I really enjoyed this book. It is the second book in a series. I didn’t read the first book but this book works well as a stand alone. After reading this, I want to go back and read the first book and will definitely read more of the series when it becomes available. Tess and Shade are back together and working for the rebels. They are stealing supplies and distributing them to the rebel bases. They’ve been sent on a mission to rescue a scientist being held prisoner in the most secure prison of the Overseer. I enjoyed the world building and all of the characters. The characters and their dialogue was very realistic. In many instances, this story was so touching that I teared up a few times. I enjoyed this author look forward to reading more of her books in the future. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tess and her fantastic crew work together to pull off a major heist/escape while trying to not get killed or captured or otherwise maimed. Lots of romance and some new fascinating characters and plot.

It took me a while to reconnect with the characters and to remember why I liked the first book so much. There was a lot of action & romance right from the start, but it all felt superficial to me. Nothing plot shaking or character complex. It took until about 30% in before anything really interested me. Shade & Tess' relationship continued in mostly the same manner as in the first book - lots of steamy romantic scenes spiced with some trust questions. I was more interested in Tess' interactions with her uncle, and his role in the Overseer's system.

I appreciated Shade's occasional pov, where he had a chance to wonder if this lifestyle was the correct choice for him. There were some other side characters who played more of a role and had much more complex depths that kept me turning the pages. The crew is a fantastic found family, and I enjoyed their interactions and mini relationships.

I can see this series turning into a rebellion in the next book, and I'm not sure I'm interested in reading on. It could make a great movie - there's a lot of constant death defying action. I reallly enjoyed some parts, but not enough to rate this more than 3 stars.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Are you asking me to be your quark, Shade Ganavan?"

Starbreaker is the second book in the Endeavor trilogy, which whilst enjoyable enough didn't captivate me to the same extent that Nightchaser did.

We were left dealing with reveals, betrayals and death that occurred in Nightchaser, and how this had a major effect on Tess and Shade's developing relationship. I understood that Tess felt rightly blindsided by Shade and had to work through building the trust back up, it felt as though she just kept asking for more and more from Shade, when he was doing nothing but working towards building that back up and trying to make amends for who he was. It is definitely a steamy romance and they have definite chemistry, I just wanted there to be a bit more "let's sit down and work this out so we can stop bringing the past back up", which I also understand is tough to do when you're rebels in space.

The friendships throughout the book were beautiful. I love Jax, Fiona, Merrick, Bonk and the newly introduced Sanaa. They add a real depth to the crew and each have their own fleshed out personality, dreams and desires. I also appreciated the character growth and personal reflection that Shade underwent, which while brought on due to his love and relationship with Tess, felt very personal and something that he is actively choosing.

There was one part which made me feel a bit icky and that was the reveal that Bridgebane is actually Tess' father and not her uncle, that her mother and father were step-siblings. Whilst I know it's not technically incest, it still left me feeling a bit ... hm.

I look forward to seeing where the crew of the Endeavor end up in Dawnmaker and how they're going to save the entire galaxy.

*thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for a copy of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the first book I their series. And I rally enjoyed yeh Kingmaker Chronicles. This book was a lot of running and dialogue, but I could not get into the characters enough. I a, hoping the next book kills me back in.

Starbreaker is the second book in Amanda Bouchet’s latest sci fi series Endeavor. Its starts where the first book ends and its clear that this is just the beginning of Tessa and Shade’s adventure. There is an overarching plot that clearly won’t be solved in this book but Starbreaker adds to the depth of the storyline by giving us more of Shade’s background story and more action and adventure for the team and more forward motion in getting to their ultimate goal. There is of course progression in the romantic aspect as well. Starbreaker will definitely fill up all our cravings for action, adventure and romance in one sitting!

Ms. Bouchet went to the top of MUST READ authors when she released her first trilogy and despite mixed comments as the trilogy wound to a close I rated it as one of my favorites. When Night Chaser came out I marveled at the author's virtuosity and was totally hooked.
I was expecting to be completely bowled over by this book since the middle book in a trilogy is usual the best of the three but that's not quite what happened here. I struggled through the first half of the story finding myself skipping ahead. Tess lost her aura a bit in my mind in how she continued to act dwelling on Shade's betrayal. I kind of get that she had to have the space to come to terms with it and accept him faults and all but once done then I would have expected her to move on and focus on the action on hand but that's not quite what happened which irritated me a bit.
To me the pacing is off. There are bursts of intense activity with nothing to do in between. Tess and Shade's sojourn in the jungle is cute and gives the author a chance to exercise her world building skills but from a story point of view it could have been a shorter section as is the sojourn on the planet where they deliver the food. The story picks up steam two thirds of the way and the revelations will keep you at the edge of your seat. The revelations and the action are what I expected but did not get till almost the end particularly the exciting finish and the hook about what to possibly expect in the next book.
The new characters add a nice dynamic particularly the body guard and Tess's ex-boyfriend who shows up on the scene.
Bottom line while I did not quite get what I expected from this one I am looking forward to how it all comes together in the next book. Hold your breath, readers; we may actually get to visit earth for this episode in the story.

I love Amanda's book. They're so well developed and her worlds always make you feel like you're stepping off into the unknown.
I loved Starbreaker even more than Nightchaser. It was so so good.
I love that she writes strong competent women.
It had the perfect amount of smexiness and I am so ready for Dawnmaker!

Let me start by saying that I absolutely adored the first book in the series. I feel like I need to say that because maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace when I read this one. I… struggled. Not with everything. There were some parts I really enjoyed. but it took me a full week to read this as opposed to the single day it took me to fly through Nightchaser. And I found myself gritting my teeth more than once.

The story picks up right on the heels of the last one. Tess and Shade are together but they are still reeling from his betrayal of her and the loss of two of her crew members. The first couple of chapters passed in a blur of action. And it was too soon. I needed more time to reconnect to the characters. But once I did, well, I questioned a little bit why I liked them so much. Or at least Tess.

I totally get why she needs time to recover from what Shade did. But she spent so much time throwing it back in his face, I wanted to ask her why she bothered to take him back at all. I mean, either you forgive somebody or you don’t, and she made digs at him so many times, I couldn’t get in my feels at all. Even though he did the wrong thing, it made her end up feeling petty.

When they were not gnashing their teeth about that, they were talking in the saccharine language of seventh grade innuendo. Everything was sugar or dumpling or cupcake. And neither one of them could pass up an opportunity to turn words like hard into a Beavis and Butthead chuckle fest. Like “Hehe... you said <i>hard</i>.” Plus they talked SO much during sex. I’m not talking grunts or monosyllables here and there. Who talks this much in bed?

Like I said, a lot of gritting my teeth.

And Gabe was a completely missed opportunity.

But. The stuff with her uncle? Gold. His bad ass bodyguard? Also gold. Jax. Fiona. Merrick. The last big mission and surprising confrontation. All of those things reminded me of what I adored about this series. It totally ended on a high note.

I can’t forget about the other stuff, though. It happened too often and bugged me too much not to acknowledge.

But again, maybe it’s just me. I’m looking at everyone else’s reviews and nobody else seemed annoyed with all the cupcake references. so your mileage may vary. I will definitely come back for book 3 and hopefully it will have the same high notes and skip the stuff that got under my skin.

Heists, scorching romance and space rebels oh my!
The escape to a galaxy far, far away was never more tempting, since the world seems intent on destroying itself nowadays. And Amanda Bouchet gives you exactly what you need: adventure, high-stakes missions, strong friendships and a couple to set the universe on fire (I just hope that her story is not prophetic, and that the colonization of other planets and moons is not the only way to get rid of the pandemic).
❝ Break into Starbase 12. Bring Reena back to me. She’ll save Demeter Terre, and the Outer Zones will be free again. ❞
After the crew of the Endeavor delivered to the rebel ranks the material to create super soldiers, their next quest is not what they expected. A suicide mission to free a brilliant scientist that could tip the scales in favor of the resistance right under the nose of the Overseer? That seems far-fetched, even for them. But Captain Tess Bailey, Galaxy’s Most Wanted, Rebel and Nightchaser, is always up for a challenge. With her faithful crew by her side, her ex-bounty-hunter and space rogue extraordinaire boyfriend supporting her every step, the ever-growing need to dethrone a terrible despot and the help of unexpected allies, she will set on (another) perilous journey, to free, to uncover secrets, to make up for the wrongs committed in the name of peace. And to face the bane of her existence; the man who was supposed to protect her.
The love child of Robin Hood and Star Wars, the sequel to Nightchaser is equally explosive and heart-pounding. Tess and her crew keep you on the edge of your seat, taking risk after risk, scheming, stealing, fighting, trying to heal the wounds, create a future free of oppression and overcome their personal demons. The action is not-stop. The fast pace won’t let you breathe. And the otherworldly chemistry, the crackling tension between Tess and Shade will incinerate what’s left of your brain cells and enhance the consumption of chocolate (as if we needed another reason to devour the contents of our fridges).
❝ Quarks latch on to one another. And the harder you try to separate them, the harder they hold on to each other. ❞
❝ Are you asking me to be your quark, Shade Ganavan? ❞
❝ Baby, you’re my quark and then some. ❞
I had a blast reading Starbreaker. You know why? Because it succeeded in the most challenging aspect of storytelling. It didn’t just distract me from reality. It wiped it out. I was so lost in this all-consuming story, in the little heartbreaks and big revelations, the perfect blend of emotion and adrenaline, the dynamics of the crew of the Endeavor, that I ceased to be. I wasn’t Katerina any more. I wasn’t this person that hasn’t left her home for three weeks, that is constantly worried about her family, her relatives, her friends. For these precious moments, I was Tess. Shade. Jax. Fiona. Merrick. Sanaa. I shuddered and shivered, invested in their fates, trying to overcome the anxiety for what their future might bring, that I forgot the anxiety for the glooming situation of my country and the world in general. I just grabbed a Grayhawk and shot my problems to oblivion. It was invigorating.
❝ Faith – throughout the eons – is believing without proof. I’d rather have certain beliefs to comfort me when things seem too dark than nothing at all to brighten the horizon. ❞
I’m closing with a personal favorite quote that resonated with me, in view of the extraordinary situation we’re living. Despair, terror and panic, they do not help you through the day. But faith, in the doctors, in science, in humanity, in God, is a balm to the soul, and as long as we don’t lose it, all will be good in the end. And I pray and hope that soon we’ll fill the streets, hug our loved ones and appreciate the things we took for granted.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Note: The quotes used in this review are from an uncorrected text and subject to changes.

~~~~ 4.5 Stars ~~~~
This is the second foray into Tess, Shade and their crew's universe. Tess and Shade are one "ohhhh lawdy it's hot in here", sizzling duo that have weathered some storms, been tested and have come out the other end both stronger and more united... or are they?!? This Space Operatic, Fantastical Romance has action... its action has action and that's putting it mildly BUT things don't really get revved up until 60% or so which can definitely be a problem... don't let it! Even though the plot limps along like a wounded cyclodile until then, it is busy slowly building up the crux of the dramatic intercharacter relations/dilemas. If you stick with it and push through the school zone pacing, you'll see that the slowly building content crescendo makes the last 40% SO worth it!


Characters, characters, this has some well built, robust, dimensional characters. The chemistry between the crew is charming. The chemistry between the lovers is on fire! The writing is intense. The world development is grand and the characters are the very best part of this series and I don't say that lightly. This is one insane wimner take all, rush to save/rule (with an iron fist) the universe, space heist featuring a couple so hot they will burn right through those pesky late night hours. You'll emerge bleary eyed, heart ramped up to tachycardia levels and begging for more. This is the sweet release from the everyday monotony we all feel lately... and really, what more could you want from a great, sexy (at times) read?


Overall:
Although I was not as enamored with this book as much as the first, I still found this one to be a solid read. This Space Opera/Fantasy/Romance is action packed. The characters are the stars of this show and you won't be bored or want for more action (eventually). This book has loads of twists and turns and action... did I mention the Action?? Did I love this one? No. Was it worth the time and emotion devoted to it? YES!! Go ahead, give it a try... especially if you liked book #1!!

Side note: I highly suggest that you read this series in order or else you'll be lost in the galactic sauce.


~ Enjoy!

*** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I enjoyed the first novel in Bouchet's romantic science fiction novel called Nightchaser featuring Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan. Tess is back with her crew in the latest novel in the series, this time with an impossible mission ahead of them. As nightchasers, the make a living off of stealing cargo from the wealthy and government and giving it to those in need. But now they are being asked to break into Starbase 12, an extremely secure facility, and free an imprisoned scientist whose recent discovery will tip the scales in the rebels favor against the Dark Watch.

Things become more complicated when the Endeavor takes on a couple of new crew members--one is not someone they are sure they can trust and the other is someone from Tess's past.

Starbreaker was as entertaining and as action-packed as I anticipated. I really like Tess and her crew. They are well matched and have each other's backs through thick and thin. Shade and Tess have baggage between them that they are still working through, and I appreciated the way Bouchet addresses both of their concerns and feelings. The reader gets to learn more about Tess and her past, including her complicated relationship with her uncle. There are plenty of twists, some of which were predictable, and others came as a complete surprise. Be forewarned that while some things were resolved, a lot more is left in the air. This is definitely a series to read in order.

Soooo, where to start with summarizing my reading experience of Starbreaker, this magnificent romantic and action packed space adventure, the 2nd installment in the Endeavor series and the long awaited sequel to Nightchaser? Curious to find out what happens next with Tess, Shade and her crew after that action packed and thrilling ending of Nightchaser? Let me tell you a bit more about it then. Starbreaker is the long awaited, expectations exceeding and perfect answer to that question! What a thrill this book was to experience – a perfect reading experience. Don’t you just love it when a sequel is at least as good as the first book in a series? I know I do. I’m so incredibly happy to say that Amanda delivers in the best of ways and has managed to outshine the already perfect read that Nightchaser is.

---

Gosh, it’s just really hard to find words to describe a book that you so thoroughly loved. I want to do this book justice with a good review, but have a feeling that I’ve only been rambling haha. I wish I was able to form beautifully written sentences about this reading experience haha; my vocabulary as not being born and raised English speaking/writing just can’t keep up with people who’ve talked and written English their entire lives, lol. But ah well, I try my best and that’s all anyone can do, right? haha But seriously… If you liked (although I hope you LOVED) Nightchaser, you are going to get HOOKED and ADDICTED and hearts-eyed over starbreaker. This sequel is a sequel that every readers hopes for to get when a 2nd installment comes out; to be better than the first one < which is a rare occurence. With Nightchaser already being a fantastic 5 star read, I’m a bit at a loss here, seeing I can’t give more than 5 stars. But if I could, I would! I’m awestruck, truly.

This is te battle of every man, woman, and child. This is the battle of our lifetime. Resist! Stand up and say No before your voice is lost- and all others are crushed also.

Every chapter, every page really, was a page turner and I was seated on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. Amanda is truly one of the best when it comes to writing engaging stories > HOOK.LINE.SINKER. Her writing and stories: they grab hold of you and suck you right in and make you forget about your own world out here < a reading experience every reader is looking for when starting a new book. It felt like I was right there on Tess and Shade’s shoulder and I loved getting a front row experience of everything that happened to them. Things are getting intense in the overall scheme of it and Wow, am I excited to see what’s going to happen next.

‘Starbreaker’ starts right where the first book ended. Tess has given Shade a second chance, and the galaxy is still in uproar due to the Dark Watch and the Overseer. Now Tess and Shade are on a new dangerous mission, and they not only have to learn to trust each other again, but also some old friends.

This book is definitely filled with action filled moments, and I loved it. From the first page I was hooked, and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out what was going to happen. Some things about Tess are explained, and some things become even more mysterious. I loved that. This series definitely keeps you guessing.

The romance between Shade and Tess wasn’t as big a part of this book as it was in the first, but I still enjoyed every moment between these two. They have this chemistry that definitely keeps flying of the page and I loved them.

In this second book we also get to know some new characters, and some old characters we get to know better. I loved these new developments. And this book definitely made me want to keep on reading. Tess’s best friend Jax for one is a character I’d love to get to know better.

Although I rarely read Science Fiction, I loved the sci fi elements in this book. There’s so much going on in this galaxy, and still so much unknown. Amanda Bouchet did a great job creating this ‘world’. Book three can’t come fast enough.

This author’s voice is confident! I love how the main character feels empowered and she’s all about girl power! I would suggest this to any readers who love the sci-fi/romance genre. This is a part two saga in a series with it being left open for a third book. It was adventurous read and I would rate this a three out of five! All thoughts and opinions are my own. This ARC was provided by Netgalley.

My big complaint in Book 1 was that I had been looking for a scifi adventure and most of book 1 took place on one planet focusing on the romance between Tess and Shade. Well, Book 2 takes off into the galaxy with all thrusters on full.

You would think that stealing the Galantic Overseer’s entire laboratory filled with his super soldier serum and giving it to the rebellion should have earned them a parade, or a medal or at least a day off, but Tess Bailey, Shade Ganavan and the crew of the Endeavor have been tasked by the rebellion to break a scientist out of one of the Galactic Overseer’s most guarded prisons. This scientist was trying to clean the toxic air of her homeworld after the Overseer poisoned it killing most of the population and leaving the survivors scattered on the nearly barren moons surrounding it. Tess can’t imagine why the rebellion would toss her and her crew into such a dangerous situation with little to no plan or even information, but when she finds out that one of her lost friends is also being held in the same prison, she no longer cares about the why and wants to figure out how quickly they can get there.

Before they can work out the details for that near impossible task, Tess and Shade need to fulfill the deal they made with Tess’s uncle. General Nathaniel Bridgebane, the Overseerer’s second in command, and hope that he hasn’t led them into a trap. Tess becomes more and more confused about her Uncle the more their paths cross, first because every time their paths cross, he seems more willing to help her rather than capture her and turn her over to the Overseerer, and each time she begins to see the Uncle Nate who cared for her as a child. And when he begins orchestrating things to help Tess and the rebels, Tess begins to wonder if she has misunderstood her Uncle all these years. She was so angry that he abandoned her as a child after her mother died but was leaving at the orphanage, somewhere she was safe and loved, his way of giving her a chance at a better life, especially since he didn’t kill her outright like he was ordered to do?

Just when Tess thinks things might be working out for her and her crew, it seems that stealing the Overseer’s serum has started a chain reaction that she couldn’t see coming especially since the Overseer has crazier plans than even Bridgebane knew about. His idea is…let’s face it bat-shit crazy, but if he succeeds, he would destroy the galaxy as they know it.

While book 1 lacked the galantic excitement I was looking for from a scifi novel, this one more than makes up for it when Tess, Shade and the gang go from one rebel task to the next. We especially get to see this from Shade’s point of view where he learns just how shaky life is now that he is on this side of the rebel line. Now he is part of an outlaw crew, instead of a bounty hunter for the Overseer, and every job they do could get them killed or thrown into one of the Overseer’s horrific prisons. Seeing it described from Shade’s perspective gives us a real feeling for the danger rather than just enjoying the excitement of being a rebel.

This story really kicked up the excitement and danger especially since we see a little more about how sly and crazy the Overseer is, and there is hope that Bridgebane might be more of a secret ally, but how close can he toe the line between the Overseer’s right hand man and rebel helper before he loses his balance? It is getting very interesting.

We are also introduced to new characters and whether or not they can truly be trusted, we will have to wait and hope.

I enjoyed this second book in the Endeavor series. Admittedly I had to do a quick review of the end of book one to recall how things had wrapped up but if you're looking for a solid sci-fi with some romance, consider picking this series up.

The story took me on quite a ride as there is plenty of action and with the introduction of new characters, we get to learn more about what's at stake and what Tess is willing to do to help others. I thought Bouchet did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged in the story by including a number of twists and turns.

As Tess and Shade's relationship is pretty new, they continue to learn more about each other and while their connection is strong, they are still learning to trust each other and sometimes the past comes back to haunt them. Similar to the first book, the secondary characters were well developed and it felt like they were much more involved in the story, which I loved.

I definitely recommend checking out this series if you haven't yet. It has strong characters, an interesting story, and if you know me, you know I like romance too...which this one has.

this was good. i enjoyed the story as i expected.i thohgt the wrtting was fun and i wasnt confused i enjoyed the charactersand would ecomend the series to others. i liked the romance, and overal story.

Starbreaker is the second novel in the Endeavor series. I must admit I did not read the first one but I most definitely will be catching up because this book was sensational!! I devoured this book and literally read it in two days... Only taking two days because sadly I had to work.

Tess and Shade are such incredible characters. Can this book stand alone? Well I did it but I really want to read the first book so yes but but I wouldn't recommend it. I really feel like I am missing some wonderful backstory that would have made me love this even more and I loved it a lot!

Tess Bailey the MC is the captain of the Endeavor and a Nightchaser. I guess space pirate as or relic trader of maybe not lost but re-homed space items. She and her rebellious crew run much-needed supplies to the galaxies who are under the rule of a pretty terrible Overseer and his feared enforcers the Dark Watch. The plots and machinations I kid you not kept me up all night and kept me fairly distracted until I could finally finish.

The rest of the characters were all very well developed and I found the Endeavor crew to be very interesting

Equally intriguing is Nate Tess's Uncle. He is a complex man and they have a very complicated relationship.
And you have not ever met a cat like Bonk he is one fierce cat! Did I mention I love animal characters so Bonk is completely awesome and well you can't not love Bonk.

This story ends on a cliffhanger. However, that just makes me want more so it did not detract at all from the story for me. But be forewarned in case you don't like a cliffhanger endings.

It really just left me excited for what comes next so while I wait I am gonna figure out what I missed int he first installment.

I received this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an honest review.
#Starbreaker
#NetGalley

Starbreaker is the second novel in Amanda Bouchet's exciting Sci Fi romance series Endeavor. I absolutely loved the first book, even though I'm not the biggest Sci Fi fan. But I was super excited at how much I was enjoying it that I just devoured it! The second book couldn't come close to being that awesome, could it? Heck, yes, it could!!! Tess and Shade are one of my favorite ever romance couples. Can this book stand alone? Possibly, but I wouldn't recommend it. So much occurred in the first book that you would miss some of the excitement and story here if you skipped that one.

Tess Bailey, the captain of the Endeavor, is a Nightchaser. Think of it a cross between Robin Hood and a space pirate. She and her rebel crew supply much-needed goods to the denizens of the galaxies who are under the rule of the all-powerful, evil Overseer and his feared Dark Watch. Among the crew is Shade Ganavan, who was a bounty hunter who betrayed Tess, but he gave up everything he had to save her. The Endeavor is on a mission for the rebel forces to rescue an important scientist from the Dark Watch's clutches on Starbase 12. A friend of theirs is also being held there, so they plan to break her out, too. And while they're at it, they plot a huge heist of goods from the Dark Watch. What could possibly go wrong?!

This book was so fast paced I found myself reading quicker the faster the story moved! It really played like a movie in my head. I doubt I can get across just how much I love Tess and Shade as a couple. Though they meant everything to each other, there was still some distrust due to Shade's previous betrayal. The reappearance of someone from Tess's past doesn't make things easier, either. Despite this, you could feel the love and lust they have for each other. Their Endeavor crew mates were all interesting, well fleshed out characters, and they were the family Tess chose for herself. Equally compelling was Tess's Uncle Nate; he was a complex man, and their relationship was beyond complicated. And lest I leave anyone out, we have Bonk, the fearsome space cat! Gotta love Bonk. Though this story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, it was not one that took away any pleasure of the book. It's one that lets you feel excited that Tess, Shade and the crew (and Bonk!) will return for more adventures.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 #Review of Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet
Linda's Thoughts:
Amanda Bouchet’s Starbreaker is the second absorbing and thrilling installment in her sexy and fun space-odyssey-on-steroids Endeavor trilogy! First of all, I want to make this absolutely clear: Do yourself a huge favor and do not plunge into Starbreaker without reading Nightchaser, the world-building opener, first. You’d be miserable trying to catch up and would not appreciate Amanda’s epic storytelling skills at all. Instead, do yourself a favor and read this awesome adventure in order as Starbreaker picks up right where Nightchaser dropped off.

The primary characters were introduced in the opener. They are the heart and soul of the series and the story is told from their alternating points-of-view. Captain Tess Bailey is the series’ heroine. She is a Nightchaser, a courageous female Robin Hood who supplies the oppressed. She’s strong, albeit vulnerable, and personifies exactly what I’d envision a space heroine to be. Shade Ganavan aka SRP (Space Rogue Phenom) is our jaunty bounty hunter hero who betrayed Tess, then gave up everything to get her back. He has some major groveling to do to earn back her trust. He loves and supports Tess as she is and is not into changing her or holding her back. As the story opens, both Tess and Shade have large bounties on their heads. Shade’s world, especially, is hugely reeling as he just switched from the dark to the light.

The villains are the Overseer and his vicious Dark Watch. They remind me of Darth Sidious and the Galactic Empire in Star Wars. Even though there are similarities I can draw from Star Wars and other popular sci-fi, Amanda’s Endeavor Trilogy is markedly dissimilar also. So, you would be significantly wrong if you think that Amanda’s Endeavor trilogy is a retelling of a previously-told story.

This enthralling perfectly-paced series has it all – sweet and heated passion, ratcheted-up sexual tension, action-packed fire-fights, too-close escapes, heart-stopping suspense, earth-shattering upside-down developments and plenty of humorously wicked banter along with tender moments interspersed throughout.

Most of Tess’ ‘family’ from the first book returns – including Jax, Fiona, Merrick, Sanaa and Bonk aka the Space Cat. It’s so wonderful to catch up with them again. (Why the heck is Jax being so stubborn? I want to shake some sense into him!)

This whole book was truly one favorite scene for me, but I’ve pulled a few quotes that made my heart sing to share. Just know that Starbreaker is teeming with quotes just like these:

“I guess it all just boiled up a minute ago, like some messed-up accusation soup spiced with… I don’t know…” She shook her head, “Lust and rage?”
“The rage is justified.” I slid her a slow smile. “I can work with lust.”
---
Words wouldn’t come, so I used my body to show her. And if she didn’t understand that I loved her, then I’d show her again tomorrow.
---
“Jungle sex,” I panted.
“Let’s go swimming,” Shade said at the same time.
We stared at each other. He grinned like a loon. I blinked and then grinned also.
“I like the way you think, starshine.”
“I don’t have a bathing suit,” I hedged.
“Jungle swimming is always naked.”
---
“And you chose Quintessa over the two million units?” Bridgebane asked. “Over the huge bonus you could have had?”
“Yeah.” Shade cocked his head. “I guess I made a better choice than you did.”
---
“Sometimes, I think about it – us, together – and everything gets so tight and hot and wound up inside me that I can’t breathe anymore.”

Amanda shows again that she possesses serious imagination-conjuring skills. I loved Nightchaser, but this sequel rocked my world even more! I can’t recommend this series or Amanda’s Kingmaker series highly enough. If you’re worried about cliffhangers, Starbreaker does not end with a cliffhanger (Thank you, Amanda!); however, it does leave readers anxious for the next installment! It’s no surprise, then, that I can’t freakin’ wait for the trilogy’s finale, Dawnbreaker.