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Wretched
In 2263 A.D., the fighting between nations led to a single malevolent prime minister governing Earth—a perfect Utopia made possible by voiding the opposition and exiling the undesirables to another planet. A war changed all that. Five years later, there’s one last hope.
Chief Donovan Reese, once the leader of the largest rebellion in Earth’s history, has seen better days. Karma tends to be like that. Now a disfigured galactic bounty hunter with a gambling-addict for a business partner, and a band of wounded warriors as staff, it’s no real surprise when he’s taken captive by the Vladsets. Expecting to be killed, he’s shocked when the queen demands he wed her daughter instead. Suspicion is quick to follow. Why does the queen fear the tiny figure hidden beneath black shrouds? Why is the Intergalactic Alliance keen for the marriage to stand? And why, despite his war-weary heart, is he drawn to his mysterious bride?
In Vladnese, Celeka means Wretched. That’s how her queen mother sees her—how everyone does. That’s why she keeps herself shrouded. But it’s what she’s done to save her sister that makes her feel truly wretched. While unsure of the Chief she’s bound to, he’s her best chance of survival. Though, if he discovers what she did to save her sister, he might kill her himself.
Caught between one Queen’s struggle for power, the Intergalactic Alliance’s mechanisms, and their responsibilities to their respective worlds, they must risk everything for the chance to stay together.
Chief Donovan Reese, once the leader of the largest rebellion in Earth’s history, has seen better days. Karma tends to be like that. Now a disfigured galactic bounty hunter with a gambling-addict for a business partner, and a band of wounded warriors as staff, it’s no real surprise when he’s taken captive by the Vladsets. Expecting to be killed, he’s shocked when the queen demands he wed her daughter instead. Suspicion is quick to follow. Why does the queen fear the tiny figure hidden beneath black shrouds? Why is the Intergalactic Alliance keen for the marriage to stand? And why, despite his war-weary heart, is he drawn to his mysterious bride?
In Vladnese, Celeka means Wretched. That’s how her queen mother sees her—how everyone does. That’s why she keeps herself shrouded. But it’s what she’s done to save her sister that makes her feel truly wretched. While unsure of the Chief she’s bound to, he’s her best chance of survival. Though, if he discovers what she did to save her sister, he might kill her himself.
Caught between one Queen’s struggle for power, the Intergalactic Alliance’s mechanisms, and their responsibilities to their respective worlds, they must risk everything for the chance to stay together.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 18, 2019
Three and a half stars.
This is a difficult book to rate, there were bits I quite liked, bits I really enjoyed and bits I found excruciating.
This is set in a future when Earth has fallen under the dictatorship of the UN, then various rebels overthrew the UN but the power vacuum left everyone worse off. The rebels are branded traitors and anyone disfigured or disabled by the war is shunned. Chief Donovan Reese played a large part of the rebellion and holds himself responsible for the terrible injuries suffered by the men and women under his command but also for fighting on the wrong side for too long, for allowing the UN to take control of Earth.
Earth is part of the IgA, an interplanetary organisation which fosters cooperation and sharing between planets, provided they adhere to certain codes of behaviour (a bit like the real UN), Troon has failed to make the grade because of its aggressive behaviour and almost medieval conquest mentality, in fact it is under sanctions.
Now Donovan and his business partner/co-pilot Macie are bounty hunters and they have been captured and tortured by a violent and aggressive alien race called the Vladsets from the planet Troon. Then their captors drag Donovan before the Queen Vessa. The seven foot tall, blue-gray aliens with big black spines forces Donovan to marry her daughter, Celeka, and then sends the three of them off into space. Celeka is a mystery, some kind of pariah to the Vladsets she is covered from head to foot in cloths which hide every part of her.
Donovan and Macie support a large number of wounded vets by employing them as cargo carriers, in turn the profits they make are used to support what is left of the former US military while they try to find a leader.
While Donovan tries to find out about his new wife he is also trying to secure his next bounty and investigate what is going on with Troon and the IgA inspector.
This is old fashioned sci-fi, part Star Trek (complete with blue spiky aliens), part Firefly with lots of spaceships, docking bays, stasis sleep chambers etc. If it had stayed like that I would probably have given it the full four stars. Unfortunately, the pace and storyline were too often interrupted by alien erotica as Donovan teaches his new wife how to have sex. Pages and pages and pages of it. I nearly DNFd a couple of times because it was so tiresome, it wasn't even anything different (no tentacles) just regular old vanilla sex with a little mild BDSM.
Anyway, that's just my view, maybe I'm a sci-fi snob and like it unadulterated by sex, that may float your boat.
