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Eric, With Hope #1
EMP Services
A job offer to install a server farm starts with Eric being kidnapped. By a beautiful alien, that looks just like us humans. It’s a 2005 DHS server farm.
Hope is the beautiful alien, and a Galactic Commonwealth Intelligence Service (GCIS) Major, with an authorized mission as a GCIS plant in the U.S. State Department as a lawyer.
Hope’s reason for an assignment on Earth: she has a personal mission to put a myth to rest. Billions of golden reasons. And two people. Or maybe three.
Teaching the GCIS Major that small-town folks aren’t primitive Neanderthals is just a side benefit.
Hope is the beautiful alien, and a Galactic Commonwealth Intelligence Service (GCIS) Major, with an authorized mission as a GCIS plant in the U.S. State Department as a lawyer.
Hope’s reason for an assignment on Earth: she has a personal mission to put a myth to rest. Billions of golden reasons. And two people. Or maybe three.
Teaching the GCIS Major that small-town folks aren’t primitive Neanderthals is just a side benefit.
- GenresScience Fiction
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2022
About the author
Jon Nicholson
5 books3 followersAfter 20+ years in various management functions supporting the Army at the National Training Center in southern California, I decided to try my hand at writing light humor science fiction. Being an avid reader, the creative process of being the creator has been an experience of determination and learning. All during a time of family transitions. My background includes bass player, songwriter, building design, interior design, drafting, landscape design, guitar design, data management, website developer, and even tow truck driver. Once upon a time, I managed to rebuild the engine of my old Mazda B2000 truck. I do enjoy the challenge of learning to be creative.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 22, 2022
I am tempted to call Jon Nicholson’s EMP Services fan fiction. Nicholson says in a note that he has “written permission” to “leverage the environments and phrasings” of Jerry Boyd’s Bob and Nikki series. In Boyd’s series, an alien, who is for all practical purposes a human woman with a working libido, engages a mechanic named Bob to help her repair her flying saucer. In Emp Services, an alien, who is for all practical purposes a human woman with an active libido, engages Eric to repair a server farm. Eric and Bob both have geriatric friends and relatives who need treatment by alien autodocs, and they both have friends with handy military skills. Human alien romance ensues and both couples have cute pet names for one another. Both get help by freeing robot AIs. Nicholson tries to imitate Boyd’s fast-moving, breezy style, but he does not get it quite right. Boyd embeds the narrative in slangy dialogue that manages somehow to carry the plot along and take care of needed exposition. Nicholson’s dialogue is awkward, and it lacks needed transitions. I may read more Bob and Nikki, but I will give Eric and Hope a pass. 2 stars.
June 10, 2022
Great start in the Bob And Nikki universe
I really enjoyed this book. I am going to re-read it right away. There was a TON of information packed in a very tight space. Add in the fact that like the BSR books, there are no chapters, it can get a bit overwhelming. Looking forward to the next, this is a good core of folks to work from. Thanks Jon for expanding the BSR ‘verse!!!
I really enjoyed this book. I am going to re-read it right away. There was a TON of information packed in a very tight space. Add in the fact that like the BSR books, there are no chapters, it can get a bit overwhelming. Looking forward to the next, this is a good core of folks to work from. Thanks Jon for expanding the BSR ‘verse!!!
July 2, 2022
Mostly Incomprehensible
Trying to summarize this book is trying to choose between “pointless rambling” and “disconnected narrative.” The author admits in his notes before the book beginning that his style is personal and very much his own choice. Unfortunately, the author’s preference makes a very negative impact on the quality of this “book.” This is so bad that I question whether a team of good editors could fix it.
Do yourself a favor and leave this book on the shelf. Reread something you enjoyed instead. There is nothing here.
Trying to summarize this book is trying to choose between “pointless rambling” and “disconnected narrative.” The author admits in his notes before the book beginning that his style is personal and very much his own choice. Unfortunately, the author’s preference makes a very negative impact on the quality of this “book.” This is so bad that I question whether a team of good editors could fix it.
Do yourself a favor and leave this book on the shelf. Reread something you enjoyed instead. There is nothing here.
August 15, 2023
confusing and disjointed
Other reviews have mentioned the similarities between this and the Bob and Nikki series, and I just want to say that my copy of this book did include a disclaimer at the beginning saying he had permission to use elements of the universe created in those books, although it took me a while to find it, due to the way the Kindle reader opens the book for you.
My main criticism of this book is that there are bits of it that are just confusing. Several things seem to happen at once without enough description or explanation, and suddenly the characters and story moves on. Characters are able to tell each other things using coded phrases, and even with their explanation, the inferred meaning still makes no sense to me.
Finally, nothing at all is resolved at the end of the book. Please buy the next one to see what happens! I have no issues with authors using a hook to get you to buy more of their work, but usually there is some kind of resolution or logical break in the story. This one just feels like it ends in the middle of the climax. I was tempted to try the next one just to see the story resolved, but the reviews for it sound even worse.
Other reviews have mentioned the similarities between this and the Bob and Nikki series, and I just want to say that my copy of this book did include a disclaimer at the beginning saying he had permission to use elements of the universe created in those books, although it took me a while to find it, due to the way the Kindle reader opens the book for you.
My main criticism of this book is that there are bits of it that are just confusing. Several things seem to happen at once without enough description or explanation, and suddenly the characters and story moves on. Characters are able to tell each other things using coded phrases, and even with their explanation, the inferred meaning still makes no sense to me.
Finally, nothing at all is resolved at the end of the book. Please buy the next one to see what happens! I have no issues with authors using a hook to get you to buy more of their work, but usually there is some kind of resolution or logical break in the story. This one just feels like it ends in the middle of the climax. I was tempted to try the next one just to see the story resolved, but the reviews for it sound even worse.
September 12, 2022
Set in the same universe as Bob's Saucer Repair, there is definitely a style difference with Mr. Nicholson's writing. I did really enjoy it once I get my head adjusted (didn't take all *that* long).
I don't find Paul as likable as Bob, but I can see where his personality would have been 'set off' by the situations that came up, and he seems to be mellowing a bit as he has time to adjust.
It will be very interesting to see how the two series can coexist in the same universe with both of the protagonists managing to shake up the status quo.
Keep up the good work, I'm off to read "Incoming"!
I don't find Paul as likable as Bob, but I can see where his personality would have been 'set off' by the situations that came up, and he seems to be mellowing a bit as he has time to adjust.
It will be very interesting to see how the two series can coexist in the same universe with both of the protagonists managing to shake up the status quo.
Keep up the good work, I'm off to read "Incoming"!
March 3, 2023
Very disjointed.
As many others said, this book is not just 'in the Bob & Nikki universe'.
It blatantly copies it.
Even the dog Snitz became Mr Schnitz...
That said, it had the potential to be a bit original..
But didn't.
The biggest letdown was all the sudden, unexplained story jumps. No lead-in, just the characters suddenly solving a problem that didn't exist till they solve it.
And then the whole issue gets dropped.
Odd. Very odd.
2 stars only because I might have to buy/read the 2nd to see if it is as badly scripted.
I wanted it to be good, really I did.
Read the Bob series instead, is my advice.
As many others said, this book is not just 'in the Bob & Nikki universe'.
It blatantly copies it.
Even the dog Snitz became Mr Schnitz...
That said, it had the potential to be a bit original..
But didn't.
The biggest letdown was all the sudden, unexplained story jumps. No lead-in, just the characters suddenly solving a problem that didn't exist till they solve it.
And then the whole issue gets dropped.
Odd. Very odd.
2 stars only because I might have to buy/read the 2nd to see if it is as badly scripted.
I wanted it to be good, really I did.
Read the Bob series instead, is my advice.
November 15, 2022
Since I am a huge fan of the Bob n Nikki series, I tried this immediately. There were a few facets that I didn't care for -- until the author clarified the timeline. Everything then made sense.
I liked that the main characters didn't immediate click but needed to work at that trust.
Either way, when odd things happened. Those were explained enough to follow the story. The characters advanced and filled out (didn't just continue the same), and the story had nice progression.
Highly recommended, I will certainly read the sequels.
I liked that the main characters didn't immediate click but needed to work at that trust.
Either way, when odd things happened. Those were explained enough to follow the story. The characters advanced and filled out (didn't just continue the same), and the story had nice progression.
Highly recommended, I will certainly read the sequels.
July 11, 2022
So-so
This book is very, VERY close in writing style and plotline to Jerry Boyd's first Bob and Nikki book...right down to some of the naming conventions he used for Confederation citizens. Considering the astronomical odds of both authors deciding on the use of a name like Slongum, using both the Confederation AND the Patrol conventions, I would wonder about Mr. Nicholson plagiarizing Mr Boyd's books. I'm not saying he did, but I surely can't say he did NOT.
This book is very, VERY close in writing style and plotline to Jerry Boyd's first Bob and Nikki book...right down to some of the naming conventions he used for Confederation citizens. Considering the astronomical odds of both authors deciding on the use of a name like Slongum, using both the Confederation AND the Patrol conventions, I would wonder about Mr. Nicholson plagiarizing Mr Boyd's books. I'm not saying he did, but I surely can't say he did NOT.
July 11, 2022
Duplicated work
Sooo... I started reading some time back a series called Bob and Nikki... Right now they have over 20 volumes... But after reading 1/4 of this book I could only find the similarity between both series... Only that this book is really hard to read.
Maybe I'm an idiot and this and that series are totally different from one another but I think I will stick with the one I've been reading.
Sooo... I started reading some time back a series called Bob and Nikki... Right now they have over 20 volumes... But after reading 1/4 of this book I could only find the similarity between both series... Only that this book is really hard to read.
Maybe I'm an idiot and this and that series are totally different from one another but I think I will stick with the one I've been reading.
September 1, 2022
I try to give books the benefit of the doubt, but this book just doesn't cut it. The writing style reminds me of a junior high athlete, who has problems communicating, telling a story.
It is annoying in its unstated assumptions. After reading the book, I have no interest nor any real deep understanding of the characters. This book is the worst parts of Bukaroo Bonzai, with none of the good...
Save time and money. Don't read this one.
It is annoying in its unstated assumptions. After reading the book, I have no interest nor any real deep understanding of the characters. This book is the worst parts of Bukaroo Bonzai, with none of the good...
Save time and money. Don't read this one.
August 13, 2022
Nice to see an addition to Bob and Nikki
Storyline moved way too fast. Too many names thrown around. Seemed like characters were talking in code way too often!
Perhaps the next book will fill in some blanks.
The author uses lots of Jerry Boyd's ideas and plot points, but ya, can tell it ain't Jerry writin'.
Storyline moved way too fast. Too many names thrown around. Seemed like characters were talking in code way too often!
Perhaps the next book will fill in some blanks.
The author uses lots of Jerry Boyd's ideas and plot points, but ya, can tell it ain't Jerry writin'.
September 13, 2022
A Galactic Commonwealth story.
Obviously in Jerry Boyd's universe, but not as many references to other Sci-fi quotes. It was a mixed up read at first, but it did improve through the book. It's difficult to tell where on the time line of Jerry Boyd's books this happens since Alice doesn't seem to know about them.
Obviously in Jerry Boyd's universe, but not as many references to other Sci-fi quotes. It was a mixed up read at first, but it did improve through the book. It's difficult to tell where on the time line of Jerry Boyd's books this happens since Alice doesn't seem to know about them.
March 7, 2023
A wild ride with out of this world brilliance and technology
I loved the way the characters looked at challenges and the way new technology was introduced. Sometimes it felt like a lot but the story seemed to handle that well. The writing style is unusual but I got into it just fine. I will definitely buy the next two books and more if they are available.
I loved the way the characters looked at challenges and the way new technology was introduced. Sometimes it felt like a lot but the story seemed to handle that well. The writing style is unusual but I got into it just fine. I will definitely buy the next two books and more if they are available.
May 6, 2024
A little disappointing
I love the Bob and Nikki universe. I expected this to fit into their story line somehow. It so far it appears only tangential to that story line. The main character has at least 5 names so tracking him through the action can be confusing. I’ll borrow book 2 in the series.
I love the Bob and Nikki universe. I expected this to fit into their story line somehow. It so far it appears only tangential to that story line. The main character has at least 5 names so tracking him through the action can be confusing. I’ll borrow book 2 in the series.
June 11, 2022
Hopeful
Looks like a good start to a new adventure in the Galactic Commonwealth, new players and AI,s. Hope the next book isn't too long in coming. I did enjoy reading and would recommend this book.
Looks like a good start to a new adventure in the Galactic Commonwealth, new players and AI,s. Hope the next book isn't too long in coming. I did enjoy reading and would recommend this book.
July 9, 2022
Good for a first book
Story is good, if you like the Bob and Nikki series you'll like this. It's a bit more wordy that one of Jerry's books. he needs some good proof readers as there are some spelling and grammar mistakes. It's a great read, with good characters. Well done!
Story is good, if you like the Bob and Nikki series you'll like this. It's a bit more wordy that one of Jerry's books. he needs some good proof readers as there are some spelling and grammar mistakes. It's a great read, with good characters. Well done!
August 8, 2022
Bob and Nicky spin off / derivative / collaboration ?
Still an interesting book on a light tech and reading level....but could have used a little better proof reading.
But, if this is a 1st effort. not shabby at all !
Still an interesting book on a light tech and reading level....but could have used a little better proof reading.
But, if this is a 1st effort. not shabby at all !
August 15, 2022
So?
I get the feeling the author was more than a little inspired by Jerry Boyd and Bob and Nikki. Usually I would give up and refuse, but enough differences to keep the interest. Maybe it will diverse even further
I get the feeling the author was more than a little inspired by Jerry Boyd and Bob and Nikki. Usually I would give up and refuse, but enough differences to keep the interest. Maybe it will diverse even further
August 21, 2022
Character development is excellent. It ends with a lot of unfinished business but so far the overall plot direction and concept is very good. I think the next volume will determine the successor failure of the overall series.
December 29, 2023
Good story. Hard to read.
The story is similar to the Bob Saucer Repair series which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, this story is disjointed and difficult to read. I will not continue reading this series.
The story is similar to the Bob Saucer Repair series which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, this story is disjointed and difficult to read. I will not continue reading this series.
September 4, 2024
Interesting!
From my perspective this is an alternate universe from Jerry Boyd’s Bob & Nikki series. It’s interesting, at least enough so that I will be reading the next in the series. This should be an unknown adventure in a quasi-familiar land. So far I like it.
From my perspective this is an alternate universe from Jerry Boyd’s Bob & Nikki series. It’s interesting, at least enough so that I will be reading the next in the series. This should be an unknown adventure in a quasi-familiar land. So far I like it.
June 11, 2022
Good start
Good start to a new series. I'm looking forward to reading the further adventures of EMP Services. Can hardly wait for book 2
Good start to a new series. I'm looking forward to reading the further adventures of EMP Services. Can hardly wait for book 2
June 11, 2022
more Bob and Nikki
I love Bob and Nikki. This is similar enough to fill my appetite for more, yet different enough to be it’s own story.
Ready for more.
I love Bob and Nikki. This is similar enough to fill my appetite for more, yet different enough to be it’s own story.
Ready for more.
June 16, 2022
Fun new series
A great start a new book series set in the Bob and Nikki universe. Can't wait for the next book.
A great start a new book series set in the Bob and Nikki universe. Can't wait for the next book.
July 12, 2022
good space opera
This is a really good read. Unfortunately it steals a lot from Bobs Saucer Repair but has a lot of unique qualities.
This is a really good read. Unfortunately it steals a lot from Bobs Saucer Repair but has a lot of unique qualities.
November 16, 2022
Hope
Hope is a grand character and well written. Almost as if the author had insight into another alien world. Need we be worried? Read and make your own decisions!
Hope is a grand character and well written. Almost as if the author had insight into another alien world. Need we be worried? Read and make your own decisions!
May 28, 2023
Sounds Familiar
Even not a perfect match it sounds a lot like what I already read. You probably writer helped write the other series.
Even not a perfect match it sounds a lot like what I already read. You probably writer helped write the other series.
September 17, 2023
EMP...Eric and Hope
An interesting visit to BSR universe...I liked it alot. Looking forward to see things explained concerning the 50,000 year old command lock.
An interesting visit to BSR universe...I liked it alot. Looking forward to see things explained concerning the 50,000 year old command lock.
August 27, 2022
Bemused and confused is how I can best describe how this book left me. first up I'm a great lover of the fictional universe that Jerry Boyd has created in his "Bob & Nikki" series of books. Therefore when he grants another author the privilege of writing stories within that universe I was intrigued and had to buy said book.
The problem is it's not a very good book, and I hate to say that. The plot jumps all over the place, and the characters while potentially interesting are not well developed and lack depth. The author doesn't seem to have read Mr Boyd's books in any detail as he gets things wrong too often. The folksy humour that is at the core of Mr Boyd's books is also missing. The only thing laughable in this book is the book itself. It's like some distorted parallel universe version of Mr Boyd's work combined with someone's fan fiction.
So why three stars well because it has potential, with some discipline, research in the source material, and some decent editing it could grow into something better. That said will I bother getting the follow up novel I just don't know.
The problem is it's not a very good book, and I hate to say that. The plot jumps all over the place, and the characters while potentially interesting are not well developed and lack depth. The author doesn't seem to have read Mr Boyd's books in any detail as he gets things wrong too often. The folksy humour that is at the core of Mr Boyd's books is also missing. The only thing laughable in this book is the book itself. It's like some distorted parallel universe version of Mr Boyd's work combined with someone's fan fiction.
So why three stars well because it has potential, with some discipline, research in the source material, and some decent editing it could grow into something better. That said will I bother getting the follow up novel I just don't know.
July 16, 2022
Read it before
I’ve read this book before, different author, different title; similar story, same everything else. The other one was actually better.
I’ve read this book before, different author, different title; similar story, same everything else. The other one was actually better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews