For a limited time only! Pets in Space® 4 is proud to present 13 amazing, original new stories! Join the adventures as today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors take you on a journey to another world. Pets in Space® proudly supports Hero Dogs, a non-profit charity that provides service animals to veterans and first responders in need. Join New York Times, USA TODAY and Award-winning … Bestselling authors S.E. Smith, Anna Hackett, Tiffany Roberts, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie Green, Donna McDonald, Regine Abel, Alexis Glynn Latner, JC Hay, E.D. Walker, Kyndra Hatch, and Cassandra Chandler for another exciting Pets in Space® anthology. Get the stories before they are gone!
Proud supporters of Hero Dogs, Pets in Space® authors have donated over $7,100 in the past two years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space® 4 today!
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Another fabulous collection of stories by amazing SFR authors, and all with fun pets (often cool alien creatures)! Even better is that the book raises money for a great charity, Hero-Dogs.org, a non-profit charity that provides service animals to veterans and first responders in need. Buy it! You will love it!
3.69 stars
My overall rating is based on the average of the following stories ratings.
I did skip a few of these stories. They weren’t capturing my attention at the time and I plan to come back to them (if I don’t forget). The overall rating is just for the stories I actually read.
Madas’s Falling Star by S.E. Smith: 5 stars
Enemies to lovers. A pet lizard with mad skills. Stranded Hero. Heroine searching for freedom. Each race has horror stories about the other.
Madas is trying to get away from her planet to escape her mother and an arranged marriage. Gril Tal Mod crash lands on the planet and realizes his plane was sabotaged. With the help of L’eon these two realize there’s more to their races than the stories say and that they might be able to help each other. This was a great story filled with great characters, humor, danger, and of course romance.
This story ties into with the Lords of Kassis series but can be read separately without any issue.
Dark Guard by Anna Hackett: 4 stars
Calla Ryss escapes the Edull and ends up with the cyborgs of the House of Rone. She is struggling to find her place and fight her attraction to Zaden. Zaden is a powerful telekinetic who uses cybernetic enhancements to control his powers. He is instantly attracted to Calla but is afraid his power will become a problem. Their relationship was quick and steamy and I loved it.
This is part of a series and I don’t recommend reading this book unless you have read the rest of the series (Galactic Gladiator). I think it would be too confusing.
Entwined Fates by Tiffany Roberts: 5stars
After almost 20 years Volcair is getting a second chance to try and win over Kiara, the woman who has his heart. I was instantly entranced with Volcair and Kiara’s story. Their parting was heartbreaking and I came close to tears. Their reunion was intense and they had a lot to work through but their love shone through.
I loved this story. Volcair and Kiara were great. I loved their reunion. I think I need to read the Infinite City now.
Star Cruise: Idol’s Curse by Veronica Scott: 4 stars
This was quite an interesting story. A sentient rock. A matchmaking aunt and dog. Good luck and bad luck. Thieves and murder.
Juli Shaeffer, Nebula Zephyr’s cruise director, has been tasked with honoring a deceased passengers final wish of returning a cursed/lucky rock to the beach of Tahumaroa. After a lot of weird and unfortunate things keep happening Juli starts to think the owner might have been right about the rock. I liked Juli. She was smart, competent, and knew how to interact with people and make them happy (a skill I envy because I don’t like interacting with people).
Third Officer Steve Aureli is hoping Juli will finally give him a chance again. He finally gets his chance while helping her find the mysterious rock. I liked Steve because he was such a sweetie and never pushed too hard or too fast with Juli. Even though this story takes place over a few days it seemed like a slow building romance between them, which I loved.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more.
Cyborg’s Revenge by Pauline Baird Jones:
I am skipping this story because the blurb did not really capture my attention. I might come back to this at the end but we will see.
SpyDog by Laurie A. Green: 4stars
Rigel is making his way to the Network ship with sensitive intell when it explodes. He quickly hides but is found by Sona who says she is also Network but can he trust that. Maura, his spydog, says she is a friend so he reluctantly agrees to let her accompany him to their next pick up point. What follows is a wild ride of these two making their way to the Network base while dealing with their feelings for each other.
I quite liked this one. It was filled with love, heartbreak, and a cute spydog.
Nothing Remotely Familiar by Donna McDonald: 4 stars
Another crazy Topper adventure, but this time it features the whole family. Jessica, her daughter, finally gets assigned her first Familiar and it’s not a normal one. Traveling to Glacier causes unexpected complications with Toppers second pregnancy. An enemy out to get the family. And of course a beautiful goddess.
I quite enjoyed this story. I have enjoyed Topper’s shenanigans over the years and I am glad to see that motherhood hasn’t changed the craziness. I can’t wait to see more from this family because I know they are always up to something.
Doom by Regine Abel: 5 stars
Victoria’s dream of being a small town doctor is destroyed with the Kryptids make contact with earth. As she is fighting to survive and save her patients she meets the alien, Doom. Doom was engineered to eradicate Kryptids. Together these two fight to save the humans and eradicate the enemies while falling more in love with each passing moment.
I loved this story. It was everything I look for in an alien romance. I really hope there will be more books because I really want to see all the brothers find love.
Edit: just saw that there are more books to this series and they are on Unlimited. I am totally going to read them!
Winter’s Prince by Alexis Glynn Latner:
Another skipped story for now.
Heart of the Spider’s Web by JC Hay: 1.5 stars
This story just starts in the middle of what is going on, which was extremely confusing for me. I never understood what actually happened in the world that this is taking place in because of it. I felt like I couldn’t connect with the characters because I didn’t understand the overarching story.
The Princess and Her Bodyguard by E.D. Walker: 4 stars
Princess Liana and her companion Pym has been kidnapped. If her father hadn’t gotten rid of her bodyguard Jacen this wouldn’t have happened. When her kidnappers don’t get the answers they want things escalate Liana fears for her life but before things get bad she is rescued by Jacen.
I quite enjoyed this one. Liana was smart, kind, and can kick some butt when needed. Jacen, her childhood friend and former bodyguard, was tough, smart, and perfect for her. I quite enjoyed their adventures saving each other and saving Pym. They really kicked some ass.
I really want to know more about this world as well. The caliba birds were fascinating and I want to see more of them in the future.
Interrupting Starlight by Kyndra Hatch: 4 stars
Tessa has been stranded on a desert planet for two years. She is rescued by the Korthan who are at war with the humans. They offer to help her get home though. She is drawn to L’Den but doesn’t understand why.
I enjoyed this one. I liked Tessa and Squeak alot, especially Squeak since he was so unique. I would like to see more stories about the Korthans.
Import Quarantine by Cassandra Chandler: 4 stars
Caitlin, a veterinarian, is woken from sleep for a house call to check on a sick cat. While following Marq to his cat she realizes there is something off with him. He talks weird and doesn’t understand some basic things. She quickly realizes that he is an alien and they have bases on Earth and the moon.
I quite enjoyed this short story. I liked Caitlin and Marq’s quick relationship and their working through the cultural differences. The pet is just a classic cat but it works perfectly for this alien species who has no experience with animals in general. I really hope we get Nika and Buddy’s story next!
I am currently reading all 13 stories in this wonderful anthology but read Veronica Scott’s story over the weekend. This review is for her story, Star Cruise: Idol’s Curse.
Juli is on a special assignment. A previous passenger has bequeathed a rock from the planet Tahumaroa to the cruise line with specific instructions to return the rock where he took it from years ago. An odd request but nothing Juli hasn’t experienced before as the Nebula Zephyr’s cruise director. But when the rock mysteriously disappears, she wonders what she’s gotten herself into. Strangers are contacting her offering to buy the rock for huge sums of credits (money). There’s no such things as mystical rocks, right?
She’s not so sure anymore and enlists the help of Third Officer Steve Aureli, his Aunt Dian and her pet dog, Charrli to find the missing rock. They better act fact before the rock’s aura of bad luck turns deadly. But things go from bad to worse once they land on the planet. Can Steve protect Juli from harm while she makes every attempt to return the rock where it longs to be?
Blend Love Boat and Star Trek: TNG and you get Star Cruise: Idol’s Curse. There’s a mystery to solve, unrequited love, a visiting aunt, a psychic dog and mysterious mishaps taking place on a ship full of people. From the very first page, I connected with the characters. Each one has its own set of quirks and witty dialogue. I found the inner workings of the ship fascinating and Veronica Scott describes it in intricate detail. The plot moves at an easy pace but there is plenty going on. The supernatural elements surrounding the rock kept me racing through the pages until I reached the conclusion. The romance between Juli and Steve was slow burning at first but then sped up as circumstances put their lives in danger. One of the best stories I’ve read in a long time.
If you love science fiction romance, you’re in for a treat with Star Cruise: Idol’s Curse. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
I am reviewing Nothing Remotely Familiar by Donna McDonald as I was anxious to read an update about Topper and family. I’m a big fan of the author’s so I read this story first. I will review the other stories as soon as I read them.
Okay, NRF had me laughing from the start! Poor Topper is pregnant, with her second child, and this time it is a boy…one who obviously takes after his alien father. His ICE PLANET born alien father. Baby boy is growing at an accelerated rate, always active, and seriously draining Topper’s energy. Add to all this that the unborn baby wants to go to his father’s ice planet until he is born (don’t ask me to tell you how you know; you will have to read it because it is hilarious) and Topper is SO all over the place, emotions-wise. I cannot come close to the author’s telling so you need to read it for yourself.
Topper and Stark have a daughter, Jessica, that they are taking to Stark’s planet for a visit. Jessica receives a familiar, as it is that time in this little witch’s life, and again, I can’t come close to describing him. Hilarious! But he saves the day, imho, and I will never, ever, look at koala bears the same way again.
There’s fun and laughter and snarky jokes…there’s sophisticated, futuristic designs…and murder and mayhem. Loved it and was thrilled to have the chance to revisit this family. And I can’t wait to red about the other ‘pets’ in this set!
I love these Sci-fi pet stories!
It’s always so much fun to meet the unusual companions in these delightful stories! I still have a few of them left to read and I know they will be enjoyable.
* Madas’s Falling Star: Lords of Kassis by S. E. Smith
Fascinating story!
I recall Madas and Gril from earlier in the series. The story of their meeting is filled with dangerous treks through forests, over mountains and bog. Madas lead him on a merry chase!
I find the separation of the Tearnat groups, and the way they’ve developed differently over time interesting. L’eon is a most extraordinary, adept pet, although there is some question as to ‘pet’ status! I love it!!
* Dark Guard: House of Rone by Anna Hackett
So much excitement! This short tale is packed with adventures featuring a cyborg with powerful telekinesis abilities, a cyborg hunting cat named Cat, and Calla, a Rellan chef. Cat would let no one harm her people. She’s absolutely amazing! Our telekinetic cyborg , Zaden, is pretty hot. He’s every bit as protective as Cat, and fast falling for Calla. A delightful story!
* Entwined Fates by Tiffany Roberts
Second-Chance Romance
Well done, with several chapters of earlier years to bring the reader to the current time. Volcair’s intensity, even as a child, draws me in. Kiara’s exuberance and beautiful personality make her perfect for the ‘wound too tight’ Volcair. Cypher is a superb companion/guard and proves his worth as a protector. Incredibly satisfying, even in such a short tale.
* Cyborg’s Revenge: Project Enterprise by Pauline Baird Jones
I do enjoy Cyborgs! Although it seems as if we’ve come in amid an ongoing story arc, the author does a great job of bringing us up to speed regarding this dangerous mission and those who are taking it on. I love the interplay between Rap, Ale, Snake, and the two AIs. Win a battle to take down an evil entity, throw in a sweet bit of romance (they’re shy, what can I say?), and you have an entertaining story!
* Nothing Remotely Familiar: Topper Witch by Donna McDonald
A delightful story in the life of a witch with a most unusual family.
Fun and funny! And, oh, the intrigue – the romance. Jessica’s familiar is quite unusual and certainly wins the day with his timely, critically necessary attacks. Very enjoyable!
* Doom: Xian Warriors by Regine Abel
Excellent! A very exciting introduction to the Xian Warriors who fought to keep the Kryptids from overtaking earth. The battles with the invaders seem relentless. How can they win? Victoria, with her need to help whomever she can, soon runs into Doom and his team. I adore Doom’s companion, a Creckel named Stran. He’s an amazing, intelligent being who makes sure Victoria stays safe while Doom battles Kryptids. I’d love to see more about them!
* The Princess and Her Bodyguard by E D Walker
A really good story, easy to find my way with what’s happening and who is who. I love the princess who is versatile, knowledgeable in far more than royal manners and to whom status doesn’t matter. Jacen, her bodyguard, is highly capable and determined to rescue his love. Pym, her caliba companion is incredibly protective; I think he’s wonderful! Even he gets his own HEA.
