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She lost everything but her job. He wants her to risk it all to protect his secret. Can she put aside her fears and start over?

Sylvia Stryker is the least qualified member of the Moon Unit Crew. After what happened on her first cruise, the company owes her a second chance. But when a promotional contest for passengers turns deadly, she’s at risk of repeating past mistakes.

When Sylvia discovers the victim’s relationship to the head of security, she suspects the death was no accident. Exposing clues would be easy if the close proximity to Venus wasn’t interfering with her ability to focus! The planet heightens everybody’s emotions, and this is no time for amorous inclinations to get in the way.

Can Sylvia ignore her growing physical attraction to her boss to catch a killer?

I’m Your Venus is the second book in the unique Space Case Cozy Mystery series. If you like quirky characters, out-of-this-world settings, and questionable science, you’ll love Diane Vallere’s Space Case cozy series.

Buy I’m Your Venus and fall in love with uniform lieutenant Sylvia Stryker today!

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First published August 21, 2018

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About the author

Diane Vallere

86 books1,016 followers
Request MY NIGHTMARE IS YOURS on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.

AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
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YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Mark Baker.
2,421 reviews208 followers
October 18, 2018
Sylvia Stryker has landed a job on the new Moon 6. Again, she's in charge of the uniform department, but this time she's legitimately on the ship. Neptune is also on board this cruise, with the destination being Venus. Everyone is determined to make things go smoothly for the passengers. However, the ship has barely set out when Sylvia finds a dead body outside the uniform department's door. Then Neptune comes to her with a surprising plea for help. Can she figure out what is going on?

Yes, this book has a science fiction setting, but it is still mostly a mystery. In fact, the setting is developed just enough for us to feel at home, but the story doesn't stop to explain every little detail to us. Still, there are some fun nod to pop culture science fiction and some of the tech they do have in this book would be very cool. There are a trio of characters we spent a lot of time with, and they are the best developed. The rest of the cast is still strong enough for the parts they play in what happens. The plot is quite a ride, with plenty of keep us engaged and the pages flying. I read the book in just two days, in fact. I do feel like some of the character's actions over the course of the book weren't completely explained at the end, but that is my only complaint. I'm looking forward to getting to book three as soon as my schedule allows to see how some of the threads introduced here play out.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,807 reviews12 followers
August 21, 2018
This is a fun, and entertaining book that I didn’t want to put down. This siory kept me on the edge of my seat in suspense and anticipation. I enjoyed following along as the mystery was unraveled. A great story.
Profile Image for 3 no 7.
751 reviews24 followers
September 29, 2018
“I’m Your Venus” by Diane Vallere is the second intergalactic adventure in the “Sylvia Stryker Space Case” series. It is not necessary to have read the previous book to enjoy this one, but the series is fun and quick to read, so new readers might want to pick up first book as well.

The story is told as a first person narrative by Lieutenant second class Sylvia Stryker, and she shares her reminisces of the previous book to fill things in for new readers as well as her thoughts, observations, hopes, and anxieties about the current trip, the current crew, and life in general. Lt. Stryker is an employee of Moon Unit Corporation, a giant in the tourist industry taking advantage of that sense of adventure to send its customers to the far reaches of the galaxy on journeys of exploration and vacation. Her job is uniforms, and she plans an uneventful trip.

The company struggled after the unfortunate occurrences on the previous Moon Unit excursion. This trip on Moon Unit 6, the latest and most advanced spaceship in the company’s fleet, was heralded with an intense public relations campaign and a sweepstakes that promised the winners “the adventure of a lifetime.” The ship is docked, and the winners and their families are gathered by the boarding station. Thus, the customers, the contest winners, and the readers are ready to embark on a trip to Venus. Stryker is hard at work in the in Uniform ward.
“I’m an expert on all things uniform. The biggest problem I plan to deal with is keeping the crew in clean uniforms. Maybe somebody will spill something and challenge me with a stain. Other than that, I’m just a girl looking for a free trip to Venus.”

