Imani James was a hunter, the kind that tracked and killed poachers in wildlife reserves in Tanzania after serving in the army for most of her twenties. She was good at her job, the best, but getting information and support from the Intersolar Union to protect Renata, the human colony on Yaspur, was like pulling teeth. So much so, that it reminded her of the corruption and illegal trade that plagued her work back on Earth.
When Imani finds out that Arms Master Vindilus Calgari is leaving Renata to "investigate" the corporation that's buying up enslaved humans in the Outer Rim, she's determined to keep him in her sights. She's done her research. Vindilus was a black market enforcer before he donned his starched uniform. What's to say he won't make a sly deal that puts the fragile colony in jeopardy?
Imani's hard-headed suspicions and sharp wit push Vindilus over the edge. He's been keeping secrets from her for months, but not for the reasons she thinks. When rising tempers lead to tangled sheets, their lives are thrown into uncharted territory. Will they learn to accept each other before their enemies gain the upper hand?
*** The Intersolar Union series is a long-arc action-packed dramatic romance series featuring a different couple in each book (except for Books 1 & 2). While the first book is a little lighter, books 3 onward contain dark themes. Fans of Mass Effect will love this series!
Features explicit adult scenes - mature readers only. All of my books are HEA, no cheating.
I'm a hopeless academic and science fiction romance author. I write intelligent women, complicated men, and slow burn steam! My first series, the Intersolar Union Series, is ongoing with many more series and books planned for the future. Strap in for the long haul, guys, I'm here to stay and crank out some good romantic fiction!
**Want Etta's Exclusive Access?** I share content with newsletter subscribers that's not available anywhere else! Sign up here: https://www.ettapierceromance.com/about
This was such an excellent read this series has fast become a favourite of mine and I was excited to be learning more about Vindilus, he’s a character that has always fascinated me I especially appreciated seeing the bond he has formed with his adopted daughter Pom Pom and Imani James was the missing cog that just completed their family unit.
I love the way this series manages to combine equal parts culture action and emotional. It’s not primarily romance focused being for the most part very plot driven and the romance just completes it and though this was slow-burn the chemistry was still off the charts between these two. Another thing I want to mention is that I’d previously stated that I wanted to see all of the primal-driven deliciousness of a Venandi when they are experiencing convergence well this one definitely delivered on that front. The world-building for this is some of the best I’ve experienced to date and this is definitely a stand-out in its particular genre. It was well-written, emotive and the sci-fi and romance were equally well done.
These are both characters that we have been introduced to previously Vindilus Calgari is the former arms master of the Palembre and is currently assigned to the human colony. He’s a character with a colourful past and is also guardian and adopted father to Pom Pom a Shilpakaari young with a skin condition who he rescued from the markets when she was small. Imani James is a former Tanzanian game ranger and also has a military background. She suffers from a skin condition that affects her pigment and she has experienced a lot of negative reactions because of this. Imani herself has a traumatic past and because of all this, she doesn’t trust easily. There are complications and baggage on both of these two’s parts that immediately place them as natural adversaries and potential enemies and each does initially hold the other at arm's length.
This had action and intrigue and moves forward the integral plot at its centre. As a pairing, these two shouldn’t work but they just do and Imani gets the sense of acceptance and belonging she’s always craved but hasn’t before allowed herself to be vulnerable enough to let down her high protective walls. These two are both extremely strong characters who are used to displaying a front to others so it was magical to see them achieve happiness together showing both their true inner heart to each other.
There was also a lot going on here with other characters and breadcrumbs dropped further investing me in what’s to come. I definitely recommend reading this series if a well-written sci-fi romance with an emphasis on the plot is your jam. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Resistance (Intersolar Union #5)
Absolutely devoured it. Etta Pierce really stepped up the emotional intimacy in this installment, something I’m craving more of in sci-fi romance but is often lacking.
It’s a beautiful account of a strong woman trying to heal from adversity and, in her case, lifelong trauma. It informs everything about her which lends a prickly appearance on the surface but beneath is an intense depth and understanding of the world around her, even an alien one. Being a woman, and one with vitiligo from a country that often brutalizes them, imparts recognition that a populace is not a monolith but it’s impossible to know who to trust—that must be earned.
