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The Blood-Light Trilogy #1
The Connection
Beatrice Walker thought she lived in a normal world—that is until she learned she’s a living hostel for an alien energy source, and apparently the answer to preventing extinction.
Bea has no memory of her last moments with her mother. The week they’d gone missing is a complete mystery. Suddenly moved back to her hometown with her father, Bea has rekindled her friendship with her two best friends—and seems to have caught the attention of an arrogant, yet gorgeous boy named Cash Kingston. But there’s more to Cash than his annoying attitude and good looks. Cash isn’t human, and he’s now in charge of protecting Bea from those who know what she keeps safe inside her: the energy source that once belonged to his murdered girlfriend.
Tensions mount as Bea learns her energy source must be paired with the one Cash holds to protect both their planets from an imminent threat. But what Bea doesn’t realize is there’s more to her than being a human host, that her feelings for Cash are not just a prophetic plan that will save their planets, and that the fate of everything lies in her choices.
Bea has no memory of her last moments with her mother. The week they’d gone missing is a complete mystery. Suddenly moved back to her hometown with her father, Bea has rekindled her friendship with her two best friends—and seems to have caught the attention of an arrogant, yet gorgeous boy named Cash Kingston. But there’s more to Cash than his annoying attitude and good looks. Cash isn’t human, and he’s now in charge of protecting Bea from those who know what she keeps safe inside her: the energy source that once belonged to his murdered girlfriend.
Tensions mount as Bea learns her energy source must be paired with the one Cash holds to protect both their planets from an imminent threat. But what Bea doesn’t realize is there’s more to her than being a human host, that her feelings for Cash are not just a prophetic plan that will save their planets, and that the fate of everything lies in her choices.
241 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2020
About the author
Dana Claire
10 books339 followersDana Claire is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure. But her writing career didn’t begin when she published her first book, The Connection, in 2020. It started when she was a young girl when her mother, an elementary school teacher, inspired her to create imaginary worlds between the pages.
Dana’s love of romantic tension, the supernatural and non-stop action has elicited very positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. But it’s not just readers who love her; literary critics have also taken note, and Dana was given the Children’s Moonbeam award for The Connection in 2021, and The Pen Craft Award for The War of the Sea in 2023.
Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created one page at a time.
Dana’s love of romantic tension, the supernatural and non-stop action has elicited very positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. But it’s not just readers who love her; literary critics have also taken note, and Dana was given the Children’s Moonbeam award for The Connection in 2021, and The Pen Craft Award for The War of the Sea in 2023.
Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created one page at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
January 14, 2021
I didn’t think I had it in me to thirst for an alien, but the year is 2021 and it’s already off to a surprising start.
THE CONNECTION is a YA sci-fi told in the dual perspective of Bea and Cash. Bea is a human girl living a normal high-school girl’s life—or so she believes. In truth, Bea is the vessel of an energy source from Ferro, a foreign planet, and Cash (who comes from Ferro) is tasked to keep her safe in order to save both Earth and Ferro from extinction. Together, Cash and Bea must uncover the mystery of why Bea’s mother has helped implant the energy source in Bea and much, much more. But to find out, you’ll have to read the book!
I was very happy with the pacing of this story. It was fast, filled with enough action, twists and banter to make it a gripping and enjoyable page-turner. As a lover of intricate political politics, I loved learning more and more about the characters on Earth as well as Ferro and the way these two planets connected. I’m particularly curious about the politics of Ferro, and I can’t wait to learn more about Cash’s background and his family. Where there is drama, there is Chiara, and this family has lots of it in store!
My favorite part, however, were the two main characters. The first few chapters in which Bea and Cash meet gave me major Twilight vibes, just with more banter and less stalking. I loved their bickering, their tension, but also the way they learned to understand and listen to one another. I may have liked to see more of the friendship part of their relationship before they realized they had feelings for one another, but I loved how their relationship played out regardless…and here too, I sense drama on the horizon. Cliffhangers will do that, right? Dana Claire is not going to be kind on my heart in the next books.
I also really loved them as individual characters. High school protagonists are often immature, but Bea showed a maturity that was beyond her age. Despite the distress of the discoveries she makes along the way, she always faced problems with bravery, determinations and brains! I loved how she refused to be reduced to a damsel in her story and took action. We love a determined woman!
On his part, Cash was just delightful. Apart from being a handsome thirst trap for my delicate heart, his spunk blended perfectly with his tormented emotions. Cash is the sort of man who wears his heart on his sleeve and those are always my favorites!
So in short, I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one. I definitely recommend it to YA readers, especially those who love a good romance and enjoy a sci-fi setting.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of THE COLLECTION to review!
THE CONNECTION is a YA sci-fi told in the dual perspective of Bea and Cash. Bea is a human girl living a normal high-school girl’s life—or so she believes. In truth, Bea is the vessel of an energy source from Ferro, a foreign planet, and Cash (who comes from Ferro) is tasked to keep her safe in order to save both Earth and Ferro from extinction. Together, Cash and Bea must uncover the mystery of why Bea’s mother has helped implant the energy source in Bea and much, much more. But to find out, you’ll have to read the book!
I was very happy with the pacing of this story. It was fast, filled with enough action, twists and banter to make it a gripping and enjoyable page-turner. As a lover of intricate political politics, I loved learning more and more about the characters on Earth as well as Ferro and the way these two planets connected. I’m particularly curious about the politics of Ferro, and I can’t wait to learn more about Cash’s background and his family. Where there is drama, there is Chiara, and this family has lots of it in store!
My favorite part, however, were the two main characters. The first few chapters in which Bea and Cash meet gave me major Twilight vibes, just with more banter and less stalking. I loved their bickering, their tension, but also the way they learned to understand and listen to one another. I may have liked to see more of the friendship part of their relationship before they realized they had feelings for one another, but I loved how their relationship played out regardless…and here too, I sense drama on the horizon. Cliffhangers will do that, right? Dana Claire is not going to be kind on my heart in the next books.
I also really loved them as individual characters. High school protagonists are often immature, but Bea showed a maturity that was beyond her age. Despite the distress of the discoveries she makes along the way, she always faced problems with bravery, determinations and brains! I loved how she refused to be reduced to a damsel in her story and took action. We love a determined woman!
On his part, Cash was just delightful. Apart from being a handsome thirst trap for my delicate heart, his spunk blended perfectly with his tormented emotions. Cash is the sort of man who wears his heart on his sleeve and those are always my favorites!
So in short, I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one. I definitely recommend it to YA readers, especially those who love a good romance and enjoy a sci-fi setting.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of THE COLLECTION to review!
January 14, 2021
The Connection had me hooked from the start with a fast paced whirlwind of teenage hormones that kept my eyes glued to the page! If you like sizzling chemistry full of angst and enemies-to-lovers trope this read is definitely for you.
It reads more like a romance with sci-fi undertones. It focuses on the dynamic between Cash and Bea, who can't stand each other but are attracted to one another. Cash is from another planet, with super strength and unnatural powers and who luckily happens to be the most good looking guy at school. The story reads in both points of view so we have a deeper insight into both characters. The characters act in a very childish and funny way, sort of like "Oh hell no you didn't!" dialogue dynamics. Their banter was very fun and enjoyable to read!
The worldbuilding has a lot of potential to expand, I found myself wanting to know more about the Ferro planet and their race. I was eager to uncover the truth behind Bea, why was she a carrier of the source? What were her moms motives? How is this all linked to Sera? There were lots of plot twists throughout the entire story, the fast pacing is definitely one of the highlights of the novel! I will be here daydreaming of Cash until I get my hands on the next books!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
It reads more like a romance with sci-fi undertones. It focuses on the dynamic between Cash and Bea, who can't stand each other but are attracted to one another. Cash is from another planet, with super strength and unnatural powers and who luckily happens to be the most good looking guy at school. The story reads in both points of view so we have a deeper insight into both characters. The characters act in a very childish and funny way, sort of like "Oh hell no you didn't!" dialogue dynamics. Their banter was very fun and enjoyable to read!
