This book was unique, well written, and reminded me of exactly why I love the works of Karpov Kinrade.
The book world is saturated with dark, enemies to lovers stories at the moment, and while I don't want to yuck someone else's yum, I'm happy to say, this one stepped away from that circle of conformity. It does have the enemies to lovers trope in its description, but I don't see it, and I'm not mad at that; I actually greatly enjoyed the break from the turmoil of constant miscommunication and misunderstandings, ignorance and foolishness, cruelty and irredeemable behaviors. It was refreshing. Zae was Marek's reason rather than his excuse.
That's not to say there wasn't resistance and preconceived notions in the beginning, but we were given intelligent main characters with a genuine connection that proved true love will find a way, and nothing can stop it. Not themselves, not a silly algorithm, or even the harsh conditions of space and a foreign planet.
Karpov Kinrade's writing consistently has a goal across all their books, and that is to inspire hope and love, and The Lottery does exactly that. What sets them apart is how poetic their romances are. There is plenty of delicious teasing and steam between Azalea and Marek (and can I just say, I fricken love the way he says her full name instead of her nickname? So hot); naughty morsels of heated glances, heavy petting, pressed hips, and tangling tongues, but when they finally come together it's more than just smut; it's breath-stealing passion and a deep, undeniable, soulful connection that takes the spice to a whole other level for me. THAT is why I read romance. Yeah, sex is great (and there is plenty of it in The Lottery) but have you ever been in love? Nothing compares.
And I do love me some smut. But anyway, I digress.
This story encompasses many messages: strength, hope, the grips of uncertainty, the realities of human nature, the importance of diversity, and so much more. I also loved the science theme and that the authors took the time to do research, giving us a semi realistic take on what we all might be facing for our futures. It makes the "fi" part in sci-fi end with a question mark rather than a period for this book. I cannot wait to see where this series goes, and enjoyed the non-cliffhanger ending, leaving this world open for more.