MAVERICK is the first book in the Cat
Star Legacy series by Cheryl Brooks. Although this
is second generation/spin-off series from this author's Cat Star
Chronicles series, readers new to this world will
still enjoy MAVERICK. The parents of this hero and heroine
are featured in the books SLAVE
and WARRIOR, in
case new readers would like to go back and read those love
stories at some point. MAVERICK is a fabulous book for
readers who enjoy the classic friends-to-lovers romance
trope. I don't normally read stories with science fiction
settings and themes, but Cheryl Brooks is a superb
storyteller, and the humor and romance make MAVERICK such
fun to read.
Zetithian men are in high demand in any galaxy. These men
are drop-dead gorgeous, sexually satisfying beyond imagining
and, in addition to having some feline facial features, they
purr to entice their mate. The perfect blend of cat and
hard-bodied hottie. Even though Zetithian men are so
sought-after, Larsanken "Larry" Tshevnoe is an unassuming
sweetheart of a guy, as well as being an intergalactic
heartthrob. As Larry cruises through space, he's cautious
about getting romantically involved with anyone because of
the addictive qualities well-known to those who take
Zetithian men as lovers. Larry wants to be appreciated and
loved for who he is rather than any biological responses.
While contemplating the suitability and true intentions of a
potential lady love, Larry reunites with his childhood
friend, and fellow Zetithian, Althea Banadänsk. A good chunk
of the first half of MAVERICK focuses on Larry and Althea
getting reacquainted and dealing with an unexpected
attraction. There is a lot of introspection by this hero and
heroine. As Larry and Al circle each other, before revealing
their true feelings, there is a little comic relief in the
form of Larry's bug-like Scorillian navigator Brak. Brak is
a great example of the wonderful way Cheryl Brooks has of
creating unforgettable quirky characters and intriguing
world building.
A sense of danger and adventure come with the arrival on
ship of Larry's half-brother Keplok and Althea's half-
sister Dartula. Keplok and Dartula are on a rescue mission
which seems to coincide with Althea's empathic intuition.
These two supporting characters, and their initial prickly
relationship, serve as a nice contrast to Larry and Althea
and their evolving relationship. Halfway through the story,
the extent of the mission becomes clearer even as the danger
becomes more real. The team eventually comes together in a
very organic way and they outsmart and outmaneuver the bad
guys to save the day.
MAVERICK is an alien-tastic extravaganza with a lot of
laughs, thrills, and a great love story. Larry is a strong,
sexy, and affable hero and definitely not an alpha-hole.
Althea is a woman with witchy ways, strength, and
sensitivity to match her mate's. I can't wait to read the
next installment in this fascinating Cat
Star Legacy series!
First in the brand new scorching hot Cat Star Legacy
series from beloved author Cheryl Brooks
Zetithians Althea Banadänsk and Larsanken "Larry" Tshevnoe
were once inseparable childhood friends—but adulthood saw
them drifting apart. And after all these years, Larry has
found another woman he might love. But something in his gut
doesn't feel right, so he calls on his old empath friend,
Althea, for help. She'll be able to tell if Larry's lover's
feelings are true. But they're detoured when a distress call
from the planet Palorka comes in. Now stuck in close
quarters for a much longer journey than expected, they can't
help but notice the sizzling tension between them…and Larry
starts to think Althea is the only woman in the galaxy who
can truly satisfy his cravings…