Gamma Raids I

by R. Lynn Hanks

Saving the galaxy was never in their plans.

In their final year with the Raider Program, Gamma cadets Kat Hanneman and Lee Waters live for adventure. Their dreams of exploring distant galaxies and making a difference are well within their reach.

But when a routine assignment goes awry, Kat and Lee uncover a volatile secret that threatens to destroy everything they have worked towards. Sparks fly and old wounds chafe—with more than one heart on the line—as they race to save not only their mission and the galaxy, but the very future they hold most dear.

Gamma Raids I is a space opera romance, the first installment in the Adventures of Kat and Lee.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction Romance

462 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2025

About the author

R. Lynn Hanks is a sci-fi romance author based in a little farm town in the states. When not plotting high stakes space adventures or dabbling around with poetry, you can find me at a local coffee shop or at home teaching my two little gentlemen about the stars.

Reviews

[Maria ♡ (writing reviews)]

DNF at 12%. Too much talk about hookups. Nothing explicit but too much eluding for my taste. Made me feel icky

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this book was such a good time. Gamma Raids I had everything I love best friends to lovers, slow burn tension that made me want to throw the book at Lee and Kat a few times (in the best way), and a mystery that kept the story moving at a fast pace.

The world gave me total Star Trek vibes with all the fun techno babble and I loved the academy energy, which just made the setting even more exciting. I also loved the found family feels with the squad they added that extra layer of closeness that made the high-stakes moments hit harder.

If you like space adventures mixed with romance and banter that’ll keep you grinning one page and holding your breath the next, this is one you’ll want to pick up. I had such a fun time reading it! Thanks to the author for the gifted arc.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like, if you took People We Meet On Vacation, but set it at a space academy instead of a college, and instead of going on vacation they’re leading space raids.

I had so much fun with this book. For me, what really makes a book is the characters, and Hanks delivered in this area. I loved getting to know Kat and Lee, and I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship evolved with each new situation they were thrown into. Each character that was introduced to their crew brought something new to the table and by the end I was so invested in the team they’d built.

The world building eases you in, which makes it a great read for someone newer to the sci-fi genre. But don’t mistake that for simple. As the story evolves, the world gets bigger and there is SO much to discover as they take on each new raid.

I did not want this book to end, especially with the discoveries made in the last 20% of the story. I will be anxiously waiting for the next installment, for sure.

Highly recommend for anyone into friends to lovers, romantaSCI, space opera, space academy, space exploration vibes.

[Isa Ottoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and Lee are without doubt one the best friends-to-lovers stories I've ever read.

I love about this book! The prose is on-point, really well written, the pace is great, the characters super compelling, and the sci-fi plot got me invested really quickly. I love the dynamics between the MCs, and even though both of them drove me crazy at times, I super enjoyed following their journey across the stars---and towards each other.


This one is great, and I'm super glad I read it. I was fully engaged with the plot, super into the romance, and rooting for them at every step!

Thanks R. Lynn Hanks for the ARC!

[Kennedy Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADVANCE READER REVIEW: Every once in a while a book comes along that is just your vibe.
From the first chapter I immediately fell in love with Lee and Kat. It was the sweetest torture watching them fumble around and try to make the stars align so they would FINALLY FINALLY admit their feelings for each other.

The tension was perfection, the plot was compelling, the dialogue was hilarious and endearing.
This book is a masterclass in friends to lovers (which is not my favorite trope), But R.Lynn Hanks kept it BURNING. She converted me to the trope---and set the bar extremely high for all writers.

The world is richly imaginative and so full of possibilities in the future. My only question is..how do I become a cadet?

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually a sci-fi of space opera fan (with the exception of a standout few), but the snippets of flirty banter i read online sold me on giving it a try. While the more technical stuff went straight in one ear and out the other (sci-fi peeps will love it!), the characters and their messy relationship dynamics kept me happily turning pages. Top notch.

[Bookaddict Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gamma Raids is a star-studded adventure that delivers. I'm talking best friends to lovers, slow-burn tension that had me repeatedly debating throwing the book across the room (in the most loving way), and a mystery that zipped along at warp speed.
The Starfleet Academy meets found family vibe was irresistible—all the glorious techno-babble and high-stakes drama, but with a squad so close their peril really hits you. If you need a space romance with banter that'll make you grin and action that'll leave you breathless, engage! This one's a blast.

Thanks to the author for having me on their arc team :)

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun surprise! It was like the world building of Star Trek meets the intrigue of The Fifth Element - such a VIBE!

I went in mostly blind and was so pleasantly surprised. The back and forth of “will they/won’t they” kept the love interest plot moving and the mystery of the mission was pretty intriguing.

What I loved about the characters was how relatable they were. Like Kat, who hasn’t wished they’d sworn off men a time or two?! The chemistry and tension between the love interests was great. All in all a SOLID space opera romance!

[J.A. Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and exciting romp through space, offering something unique with its never-before seen gamma raids! What really pulled me in was the relationship of the two main characters, Kat and Lee, who are Gamma Raid squadron leaders. They share a bond that lies at the heart of the story as they try to uncover dark plots and secrets infiltrating their galaxy.

I also loved the sci-fi take on radiation. Everything that the adventurers got up to while trying to manage their feelings for each other gave a natural rise and fall to this romantic space opera. The story felt a bit like floating through the beautiful chaos of the stars, teetering on the edge of life and death, wondering if there’s anybody else out there.

[Megggg · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW!

Gamma Raids I was an incredible read. There was so much heart in each character and scene. Multiple times I wanted to just shake Kat and Lee and yell at them to get it together. But this book is more than a budding friends to lovers romance. There is a sense of mystery with the secrets the galaxy holds that had my biting my finger nails. There are elements of hard science and nerdy parts which I absolutely loved. The world and character building are top notch. I felt like I knew each character of the squad.

I literally pre ordered GRII right after I finished GRI. Give me more Kat and Lee adventures ASAP!

[Frankie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride!

This book was so much fun and though I don't normally read science fiction, I ate this one up. There is definitely a lot of drama, mystery, and slow burn tension in this novel. The characters are very real and the plot is definitely very gripping (especially towards the end). It does finish on a cliffhanger, but it has me very excited to read book two and pick up where we left off with Kat and Lee. R. Lynn Hanks has a way with words and I enjoyed the switching between POVs, which always felt fresh and Kat & Lee's POVs were distinguishable and important, so I always felt like I was gaining something from the switch. The worldbuilding is also a ton of fun and I loved getting to feel like a raider trapped in a ship drifting through space!

[Erica Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I love academy books, and space academy is even better. The setting is well done from their cadet POV. We meet Gamma cadets Kat and Lee in their final year. Lee is organized and methodical and Kat is wild and confident. They make a great team and have that best friend energy (and banter) that makes their character dynamic shine.

The supporting cast really enhances (and at times mucks up) that dynamic. The external plot is also compelling and kept me turning pages as much as the romance did. I love a cosmic mystery.

Cannot wait for the next one!

[Keara Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting concept with a thrilling love story. Both Kat and Lee are easily likable characters that move seamlessly through this fantastical world of the Academy. If you enjoy romantic tension, friendships that blossom into more, and action packed scenes, you will definitely enjoy this one.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so well written! It’s kind of like a sci-fi soap opera. I absolutely loved Kat and Lee and their whole crew! I can’t wait to see where the story goes!

[KMart Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This one gave me serious Aurora Cycle vibes in terms of the dynamic between the group and the 'cadet', military-esque school setting. This one is absolutely a friends-to-lovers slow burn. It’s that 'sighing at the clueless love interests' kind of slow burn. The 'they’re meant to be but they’re idiots' kind of slow burn. The 'shaking them because they keep hurting each other' kind of slow burn. And honestly? It works. It’s messy, frustrating, and deeply human; a pretty realistic portrayal of friends falling for each other when timing and circumstances just won’t cooperate.

That said, the characters did act quite young at times, and I definitely rolled my eyes at them more than once. Still, the plot and setting are genuinely cool, with a sci-fi world I’d love to see expanded. The setting and plot were actually more interesting than the characters, honestly, which is rare for me. The central conflict could’ve used a bit more depth, but it feels like there’s more to come in future installments. I'm also hoping for more diversity.

If you like your space operas with emotional chaos, reluctant love, and lots of space drama, this is one to pick up.

Thanks to the author for the prereleased complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Darlene V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m starting to really enjoy sci-fi space opera’s and this story did not disappoint! Lee and Kat are Gamma cadets in an Academy. They are about to finish their Raider program. But first, they will unexpectedly have to save the galaxy! This was a slow burn between close friends with just the right amount of tension and banter. I loved how the author eased me into her world building and it did not feel overwhelming with the amazing attention to detail. I felt like there was good pacing of events leading up to their adventure and it did keep my attention. I am looking forward to seeing what is next and in store for Kat, Lee and the rest of the crew. I did received this as an ARC but these thoughts are my own.

[Rebecca Veight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katt Hanneman and Lee Waters are Gamma cadets, seniors, in the Raider program. Best friends that feel like more but have not admitted it. On a seemingly routine mission to investigate dark radiation, nothing goes as expected and things get even weirder when they return to the Academy. They have stumbled unto a volatile secret that changes everything and may endanger their future and that of the galaxy.

From the first page, we are dropped right into the middle of a planet visit for samples, presenting like we've been in this world all along. Displaying a sort of staccato X canter rhythm, there is a gentle preciseness with glimmers of poetic-like wordplay, embellishing the descriptions. A galaxy-building that meets all the senses. So rich and appetizing you have to stop reading, take it all in, and play it in your head.

A Space academy drama, complete with rivals, competitive games, sci-fi techno-jargon and gadgets. A star system level conspiracy interwoven with danger. The buildup is great, investigative mode and odd occurrences included. I really liked the punch sentences when things got electrifying. Enough Firefly-like humor, bordering on tongue-in-cheek, alongside quips to make Mal & Washburn happy. Best friends awakening to new feelings, of the more romantic nature, I got Dawson's Creek vibes, even more with the emotions running high and spilling on those around them.

She is tough as nails, the snarky X sparky one, he is the kind, considerate, has fallen first and knows it, beautiful sweetheart. Their banter is heart-squeezing and you just wanna go "Awww" in a lot of places. You can feel how comfortable they are with each other bleed through the pages and it renders you cozy too. Simultaneously cozy & exciting seems to be the author's expertise. The dual POV works well for the story and I love being in Kat & Lee's heads, especially witnessing how they see one another. Distinct supporting characters that have their own quirks actually support and/or enhance the story.

I need a little more balance between the teen angst and the raid action (especially in the beginning). Maybe a few of the author's wonderfully inventive objects could have been explained more (uh, spiral showers?). If ponytail being mentioned was a drinking game, I would have been plastered before the middle of the book.

This is a book that champions mutual respect, friendship and finding yourself — trusting in what you can do. It deals with admitting and dealing with your feelings. The tricky balance of who is in the right or is wrong and how everyone feels like they are justified and the hero in their story. This friends-to-lovers, messy, "oh no they didn't" slow burn is a bona fide space adventure that will keep your attention hostage. Cannot wait for the next installment.

[Mallory Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to Gamma Raids I by R. Lynn Hanks for MONTHS, and let me tell you, it DELIVERED!

I remember seeing our FMC, Kat, compared to Aelin Galathynius, and after I finished it—yep, that tracks. The swagger, the confidence, the recklessness. But to balance out Kat’s inner Aelin is the sweetest green-flag MMC, Lee, her best friend and greatest hype man who’s been pining after Kat for years.

Did I want to knock their heads together until they actually talked? Yes. Am I eagerly awaiting whatever comes next in their relationship? I think the better question is, how soon can I get my hands on the next book?

Anyway, I digress. Kat and Lee are space cadets in their final year at the Academy, tracking mysterious dark radiation that’s been eliminating life on worlds across the galaxy. But when they’re thrown together with Kat’s ex (Zane), another promising cadet (Whistler), and a few cadets from lower years, they find themselves at the heart of an intergalactic conspiracy and a massive cover-up that goes all the way to the top.

The science is balanced well with the adventure and the romance. The characters read as true young adults, with all the messiness, heartbreak, drama, and miscommunication that comes when you’re 19 and afraid to admit you’re in love. Their flaws make them human and believable, and even as I screamed at them, I was rooting for them to succeed in their mission and FINALLY get together.

This is an excellent debut, perfect for fans of sci-fi romance, adventure, academia (in space), reckless FMCs with their green-flag MMC’s, and slow-burn friends to lovers romances.

[Lola Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gamma Raids I by R. Lynn Hanks is an engaging start to a new sci-fi romantasy series. The story follows Kat Hanneman and Lee Waters, two cadets finishing their final year at the Raider Academy. What begins as a routine mission quickly escalates into something much larger, putting their futures—and the galaxy—at risk.

What really worked for me was the dynamic between Kat and Lee. Their banter feels alive, and I loved how we get to see both of their perspectives. It made them feel more real, not just as cadets but as young people trying to figure out who they are and what they want. I found myself smiling at their back-and-forth one minute and then holding my breath the next when the stakes got high.

The balance between the sci-fi adventure and the romance was enjoyable. Personally, I would have liked a bit more romance—it’s my own taste—but I really appreciated the tension that was there. The moments between Kat, Lee, and even Zane kept me invested, especially since they had to work together as a team despite the sparks and frictions beneath the surface.

If I had one wish, it would be for a little more time spent on some of the world-building details. The universe feels rich, and I wanted to linger there longer. But the fast pacing also kept the story exciting, so it worked overall.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It offered both the thrill of a space adventure and the warmth of a slow-building romance. I’m already curious to see where Kat and Lee’s journey goes from here.

[T.M. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be warned! This is what I call a 2am book. Meaning I was up until 2am reading because I had to know how it ended!

The world? Insanely developed. This is one of those epic sci-fi romances where the world they live in is as just as developed as the characters. The ship, their society, the science, even the plants... it's all developed and unique. This isn't a romance set in space and called "sci-fi romance." This is a sci-fi world that carries its own stories and happens to follow two characters fighting their feelings.

Which brings me to Kat and Lee. I adored their friendship and how they supported each other but yeah... the entire time I was like "just kiss dang it!" This book makes you work for it though. It doesn't hand you a convenient slide from friendship into love. Nope. It's messy. It's real. They go through challenges. It's what actually happens in life when you're that age. There's no spice in this book but you don't even need it. Their relationship isn't about that, it's about an epic love among the stars with some truly beautiful moments that have you kicking your feet and wishing for your own touching moment in an anti-gravity chamber.

If you like well-developed sci-fi with a romance that doesn't overshadow the story and adventure, but adds to it... You need to read this one!

[B.K. Cavaleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW✨

“Somewhere. Anywhere.”

What a world I dove into and loved every second of it. Never once could I not see, feel, or sense this gorgeous world of being in space the author created! Many of my notes tagged the descriptions as “beautiful” “love it” many times over.

But that wasn’t what had me in a chokehold. Lee and Kat’s dynamic together…woof. You could feel the strain and I wanted to punch them quite a few times. Just saying. But I love characters that make me feel this way, like I need to keep turning pages just to see them together again.

Full of slow burn drama, fun energy, and hot cadets. Hello yummy Zane. Plus a found family that is sweet, funny, and loyal (you all know I’m a sucker for found family) I enjoyed every second of Gamma Raids I!!! And I cannot wait for what kind of adventure and mess Kat will get us into next.

Small piece of advice to Lee: “Just kiss the girl!” Like come on man <—-Actual note.

✨Dual POV, Best Friends to Lovers, Space Academia, Love Geometry, Fun Techno Babble, Found Family.

✨Thank you to the author for gifting me this arc.

✨These are my own thoughts and opinions. Read it for yourself to lean more!

🏷️Space opera, sci-fi romance, new adult books, ya books, romantasy books, book recs, Gamma Raids I

[Payton Balog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat and Lee are best friends in space. Both Gamma Raiders working for the AMG, going to other planets and having adventures, coming up with nicknames for their duo.

They're a great pair.

Kat is a bit of a mess but in the best way, and Lee tends to ground her, steady her. While without Kat, Lee would probably never smile or laugh, or get out of his own head. They're a good balance.

For the entire book, I wanted them to get together. They kept going back and forth, trying to figure out their feelings and what the other was feeling, and if the timing was right.

It was frustrating and I loved it.

The main adventure in this book is awesome too. Kat, Lee, and their squadron go on an assignment having to do with dark radiation and end up finding answers to questions they never thought to ask. Secrets are revealed. Tensions rise. Stakes are raised.

I was on the edge of my seat.

It was a fantastic read with amazing characters, and a romance that will steal your heart and make you want to yell at the couple. But aren't those the best ones?

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Gamma Raids I had all the makings of a heist novel in space, except instead of stealing diamonds from a vault, this crew of space cadets was trying to uncover a secret of galactic proportions that someone was trying very hard to keep hidden.

And then Kat and Lee were trying very hard to pretend they had zero feelings for each other, thank you so much 😂

I had such a fun time reading this space academia novel and getting to know Kat and Lee, as well as all the other lovable characters in their squadron. The academy setting was well thought out, and I loved the little details that made the world feel fleshed out and lived in. (Someone's mom is always going to be selling makeup for an intergalactic MLM--it's a universal truth).

I recommend Gamma Raids I to anyone who loves their sci-fi with a hefty dose of humour, a cast of lovable characters, and a whole lot of yearning.

[C.J. Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun space opera debut is perfect for the NA audience!

Kat and Lee will have you giggling and kicking your feet! Their slow burn, friends-to-something is agonizing in the best way possible. Individually and together, these space cadets are so lovable, as is their crew! (Levy has a special place in my heart.)

Space academia is such a fun concept, and the setting did not disappoint! There is one brief non-explicit scene between two of the characters, which surprised me a little, but did go along with the overall tone of NA space cadet shenanigans. Again, it wasn’t graphic, but it’s something to note if that isn’t for you!

Overall I really enjoyed the team dynamics, watching Kat and Lee come to realize what they mean to each other, and I can’t wait for more adventures from these space cadets!

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been anticipating this book for a while, and I was not disappointed. Gamma Raids I is such a fun read, with a strong "will they/won't they" sweet romance, alongside the main plot regarding a life-threatening galactic secret.

The world building was fantastic. I loved the academy setting, plus the fun activities the cadets did from laser rounds to anti-gravity surfing, and Kat and Lee's relationship was just perfect.

Zane was another great character who gave me both Four (Divergent) and Xaden (Fourth Wing) vibes, and Whistler was like a super charged genius fuelled by wildfire. But Lee was, by far, my favourite character - Book boyfriend alert!!!

This was such a great debut by Hanks, and following that cliff hanger, I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

[Maya Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gamma Raids I is the kind of space adventure that hooks you immediately. Kat and Lee are fun to follow, full of ambition, flaws, and that sizzling tension that makes their dynamic so addictive. What starts as a simple assignment quickly spirals into something much bigger, and the shift from lighthearted excitement to high stakes danger feels smooth and believable.
The blend of romance and space opera works really well. There’s action, emotional conflict, and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. I especially enjoyed how the story balances heart and heroics without ever losing sight of the characters’ personal stakes.
A great start to a series I’m already invested in, where Kat and Lee go from here.

[Ana Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would absolutely recommend this book. It's perfect for any new adult readers and getting a foot into Sci-Fi!

Gamma Raids I is superbly written and is a must read for anyone looking for a casual, fun, relaxed read full of friendship, love, teamwork and yes, doing the right thing to save the universe.

The dialogue is just perfect and realistic. It makes you feel like you're right there with the characters, stuck between their banter.
There's tech and space travel, with lots of cool science to think about.

You'll fall in love with Kat and Lee (and some others!) so go ahead and pick it up!

[Catherine Pafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gamma Raids I is a lively and engaging blend of space opera and slow-burn romance that pulls you in from the first page. R. Lynn Hanks delivers an adventure full of charm, humor, and heart as Kat and Lee stumble into a galaxy-shaping secret that tests their courage, loyalty, and growing connection. The banter is delightful, the worldbuilding has all the wonder of classic sci-fi, and the emotional stakes keep the story moving at a perfect pace. Fans of Firefly and Star Trek will love this fresh, character-driven journey. A fun, heartfelt start to a series that promises even more excitement ahead.

[Ali (bookishalireads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so shocked that this is R.Lynn's debut book. I will say this is outside of my normal books but I absolutely enjoyed it. Lee and Kat were fleshed out characters and the slow burn between them was done well. I wanted them to express their feelings so badly I wanted to yell at them. The world-building and plot were exceptionally well-developed creating a sense of realism and high stakes that kept me engaged. I also loved the friendships in the book, as they gave that feeling of family and closeness. If you enjoy sci-fi romance this is one you need to check out.

[Kyle Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weaving together science fiction and romance isn’t easy, but author R. Lynn Hanks does it well! The emotions of both sides are explored, bringing you into the minds of the characters. There are supporting cast who you end up enjoying along the way as well!
The plot takes a moment to pick up, but once you are in you feel the importance of the story.
The characters are in for more than they bargain for, the tension is present at all times, and unique political systems keep you guessing. 4.5/5 stars for me personally!