Monday, March 28, 2016

Book Spotlight on Captured by the Cyborg by Cara Bristol (REVIEW)


As a fan of a sci-fi romances, and the previous book in this series, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the third installment in the fast-paced and action-packed Cy-Ops series.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Captured by the Cyborg by Cara Bristol, along with my impressions of it, and then add it to your bookshelf.  You'll also learn more about the sexy cyborgs of this series from Ms. Bristol herself....

If you’ve never read a cyborg sci-fi romance, you’re missing out. These bad boys of the future know how to kick some serious ass and win the heroine’s heart. Here are 10 characteristics of the cyborgs in my new sci-fi romance, Captured by the Cyborg.
1.  They are scientifically enhanced humans.
2. They are stronger, bigger, and have more stamina than regular humans.
3. They gravitate toward careers in the military, policing, private security, and covert operations.
4. They are decisive, quick in processing information, masters at multi-tasking, and action oriented.
5. They are no stranger to pain and suffering. Most have some personal tragedy in their past.
6. They long for connection just like anyone else, but relationships are difficult because people are often wary of cyborgs, uncertain how to react to them.
7. They’re very good in bed.
8. They’re not afraid to break the rules for the right reasons.
9. They will not back down from a challenge. Their word is law.
10. You don’t want to cross them.

Sometimes the biggest risk is to one’s heart…
A science fiction romance by USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol
An ex-Cyber Operations field agent, Dale Homme has kissed danger and betrayal more times than he cares to count. Now he runs a clandestine factory beneath the surface of the moon Deceptio, where confidentiality and security matter more than anything. When a beautiful young woman arrives seeking a job, Dale knows within minutes she’s lying.
Everything about her is false: her past, the people she claims to know, her reason for being on DeceptioIllumina Smith? Even her name is an alias.
Logic says send her packing. His gut says she’s in trouble. She needs him. So he’ll do anything to keep her safe….even if it means keeping her captive.

EXCERPT:

Dale slapped his knees. “Here’s what’s going to happen. First, to put your mind at rest, let me assure you that Alonio is no threat to me. I’m a cyborg. Keeping people safe is what I do. He might succeed in drawing a little blood, but I’ll wipe up the mess with his ass.
Second, while I doubt he can gain access to Deceptio, as a precaution, I’ll amp up security."
“About that…” She had to tell him how she’d changed the entry protocol. He wouldn’t like that she’d gone behind his back. “I need to tell you…"
He held up his hand. “Let me finish. Third, you are not going anywhere. You’re staying right here where I can protect you."
The autocratic edict set her teeth on edge. “You can’t keep me here!” She hadn’t fought so hard for her freedom and safety only to be dictated to by another man, however well intentioned. She was nobody’s captive!
“Yes, I can."
Let him try! “As you’ve realized,” she said, “I’m a master sensate. A computer system doesn’t exist that I can’t infiltrate. I can hijack one of your spaceships and be gone before you realize there was a breach. Your entry and exit protocols, for instance—"
He leaned in until his breath caressed her ear, and he whispered, “Did your orientation tour happen to include a visit to the brig?"
He was threatening to lock her up? She jerked away and rounded on him. “What are you saying?"
“Moonbeam’s isolation can cause people to go a little crazy. We haven’t had anyone snap yet, but the possibility exists. You could be the first ward of the Deceptio jail."
“I can access computer-controlled doors, too!” She crossed her arms.
He laughed. “You and half the employees on Deceptio—which is why they’re not computer controlled.” From his pocket he pulled out a metal ring and dangled some odd-shaped jagged objects. “Good old-fashioned locks and keys. The best antiques money can buy."
She leaped off the bench. “You’d imprison me?”

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (CA)  |  AMAZON (AU)  |  BN  |  ARe

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

The excitement and romance amongst the stars pulls readers once again into the world of the Cy-Ops, a secret organization of individuals enhanced with cybernetics turned into unstoppable warriors.  From the first page to the last readers are taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions as the sweet and gentle Illumina tries to stay one step ahead of her crazed ex.  Her unwitting savior comes in the form of retired Cy-Ops agent Dale, who now runs an intergalactic chop shop. Against their better judgment they fall for each other, connecting on the deepest levels through their mutual abilities to communicate through computers which will come in handy when her ex eventually catches up to her. 

After being brutalized by having her wings cut off and almost bleeding to death, Illumina is on the run as her ex swore to kill her.  By taking a job for Dale at a hidden outpost she thinks she'll be safe, but it's her heart that's in danger from the giant man with a kind heart.  Being with him makes her feel safe despite the feelings he arouses in her and being with him brings her strength, self-confidence, and the courage to fight for the HEA within her reach.  She may be small in stature but she has a fighter's spirit after surviving all the atrocities done to her and the mental and physical scars left behind.  She's shy at first but being around Dale brings out her sexy side which added sparks to their burgeoning romance.  She's an immensely likable heroine and, as a disabled reader, I enjoyed Dale's thoughtful gift that once again made her feel whole and put a smile on my face.

Dale gave up being an operative long ago, but lately he's been feeling bored by life. Meeting Illumina though gives him a spark, one that not only reawakens his need to be a hero but also his heart and desire to belong to another despite the danger. Though she lied to him about her past at first, Dale's quick to forgive as he's drawn to her and desperate to keep her safe.  Being around her you forget how large he is as he's very careful with her, a softer and gentler side comes out that's very sweet and endearing and is in juxtaposition to his dangerous talents.  This duality enhances their relationship and the interactions that were both sweet and steamy.  Through everything Dale's the quintessential hero who's not afraid to ask for help when Illumina's in danger, but more than capable of making the bad guy pay all on his own.

This was a quick read that packed a big punch.  The romance was quick to flourish yet believable as there's much to bind these two together.  They were a formidable match with each fighting for the other in a gripping conclusion that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Along the way readers are reunited with the other Cy-Ops that we met in previous installments as they lend their aid when Dale needs them most.  It's a brutal reunion for some though, with their lives changed irrevocably, as well as other new operatives introduced who made dramatic impressions themselves.  It all combines to leave me cheering for the satisfaction I found here along with great hope and excitement for future installments after the ramifications of events in this rollicking ride.  Sci-fi fans have reason to rejoice as Ms. Bristol has crafted yet another engaging story that readers won't want to miss!

My rating for this is an A.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol has published more than twenty-five erotic romance titles, including contemporary and science fiction romance.  No matter what the subgenre, one thing remains constant: her emphasis on character-driven seriously hot erotic stories with sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine. Cara has lived many places in the United States, but currently lives in Missouri with her husband. She has two grown stepkids. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and traveling.

3 comments:

  1. Hi, Jody! Thank you so much for hosting me today, and for the great review. I'm so glad you enjoyed Captured by the Cyborg.

    I started writing Cy-Ops Sci-fi Romance 4 last week. No title yet, but Sonny Masters will be the hero, and his heroine is a female cyborg, a new character.

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    1. TY for stopping by and for your kind words! I'm excited to know that Sonny's up next as he sacrificed himself in this book and deserves his own HEA. Intrigued by what befell Carter and what that means for his future and enjoyed the interactions with March and hope to see more of him soon too! Can't wait to read more from this exciting world you've crafted!

      The Scarf Princess

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    2. Carter will get his own book. March too, probably. I HAD intended Carter to be Cy-Ops 4, but Sonny was the squeaky wheel. Carter will probably be Cy-Ops 5.

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