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Dock Five Universe #4
Rebels and Lovers
It’s been two years since Devin Guthrie last saw Captain Makaiden Griggs. But time has done little to dampen his ardor for the beautiful take-charge pilot who used to fly yachts for his wealthy family. While Devin’s soul still burns for Kaidee, she isn’t the kind of woman a Guthrie is allowed to marry—especially in a time of intergalactic upheaval, with the family’s political position made precarious by Devin’s brother Philip, now in open revolt against the Empire. And when Devin’s nineteen-year-old nephew, Trip, inexplicably goes missing after his bodyguard is murdered, this most dutiful of Guthrie sons finds every ounce of family loyalty put to the test. Only by joining forces with Kaidee can Devin complete the mission to bring Trip back alive. And only by breaking every rule can these two renegades redeem the promise of a passion they were never permitted to explore. At risk? A political empire, a personal fortune, and both their hearts and lives.
430 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
25 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Linnea Sinclair
24 books695 followersWinner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair’s novels “have the wow-factor in spades,” earning her accolades from both the science fiction and romance communities. Sinclair’s current release is HOPE'S FOLLY and, scheduled for 2010 from Bantam Dell, REBELS AND LOVERS, book #4 in the Dock Five Universe. A former news reporter and retired private detective, Sinclair resides in Naples, Florida (winter) and Columbus, Ohio (summer) with her husband, Robert Bernadino, and their thoroughly spoiled cats. Readers can find her perched on the third barstool from the left in her Intergalactic Bar and Grille at www.linneasinclair.com .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 15, 2023
It’s fantastic when you start a book and have no idea of what you will find. Once again Linnea Sinclair presents a very original plot with brand-new characters. I find this an alluring feature of Sinclair’s writing. That’s what Rebels and Lovers (the last installment of the Dock Five Universe series) was for me: a total surprise and a bewildering experience. Our hero here, Devin Guthrie, could never be confused with Sully (from Dock Five)’s first two books) and neither with Phillip (from Hope’s Folly), even if his younger brother.
Thus, Rebels and Lovers didn’t disappoint. Just the other way around: I loved it! After a somewhat slow beginning, I couldn’t stop until I got to the last page. It’s the story of Devin, a kind of geek in charge of the group's finances, and Makaidan Briggs, an ex-pilot of the Guthrie family with an ambiguous past.
It is everything any reader could wish for. There is a wonderful and touching romance, with a believable couple that lead an action packed plot; there are fantastic supporting characters, Trip and Barthol play an essential part in the plot; there is plenty of angst and suspense, with murder and kidnapping, as well as far-reaching betrayals; there is an evil and powerful villain with nasty accomplices, always on the chase; and finally, there is a surprising if quite abrupt ending. Altogether a great space-opera!
I only regret that Rebels and Lovers is the last book in the series. Despite the fact that Sinclair tries to give the reader a brief glimpse of previous characters (Sully and Chaz & Philip and Rya) it was an unsatisfactory wrap up of the series and it left me very frustrated. I can't understand why she abandoned the Dock Five Universe, for there was still a lot to be told and explored.
Highly recommended for fans of science-fiction romance and lovers of Linnea Sinclair.
Thus, Rebels and Lovers didn’t disappoint. Just the other way around: I loved it! After a somewhat slow beginning, I couldn’t stop until I got to the last page. It’s the story of Devin, a kind of geek in charge of the group's finances, and Makaidan Briggs, an ex-pilot of the Guthrie family with an ambiguous past.
It is everything any reader could wish for. There is a wonderful and touching romance, with a believable couple that lead an action packed plot; there are fantastic supporting characters, Trip and Barthol play an essential part in the plot; there is plenty of angst and suspense, with murder and kidnapping, as well as far-reaching betrayals; there is an evil and powerful villain with nasty accomplices, always on the chase; and finally, there is a surprising if quite abrupt ending. Altogether a great space-opera!
I only regret that Rebels and Lovers is the last book in the series. Despite the fact that Sinclair tries to give the reader a brief glimpse of previous characters (Sully and Chaz & Philip and Rya) it was an unsatisfactory wrap up of the series and it left me very frustrated. I can't understand why she abandoned the Dock Five Universe, for there was still a lot to be told and explored.
Highly recommended for fans of science-fiction romance and lovers of Linnea Sinclair.
March 22, 2010
Rebels and Lovers is book four in Linnea's Dock Five Universe series. Devin Guthrie is the youngest brother of the very respected and powerful Guthrie clan. His oldest brother, Philip, who's an admiral and the newest commander of the rebel forced of the Alliance is now somewhat of a black spot on the Guthrie name. Devin is the complete opposite of Philip. He spends his days surrounded by a glass-walled office working at his family's corporation, the Guthrie Global System's financial headquarters. There's a great deal of pressure for Devin, not only being a part of the oldest, wealthiest and most established families in the Empire, but his father, "the indomitable Jonathon Macy, known better as J.M." wants Devin to settle down and get married. He's disappointed in Devin because at thirty-five he's still single, unlike his two other brothers, Ethan and Jonathon. Devin is dating Tavia Emberson, who J.M. finds very suitable as Devin's future wife. Tavia comes from money and is everything beautiful and much a society darling, but Devin doesn't really feel anything for her. The problem is he's never gotten over Makaiden Griggs, who along with her husband Kiler, used to be a captains for one of their private ships. He and Makaiden grew close, but never overstepped those boundaries, although Devin longed to. He respected Makaiden's marriage and unfortunately lost contact with her when she and her husband were fired from the Guthrie employ. Devin knows he has to get over his long time crush even if it means marrying a woman he doesn't love. But before he can move on with the engagement plans, his college age nephew Trip has gone missing and his bodyguard murdered.
The family thinks Trip has been kidnapped. Devin doesn't think so and regardless of his father threatening him to stay and not search for Trip he and his family's chief steward, Barthol will find Trip before he's harmed. Devin believes his nephew has gone to Dock Five, a well known unsavory outpost, to find out information about Philip. Finding Trip on Dock Five will be like looking through a needle in a haystack But as Devin searches for Trip, he meets up with the least likely person, the woman of his heart, Kaidee Griggs.
Kaidee is stuck on Dock Five. She has less than a week to hand over a large amount of money to a very dangerous man all because her deceased husband became involved in some underhanded deals. There's no way Kaidee can come up it, especially with the Empire's restrictions on trade. And the last result maybe her handing over the only thing of value she owns, her ship the Rider. She can slink away and hide for a few more months until she can raise the cash but that's close to impossible, unless the restrictions are lifted. As Kaidee tries to come up with an answer to her problem, she spots Trip and saves him from a nasty looking individual she nicknames Fizz-face. Devin and Barthol are able to track Trip and that's when they meet up with Kaidee. All four hide out, trying to figure out a way to get off of Dock Five before they end up dead. Devin is more than happy to reconnect with Kaidee even as danger surrounds them. Devin comes up with a plan Kaidee is forced into and goes along for the ride so to speak.
As intergalactic bad guys are on their trail, Devin wants to help Kaidee and a shoulder to lean on, as well as something much more. Now that she's a widow, Devin believes he has a chance with her. Kaidee thinks there can never be anything more between them because he's a Guthrie and she's nobody, a daughter of an illegal smuggler. But Devin doesn’t think that and will tap into his very underused romancing skills to show Kaidee that she's been the only woman for him and no other.
Rebels and Lovers has this awesome Star Wars type feeling to it where there are great fight scenes, horrible villains and a wonderful and touching romance between Devin and Kaidee that delvers in so many ways. The romance is a bit more primary here than over the past few books because Kaidee is always on Devin's thoughts, and not because he just wants to have sex with her. He's fallen hard for Kaidee, who he'll only call by Makaiden because he finds her full name to be beautiful, just like the rest of her. Kaidee tries to keep him at arms' length, but Devin is at the point where he's sick and tired of following the herd and doing what he's told. He wants Kaidee and no longer will be denied. And when he claims her for his own, the fireworks between them are intense and emotional.
Linnea is so skilled at making the down time between these characters interesting even if there isn't much action going on. The dialogue is great and you feel as if you are right in the middle of it. You will have no idea who the killer is causing the Guthrie family grief until the very end, and that will come as a shock, especially considering one specific act that will rock the Guthrie clan to their knees.
Linnea Sinclair has delivered yet again with Rebels and Lovers. She's master storyteller who writes the best in science fiction romance.
The family thinks Trip has been kidnapped. Devin doesn't think so and regardless of his father threatening him to stay and not search for Trip he and his family's chief steward, Barthol will find Trip before he's harmed. Devin believes his nephew has gone to Dock Five, a well known unsavory outpost, to find out information about Philip. Finding Trip on Dock Five will be like looking through a needle in a haystack But as Devin searches for Trip, he meets up with the least likely person, the woman of his heart, Kaidee Griggs.
Kaidee is stuck on Dock Five. She has less than a week to hand over a large amount of money to a very dangerous man all because her deceased husband became involved in some underhanded deals. There's no way Kaidee can come up it, especially with the Empire's restrictions on trade. And the last result maybe her handing over the only thing of value she owns, her ship the Rider. She can slink away and hide for a few more months until she can raise the cash but that's close to impossible, unless the restrictions are lifted. As Kaidee tries to come up with an answer to her problem, she spots Trip and saves him from a nasty looking individual she nicknames Fizz-face. Devin and Barthol are able to track Trip and that's when they meet up with Kaidee. All four hide out, trying to figure out a way to get off of Dock Five before they end up dead. Devin is more than happy to reconnect with Kaidee even as danger surrounds them. Devin comes up with a plan Kaidee is forced into and goes along for the ride so to speak.
As intergalactic bad guys are on their trail, Devin wants to help Kaidee and a shoulder to lean on, as well as something much more. Now that she's a widow, Devin believes he has a chance with her. Kaidee thinks there can never be anything more between them because he's a Guthrie and she's nobody, a daughter of an illegal smuggler. But Devin doesn’t think that and will tap into his very underused romancing skills to show Kaidee that she's been the only woman for him and no other.
Rebels and Lovers has this awesome Star Wars type feeling to it where there are great fight scenes, horrible villains and a wonderful and touching romance between Devin and Kaidee that delvers in so many ways. The romance is a bit more primary here than over the past few books because Kaidee is always on Devin's thoughts, and not because he just wants to have sex with her. He's fallen hard for Kaidee, who he'll only call by Makaiden because he finds her full name to be beautiful, just like the rest of her. Kaidee tries to keep him at arms' length, but Devin is at the point where he's sick and tired of following the herd and doing what he's told. He wants Kaidee and no longer will be denied. And when he claims her for his own, the fireworks between them are intense and emotional.
Linnea is so skilled at making the down time between these characters interesting even if there isn't much action going on. The dialogue is great and you feel as if you are right in the middle of it. You will have no idea who the killer is causing the Guthrie family grief until the very end, and that will come as a shock, especially considering one specific act that will rock the Guthrie clan to their knees.
Linnea Sinclair has delivered yet again with Rebels and Lovers. She's master storyteller who writes the best in science fiction romance.
May 18, 2023
I read the first 3 stories in this series in 2018. I might have rated this story higher if I read it shortly after the others but, unfortunately, 4 1/2 years took its toll. I had a hard time remembering the MCs and their past history. It was the same for many of the secondary characters. And the futuristic terminology was gibberish.
April 6, 2016
The fourth book in the Dock Five Universe series by Linnea Sinclair. When his nephew, Trip, goes missing and Trip's bodyguard murdered, Devin Guthrie takes off with trusted GGS employee, Barthol, to search for him. After arriving on Dock Five, Devin tracks Trip to a seedy bar and also finds Makaiden Griggs, a former GGS pilot. Devin is stunned to see Makaiden. He has been in love with her all these years but never made a move because of her married status. And now his father is insisting he marry someone worthy of the Guthrie name. Makaiden would never be acceptable to his father.
Makaiden left GGS employment two years ago after her husband was fired. Now her husband is dead and she has inherited his debts. All she has is her ship, and soon she won't even have that if the embargo on cargo ships isn't lifted. When she sees Trip in trouble she rushes in to help.
I loved the book and I loved the characters. I did not like how the story ended. I felt too much was left hanging. Maybe this was deliberate. I don't know. But it would not be hard for the author to pick up the series and add to it. Something I'd be totally okay with.
Makaiden left GGS employment two years ago after her husband was fired. Now her husband is dead and she has inherited his debts. All she has is her ship, and soon she won't even have that if the embargo on cargo ships isn't lifted. When she sees Trip in trouble she rushes in to help.
I loved the book and I loved the characters. I did not like how the story ended. I felt too much was left hanging. Maybe this was deliberate. I don't know. But it would not be hard for the author to pick up the series and add to it. Something I'd be totally okay with.
August 15, 2018
It hurts my heart to say this, but I did not love this book.
That stinks for a lot of reasons. Like the fact that I adored the earlier installments in the series. Or that I was starting to think that Linnea Sinclair could do no wrong. Or perhaps because this is the last in the Dock Five series. More than likely, it’s all of these things put together. And though this book wasn’t bad, I am walking away bummed from a series that has, by and large, rocked my socks off until now.
The story centers on Devin Guthrie, younger brother to the last book’s hero, Philip. He’s about to be strong-armed by his father into a society marriage when his nephew, Trippy, goes missing. Devin defies his family’s wishes to go in search of the young man in fear for his safety. Armed with his super-smarts, his ninja-like elderly butler, and determination, he embarks on a journey to the seedy Dock Five to track him down.
Makaiden finds him first. “Kaidee” is a former employee of the Guthrie family and just so happens to be the object of Devin’s unrequited affections. At the time she worked for him, she was married and off limits, but he never stopped thinking about her. How convenient that she manages to keep Trippy safe until Devin catches up with him… and even better, she is now a widow. But catching up with his nephew is just the beginning of Devin’s problems. Someone is after the boy and when you add that to the creditors harassing Kaidee for her late husband’s debts, it takes his considerable wealth and cunning just to get off planet.
Here’s the thing: it was all race, race, race with very little of the great chemistry or plotting that were hallmarks of the previous books. The villain was obvious; I wasn’t invested in the romance; and there was virtually no advancement in the larger series arc. This is the last book in the series and there is no ending. Barely a mention of Chaz and Sully. No resolution to the political maneuvering that the series centered on. It just left me hanging.
I think the worst part is that it lacked cohesion with the rest of the books. Where were the awesome Stolorths? The mind-reading? The darkness and angst? This felt more like a standalone episode of a sci-fi action show than a sweeping space opera. The sad thing is that I know this author can rock my world. But unfortunately, the series goes out with a whimper, not a bang.
Review: B-/C+
That stinks for a lot of reasons. Like the fact that I adored the earlier installments in the series. Or that I was starting to think that Linnea Sinclair could do no wrong. Or perhaps because this is the last in the Dock Five series. More than likely, it’s all of these things put together. And though this book wasn’t bad, I am walking away bummed from a series that has, by and large, rocked my socks off until now.
The story centers on Devin Guthrie, younger brother to the last book’s hero, Philip. He’s about to be strong-armed by his father into a society marriage when his nephew, Trippy, goes missing. Devin defies his family’s wishes to go in search of the young man in fear for his safety. Armed with his super-smarts, his ninja-like elderly butler, and determination, he embarks on a journey to the seedy Dock Five to track him down.
Makaiden finds him first. “Kaidee” is a former employee of the Guthrie family and just so happens to be the object of Devin’s unrequited affections. At the time she worked for him, she was married and off limits, but he never stopped thinking about her. How convenient that she manages to keep Trippy safe until Devin catches up with him… and even better, she is now a widow. But catching up with his nephew is just the beginning of Devin’s problems. Someone is after the boy and when you add that to the creditors harassing Kaidee for her late husband’s debts, it takes his considerable wealth and cunning just to get off planet.
Here’s the thing: it was all race, race, race with very little of the great chemistry or plotting that were hallmarks of the previous books. The villain was obvious; I wasn’t invested in the romance; and there was virtually no advancement in the larger series arc. This is the last book in the series and there is no ending. Barely a mention of Chaz and Sully. No resolution to the political maneuvering that the series centered on. It just left me hanging.
I think the worst part is that it lacked cohesion with the rest of the books. Where were the awesome Stolorths? The mind-reading? The darkness and angst? This felt more like a standalone episode of a sci-fi action show than a sweeping space opera. The sad thing is that I know this author can rock my world. But unfortunately, the series goes out with a whimper, not a bang.
Review: B-/C+
December 12, 2020
After the sizzling action and romance of Hope's Folly, I was thrilled that there was at least one more in the series and was intrigued that it involved Admiral Phillip Guthrie's youngest brother. A murder, an attempted kidnapping, spaceport mafia, and intrigue dog the boots of a down on her luck cargo ship captain and the brightest mind of the Guthries who might get their chance together after all if they play their cards right.
Rebels and Lovers is the fourth and final entry in the Dock Five Universe. It refers back to prior events, but has a standalone plot. I found reading them in order made sense of the several references to prior events and other people.
Devin is the computer and financial wizard of the Guthrie empire and his father and older brother have left him to it until now. He's being called home and he suspects he knows why- his parents are pressuring him to marry a woman in their wealthy, powerful class. Devin never has bought into the family status and his heart was captured long ago by a beautiful space pilot who his family would never have approved of and that was before her husband got fired and she went with him.
But, before he was home for long, his nephew Trip disappears and he rushes to find him. It's dangerous to be from a powerful family in the turbulent times of an Empire in civil war.
Kaidy Griggs is at wits end. After leaving the Guthries' employ, her husband got them into trouble with his gambling and greed. Divorcing him hadn't helped because now after his death, the gangster holding his gambling markers and the lien on their ship wants payment or he'll take it out of her hide. Repaying him would have been a snap with a few lucrative cargo runs, but the imperial fleet has everyone locked in port while they chase the rebels led by Admiral Guthrie. The Guthries, especially Phillip, Devin, and Trip had been good to her and she wishes she hadn't been blackmailed by her scum ex to quit. It is then that she catches sight of Trip acting furtive and not where he should ever be- the decks of Dock Five. What's he doing here? And, several harrowing events later, she encounters Devin to and wonders what she is doing involved in their issues and they, in hers. Oh, and would her heart stop racing whenever Devin even looks at her? It could never work out.
Rebels and Lovers gives the reader an inside look at the Guthrie family and financial empire that had been hinted at since book one. Except this time the focus has shifted to another part of the family- Devin and Trip. It also introduces a heroine who has inner steel and grit, but can't seem to catch a break. At heart, it's a class difference romance set against the political intrigues of an empire in space.
It was all I have come to expect from the author's great sci-fi action and romance stories, but as an entry in a series and the final one at that? This is where I struggled. It connected to the series on some levels and especially toward the end. But, rather than act like a normal series ending book, it didn't wrap up the overarcing series plot. I hesitate to get specific because of spoilers, but let's just say that this one didn't conclude like a series ender and was more like a book written with expectations that there would be more. It finished off the books' plot arc and tied it in with the previous stories at the last minute, but kept a lot open.
Okay, now that I addressed what bothered me, let me get to what was great. Namely, Kaidee and Devin. Coming from two different worlds with a wealth of background and yet so right for each other if she can get past the damage her ex did to her trust and reach for what she wants instead of merely settling and running from something good. Devin is in the power position and merely has to flout family expectation. He loves Kaidee and will do what it takes to prove it while not shirking duty to family if he can do both. He is an awkward geek type in ways, but his older brother has trained him for danger, too. I liked how that looked on him and liked that Kaidee had a colorful background that gave her an edge and an edgy persona as a tough ship captain not exactly polished.
It was also great with the secondary characters of young college-age Trip and old, sly Barty making up the rest of their underdog team again all that their unknown or guessed at enemies throw at them. They are trying to work out the conspiracy and what is going on with the Guthrie family and the business along with who else might be involved while keeping from capture or killing.
All in all, I was thrilled with it as an entry in the series and not so thrilled with it as a final book. Dare I hope that a decade after this one that the author will release more? Yes, I do hope and I recommend this book and the series for those who loved action-packed space sci-fi romances.
Rebels and Lovers is the fourth and final entry in the Dock Five Universe. It refers back to prior events, but has a standalone plot. I found reading them in order made sense of the several references to prior events and other people.
Devin is the computer and financial wizard of the Guthrie empire and his father and older brother have left him to it until now. He's being called home and he suspects he knows why- his parents are pressuring him to marry a woman in their wealthy, powerful class. Devin never has bought into the family status and his heart was captured long ago by a beautiful space pilot who his family would never have approved of and that was before her husband got fired and she went with him.
But, before he was home for long, his nephew Trip disappears and he rushes to find him. It's dangerous to be from a powerful family in the turbulent times of an Empire in civil war.
Kaidy Griggs is at wits end. After leaving the Guthries' employ, her husband got them into trouble with his gambling and greed. Divorcing him hadn't helped because now after his death, the gangster holding his gambling markers and the lien on their ship wants payment or he'll take it out of her hide. Repaying him would have been a snap with a few lucrative cargo runs, but the imperial fleet has everyone locked in port while they chase the rebels led by Admiral Guthrie. The Guthries, especially Phillip, Devin, and Trip had been good to her and she wishes she hadn't been blackmailed by her scum ex to quit. It is then that she catches sight of Trip acting furtive and not where he should ever be- the decks of Dock Five. What's he doing here? And, several harrowing events later, she encounters Devin to and wonders what she is doing involved in their issues and they, in hers. Oh, and would her heart stop racing whenever Devin even looks at her? It could never work out.
Rebels and Lovers gives the reader an inside look at the Guthrie family and financial empire that had been hinted at since book one. Except this time the focus has shifted to another part of the family- Devin and Trip. It also introduces a heroine who has inner steel and grit, but can't seem to catch a break. At heart, it's a class difference romance set against the political intrigues of an empire in space.
It was all I have come to expect from the author's great sci-fi action and romance stories, but as an entry in a series and the final one at that? This is where I struggled. It connected to the series on some levels and especially toward the end. But, rather than act like a normal series ending book, it didn't wrap up the overarcing series plot. I hesitate to get specific because of spoilers, but let's just say that this one didn't conclude like a series ender and was more like a book written with expectations that there would be more. It finished off the books' plot arc and tied it in with the previous stories at the last minute, but kept a lot open.
Okay, now that I addressed what bothered me, let me get to what was great. Namely, Kaidee and Devin. Coming from two different worlds with a wealth of background and yet so right for each other if she can get past the damage her ex did to her trust and reach for what she wants instead of merely settling and running from something good. Devin is in the power position and merely has to flout family expectation. He loves Kaidee and will do what it takes to prove it while not shirking duty to family if he can do both. He is an awkward geek type in ways, but his older brother has trained him for danger, too. I liked how that looked on him and liked that Kaidee had a colorful background that gave her an edge and an edgy persona as a tough ship captain not exactly polished.
It was also great with the secondary characters of young college-age Trip and old, sly Barty making up the rest of their underdog team again all that their unknown or guessed at enemies throw at them. They are trying to work out the conspiracy and what is going on with the Guthrie family and the business along with who else might be involved while keeping from capture or killing.
All in all, I was thrilled with it as an entry in the series and not so thrilled with it as a final book. Dare I hope that a decade after this one that the author will release more? Yes, I do hope and I recommend this book and the series for those who loved action-packed space sci-fi romances.
July 6, 2011
Linnea Sinclair delivers another suspenseful science fiction novel that puts in the middle of the action. In this fourth installment of the Dock Five series, Devin Guthrie is searching for his missing 19 year old nephew, Trip. The boy’s bodyguard is found murdered and it appears the wealthy family is in danger as Admiral Philip Guthrie, eldest son and a leader in the Alliance, is wanted by the Empire. Whether the present enemy is megalomaniac and Imperial Prime Commander, Darius Tage is unknown.
What I liked about this book is the hero. Devin is not a growly alpha, although he did growl once. He is intelligent, sweet, introspective, and just a little bit shy. Devin is more of a quiet leader. When he finds out there are people in pursuit of his nephew he takes action. The disappointing thing for me was that there wasn’t enough romance, although the romance is sweet. Devin knows how to treat a lady in all ways. In one scene, Devin and Makaiden, the heroine, make a bet. She wants to win a ship. You would think he would want a kiss, one night with her, or for her to do something sexy, but he doesn’t. If he wins the bet, he wants to teach her how to dance. Makaiden is precious to him.
I could have done without the misunderstanding that you can see coming. There are hints as to who the Guthrie’s’ enemies might be but there is enough added to the climax to create an element of surprise. Rebels and Lovers draw the reader into the Dock Five universe for a space adventure with some romance. Overall, I give this book a B.
I’m looking forward to other Dock Five books and this book leaves it open for more. (Possibly focusing on the Guthrie family?) The male cover model exactly matches the description of Devin, right down to his favorite brown sweater that Makaiden picked for him.
What I liked about this book is the hero. Devin is not a growly alpha, although he did growl once. He is intelligent, sweet, introspective, and just a little bit shy. Devin is more of a quiet leader. When he finds out there are people in pursuit of his nephew he takes action. The disappointing thing for me was that there wasn’t enough romance, although the romance is sweet. Devin knows how to treat a lady in all ways. In one scene, Devin and Makaiden, the heroine, make a bet. She wants to win a ship. You would think he would want a kiss, one night with her, or for her to do something sexy, but he doesn’t. If he wins the bet, he wants to teach her how to dance. Makaiden is precious to him.
I could have done without the misunderstanding that you can see coming. There are hints as to who the Guthrie’s’ enemies might be but there is enough added to the climax to create an element of surprise. Rebels and Lovers draw the reader into the Dock Five universe for a space adventure with some romance. Overall, I give this book a B.
I’m looking forward to other Dock Five books and this book leaves it open for more. (Possibly focusing on the Guthrie family?) The male cover model exactly matches the description of Devin, right down to his favorite brown sweater that Makaiden picked for him.
August 21, 2017
Another great addition to the Dock 5 universe! I've loved each of Ms Sinclair's books, the ones set in the dock 5 setting as well as Games of Command and The Accidental Goddess - my only complaint is that I want more!
In this book we see more of the Guthrie family. Devin is the youngest brother, and as he sets out to find his 19 year old runaway nephew he runs head first into his long-lost and long-unattainable love Makaiden and a nefarious plot against his whole family. This is a touching love story entwined with terrific adventure set in a time of rebellion and upheaval against the empire.
In this book we see more of the Guthrie family. Devin is the youngest brother, and as he sets out to find his 19 year old runaway nephew he runs head first into his long-lost and long-unattainable love Makaiden and a nefarious plot against his whole family. This is a touching love story entwined with terrific adventure set in a time of rebellion and upheaval against the empire.
August 29, 2010
Yet again Linnea Sinclair didn't disappoint. So far there's only been one book by her that I haven't liked, but all the others have been really good. Rebels and Lovers main character is Devin Guthrie, brother to Philip Guthrie from the previous book in the series. It was kind of interesting to have a bit more of a beta hero in the Dock Five Universe. He even has glasses! Woo! I wasn't in love with it as some of the other books in the series, but in general it's a good addition to it anyways.
July 16, 2021
Pity she's a very slow writer. She's written a scant dozen of books and never finished with the Guthrie family ( or rather with their word)
March 13, 2010
http://janicu.livejournal.com/98090.html
******* Warning: VERY MILD SPOILER about Philip Guthrie FOR THE FIRST TWO BOOKS (although I think this book can be read without reading them) ******
The Premise: In Hope's Folly, the focus was on Admiral Philip Guthrie, a commander of rebel forces of the Alliance. Now the focus on one of his brothers: Devin. Devin Guthrie is the youngest Guthrie brother, and the quiet, numbers crunching, computer guru. He's had a crush on Makaiden Griggs for years, but she was married and in his family's employ as a captain of one of their many private ships. And in the aftermath of his brother's defection from the Empire, Devin is being pushed to marry someone the family approves of. When Devin's nephew Trip, heir to the Guthrie empire goes missing, Devin takes action to find him and in the process Devin and Makaiden cross paths once more.
