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Galactic Bonds #3
Only Hard Problems
New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed novella that blends science-fiction technology and magical fantasy elements with a touch of historical romance. This rollicking space opera focuses on a fan-favorite secondary character who’s part hero, part villain, and all arrogance. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .
My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.
But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.
The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.
I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .
Note: Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies , book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series.
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .
My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.
But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.
The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.
I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .
Note: Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies , book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2024
339 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Estep
95 books12k followersJennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
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Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
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Happy reading, everyone! 😎
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yyj59omw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_es...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/y638q98k
Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
Jennifer's newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-...
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
October 5, 2025
Free Range Reading
Once again, my attention has been hijacked by the unexpected arrival of an e-book on my library account. I've been enjoying Estep's self-published stuff quite a bit. Yes, she has a formula, but it's a recipe that I like. This little novella gives us a peek into the world of Zane Zimmer, Regal bad boy and frequent opponent of Kyrion Calderan, love interest of Vesper Quill. Despite (or maybe because) they are both Arrows, Zane and Kyrion have despised each other for a long time.
Vesper has her own reasons to look askance at Zane, despite her desire to put some trust in him. But she realizes that if what he says is true, he is in a difficult spot—wanting to protect her but being ordered to capture Vesper and Kyrion to return them to the Imperium. Lack of success could mean his execution.
Estep does a good job of humanizing her part-time villain. Zane has some redeeming qualities: he truly loves his family, even when they disappoint him, and he is highly motivated to keep them safe in an uncertain world. He's developed a persona as an arrogant arse specifically to keep the other Arrows and the public at arm's length. No one quite knows how smart and sensitive he is under the disguise, just as he wants it. Being underestimated is his advantage, at least until he meets Asterin Armas, heiress to a mineral fortune. Everyone seems to be pushing them to get engaged and they both react poorly to being pressured. But as they are thrown together more often, Zane is softening on this issue. Maybe Asterin is too.
My next decision is whether to petition my library to purchase the next book? They've developed a pattern of rejecting my recommendations, so I'm scared of jinxing things. There seems to be a waiting list for this one, so perhaps I can count on other fans to make the request. Fingers crossed!
Once again, my attention has been hijacked by the unexpected arrival of an e-book on my library account. I've been enjoying Estep's self-published stuff quite a bit. Yes, she has a formula, but it's a recipe that I like. This little novella gives us a peek into the world of Zane Zimmer, Regal bad boy and frequent opponent of Kyrion Calderan, love interest of Vesper Quill. Despite (or maybe because) they are both Arrows, Zane and Kyrion have despised each other for a long time.
Vesper has her own reasons to look askance at Zane, despite her desire to put some trust in him. But she realizes that if what he says is true, he is in a difficult spot—wanting to protect her but being ordered to capture Vesper and Kyrion to return them to the Imperium. Lack of success could mean his execution.
Estep does a good job of humanizing her part-time villain. Zane has some redeeming qualities: he truly loves his family, even when they disappoint him, and he is highly motivated to keep them safe in an uncertain world. He's developed a persona as an arrogant arse specifically to keep the other Arrows and the public at arm's length. No one quite knows how smart and sensitive he is under the disguise, just as he wants it. Being underestimated is his advantage, at least until he meets Asterin Armas, heiress to a mineral fortune. Everyone seems to be pushing them to get engaged and they both react poorly to being pressured. But as they are thrown together more often, Zane is softening on this issue. Maybe Asterin is too.
My next decision is whether to petition my library to purchase the next book? They've developed a pattern of rejecting my recommendations, so I'm scared of jinxing things. There seems to be a waiting list for this one, so perhaps I can count on other fans to make the request. Fingers crossed!
November 8, 2024
I held off on reading this one - which is kind of an interlude in Kyrion and Vesper's story - because I don't like Zane. TBH I still mostly don't like Zane, even though I enjoyed the story, though I can see the complications that shaped him into the person he is, and I can see how he might be redeemed.
The problem is that I have no sympathy for someone who takes orders from monsters - does terrible things at their command - and doesn't care until the monster starts to look at him or his family. And frankly, after the 2024 election, I have even less sympathy for that. We're all going to have to decide whether we're willing to take orders from monsters in the coming years, I think, and a lot of us have decided we will if it means we get to be bullies. It makes me feel a bit sick.
