
“Raven...I want what I can have with you.” She faltered, seeking the words to tell him that she wanted the emotional experience for the short while she knew this would last. An ache started somewhere in her chest. Couldn’t he see she was giving him everything she had in her? Her heart splintered, realizing he was going to leave her. You’re such a coward. Give in and you might find forever.
“No, Jemma. It isn’t enough for me.” He backed away and turned around, his face and eyes distant. “I’ll leave you to get dressed.” Then he left her naked and empty in the cold room.

Jemma Cardnew is hard-nosed and determined. Her life consisted of growing up in an orphanage, only to be kidnapped and dumped at the academy without choice by those in charge of the Elector. She deems anyone telling her how to live her life to be high-handed. That includes Raven, the ship’s gorgeous engineer, no matter how much she feels emotionally drawn to him.
Raven Fraser has a multitude of problems: the power matrix of the Elector is leaving the ship unprotected and afloat in space while Crick Sur Banden taunts the Empire, leaving them on the verge of war. And the woman he dreams of is avoiding him, playing havoc with his concentration.
Thrust together under trying circumstances, the promise of explosive passion consumes them both as they attempt to save the Empire.
Content Warning: Space travel, violence, and evil aliens abound
Genre(s): Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance