Customer Reviews

Starkissed

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Leith McClure is the daughter of Cameron McClure, the wealthy owner of McClure Shipping, a space transport company. Cameron being seriously ill, Leith is handling the business until he is able to take up the reins again. Steve Hancock, Cameron's right hand man, has been assisting Leith with the business. As the story begins, Leith and Hancock are on Trader World to complete a deal with J'Qhir, the representative of a standoffish species of reptilian descent called the Zi. After the payment is made in invaluable Zi jewels, J'Qhir accepts Hancock's invitation to have a tour of the McClure ship. Hancock has ulterior motives, though--he kidnaps both J'Qhir and Leith in order to gain the Zi jewels AND the business, and abandons them on a planet called "Paradise."

Leith and J'Qhir are the only sentient beings on the entire planet, and must survive or die through their joint efforts. With the few tools at their disposal, they undertake the multitude of tasks required for them to survive. At the same time, they establish an intellectual relationship--then, in spite being of different species and from different worlds, they form a physical and emotional relationship.

This is essentially a castaway story, in which two people from different cultural backgrounds discover their true compatibility under external duress. The plot caught my interest from the first page and, as the story developed, kept me reading and hoping that these two admirable people eventually would be happy together in spite of the odds against them. The science fiction framework is well developed, believable, and interesting, and is combined with a love story that grows naturally within the plot. The story is complex, containing multiple conflicts that pit the protagonists first against an individual (Hancock), then against nature (the planet), and, finally, against their own cultures (their up-bringings and expectations). I would rate this novel Spicy. Although there are only two fairly explicit love scenes (with numerous others implied), the well-crafted prose successfully communicates the growth of the deep feelings between Leith and J'Qhir. I highly recommend this emotionally-fulfilling novel for science fiction readers as well as romance readers. -- Jean, Fallen Angel Reviews (courtesy of Fallen Angel Reviews)

Leith McClure is reluctant to leave the safety of Earth and her studies, but some off-planet family business must be seen to during her father's illness. While delivering some cargo to Commander J'Qhir, Warrior of Zi, a crooked co-worker absconds with the payment and the cargo, dumping Leith and J'Qhir on an uninhabited planet. While trying to survive the harsh conditions of "Paradise", they succumb to their mutual attraction, until rescue threatens the forbidden relationship.

Finally, an author who differentiates between a human and an alien! When there is a romance involved, most authors seem to be afraid to make the alien character too far from humanoid.
J'Qhir has hairless, leatherlike skin and his "equipment" is internal until the mating act is performed. It makes for some interesting and kinky sex scenes, which (by the way) are surprisingly humorous. Kudos to Ms. Curington for having the [courage] ... to write it.

Overall, the book is a fast, easy read. There is not very much depth to the plot, so I can only go 4 stars; but, I do recommend it for entertainment purposes.

Awesome! Not to be missed! Incredible! Proof that Love transcends any obstacle! Lanette Curington's Starkissed has received much praise in the past. I add my voice to the chorus. Yes, I'm a believer.

Standing in for her bed-ridden father, Leith McClure concludes a shady business deal in a backwater dive on the butt-side of the universe. Her father's trusted partner had set up the deal, so Leith felt no need to ask too many questions. She just wanted the deal done so she could return to her sick father's side.

Leith would later regret her disinterest.

The well-being of his people rested squarely on J'Qhir's shoulders. Guardian of his world, indeed his people's greatest hero, J'Qhir was uncomfortable with this transaction. Yes he needed the supplies and yes he trusted Cameron McClure absolutely, but this "Steve Hancock" caused all of J'Qhir's inner alarms to ring. And the youngling...? There was something about her that disturbed him on many levels. Nevertheless, he had business to conclude. The offer to tour one of McClure's spaceships was a bonus. If Cameron trusted his daughter and this "Steve," then surely so could J'Qhir?

Betrayal and trickery were talents long mastered by the race called "human." The Zi had no concept of it, but Steve was quite happy to instruct him on the finer points. A few lies told, a booby-trap or two, and Leigh and J'Qhir are abandoned on a planet called Paradise.

As the only sentient being on Paradise, Leith and J'Qhir must learn to work together, to maximize their strengths and support each other's weaknesses. Cooperation brings familiarity... familiarity brings friendship... friendship brings trust and intimacy... and intimacy brings love.

Starkissed is amazing. It did not matter than Leith and J'Qhir come from two incredibly diverse cultures-or that they were not of the same species, let alone race-for they found a common thread. Two lonely hearts who wanted to love. For all its alien-ness, Starkissed is surprisingly sweet. Even during their first sexual encounter, ripe with humor and social confusion, received and "awwwwwwwwwwwwww" response. It was also amazingly intense and thoroughly enjoyed by this reader.

I opened Starkissed late one night to begin the reviewing process. I didn't put it down until it was almost done, when dawn caressed the sky and work called. My first response was to post my recommendation of this book to my author's lists. It garnered a lively discussion there. Although Starkissed is a mixture of "Enemy Mine" and "Star Trek," it stands powerfully alone.

Absolutely amazing. I cannot praise this book enough. Fans of Futuristic Romance should consider this a "must read".

-Brenda Thatcher

I enjoyed this book very much. Ms. Curington is an accomplished storyteller, grabbing your attention from the first page and never letting go.
The main characters are well drawn and fully developed with perhaps the most fleshed out being the Zi, J'Qhir - the Commander. Never has "I will build a lair for us" sounded so romantic!
And speaking of romance, from the "ss" in its title to the signature s-speak of J'Qhir, this book sizzles! The sexual tension between the alien male J'Qhir and the human female Leith is all the more intriguing for their differences. Here Ms. Curington charts an original course in exploring their love. They truly discover one another and in so doing, define themselves.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone whether they are fans of science fiction or, like me, just enjoy a good old-fashioned love story - with a new twist!

I bought this book thinking the alien and human thing would be unique. I have read alot of paranormal/fantasy erotic before so this stuff does'nt bother me. I just felt like the romance was limited. The sex scene's we're short and awkward. I know he is alien and has different anatomy but by the reviews I expected more I guess. Over all not a horrible story. I have read much worse.

NO SPOILERS or plot summaries. Recommendations included.

HIGH LEVEL: So far this is a stand-alone sci-fi romance, but there is a very short online "extra chapter" available for free:

This book was just wonderful: subtle in its romance, strong in atmosphere and plot. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm very impressed. I highly recommend it. I really, REALLY hope this author gives us more of this world- because I am totally hooked.

SEXUAL CONTENT: Relatively light from an erotica standpoint. J'Qhir being anatomically different gave me some hesitation going in, but the character building made him as sexy and sympathetic as any other man and the sex was heartbreakingly sweet. It was a sensual seduction without some of the more hot-n-heavy vulgarity you might find in an erotica novel. Sometimes you want that lusty, crass encounter, but sometimes you want this- sweet, romantic "lovemaking." Mostly straightforward, no BSDM, fetish, anal or other craziness. The kink comes from the physical difference only.

CHARACTERS: Wonderfully written, nuanced characters. Both Leith and J'Qhir are colorful, vibrant individuals. Their romance was almost as much about their getting to know themselves as it was about getting to know each other. Story perspective was largely first person Leith, but there was some first person J'Qhir which made it that much more fun. It might have been SLIGHTLY better if the two perspectives were balanced a little more, but overall it was still excellent.

PLOT: Well-paced and believable, not too heavily dependent on the techie side of sci-fi. Much of the story is spent without any technology at all as they try to survive abandoned on an empty planet. The only issue was that the "bad guy" seemed to be completely psychotic and mentally unhinged for no apparent reason. The greater set up of this galaxy and the many species inhabiting it was very well thought out. The romance itself was well thought out. It was just this crazy guy Steve running around that felt somehow wrong- like he was just a plot device and lacked substance and explanation. Also a little hard to believe no one noticed he was crazy before all this happened... aside from that, though, this was a great plot and not over shadowed by sex. One warning: the end was seriously ABRUPT. This must be why the additional segment was written, because I literally clicked my Kindle to the next page expecting there to be more... and it was blank. I wasn't thrilled with that, but only because I really loved these characters and wanted to see them continue to build a life together.

BOTTOM LINE: This was sweet and refreshing and left you desperately wanting more. I do recommend reading the additional chapter... maybe we can convince the author to write more books in this universe to let us check in on Leith and J'Qhir from time to time! Please? :)

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Linnea Sinclair's Games of Command - One of my all-time favorites, another sci-fi romance with political intrigue, psychic predators against a spunky captain and her very sexy, but emotionally challenged biocybe admiral.
2. Kaitlyn O'Connor's The Ninth Orb - excellent futuristic sci-fi romance/erotica where human women have to adapt to alien men with truly foreign mating habits. Men here are also VERY sweet.
3. Anne Aguirre's Grimspace (Sirantha Jax, Book 1)- a techie space borne sci-fi series with a strong female lead and a healthy splash of unconventional romance- NOT actually romance/erotica, though. More sci-fi.
4. Marie Harte's A Scorching Seduction - sci-fi erotica that's both absurdly amusing and very sexy. NOTE: This is a short story, not a full novel.
5. Marie Harte's Lurin's Surrender (Life in the Vrail) - short sci-fi erotica centering on men who have evolved to provide pleasure, with a well-rounded cast of characters promising a good series.
6. Linnea Sinclair's An Accidental Goddess (Bantam Spectra) - lightly magical sci-fi romance
7. Linnea Sinclair's Gabriel's Ghost - another sci-fi romance with political intrigue, hostile aliens and a very sexy, very dangerous telepath
8. Nalini Singh's Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1) - romance series which features weres and psychics, but also carries plotlines with some substance
9. The "Wastelands" series which is futuristic fantasy erotica, written by 4 authors, which begins with Wasteland: The Wanderer and then moves through: The Whore, The Breeder and The Priestess.

I really enjoyed this story, its so different from some of the other sci-fi romances I've read (with an actual alien character and all), but I still rooted for them despite their differences! I loved the story so much that I couldn't put it done, was sad when it ended, and wished I knew what happened next... I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!

I just finished this book this morning. I started reading it last night until late and picked it right up this morning. Thank goodness for a snowstorm that kept me home. All I can say to the author is please, please write more Sci Fi. This book was so very good. It had the perfect blend of romance, not too much sex and characters you rooted for from beginning to end. And oh how sorry I was to get to the end. I highly recommend this book. If in doubt, read the excerpt and see for yourself.

A wonderful sci fi romance. The sci fi elements were fine but this is really a relationship story. Very good alien developement. This alien was really alien, not just a guy from another planet. His culture was well developed and logical. It was wonderful to see the relationship between two such disparate people develop. The sex scenes were well placed and understated. The romance was heartwarming. I recommend it to sci fi romance readers who are looking for more on the relationship side rather than the space ship side

I won't go into the story line since earlier reviewers have done a fantastic job of giving the details but this book is not to be missed!!! I do not write many reviews but felt so strongly about this book - I wanted to tell others about it. If you like Sci-Fi with a mystery, a tender love story, and a hero and heroine that are the kind of individuals you would love to meet in real life - then this is for you. A beautiful world with really wonderful characters, please Ms. Currington, may we have some more?