My Thoughts: This is a book that stands enough on it's own that I think you will be OK reading it without reading the first three books. Past characters make very small cameos or are talked about while they are off-screen, but aren't the vital to the story. I think that Sinclair does enough explaining in the first few chapters that a reader will have the basics - that the Guthries are a wealthy family with lots of holdings and with a second son who has rebelled against the current regime. Although that does color Devin's current situation, the focus is squarely on Devin and his problems, and since he's a character who hasn't really shown up till now, you don't need to have read past books.
The book is action packed as Makaiden, Devin, and Barthol, a long time Guthrie employee with an Imp-Sec background protect Trip and try to discover who is behind the security breaches on the Guthrie properties and the murder of Trip's bodyguard. The world building in this book is what I expect from Sinclair now - it's seamless. She makes it look easy and believable. The action too is well paced. It's a game of chase as Devin and friends stay ahead of whoever is following them, while trying to learn as much as possible why the bad guys are so interested in Trip. I had my guess who was behind their problems but I was perplexed as to why until the end. The surprising accomplice was also something I suspected but I saw in the review I'm linking below that it was unexpected to others.
In Rebels and Lovers we get a closer view of the Guthrie family than we ever had before. Details about the family dynamics and holdings come to light. I didn't know that the patriarch, J.M. had such power over his children, or what roles each of his sons had in the family company. It was interesting to find out what Guthries had similar traits and how they got along with each other.
Since I have a soft spot for geeks, I liked Devin's character. He's not comfortable in social situations, but he's good at his job as a senior analyst at his firm. His geekiness does not mean he's weak or incapable. The only big problem he has is knowing how to tell Makaiden that she means something to him.
Devin thinks that Makaiden is married and in love with her husband Kiler. When Kiler was fired from the Guthrie employ, she left with him. Meanwhile Makaiden believes that her low beginnings would repel Devin an the rest of his family. This is where all the romantic conflict stems. I understood Devin's point of view, but I got a little tired of Makaiden being so easy to jump to conclusions before talking to Devin about her fears. I'm not sure if this is very healthy. She often spends time assuming how Devin will feel and acts based on these assumptions. I was expecting the two of them to resolve this issue by the time the book ended so I was surprised they never really do. Maybe their talk happened off the page, or suddenly became a non issue after they survive near death in the climax. The ending threw me a little because it felt rushed after the rest of the book. It was a summarized version of things tidily and quickly wrapped up and I wanted more than what I got.
This book comes out March 23
Overall: It felt like classic Linnea Sinclair so it was what I expected and wanted to read. A straightforward science fiction romance, with the emphasis on a relationship amid action packed space opera. No frills added. Despite wishing the ending wasn't so abrupt, I enjoyed this one.
******* Warning: VERY MILD SPOILER about Philip Guthrie FOR THE FIRST TWO BOOKS (although I think this book can be read without reading them) ******
The Premise: In Hope's Folly, the focus was on Admiral Philip Guthrie, a commander of rebel forces of the Alliance. Now the focus on one of his brothers: Devin. Devin Guthrie is the youngest Guthrie brother, and the quiet, numbers crunching, computer guru. He's had a crush on Makaiden Griggs for years, but she was married and in his family's employ as a captain of one of their many private ships. And in the aftermath of his brother's defection from the Empire, Devin is being pushed to marry someone the family approves of. When Devin's nephew Trip, heir to the Guthrie empire goes missing, Devin takes action to find him and in the process Devin and Makaiden cross paths once more.
My Thoughts: This is a book that stands enough on it's own that I think you will be OK reading it without reading the first three books. Past characters make very small cameos or are talked about while they are off-screen, but aren't the vital to the story. I think that Sinclair does enough explaining in the first few chapters that a reader will have the basics - that the Guthries are a wealthy family with lots of holdings and with a second son who has rebelled against the current regime. Although that does color Devin's current situation, the focus is squarely on Devin and his problems, and since he's a character who hasn't really shown up till now, you don't need to have read past books.
The book is action packed as Makaiden, Devin, and Barthol, a long time Guthrie employee with an Imp-Sec background protect Trip and try to discover who is behind the security breaches on the Guthrie properties and the murder of Trip's bodyguard. The world building in this book is what I expect from Sinclair now - it's seamless. She makes it look easy and believable. The action too is well paced. It's a game of chase as Devin and friends stay ahead of whoever is following them, while trying to learn as much as possible why the bad guys are so interested in Trip. I had my guess who was behind their problems but I was perplexed as to why until the end. The surprising accomplice was also something I suspected but I saw in the review I'm linking below that it was unexpected to others.
In Rebels and Lovers we get a closer view of the Guthrie family than we ever had before. Details about the family dynamics and holdings come to light. I didn't know that the patriarch, J.M. had such power over his children, or what roles each of his sons had in the family company. It was interesting to find out what Guthries had similar traits and how they got along with each other.
Since I have a soft spot for geeks, I liked Devin's character. He's not comfortable in social situations, but he's good at his job as a senior analyst at his firm. His geekiness does not mean he's weak or incapable. The only big problem he has is knowing how to tell Makaiden that she means something to him.
Devin thinks that Makaiden is married and in love with her husband Kiler. When Kiler was fired from the Guthrie employ, she left with him. Meanwhile Makaiden believes that her low beginnings would repel Devin an the rest of his family. This is where all the romantic conflict stems. I understood Devin's point of view, but I got a little tired of Makaiden being so easy to jump to conclusions before talking to Devin about her fears. I'm not sure if this is very healthy. She often spends time assuming how Devin will feel and acts based on these assumptions. I was expecting the two of them to resolve this issue by the time the book ended so I was surprised they never really do. Maybe their talk happened off the page, or suddenly became a non issue after they survive near death in the climax. The ending threw me a little because it felt rushed after the rest of the book. It was a summarized version of things tidily and quickly wrapped up and I wanted more than what I got.
This book comes out March 23
Overall: It felt like classic Linnea Sinclair so it was what I expected and wanted to read. A straightforward science fiction romance, with the emphasis on a relationship amid action packed space opera. No frills added. Despite wishing the ending wasn't so abrupt, I enjoyed this one.
May 3, 2010
I'm a big Linnea Sinclair fan. This book is #4 in her Dock Five universe series, which begins with Gabriel's Ghost. The heroine of GG (and the 2nd book) is the ex-wife of Philip Guthrie, who is the older brother of the hero of this book. (Are you confused yet?)
Devin Guthrie is the youngest son of the mega-rich, ultra powerful Guthrie family. He's always done what was expected of him, and since he's good with numbers, he's been tapped as the CFO for the family business. Now he's been called home to marry and make an alliance for the good of the family, and since the woman he really wants is already married, and in love with her husband, he figures he might as well. He likes the woman they've picked out for him, even if he's not in love.
Then his nephew vanishes and the young man's bodyguard is murdered. The family thinks it's politically motivated, but things don't add up for the hero. So he takes off to find the kid (Trip is college student age). And when he catches up with him on Dock Five, he also catches up with his dreamgirl.
She's a freighter pilot who owes money to people she doesn't want to owe, and stacked up in dock because of political squabbles. Her life is falling apart, and then she sees one of the Guthries she used to pilot around when she still had her job...
Lots of adventure. More adventure than romance, really, but there's a fair bit of that too. It's a good read. I enjoyed it--but it did kinda feel too short...
Devin Guthrie is the youngest son of the mega-rich, ultra powerful Guthrie family. He's always done what was expected of him, and since he's good with numbers, he's been tapped as the CFO for the family business. Now he's been called home to marry and make an alliance for the good of the family, and since the woman he really wants is already married, and in love with her husband, he figures he might as well. He likes the woman they've picked out for him, even if he's not in love.
Then his nephew vanishes and the young man's bodyguard is murdered. The family thinks it's politically motivated, but things don't add up for the hero. So he takes off to find the kid (Trip is college student age). And when he catches up with him on Dock Five, he also catches up with his dreamgirl.
She's a freighter pilot who owes money to people she doesn't want to owe, and stacked up in dock because of political squabbles. Her life is falling apart, and then she sees one of the Guthries she used to pilot around when she still had her job...
Lots of adventure. More adventure than romance, really, but there's a fair bit of that too. It's a good read. I enjoyed it--but it did kinda feel too short...
April 25, 2010
One of the (many) things I appreciate about Linnea Sinclair is that, while her books are all within the sub-genre of sci-fi romance, they never feel repetitive. In other words, she doesn't write the same story lines over and over, simply repackaging them for a new release. Not only are the plots original, so are the characters. Some authors write basically one hero who simply changes name and hair color from book to book. Same with the heroines. In Linnea Sinclair's books, however, the characters are not interchangeable from title to title. No one would confuse Devin from "Rebels and Lovers" with Sully from "Gabriel's Ghost" or Rhis Vanur from "Finder's Keepers."
"Rebels and Lovers" was another immensely entertaining read from one of my favorite authors. Only now I've finished it and I have to wait who-knows-how-long for the next Sinclair book. My only consolation is that I have all her titles within reach of my computer, and I can quickly pick one up whenever I need a satisfaction-guaranteed action/romance/sci-fi fix.
"Rebels and Lovers" was another immensely entertaining read from one of my favorite authors. Only now I've finished it and I have to wait who-knows-how-long for the next Sinclair book. My only consolation is that I have all her titles within reach of my computer, and I can quickly pick one up whenever I need a satisfaction-guaranteed action/romance/sci-fi fix.
April 7, 2010
Amazon preorder
I always like Linnea Sinclair and this was right on target. Good three dimensional characters, although I wouldn't have minded a little more exploration of Kaidee's early life.
I particularly liked that neither character ignored the fact that they were in imminent danger to boink and emote endlessly. Not that there wasn't adequate emotional story arc intertwined with character/relationship arc, but it didn't suffer from the "people, get a grip, they're trying to kill you" that romance novels sometimes suffer from.
I guessed two big reveals toward the end, but that was ok and organic to the plot.
We see some characters from previous books toward the end, but I don't think you need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
It felt a little slow/long in places, and maybe could have used a little tightening, or a little less repetition of some of the key backstory, but all in all a very nice book.
I always like Linnea Sinclair and this was right on target. Good three dimensional characters, although I wouldn't have minded a little more exploration of Kaidee's early life.
I particularly liked that neither character ignored the fact that they were in imminent danger to boink and emote endlessly. Not that there wasn't adequate emotional story arc intertwined with character/relationship arc, but it didn't suffer from the "people, get a grip, they're trying to kill you" that romance novels sometimes suffer from.
I guessed two big reveals toward the end, but that was ok and organic to the plot.
We see some characters from previous books toward the end, but I don't think you need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
It felt a little slow/long in places, and maybe could have used a little tightening, or a little less repetition of some of the key backstory, but all in all a very nice book.
June 19, 2012
ALRIGHT after the train wreck of a Vaginal Fantasy when I picked Gabriel's Ghost for the group, I felt SO BAD because I really like this author, I just picked her worst work accidentally to feature. SO I am reading the rest of her books and I am NOT disappointed. This one is a really fun read, SF romp with a good relationship.
Devin and Makkaiden are a really well-matched couple, I appreciated how NOT Alpha male he was, in fact he was quite shy and reserved. I loved how there was unrequited history between them, and I liked the white-collar/blue-collar dynamic between them, that's something interesting you don't see a lot.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the VERY ending, that seemed more of a setup for the next book than closure on this one. Of course, now I wanna read the next book haha :)
I enjoyed Hope's Folly more than this one, only because I LOVED Rya. But this one is def a second best in the series so far for me.
Devin and Makkaiden are a really well-matched couple, I appreciated how NOT Alpha male he was, in fact he was quite shy and reserved. I loved how there was unrequited history between them, and I liked the white-collar/blue-collar dynamic between them, that's something interesting you don't see a lot.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the VERY ending, that seemed more of a setup for the next book than closure on this one. Of course, now I wanna read the next book haha :)
I enjoyed Hope's Folly more than this one, only because I LOVED Rya. But this one is def a second best in the series so far for me.
November 6, 2021
Dock Five #4
Sinclair's style of writing draws the reader into the world created. I've re-read this author's writings more than a few times since discovering her. The combo of science fiction and romance is quite satisfying for those that enjoy those genre along with a touch of the para-normal.
Sinclair's style of writing draws the reader into the world created. I've re-read this author's writings more than a few times since discovering her. The combo of science fiction and romance is quite satisfying for those that enjoy those genre along with a touch of the para-normal.
May 18, 2011
this one wasn't my favorite, but its still fabulous!! I did figure out the ending waaaaaay too early.
Didn't matter.
Please Linnea Sinclair write more out of these!!
Didn't matter.
Please Linnea Sinclair write more out of these!!
September 15, 2017
While I thoroughly enjoy this universe and don't understand why there aren't more stories in it, this is my least favorite.
This book deals with one of Admiral Phillip Guthrie's brother, Devin Guthrie, who we have heard very little about before hand. I had no previous interest or curiosity about this guy and the female, Makaiden, was completely new and unknown.
Unlike the other 3 stories in this universe, this book had no actual plot. It was one big chase, and to me, it wasn't even that exciting. I feel like there was a lot of room to grow the overarching plot of this series and keep it going, but the author clearly wasn't interested in that and wrote a very self-contained story with barely a passing nod at the larger story that was wrapped up very conveniently without even exploring the possibilities presented by the ending.
It would be nice if the author decided to continue this universe with the larger plot and some of the other side characters. I would definitely read those. I would encourage anyone interested in reading this series, but I would say that this book could be skipped without missing anything too relevant.
This book deals with one of Admiral Phillip Guthrie's brother, Devin Guthrie, who we have heard very little about before hand. I had no previous interest or curiosity about this guy and the female, Makaiden, was completely new and unknown.
Unlike the other 3 stories in this universe, this book had no actual plot. It was one big chase, and to me, it wasn't even that exciting. I feel like there was a lot of room to grow the overarching plot of this series and keep it going, but the author clearly wasn't interested in that and wrote a very self-contained story with barely a passing nod at the larger story that was wrapped up very conveniently without even exploring the possibilities presented by the ending.
It would be nice if the author decided to continue this universe with the larger plot and some of the other side characters. I would definitely read those. I would encourage anyone interested in reading this series, but I would say that this book could be skipped without missing anything too relevant.
Read
May 24, 2023Rebels and Lovers is book 4 in the Dock Five series, but can be perfectly read as a stand alone (books one and two, Gabriel's Ghost and Shades of Dark are definitely to be read together, while book 3, Hope's Folly, is more similar to this one).
I did like Rebels and Lovers, but I don't think it's the best in the series. Mostly, I didn't feel the characters were very consistent, especially Devin, who alternates between business man, computer geek and trained soldier but in the end fails to be entirely convincing at any of those roles.
Other than the above, Rebels and Lovers is still filled with a fast moving plot, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the story until the last page. The bonus of re-acquainting myself with characters from previous books, especially at the end, was also pretty nice.
I did like Rebels and Lovers, but I don't think it's the best in the series. Mostly, I didn't feel the characters were very consistent, especially Devin, who alternates between business man, computer geek and trained soldier but in the end fails to be entirely convincing at any of those roles.
Other than the above, Rebels and Lovers is still filled with a fast moving plot, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the story until the last page. The bonus of re-acquainting myself with characters from previous books, especially at the end, was also pretty nice.
May 26, 2023
Great sci fi romantic adventure
The worldbuilding is interesting, and the characters are fascinating. There is some mildly graphic sex, some graphic violence, and a body count. The story is thrilling, humorous in some spots and nailbiting in others. Barty is a gem. I didn't review or rate the book the first time I read it. I enjoyed the reread and will be buying it and the rest of the series when I can.
The worldbuilding is interesting, and the characters are fascinating. There is some mildly graphic sex, some graphic violence, and a body count. The story is thrilling, humorous in some spots and nailbiting in others. Barty is a gem. I didn't review or rate the book the first time I read it. I enjoyed the reread and will be buying it and the rest of the series when I can.
June 19, 2025
I didn’t loved it as I was expected . The author didn’t concentrate on any romance, it was more or less a star trek episode. As I liked sci-fi genre I didn’t mind but I was disappointed with the ending that left many things unsettled and she didn’t continue with the series. Also I wanted more of a continuation of the previous books with the world building too not just a short sentence at the epilogue. Talking about it - was very abrupt one .
September 25, 2020
While there might be lots of plot similarity in her books, I don't care, the chemistry between characters, coupled with the danger they find themselves in, works perfectly for me. I've read all but three and I'm on my way through one of those right now. Great escapes during the pandemic.
July 20, 2017
2.5*
The ending was confusing and unsatisfying.
The ending was confusing and unsatisfying.
February 11, 2024
3.5 out of 5
June 29, 2023
Probably my least favorite of this series, but I still love this series.
April 9, 2010
I have just loved all of the books in the Dock Five Universe by Linnea Sinclair: Gabriel's Ghost (Book 1), Shades of Dark (Book 2), Hope's Folly (Book 3), and now, Rebels and Lovers (Book 4). Devin Guthrie is the youngest of the four sons of interplantary tycoon J.M. Guthrie. The eldest son, Jonathon, assists with management of Guthrie Global Systems (GGS); next eldest is Philip, the only brother to defy his father to pursue a career in the Imperial fleet rather than employment with the family businesses; then Ethan, adulterer, womanizer, drunk, and perceived by all as weak and ineffectual; and finally Devin, numbers cruncher, computer genius, and complaint. Only Devin proves a little less complaint then he is thought to be when he takes off in defiance of his father to search for his missing nineteen year old nephew Trip (Jonathan's eldest son). Everyone thinks that Trip has been taken by imperial forces or is being held for ransom because his bodyguard is found dead. Devin believes, as do Trip's younger siblings, and family butler/ex-ImpSec agent/assassin Barthol, that Trip has run off to join his Uncle Philip in the rebel alliance, BEFORE the kidnapping attempt that resulted in the bodyguard's death.
Barty (Barthol) and Devin catch up with Trip, who is being pursued by kidnappers, on Dock Five. Trip has already crossed paths Makaiden Griggs, former GGS pilot, who has taken him under her wing to prevent him from being nabbed. Devin has long been in love with Makaiden who was married when previously employed by GGS. Ethan may be a womanizer, but Devin respected Makaiden's marriage. Devin discovers that her husband is dead and the path is clear for his fantasies to become reality, if Barty, Makaiden, Trip, and he can avoid assassins, kidnappers, the Imperial fleet, ImpSec, and other nefarious elements and discover who is behind the threat against his family.
Couldn't put this book down, wonderful blend of scifi, romance, and intrigue. Want to see more of all of these characters. In time, I am sure that Trip will grow into a hero in his own right. Loved that Philip Guthrie made an appearance. Hope we have another book set at the same time as this book that deals with the escape of the rest of the family from Sylvadae. This story isn't over yet and I could see several books resulting from the loose ends. Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!
Barty (Barthol) and Devin catch up with Trip, who is being pursued by kidnappers, on Dock Five. Trip has already crossed paths Makaiden Griggs, former GGS pilot, who has taken him under her wing to prevent him from being nabbed. Devin has long been in love with Makaiden who was married when previously employed by GGS. Ethan may be a womanizer, but Devin respected Makaiden's marriage. Devin discovers that her husband is dead and the path is clear for his fantasies to become reality, if Barty, Makaiden, Trip, and he can avoid assassins, kidnappers, the Imperial fleet, ImpSec, and other nefarious elements and discover who is behind the threat against his family.
Couldn't put this book down, wonderful blend of scifi, romance, and intrigue. Want to see more of all of these characters. In time, I am sure that Trip will grow into a hero in his own right. Loved that Philip Guthrie made an appearance. Hope we have another book set at the same time as this book that deals with the escape of the rest of the family from Sylvadae. This story isn't over yet and I could see several books resulting from the loose ends. Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!
March 24, 2015
This is my first Linnea Sinclair book. I had really high hopes, but I felt kind of "meh." Part of the problem is that it's book 4 in a series so I think it expected me to know things from earlier books. The other part, though, is my wrong expectations going in.
First of all, it seemed like all the characters got together through sheer coincidence.
Second, I think that I thought her work was more romantic. But apparently "sensual" for me got skewed by the modern era. I'm not a big erotica fan or anything, but I wanted more than one short sex scene. I was expecting more kissing, more touch, more emotion.
Oh, yes! So, the whole problem perhaps is lack of emotion. I like romances where the hero and heroine change each other. But I can't really tell how Devin built up Kaidee or vice versa. By the end, the plot forced them to admit certain things about themselves, but they never accepted or felt proud of their heritage. Oh no! In fact, they never even got to use most of their awesome backstory.
The bad guy did surprise me. But by then I had spent so much of the book unsure of who to worry about that it was again, sort of meh. And then everything happens with the hero's family. Influential people are dead off-screen. Whatever did happen with the engagement? Maybe that's waiting for the sequel. I'm not sure I'm going to read it though.
I will take suggestions on the best Linnea Sinclair book to read, so I can give her a proper judgement.
First of all, it seemed like all the characters got together through sheer coincidence.
Second, I think that I thought her work was more romantic. But apparently "sensual" for me got skewed by the modern era. I'm not a big erotica fan or anything, but I wanted more than one short sex scene. I was expecting more kissing, more touch, more emotion.
Oh, yes! So, the whole problem perhaps is lack of emotion. I like romances where the hero and heroine change each other. But I can't really tell how Devin built up Kaidee or vice versa. By the end, the plot forced them to admit certain things about themselves, but they never accepted or felt proud of their heritage. Oh no! In fact, they never even got to use most of their awesome backstory.
The bad guy did surprise me. But by then I had spent so much of the book unsure of who to worry about that it was again, sort of meh. And then everything happens with the hero's family. Influential people are dead off-screen. Whatever did happen with the engagement? Maybe that's waiting for the sequel. I'm not sure I'm going to read it though.
I will take suggestions on the best Linnea Sinclair book to read, so I can give her a proper judgement.
November 29, 2011
Devin is the youngest son of business tychon J.M. Guthrie. He has only been intrigued by one woman in his life, Kaidee Griggs, his pilot. But she was married and when her husband is fired she leaves her job as well. Devin just gets more wrapped up in his work until his father arranges his marriage to an acceptable socialite. Devin is attempting to resist his father's plans for his marriage, when his nephew goes missing. Devin's father is sure that it's a power play and that Trippy will be returned to them unharmed. Devin is not so sure and he goes after Trip. He decides that the most likely place Trip will head for is Dock 5. Meanwhile Kaidee has been widowed and is stuck with the enourmous gambling debts her husband left behind. On top of that, she is grounded on Dock 5 until cargo flights are allowed to leave. While she's waiting, she recognizes Trip and rescues him from the thugs that are chasing him. But she still can't leave the station and now they have to hide from the people who are after Trip.[return] [return]This is the fourth part of the Dock 5 series. Overall this story dragged for me. It took probably a third of the story before Devin catches up to Kaidee and Trip. Then the majority of the rest was fleeing up and down the levels on Dock 5. This time I was able to figure out who was behind everything almost right away and then it felt so obvious that I was suprised the characters couldn't get it. One thing I really did like was that Kaidee and Devin already had a relationship so it wasn't like the fell in love in five days, while fleeing from the bad guys. They had a nice spark but the rest of the story was just flat. The books seem to keep dancing around the Alliance and Tage and I'm wondering if and when the next books will get into that storyline more.
March 10, 2016
This entry in the series was still good, but not quite at the same level as the previous ones.
If there's a problem I have with Sinclair's writing, it's that the endings don't often provide a lot of follow-up. In the last book, I was curious about what the new relationship and shipboard status would be for Phil Guthrie and Rya, so I was hoping this book would expand on it like Book 2 did with Chaz and Gabriel.
No such luck, as this book deals with two totally new characters. I understand that if you're supposed to be churning out romance novels, existing romance isn't as exciting as new romance, but I would have preferred more time spent with the story and less with following new lovers. In this case I felt a sense of "I just read this"; the characters are very similar to the previous two (one of them is from the same family), as are the conflicts that arise.
The story surrounding them is a lot more interesting, and that was my other source of frustration. Sinclair's world building is good enough that I want to know what's happening with the overarching political/war plot at this point, and this book detours from that quite a bit since it's not dealing directly with the Alliance at all.
Despite that, the book still gets 4 stars because I devoured it. The romance was compelling for me despite the repetitive feeling to it, and there was still a healthy amount of action to counterbalance it, with interesting if somewhat stereotypical side characters coming along for the ride. I'm just hoping the next book moves the universal plot along while developing it's romantic one.
If there's a problem I have with Sinclair's writing, it's that the endings don't often provide a lot of follow-up. In the last book, I was curious about what the new relationship and shipboard status would be for Phil Guthrie and Rya, so I was hoping this book would expand on it like Book 2 did with Chaz and Gabriel.
No such luck, as this book deals with two totally new characters. I understand that if you're supposed to be churning out romance novels, existing romance isn't as exciting as new romance, but I would have preferred more time spent with the story and less with following new lovers. In this case I felt a sense of "I just read this"; the characters are very similar to the previous two (one of them is from the same family), as are the conflicts that arise.
The story surrounding them is a lot more interesting, and that was my other source of frustration. Sinclair's world building is good enough that I want to know what's happening with the overarching political/war plot at this point, and this book detours from that quite a bit since it's not dealing directly with the Alliance at all.
Despite that, the book still gets 4 stars because I devoured it. The romance was compelling for me despite the repetitive feeling to it, and there was still a healthy amount of action to counterbalance it, with interesting if somewhat stereotypical side characters coming along for the ride. I'm just hoping the next book moves the universal plot along while developing it's romantic one.
April 22, 2010
Linnea Sinclair Rebels and Lovers
Linnea Sinclair writes science fiction romances. This is a sequel to the novel Hope's Folly. Hope's Folly was nominated for the Reviewers Choice Award by Romantic Times. It is a story of forbidden love and rebellion. Devin Guthrie, the scion of a wealthy family is chasing after his nephew, Trip Guthrie who has run off to join the rebellion.
Devin and Trip must avoid imperial forces and criminals who are attempting to kidnap Trip. There are many classic devices used; the bar fight, the chase, the family betrayal, the evil imperial bureaucracy. It makes for light hearted escapist reading.
While this is happening Devin falls in love with Makkaiden Griggs, a down on her luck starship captain. She needs a bit of saving. The saving adds a bit of spice to the love scenes.
There is just the right amount of technical wizardry to make it science fiction. Trip hacks the computer of a spaceship, there are laser pistols, a few aliens, and even a medical malady caused by exposure to toxic chemicals.
If you want to read some lighthearted science fiction romance, Linnea Sinclair's novels are very entertaining. I especially liked The Down Home Zombie Blues, it had some poetry and musical lyrics in it. Her website is at http://linneasinclair.com/books.html
Linnea Sinclair writes science fiction romances. This is a sequel to the novel Hope's Folly. Hope's Folly was nominated for the Reviewers Choice Award by Romantic Times. It is a story of forbidden love and rebellion. Devin Guthrie, the scion of a wealthy family is chasing after his nephew, Trip Guthrie who has run off to join the rebellion.
Devin and Trip must avoid imperial forces and criminals who are attempting to kidnap Trip. There are many classic devices used; the bar fight, the chase, the family betrayal, the evil imperial bureaucracy. It makes for light hearted escapist reading.
While this is happening Devin falls in love with Makkaiden Griggs, a down on her luck starship captain. She needs a bit of saving. The saving adds a bit of spice to the love scenes.
There is just the right amount of technical wizardry to make it science fiction. Trip hacks the computer of a spaceship, there are laser pistols, a few aliens, and even a medical malady caused by exposure to toxic chemicals.
If you want to read some lighthearted science fiction romance, Linnea Sinclair's novels are very entertaining. I especially liked The Down Home Zombie Blues, it had some poetry and musical lyrics in it. Her website is at http://linneasinclair.com/books.html
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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