Ultimately, I definitely want to see what the story is with Macie and some of Donovan's other friends, I like the world that Cara Crescent has created and I would be interested in reading more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a difficult book to rate, there were bits I quite liked, bits I really enjoyed and bits I found excruciating.
This is set in a future when Earth has fallen under the dictatorship of the UN, then various rebels overthrew the UN but the power vacuum left everyone worse off. The rebels are branded traitors and anyone disfigured or disabled by the war is shunned. Chief Donovan Reese played a large part of the rebellion and holds himself responsible for the terrible injuries suffered by the men and women under his command but also for fighting on the wrong side for too long, for allowing the UN to take control of Earth.
Earth is part of the IgA, an interplanetary organisation which fosters cooperation and sharing between planets, provided they adhere to certain codes of behaviour (a bit like the real UN), Troon has failed to make the grade because of its aggressive behaviour and almost medieval conquest mentality, in fact it is under sanctions.
Now Donovan and his business partner/co-pilot Macie are bounty hunters and they have been captured and tortured by a violent and aggressive alien race called the Vladsets from the planet Troon. Then their captors drag Donovan before the Queen Vessa. The seven foot tall, blue-gray aliens with big black spines forces Donovan to marry her daughter, Celeka, and then sends the three of them off into space. Celeka is a mystery, some kind of pariah to the Vladsets she is covered from head to foot in cloths which hide every part of her.
Donovan and Macie support a large number of wounded vets by employing them as cargo carriers, in turn the profits they make are used to support what is left of the former US military while they try to find a leader.
While Donovan tries to find out about his new wife he is also trying to secure his next bounty and investigate what is going on with Troon and the IgA inspector.
This is old fashioned sci-fi, part Star Trek (complete with blue spiky aliens), part Firefly with lots of spaceships, docking bays, stasis sleep chambers etc. If it had stayed like that I would probably have given it the full four stars. Unfortunately, the pace and storyline were too often interrupted by alien erotica as Donovan teaches his new wife how to have sex. Pages and pages and pages of it. I nearly DNFd a couple of times because it was so tiresome, it wasn't even anything different (no tentacles) just regular old vanilla sex with a little mild BDSM.
Anyway, that's just my view, maybe I'm a sci-fi snob and like it unadulterated by sex, that may float your boat.
Ultimately, I definitely want to see what the story is with Macie and some of Donovan's other friends, I like the world that Cara Crescent has created and I would be interested in reading more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2018
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars.
A tale of intense passion set in a futuristic, conflicted and very unstable world.
I loved how the author wrote the romance and passion between the main characters, who come from two different planets. The gradual sense of love and belonging between Donovan and Celeka/Sorcha was heartfelt, both sweet and sexy.
Sorcha and Donovan are such engaging characters; Sorcha is honest, kind, empathetic and curious. Her literalness is cute. Donovan’s alphaness is a mixture of protectiveness, possessiveness, gentleness and kindness. And he’s a great wounded hero, too, his scars a mark of honor.
I'm grateful to the author and NetGalley for providing a free copy
3.5 stars.
A tale of intense passion set in a futuristic, conflicted and very unstable world.
I loved how the author wrote the romance and passion between the main characters, who come from two different planets. The gradual sense of love and belonging between Donovan and Celeka/Sorcha was heartfelt, both sweet and sexy.
Sorcha and Donovan are such engaging characters; Sorcha is honest, kind, empathetic and curious. Her literalness is cute. Donovan’s alphaness is a mixture of protectiveness, possessiveness, gentleness and kindness. And he’s a great wounded hero, too, his scars a mark of honor.
I'm grateful to the author and NetGalley for providing a free copy
December 24, 2018
After reading The Last Marine a couple years ago, I was impressed with the story's futuristic sci-fi world building, character development, romance, intrigue, and action. Imagine my supreme delight to spot that a follow up story was out and focused on one of the characters who came in near the end of The Last Marine showing he was definite hero material.
Wretched could be read out of order or standalone, but I definitely enjoyed the tie to the earlier book particularly when the scene shifted to include the Last Marine setting and characters, but also fun knowing the part Donovan Reese played in that story.
So, now its Donovan's turn to be the main character. He's a guilt-ridden, scarred and war-torn veteran with a tarnished hero feel. He sees himself as a failure and now he's in the worst trouble of his life. He and his business partner, Macie were working as bounty hunters and entered Vladset space to get their man when the warrior race took them captive instead. The Vladset queen gives him the 'choice' of marry her daughter or die. Well then...
Celeka has been the disappointment to maman since birth with her ugliness and her failure to be a true Vladset now maman has married her off to a human as part of some deep game she is playing. Celeka doesn't know what to make of her new husband who treats her with dignity and respect. But, he doesn't know her secrets or what she looks like under her cloth wraps. When he does, he may seek to kill her. She is torn between two loyalties and somehow the pair of them must find a way through the danger that hunts them from both sides because many lives are at stake when war is eminent.
Like the first book, Wretched is blessed with complex world building in its alien cultures and futuristic situation for earth. Earth is in shambles after war and the fallout of a leadership vacuum so that it is not the big bad in the galaxy. A consortium of planets who all follow the same rules are the closest thing to a governing body that hold the power to allow trade with other worlds or sanction them. Vladset is ruled by a cruel dictator-queen who would rather make war than follow anyone's rules except her own and now she has discovered source material for a secret weapon.
And, that secret weapon material is now coveted by more than one party who want to use it to hold the power. I enjoyed seeing how Donovan and Celeka's story fit in with this broader story to give it a strong intrigue element. The romance was spicy- oh so spicy, but at the same time slow burn because they have to figure out cultural differences, their secrets, and their own personal issues that get in the way.
Macie was a scene-stealing side character and I loved his camaraderie not just with Donovan who was his business partner and close friend, but also between Macie and Celeka.
The last quarter of this book was one huge rush. There were a few twists, some big fight scenes, and some great resolution moments in the characters' personal growth and their romance. I loved the hints at maybe a few more stories for side characters in this Last Hero world.
Those who love exciting, but spicy sci-fi romance should definitely pick up this book/series.
Wretched could be read out of order or standalone, but I definitely enjoyed the tie to the earlier book particularly when the scene shifted to include the Last Marine setting and characters, but also fun knowing the part Donovan Reese played in that story.
So, now its Donovan's turn to be the main character. He's a guilt-ridden, scarred and war-torn veteran with a tarnished hero feel. He sees himself as a failure and now he's in the worst trouble of his life. He and his business partner, Macie were working as bounty hunters and entered Vladset space to get their man when the warrior race took them captive instead. The Vladset queen gives him the 'choice' of marry her daughter or die. Well then...
Celeka has been the disappointment to maman since birth with her ugliness and her failure to be a true Vladset now maman has married her off to a human as part of some deep game she is playing. Celeka doesn't know what to make of her new husband who treats her with dignity and respect. But, he doesn't know her secrets or what she looks like under her cloth wraps. When he does, he may seek to kill her. She is torn between two loyalties and somehow the pair of them must find a way through the danger that hunts them from both sides because many lives are at stake when war is eminent.
Like the first book, Wretched is blessed with complex world building in its alien cultures and futuristic situation for earth. Earth is in shambles after war and the fallout of a leadership vacuum so that it is not the big bad in the galaxy. A consortium of planets who all follow the same rules are the closest thing to a governing body that hold the power to allow trade with other worlds or sanction them. Vladset is ruled by a cruel dictator-queen who would rather make war than follow anyone's rules except her own and now she has discovered source material for a secret weapon.
And, that secret weapon material is now coveted by more than one party who want to use it to hold the power. I enjoyed seeing how Donovan and Celeka's story fit in with this broader story to give it a strong intrigue element. The romance was spicy- oh so spicy, but at the same time slow burn because they have to figure out cultural differences, their secrets, and their own personal issues that get in the way.
Macie was a scene-stealing side character and I loved his camaraderie not just with Donovan who was his business partner and close friend, but also between Macie and Celeka.
The last quarter of this book was one huge rush. There were a few twists, some big fight scenes, and some great resolution moments in the characters' personal growth and their romance. I loved the hints at maybe a few more stories for side characters in this Last Hero world.
Those who love exciting, but spicy sci-fi romance should definitely pick up this book/series.
November 3, 2019
A single malevolent prime minister governs the Earth – a perfect Utopia made possible by voiding the opposition and exiling the undesirables to another planet. Five years later, there is only one hope. With the way his life is going Chief Donovan Reese has seen better days, so when he’s captured by the Vladsets it’s no surprise but he’s shocked when the queen demands he wed her daughter. Her name, Celeka, means Wretched and that’s how her queen mother and everyone else sees her. She may be unsure of the Chief she’s bound to, but he’s her best chance of survival and hopefully he won’t discover what she had to do to save her sister.
This post-apocalyptic world is a complex but intriguing one that keeps readers on their toes and glued to the pages. The characters are strong, stand out and easily grab the readers’ attention while they try to stay alive long enough to save their respective worlds. The chemistry between Donovan and Celeka sizzles with lots of heat and the passion is hot and steamy but the relationship is anything but easy which keeps turbulent, gut wrenching emotions flowing from every page.
This steady to fast paced plot is full of thrills, excitement and a whole lot of adversaries in a futuristic setting that includes an extremely different Earth, space travel and alien worlds. The author has created a very intriguing world that readers that readers can’t help but be fascinated by and the story contains some world shattering and stunning twist that ensures that readers can’t possible predict what might happen next.
This post-apocalyptic world is a complex but intriguing one that keeps readers on their toes and glued to the pages. The characters are strong, stand out and easily grab the readers’ attention while they try to stay alive long enough to save their respective worlds. The chemistry between Donovan and Celeka sizzles with lots of heat and the passion is hot and steamy but the relationship is anything but easy which keeps turbulent, gut wrenching emotions flowing from every page.
This steady to fast paced plot is full of thrills, excitement and a whole lot of adversaries in a futuristic setting that includes an extremely different Earth, space travel and alien worlds. The author has created a very intriguing world that readers that readers can’t help but be fascinated by and the story contains some world shattering and stunning twist that ensures that readers can’t possible predict what might happen next.
December 13, 2018
I'm a big Sci-Fi Romance junkie and I'm glad I've found a new authors work to devour! This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm far from disappointed!
Donovan has a severe case of PTSD mixed with Survivors Guilt. He is so busy rescuing those around him, he forgets that he himself might need rescued...from himself! When he and Macie get trapped on a remote world, he finds himself married to the daughter of the Queen. But he can barely see her through all her bindings and veils. She must be even more scarred than him!
Celeka has always been alone in her world. She and her sister were separated when they were youngsters to encourage them to behave and undertake the tasks set by their odious mother. But when she is married to Donovan she begins to see a new life for herself. But will her husband be able to forgive her when he realises that they have met before and just what she has cost him?
I loved the way Donovan just sets about saving everyone he comes across! Celeka is so repressed it hurts your heart. The misunderstandings are many between these two. I loved unravelling the story and learning more about Donovan's past. Macie is a great partner in crime and I can't wait to see what awaits him in the love stakes!
Donovan has a severe case of PTSD mixed with Survivors Guilt. He is so busy rescuing those around him, he forgets that he himself might need rescued...from himself! When he and Macie get trapped on a remote world, he finds himself married to the daughter of the Queen. But he can barely see her through all her bindings and veils. She must be even more scarred than him!
Celeka has always been alone in her world. She and her sister were separated when they were youngsters to encourage them to behave and undertake the tasks set by their odious mother. But when she is married to Donovan she begins to see a new life for herself. But will her husband be able to forgive her when he realises that they have met before and just what she has cost him?
I loved the way Donovan just sets about saving everyone he comes across! Celeka is so repressed it hurts your heart. The misunderstandings are many between these two. I loved unravelling the story and learning more about Donovan's past. Macie is a great partner in crime and I can't wait to see what awaits him in the love stakes!
December 21, 2018
I loved this book. It was well written, the world building was unique and intriguing. the characters were well written and captured my attention. I also was left wanting to know more about the secondary and even tertiary characters.
In this book you have a forced marriage between Celeka and Donovan. What starts out as forced becomes the thing that binds them stronger. I liked that they had different customs and that it added to the chaos that surrounded them but that they were willing to compromise, apologize and talk it through. It was a unique perspective of two different cultures colliding and meshing.
Celeka starts out very meek but with Donovan she flowers and begins to stand for him and against him when need be. When the people pulling their strings are revealed it causes them to fight hard for the things that matter; their relationship, their lives and their beliefs.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense, intrigue, romance and HEA.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book you have a forced marriage between Celeka and Donovan. What starts out as forced becomes the thing that binds them stronger. I liked that they had different customs and that it added to the chaos that surrounded them but that they were willing to compromise, apologize and talk it through. It was a unique perspective of two different cultures colliding and meshing.
Celeka starts out very meek but with Donovan she flowers and begins to stand for him and against him when need be. When the people pulling their strings are revealed it causes them to fight hard for the things that matter; their relationship, their lives and their beliefs.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense, intrigue, romance and HEA.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 14, 2019
I'm 60% of the way through WRETCHED by Cara Crescent. This is finalist in the paranormal romance. I don't know if I'll finish, and I'm here to tell you why. The year is 2262. Chief Donovan Reese and his first mate are captured by an evil queen from the planet Troon, and in order to leave, Donovan is forced to marry the queen's daughter, Celeka.
Pluses: I like sci-fi and all that space business. Donovan is a good guy, his first mate is a good guy. there's an interesting story for what happened on Earth and how evil corporations took over after the UN tried to erase countries. Fine and interesting enough.
Wishes: There's this whole conflict with Celeka that is...not good. Her mother the queen hates her because Celeka is some sort of bi-racial alien. In fact, she's so reviled for being so ugly that she spends the first half of the book veiled from everyone, even her new husband.
Me: What do you want to bet that her ugliness somehow perfectly matches our current earth standards of beauty? I read far enough for her to be unveiled by Donovan. She has long white blonde hair, "dainty feet", "slim ankles", "muscular but slim legs", "flat belly", "gentle curves of her waist", "perfect bow shaped lips", and "beautiful, full tear drop breasts." Yes, her skin is pale blue (PALE! almost translucent! SHE IS VERY PALE.) and her eyes are rainbow colored or something. But come on. COME ON. Your sci-fi ugly lady is really a supermodel with blue skin who thinks she's ugly?
As an aside, Donovon thinks of the women on her home planet as "butch" which made me feel yucky.
I honestly don't know what to say. I want someone to come say it better than me.
Verdict: DNF.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
Pluses: I like sci-fi and all that space business. Donovan is a good guy, his first mate is a good guy. there's an interesting story for what happened on Earth and how evil corporations took over after the UN tried to erase countries. Fine and interesting enough.
Wishes: There's this whole conflict with Celeka that is...not good. Her mother the queen hates her because Celeka is some sort of bi-racial alien. In fact, she's so reviled for being so ugly that she spends the first half of the book veiled from everyone, even her new husband.
Me: What do you want to bet that her ugliness somehow perfectly matches our current earth standards of beauty? I read far enough for her to be unveiled by Donovan. She has long white blonde hair, "dainty feet", "slim ankles", "muscular but slim legs", "flat belly", "gentle curves of her waist", "perfect bow shaped lips", and "beautiful, full tear drop breasts." Yes, her skin is pale blue (PALE! almost translucent! SHE IS VERY PALE.) and her eyes are rainbow colored or something. But come on. COME ON. Your sci-fi ugly lady is really a supermodel with blue skin who thinks she's ugly?
As an aside, Donovon thinks of the women on her home planet as "butch" which made me feel yucky.
I honestly don't know what to say. I want someone to come say it better than me.
Verdict: DNF.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
April 4, 2019
RITA FINALIST
4.5 Stars
This science fiction romance is a 2019 RITA finalist. This is the reason I actual decided to read the book. I wanted to see what the finalist in the paranormal category had to offer. Ms. Cresent’s book is a delightful surprise as most science fiction romances, are pretty much space junk. Yes, I just through an entire genre under the bus, but except for a few authors, most books in this genre are about bed-sport and very little plot. Cresent’s book does have sexy times but she writes about both a hero and a heroine that have been scarred by their past. The hero is Reese Donovan who was a minor but pivotal character is the first book in the series The Last Marine. He has a lot of guilt from the rebellion that ‘freed’ earth. He paid a very high price for freedom. He isn’t a simple characters and he has a very complex past. The heroine spends half of the book a mystery, as she is covered from head to toe. So as a reader I was afraid I wouldn’t connect with Celeka. I was delighted that despite not knowing what she looked like I connected, as she is written in such away that her shroud is part of the story.
The plot deals fraught with suspense, but also explores the aftermath of war on the soldiers who fought. The emotional and physical toll never leaves the soldiers, and how they deal with it plays a huge roll. The characters even if they are futuristic are relatable, in fact unlike some books this world isn’t that far from the one we know.
I highly recommend this author and book, as of the review posting it’s available on kindle unlimited which is how I read it.
4.5 Stars
This science fiction romance is a 2019 RITA finalist. This is the reason I actual decided to read the book. I wanted to see what the finalist in the paranormal category had to offer. Ms. Cresent’s book is a delightful surprise as most science fiction romances, are pretty much space junk. Yes, I just through an entire genre under the bus, but except for a few authors, most books in this genre are about bed-sport and very little plot. Cresent’s book does have sexy times but she writes about both a hero and a heroine that have been scarred by their past. The hero is Reese Donovan who was a minor but pivotal character is the first book in the series The Last Marine. He has a lot of guilt from the rebellion that ‘freed’ earth. He paid a very high price for freedom. He isn’t a simple characters and he has a very complex past. The heroine spends half of the book a mystery, as she is covered from head to toe. So as a reader I was afraid I wouldn’t connect with Celeka. I was delighted that despite not knowing what she looked like I connected, as she is written in such away that her shroud is part of the story.
The plot deals fraught with suspense, but also explores the aftermath of war on the soldiers who fought. The emotional and physical toll never leaves the soldiers, and how they deal with it plays a huge roll. The characters even if they are futuristic are relatable, in fact unlike some books this world isn’t that far from the one we know.
I highly recommend this author and book, as of the review posting it’s available on kindle unlimited which is how I read it.
June 15, 2019
Another Awesome Read from Cara Crescent
This was another awesome and exciting read from Cara Crescent. Even though it's a stand-alone, and you don't have to read "The Last Marine" in order to get into this one (although you really should!), this book revisits some of the characters, places and situations giving another view of these people and their worlds.
Just like the last book, this was full of action, adventure, excitement...it kept me on the edge of seat. There's also a lot of humor... I found myself laughing out loud more than once. And for those looking for steamy sex...I don't think you'll be disappointed.
This was another awesome and exciting read from Cara Crescent. Even though it's a stand-alone, and you don't have to read "The Last Marine" in order to get into this one (although you really should!), this book revisits some of the characters, places and situations giving another view of these people and their worlds.
Just like the last book, this was full of action, adventure, excitement...it kept me on the edge of seat. There's also a lot of humor... I found myself laughing out loud more than once. And for those looking for steamy sex...I don't think you'll be disappointed.
December 10, 2018
WOW! This novel was incredibly well written and passionate. One of the best Sci fi romance novel I have read this year. It has adventure, a gorgeous, broken hero, tons of humor, an unbreakable friendship, off the charts, erotic romance and a brave, kiss ass heroine.
Donavan is a soldier driven by guilt and shame of his many emotional and physical scars. He's forced to marry Sorcha by her vindictive mother who mistreats and shames her for her "ugly appearance. Although Donavan has no clue what she looks like under the cover and veil she wears he stands up for her and protects her. He brings her back to his ship where he slowly gets to know her and eventually falls for her brave but sweet disposition. He teaches her to honor and love herself and shows her to be independent. I loved when he puts her in a deep sleep during a space travel leap, he records his voice saying how beautiful she is, how her opinions matter and how she can do anything she sets her mind to because she is strong. Just beautiful....
Sorcha learns a new way of life as she adapts to Donavan culture but she also teaches him to value himself and learn to let go of the guilt and pain he carries. Her love for him gives her the strength to confront her mother and the bravery to show him her physical self even at the risk of his disappointment which of course he isn't. From all that she's been through you would think she was meek and defeated but she has such amazing resilience and spirit.
Lastly I loved Donovans best friend Macie. He's also brave and loyal. He has his back no matter what. I had a few tears in my eyes when he imitates what Donovan did for Sorcha and records his voice telling him :
"“I, Donovan Reese, will live not only for myself, I’ll live for those I lost. I will live for them. I Donovan Reese, am worthy of my wife.”
Just a great novel all around. Can't wait for Macie story.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Donavan is a soldier driven by guilt and shame of his many emotional and physical scars. He's forced to marry Sorcha by her vindictive mother who mistreats and shames her for her "ugly appearance. Although Donavan has no clue what she looks like under the cover and veil she wears he stands up for her and protects her. He brings her back to his ship where he slowly gets to know her and eventually falls for her brave but sweet disposition. He teaches her to honor and love herself and shows her to be independent. I loved when he puts her in a deep sleep during a space travel leap, he records his voice saying how beautiful she is, how her opinions matter and how she can do anything she sets her mind to because she is strong. Just beautiful....
Sorcha learns a new way of life as she adapts to Donavan culture but she also teaches him to value himself and learn to let go of the guilt and pain he carries. Her love for him gives her the strength to confront her mother and the bravery to show him her physical self even at the risk of his disappointment which of course he isn't. From all that she's been through you would think she was meek and defeated but she has such amazing resilience and spirit.
Lastly I loved Donovans best friend Macie. He's also brave and loyal. He has his back no matter what. I had a few tears in my eyes when he imitates what Donovan did for Sorcha and records his voice telling him :
"“I, Donovan Reese, will live not only for myself, I’ll live for those I lost. I will live for them. I Donovan Reese, am worthy of my wife.”
Just a great novel all around. Can't wait for Macie story.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2019
Donovan Reese captured my heart in THE LAST MARINE, the prequel to Wretched. Cresent's sci-fi world-building is amazing. I love the intrigue, the character development, and every obstacle they encounter on their journey to their happily ever after.
Donovan carries enough guilt for ten soldiers from a war-torn rebellion to overthrow a corrupt government on Earth. He takes up bounty hunting as a way to make money for the small faction left on Earth with partner, Macie. They head into Troon airspace and are captured. Troon is home to some of the most fearsome creatures in the galaxy. More barbaric than diplomatic and are under intergalactic sanctions because of their warring ways.
Dictator Queen Vessa isn't a mother who loves her daughter. Naming her Celeka, which means wretched in vladsetese, was bad enough, but forcing her to shroud her body, shaming her into submission, and finally forcing her to marry an Earthling, about demolishes Celeka's self-esteem.
Celeka is half human, half vladset. A half-breed in a world that only accepts pure bloods. She's rejected by her mother, people, and is at the mercy of a man she's forced to marry. Donovan Reese is a better alternative than death. What she doesn't expect to find is a loving man who respects and accepts her for being who she is.
Macie, Donovan's side-kick, provides some comic relief with his wise-crack answers and in the end, helps Donovan realize he doesn't need to keep beating himself up for things he can't change in the past.
The world-building with realistic alien creates and complex social hierarchies makes this book a fantastic read. The suspense and intrigue carries this book to a satisfactory end.
I highly recommend WRETCHED and THE LAST MARINE. Sci-fi romance at it's absolute best.
I'm hooked on Cara Crescent's tortured heroes and fierce heroines. Can't wait to see Macie's story.
Donovan carries enough guilt for ten soldiers from a war-torn rebellion to overthrow a corrupt government on Earth. He takes up bounty hunting as a way to make money for the small faction left on Earth with partner, Macie. They head into Troon airspace and are captured. Troon is home to some of the most fearsome creatures in the galaxy. More barbaric than diplomatic and are under intergalactic sanctions because of their warring ways.
Dictator Queen Vessa isn't a mother who loves her daughter. Naming her Celeka, which means wretched in vladsetese, was bad enough, but forcing her to shroud her body, shaming her into submission, and finally forcing her to marry an Earthling, about demolishes Celeka's self-esteem.
Celeka is half human, half vladset. A half-breed in a world that only accepts pure bloods. She's rejected by her mother, people, and is at the mercy of a man she's forced to marry. Donovan Reese is a better alternative than death. What she doesn't expect to find is a loving man who respects and accepts her for being who she is.
Macie, Donovan's side-kick, provides some comic relief with his wise-crack answers and in the end, helps Donovan realize he doesn't need to keep beating himself up for things he can't change in the past.
The world-building with realistic alien creates and complex social hierarchies makes this book a fantastic read. The suspense and intrigue carries this book to a satisfactory end.
I highly recommend WRETCHED and THE LAST MARINE. Sci-fi romance at it's absolute best.
I'm hooked on Cara Crescent's tortured heroes and fierce heroines. Can't wait to see Macie's story.
December 22, 2018
**I received a copy of Wretched from Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and not solicited**
Wretched by Cara Crescent is the second book in her Sci-fi series. I read this book as a stand alone and didn't have any issues but not that I finished this one I'd like to read the Last Marine. Even though this has 400+ pages Wretched will keep you turning the pages just to find out what Donovan Reese, Sorcha/Celeka and Macie/Mason will come up with in the quest to try and take down Queen Vessa on the planet Troon.
Even though the war weary Chief Donovan Reese was once the rebel who lead a rebellion against the UN when his partner in crime Mason starts shooting against the Vladsets they are taken hostage and tested against their warriors. What he doesn't expect is to be told he must marry Queen Vessa's. But surely their must be a sinister reason behind it. He doesn't expect that Celeka will look at his scars and announce they are Honor marks that he should be proud of, could he learn to care for her? There will be tall green tough to kill Vladsets, the Blue Helmets of the UN and CoreTech who all have very sinister plans for both Earth and Asteria, Donovan and his group of loyal men, Zeroes will do whatever it takes to save them.
Celeka is the heir apparent to lead Troon with her twin sister Mujara unless of course their mother succeeds in her battle to take over the universe. When she discovers her new husband Chief Reese will do anything to save her and his friends she'll gladly take on her mother with Reese and his Zeroes to stop her diabolical plans. Including using her secret power that makes her very dangerous. But can she show Donovan how much she loves him?
Wretched by Cara Crescent is the second book in her Sci-fi series. I read this book as a stand alone and didn't have any issues but not that I finished this one I'd like to read the Last Marine. Even though this has 400+ pages Wretched will keep you turning the pages just to find out what Donovan Reese, Sorcha/Celeka and Macie/Mason will come up with in the quest to try and take down Queen Vessa on the planet Troon.
Even though the war weary Chief Donovan Reese was once the rebel who lead a rebellion against the UN when his partner in crime Mason starts shooting against the Vladsets they are taken hostage and tested against their warriors. What he doesn't expect is to be told he must marry Queen Vessa's. But surely their must be a sinister reason behind it. He doesn't expect that Celeka will look at his scars and announce they are Honor marks that he should be proud of, could he learn to care for her? There will be tall green tough to kill Vladsets, the Blue Helmets of the UN and CoreTech who all have very sinister plans for both Earth and Asteria, Donovan and his group of loyal men, Zeroes will do whatever it takes to save them.
Celeka is the heir apparent to lead Troon with her twin sister Mujara unless of course their mother succeeds in her battle to take over the universe. When she discovers her new husband Chief Reese will do anything to save her and his friends she'll gladly take on her mother with Reese and his Zeroes to stop her diabolical plans. Including using her secret power that makes her very dangerous. But can she show Donovan how much she loves him?
January 1, 2019
Two lost souls were forced together by circumstances but stayed together by choice. They have learned each other, accepted, and fell in love with what they have learned. It is a beautiful love story set up in an imagination-filled future world. The author did a splendid job in creating a different universe. The Vladnese and the other planets are interesting. The action and adventure added value to the plot. It is a well-written story. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m very glad I downloaded it. [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]
December 1, 2018
I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know what I've stumbled into but I stumbled into something good! Never have I been a big fan of sci-fi romances, it just doesn't do it for me but since the moment I started to read this novel I was sitting at the edge of my seat! Celeka and Donovan relationship started off of unconventional do-or-die type of way (literally) and the struggle of power leads to a whirlwind action packed romance. A great stepping stone for readers who aren't been fans of sci-fi romance genres.
I don't know what I've stumbled into but I stumbled into something good! Never have I been a big fan of sci-fi romances, it just doesn't do it for me but since the moment I started to read this novel I was sitting at the edge of my seat! Celeka and Donovan relationship started off of unconventional do-or-die type of way (literally) and the struggle of power leads to a whirlwind action packed romance. A great stepping stone for readers who aren't been fans of sci-fi romance genres.
January 23, 2019
I love the Last Marine and was totally excited to see this book come out. I thought I was following her on amazon, but I wasn't, and almost missed getting to read this book.
Her world building is pretty snazzy,not overly complicated, and entertaining.
I didn't get her cold wraps that much, but I suspended logic with those and just enjoyed the show.
Good book and I highly recommend The Last Marine, but you can read this without having read it.
Her world building is pretty snazzy,not overly complicated, and entertaining.
I didn't get her cold wraps that much, but I suspended logic with those and just enjoyed the show.
Good book and I highly recommend The Last Marine, but you can read this without having read it.
January 9, 2019
This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Cara Crescent; she has done a good job at writing a good book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2020
She keeps herself hidden behind a veil as she did something bad to her sister. Her mother the queen wants her to marry a warrior. They question the reason for this arranged marriage. Can they love each other? What is going on in the background. Can they find out? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2018
The storyline is superb, mixture of everything. The characters draw you into the book and you’ll be gripped. This book will blow your mind. I recieved a copy via Booksprout and this is my honest review
January 2, 2019
I enjoyed this futuristic read! I loved the characters in this well written book. I really enjoyed this captivating story! It's different than the stories I have read lately. I very much enjoyed it. Loved the main characters especially Donovan!! The title is perfect for this book!
January 10, 2019
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
January 10, 2021
Sorcha and Her Chief
Loved this Book 2 in the series! Suspense romance without heavy angst. New developments about Grady 🤔
Love the pacing, storyline, and characters hold your heart. This was a good read!
Loved this Book 2 in the series! Suspense romance without heavy angst. New developments about Grady 🤔
Love the pacing, storyline, and characters hold your heart. This was a good read!
January 19, 2019
A captivating Sci-Fi romance storyline. Engaging passionate characters. A well-written book, I liked reading it. It was a pleasured review it.
February 6, 2019
I am so excited to read this story another excellent storyline easy to follow and found it to build up steam and leaves you satisfied at the end of the story.
October 29, 2020
This is a great sequel to The Last Marine--which is one of my re-read and most loved romances. I absolutely love Macie! Best messed up hero ever.
Want to read
December 30, 2022Purchase Amazon January 3, 2020
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