Customer Reviews

Contact

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished CONTACT by Susan Grant last night and I have to tell you --
it is spectacular. From the first page to the last, it is full of emotion.
Add just the right blend of romance, mystery, and adventure and you have
one of the best reads of the year.

Although this is definitely a science fiction romance, it isn't a futuristic
instead taking place in present day. Jordan Cady is a pilot for United
(like Sue herself) and widowed mother of a young daughter when the plane she
is co-piloting is swallowed up by an alien aircraft. The aliens are
actually part of the human race, albeit highly sophisticated. When the
passengers are told that earth has been destroyed by a comet, the alien
spaceship in fact rescuing them, they feel a mixture of shock, grief, and
relief.

Chosen as a spokesperson for the "rescuers" is Kao, the adopted son of their
leader. And, this being a romance, after all, Jordan and Kao "click" with
several pretty steamy scenes <g>.

References to 9/11 make an impact on the reader and the story takes a lot of
twists in turns, really showing Grant's talents as one of the one of
romances new stars. The growth in her writing after just four books is
remarkable -- given that even her first book was oustanding.

I am not a sci-fi reader, in fact, other than books by Grant and Catherine
Asaro, have not read others in this genre. So, I have to recommend this
book for not only sci-fi fans but those who just want a well-written,
compelling read. This one got me out of a mini reading slump and I finished
in just two days (very busy days at that).

If you have ever sighed and wished that you could be whisked off on the Starship Enterprise for some interstellar romance, then Susan Grant has written the book for you. Widow Jordan Cady is just punching the clock as a pilot for United Airlines, saving up money to invest in a Colorado horse ranch for her and her daughter, when a freak storm turns out to be an alien ship that captures her flight. The Captain has a heart attack and that leaves Jordan in charge. Kao is the alien tasked with informing the survivors that Earth has been destroyed by a comet and the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 58 are the only survivors. Kao, being a former POW in the recent intergalactic war, sympathizes with the refuges, especially the beautiful co-pilot leader. But something behind the scenes of this rescue smells...

Contact is nice piece of escapist fantasy, although parallels between the books fictional world and the real life events of 9/11 sometimes bring an unwanted dose of harsh reality to the tale. Nonetheless, for lovers of romance and/or space fantasy, Contact delivers. Recommended.

**A Perfect 10**

Susan Grant's splendid visual imagery, natural dialogue and superb characterization combine to make the impossible not only possible, but plausible in her latest book, CONTACT.  The mental and emotional turmoil Jordan and Kao endure will wring your emotions and touch your heart.  Keep a box of tissues handy.  Trust me.  Even those who never cry over books will find themselves teary-eyed.

I don't believe in alien life on other planets, but I enjoy sci-fi romance.  In fact, my all time favorite book is WARRIOR'S WOMAN by Johanna Lindsey.  As much as I love that book, however, it's just fantasy.  CONTACT affected me in a way I never expected, for while I read it, it WAS real.  Things I accepted as absolute truth before I began reading melted away, just as they did for the passengers of United 58.  Ms Grant displays wisdom by not allowing the passengers to presume alien abduction.  Instead, they believe themselves victims of a terrorist hijacking, a much more believable scenario.  Only later do they realize the truth, yet even then they do not passively accept their fate.  They are Americans and struggle to hold onto as much of their way of life as possible, which is what I would expect.  Some readers may not like the fact that a number of passengers wanted a male leader, rather than Jordan, feeling it sexist.  But I applaud the author for not following the politically correct path.  Yes, it was sexist of those members to prefer a male over a female, but in that same scenario I'd have wanted a strong male too, if available.  Sue me.  I don't think it showed a lack of respect for Jordan.  On the contrary, they respected her a great deal.  Still, it's normal to seek comfort and need security when life turns upside down, and their desire for a strong, male leader was simply an attempt to gain that extra feeling of security.  Wrong?  Maybe.  But entirely human.

I haven't written much about the poignant romance, delved into the complex motivations that drive Jordan and Kao, the painful conflicts between them, or the destructive forces that threaten all they hold dear, and those alone would make this book a keeper.  However, it's Ms Grant's ability to place the reader into the story as if a participant, rather than just an observer, and to make one accept the possibility, even if only for a moment, that will leave you breathless.

For a story that will make you feel, make you think, make you believe, don't miss CONTACT.

United Airlines First Officer Jordan Cady never dreamt that flight 58 might be her last-on Earth, that is. When the plane is apparently swallowed in mid flight, the first thought that goes through Jordan's, the Captains, and other crewmembers mind is a highjacking. Flashes of 9/11 and terrorist cross all of their minds, bringing instantaneous safety precautions to the forefront. The fear of what they're facing, and then the reality of facing what can only be aliens, brings about the death of the Captain of flight 58, immediately throwing Jordan into the lead role. She takes up the reins beautifully, determined to find out what exactly is going on, and what she, her crew, and passengers can do to save themselves. When the aliens try to breach the aircraft, Jordan, with the help of her crew and some passengers, fight in the only way open to them-resulting in injury to some, and eventually the capture of the alien who appears to be in charge. Answers are what Jordan is after-not harming anyone.

Kao Vantaar-Moray has been traveling with his adopted father, Commander-elite Ilya Moray; on his ship The Savior, recuperating after returning from being a POW in the war with the Talagars. The Savior is a perimeter patrol ship, created to patrol and protect the borders. Kao is scarred both physically and mentally from his POW experience, and after being stripped of his military rank and honor, is still floundering for what he's meant to do now. So his father, Commander Moray, puts him in charge of the `refugees' they've rescued from Earths apparent destruction. Kao is determined to do an incredible job, garnering his father back the utmost respect he'd lost when Kao disgraced him. What Kao doesn't plan on is finding the appointed Captain Cady a courageous, incredible woman who draws him despite the language barrier that exists. She's determined to fight for her people's protection, no matter what the odds. He's immediately attracted, and drawn to this strong woman, whom he senses has struggles of her own going on inside. He's drawn to the refugees as a whole-his senses and emotions come alive watching them experience their new beginnings in what they've dubbed `New Earth'.

Jordan is a heroine who is struggling with the apparent loss of her child, and while she's grieving inside, she struggles to hide her own emotions and put her crew and passengers first and foremost. She finds herself feeling guilty for being drawn to Kao, and even for experiencing almost happy feelings with him when her daughter, Boo, is dead. Sue Grant has captured the essence of grief and perseverance that many of us know is real life. We feel the emotions-from joy to despair-that Jordan feels on her quest to find out the truth, and we fall in love with the tall, dark, Kao-who's just learning what love is himself-right along with her. Throwing in some twists and turns that will surprise, and even anger you for Kao, Ms. Grant has delivered 110%.

Sue Grant has chosen to start this story off with some moving moments that bring back memories of 9/11 vividly-and she does it in such a way that it makes you feel proud and chilled all at the same time. Ms. Grants experience as an airline pilot herself shines through, and she does the genre proud. This was an incredibly, not to be missed trip through unknown worlds-her words are so vivid they paint a clear picture, to the point I almost forgot I was reading fiction. For romance lovers and sci fi lovers alike-we've struck gold! Contact is pure gilded fiction!

I have to confess that I usually don't read futuristic romance, but after read a few pages of "Contact" I decided to buy it. This book really surprise me. The furiristic/romance parts were evenly balance and Ms. Grant seemed not to overboard on either parts. I really enjoyed the fact that Ms. Grant herself was really an airline pilot. These parts seem very real to the reader. Overall, this is really good book.

This is one of the most realistic romance books I have ever read. The suspense is a real kicker and will not let you put this one down. The Courage Laws will really make you examine yourself.

Jordon & Kao are both strong characters that are thrown together unexpectedly. Kao, an ex-POW in a zombie state, his only purpose in life"--clear his father's name" and Jordon, an airline pilot, just wants 2 weeks vacation and to keep her promise to her daughter "Boo". The two have the ideal 50/50 relationship. I agree with Barb (Jordon's mother) "No matter how strong a woman is, she deserves a strong man."

I've been waiting for the release of this book and definitely have not been disappointed. Susan Grant, one of my favorite authors, has done it again!!!! My only question is: When will the movie be released?

I bought this book to read on a long flight. It was just the thing.

Contact is one of those growing number of books that is only shelved in the Romance section because Susan Grant thought of first as a Romance writer. If Contact had been written by someone else it would have been shelved with Science Fiction. That's not to say that there is no romance in the book, there is, lots of it, but there is also action, adventure and intrigue. Unlike so very many para-normal romances this book works on both levels.

Ms. Grant has taken advantage of her experience as an airline pilot to create a plot that rings true. The reader feels the heroine, airline co-pilot Jordan's fear and horror when she realizes the plane she is flying has been hijacked. When the plane's Captain dieds, she steps in and takes control. She's not wonder woman, it's her job. The passengers and crew of United Flight 58 refuse to be victims. Even after being told that the Earth has been destroyed and they are the only survivors they don't give up hope.

I have to wonder if writing this book in the aftermath of the 911 events was not at least a little cathartic for Ms. Grant. It was great to see everyday people fight back and win. Whatever the inspiration Contact was a fun read, and I look forward to more great books from Ms. Grant in the future.

This book blasts off right from the start. I even read several parts of the book to my son (he loves Star Wars, etc.)ex:
"The object rushed out of the darkness. St. Elmo's fire slithered along the oval's smooth edges. Framed in blue-white streamers of electricity, the object yawned open like a nightmarish Venus flytrap. At five hundred knots, United 58 hurtled toward its shadowy maw. Jordan's thoughts bogged down in disbelief. Whatever was out there, they were going to hit it head on. Death would be instant."
My son immediately wanted to read it until I explained that it was a romance. I even told my husband some of the plot.
The heat between Jordan and Kao is so yummy because there are real feelings involved, understanding, tenderness, respect and love. Two very strong people fighting for more than their lives-I could not put this book down.
Susan Grant hooked me with "The Star King" and "The Star Prince" (which I'm still hoping to read at least one more in that story) and I've added her to my favorite authors list.
Contact has a permanent place on my book shelf. Just can't say enough without giving away too many details.
I know I sound over the top, just read it.

The first two reveiws give you all a wonderful insight as to what the book is about. I just want to let you know that this book rocks. Jordan Cady wonders if she will ever see her daughter "Boo" again as the 747 airplane from Hawii to San Francisco is high jacked by a UFO.
Kao Vantarr-Moray only wants to get his father's reputation back and if that means taking care of alien refugees so be it.
The to lovers come together with an unexpected twist. I will not say anymore since I don't want to give the surprise away.

I waited for this book for a long time. That's dangerous...because it sets one up for disappointment...but Contact was everything I've come to expect from Susan Grant's books...and more. An intelligent, kick-bootie heroine, a to-die-for hero...sweet and strong...and enough action to keep me turning the pages practically nonstop...a definite reread. Verrry highly recommended.