“Tess and Shade are my new favorite romance couple.”—Entertainment Weekly for Nightchaser
THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES
Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy’s Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn’t be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have … known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She’s the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.
BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST
The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they’ll be risking everything… They’ll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.
Nightchaser Series:
Nightchaser (Book 1)
Starbreaker (Book 2)
Dawnmaker (Book 3)
Everyone is raving about Amanda Bouchet’s Nightchaser:
“Breathtakingly hot.”—Booklist STARRED REVIEW
“Chock full of intrigue, heroism, conflict, and sexual tension.”—Kirkus STARRED REVIEW
“Out-of-this-world.”—JENNIFER ESTEP, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“Believe me when I say you need to own this book and anything Amanda Bouchet writes forever.”—Kate LeBeau, Anderson’s Bookshop (Naperville, IL)
“Makes an early bid for one of the best titles of the year.”—Entertainment Weekly
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“Out of this world.” — Jennifer Estep, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Starbreaker is the second novel in Amanda Bouchet’s exciting Sci Fi romance series Endeavor. I absolutely loved the first book, even though I’m not the biggest Sci Fi fan. But I was super excited at how much I was enjoying it that I just devoured it! The second book couldn’t come close to being that awesome, could it? Heck, yes, it could!!! Tess and Shade are one of my favorite ever romance couples. Can this book stand alone? Possibly, but I wouldn’t recommend it. So much occurred in the first book that you would miss some of the excitement and story here if you skipped that one.
Tess Bailey, the captain of the Endeavor, is a Nightchaser. Think of it a cross between Robin Hood and a space pirate. She and her rebel crew supply much-needed goods to the denizens of the galaxies who are under the rule of the all-powerful, evil Overseer and his feared Dark Watch. Among the crew is Shade Ganavan, who was a bounty hunter who betrayed Tess, but he gave up everything he had to save her. The Endeavor is on a mission for the rebel forces to rescue an important scientist from the Dark Watch’s clutches on Starbase 12. A friend of theirs is also being held there, so they plan to break her out, too. And while they’re at it, they plot a huge heist of goods from the Dark Watch. What could possibly go wrong?!
This book was so fast paced I found myself reading quicker the faster the story moved! It really played like a movie in my head. I doubt I can get across just how much I love Tess and Shade as a couple. Though they meant everything to each other, there was still some distrust due to Shade’s previous betrayal. The reappearance of someone from Tess’s past doesn’t make things easier, either. Despite this, you could feel the love and lust they have for each other. Their Endeavor crew mates were all interesting, well fleshed out characters, and they were the family Tess chose for herself. Equally compelling was Tess’s Uncle Nate; he was a complex man, and their relationship was beyond complicated. And lest I leave anyone out, we have Bonk, the fearsome space cat! Gotta love Bonk. Though this story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, it was not one that took away any pleasure of the book. It’s one that lets you feel excited that Tess, Shade and the crew (and Bonk!) will return for more adventures.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is the second in the Endeavor series following Nightchaser (which I also reviewed) and if you didn’t read Nightchaser, you should absolutely go and read that before diving in here, because this isn’t a standalone. You need to know how Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan met and why Tess is so important in the mythos of this intriguing universe.
On the run from the all-powerful Overseer (Tess’s stepfather) and the Dark Watch, plus bounty hunters looking to claim the enormous bounty on Shade’s head, Tess and Shade are building their mutual trust. While on the run with their motley crew of space outlaws (a crew steadily increasing in size) they find out more information about Tess’s mysterious real father and just why her blood contains mysterious powers.
In a universe where a fascist dictator has complete control, trust is in short supply. Bouchet paints this brilliantly as the point of view switches from Shade to Tess; having recently joined the crew, Shade doesn’t really trust anyone but Tess herself, though, and as more characters from Tess’s past make appearances, Shade has to make the call whether to put his faith in Tess’s judgement.
