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Blue Galaxy (Blue Universe # 1)

by Diane Dooley (Goodreads Author)

2.83 of 5 stars 2.83 · rating details · 59 ratings · 27 reviews

Falling in love is easy; staying alive long enough to enjoy it just might be impossible.

Javan Rhodes, the hard-drinking, disreputable captain of space freighter the Kypris, took a mission to save himself from hitting the bottom of the food chain. Transporting Sola, a beautiful young aristocrat, from Earth to an unknown destination on the outer rim of the colonies is lucrat

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Published May 2011 by Carina Press

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Mar 14, 2012 Sarah (Inklings Read) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, ebook

This is a tough book to review because there is only one major turn-off for me: Sola’s character. I liked everything else: the writing was great, the steamy scenes were great, and Diane Dooley is a very talented writer for sure.

Allow me to explain. When I read a romance I expect to fully vested in the characters. They are an enormous part of it for me! I loved Javan, his character was very real, but Sola… was a lying, manipulative bitch! Who wants to read a romance where one of the main characte...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review originally posted at http://www.readingreality.net/2012/03...

So I read Mako's Bounty a little while ago and really liked it. Then I remembered that I had another little SFR treat by Diane Dooley tucked away on my iPad.

Diane Dooley's Blue Galaxy is a short, romantic and sexy science fiction romance. It's a story where you think you know the characters; the hard-bitten, hard-drinking ship captain on his last voyage and his last credit, and the naive upper-class young woman who will redeem h...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 23, 2011 Kelly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, free-ebooks, sci-fi, read-in-2011

I'm going to be honest here, I don't really know how I feel about this one. On one hand, the idea behind it sounds cool - down on his luck space captain takes on a beautiful passenger who ends up being not as innocent as she seems. On the other hand, the story felt like it was all over the place. I never really got to know the characters enough to connect with them. I almost think this was too much story for the length of book we were given. Does that make sense? I think this idea would have wor...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Book Utopia rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: futuristic, het, romance, sci-fi

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This one’s my own fault. I need to pay better attention to red flags when they show up instead of giving the author the benefit of the doubt.

Captain Javan Rhodes is a cargo ship owner/pilot/businessman, who agrees to take on a special passenger for an exorbitant amount of money if he promises to keep his mouth shut and not ask questions. He has no problems with that until he meets the cargo in question. Her name is Sola, and she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. From the very first look...more This one’s my own fault. I need to pay better attention to red flags when they show up instead of giving the author the benefit of the doubt.

Captain Javan Rhodes is a cargo ship owner/pilot/businessman, who agrees to take on a special passenger for an exorbitant amount of money if he promises to keep his mouth shut and not ask questions. He has no problems with that until he meets the cargo in question. Her name is Sola, and she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. From the very first look, he fears he’s fallen in love with her. He has to transport her to an as yet unknown destination to satisfy a marriage alliance, but almost as soon as they’re in the air, he’s broken the agreement by pressing for details. She doesn’t give many, but she intrigues him, and when he finally does start discovering things about her, it’s a little too late to do him much good.

Within just the first thousand or so words, I got fed a line that should have made me put the story down. Javan meets Sola, and gazing on what had to be the most exquisite face in the entire universe, felt his heart twist as he fell instantly, irrevocably and most definitely in love. I stopped reading. I thought, “Seriously? Insta-love? Why wasn’t that in the blurb?” But then I thought, “He’s a hardcore space captain. He wouldn’t fall instantly in love. He’s too cynical. Maybe this is just indicative of a sense of humor or grandiose statement or something.” So I went on, putting my faith into the author. Big mistake. It might not have quite been instant love, but it came pretty darn close. He acts like an idiot around her from the start, allowing her to manipulate him in such a blatant way, I lost all respect for any sense of intelligence he might have had. It might not have been so bad if I’d had the opportunity to get to know the man and see that he wasn’t actually an idiot prior to her arrival, but I didn’t. I only got to see him after she came onto the scene, and frankly, I wish I hadn’t.

Sola is the worst heroine I’ve read in a very long time. She lies, she manipulates, she uses sex to get him to do what she wants. And when sex fails, she uses violence and death threats. Unrepentingly. I have absolutely no idea why Javan falls for her. He claims she’s funny and smart and curious, but I only saw evidence of the intelligence (and that was later in the story, long after I’d lost any sympathy for her whatsoever). She’s so flat in the first half of the story that I wondered what I was missing. Even if her actions weren’t so appallingly awful, her characterization suffers a lot from the fact that the entire story is told from Javan’s POV. This is done to maintain the suspense of who she is and what she’s doing, but ultimately, it doesn’t work because by the time I did find out, I hated her so much I didn’t care.

The prose doesn’t help it. This is not an erotic romance, but these two spend a surprising amount of time having sex…off-screen. And during that sex, important things happen and get discovered. Things we are told about rather than shown. It weakens an already floundering story, crippling the pace and stifling the suspense. Ultimately, it becomes a pedantic exercise in reading, with the only emotions getting generated those of anger and frustration. I have zero interest in following on in this world, since it’s clear from the very open ending that this isn’t it. And if for some reason it’s not meant to be continued? Then all of those hanging plot lines that were left are just more proof that it just wasn’t a very good story at all.(less)

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May 15, 2011 Jo (Mixed Book Bag) rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you like Science Fiction Romance this is a must buy. Diane Dooley has written an action packed story that flows smoothly from the start to finish. The world building compares favorably with some of the best full-length novels. Every action fits within the context of the story and the action drives the story while it reveals the personalities and secrets of the two main characters, Javan and Sola. Diane does not waste a single one of the 22,000 words that keep this story moving and on track. A...more

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Jun 03, 2011 SubterraneanCatalyst ; I Will Always Read rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: futuristic-sci-fi-romance, wtf-ending

Pleasant but not as fulfilling as I prefer:
This is a decent, quick story but leaves a bit to be desired IMO. The ending feels rushed- the 'twist' too twisty for my tastes. Predictability isn't always a fault if done properly and I feel like the author was stretching for a twist for this one. I've seen others review this and complain about the inability to enjoy it because the LI, Sola, seems so unlovable. Sola is indeed very unlovable by the end of the story and I wanted to throw the book agains...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Kyndra Hatch rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure whether to give this 3 stars or 4 stars, so I gave it 3 stars here on Goodreads and 4 stars over on Amazon. Goodreads and Amazon seem to have a different rating system, so I tried to match the correct star with the way I feel about the story for each site. While not in love with the story, I liked the story. It was definitely worth getting.

This review was originally posted at http://kyndrahatch.blogspot.com/2012/...

"Blue Galaxy" by Diane Dooley is a very enjoyable read. Even thoug...more I wasn't sure whether to give this 3 stars or 4 stars, so I gave it 3 stars here on Goodreads and 4 stars over on Amazon. Goodreads and Amazon seem to have a different rating system, so I tried to match the correct star with the way I feel about the story for each site. While not in love with the story, I liked the story. It was definitely worth getting.

This review was originally posted at http://kyndrahatch.blogspot.com/2012/...

"Blue Galaxy" by Diane Dooley is a very enjoyable read. Even though it was short, it didn't feel short. I found that I liked that about the story. The story was fast-paced with no overdevelopment of characters and no unnecessary descriptions in the world building. In fact, there was just the right amount of character development and world building.

The science fiction element to the story is interesting and believable. I loved the sling shot method of traveling and the story behind the testing of that. I liked the air blast method of taking showers; it definitely makes sense that water would be costly. There were a lot of very good ideas like those that tickled my sci-fi fancy just right.

Then there's the romance side, which was very fun and definitely satisfying. You get to know Javan right off the bat. Sola is more of a mystery, and I don't want to give anything away, but she surprised me in the middle to the end of the book. What she did is certainly questionable but, for whatever reason, I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. Each one of them has a very good balance of strengths and vulnerabilities and I loved how they manipulated each other throughout the story. Again, it was very fun!

I would love to read more stories in this universe. I'm particularly interested in Destin Grady. There seemed to be more to him than what Javan thought of him. I've read the story twice now and my mind keeps wandering to what Destin's story might be...

I will definitely be reading more of Diane Dooley's work and recommend "Blue Galaxy" to anyone who loves a good romance with the bonus of it being set in science fiction.
(less)

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May 21, 2011 Jody rated it 2 of 5 stars

Javan Rhodes is a hunted man who just got the payout of a lifetime just for transporting an upper-crust snob named Sola who's destined to marry an unknown man for political gain. At least that's what he thinks his mission is. Soon, he finds out that Sola isn't at all what she appears and the woman he becomes attracted to is soon using him as a pawn to change the galaxy.

This is an interesting sci-fi story with a hero to die for and a heroine who's a bit less than worthy of him. Javan is sexy and...more

1 like · like · see review

May 21, 2011 Cleffairy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed at: Library of Lights

Date reviewed: 21 May 2011

Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=306

Looking for a short adventure during your coffee break? Want to read something that's not long winded but exciting nevertheless? Well then, look no more, Blur Galaxy is just the book for you.

Blue Galaxy by Diane Dooley will hurl you into space with exciting, romantic and adventurous characters.

I consider this book as a treat during my coffee break and I enjoyed it immensely. It's easy to digest and...more

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May 06, 2011 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance, review, read-in-2011

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/05/06/...

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: May 9th
How I got this book: NetGalley

It’s no secret that I love a good Sci Fi Romance, especially one set in space with epic battles and fun plot twists. When I saw new author Diane Dooley’s new release, I knew I had to get it. While I wasn’t absolutely blown away, I was pretty impressed by this debut book.

Captain Rhodes is looking to forward to his newest mission, taking one of the Earth’...more Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/05/06/...

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: May 9th
How I got this book: NetGalley

It’s no secret that I love a good Sci Fi Romance, especially one set in space with epic battles and fun plot twists. When I saw new author Diane Dooley’s new release, I knew I had to get it. While I wasn’t absolutely blown away, I was pretty impressed by this debut book.

Captain Rhodes is looking to forward to his newest mission, taking one of the Earth’s equivalent of royalty and transport her to a far unknown location. His only rule is to not ask questions, and after one look at Sola, Rhodes knows he is going to have a hard time keeping him hands to himself, as well as his questions.

As the two set off on a journey to the outer worlds, they begin to care deeply for each other, but when Sola reveals her big secret, they two have much bigger problems then their mutual desire for each other. Next thing they know they are being hunted far and wide. When everything is finally laid out on the table, will they be able to move past their many obstacles and just be together?

There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book, mainly the world building. I really liked the differences in social class, and how both Rhodes and Sola dealt with the issues surrounding them. The conflict within the world itself, especially surrounding The Dictator and the quest for absolute power was fun and exciting to read about. While the plot seemed to drag in certain places, other times it would pick up and run, taking me on a journey I’ll never forget.

At first the romance between Rhodes and Sola didn’t work for me, mainly because Rhodes fell instantly “in love” with Sola, and usually that is just one of those things that irks me. However, as the romance progressed I did find myself enjoying it more, getting pulled into the passion between them. Plus, when Sola reveals her big secret, I liked the way Rhodes handled it, especially given the severity of her deception.

One of my favorite part of Sci Fi Romance books is that the plot is constantly twisting and turning, things are never exactly as they seem, and sometimes the bad guys are really good. Blue Galaxy has some great twists that I didn’t seem coming, and totally loved. While the blurb hints that there is more going on with Sola than meets the eye, I was completely stunned at her revelation. It was fun and unexpected and a great turning point in the story.

More and more I’m seeing short stories without chapters, and while I might be the only one, it really kinda bugs me when they are left out. While the lack of chapters doesn’t exactly take anything away from the story, it’s just weird… Blue Galaxy is shorter, only about 60 pages or so, but the story itself is told in a great way, wraps up everything nicely and left me wanting more. I do hope that Dooley will continue to write in the genre: her style is engaging, her voice is fun and her world is exciting.

All in all, I give Blue Galaxy a B- (less)

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Nov 03, 2012 J.L. Hilton rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've discovered that the term "sci-fi romance" can mean a lot of things. With Blue Galaxy, you get a story very strong on the science, with an extended world that is well-crafted for a short novella. There is a plot that is bigger than just the love/sex between the two main characters. The sex is steamy. I wouldn't call it erotica, but it's definitely adult. The "romance" is unconventional. Two antiheroes, really. These are damaged characters with pasts full of baggage. The author reveals the tw...more

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Sep 26, 2011 Elayne S rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-romance

Ms. Dooley did a great job with the scifi portion of this story. I loved the slingshot and jumping through the universe. So cool. The rest of the story...not so much. It's been said before and I concur--the heroine is an unlikable nut job. The hero is an outcast, daring, and compassionate but weak when it comes to the heroine. There are tough guys in this world that put up with a woman's crap for whatever reasons but I don't want my fantasy hero to be one. I also had some logistical problems wit...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Larelle rated it 1 of 5 stars

Probably the worst book I've ever read. Utter drivel. Confused characters driven soley by avarice, lust and voilence. The story is meant to be a science-fiction romance, but the lead characters are the most unromantic and self-centered pair I've ever come across.

I got my copy for free on offer by Carina Press. I am so thankful I never paid any money for my copy.

I only read the book to the end so it would be another notch on my book-reading challenge quota. If it hadn't have been for that reaso...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Yvette rated it 2 of 5 stars

I'm probably going to be a very unpopular reader for saying that I didn't find the main character's relationship compelling or all that believable, after so many twists. It seems that I also have this "wall" that's hard to scale, 'cause after someone drops a bomb down my gullet, I'm sure the heck never gonna tell them I love them, even if they were carrying my child.

So, maybe, in the end it's His motivations I don't quite believe. Or maybe his backstory. I am left confused.

Which, admittedly, is...more

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Jan 02, 2012 J.C. Cassels rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really loved the way the characters were drawn. Diane Dooley has created a brilliant universe filled with rich details that makes me want to know more. I was hooked from the first paragraphs. Captain Javan Rhodes is completely HOT!! I would book a ride with him any time! Especially if I got the same attentive service he gave to Sola. From his first appearance dispatching an assassin, he's obviously a no-nonsense warrior.

My only complaint with the story was Sola, but not the character herself,...more

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Apr 28, 2011 AnnaM rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-sfrs, sfr

Blue Galaxy is an SFR (Science Fiction Romance) with a satisfying amount of SF that makes sense. The worldbuilding is good, the action is good, and the Romance is told completely from the hero's pov.

Javan is hired by a rich family to take a woman to her husband-to-be on a far-off planet. Sola is innocent and naive, except where sex is concerned. He's attracted to her almost immediately.

A familiar story, right?

But things are not what they seem. A few major twists and it's a whole different game...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Sandra rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance, novella, group-read

Huh. I wanted to like this. I really did. And if it had been flushed out into a longer, more complete story where the characters actually had a chance to get to know each other and we actually got to know them too... I might have. But from the moment Javan saw Sola and immediately claimed his undying love, despite the fact that she had said 5 words, I knew we were in trouble. And then her personality didn't fit the way she was throwing herself at him, even with what we found out later it just fe...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Carolyn F. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, ebook, romance, short-story, sfr

Short story. 64 pages. The story starts out one way, then moves to another. You think you have people figured out but you find out you don't know a thing. I think the author wanted to keep you guessing but she made the heroine into someone you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy and the hero a victim who kind of turns bad for about a page and then is back to being a victim through his own design. I think the author wanted this book to be a romance, but it was the most dysfunctional, non-romantic b...more

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Aug 20, 2011 Cynthia (aka Artemis) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Must enjoy sci-fi romance

Shelves: e-book, romance, sci-fi

I'm sure if this wasn't a free read that I picked up somewhere, I wouldn't have given it a first look. But after reading it, I was left with a smile. It had an intriguing heroine and likable hero.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 14, 2011 Bella Street rated it 5 of 5 stars

Appealing characters and a well-developed plot for a shorter book. Enough world-building to enhance, not overtake. Absolutely enjoyable. I look forward to more from this author. Let's JUMP!

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Jan 26, 2013 Jessica marked it as did-not-finish

Couldn't get into it. The in-lust ship captain with doomed ingenue thing is kind of squicking me out. Didn't read enough to feel comfortable rating it.

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Oct 17, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, romance

Fun little novella set mostly on a space ship plowing through space. Fun characters with a ton of twists and a lot of laughs.

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Aug 06, 2011 Shannon rated it 2 of 5 stars

Meh. Ok short story, but heavy on the lust, light on the story. Makes me want to re-read McCaffrey.

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Aug 13, 2012 Katherine O'Grady rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

scifi, good, lots of twists, hea

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Jul 07, 2012 AnJa rated it 1 of 5 stars

I can't believe i read this...that's all.

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Jul 28, 2011 Canoeu rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: free-bargain-or-lendable-kindle, kindle, sci-fi, romance, 1-star-i-hated-it

I am feeling ripped off since I didn't realize this was only 22,000 words. But besides that, I kind of thought this was lame. Javan, the male protagonist, was not that male to me. I would say he was more like a woman narrator, but I kind of find that insulting too. I love her, no I don't, yes, I do...I love her, no I don't...and on and on and on. There wasn't really much to this story. Sola was kind of cool, being a psychopath and all. Really this felt like fan-fiction to me.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Barbara G.Tarn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-fiction

my first sci-fi romance. I really liked it - not too romantic and with good action and surprises. I guess it's a genre worth exploring!

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Jun 17, 2013 Anne added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1st-in-series-sfr

Jun 17, 2013 Anne marked it as to-read

Jun 13, 2013 Foggygirl marked it as to-read

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About Diane Dooley

Diane Dooley is, first and foremost, a passionate reader. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and sons in a falling-down farmhouse on seven acres of woods. She writes science fiction, romance and horror - sometimes all in the same story.

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Blue Galaxy (Blue Universe # 1)

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