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Hot Restart
Riley Morgan desperately needs a reset on his life. Pit fights with aliens and illegal salvage jobs are barely enough to get by—until a salvage op turns up a beautiful stranger in a stasis pod and a clear case of kidnapping. Helping her means throwing away what’s left of his life. The trouble only gets deeper when the stranger turns out to be a wildly illegal artificial intelligence built for assassination.
Like Riley, Selene has been used and abused by her bosses… and like Riley, she longs for a life of her own choosing. Riley and Selene are ready for the struggle ahead. They aren’t ready for the dangerous and sexy aliens in their way, or the glitzy parties and corporate conspiracies, and they certainly aren’t ready for the spark between one another.
WARNING: HOT RESTART contains explicit violence, explicit sex, explicit language, polyamory, murder, kidnapping, assault, acrimony, perfidy, theft, numerous bisexuals, defenestrations, conspiracies, death and mourning, threesomes, space capitalism, interspecies hookup culture, surly co-workers, judgmental aliens, embarrassing humans, smuggling, stalking, strafing, lap-dancing, sexual promiscuity, self-discovery, self-defense, post-coital robo-violence, hedonism, exhibitionism, intimidation, surveillance, rejection, abrupt breakups, betrayals, ambushes, espionage, gang activity, false identities, pool hustling, alien/human sexytimes, questionable salvage practices, intended torture, destruction of private property, hallway foreplay, alien insectoid pseudo-anarcho-socialism, clueless appropriation of human culture for restaurant entrepreneurship, shooting, punching, kicking, flirting, taunting, aerial combat, abusive leadership, destruction of evidence, unsanitary transit through hotel ventilation, a CEO who isn’t trash, relationship boundary conversation during combat, outstanding man-ass, an amorphous alien gel-person looking for a good time, and protagonists dressed in their underwear or less for five consecutive chapters.
Like Riley, Selene has been used and abused by her bosses… and like Riley, she longs for a life of her own choosing. Riley and Selene are ready for the struggle ahead. They aren’t ready for the dangerous and sexy aliens in their way, or the glitzy parties and corporate conspiracies, and they certainly aren’t ready for the spark between one another.
WARNING: HOT RESTART contains explicit violence, explicit sex, explicit language, polyamory, murder, kidnapping, assault, acrimony, perfidy, theft, numerous bisexuals, defenestrations, conspiracies, death and mourning, threesomes, space capitalism, interspecies hookup culture, surly co-workers, judgmental aliens, embarrassing humans, smuggling, stalking, strafing, lap-dancing, sexual promiscuity, self-discovery, self-defense, post-coital robo-violence, hedonism, exhibitionism, intimidation, surveillance, rejection, abrupt breakups, betrayals, ambushes, espionage, gang activity, false identities, pool hustling, alien/human sexytimes, questionable salvage practices, intended torture, destruction of private property, hallway foreplay, alien insectoid pseudo-anarcho-socialism, clueless appropriation of human culture for restaurant entrepreneurship, shooting, punching, kicking, flirting, taunting, aerial combat, abusive leadership, destruction of evidence, unsanitary transit through hotel ventilation, a CEO who isn’t trash, relationship boundary conversation during combat, outstanding man-ass, an amorphous alien gel-person looking for a good time, and protagonists dressed in their underwear or less for five consecutive chapters.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2022
255 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 17, 2022
Critical revews of Mr. Kay's work often cite his "wokeness," often saying it ruined their enjoyment of otherwise good smut and adventure stories.
This review won't be one of them.
As an unabashed fangirl of all his work, I again purchased this latest book without "trying it out" on Kindle Unlimited, and was not disappointed. Elliott (I do hope he doesn't think I'm being over familiar by using his first name) paints worlds of decent, capable, yet very 'straight shooter' protagonists, who then get caught up in series of fantastic adventures. Twice in space now, including this one, and my fave - the series where mortals get to interact with the supernatural.
But this one. This book dumps the reader straight into the thick of things, our human male MC getting roped into a shady space-salvage deal by being low man on a salvage crew. Along the way he dumps a kind of flaky artist girlfriend, and gets put on because he'd rather not take further employment getting the crap beat out of him for nightclub entertainment.
Then he rescues the android sentient AI female MC. And thus we start in on what the author himself has characterized as "Good Intentions in space." Which yes, a great many parallels, but my overall smile plastered on my face while I read came from wonder at what a story tieing all three of Elliott's main series lines together would be like.
If you've read his other works, Tanner meeting Riley would not be much of a stretch...but time travel (maybe because of a supernatural rift?) to bring them both to Alex's Seattle would be necessary.
I wouldn't even need any "adventure" to liven things up beyond all three families of characters working to get Tanner and Riley et al back "home."
I would be delighted just to have tons of interactions between all the various characters, Rachel talking with Selene and Eezall especially, but Molly and Onyx getting glimpses of other worlds aboard Lynette's ship? Tanner and Riley sparring? Jason would go nuts geeking out over future tech. And Selene and Lorelei comparing "sexy notes?"
Dayum, I need to set and calm myself. Lordy.
I very much appreciated Elliott's nods towards the inclusivity that marks his work, especially weaving in my own trans community in a very important side character. One who literally embodies so many desires prevalent amongst those who are trans. Mahalo nui, Elliott.
I can see where the formula for this book may render it a standalone, and gauging from the amount of work Elliott invests in his other three series, I'm not sure if he's up for a fourth, but I would welcome future stories of his newest family.
I mean, c'mon Elliott, you're not going to let Mal Cooper or Will Arand out-write you, are you?
Heh-heh-heh-heh...
This review won't be one of them.
As an unabashed fangirl of all his work, I again purchased this latest book without "trying it out" on Kindle Unlimited, and was not disappointed. Elliott (I do hope he doesn't think I'm being over familiar by using his first name) paints worlds of decent, capable, yet very 'straight shooter' protagonists, who then get caught up in series of fantastic adventures. Twice in space now, including this one, and my fave - the series where mortals get to interact with the supernatural.
But this one. This book dumps the reader straight into the thick of things, our human male MC getting roped into a shady space-salvage deal by being low man on a salvage crew. Along the way he dumps a kind of flaky artist girlfriend, and gets put on because he'd rather not take further employment getting the crap beat out of him for nightclub entertainment.
Then he rescues the android sentient AI female MC. And thus we start in on what the author himself has characterized as "Good Intentions in space." Which yes, a great many parallels, but my overall smile plastered on my face while I read came from wonder at what a story tieing all three of Elliott's main series lines together would be like.
If you've read his other works, Tanner meeting Riley would not be much of a stretch...but time travel (maybe because of a supernatural rift?) to bring them both to Alex's Seattle would be necessary.
I wouldn't even need any "adventure" to liven things up beyond all three families of characters working to get Tanner and Riley et al back "home."
I would be delighted just to have tons of interactions between all the various characters, Rachel talking with Selene and Eezall especially, but Molly and Onyx getting glimpses of other worlds aboard Lynette's ship? Tanner and Riley sparring? Jason would go nuts geeking out over future tech. And Selene and Lorelei comparing "sexy notes?"
Dayum, I need to set and calm myself. Lordy.
I very much appreciated Elliott's nods towards the inclusivity that marks his work, especially weaving in my own trans community in a very important side character. One who literally embodies so many desires prevalent amongst those who are trans. Mahalo nui, Elliott.
I can see where the formula for this book may render it a standalone, and gauging from the amount of work Elliott invests in his other three series, I'm not sure if he's up for a fourth, but I would welcome future stories of his newest family.
I mean, c'mon Elliott, you're not going to let Mal Cooper or Will Arand out-write you, are you?
Heh-heh-heh-heh...
October 11, 2022
A bit of sci-fi. A bit of polyamorous evangelism. Falls flat.
I enjoy Elliott Kay's Good Intentions and Poor Man's fight series. This holds similar themes but is much more in a realm of a harem fantasy. It was rather predictable and nothing new. I would have rather seen an exploration of humanity through the eyes of another species.
The male protagonist is too much of a "good guy." Riley seems very flat. Selene and Eezall are interesting. The third, late joining, member of the crew feels forced and lacks enough development.
I wanted to know more about the various species of The Coalition.
If you want a silly sci-fi romp that's a bit porny, go for it. If not, skip this one. It gets very boring after the mid point conflict.
I enjoy Elliott Kay's Good Intentions and Poor Man's fight series. This holds similar themes but is much more in a realm of a harem fantasy. It was rather predictable and nothing new. I would have rather seen an exploration of humanity through the eyes of another species.
The male protagonist is too much of a "good guy." Riley seems very flat. Selene and Eezall are interesting. The third, late joining, member of the crew feels forced and lacks enough development.
I wanted to know more about the various species of The Coalition.
If you want a silly sci-fi romp that's a bit porny, go for it. If not, skip this one. It gets very boring after the mid point conflict.
January 8, 2024
bladerunner meets transporter with a bit of terminator
I enjoyed the story for its combat and the attention given to character growth for Selene. Riley is along for the ride and while this story has similar themes to the Angel and Succubus stories set in Seattle, this story had more humor and references to the sci-fi genre tropes while not being boring. The final showdown with the bad guy was rewarding and the ending is nice. No idea if the author intends a sequel, but if he writes one I’m sure lots of readers would love to see these characters again.
I enjoyed the story for its combat and the attention given to character growth for Selene. Riley is along for the ride and while this story has similar themes to the Angel and Succubus stories set in Seattle, this story had more humor and references to the sci-fi genre tropes while not being boring. The final showdown with the bad guy was rewarding and the ending is nice. No idea if the author intends a sequel, but if he writes one I’m sure lots of readers would love to see these characters again.
April 24, 2024
Poor man's fight was an excellent read. This was not.
Poor man's fight series was excellent, I had to drag my way through this book. Good intentions was a better read. Too draggy and to whiney a main character
Poor man's fight series was excellent, I had to drag my way through this book. Good intentions was a better read. Too draggy and to whiney a main character
September 15, 2022
DNF.
This has wonderful world building with a rather interesting social dynamic, but it completely falls apart with the characters. The MC has no personality. He is so accommodating that he seems unbelievable. He is just a vehicle to advance story so you become disengaged with his actions. The AI has a similar problem. The set up with her also feels completely fabricated with regard to the world state. So once more you have an unrealistic character just there to drive story forward. Neither of these people are developed as individuals. Who no characters to care about, you have no desire to read the book.
This has wonderful world building with a rather interesting social dynamic, but it completely falls apart with the characters. The MC has no personality. He is so accommodating that he seems unbelievable. He is just a vehicle to advance story so you become disengaged with his actions. The AI has a similar problem. The set up with her also feels completely fabricated with regard to the world state. So once more you have an unrealistic character just there to drive story forward. Neither of these people are developed as individuals. Who no characters to care about, you have no desire to read the book.
April 13, 2023
Another great novel from Elliott Kay. Setting is a Science Fiction future. the protagonist goes with a team on a mission to rescue some box from an abandoned ship and not look into the box. well - guess what happens.
After that we have a tour de force of finding new allies and evading old enemies. entering an alien sex party and try to stop a military coup. finding polyamourous love and enjoying a new style of life. Try to prevent an assassination.
The novel has not as much banter and comedy as the Good Intention series but it still is fun to read. Also this book has the story and political intrigues in the foreground.
After that we have a tour de force of finding new allies and evading old enemies. entering an alien sex party and try to stop a military coup. finding polyamourous love and enjoying a new style of life. Try to prevent an assassination.
The novel has not as much banter and comedy as the Good Intention series but it still is fun to read. Also this book has the story and political intrigues in the foreground.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
Another great book from a favorite author
I truly enjoyed this novel. Once I started I couldn't put it down. It combines some of the best elements of his previous works without being bound by them. The interpersonal drama is believable and compelling. The action scenes are dynamic and engaging. Most important, the non human characters feel more real that a foreign stereotype in cheap makeup. Elliott Kay has hit the mark again and I look forward to the next book.
I truly enjoyed this novel. Once I started I couldn't put it down. It combines some of the best elements of his previous works without being bound by them. The interpersonal drama is believable and compelling. The action scenes are dynamic and engaging. Most important, the non human characters feel more real that a foreign stereotype in cheap makeup. Elliott Kay has hit the mark again and I look forward to the next book.
September 6, 2024
I think the definition of the harem genre is basically consenting relationships between 3 or more people with one man and multiple women (MFF+). Reverse-harem is FMM+. Open relationships are not part of the harem genre because there are no set relationships and they are an undefined free for all. This book should not be classified as harem.
It seems like to me that open relationships aren't real relationships at all, and more like friends with benefits and/or a fall back plan until someone more interesting comes along. Fear of commitment, one foot already half way out the door.
It seems to debase sex to a shallow/unemotional basic need, similar to eating or shitting. Transactional. In a book with plenty of cold, calculating (weighted benefits analyses for each action) machines covered with skin and aliens perhaps it makes some sense.
The author really loves to get up on his soapbox and preach and it gets tedious at times.
It seems like to me that open relationships aren't real relationships at all, and more like friends with benefits and/or a fall back plan until someone more interesting comes along. Fear of commitment, one foot already half way out the door.
It seems to debase sex to a shallow/unemotional basic need, similar to eating or shitting. Transactional. In a book with plenty of cold, calculating (weighted benefits analyses for each action) machines covered with skin and aliens perhaps it makes some sense.
The author really loves to get up on his soapbox and preach and it gets tedious at times.
September 19, 2022
Bravo
Great book with a great story and great set of characters. It kinda bugged me in the harem genre that the men always got uptight if other men were interested in their woman but fully expected them to okay with him being with multiple partners. Or when all the woman would say he is the only one for them. I get it, its a masculine thing and not everyone is comfortable with having their woman Intetested in other men but its such a double standard. I like the fact that they could still love each other but still find gratification in others.
Just a good book
Great book with a great story and great set of characters. It kinda bugged me in the harem genre that the men always got uptight if other men were interested in their woman but fully expected them to okay with him being with multiple partners. Or when all the woman would say he is the only one for them. I get it, its a masculine thing and not everyone is comfortable with having their woman Intetested in other men but its such a double standard. I like the fact that they could still love each other but still find gratification in others.
Just a good book
September 2, 2024
Yet another amazing book from this author! It's a one-off, but has his usual mature, fun, and engaging approach to multiple serious issues, with deeply satisfying payoffs. The characters are very relatable despite many being alien, and they never take the approach of "doing this is stupid, but it'll be more dramatic for the story" that we see so much these days in reality shows, sitcoms, stories, etc. As a result, Elliott's stories are far more substantive than the norm, feeling more like a perfect steak than the cheap fries that most others seem to be churning out.
June 29, 2025
This was a very good read. I connected quite well with the main characters and found much of the situational humour funny. The sex scenes were all hot and relevent to the story. It was nicely self contained so it doesn't require a sequel, though I would be interested if one ever happened.
I am interested in looking at the author's other books.
I am interested in looking at the author's other books.
November 22, 2022
New series
Alternate universe, poly adult situations, android alien girls
Brand new series with MC Riley Morgan, Selene, and the people who fall into his orbit and decide to stay. Enjoyed.
Alternate universe, poly adult situations, android alien girls
Brand new series with MC Riley Morgan, Selene, and the people who fall into his orbit and decide to stay. Enjoyed.
March 11, 2024
A fun read, a nice blending of the author other well known works (Good Intentions and Poor Man's War). Good action, interesting pacing and fun charatcers. Recommended for any fan of the author work.
January 11, 2023
Amazing
What a great book and I really hope their is a sequel to this book and more to this series to come.
What a great book and I really hope their is a sequel to this book and more to this series to come.
February 24, 2023
unique story
Different take on sci-fi with a good plot. An enjoyable read it’s different in how the story evolves. Big fan of Elliot Kay
Different take on sci-fi with a good plot. An enjoyable read it’s different in how the story evolves. Big fan of Elliot Kay
March 8, 2023
Great work
Another great book by a great author fast paced funny Great characters. Great work. Read this book he will enjoy it.
Another great book by a great author fast paced funny Great characters. Great work. Read this book he will enjoy it.
July 10, 2023
Good Read
Great rouge A.I. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hope that the rest of you our there enjoy it as much as I did.
Great rouge A.I. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hope that the rest of you our there enjoy it as much as I did.
September 6, 2023
Merges together ideas from all Kay's previous works. Sci-fi + romance/harem... from humanoid to amorphous blob in a space suit...
January 23, 2024
Great story
Great characters. Good story. Nice dynamics A sequel to continue the story would be great. Please give us more to read.
Great characters. Good story. Nice dynamics A sequel to continue the story would be great. Please give us more to read.
August 12, 2024
DNF 77%. Too much polyamory evangelist dialog along with androgynous/non-binary characters drag the plot down.
April 20, 2025
Very much what I expected from the author of Good Intentions and Poor Mans War. Which is s good thing :)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews