Elin Gregory

Happy Saturday, folks. Here we go with another recommendation and it’s been very difficult to choose this week. I read fast, I read pretty much all the time, and am VERY choosy with what I buy so most of my picks are multiple five stars. Out of what I have read this week there have been FOUR books that I would have loved to recommend, three by authors new to me, each of which has been very different in tone and style to the others but each of which has pleased me mightily. Since the familiar author is someone I have recommended before, I did a three way coin toss for the others and made my selection. I sort of hope that next weeks reading is a bit duff so I can chat about one of the others next Saturday.

And it’s on special offer at the moment!

What can I say about this? I saw someone, can’t remember who but THANK YOU, say what an unusual story it was so thought I’d give it a go. Science Fiction, military, married-to-the-mob, cowboys [sort of, personally I think it takes more than a big hat and a pick-up truck to make a cowboy] OMG the most loveable gang of Russian hitmen EVER, a tightly controlled roving POV that gives depth and background to superb secondary characters… it’s got it all.

Alien artificial intelligence needs a host so occupies Riley, a young man on the run from his Russian assassin boyfriend, and they both go on the run from the vengeful military and the Russians, who are also fleeing a higher power who is lethally annoyed. Cue car chases, helicopter attacks, survivalists, innocent bystanders, nachos, fist fights, beer and great big guns. As I said, it’s got is all – or almost all.

What it hasn’t got is that clearly defined line between right and wrong that one usually finds in romances. System Six, the alien, has some serious flaws. Misha is a well trained killer and BOY does he kill. The military types view civilian deaths as bad PR while doing a dirty job that they truly believe needs doing. The only ‘good’ character is Riley and he’s the MacGuffin – the thing that everyone wants. The danger to Riley and his passenger is very real. The danger to everyone else once Misha and friends arrive is heartstopping. There’s one section I read with my jaw on my chest thinking “I’m a very bad person because I have a feeling I’m cheering the wrong guys”. There were also a couple of sex scenes between Riley an his alien passenger that I actually found sexy, unusual for me since I frequently skip them once they get to insert Tab A into Slot B, as well as augmenting the plot.

So sweetly romantic with just – um – four, I think, short sex scenes that were well done and to the point and masses of other good stuff. I read until I dropped off to sleep and my Kindle was in my hand before I’d got my eyes open this morning, it was that good! Also, I’m not sure if I’m right or it’s just wishful thinking but I think it has been left so there could be a sequel. If so – Oy Fally, get scribing!