The worldbuilding has a lot of potential to expand, I found myself wanting to know more about the Ferro planet and their race. I was eager to uncover the truth behind Bea, why was she a carrier of the source? What were her moms motives? How is this all linked to Sera? There were lots of plot twists throughout the entire story, the fast pacing is definitely one of the highlights of the novel! I will be here daydreaming of Cash until I get my hands on the next books!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Want to read
January 10, 2021Why do I have a thing for hot aliens? totally not the crushing sense of idio-
January 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
I don't normally read books where one of the main character's suffers a loss of a boyfriend/girlfriend before meeting their counterpart, but I got intrigued by the synopsis and the fact that it has sexy aliens (you can thank Jennifer L. Armentrout and her Lux series for my love of extraterrestrial creatures).
The Connetion is full of mystery and each chapter presents more questions than answers. The story is told from dual POV, one being that of Cash Kingston, creature from another planet, and Beatrice Walker, seemingly ordinary human girl. Cash hates Beatrice on sight just because of what was put inside of her by her mother but despite all he is forced to protect her. Beatrice is attracted to Cash before he even speaks, but once he does she realizes that he is huge douche. There is no love lost between these two from the get go, but despite their mutual dislike for one another they are still very much attracted to each other. It was interesting to see their relationship develop into something more.
I felt really sorry for Bea because she has been kept in the dark about so many things and information has been suddenly thrown at her from all sides. But despite it all she managed to keep a level head and has shown great deal of inner strength, and if there is anything I like, it's strong heroines. She is being pursued by both the alien race and a secret organisation and while she has some minor freak out, she definitely knows how to keep calm under pressure.
Cash is the kind of hero I adore, an asshole with a soft side. Despite his dislike for Bea, he would do anything so no harm is done to her. He liked to pick fights just to get reaction out of people but you can really tell that he cares about his sister and friends. He is put in a very difficult position by Bea's mom and I really can understand his initial dislike for the girl that harbors something important to him inside of her.
I really liked all the side characters, even the bitchy ones. I enjoyed how despite not liking Bea at first they all somehow got over their differences and became friends. That being said, while I am happy they all managed to find a way to each other, I found it a bit unrealistic how Bea and Sammy, the bitchy girl/alien, hated each other one second and were doing each other's nails the next. Sammy really, really hated Bea and I would like to have seen the transition from them being enemies to them being friends. It was one of the things that irked me. It looked like their friendship happened over night.
Another thing that didn't sit will with me was that the story at times seemed inconsistent. Maybe it is just me, but the first chapter is told from Cash's POV and we are told events from "one week before". The second chapter is told from Beatrice's POV and we are thrown into the present time. At times it felt like more than a week passed from the events in the first chapter, just from the way the characters were sometimes talking. I actually had to go back to the first chapter couple of times and check if it was just my imagination or whether it truly told events from only one week earlier. Not to mention that in the first chapter we find out that Cash's long time alien girlfriend, who he was supposedly madly in love with, has been killed and mere weeks later he develops strong feelings for Beatrice. It just did not feel realistic to me.
The story is action packed and by the end of it, we are still left with a lot of questions. The book is left on somewhat a cliffhanger and I am both looking forward to and dreading the second book in the series.
I don't normally read books where one of the main character's suffers a loss of a boyfriend/girlfriend before meeting their counterpart, but I got intrigued by the synopsis and the fact that it has sexy aliens (you can thank Jennifer L. Armentrout and her Lux series for my love of extraterrestrial creatures).
The Connetion is full of mystery and each chapter presents more questions than answers. The story is told from dual POV, one being that of Cash Kingston, creature from another planet, and Beatrice Walker, seemingly ordinary human girl. Cash hates Beatrice on sight just because of what was put inside of her by her mother but despite all he is forced to protect her. Beatrice is attracted to Cash before he even speaks, but once he does she realizes that he is huge douche. There is no love lost between these two from the get go, but despite their mutual dislike for one another they are still very much attracted to each other. It was interesting to see their relationship develop into something more.
I felt really sorry for Bea because she has been kept in the dark about so many things and information has been suddenly thrown at her from all sides. But despite it all she managed to keep a level head and has shown great deal of inner strength, and if there is anything I like, it's strong heroines. She is being pursued by both the alien race and a secret organisation and while she has some minor freak out, she definitely knows how to keep calm under pressure.
Cash is the kind of hero I adore, an asshole with a soft side. Despite his dislike for Bea, he would do anything so no harm is done to her. He liked to pick fights just to get reaction out of people but you can really tell that he cares about his sister and friends. He is put in a very difficult position by Bea's mom and I really can understand his initial dislike for the girl that harbors something important to him inside of her.
I really liked all the side characters, even the bitchy ones. I enjoyed how despite not liking Bea at first they all somehow got over their differences and became friends. That being said, while I am happy they all managed to find a way to each other, I found it a bit unrealistic how Bea and Sammy, the bitchy girl/alien, hated each other one second and were doing each other's nails the next. Sammy really, really hated Bea and I would like to have seen the transition from them being enemies to them being friends. It was one of the things that irked me. It looked like their friendship happened over night.
Another thing that didn't sit will with me was that the story at times seemed inconsistent. Maybe it is just me, but the first chapter is told from Cash's POV and we are told events from "one week before". The second chapter is told from Beatrice's POV and we are thrown into the present time. At times it felt like more than a week passed from the events in the first chapter, just from the way the characters were sometimes talking. I actually had to go back to the first chapter couple of times and check if it was just my imagination or whether it truly told events from only one week earlier. Not to mention that in the first chapter we find out that Cash's long time alien girlfriend, who he was supposedly madly in love with, has been killed and mere weeks later he develops strong feelings for Beatrice. It just did not feel realistic to me.
The story is action packed and by the end of it, we are still left with a lot of questions. The book is left on somewhat a cliffhanger and I am both looking forward to and dreading the second book in the series.
January 20, 2021
I hardly ever gravitate towards books that involve extraterrestrial, I was pleasantly surprised with this title! I was happy the author presented me to this title!
The Connection's plot was one that lures you and keeps you hanging on! I usually dont connect very well with the multiple POV, but the author does a great job building the characters along with their personalities and traits. The enemies to lovers essence is definitely my favorite part, I love the angst between the MCs. I totally recommend this book for readers that love romance!
I loved learning about Cash, Bea was pretty fun too.. it truly reminded me of the highschool vibe between twilight and roswell (Yes I am that old haha).. I loved the evolution of Bea, with everything going on she stood her ground, she wasnt the typical highschooler that would give into the first boy that winks at her. I would love to learn more about Cash and his crew. He's so interesting to me his suave and *sexy whistle* demeanor.
I am a huge fan of banter and this had a perfect amount of it! Im a huge fan of fast pace world, this book had that aspect. I would have loved to learn more about the planet, I am so intrigued! Plot twists you ask?! oh yea the author has us aboard this rollercoaster, about the reality of Bea (no spoilers, but its a juicy tea lol). I look forward to learning more and getting more views on the sexy Cash, if you know what I mean *wink wink*.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy! This was a great way to start the year and have this newfound love for alien stories! *heart eyes*
The Connection's plot was one that lures you and keeps you hanging on! I usually dont connect very well with the multiple POV, but the author does a great job building the characters along with their personalities and traits. The enemies to lovers essence is definitely my favorite part, I love the angst between the MCs. I totally recommend this book for readers that love romance!
