Customer Reviews

Insufficient Mating Material

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4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL is the phenomenal follow up to Rowena Cherry's FORCED MATE. Just a word of caution to those who haven't yet read, FORCED MATE, as the plot of INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL reveals a bit of the spoilers for FORCED MATE.

Prince Djetthro-Jason has been defeated by Tarrant-Arragon in his quest to mate with Djinni-vera and his role in the opposition exposed. Tarrant-Arragon allows him to live with the condition that he mate with Tarrant-Arragon's sister, Martia-Djulia while never revealing to her his past identity as Commander Jason. The only problem is that Martia-Djulia still hungers for the night of passion she shared with Commander Jason. Tarrant-Arragon has a plan to unite them regardless. But are there other more nefarious forces at work?

Rowena Cherry's complex world of courtly intrigue set in this science fiction arena has only improved with the latest installment, INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL. For those unfamiliar with Ms. Cherry's world, this reviewer highly recommends reading FORCED MATE first in order to get a taste of the various intrigues. One will also get a glimpse at the history of the relationship between Martia-Djulia and Commander Jason which enhances the enjoyment of INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL. However, enough information is provided to the reader, along with the handy glossary of characters and the family tree, to make this book a stand alone novel.

The character development by Ms. Cherry is superb! Even secondary characters, such as Madam Tarra and Helispeta, are vividly alive for the reader. The interplay between Djetth and Martia-Djulia is both sensual and humorous, as one never imagined so many sensuous possibilities existed on a deserted island! Ms. Cherry is an author who is well aware of her characters and makes them come to life for the reader. Martia-Djulia and Djetth are the perfect complements for one another and it is such a joy to see this story unfold.

INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL is a clever blend of science fiction, romance, humor, and mystery. This splendid tale hooks you in from the first page and keeps you captivated until the very end where all is revealed. Rowena Cherry has definitely found her niche. One can only hope that there will be future tales in this series!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

This is the sequel to "Forced Mate". It picks up where the last novel left off. Prince Djetthro-Jason is the captive of Emperor Tarrant-Arragon. (Tarrant-Arragon was the hero in "Forced Mate".) Prince Djetthro-Jason is allowed to live; however, he must wed Princess Martia-Djulia, the Emperor's sister. Djetth has no problem with that! He enjoyed one outstanding and explosive night in bed with the princess before. Of course, the princess knew him as Commander Jason instead of as Prince Djetthro-Jason. But there is a twist this time around. The prince is not allowed to reveal that he is the man she fell in love/lust with. He must woo her all over again.

Princess Martia-Djulia would never forget the night she spent with Commander Jason. In fact, that entire night has been forever burned into her heart and soul. She refuses to love another. She even runs out during her (forced) wedding ceremony. Bad idea! Her brother, Tarrant-Arragon, makes a bold move and shoots down the vehicle in which Djetth and Martia are traveling in. She finds herself stranded on a deserted island with a man she wants nothing to do with. Strangely enough, there seems to be wild life on the island that is not native to it. Then again, who really cares? At least they will not starve. But in order to survive, the two must learn to work together. All the while, Emperor Tarrant-Arragon keeps a close eye on the pair.

***** First off let me say that even though this book is part of a series, it can still be read as a stand alone story. But this book takes on a much deeper meaning for the readers who did enjoy the previous novel, FORCED MATE.

I simply could not stay mad at Emperor Tarrant-Arragon for the stunts he pulls on this couple since I understand the reasoning behind his actions. More is going on than I state in the synopsis above too! My problem is that I could not think of a way to tell about any of it without giving something vital away. So you will simply have to read in order to find out what the sub-plot is. Those of you who enjoy a lot of spice in your space opera, such as I do, will find yourself backtracking a few times and rereading various sections. If you do not like hot, steamy, memorable flavors in your tea, I suggest you pass the kettle on to someone who does. Excellent adventure and highly recommended! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

We drooled over Prince Djetthro-Jason before and now Rowena Cherry has written his story--one that was definitely worth the wait! In her typical fashion, Ms. Cherry combines sex, action, love, and adventure into one terrific story. Did I say sex? Whoowee!

Princess Martia-Djulia is overlooked, underrated, but not underfed. Commander Jason has captured her heart and she refuses to give in to Emperor Tarrant-Arragon's demand that she marry Prince Djetthro-Jason. Meantime, Djetth, having had wild and crazy sex with her as Jason, is quite amenable to at least the bedsport part of the deal. Her curves drive him absolutely mad with desire. But he has to be patient--not his long suit.

Patience isn't the princess's brother's long suit, either. When Djetth doesn't make progress convincing the princess to mate with him, the emperor decides to shoot the two wayward lovers down on a deserted island. The couple has to resort to surviving on their wits--which is hard since they're both at their wits' end.

Insufficient Mating Material is a sexy, funny adventure story, and informative, too. I had a great time reading this book. Ms. Cherry has written a great follow-up to Forced Mate and Mating Net that won't disappoint either her fans or her new readers. IMM is a stand-alone book. You don't have to read the previous book and novella to have a great reading experience. But I'll bet you'll want to read her other books once you've read this one.

Three cheers for Rowena Cherry!

Rowena Cherry has done it again! Her first book in this series, Forced Mate, made a fan out of me so I knew this one, Insufficient Mating Material, would be another great read. I wasn't wrong! This reader rarely goes for science fiction material, but anything Ms Cherry writes I will read, and you should as well. Sensual, funny and highly imaginative, you feel as though you are there, in space, outside of this earthly existence.

All I can say is: where is the next book in the series, Rowena? I'm ready to read!

World building at it's very best, with plenty of genuinely charming characters. I so loved how Cherry stocked this with more than just the hero and heroine, as some romances are just to focused on them and miss the bigger pictures.

I laughed until my side hurt. Then I laughed some more. A wonderful time and I cannot wait for Cherry's next one.

For some, life is a game. In past politics and relationships, Martia-Djulia and Djetthro-Jason have both been pawns. Now a new match begins and the objective is Marriage.

Tarrant-Arragon, god-Emperor of Tigron (see FORCED MATE) has spared Prince Djetthro-Jason from execution for treason on the conditions that J-J accepts a new identity and marry the emperor's sister. Djetth cannot let her know his true identity; so he must not only win a woman for the first time in his life, but to do it, he must fight against memories of her true love ... himself!

Martia-Djulia has often been sacrificed as a pawn for the Empire, but this latest betrayal is too much to accept! At her mating ceremony she learns that it is NOT her true love presented as her mate and her anger unleashes a unique Djinn-power as she refuses the match.

At every opportunity the Emperor has placed them together and at a loss for patience, has stranded them together on an island. Although they believe themselves marooned, Martia and Djetth are being protected by the emperor's warship orbiting the planet. It is a protection soon needed as other forces gather playing a deadly game. Their continued existence not only depends on survival skills Jason learned while on Earth, but on decisions others are making in other parts of the galaxy.

For those of us who have been impatiently waiting, Ms Cherry delivers another hot and captivating episode of the rut-rageous Djinns of the Tiger Empire. If you need a helpful family tree and character list, there is one on author's web site which will help if you haven't read MATING NET and FORCED MATE. You can still enjoy this story as a first read, but you will want to read them for more details.

Martia and Djetth's island interlude has some scenes that those who enjoy reality shows will appreciate. Woven through the story are updates of what is happening through the galaxy. The political intrigue that brought them to this point continues and we learn more of other Djinn whose ambitions endanger their lives. Martia and Djetth develop into likable individuals instead of adversaries as the story unfolds and reader has further insight into their thoughts and feelings.

With intriguing twists and turns, action encounters, entertaining dialog mixed with sexual innuendo and hot romance, this is a book that you won't put down until the end.

Insufficient Mating Material starts where Forced Mate left off, but IMM focuses on Djetthro-Jason (Djetth) and Martia-Djulia's (Marsh) story. The premise is simple. Marsh fell in love with Djeth when he was disguised a Commander Jason, but now he's Prince Djethro-Jason and his alter ego is permanently dead. He's thinner than usual and--without the distinctive jagged scar across his cheek, his colorful contact lenses, and his long, blond-dyed hair--he's unrecognizable. He's been ordered to marry Marsh and be the fashionista's love slave, but he doesn't mind. He has very hot, very fond memories of the last time they were together. The trouble is, Marsh doesn't want him. She's determined to be faithful to her lover Jason.

When she refuses to mate with Djetth, the couple is marooned on an island to consummate their marriage. As if that weren't enough, someone wants Marsh and Djetth dead. But who? With the Tigron royal family's convoluted political and personal agendas it's hard to guess exactly who is behind the plot and why.

Once again Rowena Cherry weaves a fabulous story from a twisted skein of subplots. Insufficient Mating Material is a steamy, satisfying read. Cherry keeps her readers guessing at the villain's identity and motivation until the very end.

He used to be Commander Jason of the Saurian White Knights, but Commander Jason is no more. Now, he is Prince Djetthro-Jason of the Tigron Empire, and his destiny is to marry the Crown Prince Tarrant-Aragon's sister, Martia-Djulia. Unfortunately, Princess Martia-Djulia does not agree. She is used to being pushed aside and controlled, her wishes ignored. If she cannot marry the man she believes she loves, she has no wish to marry at all. Especially not a man who looks as beat-up and shopworn as this Prince she's never heard of before. However, Tarrant-Aragon has decreed that the two shall marry -- and what Tarrant-Aragon decrees will take place, no matter what he must do to bring it about.

I have to admit it -- I love reading about the Djinn of the Tigron Empire. This is a great sequel to Forced Mate. It works on several levels; it is both a love story and a mystery and a reminder that biology is destiny. Cherry's prose challenges the reader with carefully planned complexity while delivering romance and humor and suspense. The characters of Martia-Djulia and Djetthro-Jason are multifaceted; they seem like real people, with foibles and failings in addition to their many admirable qualities. I especially felt empathy to Martia-Djulia, a woman who dares not trust again. The male/female sex scenes are mostly tantalizing, though fairly explicit, with alien references that I found extremely funny. I altogether enjoyed this book and give it 5 Angels and a Recommended Read! -- Jean, Fallen Angel Reviews (courtesy of Fallen Angel Reviews)

What is it like, exactly, when two gods go head to head? One will come out the top dog for sure, but it might not be the one readers originally think of. Even on a (supposedly) deserted island, Rowena Cherry can spice up our lives hotter than the blazing sun and it's survival of the royal fittest in her latest futuristic romance, sequel to the phenomenal "Forced Mate".

Princess Martia-Djulia, sister to the hero in Cherry's first book, is enraged when she is deceived by her brother and almost tricked into a royal marriage to an insufficient and malnourished prince. Where is her beloved Jason, the lusty and enigmatic lover she cannot, nor wants to, forget? When she flees the ill planned Mating ceremony, her twisted emperor brother has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.

Prince Djetthro-Jason must mince words and actions--literally. After a brutal beating at the hands of the Tigron Emperor, he must tread carefully if he wishes to live. Fortunately all the carefully laid steps are taking him in what has become an increasingly intriguing direction. The Princess Martia-Djulia makes for quite an entertaining and vexing partner when they become stranded on a deserted An' Koori island. Survival has met its match in the pampered and fluffy-minded woman and it's all the prince can do to see that they both survive the long, enticing nights let alone meet their more basic needs. Oh, what fun can be had under the cover of golden sheets!

Author Cherry doesn't mince words in her amazing sci-fi tales. Stellar wit, wonderful characters and amazing research into basic and not so basic survival techniques make for a very real and relatable environment for the prince and princess. This was without a doubt one of my favorite reads of 2006! Cherry's style is very unique, her voice a fresh and sidesplitting barrel of non-stop fun. She has created one of the more unique sci-fi worlds and her seamless weaving of the main and subplots only supports that she is an author to watch as she rises to the top of the genre. Please keep the fresh and unique tales coming, Ms. Cherry! Hungry for more of this insatiable and lusty culture!

First rule of writing a book: do not name all of your characters in your book with the letter J. And don't disguise it by putting a D in front. It was way too confusing and not too cutesy. I could not even get through the first 20 pages before it was too confusing. If Rowana Cherry want to make this a series, she is going to have to break her Dj rule. Maybe, all the characters will have Ph in front of their names. Think of the possibilities, Phrancis, Phrank, and Phreddie.