There are a couple of sexy scenes in here I honestly ended up skimming over because I didn’t feel like they really added all that much to the story. They’re perfectly well written but I wanted to get back to the plot, which I was a lot more invested in than the romantic relationship. To me this is (excellent) space opera with a side of romance, but the sex scenes make this feel more like the author’s trying to put it into sci-fi romance, which I don’t think works all that well over a series of books about the same two characters because you don’t get a proper HEA at the end of each book. For me this kind of falls in between the two genres. It’s an excellent read, though, as long as you don’t go in expecting precisely one thing or the other. Five stars for a solid second installment in this fascinating trilogy.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I’m a huge fan of Ms. Bouchet and her latest book finds Captain Tess Bailey and Shade facing more danger, betrayal and a breakthrough in their feelings for each other. I have to admit the first book was so addicting I couldn’t put it down. STARBREAKER is full of kick-ass action and impossible missions, but I put the book down a few times until I got to the last third of the book. That’s when the intrigue, secrets and betrayals come to light. This book ends on another cliff-hanger and we’ll have to wait to see if Tess and Shade can defeat the Overseerer for good and save the galaxy.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
The further adventures of Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan, which have them going from a mysterious meeting that reveals the target of a dangerous rescue mission, then after a sweet interlude at Shade’s favorite vacation spot, which ends on an unexpected note, they’re on to a meeting with the uncle Tess has fond memories of, but doesn’t know if she can trust, and then they and their crew participate in a heist to steal food for hungry refugees that goes terribly awry. We finally get to the mission to break into Starbase 12 where the Overseer and the Dark Watch pose an almost insurmountable obstacle, but since they have come up with a solid plan they hope will get them through, they’re all in and then all hell breaks loose. Along the way, many details of Tess’s background are revealed, as well as the evil plans of the Overseer, the man who killed Tess’s mother. I loved all of the action, as well as the wonderful character development, including the deepening relationship between Tess and Shade, as well as the rest of the crew. This author is so accomplished at telling a rousing space adventure, I can’t wait to read the next story.
Starbreaker is the second book in Amanda Bouchet’s latest sci fi series Endeavor. Its starts where the first book ends and its clear that this is just the beginning of Tessa and Shade’s adventure. There is an overarching plot that clearly won’t be solved in this book but Starbreaker adds to the depth of the storyline by giving us more of Shade’s background story and more action and adventure for the team and more forward motion in getting to their ultimate goal. There is of course progression in the romantic aspect as well. Starbreaker will definitely fill up all our cravings for action, adventure and romance in one sitting!
Terrific! Amanda Bouchet has great characters and world building. Tess and Shade are still trying to strengthen their relationship. Tess is still trying to trust him. A past relationship shows up to complicate things too. There are heists, rebels and lots of fighting. Wow! So much goes on in the last 30-40 % of the book. Can’t wait for the next one!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3327518817
It seems as if during these days (and months) of shelter-in-place our only hope for thrill-seeking is to seek it out in books. What could be so perfect at removing us from our own reality to the outer edges of the galaxy than the much-awaited Starbreaker!
Tess, Shade and the gang are barely recovered from their previous adventure in Nightchaser when they are recruited for their next mission. They’d essentially be organizing a jailbreak out of one of the most tightly guarded locations in the galaxy while also delivering life-saving supplies to those who need it. Tess is used to high stakes missions but Shade is the newcomer here. He now not only gets to see the risk Tess and her crew take on but he gets to participate as well. All this as he and Tess are trying to navigate their new relationship. Both are still a bit out of practice when it comes to full on trust or even believing that they might be enough for each other. They definitely grapple with their insecurities especially when faced with what they want out of their future.
The new lovebirds also have to contend with the bad guys aka Uncle Nate chasing after them. We have an unexpected turn of events here so let’s say that not everything is at it looks and no one is more astounded than Tess. With newfound revelations and possibly new allies it looks like nothing can stop Tess and her team from dismantling her father’s tyrannical Dark Watch regime.
There were some new details that I caught onto in Starbreaker, one of them being the wistful memories of an Earth that’s long since ceased to exist in the way it was. Quite a few times mention is made of creatures, colours or life that’s associated with Earth, though no one has any firsthand experience of those things. It’s kind of sad, really, people holding onto an existence that’s no longer theirs but they’re somber little touches, reminders of fragility and more importantly, humanity.
Sci-fi is not generally in my wheelhouse but in this case I’m here because I’m a fan of Bouchet’s. Whether she’s building a world in space or in a mythical land, she weaves incredible stories that you can sink your teeth into. If you’re itching for non-stop, gripping adventure right now then you have to read Starbreaker. You can barely catch your breath before the next action begins. Tess continues to be a dominant leader, fighter, mother figure, friend, and now lover as well. She’s inspiring Shade to be a better version of himself and encouraging her crew to open up, too. This is probably her most challenging time yet, personally as she faces a bit of an existential crisis. Being someone who has always viewed things in terms of good versus evil, she’s now confronted with the possibility that grey areas do exist, and that they can prove to be even more difficult that picking a side.
