Fiasco

Starred review from March 1, 2024

This follow-up to Calamity brings bounty hunter Cynbelline Khaw back to Temper Reed's ragtag crew--this time in her own identity, instead of pretending to be a brainwashed cultist in need of rescue. In fact, Cyn is there to do the rescuing--of Arcadio Escajeda's niece--from the clutches of the same kidnapper who murdered her cousin, broke her family, and sent Cyn on a long quest for vengeance and retribution. Instead, there's unexpected drug-busting, betrayal, and a truly epic but unlooked for romance. She'll just have to die to find her happy ever after with the man she was supposed to turn in for a bounty. VERDICT Every single bit as much fun and adventurous as the author's debut, this sequel offers a terrific enemies-to-lovers romance, an utterly stunning heel-turn betrayal, and a heartfelt story about blending found families and birth families and never assuming that what one sees is anything like the truth. Featuring a well-developed mercantile empire-type space opera setting, this is highly recommended for fans of the space romances of Valerie Valdes, K.B. Wagers, Rachel Bach, and Cat Rambo.--Marlene Harris

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2024
The explosive adventures of the starship Calamity continue in Fay’s un-put-downable second Uncharted Hearts scifi romance (after Calamity). Cynbeline “Cyn” Khaw is a name feared throughout the known galaxies due to her reputation for having once “spaced” an entire ship filled with human traffickers. The legend, of course, bears little resemblance to reality. Now a struggling bounty hunter, Cyn is lucky enough to pick up a case from the powerful and dangerous Escajeda family—though this one is personal. Young Boreal Escajeda has been kidnapped by the Abyssal Abductor, the same man who abducted and killed Cyn’s younger cousin Aymbe years ago. To track the Abductor down, Cyn must reunite with the Calamity crew, who knew her as Generosity, the cultist they rescued who asked to go back. Now she’s hoping no one, particularly medic Micah Arora, will recognize her. For his part, Micah describes Cyn as “a whole woman sewn from red flags,” but he still can’t help feeling drawn to her. The simmering attraction between medic and bounty hunter colors the rip-roaring adventure, and Cyn’s struggles with relatable things like asking for help and navigating social expectations provide a perfect counterpoint to the crew’s occasionally over-the-top antics. This keeps the series going strong.

May 1, 2024
A mysterious bounty hunter and a charming medic battle dangerous politics, deadly environments, and their own attraction in this SF romance. A merciless and highly sought-after bounty hunter, Cynbelline Khaw is a woman with many aliases. Her latest assignment--fulfill a bounty on a ruthless kidnapper--comes with a side of revenge, as the kidnapper in question also killed her cousin. The task calls for her to partner with the crew of the Calamity, which complicates things, as she originally crossed paths with them under a different identity. No one seems to make the connection except for Micah Arora, the ship's ever-observant medic. Deepening the deceit is a bonus mission that Cyn cannot ignore: She must turn Micah over to one of the ruling families lest all of her identities be leaked to the public. Like Calamity (2023), the debut book in Fay's Uncharted Hearts series, the first-person point of view belongs solely to the heroine. Cyn's every thought is broadcast across the page, even when it adds nothing to the plot or characterization. Being inside her head is a frustrating experience, undermining her enigmatic antihero persona. The exploration of foreign planets and the excitement of action around every corner is what keeps the book's momentum going. Micah is a wonderful leading man: He's smart and capable and has one hell of a knack for banter. While this steamy SF adventure will tick a lot of boxes for readers who enjoy a galactic setting, the pace is often stunted by side plots that take away from the heart of the story. Sometimes the book feels like it wants to be a heist thriller or a political drama instead. A lot of big ideas and high-stakes scenarios are introduced, but they only distract from Cyn's already complicated mission and her second chance at a romantic connection with Micah. Too many side quests dilute what begins as a compelling, high-octane romance set in space.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2024
Cyn Khaw grew up on an abundant, beautiful planet with a loving family. Now she finds herself alone, on a dirty planet, living deep underground. She hides behind a fake name, a fake job as a private investigator, and plenty of stimulants to keep her mind awake and off unpleasant memories. But her anonymity and independence are shattered when a high-ranking member of the Escajeda family arrives offering her a job. It's not any job though; it's a job that might grant her salvation and take her home. The family wants Cyn to find the Abductor who kidnaps and ransoms high-value targets. He also happens to be the man who murdered Cyn's cousin and sent Cyn careening through the universe looking for revenge. There is just one major stipulation: she must join Temper and Arcadio and the crew of the Calamity for the hunt. An exciting follow-up to her debut, Calamity (2023), Fay's latest reunites readers with that novel's ragtag crew, now with a renewed purpose. Lovers of sf, world building, thrillers, and steamy romance won't want to miss Fiasco.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.