I loved learning about Cash, Bea was pretty fun too.. it truly reminded me of the highschool vibe between twilight and roswell (Yes I am that old haha).. I loved the evolution of Bea, with everything going on she stood her ground, she wasnt the typical highschooler that would give into the first boy that winks at her. I would love to learn more about Cash and his crew. He's so interesting to me his suave and *sexy whistle* demeanor.
I am a huge fan of banter and this had a perfect amount of it! Im a huge fan of fast pace world, this book had that aspect. I would have loved to learn more about the planet, I am so intrigued! Plot twists you ask?! oh yea the author has us aboard this rollercoaster, about the reality of Bea (no spoilers, but its a juicy tea lol). I look forward to learning more and getting more views on the sexy Cash, if you know what I mean *wink wink*.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy! This was a great way to start the year and have this newfound love for alien stories! *heart eyes*
May 18, 2021
The Connection by Dana Claire
I was given a copy if this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this book. I did find similarities between this and the Lux series that I was a bit concerned about in the beginning, but, this book went in a different direction.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I felt the MC had an exciting combination of teenage angst mixed with maturity. The male MC was everything we normally look for dark, handsome and brooding.
The book moved a bit fast paced in some areas that surprised me as I'm used to these topics being drawn out. It was a bit refreshing for the story to move on in a different manner.
The ending was surprising and several things I didn't see coming. I immediately jumped into book 2, The Awakening.
I was given a copy if this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this book. I did find similarities between this and the Lux series that I was a bit concerned about in the beginning, but, this book went in a different direction.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I felt the MC had an exciting combination of teenage angst mixed with maturity. The male MC was everything we normally look for dark, handsome and brooding.
The book moved a bit fast paced in some areas that surprised me as I'm used to these topics being drawn out. It was a bit refreshing for the story to move on in a different manner.
The ending was surprising and several things I didn't see coming. I immediately jumped into book 2, The Awakening.
April 5, 2021
This is the kind of book that you just can't put down till it's finished, so I am so happy to know that it's only the first in a series! 'The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection,' by Dana Claire is top tier YA with a splash of science fiction and a dash of romance. I loved every minute of this one!
Here's the story: Beatrice and Cash are both kind of the new kids in school. Beatrice is still recovering from her mother's unexpected death and Cash is...well, Cash is a little different. When Bea first meets him, she is mostly just irritated by his abrasive personality. Although, she is also distinctly aware that he is very, very handsome. But good looks or no, Bea decides to stay away from Cash Kingston as much as she can.
That is until she arrives home to find him having an obviously tense conversation with her father and discovers that Cash, his sister and his family friends are all aliens from another planet. Now Beatrice is embroiled in an intergalactic plot that she wants no part of, and is forced to put up with the otherworldly handsome and annoying boy from her school who suddenly decides to serve as her bodyguard. But Cash has another secret, and when it is revealed it just might be the thing that brings the couple together—or tears them apart forever.
This is a terrific first book in what I can only assume will be an equally terrific series. I can't wait to read more from this author and find out what happens to these characters next. Beatrice and Cash's romance was sexy, sweet and adorable all at once. Exactly what I look for in a YA romance and I loved every interaction between them. I highly recommend giving this one a read!
Here's the story: Beatrice and Cash are both kind of the new kids in school. Beatrice is still recovering from her mother's unexpected death and Cash is...well, Cash is a little different. When Bea first meets him, she is mostly just irritated by his abrasive personality. Although, she is also distinctly aware that he is very, very handsome. But good looks or no, Bea decides to stay away from Cash Kingston as much as she can.
That is until she arrives home to find him having an obviously tense conversation with her father and discovers that Cash, his sister and his family friends are all aliens from another planet. Now Beatrice is embroiled in an intergalactic plot that she wants no part of, and is forced to put up with the otherworldly handsome and annoying boy from her school who suddenly decides to serve as her bodyguard. But Cash has another secret, and when it is revealed it just might be the thing that brings the couple together—or tears them apart forever.
This is a terrific first book in what I can only assume will be an equally terrific series. I can't wait to read more from this author and find out what happens to these characters next. Beatrice and Cash's romance was sexy, sweet and adorable all at once. Exactly what I look for in a YA romance and I loved every interaction between them. I highly recommend giving this one a read!
January 16, 2021
3.5
A couple of questions. Did this book suck me in? Yes. Did it remind me of Twilight and yet was also unique? Yes and yes. Was there swearing? Yes and I did not love it. Am I curious where the heck this series will go? Yes!
Over-all this was an interesting world and an interesting start of a series. I couldn’t fully love Cash. I don’t know why? He just wasn’t that likable, which I think is the point. I wish there would of been more friendship building between Cash and Bea. I felt like she went from hating him to loving him within a page. I would of liked to have seen him soften more towards her. We only really saw that in the last few pages of the book. It’s clearly a series and that is what drives me nuts about series! I did enjoy all the side characters, a lot. Her non alien friends were awesome. Did anyone else just feel bad for her Dad??
I think this book could of been five stars for me with a few adjustments to the overall story, less swearing and taking the Lords name in vein. What can I say? I’m a Christian who loves a good clean exciting read!
Great premier book for this author!
A couple of questions. Did this book suck me in? Yes. Did it remind me of Twilight and yet was also unique? Yes and yes. Was there swearing? Yes and I did not love it. Am I curious where the heck this series will go? Yes!
Over-all this was an interesting world and an interesting start of a series. I couldn’t fully love Cash. I don’t know why? He just wasn’t that likable, which I think is the point. I wish there would of been more friendship building between Cash and Bea. I felt like she went from hating him to loving him within a page. I would of liked to have seen him soften more towards her. We only really saw that in the last few pages of the book. It’s clearly a series and that is what drives me nuts about series! I did enjoy all the side characters, a lot. Her non alien friends were awesome. Did anyone else just feel bad for her Dad??
I think this book could of been five stars for me with a few adjustments to the overall story, less swearing and taking the Lords name in vein. What can I say? I’m a Christian who loves a good clean exciting read!
Great premier book for this author!
January 14, 2021
I admit I’m still relatively new to stories about aliens, so I’m always very eager for the opportunity to read one. Being someone who believes that the universe is too vast for it to be populated only by us human beings, I love seeing how people interpret something fictional that may very well be real in some far corner of the galaxy. The possibilities are endless.
The Connection was one of such stories. It follows Bea, a seemingly normal high school girl, and Cash, a (very hot) alien from Ferro who inhabits a human vessel. Cash is tasked with the protection of Bea, who unknowingly hosts an energy source that in certain circumstances could lead to the end of both Earth and Ferro. What circumstances might those be? You’ll have to read to find out!
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book. There was just enough action and mystery that I felt like there was never a dull moment. I, for one, am a sucker for mysteries. (One would think I’d read more mystery novels, right? Wrong.) Whenever I get the possibility to read about one in my usual reads, I live. *insert Mushu gif* I was instantly curious about the one concerning Faye, Bea’s mother whom everyone believes has disappeared. Faye is a woman with many secrets, and Bea has no memories of her last moments with her mother before their accident. This allowed for a lot of investigating and picking up clues along the way, which made my wheels turn to consider the possible connections. Long story short, I had fun.
The story was further helped by the incredible banter between Bea and Cash. Banter that is soon tied with sexual tension. There’s nothing quite like the threat of destroying the universe as we know it (or at least, how it’s known in the book) to cock-block two characters you’re just dying to see end up together. There was a particular scene between Bea and Cash that was *chef’s kiss*. Perfect. I do see even more drama in the horizon, which simultaneously breaks my heart and makes me very excited for the next book.
This was a very fast read that I recommend to lovers of YA, especially those who, much like me, love romance and who enjoy reading sci-fi.
