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Stealing Ares
"Whether you're a sci-fi fan, a romance devotee, or someone who enjoys a beautiful story of survival, it's impossible not to fall in love with Harlow Hanson." –Katherine Nichols, author of The Unreliables
In the 25th century, the recently widowed Prince Jack Windsor escapes his grief after the death of his wife and child by fleeing to Mars to solve the mystery of the dormant HMS Ares. When Harlow Hanson, the Robin Hood of the Martian colony, sneaks aboard to plunder the ship in order to save her people, the Ares springs to life and begins communicating with her. Prince Jack realizes the woman stealing from him is the key he's been searching for.
Harlow awakens the ship and the grieving prince's heart, but all too soon, she's forced to betray him. Still fighting to believe in her, Jack will give up his crown and all he’s ever known for the love of this beautiful thief and her rogue colony, while the fate of two planets hangs in the balance.
In the 25th century, the recently widowed Prince Jack Windsor escapes his grief after the death of his wife and child by fleeing to Mars to solve the mystery of the dormant HMS Ares. When Harlow Hanson, the Robin Hood of the Martian colony, sneaks aboard to plunder the ship in order to save her people, the Ares springs to life and begins communicating with her. Prince Jack realizes the woman stealing from him is the key he's been searching for.
Harlow awakens the ship and the grieving prince's heart, but all too soon, she's forced to betray him. Still fighting to believe in her, Jack will give up his crown and all he’s ever known for the love of this beautiful thief and her rogue colony, while the fate of two planets hangs in the balance.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2022
About the author
Kim Conrey
6 books50 followersKim Conrey is the author of the sci-fi romance series Ares Ascending and the urban fantasy/paranormal romance, Nicholas Eternal, Book One of the Wayward Saviors series. She's also the recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year Award for Romance. She writes a blog about living with OCD. In addition, she serves as VP of Operations for the Atlanta Writers Club. You can also find her on the Wild Women Who Write Take Flight Podcast where she and the other Wild Women interview authors and industry professionals with a primary goal of supporting women writers. Her essays have been published in The Bitter Southerner, Atlanta Parent, Awakened Voices Literary Magazine and others. She also marches as a Box Hero Wonder Woman in Atlanta's Dragon Con parade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 24, 2022
Stealing Ares opens with a bang. Readers meet the FMC, Harlow Hanson as she conspires with Mike, a character I came to love, to get herself onboard the perplexingly inoperable spaceship called Ares. Ares is the spaceship that holds many keys to potential future outcomes for the colonists largely abandoned on Mars. Ares and its crew are under the command of Prince James, or Jack, as his friends call him. Earth’s coalition has long neglected the colonists on Mars, but Jack has made a personal commitment to getting the Ares up and running and becoming a leader to the colonists who struggle to survive in a dignified way on Mars. It’s all really well described by author Conrey, and I felt like I was watching the story unfold like a movie in my mind as I read her words.
I should interrupt this review right now to say I loved this story! I could write a very lengthy review, just chatting away about what I loved, what worked so freaking well, and how I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series, but I’m going to try to streamline my thoughts and get to some important points potential readers might want to know as they decide if reading Stealing Ares is worth their time (it is).
First of all, I went in to this story thinking that it was going to be geared towards a young adult audience. It’s not. There’s some well-placed and paced spice in this story that leads me to suggest this is a story for an adult reading audience. But who am I to dictate who reads what? I loved the story. Go ahead and read it!
Additionally, the conflicts in Stealing Ares have a more adult feel. There’s no childish foot stomping, or easily resolved miscommunications that make you want to role your eyes at the characters and yell at the author for contrived drama disguised as plot. The conflicts in Stealing Ares are thoughtful, work themselves out with mature reflection, and end without additional conflict. You know, the way real people deal with interpersonal conflicts. Read the story and you’ll understand what I mean. I was particularly impressed with a specific conflict between Harlow and Jack that ended in such a glorious way with Harlow pissed off and ready to go kick someone’s ass. Harlow was awesome in that scene, and Jack’s response was just fantastic. I’m laughing now as I write this and recall the scene. It’s just funny!
While there are specific political agendas and goals in Stealing Ares that drive this plot, this story is also about the individual characters who make up this story. What makes a great story, in my opinion, isn’t necessarily the plot. What makes a story great is the characters that the author creates to tell the story. I mean, think of Watership Down. That’s a story about homeless bunnies looking for a new field to call home. That plot sounds kind of crazy when you think about it. It’s a great story, in large part, because the bunnies are all such unique characters. Well, Stealing Ares is great for the same reason. The characters in Stealing Ares are realistic and engaging, and they’re working within a science fiction plot that gives them the ability to demonstrate their various personalities. I highly recommend this story for both the plot and characters you’ll encounter!
I should interrupt this review right now to say I loved this story! I could write a very lengthy review, just chatting away about what I loved, what worked so freaking well, and how I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series, but I’m going to try to streamline my thoughts and get to some important points potential readers might want to know as they decide if reading Stealing Ares is worth their time (it is).
First of all, I went in to this story thinking that it was going to be geared towards a young adult audience. It’s not. There’s some well-placed and paced spice in this story that leads me to suggest this is a story for an adult reading audience. But who am I to dictate who reads what? I loved the story. Go ahead and read it!
Additionally, the conflicts in Stealing Ares have a more adult feel. There’s no childish foot stomping, or easily resolved miscommunications that make you want to role your eyes at the characters and yell at the author for contrived drama disguised as plot. The conflicts in Stealing Ares are thoughtful, work themselves out with mature reflection, and end without additional conflict. You know, the way real people deal with interpersonal conflicts. Read the story and you’ll understand what I mean. I was particularly impressed with a specific conflict between Harlow and Jack that ended in such a glorious way with Harlow pissed off and ready to go kick someone’s ass. Harlow was awesome in that scene, and Jack’s response was just fantastic. I’m laughing now as I write this and recall the scene. It’s just funny!
While there are specific political agendas and goals in Stealing Ares that drive this plot, this story is also about the individual characters who make up this story. What makes a great story, in my opinion, isn’t necessarily the plot. What makes a story great is the characters that the author creates to tell the story. I mean, think of Watership Down. That’s a story about homeless bunnies looking for a new field to call home. That plot sounds kind of crazy when you think about it. It’s a great story, in large part, because the bunnies are all such unique characters. Well, Stealing Ares is great for the same reason. The characters in Stealing Ares are realistic and engaging, and they’re working within a science fiction plot that gives them the ability to demonstrate their various personalities. I highly recommend this story for both the plot and characters you’ll encounter!
August 20, 2023
What a fantastic debut novel! From the first page, it had my interest. The characters were interesting and well-developed. It was always engaging and kept me wanting to read so I could learn what happened next. I can’t wait for the next one!
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October 9, 2023Double-DNF. Itriguing plot premise but not capitalized upon in a compelling way.
October 6, 2025
What an adventure Harlow and Jack have!
December 20, 2022
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
It wasn’t lost on her how warm his hand was or how soft his gaze could be—that is, when he wasn’t about to throw her in prison.
What a delightful story. Romance. Sci-fi. Intrigue. Action. It had it all.
And some great writing...
Fucking universe. Stand me on the edge of heaven before dragging me back to hell. Figures.
And my favourite...
He was a sorry sight: a prince sitting on top of an old carbon fiber picnic table with a bottle of whiskey—talking to a goat.
I wish book two was out now.
It wasn’t lost on her how warm his hand was or how soft his gaze could be—that is, when he wasn’t about to throw her in prison.
What a delightful story. Romance. Sci-fi. Intrigue. Action. It had it all.
And some great writing...
Fucking universe. Stand me on the edge of heaven before dragging me back to hell. Figures.
And my favourite...
He was a sorry sight: a prince sitting on top of an old carbon fiber picnic table with a bottle of whiskey—talking to a goat.
I wish book two was out now.
March 10, 2023
I loved this book alot, I felt so many different emotions all throughout the story in a good way. I generally could not put the book down. This book is an adult book so you do not see much of anyone acting like a child, unless they are just evil really. I cannot wait for more about the Ares, I personally fell in love with prince james/Jack, his whole demeanor is everything throughout the book, he generally allows you to slowly fall in love with him just as much as Harlow does. This book is very fast -paced but then it slows down a bit, then picks right back up. It was an easy and fast read. You begin to feel sorry for both of these characters because of the amount of trauma they both have endured but that makes them who they end up becoming by the end of the book. I am very excited for the next book in the series. I do recommend this to be a book you add to your list even if you've never read a Scifi/romance book, It should be on your list now. Kim has a very wonderful writing style that anyone will love. Taking a trip on the ares is not something you want to miss!
October 9, 2022
Action packed and full of heart, Stealing Ares is more than the sum of its parts. A genre-meld of Sci Fi and Romance, its also a story about love in all its literary forms. Love of community, self, friends, family, and of course romantic all run through the tale, as the author shows us the one thing they all have in common: bravery. Characters show us the value of self-sacrifice, of allowing oneself to be vulnerable, of loving enough to overcome betrayal, and more. Twists and turns abound. A soon as we think we have it figured out, the author throws us a curve. We're treated to a satisfying resolution, but with the promise of more. The reader's first thought upon reading the last sentence is, I sincerely hope there is a sequel.
December 12, 2022
It's a while since I read Sci-Fi but this brought me up to date, somewhat, with current futuristic thinking. A compelling read and believable - 400 years into the future. I was glad to see the human side of things - emotions, pain and love - are still around in Conrey's book and that we are not all to become complete robots (hopefully), experimental or otherwise. Harlow Hanson is an icon in her community but due to a past incident she must now decide between her perceived loyalty and love. Stealing Ares will steal your heart and I am looking forward to the follow up. As well as Harlow and her British friend, I think the two mothers have more stories to tell. If you like action and romance on any planet, this is for you.
March 15, 2023
What a great read!
This book is fun with cool characters and an intriguing and fascinating perspective on how Earth colonies might come into conflict with the home world. It has a nicely thought out and complex political landscape as the background for a great story of people caught up in what looks to turn into a revolution. To be honest the story this most reminds me of is the great Boris Pasternak novel DOCTOR ZHIVAGO. STEALING ARIES has similar complexity of political partisans mixed with a great love story--but without the sad ending Pasternak wrote.
In case it isn't clear, I thought this was a terrific read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!
This book is fun with cool characters and an intriguing and fascinating perspective on how Earth colonies might come into conflict with the home world. It has a nicely thought out and complex political landscape as the background for a great story of people caught up in what looks to turn into a revolution. To be honest the story this most reminds me of is the great Boris Pasternak novel DOCTOR ZHIVAGO. STEALING ARIES has similar complexity of political partisans mixed with a great love story--but without the sad ending Pasternak wrote.
In case it isn't clear, I thought this was a terrific read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!
October 10, 2022
Resolution Redemption Adventure
This debut book from Kim Conrey is a wonderfully enjoyable read from beginning to end ... although at the end it left me wanting more so I am hopeful that book two isn't too far behind. The fierceness of the characters and the emotions of the journey really come together in a beautiful concerto to make this story timeless. Highly recommended!!!
December 7, 2022
I absolutely loved this Sci fi! My first Sci fi read and I’m hooked! This author did a fantastic job on all her characters! My favorites of course, Harlow, Prince Jack and Mother! Well written and a quick page turner! The action packed, suspenseful and Romantic adventure has me wanting more! Looking forward to a sequel!
December 15, 2022
Great Read
This story kept me up late more than one night. The characters and plot pulled me right in with impressive world building and solid storytelling. Looking forward to next in series.
This story kept me up late more than one night. The characters and plot pulled me right in with impressive world building and solid storytelling. Looking forward to next in series.
January 7, 2025
I'm not a science fiction fan, and I don't read much spicy romance, so this debut novel isn't one I'd ordinarily pick up. But when it won a Georgia Author of the Year Award, it got my attention, and after hearing the author speak, I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did.
The world-building is quite believable and well done. The story takes place in 2025, and Earth has suffered some natural disasters and pandemics that have decimated its population and motivated its inhabitants to colonize other planets and moons. The bulk of the action takes place at the colony on Mars, or on the Ares, a sophisticated starship that has been out of commission for many years, stranded on Mars.
The characters are well-developed too. The main protagonist is Harlow Hanson, born and raised on Mars, who makes her living as a thief. When she sneaks on board the marooned Ares to plunder it, Prince Jack Windsor, the commander of the ship and ruler of the territory, catches her and throws her into the brig. But when Harlow's on board, the ship springs to life, and Jack realizes she holds the key he's been searching for.
Their romance has all the tropes: enemies first, then they find out they need to work together, mutual attraction, falling in love, betrayal, misunderstandings, gradually unraveling the misunderstandings, and getting back together. All while overcoming the objections of family and the challenges of saving the world.
Some interesting secondary characters round out the cast: Martian bar owner, Mike; Jack's aunt Mary, Mother Superior at the convent where Harlow spent her youth; and Jack's friend Carlos, a U.S. Marine serving on board the Ares.
If you're looking for something a little different, give Stealing Ares a try.
The world-building is quite believable and well done. The story takes place in 2025, and Earth has suffered some natural disasters and pandemics that have decimated its population and motivated its inhabitants to colonize other planets and moons. The bulk of the action takes place at the colony on Mars, or on the Ares, a sophisticated starship that has been out of commission for many years, stranded on Mars.
The characters are well-developed too. The main protagonist is Harlow Hanson, born and raised on Mars, who makes her living as a thief. When she sneaks on board the marooned Ares to plunder it, Prince Jack Windsor, the commander of the ship and ruler of the territory, catches her and throws her into the brig. But when Harlow's on board, the ship springs to life, and Jack realizes she holds the key he's been searching for.
Their romance has all the tropes: enemies first, then they find out they need to work together, mutual attraction, falling in love, betrayal, misunderstandings, gradually unraveling the misunderstandings, and getting back together. All while overcoming the objections of family and the challenges of saving the world.
Some interesting secondary characters round out the cast: Martian bar owner, Mike; Jack's aunt Mary, Mother Superior at the convent where Harlow spent her youth; and Jack's friend Carlos, a U.S. Marine serving on board the Ares.
If you're looking for something a little different, give Stealing Ares a try.
May 21, 2023
Harlow is the heroine you can't help but root for: she's the strong brilliant woman who risks her life to help the struggling people on Mars by pilfering from Ares, the heavily guarded ship that could save Mars, if only they could get it to function again. I couldn't stop turning pages as I became immersed into her heartbreaking story of why she’s the only one who can bring Ares back to life, and the difficult choices she must make in order to continue fighting for her people. The chemistry between her and her rival, Jack, who isn't so keen on her thievery, is palpable. From minute one, it's clear he admires her crafty street smarts, and is torn between punishing her, his duty as prince, and his feelings for her. Their banter is witty yet believable, and they make a riveting and mature team as they fight each other and themselves to save the world and beyond. I could see this as a movie, and would love to watch this beautiful yet heartbreaking world Conrey has created, a terraformed Mars with the fascinating defunct ship as it comes back to life, on screen. I can't wait to read more from this author who so expertly crafted an easy-to-read, exciting and immersive Sci-Fi with an expertly executed love story that brings all the feels.
June 18, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. This is not the genre I usually read, but I was pleasantly surprised. And then I was totally pulled in! The characters were vibrant and believable, which made the unfamiliar planetary setting believable as well. I could clearly picture the scenes, inside and outside the ship.
Conrey does an excellent job with so many varied aspects of this book. Her pacing is perfect, the plot is excellent, the romantic scenes satisfying without being TMI, and even the peripheral characters and their subplots are complete and fulfilling without overwhelming the main plot or taking us too far afield.
She pays attention to detail, managing to gather and tie together all the loose ends in a way that makes readers unaware of what she's doing. It's just there, magically tied in, all the random squiggles fitting perfectly into the completed picture. A compelling read!
Conrey does an excellent job with so many varied aspects of this book. Her pacing is perfect, the plot is excellent, the romantic scenes satisfying without being TMI, and even the peripheral characters and their subplots are complete and fulfilling without overwhelming the main plot or taking us too far afield.
She pays attention to detail, managing to gather and tie together all the loose ends in a way that makes readers unaware of what she's doing. It's just there, magically tied in, all the random squiggles fitting perfectly into the completed picture. A compelling read!
May 4, 2023
Stealing Ares is a character-driven novel packed with action and unpredictability. Just when you think you've figured it out, the story takes a twist you didn't see coming. A good love story is always a winner in my book, and Stealing Ares delivers the heat. Harlow and Jack's romance is heartbreaking and exciting while luring readers into their dilemma. Initially, they could not be more different. He's a prince. She's a thief. But throughout the story, their unification as they fight for the same cause draws them closer together, which ultimately leads to sacrifices that change their lives forever. Kim Conrey beautifully weaves futuristic obstacles with humanistic emotions in a smart and innovative way. Stealing Ares has turned me into a sci-fi fan!
March 29, 2024
Kim Conrey’s “Stealing Ares” is just plain fun! I’m not a big science fiction reader but found myself engrossed in this book—ended up being a 2-day read.
Harlow Hanson is the “Robin Hood” of Mars doing what she can to bring aid to the neglected colonists. Prince Jack Windsor, is on a mission to regenerate the most powerful starship in the universe. Harlow doesn’t think much of royalty.
When these two stubborn personalities collide, they instinctively repel. Until an important discovery—one that could decide the fate of millions—forces them to cooperate.
Conrey’s got writing chops! Harlow reminds me of Andy Weir’s protagonist Jasmine in “Artemis”—except Conrey delivers a stronger heroine!
Harlow Hanson is the “Robin Hood” of Mars doing what she can to bring aid to the neglected colonists. Prince Jack Windsor, is on a mission to regenerate the most powerful starship in the universe. Harlow doesn’t think much of royalty.
When these two stubborn personalities collide, they instinctively repel. Until an important discovery—one that could decide the fate of millions—forces them to cooperate.
Conrey’s got writing chops! Harlow reminds me of Andy Weir’s protagonist Jasmine in “Artemis”—except Conrey delivers a stronger heroine!
June 6, 2023
This was my first science fiction romance. I don't usually go for romance, but this book had it all: action, intrigue, twists and turns... I'd be fast to tell anyone that whether you're a romance reader, this book is for you.
The futuristic life depicted was very realistic and easy to see as a plausible future for us. And as always, us humans take our good and bad sides with us wherever we go, and Conrey doesn't miss an opportunity to explore that fact.
This book will keep you guessing and when you finish, you'll wish the next one was out already!
The futuristic life depicted was very realistic and easy to see as a plausible future for us. And as always, us humans take our good and bad sides with us wherever we go, and Conrey doesn't miss an opportunity to explore that fact.
This book will keep you guessing and when you finish, you'll wish the next one was out already!
June 12, 2023
I’m not particularly a sci-fi fan, but I fell in love with Stealing Ares from the start. A steamy romance, relatable characters you’ll root for, a plot that’s out of this world and nonstop action and adventure will keep you turning the pages. The author has an amazing imagination and did a great job of world-building so the story was believable. Kick-ass heroine Harlow Hanson and swoonworthy Prince Jack Windsor are evenly matched. Looking forward to reading more of this series and more books by this author. I highly recommend this book.
October 9, 2023
I like the story but I'm not a big fan of romances. I did like the subterfuge, Harlow being blackmailed and Mother helping her and the sci fi with her being part of reactivating the ship after trying to asset strip it to help the colony plus the politics with Jack and his family and Harlow with her mother but it all worked out in the end with Mother Mary becoming Aunt Mary, Jack or James saving Harlow and everyone pairing up at the end but it was a bit much romance and not enough sci fi for my taste.
May 17, 2023
Stealing Ares is an engaging high octane Sci-Fi Romance that keeps the action–adventure racing along in a story galvanized by a strong female lead and fueled by a cast of stimulating characters who round out the mystery, intrigue, love and friendship that bring it all together in a well written narrative that keeps the stakes high and the pages turning in this excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2023
Good sci fi romantic adventure
The worldbuilding is grim with a future filled with ongoing conflict between the nations of Earth and a terrorist Brotherhood threatening everyone. I like the main characters and the supporting cast. The story is good, and the romances are believable. I'm not a fan of love triangles.
The worldbuilding is grim with a future filled with ongoing conflict between the nations of Earth and a terrorist Brotherhood threatening everyone. I like the main characters and the supporting cast. The story is good, and the romances are believable. I'm not a fan of love triangles.
August 13, 2023
I greatly enjoyed Stealing Ares and look forward to the sequel Losing Ares that is coming out in October of this year.
Kim Conrey combines great characters with wonderful story telling. What could be better?
If you enjoy a fast paced, Sci-Fi book with lots of action and a little romance, you must get this book and preorder the next in the series.
Kim Conrey combines great characters with wonderful story telling. What could be better?
If you enjoy a fast paced, Sci-Fi book with lots of action and a little romance, you must get this book and preorder the next in the series.
October 28, 2023
Ares Ascending was a thrilling ride. Combining my love of sci-fi with action adventure and a love story is no easy task but all three come together flawlessly to create a “can’t put it down” read. There’s something for everyone. Harlow is my hero and Jack is everything you want him to be. Can’t wait to read Losing Ares to find out what comes next for the fearless Mars colonists.
September 1, 2023
If you enjoy reading Sci-fi books. You will need to read Stealing Ares!!! I fell in love with Harlow and Jack the two main characters. Their struggles, loss, survival, trust, betrayal, and adventure is what makes this book the five stars it deserves!
October 5, 2023
awesome
If this is the first book I can not wait until the next book or books
I’m not wine with clever words but this took my by the hand and lead me a merry dance and I want lots more just starting on the next book now
If this is the first book I can not wait until the next book or books
I’m not wine with clever words but this took my by the hand and lead me a merry dance and I want lots more just starting on the next book now
October 8, 2023
Wonderful Story!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The story was very fast paced & I couldn’t put it down. You don’t have to be a syfy fan to enjoy this book. Great characters, nice love story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The story was very fast paced & I couldn’t put it down. You don’t have to be a syfy fan to enjoy this book. Great characters, nice love story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
August 21, 2025
Not my up of tea
It is like the book was written by two different authors. It was going along fine, then it slipped into soft-core porn, tried to pick back up where it had left off, but never recovered.
It is like the book was written by two different authors. It was going along fine, then it slipped into soft-core porn, tried to pick back up where it had left off, but never recovered.
March 4, 2023
The characters are inspirational and so well developed! This is a perfect combination of sci-fi, romance and absolutely incredible writing. Go Harlow!!!
I can hardly wait for the second book!
I can hardly wait for the second book!
October 8, 2023
neat stuff
Sci-fi with a bit of a twist. Post apocalyptic setting mixed$ with drama, some drama and discrete sex verbiage. Want to read the follow up.
Sci-fi with a bit of a twist. Post apocalyptic setting mixed$ with drama, some drama and discrete sex verbiage. Want to read the follow up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews