The Commanders' Mate

Us die hard Grace fans have waited so long for this book. Karter has been woven in so many other past books. I felt like I “knew him”. He was nothing like I thought he would be. Karter to me was always so in control and sure of himself. I remember in past books when he had been softened by little Dara. He was honorary Uncle/babysitter. How he doted on her had me thinking he’d be more of a romantic but he wasn’t as soft and warm as I expected. You got to know what was really going on in his mind, how he felt, his worries and even his flaws & insecurities. Ronan was an amazing second!! To me he was more self assured and knew exactly what he wanted, then went for it. They balance each other out well for Erica. I really liked her character as well. She also knew what she wanted and wasn’t going to be pushed away and sat on a shelf like a China Doll. She was spirited, yet not someone who had to prove themselves and be this hard ass temperamental woman/mate that some of the past female characters have been. Through out the book you see how she gives strength to Karter and soothes his inner termoil. He cares so deeply for his people it tears him up inside when he looses another and another in the long never ending Hive War. Little by little every death takes a piece of his soul and hardens him more and more. I loved knowing on the outside he was cool, calm and collected in his leadership, but inside he was chaos. That was the part in past books that we weren’t given insight to. I liked it. To not give away a spoiler I’ll be vaugue, if you read the book you’ll know my reference here. The collars had me upset at the beginning but then I understood why and it really was the catalyst to bring it all together. Another great addition to my favorite all time book series by my favorite author. Keep them coming Grace. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is another good story in the "Interstellar Brides" series! I loved the plot and characters! The story is very captivating and chopped full of emotion as well as steam and action. It was good to finally see the commander get his on story and mate. This is a very good story that does have some entertaining parts as well.

02/09/21: Commander Karter, his 2nd, and the Prillion bride from Earth. Steamy plus good story! Read next The Colony #7, CYBORG'S SECRET BABY