It also means my impression of Zane might be a little weighted at this particular time, though again, this book has been on my kindle for months (since its release) and I haven't been able to pick it up because I had no interest in reading about a selfish bully who is content being the pawn of a monster. That certainly pre-dates the election. I only read it now because the new Vesper/Kyrion book dropped and I want to read that.
I was glad that Zane called out his grandmother's hypocrisy, but to be honest, I don't think he took it far enough. She's a narcissistic, selfish cunt (and I don't use that word lightly - I hate it) who is no better than Vesper's mother. She preaches family above all else, but discarded her infant granddaughter like literal trash. Didn't bat an eye at her being tortured. She's a liar, and she uses "family" as her way to make it more palatable, but she doesn't care about family, she cares about power. And Zane's father also deserved a kick in the ass - he's a fucking coward. WHY does he do what his mother says? I have to say that if I found out I fathered a child 30+ years ago and my mother discarded her like garbage ... and didn't do anything to help her when she was being tortured ... I would kill her. This man is a genius inventor; he could and should kill her in a terribly inventive way. Maybe trapping her in a program where she lives Vesper's life until she starves to death, that would be fitting. Instead, he's mad, but meekly does what the cunt says. And this is the part I just don't understand: why do Zane and his father just do whatever the bitch says? At minimum, tell her to shut the fuck up, stuff her plans up her withered asshole, and then shove the betraying old bitch in a locked tower where she can't hurt anyone anymore. She has betrayed their family, and there must be consequences. But they just let her continue on like it is nothing.
Which tells me they don't care about Vesper at all either.
Poor Vesper. Family has only meant monsters and abuse for her...from all sides.
The problem is that I have no sympathy for someone who takes orders from monsters - does terrible things at their command - and doesn't care until the monster starts to look at him or his family. And frankly, after the 2024 election, I have even less sympathy for that. We're all going to have to decide whether we're willing to take orders from monsters in the coming years, I think, and a lot of us have decided we will if it means we get to be bullies. It makes me feel a bit sick.
It also means my impression of Zane might be a little weighted at this particular time, though again, this book has been on my kindle for months (since its release) and I haven't been able to pick it up because I had no interest in reading about a selfish bully who is content being the pawn of a monster. That certainly pre-dates the election. I only read it now because the new Vesper/Kyrion book dropped and I want to read that.
I was glad that Zane called out his grandmother's hypocrisy, but to be honest, I don't think he took it far enough. She's a narcissistic, selfish cunt (and I don't use that word lightly - I hate it) who is no better than Vesper's mother. She preaches family above all else, but discarded her infant granddaughter like literal trash. Didn't bat an eye at her being tortured. She's a liar, and she uses "family" as her way to make it more palatable, but she doesn't care about family, she cares about power. And Zane's father also deserved a kick in the ass - he's a fucking coward. WHY does he do what his mother says? I have to say that if I found out I fathered a child 30+ years ago and my mother discarded her like garbage ... and didn't do anything to help her when she was being tortured ... I would kill her. This man is a genius inventor; he could and should kill her in a terribly inventive way. Maybe trapping her in a program where she lives Vesper's life until she starves to death, that would be fitting. Instead, he's mad, but meekly does what the cunt says. And this is the part I just don't understand: why do Zane and his father just do whatever the bitch says? At minimum, tell her to shut the fuck up, stuff her plans up her withered asshole, and then shove the betraying old bitch in a locked tower where she can't hurt anyone anymore. She has betrayed their family, and there must be consequences. But they just let her continue on like it is nothing.
Which tells me they don't care about Vesper at all either.
Poor Vesper. Family has only meant monsters and abuse for her...from all sides.
February 24, 2024
3.5/5.0
I actually really enjoyed getting to know Zane a bit better. To understand his circumstances, motivations, and his heart a bit more was fabulous. Ms. Estep’s ability to bring a reader right into the worlds she creates is a true talent and works beautifully in her novels and serves to bond one to the characters and stories. Her detailed descriptions of surroundings, fashion etc. are a bit of a detriment in a novella, however. With so little time to create a believable story, add enough depth to make it worthwhile and resolve a conflict, adding extended descriptions (in this case most of the first half of the book) actually deter from the reader’s enjoyment of the story being (quickly) told.
Still, this short look into Zane added some much needed depth understanding into this enigmatic character and his family, and will most assuredly help a reader’s experience going forward in future full-length books in the series.
I actually really enjoyed getting to know Zane a bit better. To understand his circumstances, motivations, and his heart a bit more was fabulous. Ms. Estep’s ability to bring a reader right into the worlds she creates is a true talent and works beautifully in her novels and serves to bond one to the characters and stories. Her detailed descriptions of surroundings, fashion etc. are a bit of a detriment in a novella, however. With so little time to create a believable story, add enough depth to make it worthwhile and resolve a conflict, adding extended descriptions (in this case most of the first half of the book) actually deter from the reader’s enjoyment of the story being (quickly) told.
Still, this short look into Zane added some much needed depth understanding into this enigmatic character and his family, and will most assuredly help a reader’s experience going forward in future full-length books in the series.
October 31, 2024
The ol’ short, x.5 Side Character book. These can go different ways, from awesome to terrible. Only Hard Problems was closer to awesome on the scale, and here’s why: The main protagonist spends the book grappling with information he was given at the end of the previous book in the series that will have significant ramifications for the overall plot. That works. It’s not just a side adventure.
April 21, 2024
An entertaining, in-between novella in a heart-pounding SF series
This story contains information that is a spoiler for the previous two novels. All of the books in this series must be read in order. None of them stand alone.
Lord Zane Zimmer is 38 years old and is currently head of the Arrows, now that longtime fellow Arrow, Lord Kyrion Caldaren, is on the run and labeled a traitor to the Imperium. After Kyrion informed Zane that he has a half-sister, 37-year-old Vesper Quill (FMC of the first two books in this series), he contrived, in such a way as to not be caught, to help them escape from the clutches of Lord Callus Holloway, the evil ruler of the Imperium, who is a siphon, a psionic power which allows Holloway to suck energy off of not just humans and other sentient creatures, but also inanimate objects. Holloway is determined to inhale the truebond psionic energy of Vesper and Kyrion, just as he did to Kyrion's parents, to the point of killing them by draining them dry. It is a terrible fate. Holloway has put Zane in the impossible position of having to track down and bring back to Holloway his sister and Kyrion, or Holloway will murder him and the rest of House Zimmer, most especially his father and grandmother, as well as assorted, more distant blood relations.
Zane has been trained his whole life to trust no one but immediate blood kin. His mother died soon after he was born, and he has always longed for a sibling, but his father never remarried. Zane is bitterly angry at the matriarch of the Zimmer clan, his 80-something paternal grandmother, for hiding Vesper's existence from both him and his father. His father is angry at her as well.
This story functions as an intermediate chapter in one long, multi-part saga. There are two Big Bads in this series, Holloway, who is Zane's boss, and General Ocnus, the equally evil leader of the Techwave rebellion. Ocnus is determined to overthrow Holloway and establish his own vicious dictatorship in his place.
It is unclear at this point how many more books there will be in this series, but the next one, Only Cold Depths, will be released in October, 2024, and I will definitely be reading it. Though this series is filled with violence and lots of dubious ethics within both Zane and Kyrion, who have been forced into the no-win position of being personal assassins for Holloway for half their lives, it is still quite compelling. Most especially because Vesper and her three loyal, female supporters, Tivona, Leandra, and Asterin (a potential love interest for Zane) are amazing.
This story contains information that is a spoiler for the previous two novels. All of the books in this series must be read in order. None of them stand alone.
Lord Zane Zimmer is 38 years old and is currently head of the Arrows, now that longtime fellow Arrow, Lord Kyrion Caldaren, is on the run and labeled a traitor to the Imperium. After Kyrion informed Zane that he has a half-sister, 37-year-old Vesper Quill (FMC of the first two books in this series), he contrived, in such a way as to not be caught, to help them escape from the clutches of Lord Callus Holloway, the evil ruler of the Imperium, who is a siphon, a psionic power which allows Holloway to suck energy off of not just humans and other sentient creatures, but also inanimate objects. Holloway is determined to inhale the truebond psionic energy of Vesper and Kyrion, just as he did to Kyrion's parents, to the point of killing them by draining them dry. It is a terrible fate. Holloway has put Zane in the impossible position of having to track down and bring back to Holloway his sister and Kyrion, or Holloway will murder him and the rest of House Zimmer, most especially his father and grandmother, as well as assorted, more distant blood relations.
Zane has been trained his whole life to trust no one but immediate blood kin. His mother died soon after he was born, and he has always longed for a sibling, but his father never remarried. Zane is bitterly angry at the matriarch of the Zimmer clan, his 80-something paternal grandmother, for hiding Vesper's existence from both him and his father. His father is angry at her as well.
This story functions as an intermediate chapter in one long, multi-part saga. There are two Big Bads in this series, Holloway, who is Zane's boss, and General Ocnus, the equally evil leader of the Techwave rebellion. Ocnus is determined to overthrow Holloway and establish his own vicious dictatorship in his place.
It is unclear at this point how many more books there will be in this series, but the next one, Only Cold Depths, will be released in October, 2024, and I will definitely be reading it. Though this series is filled with violence and lots of dubious ethics within both Zane and Kyrion, who have been forced into the no-win position of being personal assassins for Holloway for half their lives, it is still quite compelling. Most especially because Vesper and her three loyal, female supporters, Tivona, Leandra, and Asterin (a potential love interest for Zane) are amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
*Source* Author
*Genre* Science Fiction Opera
*Rating* 4
*Thoughts*
Jennifer Estep's Only Hard Problems is the third installment in the author's Galactic Bonds series. This story takes place 2 weeks after the end of Only Good Enemies. Whereas the previous two installments featured Vesper Quill and Kyrion Caldaren, this book is all about Zane Zimmer. Zane is the heir apparent to the House of Zimmer, and the new leader of the Arrows now that Kyrion is on the run with Vesper. But can he instill the same fear and respect that Kyrion did or will it be his unraveling?
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Science Fiction Opera
*Rating* 4
*Thoughts*
Jennifer Estep's Only Hard Problems is the third installment in the author's Galactic Bonds series. This story takes place 2 weeks after the end of Only Good Enemies. Whereas the previous two installments featured Vesper Quill and Kyrion Caldaren, this book is all about Zane Zimmer. Zane is the heir apparent to the House of Zimmer, and the new leader of the Arrows now that Kyrion is on the run with Vesper. But can he instill the same fear and respect that Kyrion did or will it be his unraveling?
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
February 7, 2024
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
I love Zane so I was very excited when I found out we were going to get a novella in his POV! And I was even more excited when said novella turned into a full-length novel! More Zane!
Poor Zane is still reeling from the revelations in the last book: Vesper Quill is his sister.
Understandably, Zane is pissed that his grandmother hid this very important family detail from him. Both his grandmother and his father haven’t said a word about it to Zane and he is just struggling with wrapping his head around this new information. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse inside his head to see his thoughts because at the end of the last book I was SO curious to see his reaction.
And I won’t say much about that because I don’t want to spoil this book, but I thought it was touching and I just loved seeing him processing this and trying to figure out how he felt about his new sister. Honestly, there were moments where I almost cried because I felt for him and the tough situation he was in. Especially because the leech Holloway ordered Zane, the new leader of the Arrows, to find Vesper and Kyrion and bring them back to him so he can essentially feed on their Truebond. So yeah, Zane is in quite a predicament here and I am very much looking forward to seeing how things are going to turn out in the next book!
But aside from this internal turmoil, Zane is also attending a Solstice Ball where any number of things could go wrong. And guess what? They do! It was great... for me because I love the action sequences that Jennifer Estep writes.
And even better was that this took place in one day! I LOVE these types of books! Jennifer Estep has written a couple that have taken place in mostly one day ( Sugar Plum Spies and Deadly Sting ) and I just love them! They are so action-packed and fun!
I just loved everything about this book! I don’t know what it is about cocky arrogant guys that I love so much, but Zane is definitely one of those guys 😆 But in this book, we got to see that there is so much more to him than just a pretty face and a supposed head full of air.
I really enjoyed the in-depth look we got into his character, really getting to know him, and just seeing why he does the things he does. I adored him! And moon-cold killer or not, I just really think he’s a cinnamon roll on the inside 😆 Some of the things he said or thought really got me in the feels.
I also enjoyed getting more of his relationship with Asterin, who I absolutely loved in Only Good Enemies ! Their families are adamant that they get married, but they are not very fond of one another. I am sensing another enemies-to-lovers situation with them and I am here for it! It’s one of my favorite tropes! And the banter between them?
I cannot wait for more! And I also can’t wait to see how his relationship with Vesper pans out because this is such a complicated issue. Luckily we’re getting the next book in the Fall of this year! I’m SO excited!
I love Zane so I was very excited when I found out we were going to get a novella in his POV! And I was even more excited when said novella turned into a full-length novel! More Zane!
Poor Zane is still reeling from the revelations in the last book: Vesper Quill is his sister.
Understandably, Zane is pissed that his grandmother hid this very important family detail from him. Both his grandmother and his father haven’t said a word about it to Zane and he is just struggling with wrapping his head around this new information. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse inside his head to see his thoughts because at the end of the last book I was SO curious to see his reaction.
Vesper is your sister, Zane. You decide how you feel about her.
But that was the problem—I didn't know how I felt about Vesper.
And I won’t say much about that because I don’t want to spoil this book, but I thought it was touching and I just loved seeing him processing this and trying to figure out how he felt about his new sister. Honestly, there were moments where I almost cried because I felt for him and the tough situation he was in. Especially because the leech Holloway ordered Zane, the new leader of the Arrows, to find Vesper and Kyrion and bring them back to him so he can essentially feed on their Truebond. So yeah, Zane is in quite a predicament here and I am very much looking forward to seeing how things are going to turn out in the next book!
But aside from this internal turmoil, Zane is also attending a Solstice Ball where any number of things could go wrong. And guess what? They do! It was great... for me because I love the action sequences that Jennifer Estep writes.
And even better was that this took place in one day! I LOVE these types of books! Jennifer Estep has written a couple that have taken place in mostly one day ( Sugar Plum Spies and Deadly Sting ) and I just love them! They are so action-packed and fun!
I just loved everything about this book! I don’t know what it is about cocky arrogant guys that I love so much, but Zane is definitely one of those guys 😆 But in this book, we got to see that there is so much more to him than just a pretty face and a supposed head full of air.
My pretty face masked the heart of a moon-cold killer.
I really enjoyed the in-depth look we got into his character, really getting to know him, and just seeing why he does the things he does. I adored him! And moon-cold killer or not, I just really think he’s a cinnamon roll on the inside 😆 Some of the things he said or thought really got me in the feels.
I also enjoyed getting more of his relationship with Asterin, who I absolutely loved in Only Good Enemies ! Their families are adamant that they get married, but they are not very fond of one another. I am sensing another enemies-to-lovers situation with them and I am here for it! It’s one of my favorite tropes! And the banter between them?
I cannot wait for more! And I also can’t wait to see how his relationship with Vesper pans out because this is such a complicated issue. Luckily we’re getting the next book in the Fall of this year! I’m SO excited!
March 2, 2024
3. 5 ☆
I love me some good old Space Opera and this although with Zane Zimmer is exceedingly good. Turns out he is a villian in disguise. He is the anti-hero the guy you don't want to like but you do anyway. Beneath the veneer of a shallow, arrogant and ignorant man is a man who has depth, a heart and puts family above everything else and Zane now knows that he has a sister. He also knows that he has some hard problems to solve while also being forced to court Asterin. They despise one another but here it changes, reluctant respect and I have a feeling that these two have a true bond. Serves you right mate.
I love me some good old Space Opera and this although with Zane Zimmer is exceedingly good. Turns out he is a villian in disguise. He is the anti-hero the guy you don't want to like but you do anyway. Beneath the veneer of a shallow, arrogant and ignorant man is a man who has depth, a heart and puts family above everything else and Zane now knows that he has a sister. He also knows that he has some hard problems to solve while also being forced to court Asterin. They despise one another but here it changes, reluctant respect and I have a feeling that these two have a true bond. Serves you right mate.
August 23, 2024
Loved this, just had expected a bit more from it (dual POV, more romance, etc) still extremely anxiously anticipating the rest of the series
March 3, 2024
This read like one installment of the serial novel and I hate those. It felt literally like a filler with nothing of importance happening. I wish I skipped this, wouldn’t have lost anything.
March 24, 2024
I was surprised at how much I liked reading this from Zane's POV, but I do think I wish this had been dual POV with Asterin. Curious to see where the series takes those two.
March 27, 2024
Jennifer Estep is one of my favorite authors when it comes to Urban Fantasy, but the Galactic Bonds series is a hybrid series that blends science fiction and magical fantasy elements with a touch of Historical Romance. In hearing about this new series, I was intrigued to say the least. I’ve never encountered a series that blended sci fi elements with Historical Romance. Since I am a fan of both genres, I thought that I would give this series a try.
ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is a novella set in the Galactic Bonds world, so I thought that I would give this short story a try to see if I would like to read the rest of the series. Needless to say, it’s a unique world. In all my years of reading, I’ve never encountered a world quite like this one, so I commend Estep for conjuring up this unique combo. It definitely stands out in the genre.
As for the plot, this novella is actually told from one of the secondary characters point of view. Zane Zimmer gets the spotlight, so I found it enjoyable to read. That being said, I think I would have appreciated it more if I had read the other books in the series first. So I think I might go back and read them since I enjoyed this story a lot. That being said, it’s probably best to read the series in order. However, that’s not to say that you can’t enjoy Estep’s writing style with this novella too. ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is an action-packed space opera that I think a lot of sci fi fans will enjoy!
ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is a novella set in the Galactic Bonds world, so I thought that I would give this short story a try to see if I would like to read the rest of the series. Needless to say, it’s a unique world. In all my years of reading, I’ve never encountered a world quite like this one, so I commend Estep for conjuring up this unique combo. It definitely stands out in the genre.
As for the plot, this novella is actually told from one of the secondary characters point of view. Zane Zimmer gets the spotlight, so I found it enjoyable to read. That being said, I think I would have appreciated it more if I had read the other books in the series first. So I think I might go back and read them since I enjoyed this story a lot. That being said, it’s probably best to read the series in order. However, that’s not to say that you can’t enjoy Estep’s writing style with this novella too. ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is an action-packed space opera that I think a lot of sci fi fans will enjoy!
February 15, 2024
Following the exciting events and shocking revelation of the previous book, Only Hard Problems steps away from main characters Kyrion and Vesper and brings readers Zane Zimmer’s POV. Zane is the new leader of the Arrows and is tasked with finding and capturing Kyrion and his newly discovered sister, Vesper. Zane appears arrogant and obtuse to the regal-watchers, but he’s cunning and just may have a heart - that remains to be seen.
Only Hard Problems is a mostly standalone adventure set within the larger Techwave terrorist plot. Eager to find Kyrion and Vesper before anyone else, he must first make an appearance at the Summer Solstice celebration and woo his frenemy Lady Astern. Zane’s grandmother, head of House Zimmer, is pressing him to pursue Lady Asterin as a political match. While at the celebration, Zane uncovers a Techwave plot and discovers a new side to Astern.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and getting Zane’s POV; however, I was disappointed this isn’t an HEA romance. In fact, there isn’t any romance, so don’t go in thinking there would be like me! However, there is definitely some simmering chemistry between Zane and Astern, and I can’t wait to see it explode.
We learn more about Zane and his mixed up emotions over loyalty to a horrible ruler, his family, and a newly discover sister. I enjoyed seeing what makes Zane tick and learning how his mind works. We also learn more about the Techwavers, with glimpses of what they may be up to. I love a redeemed bad boy, and I have a feeling that’s where Zane is headed.
The adventure is exciting and the story moves quickly. Just don’t expect a lot of answers. The Galactic Bonds series should be read in order, so I recommend reading the first two books before giving Only Hard Problems a read.
My Rating: B
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Only Hard Problems is a mostly standalone adventure set within the larger Techwave terrorist plot. Eager to find Kyrion and Vesper before anyone else, he must first make an appearance at the Summer Solstice celebration and woo his frenemy Lady Astern. Zane’s grandmother, head of House Zimmer, is pressing him to pursue Lady Asterin as a political match. While at the celebration, Zane uncovers a Techwave plot and discovers a new side to Astern.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and getting Zane’s POV; however, I was disappointed this isn’t an HEA romance. In fact, there isn’t any romance, so don’t go in thinking there would be like me! However, there is definitely some simmering chemistry between Zane and Astern, and I can’t wait to see it explode.
We learn more about Zane and his mixed up emotions over loyalty to a horrible ruler, his family, and a newly discover sister. I enjoyed seeing what makes Zane tick and learning how his mind works. We also learn more about the Techwavers, with glimpses of what they may be up to. I love a redeemed bad boy, and I have a feeling that’s where Zane is headed.
The adventure is exciting and the story moves quickly. Just don’t expect a lot of answers. The Galactic Bonds series should be read in order, so I recommend reading the first two books before giving Only Hard Problems a read.
My Rating: B
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
February 21, 2024
Short novella to introduce the next Hero I suppose. Welcome Zane then....
Breve novella per introdurre il prossimo eroe, suppongo. benvenuto Zane quindi...
Breve novella per introdurre il prossimo eroe, suppongo. benvenuto Zane quindi...
April 15, 2024
Only Hard Problems intertwined slightly with the overall ARC of the series. Although not a traditional love story, Zane and Lady Astern’s interactions are filled with chemistry, snark, and witty remarks. The two have been matched by the families and I am curious to see more of the couple. Do not, however, go into this looking for a happily ever romance. It is truly an inside look into the new arrowhead leader and what makes him tick.
For those who’ve listened to the first two audiobooks in the series, we gain some information about the Techwavers. (villains of the series). This does read as a standalone, but I recommend listening to the series in the order of their release. I think it will make you appreciate learning about Zane, his newly found sister, loyalties and thoughts on Lady Astern.
I was curious to know what made Zane tick, especially regarding some of his actions in the second audiobook. Estep does a great job of fleshing him out and the storyline, while not deep, enlightened me. I walked away, liking him and Lady Astern.
This was a fast-paced tale with plenty of action. Narrated by Max Roll, who gave voice to Zane and Lauren Fortgang, who voiced Lady Astern. Listening enhanced my overall enjoyment of the story.
I recommend the Galactic Bond series to fans of science fiction fantasy with romantic elements. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
For those who’ve listened to the first two audiobooks in the series, we gain some information about the Techwavers. (villains of the series). This does read as a standalone, but I recommend listening to the series in the order of their release. I think it will make you appreciate learning about Zane, his newly found sister, loyalties and thoughts on Lady Astern.
I was curious to know what made Zane tick, especially regarding some of his actions in the second audiobook. Estep does a great job of fleshing him out and the storyline, while not deep, enlightened me. I walked away, liking him and Lady Astern.
This was a fast-paced tale with plenty of action. Narrated by Max Roll, who gave voice to Zane and Lauren Fortgang, who voiced Lady Astern. Listening enhanced my overall enjoyment of the story.
I recommend the Galactic Bond series to fans of science fiction fantasy with romantic elements. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 9, 2024
Oh, loved reading this story, being in his head, I really enjoyed this story!
October 22, 2024
Lord Zane Zimmer, new leader of the Arrows since Kyrion went off with Vespa, hides his keen mind and strong sense of duty behind a ready smile and a charming personality (think The Scarlet Pimpernel), the gossipcasts think he's as deep as a puddle. His grandmother Beatrice is head of House Zimmer and she is plotting to marry Zane off to Lady Asterin in order to secure her family's mineral wealth for their manufacturing processes, over both of their objections.
Since Zane learned that Vesper is actually his half-sister he has been struggling between his duty as an Arrow to capture and return her and Kyrion to a life of being psionic batteries for the Emperor (because they have a true bond), and his desire to meet and know his sister. Oh, and he's none to happy that neither his grandmother nor his father has yet mustered the courage to tell him Vesper is his sister ... so much for family first!
Forced to attend the Summer Solstice party by his grandmother, who is keen to cement the almost engagement with Lady Asterin by Zane presenting her with a beautiful necklace, Zane is being hounded by the Emperor to find out where Vesper and Kyrin fled, whilst also worrying about where the Techwave will strike next.
I was really enjoying this, think Bridgerton meets The Tomorrow People, meets every werewolf PNR you've ever read. Fancy clothes, aristocratic soirees, high-tech equipment, mental powers, and a true mate bond. And then it ended with no conclusion and lots of questions. I see the next book in the series reverts to focussing on Vesper and Kyrion so what happens? This should have been titled 'Only Questions' .
Since Zane learned that Vesper is actually his half-sister he has been struggling between his duty as an Arrow to capture and return her and Kyrion to a life of being psionic batteries for the Emperor (because they have a true bond), and his desire to meet and know his sister. Oh, and he's none to happy that neither his grandmother nor his father has yet mustered the courage to tell him Vesper is his sister ... so much for family first!
Forced to attend the Summer Solstice party by his grandmother, who is keen to cement the almost engagement with Lady Asterin by Zane presenting her with a beautiful necklace, Zane is being hounded by the Emperor to find out where Vesper and Kyrin fled, whilst also worrying about where the Techwave will strike next.
I was really enjoying this, think Bridgerton meets The Tomorrow People, meets every werewolf PNR you've ever read. Fancy clothes, aristocratic soirees, high-tech equipment, mental powers, and a true mate bond. And then it ended with no conclusion and lots of questions. I see the next book in the series reverts to focussing on Vesper and Kyrion so what happens? This should have been titled 'Only Questions' .
September 28, 2024
this generally confused me bc it was half the length of the other two books and basically a total filler book but still like added to the plot but was from the pov of the antihero of the first two books? like idrk what the purpose was lol. in my review of the second book i said i felt like smth is missing from the series but this book made me realize that’s not it. rly what it is is the writing style isnt great but even more importantly so much time is spent reestablishing and spelling things out from earlier in the series and its annoying. anyways the main character here was like soooo obsessed w his long lost sister and by extension her boyfriend (who also was his lifelong opp) and its like soooo weird? like a rly weird driving motivation idk its supposed to be a family loyalty thing but its just weird. that being said, the antihero narrator is honestly more likeable than the hero/love interest so it was enjoyable getting to know his character. also im obviously still gonna read the last book in the series when it comes out dont get it twisted
November 4, 2024
I needed a change in my reading and I found it in Only Hard Problems. It is the third book in the series and picks up where the last book stopped at. It is a futuristic sci-fi where our main characters Vesper and Kyrion are fleeing for their life. Vesper’s friends helped them escape, we learned more about Vesper’s family and she was growing in her powers. Before I knew it I was at the last page. Very entertaining.
April 14, 2024
More please! This just made me want another book in the series. I loved getting to see how Zane is dealing, or not dealing, with the revelation that he isn't an only child after all. I feel for Zane, nothing is how he thought it was and he needs to decide what he is going to do about it.
Asterin is an interesting character. I do wish we got her perspective as well as I think being inside her head would be fascinating. I want to know what her motives are! I love how strong and intelligent she seems to be and how she doesn't back down from a fight.
Cant wait for book 3!
Asterin is an interesting character. I do wish we got her perspective as well as I think being inside her head would be fascinating. I want to know what her motives are! I love how strong and intelligent she seems to be and how she doesn't back down from a fight.
Cant wait for book 3!
January 23, 2025
3.5 This 3rd installment was a way shorter book than the 1st two, and told mostly from Zane's POV. I loved getting to know the bad boy with his popinjay act, but I wanted Asterin more in the mix! I look forward to the next one!
June 23, 2025
This was back to the fun intrigue I enjoyed in the first installment. I must say that I have a 38 year old career military brother, the same alleged age as our protagonist, and Zane acts more like said brother fresh out of the USNA, age 22.
February 28, 2024
I think this was my favorite in the series. I liked Zane a lot
April 5, 2024
Super fun, fast paced and s nice addition to the overall story. Jennifer are super close to becoming an instant buy for me now!
April 27, 2024
Okay but I want the full length romance for these characters NOW.
March 12, 2025
2025 Reads #102/250
3.75⭐️78
3.75⭐️78
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
I really like Zane's POV but I was expecting to get Asterin's in this as well and was disappointed when I realize we weren't going to. I'm hoping we get more of them, and a romance, in the next book!
I really like Zane's POV but I was expecting to get Asterin's in this as well and was disappointed when I realize we weren't going to. I'm hoping we get more of them, and a romance, in the next book!
August 11, 2024
I love Zane and Asterin!!! Can’t wait to read more about them in the next book. Hopefully we get 4 POVs????!!?
Zane is just such a good villain. Such a well written character.
Zane is just such a good villain. Such a well written character.
March 2, 2024
3 stars to ONLY HARD PROBLEMS by Jennifer Estep
The novella ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is book number 2.5 in the Galactic Bonds sci-fi / magical fantasy/ romance series by Jennifer Estep. This is a space opera series by an author who is primarily a romance writer, and while there is no full-on romance in ONLY HARD PROBLEMS, appears to be an upcoming romance between the narrator, Zane Zimmer and the woman his grandmother is trying to force him to marry, Asterin.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction
#FFreview
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
The novella ONLY HARD PROBLEMS is book number 2.5 in the Galactic Bonds sci-fi / magical fantasy/ romance series by Jennifer Estep. This is a space opera series by an author who is primarily a romance writer, and while there is no full-on romance in ONLY HARD PROBLEMS, appears to be an upcoming romance between the narrator, Zane Zimmer and the woman his grandmother is trying to force him to marry, Asterin.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction
#FFreview
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
April 24, 2025
Great short starting Zack's storyline and showing his perspective.
2025 Apr
2025 Apr
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