The Connection was one of such stories. It follows Bea, a seemingly normal high school girl, and Cash, a (very hot) alien from Ferro who inhabits a human vessel. Cash is tasked with the protection of Bea, who unknowingly hosts an energy source that in certain circumstances could lead to the end of both Earth and Ferro. What circumstances might those be? You’ll have to read to find out!
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book. There was just enough action and mystery that I felt like there was never a dull moment. I, for one, am a sucker for mysteries. (One would think I’d read more mystery novels, right? Wrong.) Whenever I get the possibility to read about one in my usual reads, I live. *insert Mushu gif* I was instantly curious about the one concerning Faye, Bea’s mother whom everyone believes has disappeared. Faye is a woman with many secrets, and Bea has no memories of her last moments with her mother before their accident. This allowed for a lot of investigating and picking up clues along the way, which made my wheels turn to consider the possible connections. Long story short, I had fun.
The story was further helped by the incredible banter between Bea and Cash. Banter that is soon tied with sexual tension. There’s nothing quite like the threat of destroying the universe as we know it (or at least, how it’s known in the book) to cock-block two characters you’re just dying to see end up together. There was a particular scene between Bea and Cash that was *chef’s kiss*. Perfect. I do see even more drama in the horizon, which simultaneously breaks my heart and makes me very excited for the next book.
This was a very fast read that I recommend to lovers of YA, especially those who, much like me, love romance and who enjoy reading sci-fi.
January 29, 2021
The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection is the clever and intense debut novel from promising young author, Dana Claire.
Written in the first-person perspective, alternating between the two main characters, Beatrice (Bea) Walker & Cash Kingston, each chapter will leave you thirsty for more. Living and attending high school in Pennsylvania, Bea is your average teenage girl, until the devilishly handsome and arrogant Ferroan guard, Cash Kingston arrives to protect Bea and the alien energy source she’s harboring inside of her. This energy source is the key to saving the world from extinction, but the question is, why is Bea the hostel? Bea and Cash take us on a fierce journey to find out the answers and keep us guessing with every page we turn.
The plot is original, fast-paced and witty. The characters and relationships emanate that of our typical youth, growing and developing with every twist and turn. The sci-fi/fantasy/romance combination is enough to satisfy any reader (think Twilight + Roswell + The Matrix) and keep them surfing the waves of emotions throughout the entire novel.
I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. I am eagerly awaiting the announcement of the release date for the sequel. What’s in store for Bea and Cash? We will leave that up to the ingenious Dana Claire.
Written in the first-person perspective, alternating between the two main characters, Beatrice (Bea) Walker & Cash Kingston, each chapter will leave you thirsty for more. Living and attending high school in Pennsylvania, Bea is your average teenage girl, until the devilishly handsome and arrogant Ferroan guard, Cash Kingston arrives to protect Bea and the alien energy source she’s harboring inside of her. This energy source is the key to saving the world from extinction, but the question is, why is Bea the hostel? Bea and Cash take us on a fierce journey to find out the answers and keep us guessing with every page we turn.
The plot is original, fast-paced and witty. The characters and relationships emanate that of our typical youth, growing and developing with every twist and turn. The sci-fi/fantasy/romance combination is enough to satisfy any reader (think Twilight + Roswell + The Matrix) and keep them surfing the waves of emotions throughout the entire novel.
I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. I am eagerly awaiting the announcement of the release date for the sequel. What’s in store for Bea and Cash? We will leave that up to the ingenious Dana Claire.
March 18, 2021
Gone are the days when science fiction was considered as a form of pulp literature only suitable for 14-year-old teenagers. Currently, the field has witnessed great changes courtesy of the creativity depicted by the authors in speculating about life and also reality from new perspectives. One such author who has depicted this outstanding mastery is Dana Claire.
Though she did write ‘The Connection’ with young adults in mind, adults will love it as well. This adult certainly did.
Her latest read, ‘The Connection: Two Worlds. One connection’ revolves around Beatrice Walker a human girl living a normal high school life. However unknown to her she is a vessel of an alien energy source from Ferro which is a foreign planet. The twist gets more interesting when she attracts the attention of a handsome but yet arrogant boy named Cash Kingston who in the real sense is not human but rather a guard from Ferro enrolled with protecting Bea and the alien energy source within her in a bid to protect both planet earth and Ferro. While doing so the duo must unravel various mysteries including why Bea was chosen as the perfect vessel and why her mother helped implant the energy source within Bea.
Dana Claire linguistically uses the first-person perspective where she alternates between the two main protagonists, this coupled with the outstanding flow and rhythm adds some grit to this outstanding piece of work. The true genius of the book is its original fast-paced and witty plot. This is a rattling good novel and also a must-have for readers who love devouring sci-fi novels written by the finest we have in this genre.
Though she did write ‘The Connection’ with young adults in mind, adults will love it as well. This adult certainly did.
Her latest read, ‘The Connection: Two Worlds. One connection’ revolves around Beatrice Walker a human girl living a normal high school life. However unknown to her she is a vessel of an alien energy source from Ferro which is a foreign planet. The twist gets more interesting when she attracts the attention of a handsome but yet arrogant boy named Cash Kingston who in the real sense is not human but rather a guard from Ferro enrolled with protecting Bea and the alien energy source within her in a bid to protect both planet earth and Ferro. While doing so the duo must unravel various mysteries including why Bea was chosen as the perfect vessel and why her mother helped implant the energy source within Bea.
Dana Claire linguistically uses the first-person perspective where she alternates between the two main protagonists, this coupled with the outstanding flow and rhythm adds some grit to this outstanding piece of work. The true genius of the book is its original fast-paced and witty plot. This is a rattling good novel and also a must-have for readers who love devouring sci-fi novels written by the finest we have in this genre.
January 24, 2021
Sci-fi has always been my favorite genre to read about and hence I grabbed this book and see my choice didn't disappoint me at all.
The book is filled with exciting twists and shocking scenes. The author has presented two different perspectives before the reader, one from the point of view of a normal high school girl, Bea and the other is Cash who is from a different planet, Ferro.
Though Bea isn't a normal girl as she thinks of herself. She is the energy source from Ferro which means she is also a part of aliens but she is yet to find it. And to save planet earth and Ferro, Cash has come on earth to save Bea and work together.
But would it be that easy? What would be your reaction if you'll come to know about aliens suddenly? How will Bea deal with all this?
Well, to know more you must grab this book and I bet the amazing narration with chilling suspense this book will force to not to leave it till you finish the book.
It's a must-read for all sci-fi lovers and people who love to explore different genres. I must say the way the author has presented both, Bae and Cash are commendable. I enjoyed reading about them and the amazing part was when they initially met and how they turned into great friends.
The book is filled with exciting twists and shocking scenes. The author has presented two different perspectives before the reader, one from the point of view of a normal high school girl, Bea and the other is Cash who is from a different planet, Ferro.
Though Bea isn't a normal girl as she thinks of herself. She is the energy source from Ferro which means she is also a part of aliens but she is yet to find it. And to save planet earth and Ferro, Cash has come on earth to save Bea and work together.
But would it be that easy? What would be your reaction if you'll come to know about aliens suddenly? How will Bea deal with all this?
Well, to know more you must grab this book and I bet the amazing narration with chilling suspense this book will force to not to leave it till you finish the book.
It's a must-read for all sci-fi lovers and people who love to explore different genres. I must say the way the author has presented both, Bae and Cash are commendable. I enjoyed reading about them and the amazing part was when they initially met and how they turned into great friends.
January 29, 2021
The Connection is a YA fantasy thriller/romance/mystery. Just when you may think you have the plot figured out - you actually have no idea! Each answer provided leads to ten more questions. However, the plot is not confusing, just twisty! Twisty in a great way.
I don't usually gravitate toward alien fiction, but there was definitely enough "humanness" in the story to keep me intrigued. You are learning about main character Bea's life as she is learning about it. I related to her thirst for the truth - it mirrored my own! While I had this sense of wonderful frustration from wanting to know more, I also found myself laughing out loud at parts and smiling at others.
At times, however, the banter between characters seemed a bit awkward and over-the-top. I would have loved to see the character Chris fleshed out a little more, but maybe that is coming in the second book of this trilogy! There also existed a few editing issues that I noticed, but perhaps it's because I cannot turn off my "proofreading" lens when reading. It was nothing at all egregious and did not deter from the story.
Overall, The Connection proved itself to be a page-turner, and I look forward to the second installment!
I don't usually gravitate toward alien fiction, but there was definitely enough "humanness" in the story to keep me intrigued. You are learning about main character Bea's life as she is learning about it. I related to her thirst for the truth - it mirrored my own! While I had this sense of wonderful frustration from wanting to know more, I also found myself laughing out loud at parts and smiling at others.
At times, however, the banter between characters seemed a bit awkward and over-the-top. I would have loved to see the character Chris fleshed out a little more, but maybe that is coming in the second book of this trilogy! There also existed a few editing issues that I noticed, but perhaps it's because I cannot turn off my "proofreading" lens when reading. It was nothing at all egregious and did not deter from the story.
Overall, The Connection proved itself to be a page-turner, and I look forward to the second installment!
April 13, 2021
[4.5]
I don't read much science fiction, but the synopsis of this book intrigued me immediately. I've only read one other book that was alien-centric (I believe, I may be wrong), so this was a great opportunity to expand my reading. I loved the way Claire interpreted aliens for this book; it was unique and interesting!
It took me a bit to piece everything together at the start. There are plenty of twists in the book, and while it can be a bit confusing, it definitely helped me leave my reading slump. I had a lot of questions reading this book, so getting the answers definitely helped me read more. It was pretty fast-paced as well, so it was the perfect book for a weekend of reading.
I adored the characters. Both the main and side characters were interesting, and I just loved watching them interact - especially Cash and Bea. Though I do think I'd have enjoyed the book a lot more if it had been a little more drawn out, I still really loved their relationship.
I really liked Claire's writing style, so I'm absolutely going to look into her other book. I can't wait for to read the rest of this series as well! This is one that I'll be waiting (im)patiently for the next installments, for sure.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I don't read much science fiction, but the synopsis of this book intrigued me immediately. I've only read one other book that was alien-centric (I believe, I may be wrong), so this was a great opportunity to expand my reading. I loved the way Claire interpreted aliens for this book; it was unique and interesting!
It took me a bit to piece everything together at the start. There are plenty of twists in the book, and while it can be a bit confusing, it definitely helped me leave my reading slump. I had a lot of questions reading this book, so getting the answers definitely helped me read more. It was pretty fast-paced as well, so it was the perfect book for a weekend of reading.
I adored the characters. Both the main and side characters were interesting, and I just loved watching them interact - especially Cash and Bea. Though I do think I'd have enjoyed the book a lot more if it had been a little more drawn out, I still really loved their relationship.
I really liked Claire's writing style, so I'm absolutely going to look into her other book. I can't wait for to read the rest of this series as well! This is one that I'll be waiting (im)patiently for the next installments, for sure.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2021
This book pushed all the right buttons on everything I love about YA fiction, be it scifi, dystopian, romance or paranormal. It has a great group of friends, a compelling plot, believable world-building, plenty of action and fight scenes with a strong female lead character and just the right amount of romance to keep you wanting more. I found the story very unique, which is pretty hard to do with the amount of YA scifi series out there, but this author managed to carve her own path to a different and interesting plot. I'll most certainly be reading more in this delightful series.
***I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
***I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
May 3, 2021
Claire has done it again! I didn’t know I needed a hot Alien body guard until I read this book. The powers and abilities were interesting to read about and the romance and connection between characters was on point. I docked a star however because it was very easy to predicted who the villain was from the get go. There was also some confusion when it comes to the world building and how each character is relevant to the story. Overall I loved it, if I could draw I would make fan art for this book. Starting book 2 right now!
Thanks again for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. Love your work!
Thanks again for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. Love your work!
May 7, 2021
In which everyone has exactly zero chill. I guess that's one reaction to having one's life threatened by a previously unknown extraterrestrial agency.
**Thanks to the author for the free book**
**Thanks to the author for the free book**
April 19, 2021
A sweet roller coaster ride of enemies to lovers romance. I liked this one! :)
April 2, 2021
Two worlds, one connection-- Beatrice Walker is a human girl, still emotionally tender from the accidental death of her mother, who just wants to live a normal life.
Cash Kingston is a warrior from another planet who also recently lost someone. Now his only quest is to protect a girl that he barely knows.
When Beatrice first meets Cash she is confused by his brusque nature and dazzled by his stunning good looks. Before long she realizes that they are inextricably linked in a way that she could not possibly have imagined.
An adventure-filled novel with equal parts romance and sci-fi, 'The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection,' is one of my favorite books of the year so far! Dana Claire's writing is superb and I loved the worlds that she created in this novel.
The romance between Beatrice and Cash reminded me of some of the greatest love stories of all time. Initially, when they meet, they are wary of each other and maybe even outright hate each other. But there is still an immediate attraction to one another and slowly, over the course of the book they grow to trust and even love each other as they spend more time together.
Although this is a YA novel, this could appeal to readers of any age and I highly recommend giving it a read even if you don't normally enjoy Young Adult books. This is the kind of book that will change your opinion on the genre entirely.
The heart of this novel relies on something that we many of us will find familiar, the grief of losing someone and the idea of that love persevering. It's a touching message and it fits perfectly with the atmosphere of this novel. I can't wait to read the next books in this stunning series!
Cash Kingston is a warrior from another planet who also recently lost someone. Now his only quest is to protect a girl that he barely knows.
When Beatrice first meets Cash she is confused by his brusque nature and dazzled by his stunning good looks. Before long she realizes that they are inextricably linked in a way that she could not possibly have imagined.
An adventure-filled novel with equal parts romance and sci-fi, 'The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection,' is one of my favorite books of the year so far! Dana Claire's writing is superb and I loved the worlds that she created in this novel.
The romance between Beatrice and Cash reminded me of some of the greatest love stories of all time. Initially, when they meet, they are wary of each other and maybe even outright hate each other. But there is still an immediate attraction to one another and slowly, over the course of the book they grow to trust and even love each other as they spend more time together.
Although this is a YA novel, this could appeal to readers of any age and I highly recommend giving it a read even if you don't normally enjoy Young Adult books. This is the kind of book that will change your opinion on the genre entirely.
The heart of this novel relies on something that we many of us will find familiar, the grief of losing someone and the idea of that love persevering. It's a touching message and it fits perfectly with the atmosphere of this novel. I can't wait to read the next books in this stunning series!
March 19, 2021
Beatrice Walker and Cash Kingston are, as far as I'm concerned, the ultimate YA sci-fi romance. Their relationship was so magnetic and adorable that it ended up being the cherry on top of the sundae that was 'The Connection: Two Worlds. One Connection,' by Dana Claire.
Initially, Beatrice and Cash hate each other. See, he is an alien that has recently been charged with protecting her but he won't actually tell her what he's protecting her from. Plus, he's really handsome. Also, Beatrice didn't know aliens were real until about five minutes ago.
But, lets back up. This story starts with Beatrice and Cash meeting in the hall of their school, Cartwright High. Beatrice notices Cash's model good looks first (wouldn't we all?) and his arrogance second, when he tells her to move out of the way of his locker. She decides that his looks aren't worth putting up with his personality but, little does she know, she's going to have to put up with it.
When she arrives home that day, it's only to discover Cash and his equally stunning sister, Tasha in her house, speaking to her father. What Beatrice learns that afternoon changes her life forever. It turns out that both of her parents worked with the Department of Alien Affairs until Beatrice's mother died in what she was told was a random accident. Now, Beatrice is in danger but no one will tell her from what. Hence the need for a bodyguard and hence the budding romance that starts off a little, shall we say, rough.
This was an excellent read and I'm thrilled to find out that it is only the first in a series. I can't wait to see where this story goes next! Hopefully there will be lots more of Beatrice and Cash's dynamic to enjoy!
Initially, Beatrice and Cash hate each other. See, he is an alien that has recently been charged with protecting her but he won't actually tell her what he's protecting her from. Plus, he's really handsome. Also, Beatrice didn't know aliens were real until about five minutes ago.
But, lets back up. This story starts with Beatrice and Cash meeting in the hall of their school, Cartwright High. Beatrice notices Cash's model good looks first (wouldn't we all?) and his arrogance second, when he tells her to move out of the way of his locker. She decides that his looks aren't worth putting up with his personality but, little does she know, she's going to have to put up with it.
When she arrives home that day, it's only to discover Cash and his equally stunning sister, Tasha in her house, speaking to her father. What Beatrice learns that afternoon changes her life forever. It turns out that both of her parents worked with the Department of Alien Affairs until Beatrice's mother died in what she was told was a random accident. Now, Beatrice is in danger but no one will tell her from what. Hence the need for a bodyguard and hence the budding romance that starts off a little, shall we say, rough.
This was an excellent read and I'm thrilled to find out that it is only the first in a series. I can't wait to see where this story goes next! Hopefully there will be lots more of Beatrice and Cash's dynamic to enjoy!
January 1, 2021
Book is narrated from 2 characters Beatrice and Cash Kingston. Beatrice is a ordinary school going girl, living in a normal world. Initially Cash Kingston (Non - human) doesn't know how and why his girlfriend Seraphine died. Beatrice sees cash Kingston in school and she hovers around cash because of his good looks. Beatrice 's entire life change when her mother Faye dies and she knows that she has a deep connection with the Aliens(outside world). How did Seraphine die? How did Faye die? Grab the book to know more about story.
Apart from Cash Kingston, Beatrice, Seraphine and Faye; Cash Kingston's sister Tasha, beatrice's father and Darla(Beatrice 's friend) also adds value to the story. I was bored of adventurous sequences for a moment but Beatrice and cash's characters kept the book very exciting and easy flowing to me. This book has so many classic markers like romance, thriller, mystery, humor etc., this is something I loved about this book. End of the book is incomplete and leaves the readers wanting for more. My Christmas and year end spent very well with this amazing fictional romantic Sci- fi book.
Apart from Cash Kingston, Beatrice, Seraphine and Faye; Cash Kingston's sister Tasha, beatrice's father and Darla(Beatrice 's friend) also adds value to the story. I was bored of adventurous sequences for a moment but Beatrice and cash's characters kept the book very exciting and easy flowing to me. This book has so many classic markers like romance, thriller, mystery, humor etc., this is something I loved about this book. End of the book is incomplete and leaves the readers wanting for more. My Christmas and year end spent very well with this amazing fictional romantic Sci- fi book.
February 3, 2021
Two worlds, two threats, and two heroes hit, clash, and struggle in an exciting read, which keeps the action and tension high all the way through.
Beatrice and her father have finally moved back to the town they'd lived at years before...before her mother died. Settling in with old friends, her life is more than normal until five students walk through the high school doors. Everyone knows them except for her, but that doesn't stay that way long. Especially the one guy—super hot and a super jerk—has made it his life's purpose to push all of her buttons. She's sure she'll kill him out of pure frustration, but then things go weird. Really weird. Now, she has him and his friends as her bodyguards, and they can do things no human possibly could. All she knows is that they claim her mother inserted something into her that they need, and their mission is to keep her safe and alive until they remove it. Then, she's to die.
This is one of those books, which I picked up with a bit of hesitation but am so glad I did. It's a great mix between high school with a very, slight touch of drama, teen angst, and very exciting alien attacks. The little action and 'fight-those-evil-guys' part of me was very satisfied with this read.
Beatrice is a usual teen girl with a little baggage, but unlike many tales where the main character has just suffered the loss of their parent, she isn't bogged down and has mentally already had time to work through it and continue on with her life. She's in a very healthy spot, and that was very refreshing. Her friends came across very normal, and even the more irritating people at the high school are never over-bearing or slide into too much of a cliche. So, kudos to the author on both of these! It makes for a nice high school setting, which fits better to real life and allows the story to take flight without being captured into the usual trope.
This is a romance, too, and that becomes obvious with the first pages. The hot, new, arrogant, and over-powering jerk coming right at her and centering on her does slide a bit into the cliche group, but I could forgive this as the story developed and the reasons behind it were well-explained. He does still carry too much aggression, which was unnecessary, but it works and molds right into the larger plot. And that carries problems and intrigue in oodles and pounds.
As the first novel in the series, this one definitely gets things going and lays the groundwork for a larger, galactic influenced adventure. Most of the logic sits well enough to fall into place with only a few, tiny holes...which still might easily be filled. What the aliens are really up to is still in the stars, but then, there are several forces involved and by no means can those Earthlings be trusted, either. With two planets at stake and aliens with powers which form mega-fight scenes, it's an adventure which has just begun and promises tons more to come.
I received an ARC and enjoyed the adventure quite a bit.
Beatrice and her father have finally moved back to the town they'd lived at years before...before her mother died. Settling in with old friends, her life is more than normal until five students walk through the high school doors. Everyone knows them except for her, but that doesn't stay that way long. Especially the one guy—super hot and a super jerk—has made it his life's purpose to push all of her buttons. She's sure she'll kill him out of pure frustration, but then things go weird. Really weird. Now, she has him and his friends as her bodyguards, and they can do things no human possibly could. All she knows is that they claim her mother inserted something into her that they need, and their mission is to keep her safe and alive until they remove it. Then, she's to die.
This is one of those books, which I picked up with a bit of hesitation but am so glad I did. It's a great mix between high school with a very, slight touch of drama, teen angst, and very exciting alien attacks. The little action and 'fight-those-evil-guys' part of me was very satisfied with this read.
Beatrice is a usual teen girl with a little baggage, but unlike many tales where the main character has just suffered the loss of their parent, she isn't bogged down and has mentally already had time to work through it and continue on with her life. She's in a very healthy spot, and that was very refreshing. Her friends came across very normal, and even the more irritating people at the high school are never over-bearing or slide into too much of a cliche. So, kudos to the author on both of these! It makes for a nice high school setting, which fits better to real life and allows the story to take flight without being captured into the usual trope.
This is a romance, too, and that becomes obvious with the first pages. The hot, new, arrogant, and over-powering jerk coming right at her and centering on her does slide a bit into the cliche group, but I could forgive this as the story developed and the reasons behind it were well-explained. He does still carry too much aggression, which was unnecessary, but it works and molds right into the larger plot. And that carries problems and intrigue in oodles and pounds.
As the first novel in the series, this one definitely gets things going and lays the groundwork for a larger, galactic influenced adventure. Most of the logic sits well enough to fall into place with only a few, tiny holes...which still might easily be filled. What the aliens are really up to is still in the stars, but then, there are several forces involved and by no means can those Earthlings be trusted, either. With two planets at stake and aliens with powers which form mega-fight scenes, it's an adventure which has just begun and promises tons more to come.
I received an ARC and enjoyed the adventure quite a bit.
January 21, 2021
Upfront, I haven’t read a YA book in years. I’ve read “Beautiful Creatures” and “Hunger Games” and enjoyed those books. Science fiction? Not my cup of tea—I don’t care for the having to learn about new planets, new mythical creatures or how a war is fought 250 years into the future.
So, I approached reading this book with a big, deep sigh. First good aspect: it’s based on Earth in current day America (yeah!). That fact made this book so much easier to get into. The aliens took a bit of getting used to but I had vowed to trust the author and let her lead me through the story.
There were a lot of mysteries as to why certain people had done certain things. For the main character, Bea, her normal life was completely flipped over and vanished and the betrayals . . . oh my goodness. I think learning things as Bea learned them herself made it easy for me to get into this book. You don’t feel alone as you read the book because Bea is right there with you confused, befuddled, and yearning to know the truth.
As for the aliens, the whole premise is interesting. There’s another planet in the Universe and we’re connected? Well, I can see that, especially as we’re hearing more and more about what our Government knew about aliens. And these aliens are living among us? Yes, again we have had movies such as “Men in Black” so the premise is not completely out there. I like a bit of grounding if I’m going to read science fiction and this helped me stay with the book.
Not a huge fan of first person but for this book it was okay. You’re going back and forth between two characters points of view. I really don’t want to say it’s just two characters’ point of view—it's like there’s a third character. I found myself wondering how much influence this third person was having on Bea’s thoughts and emotions. It is one of the reasons I want to read the second book.
The book is written for a YA audience and seems appropriate (although the “merging” was descriptive). I haven’t read YA in many, many years—I was in my 40s when I read Hunger Games. I enjoyed this gang of characters even though the main male character was a bit too much alpha male for my taste.
Like I said, I will read the second book and despite my initial apprehension, this book sucked me in. Even for us old ladies we still like to imagine ourselves back in high school, a lot like Bea, meeting the gorgeous stud with the heart that needs to be tamed.
Brava!
So, I approached reading this book with a big, deep sigh. First good aspect: it’s based on Earth in current day America (yeah!). That fact made this book so much easier to get into. The aliens took a bit of getting used to but I had vowed to trust the author and let her lead me through the story.
There were a lot of mysteries as to why certain people had done certain things. For the main character, Bea, her normal life was completely flipped over and vanished and the betrayals . . . oh my goodness. I think learning things as Bea learned them herself made it easy for me to get into this book. You don’t feel alone as you read the book because Bea is right there with you confused, befuddled, and yearning to know the truth.
As for the aliens, the whole premise is interesting. There’s another planet in the Universe and we’re connected? Well, I can see that, especially as we’re hearing more and more about what our Government knew about aliens. And these aliens are living among us? Yes, again we have had movies such as “Men in Black” so the premise is not completely out there. I like a bit of grounding if I’m going to read science fiction and this helped me stay with the book.
Not a huge fan of first person but for this book it was okay. You’re going back and forth between two characters points of view. I really don’t want to say it’s just two characters’ point of view—it's like there’s a third character. I found myself wondering how much influence this third person was having on Bea’s thoughts and emotions. It is one of the reasons I want to read the second book.
The book is written for a YA audience and seems appropriate (although the “merging” was descriptive). I haven’t read YA in many, many years—I was in my 40s when I read Hunger Games. I enjoyed this gang of characters even though the main male character was a bit too much alpha male for my taste.
Like I said, I will read the second book and despite my initial apprehension, this book sucked me in. Even for us old ladies we still like to imagine ourselves back in high school, a lot like Bea, meeting the gorgeous stud with the heart that needs to be tamed.
Brava!
January 23, 2021
An exciting and quick-paced read, The Connection is the 1st in Dana Claire’s YA series. Beatrice is just trying to finish high school after her mom's death in an accident she cannot remember. Back in her hometown, she finds solace in her best friends and running track. The arrival of Cash Kingston, who is gorgeous and arrogant, and his attention to her is yet another thing in her life she does not understand. But Cash is not human, he is an alien and he and his team are tasked with protecting an alien energy source. An alien energy source that is hosted by Bea, and one that used to belong to Cash's murdered girlfriend. As Bea learns more about the reason she holds the energy, she discovers that there is more to her than just as a human host and the fate of planets are in her hands.
This was super fun and exciting! Like many YA books, it was easy to read and quickly pulled me in. I liked Bea and understood what she was going through. While I did not always agree with her choices, I could see her struggle. She had so much thrown at her, at an already trying time in her life. I also felt for her as the revelations and plot twists kept coming! As the reader, you learn most of what's going on alongside Bea. The first couple chapters I was flying through trying to figure out what was happening! I honestly didn’t know what to think of Cash at first! He had a lot on his shoulders, but at the same time he was a bit irritating. As Bea gets to know him, it is easier to understand some of his motives. I appreciated the dual perspectives too. It was clear who was who and allowed different sides of the story to be seen.
Overall, it was a great start to the series! Upon starting it, I did not know it was part of a series, but now I am really excited to read more! I felt like I have an investment now in the story! I need to know what happens next! This was a sci-fi/fantasy YA book. It was mostly clean, though there was some cursing and a few innuendos. I think it is suitable for most teens, though I would suggest it for older ones.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
This was super fun and exciting! Like many YA books, it was easy to read and quickly pulled me in. I liked Bea and understood what she was going through. While I did not always agree with her choices, I could see her struggle. She had so much thrown at her, at an already trying time in her life. I also felt for her as the revelations and plot twists kept coming! As the reader, you learn most of what's going on alongside Bea. The first couple chapters I was flying through trying to figure out what was happening! I honestly didn’t know what to think of Cash at first! He had a lot on his shoulders, but at the same time he was a bit irritating. As Bea gets to know him, it is easier to understand some of his motives. I appreciated the dual perspectives too. It was clear who was who and allowed different sides of the story to be seen.
Overall, it was a great start to the series! Upon starting it, I did not know it was part of a series, but now I am really excited to read more! I felt like I have an investment now in the story! I need to know what happens next! This was a sci-fi/fantasy YA book. It was mostly clean, though there was some cursing and a few innuendos. I think it is suitable for most teens, though I would suggest it for older ones.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
February 4, 2021
The connection is a YA Sci-fi/romance about Beatrice and Cash. Cash is a kick ass alien who picks up the responsibility of protecting Beatrice after her mother dies and (unknown to Beatrice) places an alien energy source in her... Did I tell you that Cash's girlfriend just died? Oh yeah... that alien energy source in Beatrice, its the match to the one in Cash and is prophesied to save both Cash's world and Beatrice's. OH WAIT!! I forgot to tell you it's also is Cash's dead girlfriends. But hush, hush. Because Beatrice doesn't know any of this, she is just trying to get through high school after a freak hiking accident that ended up with her having lost memory, her mother's death, and a strange diamond scar on her chest.I haven't picked up and stuck to sci-fi since I last read Ender's Game with my father, but when Dana Claire asked me to read and review her book, The Connection, I went for it anyway. Let me preface by saying, I don't like alien books. The last series I was really into that had aliens was Animorphs and I was in middle school. I don't know why I just usually find it difficult to enjoy,Having said that, I LOVED this book. I expected a lot of pick up and put down while I tried to force myself through it. Boy was I wrong! I am now behind on my read-along because I couldn't put this book down. Starting you immediately have questions that need answers, the story progression is at a wonderful pace of not too fast, not too slow. There is always one level-headed person making you question what's really going on. You can't decide if it is love or just the connection of energies. AND THE ENDING! Omg the ending leaves you with more questions, and that "Oh no..." moment.
So why four out of five stars? I try to save five-star ratings for that one in a million, would sell my soul to be able to read again, soul book. So far the only book's I would give that to is TOG... and even then not all the books in that series. A five-star is more of it is my perfect cup of tea that spoke to my inner self than it being a well-written wonderful book.
