Snowburn

by E.J. Frost

Unleash the monster. Save the girl.

Hale Hauser is a Company killer. Perfectly engineered, highly trained, superbly effective. He has everything, and nothing.

Kezra Kerryon is a runner on the backwater colony of Kuseros. She'll get anything from A to B, for a price.

When Kez hires Hale to help her retrieve a black-market package, Hale is plunged into the maze of strange loyalties and twisted customs of Kuseros’ underground gangs. In payment, he takes the one thing only a woman can give him, and finds the one thing he's missing.

But Kez has a secret, which will threaten them both. To protect her, Hale must unleash the monster. Can he control the killer inside long enough to discover the truth before it destroys them? Or will he lose everything just as he’s found it?

Publisher's Note: this book contains references to subjects that readers may find triggering, including genetic modification and past physical abuse. The book also contains elements of power exchange. Please do not buy this book if such subjects offend you.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Space, Fantasy

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

I’m EJ and I’m on a mission to set your imagination (and other things) on fire.

Let’s face it, reality is … not great right now. In my stories, love conquers all, my heroes always save the day, and consent is super-sexy. My characters aren’t just names on the page. They’re the friends you wish you had, the lovers you dream about, and the villains you love to hate.

I’m a literary chameleon. One day I’m crafting suspenseful mysteries that will keep you turning pages all night. The next, I’m whisking you away to otherworldly realms where magic is real and every girl gets her dragon. No matter where the story takes us, a happy ending, and a healthy dose of steam, is always guaranteed.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re my kind of reader. Want an all-access pass to my chaotic worlds? Join me on Patreon. You’ll get exclusive stories, character deep-dives, monthly lives with me, and maybe, just maybe a say in whose story gets written next!

Life’s too short to read boring books. Let’s make it steamy, shall we?








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I'm also a rabid reader. I love books by Candace Blevins, Cherise Sinclair, Renee Rose, Maren Smith, Raisa Greywood, Sorcha Black, Sophie Kisker, L.V. Lane, Nicolina Martin, Alison Aimes, T. L. Hodel, Sam Mariano, C.M. Stunich, Siobhan Davies, J. Bree, Sophie Lark, etc. Think I'll love a book you've just read? Recommend it to me! I'm always looking for my next 5 star read.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite the surprise I really enjoyed it. It’s the first thing I’ve read by this author and what I especially liked was the attention to detail. I’d describe this as a sci-fi futuristic action romance. It’s heavy on the sci-fi and action but was also equally satisfying on the romance front. It struck just the right balance between the two and the intimate scenes here were scorching in their intensity. These two had so much chemistry it literally projected off the page and the sex had such a gritty raw realistic feel to it that seemed so incredibly authenticate in its realism. I also adored the dynamic between Snow and his kitten and their interactions together were a mixed bag of incredibly sweet to pure carnal lust it swung that drastically it also had some elements of power exchange and it was all so very satisfying.

There was also a lot of action in this Snow is a highly trained ghost who is living his life under the radar and using an assumed name. His old persona is dead and buried and considering his background he intends to keep it that way. Whilst Kez is a black market runner known for her abilities to deliver the package. When she enlists Snow's aid as a pilot for a job he is instantly intrigued by her and when it also emerges that Kez has in fact been watching him without his knowledge he’s initially flattered by her obsessive interest.

But being in Kez’s world puts Snow firmly back under scrutiny a fact that he’s surprisingly unbothered by and as the danger surrounding them thickens Snow is determined to keep the girl who has become his one in a million safe at all costs even if that means he must sacrifice himself.

I liked how strong a female Kez was she was so capable in her abilities but also so vulnerable emotionally and Snow recognised this and matched his actions accordingly. He proved by action and word that she had nothing to worry about that they were totally solid recognising her insecurities. I liked how protective he was whilst still also respecting her abilities and not trying to cage her in any way. There were also no dramatics and stupid drama these two were adults and acted accordingly.

This was very engaging and felt so fresh it had a fast-paced edge of your seat appeal it’s all written from Snow's POV which I found incredibly refreshing and also unusual but I adored getting a totally male perspective for a change and being inside Snow's head was enlightening, to say the least. His thought process was fascinating to me.

This was very well written and i definitely recommend reading even if Sci-fi is not your usual genre. I rated this a four mainly because of some particular inner musings by Snow regarding Kez's sister that I just wasn’t on board with I thought it wasn’t needed and added little to the story and it was also a bit bizarre and also the heavy sci-fi vibe as there were times I did get a bit confused by all of the technology and explanations given but there was still enough of the romance here to satisfy me and man these two manage to dial up that heat and together they really were bloody dynamite.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390

[Olivia Boothe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Snowburn from beginning to end. It was fascinating on many different levels. First, most romances I’ve read have been from the female point of view. This was told strictly from Hale’s point of view, and what was most interesting was that while some authors might struggle writing first person from the opposite sex, Ms. Frost expertly teased out Hale’s personality and flawlessly brought forth his voice.

The writing was edgy and dark. This is not your typical roses and champagne type of romance. Nope. This was gritty and dirty, extremely sexy and scorching hot. While romance was at the core, there was so much story, you could easily forget you were reading a romance novel. The book is replete with expansive world building, tons of awesome geeky talk, and loads of interesting characters.

A must read for lovers of Romance and Science Fiction.

[Laurie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the rich, gritty realism of the world-building and the strong characters in this Science Fiction Romance from a very talented new-to-me author. I'm a huge fan of the new breed of romance told entirely from the male POV so this only added to my enjoyment of the story.

Though Snow/Hale is a bit more alpha-dominant than I generally prefer in a male protagonist, he made a compelling and competent hero in this dark future. When the younger but very worldly Kez ferrets him out as a pilot, they form a strong partnership both in and out of bed. And though Kez has a softer side and lacks Snow's killer instincts, she can more than hold her own in a fight.

The plot is full of twists, turns, blind alleys and eerie undergrounds populated by colorful and memorable characters, all overlorded by a powerfully potent villain. I'd recommend Snowburn for any fan of Bladerunner style SFR.

[Brandi Horvath · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I'm giving this a 4 is strictly because space stories aren't really my thing. I figured I'd step out of my box for a reading challenge & I've read a few of EJs other books & figured why not? She writes great stories & main characters I want to be friends with. EJ has got a knack for writing strong females & male characters that are not only strong, possessive, alpha types but super soft, stern & sweet to their females which I find incredibly sexy. This book started off with a bang! Literally! Instant connection. In this book EJ painted quite the picture of an interesting world, it's inhabitants, added a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat & sprinkled in a little kink. Kez & Snow worked hard for a HEA & they definitely deserve it after this book but it seems like their journey has just begun. Great read!

[E.J. Frost]

Thank you to all the readers who embraced this futuristic romance with a kinky edge!

***** "I didn't expect to like it as much as I do, because I'm not generally a fan of this type of world/sci-fi inspired setting, but the details were rich and lush and felt so genuine and relatable that I couldn't help but get sucked in. Definitely recommend it! What a fresh perspective :D" -- Goodreads reviewer

***** "This is not your typical roses and champagne type of romance. Nope. This was gritty and dirty, extremely sexy and scorching hot." -- Readerglitz

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great Paranormal Romance

I really love this writer's works and this particular book is no exception. This story is Sci-Fi romance and it is very well written and very steamy right from the first couple of pages. EJ Frost grabs you right at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. I loved how the author uses certain bits in the story like "little monster" which I thought was cool and the rabbits which I thought were cute. All in a very romantic story with a lot of action set on another Planet, and it is great story. If you like a Sci-Romance you are sure to love this story like I did.