Starbreaker is a brilliant adventure that takes you on a ride through the highs and lows of love, the dangers of outlaw life, and affirmation that a good leader with altruist intentions can bring about change.
~ Bel, Bibliojunkies
THIS BOOK!!! OMGeeeeeee! I will just DIE for the next year waiting for the final one!
Tess Bailey is a badass Captain of a spaceship. She’s a Nightchaser, a rebel, a thief, a lover, a friend, and the presumed-dead daughter of the Overseer, the horrible despot of the universe. She’s been knocked down, again and again, but she keeps coming back to stir up trouble in every way she can, and her crew is always behind her all the way. Now, her crew looks different than it did before. She’s lost some of her people, her family, but she gained a few more too. When Shade gave up everything in book 1, to be with her, she decided to forgive him, and take him on to her crew. But, there’s no rest for the wicked, and within a few days of arriving in the Fold with the super soldier serum, they’ve been given a new rebel assignment: Break a scientist out of an impenetrable prison, so the woman can use her knowledge to clear the toxic air on her home planet. Sure, no problem, right?!?
Shade Ganavan has left his life behind to be with Tess. His life was far from perfect, but it’s all he’s known for the last 10 years, after he lost his parents. But, more time with Tess has shown him that his old life wasn’t really worth living. He worked for the enemy, as a bounty hunter, and did so much harm to the rebel cause close to Tess’ heart. She has made him see that his skills and strength would be better served on her side, and since he’s decided he’d follow her anywhere, he’s up for the challenge. But, he has no real idea what he’s in for.
Tess and Shade are such an awesome couple, and I love them together beyond words! They truly complement each other’s strengths, and compensate for each other’s weaknesses. They fit together perfectly. Going on adventures together really brings them even closer, though they both have more to lose now. The crew of the Endeavor is SO AWESOME and I adore them all, even when I want to smack Jax on the back of the head for being so stubborn. They really are a family, and I love watching the ways in which they care for each other.
The crew, the rebellion, and the jobs they pull as bandits, remind me so much of how I felt watching Firefly. I ADORED that show, and this series gives me the same heart-feels, and having the captain be a kickass lady boss just makes it all that much better! I love Tess’ heart, and how much she’s willing to risk for others, not just the people she loves, but people she’s never even met too. She’s amazing. And Shade loves her so much, and works so hard to right the wrongs he’s done, and I love him. He really becomes a part of the Endeavor family, and a true hero in his own right.
So, while the overarching story of the series is not completed in this book, I definitely wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger. And I HATE cliffhangers, so I feel qualified to make this statement! You see where all our good guys are, and what they have left to do, and it made me SO EXCITED for book 3. I can’t believe it’s probably a year away! I was lucky, and just read book 1 in this series, Nightchaser, last week, before I read this, so now I’ll have to wait for the next one this time. This was my first foray into this author’s work, and I am anxious to come back for more!
With a new crew and a dangerous new mission Tess and Shade do their best to stay off the radar and avoid the bounty on their heads. Danger and secrets lurk at every corner and she no longer knows what is real and what is a lie. What she does know is that she will risk everything for the ones she loves and no risk is to great. It’s action pact and heartfelt and I could not put it down. I am devastated it’s over and I have to wait for the next one!
Four and a half
If you enjoyed Nightchaser than you will be overjoyed to discover that this book is even better ! Tess and Shade are a couple who are making great strides in their relationship but it’s never going to be easy as Shade nearly betrayed Tess before. Still they are both learning what it really means to trust each other and their latest job of rescuing a scientist has them facing quite the grand adventure ! If Tess had doubts about Shade then they are nothing compared to her conflicting feelings about her uncle but they made a deal and she just ends to remain free long enough to meet him . Learning that an old friend is also being held captive with the scientist only further fuels the need that Tess has to foil her father’s cruel plans but fate hasn’t quite finished with Tess and Shade because there’s someone coming into their lives who was thought dead and won’t that put the cat amongst the pigeons !
There’s a lot going on here and its not just the central couple with problems so it was fun getting caught up with all these characters. No obvious betrayal here although there is an incident that very nearly derailed well laid plans but for this reader it was the second half of the book that really upped the game. Expect lots of action, revelations and passion but most of all expect to be thoroughly entertained by this the second instalment of this sci fi space opera
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Bouchet opens up the world, but never loses the heart of her story: Tess & Shade. I didn’t think I could love them more. I was wrong. Rich worldbuilding and deep character arcs abound. Be prepared to devour STARBREAKER.
I loved Volume 1 of the Endeavor series but having said that, I loved this even more. Captain Tess Bailey is a Nightchaser, a space pirate/Robin Hood who brings supplies to those oppressed by the Overseer and his vicious Dark Watch. Shade Ganavan is the bounty hunter who betrayed her then gave up everything to get her back. When two missions collide–one very personal–Tess is forced to confront the secrets of her past in the heart of Imperial darkness.
As in Kingmaker, Bouchet creates a heroine who is both strong and vulnerable and gives her a hero who respects both. Their passion has an edge honed by being hunted by half the known universe while trying to save the other half. The pacing is perfect: Plenty of action interspersed with tender, funny moments that let readers catch their breath and catch up with Tess’s found family, each of whom deserves a story of their own. (Jax! Fiona! Merrick! Sanaa! Bonk! Okay, a short story for Bonk, Space Cat).
Bouchet imagines a world not of robots or aliens, but rather of people who escaped the planet they destroyed and still cling to its norms. When they say eyes the color of grass, they mean green, because grass on Earth was green. Their clocks are set to Greenwich Mean Time. They study terrestrial species as though naming them, remembering them, absolves humanity of the sin of their extinction.
Starbreaker ends not with a cliffhanger, but with plenty of questions making me anxious for Dawnmaker.
I’m a huge fan of Ms. Bouchet and her latest book finds Captain Tess Bailey and Shade facing more danger, betrayal and a breakthrough in their feelings for each other. I have to admit the first book was so addicting I couldn’t put it down. STARBREAKER is full of kick-ass action and impossible missions, but I put the book down a few times until I got to the last third of the book. That’s when the intrigue, secrets and betrayals come to light. This book ends on another cliff-hanger and we’ll have to wait to see if Tess and Shade can defeat the Overseerer for good and save the galaxy.
Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchette
2nd book in the Endeavor series. Science fiction romance adventure. Rebels against the Dark Watch and Overseer. A female Captain fighting for the poor. Best to read the first book, Nightchaser, for the extensive world building.
Zero to sixty percent was a bit slow. More romance and relationships. Sweet while building up the galaxy and back story of Shade. 61% to the end was a race of desperation, of fighting, planning, escaping, fear, death, fighting, and trying to prevent the mad man from winning.
The secondary characters have depth and individuality.
This is an ongoing adventure that is clearly not yet finished. I look forward to reading more adventures of the Endeavor’s crew.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
Captain Tess Bailey, her ex bounty hunter boyfriend Shade and the crew of the Endeavor are Bach for another exciting adventure. The rebels want them to break into Starbase 12 and free the scientist Reena Ahern.
They need Reena to help tip the battle in the rebels favor. As in the previous book it’s a romantic adventure set in space. Tess is an incredible strong heroine and the chemistry with Shade is stunning. The story isn’t repetitive at all and it’s fun to see hoe the Endeavor battles their way through this adventure. We learn more about the characters and it is an entertaining story.
3-3.25 stars. Starbreaker is the second book in the Endeavor series and the continuation of Tess and Shade’s story. In book one, Nightchaser, we met Tessa and her crew of space outlaws on the run from an evil overlord. While I didn’t totally love book one, I enjoyed it in general and was intrigued enough to keep reading the series. The story continues in this book, where Tessa and Shade try to keep themselves alive and hidden while continuing to help those in need. Unfortunately, I didn’t totally love this book either. Starbreaker was an okay read for me, but it had more negatives than positives in my opinion.
Starting out, I was a bit confused by the world building and I could have used a recap on the main series storyline. The intricacies in the story felt complicated, without enough explanation. The writing was rather dry and often slow moving. I wanted more romance between Tess and Shade to keep me interested. Tess didn’t act like she loved Shade. She was much more focused on the rest of her life and problems, while he didn’t seem that important to her. Shade adored her and she was his everything, but he was not hers’. There was a lot of angst and doubt between them, but very few happy moments. I didn’t like Tess as much as in book one because of her treatment of Shade. But it wasn’t just that that kept me from loving the book. I didn’t find the story and writing interesting or compelling enough to keep my interest. I found it a bit of a chore to finish. I can’t help feeling that this series lacks the charm of the Kingmaker Chronicles series, which I liked a lot. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I care enough about the characters or storyline to keep reading this series.
Another great book in this new series! I loved Tess and Shade as much this time as I did previously. This is once more filled with action and danger as well as a few twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance aspect was perfectly balanced with the drama and secondary characters added to a well balanced read.
Starbreaker is the second installment to Amanda Bouchet’s Endeavor series. This is one book I’ve been waiting for since I read Nightchaser. Yes, I would say this is one of my ‘most-anticipated’ books to read in 2020. Amanda Bouchet is one author that I will change my reading schedule to make room for her books.
If you have not read the first book, Nightchaser, then I highly recommend you do before diving into Starbreaker. The reason why is the second book picks up where the first book left off in the end. I’m going to try not to spoil anything from this book, especially since this book has a lot in it that happens.
Things I enjoyed in the second book:
1. I loved learning more about Tess in this book. Readers will get more of her history, especially with what happened to her when she was younger. Secrets will be revealed to Tess. It’s going to be a shocker. I’m still shocked and can’t wait until the next book. I need more!
2. I loved Tess and Shade in this book. Shade is all about Tess in this book. Although, Tess still had trust issues with Shade after finding out about his betrayal. There’s a particular part in the book when Shade introduces Tess in his world before the Night Watch. They become connected. There were steamy scenes between the two characters too. Very steamy scenes!
3. The dangerous, action-packed mission. The Endeavor crew has been tasked to free a renowned scientist Reena Ahern from Starbase 12. This is when all of them will be tested.
4. Secondary characters. I love how Amanda Bouchet not only has me adore her main characters but the secondary characters too. Although, I’m going to go through the book and knock some sense into Jax. He drove me crazy!
5. The bad guys. The Overseer is someone I despise and wish he would go away. The other bad guy in the story I hate too, but now I may have different feelings for also. The Overseer does something unthinkable in this story that makes it even harder for the Endeavor crew to do their jobs soon. The Overseer is pure evil!
I haven’t read much of the Sci-Fi Romance genre, but I love Sci-Fi thanks to the Star Wars franchise. This is why I love this series by Amanda Bouchet because it reminds me so much of Star Wars. I love how the characters have a mission to help other people and how these characters despise the Night Watch. They are trying to be two steps ahead of the bad guys. The bad guys, though, know everything. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the Endeavor crew, especially after what happened to Tess and her team. Will Tess and Shade have a HEA? Will Tess be able to trust the one person who gave her away when she was younger?
I only gave this book 4-stars, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t still love it. There was a lot of repetition in the book, but it didn’t stop me from reading the book. I highly recommend this book to readers that loved Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles and readers that love Sci-Fi Romance. If you are a fan of Star Wars, then these books are for you.
I had a really good time with this book. This is the second book in the Nightchaser series which is a series that is best read in order since this book picks up shortly after the events of the first installment. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and was pretty eager to see what Tess and Shade would face in this installment. I found this book to be enjoyable from beginning to end.
One of the things that I really liked about this book is that there was a lot of action from the start. Tess, Shade, and the rest of the crew seem to always find themselves in dangerous situations and it was fun finding out how they deal with each situation. There were times that it was almost impossible to set the book aside because I was so caught up in the action of the story. I thought that the action in this story found the perfect balance with the more romantic and character-focused parts of the book.
Tess and Shade are both characters and I think that they really do make a great pair. They work well together and seem to be able to handle almost any situation. They are both able to think outside the box and will do what is needed to reach their goals and keep each other safe. I liked that this story is told from both Tess and Shade’s point of view because I feel like we really got to know exactly what each of them was thinking. It was fun to watch their relationship continue to develop in this installment.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a really well-done science fiction romance filled with wonderful characters. This story had a lot of action and more than a few twists and turns to keep things interesting. I cannot wait to read the next book in this exciting series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Edelweiss.