Of course, things go wrong right from the start. The noise of the parting celebration on the observation deck is drowned out by an explosion on the docking deck below. The routine yet potentially perilous trip to Venus begins with a bang.

This is a relaxed, cozy book with some trauma, a little drama, and some romance. All the cute and not so cute creatures make appearances, and of course, the evil Martians are thrown in because they are just everywhere. The characters have universal appeal in a familiar, crazy, mixed-up, outer space way but with glitter.

I received a copy of “I’m Your Venus” from Diane Vallere and Polyester Press. It is entertaining book with some mystery but no headache-inducing stress. We know more adventures are yet to come. After all, don’t we all need sparkles on our skin sometimes?
Profile Image for frootbatte.
51 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2021
Thank your for writing this. It really made my day. It’s so hard to find good books that handle slow burns well. Or in the way I want them to go. I felt properly blue balled and have never wanted two characters together so badly. Really appreciate this series as a star trek fangirl too. Can’t wait to read the next book!!!

I love Neptune and Sylvia. My new OTP!!!
Profile Image for Richard.
85 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2018
I just finished “I’m Your Venus”, the latest entry in the “Space Case” series by Diane Vallere, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first book. All of the characters I liked in the first book have returned, including Neptune, the head of security, Sylvia, the uniform officer slash moonlighting security officer, Pika, the mischievous stowaway, and Doc Edison, the, um, doctor. The gang is back on another Moon Trek, heading to Venus, and hoping to erase the disastrous vibes from the previous Trek but unfortunately, another passenger dies, an even more high-profile death than last time.

It once again falls to Sylvia to figure out who the murderer is while avoiding being murdered herself and this time she has the support of the ship’s crew but the passengers are a different story. The Martians are worse than after school bullies, and the rest of the voyagers are becoming overly amorous the closer they come to Venus. It was lots of fun to spend more time with these characters and seeing the dropped breadcrumbs that are leading to the inevitable family reunion in the third book.

There was a point I’m not as thrilled by though. There seems to be a romantic attraction between Sylvia and Neptune whereas I was hoping their connection would be more of a mentorship and friendship. I’m not a fan of every guy and girl flirting and hooking up just because that’s what normally happens in a story. It would be nice to see some different dynamics between people. It’s probably just me and my affection for the Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin relationship in Peter O’Donnell’s adventure series but not everything needs to be a potentially romantic situation. Still, if Neptune and Sylvia do end up together I won’t hate it, it just won’t surprise me.

This was a nice entry in the trilogy (?) and I’m eager to spend more time with the characters. I like that Sylvia is in control and self-sufficient, Neptune is a shrewd and stoic slab of muscle who has depths still waiting to be plumbed, and the secondary characters are enjoyable as well (although I hope that Pika doesn’t devolve into being a Bat Mite annoyance to the grown-ups in the book.) I curious to see how everything gets wrapped up in the next book. I have some guesses as to what will happen but I might be wrong. That is the fun of reading a mystery – you don’t know if you have everything figured out until the last chapter is done.
Profile Image for Nate.
426 reviews28 followers
August 24, 2018
The Sylvia Stryker cozy mystery series is like nothing out there. It is set in outer space and reads like a fast paced action filled episode of your favorite Sci Fi Tv Show or movie. The pure enjoyment and imagination in this book, which is book two, takes you on Moon Unit 6. Moon Unit 6 is like a space cruise and we are reacquainted with Sylvia Stryker who is the Uniform Lieutenant on board Moon Unit 6. After some bad press with Moon Unit 5 the Moon Unit owners have a contest and pick a contest winner hours after the voyage to Venus begins the contest winner Xina is found by Sylvia, Murdered. It is up to Sylvia with her friends Zeke, Pika and Neptune to find out who killed Xina and why.
This book is insanely well plotted and with every Diane Vallere book it is fantastically written. Diane has a way with creating strong female characters and creating intrigue. They are well written and well worth time and money. You will never be disappointed with any of her books and I’m Your Venus is no exception.
Synopsis: When Sylvia Stryker boards Moon Unit 6 as uniform lieutenant, it’s with an eye on the future. After space pirates destroyed her life, the trek to Venus provides a fresh start. But when the winner of the promotional contest designed to hype the trip is found dead outside the uniform ward, sleuthing takes top priority.
The amorous effect of Venus on the already frisky passengers threaten to compromise the investigation—not to mention the victim’s secret relationship with Sylvia’s boss. Forward thinking, back channels, and distractions on the side lead Sylvia on a pulse-pounding probe that exposes a murderer along with the surprising truth about her past.

I received an ARC from the author and chose to write a fair and honest review
Profile Image for Susan.
614 reviews12 followers
August 25, 2018
"I'm Your Venus" is another exciting adventure in Vallere's Sylvia Stryker cozy mystery series. The more that I read in this series, the more that I really like it. Sylvia is on a new assignment as the rightful Uniform Lieutenant on a new ship, but as usual trouble seems to follow her. When the winner of a contest is murder and dropped in Sylvia's path, she has no choice but to try and solve this latest mystery.

Vallere does a great job with developing the Sylvia character further in this latest adventure with Sylvia having learned so much from her first adventure. I also loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back again like Neptune and especially Pika. Vallere also introduces some great new characters that add to the story. "I'm Your Venus" captures the reader's attention from the very beginning and never lets go. The book is full of many twists and turns, and I loved how Vallere opened up even new mysteries for Sylvia's next adventure. Overall "I'm Your Venus" is a great read that I would most definitely recommend, and I can't wait to check out Sylvia's next adventure.

Received a copy of "I'm your Venus" from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,946 reviews45 followers
September 2, 2018
Sylvia Stryker is ready for Moon Unit 6 to take off for Venus. This time everything is all legal and aboveboard, and she is ready to do her job. Unfortunately it doesn't take long for things to go wrong-including finding Pika being attacked by Martians, and a dead body by the laundry cart outside of Sylvia's laundry. The fact that the body is that of the contest winner and Neptune's sister only makes things worse. How does Sylvia get in these predicaments???

Diane Vallere has written the second book in this out of this world series, and it has some old and some new characters. Diane never ceases to amaze me with her ability to create a space ship and characters from all different planets. From names to occupations to character traits, the reader is kept guessing throughout the book. One thing you do not have to guess however, is whether or not the book will be good. Anything and everything she writes is a treat to read with plenty of action and excitement. If you missed the first book in the series (Fly Me To The Moon)pick up a copy and read that first, because the books are more fun when read in order!
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,193 reviews46 followers
August 24, 2018
I had so much fun reading the first book in this series and couldn't wait for the next one! As soon as I'm Your Venus came out, I started reading it and what a delight it was!

It was great catching up with Sylvia and the crew, Neptune and Pika included. It was nice learning a little more about Neptune, but there's still quite a bit of mystery surrounding him which makes me eager to find out even more about him.

The mystery had lots of twists and turns and it was fun trying to figure it out alongside Sylvia.

I'm Your Venus was a fun and quirky cozy mystery set in space that I absolutely adored. I can't wait for book three! I highly recommend!
128 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2022
So much fun

Sylvia is back in the wardrobe department on the next Moon Unit cruise. Throw in mean Martians, Pika, Neptune (with secrets) and a murder victim not who she seems, and you have a tight mystery with interesting turns. Jack Stryker makes a quick appearance and he's not who Sylvia thought. This novel was a real page turner and kept me so invested that I didn't put it down until I'd finished. You'll love this space mystery series. It has great characters and twisty plots. Can't wait to begin the next book!
18 reviews
January 29, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable

I enjoyed this second mission in the Sylvia Stryker series. I won’t pretend to have followed all of her Plunian logic because logic is not my strong suit, but I was very invested in her strength and heart throughout. I’m a bit behind others in reading this so I am going to plunge immediately into the third book. These are not your conventional cozies, but they are cozy and comfortable.
Profile Image for Robyn .
482 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2018
Sylvia Stryker and the crew are back! I loved to learn about the character's back stories, the explanations of why they do certain things, and act the way they do. This story had a lot of exciting twists that I didn't see coming. The surprises were plentiful. I was glued to the book, and the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book and series, and I can't wait to read the next one!
49 reviews
August 22, 2018
I didn’t think I’d enjoy a mystery set in outer space...but I was wrong. This fun-filled romp through the galaxy kept me turning pages late into the night. Great plot, amusing characters and the author’s delightful style make this one a fun read. I received a free copy of this book and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
1,453 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2018
This is the first book that I have read in this series. I wasn't sure that I would like it at first. But the story won me over!

Sylvia Stryker has a lovely purple skin tone. She's an overtrained laundry crew member on this flight and quickly moves over to security. The story has lots of twists and turns. Enjoy!

I received an ARC from the author and chose to write a fair and honest review
64 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2018
This is the second book in this terrific series. I couldn't believe it when I looked down and saw that I was already 94% of the way through the book. Now I have to sit on the edge of my seat bouncing my leg and drumming my fingers while I wait for the next one to be released. Please don't stop there with this series.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
717 reviews
February 19, 2019
The cover describes it as a “cosy mystery set in outer space” but it is so much more. Takes the basic locked room mystery to a whole new level. Unstoppable action with interesting characters and unique situations leading to numerous surprise reveals. Love the inside joke about a red shirt uniform in the ship’s morgue!
501 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2020
A fun series, about a perky purple alien, working on a planetary cruise ship. In book 2, Sylvia continues to get in and out of trouble the entire time. We get to see more of her friends. New planet/air issues crop up. Martians show their true colors. Find out more. A great escape book to read during the pandemic. Each book in the series (4 so far) has been a delight.
Profile Image for Dr susan.
3,150 reviews53 followers
May 17, 2021
Excellent sci fi adventure

The world building is great, the characters are fascinating, the aliens are well done, and the story is riveting. Bad things happen. In Venus, Sylvia is again prevented from maintaining uniforms by the unexpected undercurrents on Moon Unit 6. I'm definitely enjoying this series.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2022
Outerspace Black Ops
This is the second in a series of space based cozy mysteries. There is more than a little resemblance to the Star Trek concept. The mystery is great with several options at each turn. The reader finds things out when the main character does and it never gets boring I am enjoying binge reading these books and am off to read the next one.
Profile Image for Gabrielle David.
212 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2019
Far out

Sylvia Stryker is again faced with a body in space, people who aren’t what they seem, and glitter. Some are easier to deal with than others.
I’m enjoying this space cozy immensely and look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Bonnie Fournier.
464 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2023
A fun read

These books are geared toward young adults however, I’m really enjoying them the first time I read the first book. I found it boring and I guess I’m in a better mood because now I’ve read book 2 and I’m going onto book 3 fun stories. Good characters.
80 reviews
October 25, 2024
Terrific

I greatly enjoyed this book. It has all the elements: Science Fiction, adventure, mystery, conspiracies, and crime. Sylvia Striker learns not every thing she thought was true. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,461 reviews89 followers
August 20, 2018
Allow a full day for this lovely space romp with a few scary moments. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
379 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2020
I rather like this series, but I really hope they're done with the rapey Martians. That is not what I would expect from a cozy mystery series.
894 reviews
January 9, 2021
Another great entry in this series of books. Stryker and Neptune make a great team in security and may be developing into more than co-workers. Will be interesting to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Paul.
244 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2021
Whodunit but set in space. Read on a beach for maximum enjoyment/expectation management.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews