Starheart is the third Ptorix Empire story. It's set in the same universe as the Iron Admiral books but the characters are completely new. I had a lot of fun writing this book, playing the two strong characters against each other. The cover (by Dreams2Media) is brilliant, showing that mix of animosity and respect.
In fact, I read it again myself the other day, having not done so for quite a few years. I'm writing another Ptorix Empire book and I wanted to make sure I had the setting right. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It's a complex story, with several overlapping arcs.
As you know, I write stories laced with politics, history, and mystery with a side salad of romance. This one is less about history and more about politics and mystery.
BLURB
Freighter Captain Jess Sondijk thought she had her life under control until Confederacy Admiral Hudson stops her ship in search of contraband. Although he’s taken with the lovely Jess, Hudson’s after bigger fish than a small-time smuggler; somebody’s trading with the alien Ptorix – and offering them a large enough prize to induce them to part with their beloved starhearts, the jewels they call the windows of the soul.
Hudson’s questions open old wounds for Jess. She decides to investigate the circumstances of her husband’s not-so-accidental death. Soon her life’s headed into an increasingly dangerous spiral – for her, her friends, and her family.
Only Hudson can help. But in this deadly game of political intrigue, murder, and greed, one false step will cause inter-species war. Hudson is forced to make difficult choices – Jess, starhearts, war, and his commission.
Buy the book at Your choice of vendors
Or buy from Payhip and get 20% off with coupon code G4U677DOVK
SNIPPET
Freighter
captain and small-time smuggler Jess Sondijk attends a reception held
by the planet's President Ottenshaw to welcome Admiral Hudson and his
Confederacy fleet to the area. Jess had already met the admiral when her
ship was stopped and she was taken for interrogation. This snippet is a
scene from the reception, when Hudson and Jess have a private word out
on the balcony.
Hudson leant against the balustrade, silhouetted against the soft lighting of the garden below.
"I trust you were not too inconvenienced today?"
He had to be joking, didn't he? "Oh, the interrogation was what one might expect. But a strip-search? After being physically scanned? A little excessive, don't you think?"
His lips stretched in a brief smile. "Not conducted by my crew. I expect these things are a necessary part of the job of a planetary militia but I can't see much point in antagonizing people." He waved a hand. "I wouldn't like you to judge me on an unpleasant sideshow. I'd like to get to know you better. Much better."
And get her into his bed. He still looked at her with that all-consuming gaze. He had an aura, something about him that radiated authority. This may prove to be a dangerous game. But it might be fun.
Footsteps rang on the tiles.
"Admiral? Ah, there you are. Miss Marati and I would like a word."
Ottenshaw. She'd recognize his prissy accent anywhere. He sounded like he had pebbles in his mouth.
"It seems we've been found," Hudson said, soft voiced. "Will you have dinner with me? I'm told the Mountain View is one of the better restaurants in town. Just nod. I'll have my adjutant call you."
Jess nodded.
He pushed himself away from the stone wall.
"But you'd better call me yourself."
The tiny smile widening into a grin, he swept her up and led her back into the room.
