June 17, 2011

Review: Virgin by Cheryl Brooks

Virgin
Author: Cheryl Brooks
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Series: Cat Star Chronicles, Book 7
ISBN: 1402251653
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided by the publisher for a honest review

For more information please visit Cheryl Brooks' website.

Zetithians have a feline gene that gives the males remarkable sexual prowess. Refugee Dax is no exception-but as a virgin, he has no idea how to use it. His fumbling attempts at romance fail to tempt the beautiful Ava, but he is determined to learn the art of love. Let the seduction begin...


Dax valued his freedom more than any woman until he met Ava, a spunky half-breed Aquerei who holds the key to the salvation of her father's homeworld. Can they save the world and still hold on to one another?

Virgin, the seventh novel in the Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks, is a wonderful futuristic series that is masterfully developed with just the right amount of humor, campiness, and romance to set your pulse racing. With amazing characters and adventurous worlds you'll want to revisit, this is one series that will have you hooked.

As this was my first time reading either the series or a novel by Brooks, I really didn't know what to expect coming in. With this being the seventh novel, I really anticipated having to play a lot of catch-up and being horribly lost, but that fear was quickly dispelled as we are thrust in to the life of the sexy as hell, virginal Zetithian, Dax. And honestly, from the first few pages I was sucked into this tale and the lives of the characters, from main characters Dax and Ava, to the secondary characters who brought with them some interesting and diverse personalities as well as some great humor.

Dax and Ava, however, were definitely at the forefront with an instantly crackling charge of sexual tension that starts this novel off right. The pull between them, though instantaneous, was developed perfectly making this the real corner stone of the story, especially given that Dax is so oblivious to all things romance and Ava is so hesitant in letting her emotions overrule her good sense. But, what makes this truly wonderful was the underhanded and devious plotting of the peripheral characters in hooking these two up. It was often times sneaky, but more often then not, simply hilarious. It really served to make their relationship all the more thrilling as they try and fight against the feelings that are drawing them closer. Ultimately, I loved the romance throughout as well as all of the delicious tension.

The world building was just as rich and lavish creating not only a world, but a universe that was great fun to see and explore with the characters. There was a lot of wonderful detail that really helped to bring the world and settings to life creating a three dimensional world in which to travel. The atmosphere was also quite enjoyable with a campy science fiction feel that perfectly matched the sexually charged nature of the novel while making it approachable and fun all at the same time.

The plot line, as can be expected from a novel that is so nicely written, was just as well developed ranging from great mysteries centered around the characters as well as just focusing on the characters themselves. There was also a lot of great action and adventure as well as some complex subplots centered around who and what the characters truly are. Overall, the cumulative effect is one the is extremely enjoyable climaxing in a way that perfectly suited the story itself creating a highly enjoyable and satisfying conclusion.

In the end, this may have been my first time reading this series and this author, but it will not be my last. It far exceeded my expectations creating a world and characters that I was engrossed by as well as delivering a satisfying plot with lot of great elements that kept me captive throughout. Fans of science fiction with a heavy backbone of romance will thoroughly enjoy this series as well any fan of a good, fun, and sensuous read. Can't wait to get my hands on the previous installments, nor on the ones to come!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Sexual Content

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