[Tammy K. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is for those who enjoy the classic science fantasy with the 'older, former military, misogynistic man' pairing up with a 'twenty something, blonde damsel in distress' throw in a background of alien life, space traveling, adventures , with a splash of BDSM.
Needless to say, this one was not my idea of a good Science Fiction Fantasy.
I have long since outgrown this style.

[Morwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the moment Hale stated his rules, and from that point on, I was completely engrossed by this book.

The characters are fully developed, strong and likable. Yes, they have issues, and hangups, and sometimes downright flaws, but that's exactly what made me care about them. The world they live in is just as well drawn, with enough background to keep me from being lost, and at the same time not overwhelming me with details. I like having to imagine bits, and there's just enough left to the imagination to satisfy me.

The story itself is full of action, both in and out of bed, and both are just as delicious. The plot was never quite predictable, and I was on the edge of me seat right until the end. To my great delight, the ending actually had a twist I hadn't anticipated, making this book an utter delight to read.

If you like your science hard, your romance harder, and your attention fully engaged by a wild, seat of the pants ride, this is the book for you. My recommendation is to RUN to buy this book. It's a tremendously outstanding read.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Snowburn" by E.J. Frost is an exciting sci-fi adventure with a splash of steamy romance. I'm very picky about the sci-fi I like but this one was a winner for me. I was even able to imagine it as a movie in my head. I enjoyed Kez, a strong female character and Snow aka Hale, a strong ex military/ex con, pilot. Kez is constantly cleaning up her brothers messes at the cost of her relationships and sometimes at almost the loss of her life. When she hires Snow to pilot for her on a run as a payment for Tyng a mob type boss over the area, but what know was she had designs on him for more than a pilot. As the story moves forward it becomes more complicated than a simple run and they become inseparable. The places are colorful and fully developed as well as most of the characters, and I stepped away feeling like I knew them.

[Siobhan Royle keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I loved this book I loved hale I mean he’s BALD and older ( my kinda man ) he’s a killer an ex Government killer after being convicted and escaping a prison he goes into hiding after taking on a space cargo pilot identy for himself, he gets involved with a runner called Kez who I absolutely love she’s spunky and fearless, her and hale hit it off and it’s an intense and hot relationship , but kez has a few secrets which could kill them .

But hale ain’t giving up without a fight because he’s the biggest baddest monster there is.

[Patty Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I was put off a bit at first because rather than focusing on world building (yeah, I'm that meticulous b**ch that needs her hand held and likes everything spelt out first), she focuses on the relationships, just like a story set in real life. And just like all of her characters, they're magnificent but even more magnificent together. Snow and Kez...I love them and they're chemistry. I enjoyed the story arc. The book is the total package and now I'm excited because I have a new series to binge.

[E. Leta Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY enjoyable read

I started reading this author’s with her Daddy PI series and enjoyed them immensely. This book is entirely different but equally enjoyable. Science Fiction instead of Mystery but she creates strong characters, a wonderful story line, action, and lots of twists and turns. I recommend any of her books you can get your hands on.

[Marie Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book

I enjoyed this book a lot!! My first by the author
Hale and Kez make a great couple!! I love how protective they are of each other. The writing is so creative and we learn so much about the main characters.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars! Other than the violent descriptions that made me queasy, it was such a good book. My favorite part was Kez and Snow's fireball dance - it was so sensual that I wish I could actually see it. My favorite quote is from Acker: "A man may be measured by how he cares for his women, I have found."

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the second book called Throwing Fire coming,EJ shared Snowburn in her newsletter.
And since i’ve been searching high and low to find it,i immediately jumped at the chance.
It’s written in Snow/Hale’s perspective only,and it made me enjoy the story even more than i thought.
Because he clearly notices a lot…..and he’s rarey wrong in his assessments.
Through his eyes,i saw the kind of girl Kez is,and i love her just as much as Snow does.
She’s tough,resilient and loyal with a naughty,kinky,side that makes her the perfect fit for Snow.
The women he’d been with in the past may have wanted him,but they also feared him.
They needed his strenght,his ruthlessness,but at the same time they feared that dark side of him..
When he shares his doubts about why she wants to be with him,she’s quick to set him straight.
And she shows it,in everything she does,in every word she says.
Working together only deepens their brand spanking new bond,and they need it!
Because the jobs Kez is forced to do because of her spoilt little brother Ape are dangerous….
But her loyalty towards said brother doesn’t give her any other options.
When piecing together the information,Kez and Snow know who’s behind it,and why.
Now “all” they have to do,is survive long enough to take that person away,making sure the family is safe…..

I loved every second of Snowburn…the humor,the action,the love and the kinky bits.
The rabbits were hilarious,and i could see why they were treasured.
I am só looking forward to seeing everyone again in Throwing Fire!!

[Harmony Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowburn is an erotic sci-fi with a little BDSM thrown in. Hale Hauser is ex-military and in hiding, using the pseudonym Sandringham Snow. He is approached by Kez, a runner, who had been watching him for some time. She needs his skills, and isn't averse to offering sex as a means to getting what she wants. A relationship soon develops, as do the perils and the action.

The world-building is lacking in the beginning, but it soon picks up. I like that loads of new stuff wasn't expounded upon right off the bat, but that the author got right into the action. A further proofread would improve the book, but on the whole it isn't bad. Some parts felt unrealistic, such as when we have just been told at length how toxic the water is and that the characters need to keep it off their skin, then in the very next paragraph a bit of splashing for fun is engaged in. Mmmm. Also, the reason that the skimmer couldn't be used to hitchhike on the whole journey to the Cloudlands is on the ambiguous side, and didn't make much sense to me. Other than that, the plot was cohesive and fast paced. The characters are well developed ... enough for me to get real annoyed with some of the quirks of the main character, Snow. It takes skill to make a character real enough to evoke responses in the reader, for good or bad.

Some of the sex scenes felt repetitive and redundant in the latter half of the book, and I felt the amount of description and space dedicated to them detracted from the plot and didn't advance the story.

This is a long book, but for the most part held my attention. It doesn't fall into either classic sci-fi or outright erotica ... I would say it's somewhere in between. I offer 3.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to a soft 4 for rating on sites such as Goodreads and Amazon.

[Mistral Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hale Hauser (aka. Sandringham Snow), a freelance pilot and smuggler, and Kez, a runner who never ditches a job, no matter how hard or messy it gets, are two people who have been beat up by life. Experience has taught them both that other people can't be trusted, and the only way to survive is to look out for number one. But emotions don't always listen to reason and logic, and it doesn't take long for these two to figure out that neither one of them wants to be alone anymore. But the rest of the universe doesn't become a kinder, gentler place just because a couple of lonely nobodies find love. And the question they both end up having to answer is how much is each of them willing to sacrifice to keep the other?

I really liked this book. It's reminiscent of the Riddick movies, with a dark, gritty world and hard-bitten, cynical characters. The world-building is rich and detailed to the point where I was pretty sure I could smell the spicy, fried seaweed that is such a favorite of the main characters and feel the soft fur of Kez's bunnies. Snow is a great misunderstood bad boy who's really a good guy with a hard exterior. Kez is an interesting character with enough backstory and history to make her seem real. Both main characters are secretive, so it takes a while to get to know them, but the journey is worth it and the plot moves forward steadily throughout the book. This isn't a fast read, characters this complex take time to develop and there are a few twists and turns in the plot that need to be explored, but it is a fun read and well worth the time. Five stars, and I really hope there will be a book two! :-)

[Merel Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, when I started this book I didn't realize the entire thing was written from the perspective of the H, but once I got a few chapters in and realized it wasn't going to switch over to the h perspective, I got excited. Why, you ask? Well, because I feel like the male perspective in romance is severely undersold.

Now, this isn't exclusively a romance. It stands solid on it's own as an action/adventure type sci-fi story, with plenty of suspense and drama to keep you interested through the entire book. But the romance that blossoms from the unexpected connections these characters have and the trials they are forced to endure develops a life of it's own that compliments the story so beautifully. This isn't a sweet story, don't get me wrong. There are moments of respite and humor scattered throughout that let you catch your breath and recoup from the events that are happening...

But as our H becomes more deeply immersed and invested in the life of our h, we discover not only how ardently he admires her strength and loyalty to her family, but how much he has come to her and would stop at nothing to protect her.

The voices of these characters stay consistent through the entirety of the story, and they are so, so easy to get invested in! I didn't expect to like it as much as I do, because I'm not generally a fan of this type of world/sci-fi inspired setting, but the details were rich and lush and felt so genuine and relatable that I couldn't help but get sucked in. Definitely recommend it! What a fresh perspective :D

[Valine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the mesh of romance and scifi that this book had to offer. The grittiness of this reminded me of the "quantum gravity" series by Justina Robson (which I really liked) except this book has more romantic scenes. I enjoyed the futuristic space world with strange creatures and names for things like glaz and negcells, but was a bit lost at times on what things really were. A glossary would have been nice. Also, while I loved Snow's tough-guy personality, I found some of the PDA things he did a bit out of character. He had this teenager like puppy love at times which didn't seem to fit his ex military/super weapon background. I will say there are graphic sex scenes in this book which did seem to align with more of who he was. Overall, I thought the plot was good and was nervous it would end in a total cliff hanger when I was 4 pages from the end and the biggest problem had yet to be resolved, but the author doesn't leave you screaming and throwing the book across the room. However enough is left unresolved that you want to read the next one in the series. well played Frost. The first book was free on Amazon but I will probably be buying the second.

[Leigh Hall]

Okay, let me start by saying I love sci-fi, but I just never make the time for it anymore. Diving into a completely fictional world is a huge investment, and sometimes, my mind isn't focused enough to take on that task. I'll admit that I struggled with getting into this one at first. However, I'm glad I didn't give up. Frost is very descriptive in painting her futuristic space adventure.
It started with a bang!
It's dystopian meets outer space, a dark and terrifying world, with questionable untrusting characters. The world-building is meticulously detailed, the picture Frost paints is vivid. Snow is a misunderstood bad boy in hiding of sorts. He and Kez hit it off right away; the chemistry is thick! Both main characters are hesitant to open up as they should be. It takes a little while to get to know them, but the adventure they take you on is worth it, and the story moves pretty steadily throughout the entire book. This book is an investment as you will need to pay attention or risk getting lost amongst the chaos. There are a few twists and turns; I can't say more without giving everything away; you just need to read it!🤓

[Rachael Hyndman · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**

Even though I am a fan of sci-fi movies, I've never really read many books in the genre. This book was such a pleasant surprise! I love books that have alpha male characters and Hale definitely qualifies. He is trying to hide from the authorities because of his past. He does this by maintaining a low profile, never keeping to any kind of regular routine, and by paying for everything in hard credits. Imagine his surprise when he has caught the attention of Kez, a female runner. She wants Hale's help with a critical run she has planned. Both main characters have more going on than what's immediately apparent. They find that they have a lot in common and are now in a race against time and against all odds to save themselves and their families from a life not worth living.

The world that E.J Frost has created has amazing creatures and technology that is drool-worthy for any tech geeks out there. This is an amazing adventure and I would recommend it without any reservations.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my usual type of book...I don't read much science fiction or urban fantasy. Having said that, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it!
Hale is an older escaped convict/pilot living under the radar, trying to avoid being sent back to prison. Kez is the younger smuggler/runner who needs to hire his services. There's an immediate attraction between the two, and they both have secrets they're keeping. I loved some of the details and world building that went into this...for example, I loved her bunnies! I want a dog sized bunny rabbit! She was very descriptive, and I could see the world she was describing in my mind. This would make an awesome film, actually!
If you like sci-fi/urban fantasy, I'd highly recommend this book. Even if you're not a fan, she might surprise you just like she did me, and you'll find yourself with a new genre to explore!

[Deegee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first for me, leaving a review for pretty much anything but I had to for this book. I've read it several times now and while some books don't really stand up to multiple rereadings, this one certainly does.

I'm a huge fan of the first person pov and I loved being able to get into the lead character's mind so intimately. But it wasn't just the lead character whose *voice* I liked. There are several characters I loved that I won't mention in case of spoilers. And that's not even getting into the world itself!

I could go on and on but I think I'll just say I loved this book and can't wait for the sequel.

[Neige Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Fast-Paced

Snowburn was a fascinating read; realistic characters in otherworldly settings that illustrate the basic human elements we all hold dear. Family, loyalty and falling in love are central themes throughout this action packed thriller. I especially enjoy Frost's depiction of human goodness in spite of situations that compel us to behave badly. Snowburn was entertaining and a joy to read. I look forward to reading more of Kez's and Hale's escapades and will recommend Snowburn to friends and family. Good luck, Hale and Kez!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I don't usually read futuristic sci do books but I was interested in finding out about this story. Hale and Kez are an interesting pair who know how to survive in this volatile world. I did not understand some of the terminology but the writing was excellent. I loved how the author wove the dynamics of characters and complexities of this difficult world to allow love for two orphans.

[Dove King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic steamy scifi adventure!

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great story building, unbelievable imagination! Both main characters perfect, not over-done as is often the case. I was so impressed and enthralled while reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you for writing this!

[Chalice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The couple: Snow (Hale) and Kez (Kezra)

Romance trope: sci-fi
Series: The Deep Frontier Cycle
Length: 328 pages

Plot: While out on business, Hale is accosted by a little sprite of a woman, Kez. She says she needs him to help her complete a run, and while that's the truth, she's also been watching him for a while. What can she say - bald is what does it for her. As they complete the different tasks within Kez's mission, the two misfits become closer until it seems impossible to go back to a time before they were separate.

Commentary: I like sci-fi, but often, sci-fi romance doesn't hit as hard for me. But I adored this one. It took a minute for me to understand what was going on, but once I caught up on the lingo and setting, it was really down to the development of the relationship. They were both simply interesting people who at heart wanted someone of their own. Hale has been alone for a while, with no real longterm relationships that weren't born of a need from the other person, and Kez is a caretaker who feels the need to provide for all those around her. Kez in particular can't see how valuable and valued she is beyond finances. It seems she's always getting other people out of trouble at risk to her own life, with very little respect or appreciation given back (her brother, her best friend), but there are plenty of people who are in awe of her and just want to spend time with her. Hale is great for her because he does adore her and is determined to show her how special she is. He lets her take the lead more often than not because he respects her skills and isn't averse to helping her gain more (the flight lessons). But at the same time, he doesn't let her get away with anything. And he can be a little snippy sometimes - obviously, she'll need to brush her teeth five or six times a day!! But while at first, I was mad at him for even noticing her sister, he did a good job of defending her to someone who should have been on her side. And she made a point of pulling out more of his humanity. They were such a good fit for each other and I can't wait to read more about them.

Next book in the series: Throwing Fire

[Ingrid Polz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's another great Frost book. I gave it 4 instead of 5 because I felt thrown into this violent world without preparation. Is there a prequel I missed, an introduction to the myriad of characters piece by piece? It feels like a crazy quilt with thousands of colorful pieces assaulting me at once.

If you are prepared to jump in with both feet, this fantasy novel is your world. It is well written like the other Frost novels I have read so far. The two main characters are lovable, loyal, skilled, strong. Their planet in a galaxy far, far away isn't a place you'd want to live with our human unenhanced bodies. Enjoy it anyway! It's only in your mind, actually Frost's overachieving fertile mind.