The intentionality of Etta’s writing is remarkable. Everything is so carefully considered. The FMC’s occupation as a ranger in a wildlife refuge protecting endangered animals from poachers means she has a personal connection to the rareness of a species and intensely understands that humans are now the rare species being sought. As a result, she is a thorn in the side of authorities, demanding access to information and resources to protect the human colony from those who would exploit it.
The romance is lovely. It blooms slowly. There’s a blunt honesty between her and Vin that is refreshing. She has an acute self awareness around vulnerability, acknowledging it for what it is and that she needs to share it to move forward with Vin but it’s not easy considering her past experiences on earth. In this alien world she is a novelty in more ways than one. She’s human and one with vitiligo, something quite appealing to more than one alien species. But it’s her ferocity of spirit that truly pulls Vin into her orbit. Something I love about Etta’s writing is how her couples make great teams; they’re like binary stars each held in the gravitational pull of the other.
Truthfully, this series is my number one and I can’t recommend it enough.
Resistance is the 5th book in the amazing Intersolar Union series, and it cannot be read as standalone. I mean, you could just jump right into this book if you really wanted to, but you will be very confused lol. As for readers of this series, I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that I was literally salivating to read Vin and Imani's enemies to lovers romance.
Before getting abducted, Imani lived in Tanzania and was a game ranger in the Nyerere National Park Anti-Poaching Task Force. At this point in the story, Imani and the other humans are settled in the colony Renata. But Imani is suspicious of the bogs that are working under Vin, the head of security. She may be a thorn in Vin's side, but soon enough, she finds evidence to back up her suspicions and prove to him that she was right all along.
Imani is bold, fearless, and headstrong, basically everything that I wish I was and everything Vin wishes could be his LOL. As it turns out, Vin accidentally converges with Imani. I mean, it's so on brand for him to do that lol but the circumstances were also pretty serious, so I'll give him a break. Either way, that doesn't stop Imani from joining Vin to investigate the truth behind the odd happenings on Renata.
There's quite a lot of development on the overarching sci-fi plot, including a plot twist that shocked me. As for the romance, it was everything that I wanted for Vin and Imani. After accidentally converging with Imani, Vin is ready to grovel. He makes it clear to her that she holds all the cards. He will accept whatever choice she makes, even though he desperately yearns for her. And there's something so sexy about the huge Vin being vulnerable in front of Imani and pining for a single touch from her. I ate it up. My girl Imani isn't good with intimacy, so you can imagine her reaction to finding out about the accidental convergence. But ooooh the way she slowly softens towards Vin and begins to trust him. The way their relationship transitions from (sexy) animosity to emotional intimacy... *chefs kiss*
Resistance ends on a cliffhanger for the next book, and I'm curious to see how this couple will turn out. As I mentioned earlier, the plot took an unexpected turn and I have so many questions! I'm excited to see where the story goes. Also.....I desperately need Novak's book.
Where do I begin? If anyone reading this is familiar with me then you know I quickly fell in love with Etta’s writing after reading Convergence. I read each book after within quick succession and they’ve all been five star reads. I’ve now become fortunate enough to become one of Etta’s beta readers.
Her books weave such an incredible story while being stand-alones and interconnected at the same time to tell an even bigger story. It’s been amazing to read and wonder where she will take the story next . I’ve been on the edge of my seat, swooning, biting my nails and every emotion in between.
I probably say this every time she writes a book but Imani & Vins story is my favorite. I have a soft spot for the Venandi species in this universe and Vin solidifies that. Imani as well, she is a force to be reckoned with. She was a ranger in Tanzania with the task of protecting endangered wildlife from poachers. I think because of this, plus her PTSD from being kidnapped really solidifies her need to protect her species. Humans are few and far between now that she no longer lives on Earth.
The romance is a slow burn that feels so achingly good. Etta is one of the few authors to make me love a slow burn. The way you get to see the love, and intimacy between both MCs build once the walls of preconceived notions Imani has against Vin crumble apart. Vin is so patient and I really enjoyed him falling first. I’ll leave it at that because there’s just so much more to the story.
Ugh, please read this entire series plus the spin off. I’m not sure how else to explain that Etta Pierce is a phenomenal writer, and does incredible representation to boot. These books will forever hold a piece of my heart.
I knew Imani was going to be a tough, badass motherfucker but she still blew me away. Easy going Vin was such a wonderful compliment to her hard edges. I love how he allowed her to be what she needed to be to protect Renata and the humans, while supporting her so in the end she loved and trusted him enough to relax and just be Imani. (Secretly embroidering pillows and making Kenga clothes 😁)
Seriously, she is the hero/ine of this book. Not that Vin doesn’t have his own strengths, and Imani obvs had a ridiculous amount of trauma. But seriously. They were cute together and this took forced proximity to the typical extreme seen in this series. The kind where life is under threat and miscommunication isn’t just “you looked at me weird one time and I didn’t like it”. It’s understandable head butting and frustration.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: SA, abduction, murder, gore, violence, grief, head trauma, flash backs, drug induced mania in side character Honestly, I would recommend reading the author’s more exhaustive list
Fantastic plot. Loved the story. Really great book!
I was looking forward to this one! Imani is a badass. Her struggles were a little hard to relate to for me, or maybe it's because I don't like thinking about the way I can also struggle to let people in? But I liked Imani a lot previously and was happy she was vindicated and continues to be a badass fighting for the human colony. ALSO also PomPom describes her as looking like a queen at the end and I gotta fucking love that. Imani's character in general felt genuinely dynamic and there was real character growth throughout the book.
I LOVED more PomPom and getting more of Vin's relationship with PomPom. Loved seeing the growing cast of characters.
I thought I would enjoy Vin more than I did but hooooboy, Vin is a messy disaster in this, lol. Even more so than previously. It also makes sense that experiencing Vin from Imani's POV would make him feel a little less flattering and of course getting Vin's POV while he's a hot mess doesn't make him seem particularly suave. I enjoyed learning more about his background. He fits well with Imani and I was pleased with the ultimate outcome of their relationship. The rocky way they have to navigate being together was really the only way for them. That said, he really needs to work on the self-deprecation. It only just started to improve by the end here and I'm hoping it'll continue to improve.
The spice wasn't my favorite but I want to credit a few things: 1) Imani was written in a way that made sense to enjoy the details of the spice (whereas I felt before sometimes it didn't make sense for the character - particularly in book 3 for Amelia given her specific experience and trauma) 2) There was implied consent for all parties during the exhibitionism scene! finally! 3) The spice didn't follow the exact same pattern! woohoo!
That Epilogue got me excited for the next book, which doesn't release until next year. I'm still looking forward to the next book in the related series, eagerly awaiting seeing what transpires between Tinsley and Hunar. AND. Apparently there will be a novella about Sizzle! I have mixed feelings about that because I'm super stoked about getting more Sizzle and seeing a bilong/human couple BUT I'm a little jealous and I kinda wish it was a full length novel because I selfishly want more Sizzle.
Okay, first of all—the world-building and overarching plot of this series is beyond. If these books weren’t super steamy KU alien roms, I would bet serious money that they’d be getting nominated for a Hugo Award. Or something 😂 Because no joke, this sci-fi plot is… I have no words.
But then the romance melts me into goo every time. This romance plot so closely tracked this couple’s compatibility, their character growth, their enemies to lovers deliciousness… my heart!
Here’s a little fact about my own hypocrisy: I can be loving a romance series, five stars across the board, but you’ll almost always see me giving the book with this kind of couple (let’s call them the Nesta-Cassian couple) four stars. Idk, something about these cranky heroines.. there’s always a moment where I’m a bit annoyed—like, c'mon you’re the heroine of a romance, open up already! And their love interests are almost always written either too bossy or too not-bossy. Something is always off, to me at least.
But this couple! Perfection. Imani made perfect sense, I completely emphasized with her at every moment, and I never felt impatient. And Vin! This guy was being so stoic, but so beg-y, so vulnerable, so masculine but also so submissive—oof 🥵
I loved this one!! Imani is indeed a B.A.B. I loved Vindilus so much and I loved the two of them together. It was great to see a mmc who was not only protective and a bit possessive, but also supportive. He cheered her on at every step. He wanted her anger, her fierceness, her strength. I loved that! They both made each other better. The dolls were SO CREEPY. Also the scene where Imani comes across "Rosy" was terrifying(the drug addicted one who was roommates with what's her face). When Pom came face to face with a doll was also scary. Just scary in general! Also this one was super hot. There was kind of a "I don't like you but I want to fuck you" vibe at first lol. Vindilus is feral for Imani(she doesn't know it at the beginning) and I loved it. I absolutely loved the scene where Vin touched her in public while she pretended to be a doll. This whole book was spicy perfection!! Can't wait to see what happens next! (Also that epilogue!!! With the name Roz-02 I'm pretty sure it's Rosy right??)
