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Shades of Starlight #1
Rogue Pursuit
A smuggler, a spy, a brewing revolution…and a rogue agent who could destroy it all. Perrin Hightower can fly a run-down freighter through the galaxy’s most dangerous wormholes blindfolded, a handy skill in her shipping business…and her smuggling enterprises. Special agent Tai Lawson dreams of leading the Ruby Confederation’s spy agency. But when his partner steals a top-secret list of revolutionaries and vanishes, Tai’s accused of helping his friend escape. When Tai seeks her navigation expertise, Perrin would rather jump out an airlock than help. But the missing person is her ex-boyfriend—a double agent she thought was helping the revolution. Her name’s on that list, and she’ll do anything to keep it secret. Hiding their true agendas, Tai and Perrin follow the rogue spy’s trail across the galaxy. Each must decide where their allegiance truly lies when they learn the spy carries more than a list of conspirators—he carries information that could shatter the fragile peace in the galaxy.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2023
74 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
B.L. Dean
7 books19 followersB.L. Dean grew up on a diet of Star Trek, Star Wars, and stargazing, so when she started writing books, it was no surprise that many of them were set in space. When she’s not writing, she can be found traveling, drinking tea, and watching science fiction shows. Though she lives in Texas with her husband, she remains a Southern California girl at heart.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 22, 2025
4.25✨
I don’t have too many thoughts to share, so this review will be pretty short lol. But I will say that this was the first book I’ve read in a little while that I couldn’t put down, and I just sped through it.
Ok so this is really super specific, but this reminded me of a Star Wars roleplay game I used to play on Roblox years ago. I’ve never really been a fan of Star Wars, so I have no idea why I liked to play that game🤷♀️. This just reminded me of it because we were constantly going from one planet to another and just zooming through space, I guess lol.
The closet in Tai’s ship?? So stinkin’ cool. I’m not really a girly-girl or someone who’s obsessed clothes, but I will admit that having a closet that gets your exact measurements and makes you clothes that are tailored specifically for you would be amazing.
16 is an incredibly young minimum age to join law enforcement. It’s probably just to start training but I wouldn’t think a 16-year-old would be mature enough to join the police. Or want to join that early for that matter.
I didn’t really feel the chemistry between Tai and Perrin. Which is surprising considering that the author writes romances under a different name.
Digger didn't have enough page time. Even though he wasn’t here for long, I could tell I would absolutely love him if I got to see him more.
Quotes!⬇️
I don’t have too many thoughts to share, so this review will be pretty short lol. But I will say that this was the first book I’ve read in a little while that I couldn’t put down, and I just sped through it.
Ok so this is really super specific, but this reminded me of a Star Wars roleplay game I used to play on Roblox years ago. I’ve never really been a fan of Star Wars, so I have no idea why I liked to play that game🤷♀️. This just reminded me of it because we were constantly going from one planet to another and just zooming through space, I guess lol.
The closet in Tai’s ship?? So stinkin’ cool. I’m not really a girly-girl or someone who’s obsessed clothes, but I will admit that having a closet that gets your exact measurements and makes you clothes that are tailored specifically for you would be amazing.
16 is an incredibly young minimum age to join law enforcement. It’s probably just to start training but I wouldn’t think a 16-year-old would be mature enough to join the police. Or want to join that early for that matter.
I didn’t really feel the chemistry between Tai and Perrin. Which is surprising considering that the author writes romances under a different name.
Digger didn't have enough page time. Even though he wasn’t here for long, I could tell I would absolutely love him if I got to see him more.
Quotes!⬇️
“Can you do something about your hair?”
“No. Can you do something about your face?”
(Page 71)
“I bet you know a dozen ways to make a nonlethal weapon deadly.”
“Don’t be insulting.” He raised an eyebrow. “I know at least fifty.”
(Page 111)
“Asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you smart.”
(Page 133)
“Believe it or not, we kill very few people. It’s a last resort.” He winked. “After all, dead people are boring and they can’t work.”
(Page 174)
“but I don’t think they’re random. They’re too ordered. Systems that logical must have a creator.”
(Page 205)
“I think it’s a good idea to check and see if Kel went through it. Unless you want to lounge on the beach and hope he happens to drop by wearing a bikini, carrying a fruity drink.”
(Page 244)
Tai knelt next to a fast-moving stream. “Probably the safest we’ll find. And we need water. I say we risk it.”
“You first. Then if you die, I’ll pass.”
He cupped his hands and brought the water to his mouth. Swallowed. And gagged and fell over.
She narrowed her eyes. “That would be more believable if you weren’t laughing.”
(Page 287)
June 11, 2023
Rogue Pursuit was an amazingly fun ride and had me on the edge of my seat, smiling and gasping at every turn! As a life-long fan of the science fiction genre, Rogue Pursuit nestles in nicely with my Star Wars and Dune books, but sparking with a modern vibrance. It felt cozy and familiar in all the right ways, but Becky Dean's excellent storytelling and characters make this the perfect intro to the genre for new sci-fi readers.
“If I'm not back in two hours, leave without me.
Or avenge my death."
"With the passion of a thousand hungry flamecats."
"You're such a good friend," Perrin said. "Even if your planet does have strange sayings."
Filled with humor and hijinks, Rogue Pursuit pairs two unlikely partners--a smuggler and a government agent--in a chase across the galaxy, following the trail of betrayal and seeking answers. There are so many colorful characters we meet along the way and wonderful worlds that are explored, at times feeling like a travel adventure rom-com and at others feeling like an action-spy heist.
"The best lies were concealed behind volunteered partial truths."
There is not only action and mystery, but the best witty banter and flirting you'll find anyway in the universe! Becky Dean brings her signature homerun romance to this wormhole manhunt, weaving two unlikely allies together as they overcome danger and half-truths, learn to trust and discover the joy of meeting you match, of truly being seen and appreciated for who you are.
Plus, the ending had me REELING! It was perfect in every way, giving me the kind of closure I didn't even know I was looking for and offering heartfelt encouragements that reach beyond the characters and out of the pages. And it definitely left me wanting more! More of Tai and Perrin, more of the conspiracies and action, more of the worlds beyond, and more amazing adventures across the stars.
“If I'm not back in two hours, leave without me.
Or avenge my death."
"With the passion of a thousand hungry flamecats."
"You're such a good friend," Perrin said. "Even if your planet does have strange sayings."
Filled with humor and hijinks, Rogue Pursuit pairs two unlikely partners--a smuggler and a government agent--in a chase across the galaxy, following the trail of betrayal and seeking answers. There are so many colorful characters we meet along the way and wonderful worlds that are explored, at times feeling like a travel adventure rom-com and at others feeling like an action-spy heist.
"The best lies were concealed behind volunteered partial truths."
There is not only action and mystery, but the best witty banter and flirting you'll find anyway in the universe! Becky Dean brings her signature homerun romance to this wormhole manhunt, weaving two unlikely allies together as they overcome danger and half-truths, learn to trust and discover the joy of meeting you match, of truly being seen and appreciated for who you are.
Plus, the ending had me REELING! It was perfect in every way, giving me the kind of closure I didn't even know I was looking for and offering heartfelt encouragements that reach beyond the characters and out of the pages. And it definitely left me wanting more! More of Tai and Perrin, more of the conspiracies and action, more of the worlds beyond, and more amazing adventures across the stars.
December 31, 2024
This was an entertaining action comedy/romance read that kept me pretty riveted to the page. Very fun jaunt!
November 29, 2024
This was a fun read. I appreciated the complicated relationships for Ty and how he navigated them and the world around him. Perrin was strong and wrestled throughout the book with her feelings for the hero. If you're looking for a fun, romantic sci-fi, this is your book!
Read
April 21, 2023Adventure. Multiple planets. Wormholes. People-groups at odds. All the things you come to space opera for. I liked the way Tai and Perrin played off each other, although I found their positions in life difficult to accept, given their ages. It would have worked better for me if they'd both been a few years older.
I enjoyed the mystery of the wormholes, the idea that more could be discovered by explorers, the unique sensibilities it brings to the story's galaxy, and how they played into the story as it developed.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the story was the way the characters had to navigate their morals and loyalties. Each is forced to confront uncomfortable things about the organisations they are committed to. This brings a complexity to the world and forces them to make hard choices.
The climax was exciting and emotionally satisfying.
Looking forward to seeing where the author takes this one as the series progresses.
I enjoyed the mystery of the wormholes, the idea that more could be discovered by explorers, the unique sensibilities it brings to the story's galaxy, and how they played into the story as it developed.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the story was the way the characters had to navigate their morals and loyalties. Each is forced to confront uncomfortable things about the organisations they are committed to. This brings a complexity to the world and forces them to make hard choices.
The climax was exciting and emotionally satisfying.
Looking forward to seeing where the author takes this one as the series progresses.
April 19, 2023
Such a clean, romantic adventure. Oh, and it's SUPER SCIFI awesomeness!!!!!!! Loved it!
March 31, 2023
“Bravery. Sacrifice. Betrayal.” And it’s off to save the galaxy with the most unlikely trio, reminiscent of countless ST:OS episodes. Romance writer B.L. Dean has crafted a remarkable space opera with plenty of swash-buckling action, and flawed heroes whose loyalties lie on opposite sides of the conflict. For both Perrin and Tai, trust comes with a price and the price is looking at their world views from a different perspective. Learning that each side has reasons to believe theirs is the “good” side creates an underlying tension as both main characters struggle to do the right thing in a galaxy where the lines continue to blur. This ambiguity means often they find themselves doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, at least to their perspective authorities. Add in an ex-friend whose loyalties are also in question, and the author has a triangle whose very weaknesses turn into the strengths needed to resolve the conflict. This is a definitely page turning story with well defined characters, excellent world building, a multi-layered plot, and a satisfying ending that leaves open future stories. Can’t wait for Pirate’s Code, coming soon.
January 6, 2026
YA so you know
I liked the story. The youth of the characters was an issue because it relies heavily on the suspension of disbelief. People under the age of eighteen, otherwise known as minors or children, aren't allowed to sign contracts unless the government recognizes them as adults. Aging up the characters to age appropriate, mid to late twenties, wouldn't have hurt the story and, more probably help it. It is first and foremost a romance. That impacts how effective the rest of the action hits. You don't worry about the danger elements because there is no question about the main characters making it to the end of the book. Without the danger of death high stakes action just doesn't work. Everything is reduced to sneaking out and not getting caught by the parental figures. Which doesn't give proper gravitas to the end. I'd put this on the level of Divergent or Twilight.
I liked the story. The youth of the characters was an issue because it relies heavily on the suspension of disbelief. People under the age of eighteen, otherwise known as minors or children, aren't allowed to sign contracts unless the government recognizes them as adults. Aging up the characters to age appropriate, mid to late twenties, wouldn't have hurt the story and, more probably help it. It is first and foremost a romance. That impacts how effective the rest of the action hits. You don't worry about the danger elements because there is no question about the main characters making it to the end of the book. Without the danger of death high stakes action just doesn't work. Everything is reduced to sneaking out and not getting caught by the parental figures. Which doesn't give proper gravitas to the end. I'd put this on the level of Divergent or Twilight.
June 22, 2023
Rogue Pursuit is the first novel in the Shades of Starlight series. As a first novel, and the first novel in the series, B.L. Dean does a fine job. I didn't know what I was getting into when I first read this book. It is a bit more YA then I would have liked, but that is just personal preference and nothing against the book.
Because of the YA elements, there were some elements of romance that felt out of place, but I suppose is necessary for the genre. So again, not knocking the story, just my personal taste.
Being a Space Opera, there weren't that many characters. We have the two main characters, and like three side characters that get any sort of page time. It definitely made keeping everything straight in my head much easier, but it made the story seem much smaller scale than it tried to be.
As far as the story goes, my only real criticism is in regards to the Confederation. Perhaps this is addressed in later books, but I never got the sense that the Confederation was bad or evil. There is this brewing revolution, but for what? It seems that the outer planets don't receive enough resources or something, but that's really the only gripe. When done well, take Star Wars for example, the Empire is clearly bad, and the rebellion is clearly justified. There is never a moment in Star Wars that I think, "Hey, the Empire isn't so bad", but I just don't get that same vibe here.
Overall, it is a great first effort with a new series. If you are a fan of both SciFi and YA, this series will probably be right up your alley.
Because of the YA elements, there were some elements of romance that felt out of place, but I suppose is necessary for the genre. So again, not knocking the story, just my personal taste.
Being a Space Opera, there weren't that many characters. We have the two main characters, and like three side characters that get any sort of page time. It definitely made keeping everything straight in my head much easier, but it made the story seem much smaller scale than it tried to be.
As far as the story goes, my only real criticism is in regards to the Confederation. Perhaps this is addressed in later books, but I never got the sense that the Confederation was bad or evil. There is this brewing revolution, but for what? It seems that the outer planets don't receive enough resources or something, but that's really the only gripe. When done well, take Star Wars for example, the Empire is clearly bad, and the rebellion is clearly justified. There is never a moment in Star Wars that I think, "Hey, the Empire isn't so bad", but I just don't get that same vibe here.
Overall, it is a great first effort with a new series. If you are a fan of both SciFi and YA, this series will probably be right up your alley.
July 18, 2023
This was so much fun and so action-packed! There was never a dull moment. Life has been super stressful lately, so this book turned out to be the perfect distraction and exactly what I needed.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It's the first time I've read anything by her, and I'm looking forward to more. The world-building was great. I loved all the science, especially the wormholes. They were fascinating! The characters were likable and three-dimensional. Perrin and Tai were so fun together. Their banter was great, and they had me laughing so hard. It was interesting how they were trying to accomplish the same goals but were on opposite sides of the law. I was very curious to see how that would work out.
I highly recommend this book to fans of sci-fi. I had a ton of fun reading it and am excited for the next one!
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It's the first time I've read anything by her, and I'm looking forward to more. The world-building was great. I loved all the science, especially the wormholes. They were fascinating! The characters were likable and three-dimensional. Perrin and Tai were so fun together. Their banter was great, and they had me laughing so hard. It was interesting how they were trying to accomplish the same goals but were on opposite sides of the law. I was very curious to see how that would work out.
I highly recommend this book to fans of sci-fi. I had a ton of fun reading it and am excited for the next one!
February 15, 2023
Rogue Pursuit is a fantastic start to this sci-fi series. The characters of smuggler Perrin and special agent Tai racing through the galaxy to untangle secrets is a like a flight through an asteroid belt with plenty of banter thrown in.
The plot is twisty and gripping, the worlds they visit are a lot of fun, and the romance is a great touch for fans of that. There's even some great threads you'll see play out in the rest of the series.
BL Dean is a fantastic sci-fi author, so if you enjoy fun adventures in space with plenty of romance, don't miss this one!
The plot is twisty and gripping, the worlds they visit are a lot of fun, and the romance is a great touch for fans of that. There's even some great threads you'll see play out in the rest of the series.
BL Dean is a fantastic sci-fi author, so if you enjoy fun adventures in space with plenty of romance, don't miss this one!
April 6, 2023
"Rogue Pursuit" is an excellent sci-fi tale for older YA readers and those just starting out in the space opera subgenre. With a heavy dose of romance, this story takes you through a vast network of colorful wormholes to face pirates, rogue agents, smugglers, and all kinds on interesting characters. The wormholes take a unique spin on space travel without bogging down the story with a lot of technobabble, providing the reader with satisfying visuals of how interstellar travel is accomplished in this universe.
January 26, 2023
World building that will blow your mind!
I'm not typically a huge space opera kinda gal but I LOVED Rogue Pursuit! The book had it all, dazzling new worlds, lovable characters, witty banter, and a plot that kept me up way too late. The creativity was brilliant and I'm already dying to read book two in the series!!
I received an ARC of Rogue Pursuit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm not typically a huge space opera kinda gal but I LOVED Rogue Pursuit! The book had it all, dazzling new worlds, lovable characters, witty banter, and a plot that kept me up way too late. The creativity was brilliant and I'm already dying to read book two in the series!!
I received an ARC of Rogue Pursuit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 22, 2023
Great story.
If you like action packed space opera with spy's mercenaries on the rampage pirates and wormhole travel then this is for you. Well written characters plots within plots and a hero and heroine determined to stop the coming disaster at any cost, great read well worth a look, Baz.
If you like action packed space opera with spy's mercenaries on the rampage pirates and wormhole travel then this is for you. Well written characters plots within plots and a hero and heroine determined to stop the coming disaster at any cost, great read well worth a look, Baz.
February 14, 2023
This is a masterfully written tale! Seriously, by the end of Chapter 1 I was hooked. Rogue Pursuit is the type of novel that should be in taught in classrooms. I'm eagerly awaiting book two!
(Honest review given in exchange for an advanced copy.)
(Honest review given in exchange for an advanced copy.)
April 4, 2023
Everything I wanted in a book...and more. Spies, spaceships, enemies to lovers, fun world building, and a dash of political intrigue? Yes, please! Perrin and Tai are my favorite. I love their dynamic and the struggle of them both holding to their strong--but different--ideals. If you like Star Wars, definitely give this one a try.
Content Warnings: A couple cut-off swear words, one kiss, violence (think Star Wars)
Content Warnings: A couple cut-off swear words, one kiss, violence (think Star Wars)
November 3, 2023
This book was fascinating! I am not a fan of science fiction, but a good friend convinced me to read this book anyway. I was so glad I did. I loved every riveting minute of the book! So glad this is a series because I want to read more!
July 16, 2024
Action-packed SCIFI Space Opera. Solid world-building behind a well-written character-driven novel. I listened to the audio version from my library and have the rest of the series on hold. 3.75 Stars rounded up.
March 10, 2025
Great adventure
This was a really fun, fast-paced story. Loved the characters. The tension created by their different goals kept going up to the end. It kept me wondering how this was going to resolve. Great and unexpected ended. Well done!
This was a really fun, fast-paced story. Loved the characters. The tension created by their different goals kept going up to the end. It kept me wondering how this was going to resolve. Great and unexpected ended. Well done!
April 2, 2023
Those wormholes! Sigh.
May 27, 2023
Kind of a sci-fi “cozy” adventure, with a dash of romance.
June 15, 2023
Good. I loved the expletive "shades," which got the point across, without offending anyone. #RoguePursuit #ShadesofStarlightseries #BLDean #StrongFemaleProtagonist #Mystery #SpaceOpera
August 27, 2023
Excellent space adventure
This story caught me from the first few pages. Adventure, space travel, and deep-complex characters. Ill be back for the rest of the series.
This story caught me from the first few pages. Adventure, space travel, and deep-complex characters. Ill be back for the rest of the series.
January 24, 2025
A fast paced YA adventure in space.
July 30, 2025
A great book! I really enjoyed the development of the characters…and the humor! The author really know how to draw you into their lives so you are rooting for them! Now I need to read the next one!!!
May 3, 2023
If you like Space Opera, you should definitely check this one out. It has great characters, creative worldbuilding, and plenty of conflict and tension on every page.
I loved how the author used color theory in the dynamics of how the wormholes work in this world. Each planet we visit is unique, with a fresh spin on familiar themes. It feels new, yet familiar.
Tai and Perrin are both well written with varying and conflicting goals and objectives. Their dynamic plus a great balance of micro and macro stakes makes for a rich and enjoyable story. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in future books by Dean. Even the side characters are memorable and I would love to see them starring in their own spinoffs in the future.
This was a fast read, and one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I've already purchased the next book in the series.
I loved how the author used color theory in the dynamics of how the wormholes work in this world. Each planet we visit is unique, with a fresh spin on familiar themes. It feels new, yet familiar.
Tai and Perrin are both well written with varying and conflicting goals and objectives. Their dynamic plus a great balance of micro and macro stakes makes for a rich and enjoyable story. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in future books by Dean. Even the side characters are memorable and I would love to see them starring in their own spinoffs in the future.
This was a fast read, and one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I've already purchased the next book in the series.
December 27, 2025
I loved this! I'm not usually a huge fan of sci-fi in book form, though I love sci-fi movies and TV shows. This was such a fun adventure and while it had enough tech and space travel jargon to make it sci-fi, it didn't go over-the-top in the tech/jargon speak to a point where it bogged down the story (as sci-fi books can do).
The story plays out like a blend of Star Trek, Mission Impossible, and The Icarus Hunt. There are hidden identities, smuggling, space pirates, a mystery to solve, and a race across the galaxy that could lead to all the characters ending up in prison or saving the galaxy!
The story plays out like a blend of Star Trek, Mission Impossible, and The Icarus Hunt. There are hidden identities, smuggling, space pirates, a mystery to solve, and a race across the galaxy that could lead to all the characters ending up in prison or saving the galaxy!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews