It has been years since I read a book in the Cat Star Chronicles series. I really enjoyed that series. I could not read those books fast enough. Thus, when I saw this new series, I figured now was the perfect time to read a book from this author again. Sadly, there was something missing in this book that I loved about the prior series.

I found myself having a hard time forming a very close emotional connection to the characters. Also, the there was some humor but it was minor. That is what I enjoyed the most about the other books is first the characters and second the humor mixed with nice storylines. This book kind of got lost like the ship that Larry was piloting. There is a bright spot as I did like Brak. He may be an insect but he is an likable insect. I may give the next book in this series a try before making my final decision about this series.

The Cat Star Chronicles series is new to me but based on this story it is one I will be exploring .
I think that to thoroughly appreciate this story the previous series needs to read first ….. for about a third of the book the characters mention many things that happened in the other series - thus often making no sense to me without the context .

I liked the concept of it of this book …………… we have a race of aliens that are cat-like and an insect race …… with the makings of a great story..... and it would have been if I had read the series that this one spins off from .

However that being said I really enjoyed this cosmic adventure with all its thrills and plenty of romance to keep me hooked .
The plot flowed smoothly , with a variety of settings ……………. the characters and their interactions made this book a delight to read , although some areas were a touch racy it did not put me off .

I look forward to reading more books by the Author

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You are here: Home / B Review / Helyce’s Thursday Thoughts on Maverick by Cheryl Brooks
Helyce’s Thursday Thoughts on Maverick by Cheryl Brooks

September 6, 2018 By Helyce 1 Comment

Hello friends, it has not been a good reading week. I had 4 books drop on 9/4 and I only read one and a half. I had high hopes of relaxing and reading over my Labor Day Weekend, but it just didn’t work out that way for me. I’m more hopeful for the upcoming weekend. My kids have settled in to their college routines and have their own plans for the weekend, my hubby also has plans for the weekend, so I’m crossing my fingers for some reading and me time.




Maverick by Cheryl Brooks (Cat Star Legacy #1)
Science Fiction Romance
Released: September 4, 2018
Sourcebooks Casablanca

I was so excited to be back in the world of Ms. Brooks’ imagination. I read and enjoyed the original Cat Star Chronicles series that introduced us not only to her famous Zetithians, but to many other planets and worlds and to the inhabitants of those worlds. In every shape, color and size, some humanoid like, a lot of them not human at all, but in Ms. Brooks’ world there is always some way to communicate and a lot of inter-species canoodling. Of course, there are humans from earth too, and they just happen to be biologically compatible to some of these off-world species.

This new series will center around the children of the original cast. In this first book, we meet Larsanken “Larry” Tshevnoe who is now an adult with his own ship. He cruises through the galaxy with his trusty navigator, Brak, who is a Scorillian-think gigantic talking praying mantis. Larry is a communications expert and he travels around fixing other ships communications devices. He stops on Barada Seven in the hopes of locating his childhood friend Althea, a female Zetithian that he grew up with on his parent’s ship. Althea is an empath. She left her family and friends and moved to Barada Seven to escape the constant noise in her head, her empathic gifts picking up everyone’s feelings. If that wasn’t enough, Althea’s mother is a witch, and she’s inherited some of her gifts as well. All those gifts made it difficult for Althea to function so she left home and settled on Barada Seven where for some reason the land didn’t scream in her head and she could live in the jungles and not be bombarded by everyone’s feelings.

It’s been four long years and Larry has missed his friend. Larry wants to ask Althea to come home with him to use her empath skills to read a girl that he kind of likes. It’s difficult for a Zetithian male to trust that a woman is into him for himself or because of the rumors surrounding the Zetithian males exceptional “skills” during sex. Because of this, he hasn’t been physical with anyone for fear of making a huge mistake. Althea misses her family so she agrees to go with him.

I didn’t realize how much I missed this world and though it’s been about 4 years since the last book in the first series, it was like coming home. Ms. Brooks does a great job of giving just enough back story, and while having read the previous series would definitely enhance your reading experience, it’s not necessary.

From the moment it’s revealed that Althea couldn’t read Larry’s emotions, I knew exactly what that meant and just settled in to see how their friendship would bloom into love. Things progress a bit slow as Althea fights what she’s feeling and tries to ignore all the hints her body throws at her. She also doesn’t want to come between Larry and any woman he might be interested in. But in the world of the Zetithians, if you’re meant to be mated, there is no stopping it.

A side story introduces half siblings of both Larry and Althea and bring a bit of excitement when Larry diverts course to pick up Keplok and Dartula who have broken down. We later learn that they were on a mission to find something special that was taken from their home planet and had set out to retrieve it. They now need Larry’s help and his ship. The addition of these two characters brought a lot of humor to the story.

Ms. Brooks’ writing style has really matured since the first series. While we still got a true feel for these sexy Zetithians, I really appreciated the fact that I wasn’t overwhelmed with explanations and descriptions of snard, joy juice, or coronal/penile acrobatics. There is more emphasis on the story, the characters and the people and things they encounter. I did miss the multitude of alien species from the first series though. Brak is a kick with his dry humor, but a lot of the alien species that I remembered from before are not mentioned until near the end.

This a fun, over the top, fantastical adventure that always makes me ask, “how does she come up with this stuff?” I’m so glad Ms. Brooks decided to revisit these characters and give us the next generation.

This book started ion an interesting note and I liked the concept of it. We have this race of aliens that are cat-like and this insect race and all the makings of a great story. And it would have been if I had read the series that this one spins off.

About half the book the characters mention many things that happened in the other series and I was a bit lost. If you are interested in this series I recommend you read the other series CAT STAR CHRONICLES.

That said I liked what little I understood of this book and although I know there are people mad because of a supposed cheating I think it was done correctly in this instance since Larry was never intimate with this other person. Their relationship was superficial on both their sides it seems.

I loved Brak and I found him hilarious at times. I loved the mission they went on and I just wish that I could have read the other series first so I could appreciate this book more.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
The cats are back! Or should I say, the kittens are all grown up? Either way, I’m glad to be able to return to Cheryl Brooks’ Cat Star World where Zetithians have successfully staved off their extinction and the second generation of hybrids are beginning to find their own mates. I’ll admit that I’m not entirely sure I read the final book of the Cat Star Chronicles simply because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the Zetithians and the women who fought so hard to save them. So it’s beyond fitting that Maverick, the first book in the Cat Star Legacy series, would show the romance and accompanying adventures of Captain Jack’s and Tisana’s children.

I loved that Larry was so much like his mother, Captain Jack Tshevnoe, yet his father’s calm Zetithian nature tempered the recklessness he might have otherwise inherited from his adventure-seeking mother. Althea is even more of an oddity as the daughter of a Mordrial witch and a Zetithian. The magic she inherited from her mother forced her to become a bit of a recluse, ensconced on a distant planet disconnected from her family, as she learned to control the magic she could and avoid triggers for the magic she couldn’t, at least until she matured enough to improve her control. When Larry shows up on her doorstep asking for her help, she’s unable to tell her childhood best friend no, even if what he’s asking her to do and where she must go to do it threatens the mental peace she’s carefully constructed in the four years since she left home. But true to form in the Cat Star World, trouble and adventure seem to sense the Tshevnoe blood and soon Larry, Althea, and Brak are embroiled in a rescue mission that would have made Captain Jack envious.

The hardest part about writing a review of a book I’m absolutely enamored with is not giving away too much. There are so many things I want to gush about and remark upon because I loved getting back to Brooks’ world, but I would hate to spoil the discovery and surprises for other fans if they happened upon my review. Usually this is a dilemma I face when writing reviews for romantic suspense novels, but this is a long-established world and fans of the Cat Star Chronicles deserve to discover the delights Brooks has sprinkled throughout this first book – the big ones and the little ones – on their own. If you’ve not read the Cat Star Chronicles, don’t worry as I truly believe you’ll be able to read Maverick without issue as it’s about the next generation of Zetithians and Brooks does a wonderful job of referencing characters and events from the first series as needed, without engaging in an overwhelming info dump. Of course, if you’re new to the Cat Star world, you’ll have the benefit of being able to binge upon the Cat Star Chronicles if you find yourself as taken with the Zetithians as I was when I stumbled upon Captain Jack and Cat in Slave – one of the best freebie finds I ever snagged. At least while I wait for book two’s release, I can go back and make sure I’ve read all of the Cat Star Chronicles because I now have a whole new generation of cats to sink my teeth into. 😉

The Zetithian felines are back along with a whole host of other aliens in this hot, spicy and adventurous cosmic romance. Larry and Althea are bold and fierce characters that easily draw readers into their world as a distress call sets on a path into danger. Larry and Althea’s romance is a bit unexpected (for them) as they fight their sizzling undeniable attraction with snarky wit and Althea’s empathic powers add a whole other dimension to this relationship as she sets out to help him discover what he truly desires. The relationship is feisty with quite a bit of turbulence that certainly keeps things interesting during this courtship while they become the champions of truth and justice throughout the galaxy.

Surprising twists adds to the exhilarating and adrenaline pumping adventure, thrilling suspense and fascinating alien elements found in this steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot. The varying planet settings are well developed and the author paints vivid images of her world so that the readers can easily imagine each and every setting as they get to know all the fascinating characters involved which makes it easy for readers to become caught up in this sexy space adventure. Some unique alien features, some of which are on the sensual and racy side add to the hotness factor of this read and I quite fascinated by the ideas put forth in Larry Althea’s romantic escapades, which has me quite curious and looking forward to visiting more of this intriguing world.

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!

Maverick begins the Cat Star Legacy series which is a second generation spin-off from the Cat Star Chronicles series from a few years back. I wish I had read the original series first, but didn’t realize that I should have… now, I’m not sure that I will. So let me be frank without being harsh — I do not like cheating by the hero or the heroine while a potential couple in any form, in any way. Almost everyone has had a life before they meet the one destined for them so past relationships are realistic… but to seek out a childhood friend who has the empathic ability to tell Larry if he has chosen the right woman in his current girlfriend for a lifelong mate is… not my cup of tea. Yet I committed to reading and reviewing for the publisher so I set that aspect of the story aside – having said that, Maverick is an enjoyable, imaginative science fiction romance that will grab the reader’s attention. I – personally – simply could not get past the cheating on his girlfriend, even if they didn’t seem all that committed to each other, part of this story so my view of Larry was slanted from the start.

Now, in the alternative world view of science fiction a lot of readers can suspend reality and go with what works for what particular alien race they’re reading about. So, please, check out Maverick for yourself and form your own opinion. If you were a fan of the original series, then I’m sure you’ll have fun stepping back into this world with the now adult children of those couples.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Rating 1/5

I hated this book especially when it came to Larry and his cheating ways. To start, I asked for this book because I always have a hard time getting into aliens and outer space novels. I don't know why but it can never get my interest but I keep trying because I don't want to be biased against that genre. So, the reason I hated this book was not because of the setting despite me still getting confused a lot. I hated it more because of the characters - especially Larry's. How is it ever okay for a male to cheat and get to have it all? I also disliked how SLOW this was... literally moving feet behind the slowest turtle on earth. There wasn't much action - lots of space travel which gets boring fast. I mean come on, it's space. Nothing is exciting up there without action.

I won't be reading any other books in this series. It was just not it for me.

I never read any of the books in the Cat Star Chronicles, but this is it’s own series and while there were some brief mentions of the past reading the other books before this is not necessary to follow along. My main issue with this book is that it is so slow. The first half of the book was spent with the main characters and one other in space traveling peacefully to get some friends who were stranded on another planet. So there was just a lot of discussion about the leads realizing they are attracted to each other, even thought they have known each other their entire lives. That’s it. No conflict, no urgency, just a lot of awkwardness. Finally after 75% of the way in a conflict was introduced, but there was never a feeling of urgency. Within a few pages it was resolved and everyone lives happily ever after. Basically this book was boring.

The characters were interesting. Larry was fun and charismatic, but since they barely interacted with others he never got to shine. Al’s psychic abilities were amazing, and unfortunately underused. And I liked the impossible love Brak felt which was heartbreaking and unselfish, however the resolution for his character annoyed me because I hate when authors feel the need to explain away being gay. It’s a story that could’ve been good, but fell terribly short. I doubt I will be continuing with this series.

I can not get enough of the Zetitithians (I hope I spelled that right, I'm just so used to mentally calling them alien cat-men!).
Ever since discovering Cheryl Brooks Cat Star Chronicles a number of years ago, I've been utterly fascinated by the universe and characters that she has created.
From her first book Slave to this book, Maverick the first book in a new series, Cat Star Legacy, I have enjoyed every one and delighted in the growth of the characters and world and enjoyed watching the alien cat men fight to bring their race back from extinction and find a place for themselves within the universe.
This book was a really great read that made me want to re-read all of the books in the Cat Star Chronicles.

Larsanken/Larry landed on one of two designated buildings sites at Barada. A world he hadn’t visited in twenty six years Not much had changed. But a lifetime spent on his parents starship had introduced him to creatures from more foul looking then these toadlike beings he was seeing here. Some not as pleasant tempered or possessing such musical voices. His mother was human-Jacinth- better known as captain Jack Tshevnoe of the starship Jolly Roger. Baradan natives most peculiar trait when they start waving their hands at you as they use a form of mind control on almost everyone. It hadn’t worked on Jacinthe but had angered her. As far as Larry knew Jacinthe had never went back He suspected ALthea had . She had grown up on the starship with like Larry and they had been friends. He had heard her reminiscences of that world for nearly twenty years. “ Such peaceful stillness” she said. “ The sense of joy and harmony in the sir is sublime.” Then one day she was simply gone. She left a message behind. She only said she’d gone someplace where she found peace.Althea had left because she had left because she had been overwhelmed with sensing other people’s feelings snd desires. Her parents were surprised as she came from a long line of Mordrial witches. While on the Barada a Junior guide approached Larry and said he was called Elvis and he and for three tripeaks he would take him to the Lady Althea. Althea looked up to see Larry there. Althea had empathic abilities and Larry wanted her to meet his girlfriend Althea would be able to get a good read on Celeste as Larry wants to make sure she has picked the right mate. Celeste is an earth girl. . Larry and Althea are attracted to each other and Larry cheats on Celeste with Althea.
I couldn’t get into this book. Ijust don’t go along with cheating for any reason, break up with Celeste then Larry would be free to go to Althea and not cheating. Both of the females deserved that. Anyway this just wasn’t for me. I think I may have gotten this on accident.

I loved the Cat Star books and was thrilled to see that there was a new series featuring the children of the original pairs. While I enjoyed meeting Althea Banadänsk. and Larry Tshevnoe I thought the story lacked the tension and danger that was in the first series. This was a pleasant romance , in fact it managed to have a HEA for three different couples. I felt that there was just not that much action in the plot. The story kept bogging down and not moving that fast. Even so I will be looking for the next book in the fun series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It is everything you want in a paranormal romance. The world she created was clear and the banter between the chartered was a lot of fun.

Hot space adventures, sizzling passions, and unexpected danger along with some humorous moments highlight Cheryl Brooks’ MAVERICK.

Larry is a Zetithian, a cat-like being with attitude and a huge ego. Althea is his empathic childhood friend and Larry is hoping she can help him determine if he has chosen the right mate. They never expected the heat that would flare between them or how their chemistry could serve as rocket fuel.

While there are lots of light-hearted banter and some off the charts heat, should Larry and Althea have taken their hidden attraction out of the closet? After all, Larry has a girlfriend. Not real sure how I feel about that and while the writing has some fun moments and the descriptions are very detailed, I just couldn’t fall into this tale like I wanted. It missed something "fresh" for me.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca!

Series: Cat Star Legacy - Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 4, 2018)
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Genre: Scifi
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Such a fun romp. I haven't read the previous Cat Star series, although I've collected them all to read. I'll have to make a point to do that as so many stories and characters either visit or are referred to in this second generation spin-off. I have a weakness for sci-fi romance and it takes me on an enjoyable imaginary adventure. Cheryl is a master at this sub-genre and my head was happily spinning with all these odd creatures. She does a fabulous job describing them so you can see them in your minds eye and slipping into the world she has created.

This story starts out pretty straight forward and veers off into adventure of search & rescue. Larry Tshevnoe is the son of Cat, the enslaved Zetithian warrior rescued by the human captain Jack from the first Cat Star book. Althea Banadansk is the daughter of Tisana, a Mordrial witch who heals Leo, the enslaved Zetithian warrior from the second Cat Star book. For fans of the original series this spin-off series will make them very happy. I enjoyed the adventure and letting my imagination soar.

I really had trouble getting into the book initially and getting caught up in the emotions of the characters. The storyline was good, but it just didn’t stand out in my mind amongst other books in the genre. The blurb was great, but overall the book just fell flat for me.

4 Stars
Review by Sasha
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

Maverick by Cheryl Brooks is an entertaining outer space novel that brings to life a world that you could never think to imagine.

Everyone is looking for their one true love. For some, the process is quick and easy while others it can take a lifetime. For Althea, finding her true love is a little bit more difficult due to her mixed bloodline. Her parents have given her beautiful gifts that come along with her lifeline. Finding her one true love would mean that she has found her perfect match, and that has slowly been seeming less and less like it will happen. One of those gifts being that she can sense others peoples feelings and desires. This has caused her brain to be overwhelmed and lead her to run off to a secluded planet. Just when she thinks all hope is lost her childhood friend, Larry, comes to find her. With him, he brings the reminder of the life that she had thought she left behind. Larry comes to see her so that he can help reveal the true feelings of this earth girl that he loves. Suddenly, Althea finds herself noticing Larry in different ways and wondering how she never noticed the boy next door.

The characters species and planets are literally out of this world. I found myself trying to fathom how one person could see the inspiration to come up with everything wrapped in this novel. Some of the language that she had created is so creative that I am in pure admiration, and would love to know how her brain works. Due to this crazy concept, I found that it was hard to get into the story at the beginning. All of the background information was just so strange and difficult to process up front. Once the information was laid out, and the story took off when I found myself settling into the story more.

I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars. I found that the character development was terrific and gave all of the characters such a dynamic and heartwarming characteristics to them. Each character brought their own twist and turn to the story, and this created a much more vibrant plot line. It kept changing and kept you guessing what would be happening in the next chapter. It was a thrilling read and takes you to a world that is literally and figuratively out of this world.

**ARC provided for honest review**

A big thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks/Casablanca for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. It is my understanding that this is a spin off from the Cat Chronicles series. I felt at a disadvantage as I didn't know the names of species of planets. It was a bit confusing and overwhelming as I had not read any of the original series in quite a while. It could have used an introduction of something. After you get over that hurdle it reads ok as a stand alone. This is Larry and Althea's story. They are childhood friends. She is an empath, and she has never been able to read him. Should have been a big clue!! Great friends and then BAM lovers. I give this a 3.5. Some might be offended as Larry technically cheats on his fiance. This has romance and mystery.

I love sci-fi based romance and this fills that slot so well! Enjoyed it thoroughly! I read some of the other previous books but didn't have to - this is a great stand alone to get one acclimated to this world,