I wanted to read something light - but it was a little too light. Science Fiction as backdrop without any world building is boring. Otherwise it was an OK heist/romance story. ( )

Lesfic sci-fi romances are pretty hard to come by. Discovering two books in a row (the other one is Deep Deception) is a real treat. Being only $1.99, i half expected this to be a mindless, faux sci-fi erotica--especially with a protagonist named 'Zia'. Turns out this is a pretty intelligent sci-fi thriller. In fact, the romance doesn't pick up until halfway into the book.

The plot is fairly elaborate. The worldbuilding is detailed enough to be believable. There is a lot of chemistry and sexual tension between the two lady protagonists (and incredibly, also between the lady thief and her ex-hubby!). There is also some family drama thrown in for good measure. An unexpected twist about 2/3 into the book cranks up the tension several notches and our heroine finds herself caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. The ending reads like a movie-- chases, explosive action, a mexican standoff, a climactic shootout--the works.

If you like f/f action thrillers (sci-fi or not), and for this price, definitely buy.

The only part I found rather hard to believe was the lead character's seamless transition from a living-on-the-edge bank robber to geeky data encoder to hot, super efficient personal assistant--granted she got a makeover from mom, but still...

A little caveat for the f/f purists--before she meets Zia, Liv spends an inordinate amount of time (by ff standards) lusting after her ex-hubby. Nothing inappropriate happens though..so, no worries. 8-)
( )

Liv Braxton is one of the better criminals in the star system. This is mostly due to the set of rules she's been following since age four. Felon's Rule #1: don't get involved. In her newest and perhaps most daring hit yet, it's also going to be the hardest.

Alias Olivia Baines is pulled into a stunning multi-stage hit by her ex-husband, Tonio, who's still got it going on, she's painfully reminded. Blind-sided by her mother's surprise re-appearance in her life, she'll be helping the bad guys stick-it-to-the-man and make them all filthy rich besides. Until her target, powerful and gorgeous Zia Talbot makes Liv question herself in ways no one, especially no woman, ever has.

Full disclosure, I wanted to know what's going on on the other side of the romance aisle, so I went with one of highest rated lesbian romances that Harlequin's imprint Carina Press had on sale. Need I say that it was one of a handful of options anyway? I have to say, this book surprised me and grew on me. Early review scouring landed this book back on my to-read shelf several times, but a recent lay-over in a train station gave me the opportunity I'd been waiting for and I dove in.

Rulebreaker has a bit of a problem unfortunately, since it sits as one of the few lesbian romance titles in Carina's selection, it isn't nearly as much as a romance as a futuristic coporate-espionage story. There were times where Liv felt more than a little hardboiled, and even the sci-fi aspects didn't come off strong. There are some moments reminiscent of a Star Trek episode and even a few clever jokes, but it ultimately fell flat. It surprised me in what it achieved, and the dearth of sex scenes was not unwelcome, but when one expects one thing and is delivered another, it's a little bit of a problem. Here's to hoping that fewer people pick this one up without knowing what they're in for.

Also, how much do you like the cover? I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a sci-fi and this one looked good. That isn't to say it wasn't, just not what I expected.

252pp. Carina Press. 8th Oct 2011. ( )

Great book! It kept me on the edge of my seat--I even caught myself holding my breath through a couple of passages. Loved the relationship between Liv and Tonio, and then Liv and Zia. Lots of tension, great chemistry. Definitely a book worth picking up. ( )

My review here: http://lesbrary.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/anna-reviews-rulebreaker-by-cathy-pegau... ( )