Book & Bubbly 4: Maverick by Cheryl Brooks & Blush Crush

Maverick

When I received the ARC for Maverick, I realized that it has been 4 years since the last time I read Cat Star Chronicles. A 10-book series, it is an impressive body of work for an emerging writer. And now, author Cheryl Brooks is adding to it with “Maverick,” the story of Larry and Althea, the children of Jack & Cat Tshevnoe and Tisana & Leo Banadänsk, respectively.

The first book of “Cat Star Legacy” series, “Maverick” reintroduces readers to the known world of Barada 7 (setting for “Fugitive” Book 5) and several humanoid races plus a new one. There is not much world building here because the groundwork was already done in the first 10 books. But, it is good to say that Brooks did a fine job in reintroducing this part of the galaxy to the readers. A newbie reader can easily relate to the world of Zetithians.

Fans of Cat Star Chronicles met Larry and Althea when they were very young. Though there were glimpses of them in the series, they basically grew up off screen. So, we readers did not really know them at all.

And that was the challenge that Brooks faced for “Maverick,” – to move Larry and Althea away from the background and put them centerstage. Instead of being cameo characters, they are now the lead. Brooks did that with aplomb, making Larry and Althea three-dimensional. Relatable and lovable, they can give their parents a run for their money as favorite characters.

“Maverick” is a love story from the first page to the last. It is about a love unrecognized from childhood, where familiarity hid any romantic feelings. Finding romance behind the curtain of shared childhood, even a shared home in space, Larry and Althea had to muddle through their own preconceived notions about each other.

“Maverick” is also about familial love. Because the Tshevnoes and Banadänsks live in a spaceship, they are usually far away from their own friends and “family.” (With the Zetithians an endangered species, every member is considered family.) Rediscovering family is a subtheme. And as always, Brooks has a surprise under her sleeves that readers will love.

“Maverick” is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content and sci-fi violence.

With “Maverick” being released on September 4th, which is technically still part of summer ( Fall equinox is on September 23), its paired bubbly is “Blush Crush.” Described as “the rum renaissance with this perfectly refreshing cocktail,” this mix drink is once again from our friends at Riondo.

Blush Crush

Welcome the rum renaissance with this perfectly refreshing cocktail.

2 Oz. White Rum

2 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice

2 Oz. Simple Syrup

6 Chunks Fresh Watermelon

10 Fresh Mint Leaves

Riondo Prosecco (enough to fill glass just below the rim)

In two tall glasses, muddle lime, simple syrup and watermelon. Add ice, rum and Prosecco. Stir. Garnish with mint.

(Serves two.)

Maverick (Cat Star Legacy) by Cheryl Brooks
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Romance
Pub Date 04 Sep 2018

Description

Zetithians are back. And they’re hotter than ever…
Having the Zetithian feline gene gives Larry Tshevnoe awesome beauty, fearsome strength, sensuality and sexual prowess unmatched by any other males in the universe. But it can make the quest for true love…complicated.

Enter childhood friend and fellow Zetithian Althea Banadänsk. Her empathic powers make her the only one who can show Larry what he truly desires, and she’ll do anything to help…even if that means hiding her desperate craving for him.

But when a distress call sends them off course—and into danger—they find more than their hearts are at stake. Now it’s up to them to become the champions of truth and justice throughout the galaxy…or risk losing it all.

Photos: Space by Paul Gilmore; Woman by Alexandru Zdrobău; Man by Florian Pérennès; all on Unsplash. Photo of spaceship (USS Defiant) Gerhard Janson on Pixabay.

(I took journalistic license with the photo of the spaceship. The photo is USS Defiant from Star Trek.)