* Interrupting Starlight by Kyndra Hatch
A very exciting story! Tessa has survived a crash on a hostile desert planet, but will she survive rescue by the enemy? Her pet, Squeak, is an acquisitive, sparkly-loving molk. Incredibly adaptable and considered a scourge by the Karthans. This is a heartwarming story, populated by L’Den, a sexy Karthan cyborg with his not-a-hellhound mogha companion, A’rch, Tessa, her pet Squeak, and numerous secondary characters. I love watching seeing L’Den and Tessa become more and more in tune with each other, and the shenanigans their companions get into!
Sci Fi romance with space pets… Such a wonderful collection and it raises money for warrior dogs! Win win! 🙂
I love sci-fi romance and especially when there are pets involved! Three of the stories were wonderful and I would definitely read them again. A few stories were entertaining to read once, but no plans to read again. The rest were merely ok or boring. The three that were wonderful are:
Madas’s Falling Star by S.E. Smith Can be fully enjoyed without having read any of her other connected stories. There is lots of action, humor, mystery, suspense, and romance to keep you entertained. L’eon is just adorable and full of surprises!
Dark Guard by Anna Hackett This can be read as a stand-alone, but it is even more exciting when read in order. There is lots of action, humor, high and low tech, and romance. The ending is exciting with a HEA for the main characters and no cliff hanger.
Star Cruise: Idol’s Curse by Veronica Scott This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. This has mystery, suspense, action, humor, interesting characters, and romance. This definitely has some twists I didn’t see coming.
This is one of the best anthologies. I loved reading a variety of authors and finding new stories to read. The pets in these stories are varied but so cute and fierce. You don’t want to miss out on this anthology. Be ready to have a long read as this is a long book.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
“Dark Guard by Anna Hackett” is a romantic tale that takes place on the planet Carthago. Notorious aliens take pleasure in kidnapping individuals into slavery. Inside this story you’ll find powerful hero rescues, deadly danger, spine-chilling action, witty banter, a pesky intelligent cyborg cat, sizzling romance and a happy forever.
Zaden, is a powerful cyborg and must keep his emotions in check or he becomes a deadly force. Calla, a beauty spent quite a few fearsome months as a captive of the vicious Edull until powerful cyborgs came to rescue her. Zaden’s emotions skyrocket with fiery desires for Calla. Together the face horrific danger before reaching their happy forever. Fascinating sci-fi read.
Oh lordy this is as always a fabulous way to discover exciting reads whilst at the same time doing some good. This anthology contains a plethora of authors that are consistently giving readers fabulous stories and this is no exception. My review here is for Anna Hacketts offering but rest assured given enough time I will be back with more opinions.
I’ve always enjoyed the Gladiator series and yes the story included here is shorter than I prefer but still gave me all the feels. A couple who deserve happiness, action scenes to get the heart pumping, humour which completely blindsides the reader with cute possibly antisocial creatures who positively steal any scene they appear in ! Yes I loved Cat but feel anyone who reads this will be keen to read an awful lot more from this group of talented and generous authors.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I’ve only read Anna Hackett’s story in this collection of stories,and it is wonderful. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is great. I can’t wait for more from this author. I received this story as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Calla Ryss was rescued from her nightmare but was she safe? Control was most important for Zaden. His emotions had made him dangerous and now, the little Rella was making him… feel! She had been feeling non worthy and he had saw himself as guilty but now there was something more at stake that they had to face. With an intriguing and fierce cyborg cat and the House of Rone cyborgs, Calla and Zaden had to battle the forces of evil. Action, adventure, strong attraction, suspense, violence, romance and passion in this story that kept me reading until the end. Interesting, lovely and entertaining how these two young cyborgs found in each other what they needed.
I love reading all this mischievous and matchmakers little lizards, kitty’s, doggies and so many sweet kind animals and the characters too they were great to read some chacaters that we have already heard about were good to hear their stories. It had a mixed of everything you love reading in a sci-fi romance some were more heartfelt then the others but they were still enjoyable and fun to read.
Dark Guard by Anna Hackett
Zaden is one of the younger cyborgs. His implants were forced onto him by his father after a youthful outburst caused tragedy.
Calla was kidnapped by the Thraxians and saved by Zaden and the other House of Rone Gladiators. Now on the mend she feels useless. Her family didn’t think much of her culinary talents but she wants to get back to what she excelled at.
Add in a cute, arrogant, nosy and not a little psychic robocat and you have yourself a surefire passionate adventure!
I had a hard time finishing it. Not because the writing was bad, but some of the stories where just dull or not my cup of tea. Wasn’t as good as Pets In Space 3. Not bad, but not great.