Second reread: once again, loved the scene at the Conrad where Vin touched Imani in public. Whewwww. No other thoughts, love this series and this book! Especially Pom Pom!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Why do I do this? Start a book at 8pm thinking I'll just read a few chapters then go to bed...
Now it's 2am, im at 70% and my eyes don't work anymore. On to the review then!
I've been crushing on Vin since the first book and when I found out Imani was meant for him I was mildly disappointed. I was also an idiot!
This author made me fall in love with both MCs. Imani has her reasons for being the way she is and Vin loves a feisty woman. This is more of a slow burn/enemies to lovers and it takes a bit of time for the love to grow. We find out so much more about both of them and now I know why they are perfect for eachother.
The world building and diversity in the species is amazing and its something I've never seen before in alien romance.
Also that ending! I'm glad we find out who is behind the dolls and while I guessed I didn't see that plot twist. Amazing book!
I have been waiting for Vin's story since book 1 and RESISTANCE did not disappoint! I loved this one so much, both for its fiery romance and for the way it advanced the overall series plot. Each new book I read in this series blows me away with how good the world-building and sci-fi plot is. Don't get me wrong, these are spicy and sexy books but they're also a perfect blend of spice and plot with so much interesting alien politics, culture, and mystery to latch onto.
Vin was one of my favorite side characters from book 1 and I adored seeing him fall in love with Imani; chaotic though it was. Vin was a former smuggler, a hard-edged venandi, and a dad to the adorable shilpakaari Pom Pom but in this book we got to see his more vulnerable side. I already loved his charm and flirty personality but seeing the way he melted over Imani and protected her person and her autonomy, had me swooning. He was also downright submissive during their intimate moments and I can't resist a big, tough guy who lets go completely with his partner.
Vin needed a strong vira and Imani was the perfect match. She was strong, smart, and dedicated to protecting the colony but she wasn't used to being intimate and close to people so it took her a while to trust Vin. Imani was a complex character and I really enjoyed the way Etta Pierce explored her history and the way it shaped who she was post-abduction. Imani and Vin constantly set off sparks around each other, first from all the mistrust and tension, and then because of their chemistry, but they were fire together! Also I think the venandi might be my favorite alien species from this series -- the purring and hrumming gets me every time, just seems so perfect for cuddling.
And I can't talk about Vin without talking about Pom Pom. Their relationship was so sweet and my heart melted every time they interacted; Vin was such a good dad even when he wasn't sure he was doing his best. And Pom Pom was a delight and I really liked her POV chapters. Outside of the romance, I loved seeing some other alien planets and getting a few answers on the mystery surrounding the dolls and the Figment from book 3. And that epilogue has me desperate to read the next book to see what happens.
Content Warning: PTSD from past human trafficking
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Favorite Quotes:
There was nothing he liked more than a challenge. If she ever hauled back and punched him, he’d propose on the spot.
- - - - -
“I love that you don’t take my shit. You make me rise to your level every fucking day, Imani James, and I don’t expect you to quit that if you ever let me in.”
- - - - -
“I’m not dominating you, Imani,” Vin whispered in my ear, straining to keep himself in check. “I’m honoring you and asking for your trust, like a venandi that meets his match in battle. Because we did. And you bested me, every fucking day.”
- - - - -
“Private as in naked?” he purred.
“Sometimes, other times I might want to punch you.”
I loved this book and this series keeps getting better and better!! This book, bada$$ Imani James is the MFC and her and VIN. That was some series enemies to lovers. Loved this story, strong woman stays strong Ned her man eats it up!!! All through the book she stayed strong and in charge. ❤️❤️❤️ I. Annoy wait for more books in this series!
I can appreciate the interesting story that revolved around the conspiracy with the dolls. HOWEVER, it didn't really seem like a romance in that the romance seemed to be a side note.
Also, I like an alien MMC with a unique personality, but I absolutely hated the way the author had him talk. It's so outside of anything you would expect from an alien. "You dig?"....now why would an alien talk like he's from a 70s blaxploitation film?
Lastly, nothing aggravates me more than a book that's been rated as spicy, not being spicy. 85% into the book before a sex scene?! 85%?! Don't play in my face.
This book was such a pleasant surprise for me. I love the ISU series but I’ll be honest, after the last book I didn’t love Imani. Shes was a bit too prickly and standoffish and I couldn’t see her as our lead, especially with Vin. So imagine my extremely pleasant surprise when I not only enjoyed her as a heroine but couldn’t wait for more.
Imani and Vin really clicked here, and the circumstances of their mating felt both like a callback to book 1 and unique in its own right.
This book is more serious in tone and better for it. Where I felt like last book it shifted from light to serious in a way that didn’t work at times - here our pacing and plot was evened out and the tone of the novel very cohesive.
I liked the dolls (& their twist), I liked the bogs. I liked how our colony is so fleshed out. I would have like to see Imani take a bit more control in our bedroom (hello,the man/alien asked for edging!?) but overall I liked the spice.
Oh baby. I have been drooling and bookishly edging myself so hard when it comes to this book because it has two of my favorite characters FINALLY getting their happily ever after. I have fallen in love with Vin & Imani over the past four books and I just knew they would be explosive together. Whew! I’m still sweating over here yall. Seriously just when I think I can’t love this series any more, I read the next one and I’m proven just how wrong I am. Fully obsessed with everything the Intersolar Union series has and is. Etta you continuously blow me away and take my breath away. And I can say Imani & Vin are now tied for my top favorite so far.
5⭐️ 3.5🔥
What to expect: 5th in a series Scifi/alien romance Aliens Arms Master MMC Tanzanian Wildlife Ranger FMC FMC is 30+ with vitiligo He tries to resist primal urges but is over the top obsessed Solo play & mutual solo play Mates He comforts her Possessive MMC He begs Forced proximity Slow burn He falls first
TW/CW (from author’s list): Sex trafficking, Lethal violence, Surgery and blood, Post traumatic episodes, Burning flesh, Clones used for sex acts, Cavity search
OMG! I though that I could love Vin more but, how was I so mistaken? He is just the sweetest, sexiest thing "fictionaly" Alive! Even the bad a** Imani didn't stand a chance! Wow. The backstory from both of them is just so heartbreaking and are the same time they had very similar experiences that just got them more United... With a lot of figth of course. I can't say more because I don't want to spoil it but, its so good! I have to buy the fiscal book, I must Touch and smel it! Now... Vin's brother the khral... I want to know more!! Again I'll be paciently waiting for more! Read this book!
Just as good as the last few with complex well written characters and a deeper plot that is starting to get into Space Opera territory.
My only complaint is that the kinks etc are getting a bit repetitive and I wish we had more diversity in the types of sex scenes as well. Not every couple in the series should be into exhibitionism and “back door” stuff.
I’m looking forward to the next few books as it looks like we get away from the colony a bit with the main characters being from Vins gang/found family and also a new species of alien.
This series is so under hyped. If you are looking for a science fiction romance series featuring both strong FMC & MMC, superb world & plot building, and enough action and intrigue to keep it interesting, then look no further. This series, coupled with the spin-off, is 100% hands down, worth the read. Imani and Vin did not disappoint.
Really love this, much heavier on the science fiction than the typical alien romances I read. The world building was really great, I love the interconnection of all the books from the series. I’m excited for the next book.! Both of the main characters in this book were amazing, and I loved how complex the characters were and their character development overall.
Series: Intersolar Union #5 Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
As soon as Imani James met Arms Master Vindilus Calgari she hated him and his shady friends. But when Renate is in danger, Imani finds herself reluctantly working with Vinilus to protect their people and learns that Vin isn’t as bad as she thought.
As soon as I realized this was Imani and Vin’s book I knew it was going to be good because I really enjoyed their previous interactions. Imani is a protector and has put herself in a role of security for the human colony of Renata. She is tough, protective, and determined to keep her people safe, but we also finally get to see the kind woman who is hiding beneath all that armor. Imani was a great heroine who wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and her people. I loved watching her put Vin and the other aliens in their place.
“I love that you don’t take my shit. You make me rise to your level every fucking day, Imani James, and I don’t expect you to quit that if you ever let me in.”
Vindilus Calgari has been a character that I loved since he was introduced. I love this alien who has no problem skirting the rules and is a great adopted father to Pom Pom. I loved watching him fight his feelings for Imani but also give her the space she needed after their accidental mating. Vin was just a surprise because under that grumpy and tough exterior was a very sweet man who was the perfect partner for Imani.
These two have a rough beginning to their relationship but I liked how they acted like adults about it and worked through it together. I love when a couple works together and grows closer because of it. I also really appreciated that while these two did have an unexpected mating, they understood priorities and talked about their jobs and how to deal with Pom Pom. It was just wonderful to see a couple who were put in an unexpected position work together and actually talk through their problems.
This book was a great blend of romance, action, and worldbuilding. I am loving this world that Pierce built with its very unique aliens with fascinating cultures and mating rituals. With each book we are getting closer to figuring out the villain hiding behind the scenes and I really enjoyed the progress we got with this one. I can’t wait to jump into future books to see who falls next and what new information is acquired, especially after that epilogue.
Trigger Warnings: human trafficking; violence, injuries and blood; child abandonment and experimentation discussed; PTSD; clones used for sex; death of a friend;
I think the overall story i.e. the world is great! I would also state that I don’t believe this is a stand alone. I was only interested in this book and didn’t read the others. I don’t think I fully grasped some things solely because I hadn’t read the other stories.
Now to get to the MCs. I found their one enjoyable and their thoughts were humorous and fleshed out who they were.
Now my problem with this book. As a black woman something about the description of the fmc and the language of the mc really rubbed me the wrong way. This more than likely could be explained by reading the other books, so someone correct me if I’m wrong. Were the black characters hair only described as carpet and everyone else described as silk? I didn’t like that at all. Also, why was the MC seemingly the only person that used human lingo that I would personally only described to be generally used by black people from the 70s?
No other alien spoke like him. So that threw me off. Also, I would say this is more a sci-fi adventure story and not a romance story.
4 ⭐️/2 🌶️—This and the previous book were just so enjoyable. I liked that we finally got the story of two characters we met in the first book of the series and who have shown up in all the subsequent ones.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Resistance has been my most awaited book to read from this series and it did not disappoint.
Vin has been my favorite from the beginning of the series and I was so nervous but excited for him to finally get his happy ever after. However, I will say I was not happy with Imani as the chosen Vira. I absolutely hated her from the beginning, even the glimpses I had of her in a previous book made that dislike worse. She was so cold, distant, and paranoid to the extreme it felt like to me. But because of my love of Etta's writing and I've been begging and waiting forever for Vin's story, I decided to push through and hope that my thoughts on her changed.
It was a slow process but I went from hate to like by the end of the book. Seeing Imani open up and be vulnerable with Vin and Vin doing the same with her made me so happy. By the time I got to the end I was smiling ear to ear and was doing my little happy dances while reading. I won't say I love her (I think Olivia is still my favorite!) But I definitely don't hate her and think she's a perfect match for Vin.
There is so much that goes on with this book that if you haven't read the series from the beginning you will definitely need to! As there are some reveals that happen that impact the whole series! Some shocks I did NOT see coming and threw me. Though I am still left with questions and hope I can see answers in later books. Especially with the Bogs, Jharim and Roav. I am extremely intrigued about them and want to know more.
Also the chapters with Pom Pom, I absolutely adore, especially the scene with Xiat Sata's ship....oh I love that girl!
I could probably write pages full of what I loved about this book but I don't want to give spoilers away and want you to enjoy it!
Sufficient to say if you have loved the other books in this series you will adore this book. All of the emotions Vin is going through, the growth with Imani and the world building alone with this book and the whole series is 100% worth the read.
If you love Vin as much as I do, you'll love his story and keep an open mind with Imani. She'll grow on you! Go, read, and enjoy!!
This story is multiple POV, mainly human female lead (Imani) first POV, with significant chunks of 3rd POV from alien male lead (Vindilus) and some others. It was fantastically written, and a darker, complex, detailed, steamy sci fi romance. I had been hanging out for the story since Imani and Vindilus met - their chemistry was electric and I couldn’t wait to see their enemies-to-lovers progression. I adore the absolute powerhouse of strength that Imani is, both physically and mentally. I empathised with the disabilities she’d incurred as part of her capture and imprisonment, as well as her lifelong vitiligo, and admired how she pushed past them to function as the colony’s primary internal security officer. I enjoyed Vindilus’ frustration with both Imani’s attitude towards him and his undying attraction for her - his people enjoy a literal fight as part of courtship and Imani triggers all his instincts. I enjoyed Vindilus’ adopted daughter, Pom Pom, who has been a secondary character in many stories, and the changes she’s going through and, especially, the growth in Vindilus as a father. I enjoyed the strong non-romance plot that is best read as part of the series, and the way that working together pushed Vindilus and Imani’s relationship progression. I am enjoying the diversity of secondary characters in the series and appreciating the nuance and variety of behaviours that the author shows. I actually entered the series at the next book but, having now read the series from the beginning, I’m genuinely admiring the author’s skill in weaving stories and characters around each other.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I liked the earlier books in the series better. I felt like the romance was barely there. In the earlier books I felt there was more romance. This book the focus was on the investigation of the "dolls".
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER S P O I L ER S ,,,,,,,,,,,,
Their "convergance" was an accident because he thought he was alone but somebody had tried to kill her and stuffed her into a crate on his spaceship. So he accidentally touched himself when she was nearby and triggered convergance.
He has always had a crush on her. She had no idea. She does not like him because he looks like the alien that abducted her from Earth and killed her law enforcement partner and friend.
She wants humans to have more independence and be able to use weapons and investigate their own problems. He has asked on her behalf and is told no, because humans are not part of the "Galactic Union".
So the focus of the book is on "dolls" human robots that are appearing near the settlement. It is believed they are trying to steal human's genetic code to make more realistic human robots (clones).
There are "bogs" basically computer aliens who have some kind of mission. We don't know what that mission is. But heroine proves they lied and bogs are not supposed to be able to lie to someone in "authority". So they get thrown into jail. Now they are not trusted.
We know that one of the Galactic Councilors is a traitor and trying to use humans for money by making better dolls. They have proof but a recording isn't enough. They need one of the dolls.
I felt like there was not a happy ending and way too many things are left unresolved.
We follow Imani James. She was once a hunter that killed poachers in Tanzania. She was one of the best at this job, but when it came to getting information and support for Renata from the Intersolar Union, that proved to be a lot more difficult. It was so bad that it reminded her of the corruption and illegal trade that dominated her work on Earth. Imani soon finds out that the Arms Master Vindilus Calagari is leaving Renata in order to conduct an investigation about a corporation that is illegally buying enslaved humans. Imani is determined to keep her sights set on Vindilus. She knows that Vindilu was once a black market enforcer before he was the Arms Master, and she wants to make sure that Vindilus isn't actually making a deal with the people he's investigating. As a result of Imani's hard-headedness and her suspicion, Vindilus is pushed over the edge. He's actually been keeping a lot from her for months. Soon, we find Vindilus and Imani falling under each other's spells as tension gets higher. It leads to them engaging in a relationship and it leads to them falling for each other. They ultimately have to learn to accept each other in order to keep their mutual enemy from getting the upper hand and causing an all-out war! I love sci-fi so much, and this was no exception. The romance is beautifully done. It's a slow romance and it's also one of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers! This book was so good, that I really want to read the rest of the series! It also had some Mass Effect vibes which is great because that's one of my favorite sci-fi RPG video game series!!! I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!!! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finally! I have been excited for Vin's book ever since we met him in Convergence , so this book couldn't come soon enough. I'll admit Imani have not been my favorite in the previous books, but she definitely grew on me a lot. I loved how strong and badass she was, yet still managed to be open and vulnerable, especially after all the trauma she had to go through. Vin definitely did not disappoint either, his yearning and vulnerability, the support he provides to Imani thorough the book just made me love him even more. I was happy to see PomPom and Sizzle return, I love them both and hope we'll see more of them in future books.
Im really surprised about the plot twist , I definitely did not see that one coming at all. I can't wait to see where the plot will go next and to finally find some answers to some questions.
My only problem was with the time span of the book, considering everything happens in roughly a week or so, the romance can feel a bit too fast. Its not glaringly obvious as the pacing is good -and it doesn't feel rushed- but I wish more time passed between the beginning and the end of the book.