Author: Jennifer Chipman
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Release Date: 6/28/24
E-Book/ARC
Dual First Person POV
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Disclosure: I would like to clarify that this review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) provided by author Jennifer Chipman. I want to assure my readers that this is not a paid review, and all opinions expressed here are my honest and unsolicited thoughts on the book. If you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out via the Contact tab
Wow!
I'm at a loss for words. I devoured this book as quickly as I could, while also trying to prolong the inevitable end.
In my opinion, author Jennifer Chipman has crafted something truly spectacular. She skillfully ties together two grieving souls while hinting at an expanding universe. "A Love Beyond the Stars" feels like the starting point of what could eventually be the next Star Trek or even The Orville (despite being a spoof, it was still a great show).
Set in 3051, Earth has just colonized Mars and is on the verge of testing hyperspeed, all while searching for other forms of life and habitable planets.
Sylas Kellar struggles with the fear of abandonment and is determined not to get too close to anyone. When he was just 13 years old, his parents left, abandoning him and his younger sister, Kayle, to fend for themselves. Since then, Sylas has shielded himself from ever being put in a similar position again, immersing himself in the United Galactic Space Federation (UGSF) and becoming the youngest captain of a space vessel.
Aurelia never stopped looking to the stars. She always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps and piloting a space vessel. When he disappeared on a short commission in space 12 years earlier, Aurelia made it her mission to not only become a pilot but to search for answers about what happened to her father’s ship, holding out hope that he is still alive somewhere in the vastness of space.
Chipman masterfully creates sexual tension between Aurelia and Sylas from their very first meeting. Despite their 10-year age gap, their ability to comfort one another and offer each other a sense of family light-years from Earth is heartwarming. The author takes us on a journey not just through space but through the angst of being unable to be with someone you feel destined to be with, the trials of uncertainty in a relationship, and being trapped together in the confines of a spaceship for an extended period of time.
While the main focus of the novel is watching both characters get to know each other, support each other through hard times, and fall in love, there is also suspense in certain chapters. I won't lie, I was hoping for some jump scares since it takes place in space, but Chipman stays true to the romance. And boy, is the romance S P I C Y. Be prepared for some incredibly spicy scenes.
If you like:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forbidden Romance
Age Gaps
Found Family
Space
Spicy Cave Scenes
Slow Burn
Lots of Sexual Tension
Then I highly recommend taking a journey on "A Love Beyond the Stars."