself in the wilderness after rescuing her with the pod. That was surprising, but it made sense. And obviously it turned out good in the end. But he just sorts through his options and makes the cold-blooded, logical choice because cyborg 🤷‍♀️

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the pragmatism of the lead characters, Jarog and Tamryn. They’re both warriors and focused on achieving particular goals.

I found the story full of action, moving with alacrity between elements. I enjoyed many of secondary characters and was intrigued by the world and overarching premise.

The story was dual POV, well written, and I was amused by how Jarog and Tamryn built a relationship without ever really discussing it. I also liked how they’d re-established themselves by the end and were creating a new life for themselves and others. The idea of found family was also immensely appealing and explored through the premise of cyborg neural links. I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Nere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regine Abel es difícil que me decepcione con sus libros. A la mejor no me gustan tanto, pero no tengo hasta ahora ninguno que deteste o sienta que perdí mi tiempo leyéndolo.
Es mi primera historia con cyborgs y debo de admitir que la disfruté bastante. Jarog y Tamryn se me hicieron personajes principales fuertes, aunque de ves en cuando Tamryn desaparecía de mi escenario, sintiéndola a veces como de relleno.
Pero fue una historia que me gusto mucho los temas que tocaba, también me agrado que fuera paulatina la cuestión de la relación.
Cuando Jarog ganó mi corazón fue cuando dijo:
 “I do not hide from the truth, and I do not lie”, porque que un hombre te diga eso y además realmente lo sienta es una cosa bella y enamora.
De mi frase favorita fue:
 “Woulda, coulda, shoulda is a fool’s litany, and you are no fool. Whatever happened in the past, whatever choices we made, good or bad, are irrelevant today. The only thing that matters is who we are now.”
Creo que esto es algo que todos deberíamos de entender. Lo que pasa en nuestro pasado no tiene que definir como vivimos nuestro futuro, es parte de quién somos y como llegamos a serlo, pero no quiere decir que no podemos cambiar.
Me gusto mucho, lo recomiendo ampliamente.
Proceda con precaución, a la mejor termina queriendo un Jarog… Yo sé que al menos yo quiero uno.

[Amber]

I'll probably come back later with a star rating, I've been in a weird reading mood and want to accurately rate.

The book has almost everything that I love in a scifi romance.
After fleeing an attempted assassination by their emperor due to a political uprising (they're on the right side of history; the emperor was terrible and started unnecessary wars), Tamryn and Jarog attempt to work together to find their way home. As they begin trusting each other, sparks fly.

Jarog is a cyborg and TBH he reminds me a bit of a Data from Star Trek but of course he's attractive. He's very blunt and apparently has a face that's devoid of emotion for most of the book.
Tamryn has military training and she utilizes it!
Jarog wants to protect her but also realizes she's very much capable of making her own choices and can hold her own in a fight.
If you like your romance where the characters are working together to defeat a common enemy, this may be up your alley. There's no angst among the couple however they are in the middle of a war and there are scenes that highlight that.

PS There's no 3rd act break up.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fugitive cyborg and a fugitive human wind up stranded on a mercenary planet during an interplanetary war. His best chance of survival is on his own. Hers is with him.
This can be read as a standalone. While there seems to be an overarching plot they’re following along, this holds completely on its own. And it was a great story! There’s rival gangs and secret powers and only small amounts of politics. It’s basically survival of the fittest, and Tamryn is ex military and able to kick butts. They have a very slow build friendship, and it just evolved so naturally as they began to trust and rely on each other. It’s not flowery prose and big speeches, their actions spoke for them and it was great to tag along. Skip the prologue on this one though. It adds nothing and turns you off the story.
The battle scenes were full of so much imagination and scope, and the resolution was a great set up for more in this world.

[Nessa]

DROPPED.
I'M SORRY YA'LL, THIS CYBORG REDEMPTION SERIES WASN'T A MASTERPIECE AT ALL. THIS IS MY FINAL ATTEMPT and I don't think I'd recommend this to anyone who wants an intensely romantic story that really delves deep into relationship and world building.

THERE WAS NONE.

It was so insta-lust, I don't even count it as love.

Everything was so superficial, I can't believe this came from Regine Abel, and I'm super disappointed by how this read like every run of the mill romance that is trying to make an extra buck. It's an insult to cyborg romance that counts.

Just no. Feelings are important to me, and would have forgiven the lack of a story or romantic development had the smut been good. Unfortunately, even a heartless erotica tops this series.

[Christy Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid

A fun introduction to this universe (if there were other books in the same universe, I missed them). I liked the action and politics far more than the two main characters.

The author's writing was precise but lacked some necessary element to make them come alive. The /h and /H were practically interchangeable in voice. Part of the problem was the author's style of writing. The language usage didn't fit the setting; overuse of the word "however" became tiresome quickly. The author need stop loosen their grip on the thesaurus.

Otherwise a decent read, just not a great one. I'll be purchasing the 2nd book to see where the next author takes us in this universe

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci-fi cyborg romance. The story really goes in-depth with the characters. Our heros are both brave and have a sense of justice. All cyborgs have been deemed rebels. A large amount of humans have also been deemed rebels. Branded and forced from their world. But that is just the beginning of the story. The story is filled with action and adventure. Death and betrayal are faced by many. Finding if those they love are still alive or not. And then finding new allies and new people to care for.

[sharon e hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sketchy escape for the Cyborgs

I was not sure where this one was going. I did really like Tamryn. Jarog was very good at first. But he did great in the end. Haelin was a worry at first. Then she
Won me over with her concern for her people and Grellik's people. The plan to take over a city and establish a Rebel base was great! Jarog is a fair and considerate military leader. I was so happy for Jarog and Tamryn.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

I love a good cyborg romance and this was not only thrilling but steamy as well. The world building was intriguing as were the characters. I look forward to reading more about the Cyborgs on Xyva and hope that the damaged Cailan is found as well as Tamryn’s missing brother.

[Leyns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.

I liked the characters, and the storyline was pretty good. The romance was okay. I wasn’t sure how much the hero really cared for the heroine since it was explained that all cyborg emotions are muted.

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

True as Steel

What a horrific beginning the main characters had. Having Jarog break years of conditioning to realize that the brutal Emperor Shui is a nasty dictator is wonderful. Then Jarog's almost inadvertent saving of Tamryn is foreshadowing.

[Livey · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I enjoyed reading about these two wounded warriors escaping tyranny and betrayal while strengthening their commitment to the rebel cause. Liked the slow burn romance too; not a bad cyborg tale.

[Beatriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho el desarrollo de la historia y el estilo de la autora; hace tiempo quería leer algo de ella pero no me decidía por ninguna de sus series.
La trama subyacente de la serie también es muy atractiva.
Las sólo tres estrellas son porque soy muuuuuy exigente.

[LuDena · Rating 5 out of 5]

True

Very good start to this new collaborative series . I always know anything written by mis Regime Abel is going to to be good. I look forward to reading the next book