So why four out of five stars? I try to save five-star ratings for that one in a million, would sell my soul to be able to read again, soul book. So far the only book's I would give that to is TOG... and even then not all the books in that series. A five-star is more of it is my perfect cup of tea that spoke to my inner self than it being a well-written wonderful book.
January 24, 2021
My rating: 4.7/5
The Connection by Dana Claire is the first book in a trilogy.
The story follows Bea, a seemingly normal girl who is somehow more connected to the aliens than she knows, Cash, a Ferroan guard and prince who holds a powerful source, and his team as they struggle to solve the questions Faye, Bea’s mom, left behind.
In the beginning, we are kind of thrown into this world in the middle of the action and mystery. Bea doesn’t have memory of the last time she saw her mom alive or why they went on a hike in the first place. Cash is dealing with the anger of losing his girlfriend Seraphina. It takes a few chapters and inference to get your bearings and figure out what is going on. This reflects how Bea, Cash, and the rest of the crew need to figure out what Faye’s plans were.
Bea and Cash had great chemistry at times. I wish Cash’s struggle to realize these feelings was voiced more. Those around the group commented on it but hearing more of it from Cash would amplify their chemistry. I also feel that Chris’s feelings for Bea should be more relevant. This has the potential to be a Edward vs Jacob love triangle.
The other part that could use more explanation was the history of the Ferroans at Cartwright. Darla and Chris knew their history, and about Seraphina, but it’s hard to tell their relationship to the rest of the school. They moved away and came back all during the time Bea was in California? The timeline was a bit hazy to me.
The Connection leaves you with just the right amount of questions during each chapter to keep you reading. It also poses new questions that will have me waiting for the second and third books to be released. This story has so much potential and I’m glad I got into it fairly early. I can see this blowing up into a huge phenomenon. It would also make a great Freeform tv series.
Bottom line, read this book. It has hot aliens, strong women who come into their strength, and compelling plot lines. It’s a fairly quick read that will have you waiting for more.
The Connection by Dana Claire is the first book in a trilogy.
The story follows Bea, a seemingly normal girl who is somehow more connected to the aliens than she knows, Cash, a Ferroan guard and prince who holds a powerful source, and his team as they struggle to solve the questions Faye, Bea’s mom, left behind.
In the beginning, we are kind of thrown into this world in the middle of the action and mystery. Bea doesn’t have memory of the last time she saw her mom alive or why they went on a hike in the first place. Cash is dealing with the anger of losing his girlfriend Seraphina. It takes a few chapters and inference to get your bearings and figure out what is going on. This reflects how Bea, Cash, and the rest of the crew need to figure out what Faye’s plans were.
Bea and Cash had great chemistry at times. I wish Cash’s struggle to realize these feelings was voiced more. Those around the group commented on it but hearing more of it from Cash would amplify their chemistry. I also feel that Chris’s feelings for Bea should be more relevant. This has the potential to be a Edward vs Jacob love triangle.
The other part that could use more explanation was the history of the Ferroans at Cartwright. Darla and Chris knew their history, and about Seraphina, but it’s hard to tell their relationship to the rest of the school. They moved away and came back all during the time Bea was in California? The timeline was a bit hazy to me.
The Connection leaves you with just the right amount of questions during each chapter to keep you reading. It also poses new questions that will have me waiting for the second and third books to be released. This story has so much potential and I’m glad I got into it fairly early. I can see this blowing up into a huge phenomenon. It would also make a great Freeform tv series.
Bottom line, read this book. It has hot aliens, strong women who come into their strength, and compelling plot lines. It’s a fairly quick read that will have you waiting for more.
January 25, 2021
This is a fabulous YA sci-fi book. It has been a while since I have read any high school-based science fiction, in the opening chapters I love the nod to the Twilight high school and that the characters use this pop culture reference. We do get some very cliche high school scenes in here but I was all up for it!
In this book we follow Bea who thinks she’s just a high school student and the other perspective we have is Cash who is from the planet Ferro. Both are dealing with the loss of someone they love, Beatrice recently lost her mother and Cash his girlfriend. Cash is very much an ass to start with, I was very thankful for his sister Tasha who is the complete opposite of him and it was really nice calming personality she just keeps her cool - no matter the situation. What I love most about this book was the mystery that the characters are trying to put together, the jigsaw of past events which led to the situation they are currently in. Planets depending on Beatrice, Cash and their Friends and family figuring out this jigsaw. We have mysterious alien energy, we have prophecies and secrets coming out of the woodwork throwing spanner’s into the works.
Definitely a bit of a love hate relationship going on between Beatrice and Cash, because although Cash is abrasive to start (and is a bit hot and cold at points) he does grow on you as we get to know more about him and that physique doesn’t hurt either 😉.
I really enjoyed this YA high school sci-fi, I think my only negative about this book would be the very high school setting. I thought realistically if I was faced with this many things that were threatening my life and throwing me so many curve balls about what I believed about my family and world, I would not be that dedicated to going to school. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing if the relationship between Beatrice and Cash develops, how the prophecies play out and how Beatrice copes with all the secrets that got reveal within this book.
[Thank you to Dana for a copy of the book for this honest review]
In this book we follow Bea who thinks she’s just a high school student and the other perspective we have is Cash who is from the planet Ferro. Both are dealing with the loss of someone they love, Beatrice recently lost her mother and Cash his girlfriend. Cash is very much an ass to start with, I was very thankful for his sister Tasha who is the complete opposite of him and it was really nice calming personality she just keeps her cool - no matter the situation. What I love most about this book was the mystery that the characters are trying to put together, the jigsaw of past events which led to the situation they are currently in. Planets depending on Beatrice, Cash and their Friends and family figuring out this jigsaw. We have mysterious alien energy, we have prophecies and secrets coming out of the woodwork throwing spanner’s into the works.
Definitely a bit of a love hate relationship going on between Beatrice and Cash, because although Cash is abrasive to start (and is a bit hot and cold at points) he does grow on you as we get to know more about him and that physique doesn’t hurt either 😉.
I really enjoyed this YA high school sci-fi, I think my only negative about this book would be the very high school setting. I thought realistically if I was faced with this many things that were threatening my life and throwing me so many curve balls about what I believed about my family and world, I would not be that dedicated to going to school. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing if the relationship between Beatrice and Cash develops, how the prophecies play out and how Beatrice copes with all the secrets that got reveal within this book.
[Thank you to Dana for a copy of the book for this honest review]
February 16, 2021
In the beginning of The Connection, by Dana Claire, Bea's trying to be a normal high-schooler after her mother's death. She runs track and hangs out with her friends, nothing special. It's a bit Twilight-y when she gets the attention of the strangely attractive, very aloof Cash. There's a lot of meaningful eye contact and Bea's besties know something's up.
Cash's real identity, as a Ferroan alien with almost endless powers, comes out when he's tasked with protecting her. It's hard to say who hates this protection more, Bea or Cash. Both of them are sassy and mouthy about it, with an added annoyance for poor Cash who's really trying to keep Bea out of danger. And, man, there's a lot of danger. I really liked feeling like there was a whole Ferroan world and history, that it all absolutely existed and everything was connected, but our Bea didn't know anything about it. I also liked how the things that seemed strange in the beginning of the book came together to create an alien world with long-lasting secret connections to earth, with Bea at the heart of it.
As Bea and Cash begin to have feelings for each other -- No, who are we kidding? They had feelings since they first met! As Bea and Cash begin to admit they have feelings for each other, their romance is complicated by Bea's status as a host (for his lost girlfriend's spirit, no less) and by a frightening prophesy that might mean the destruction of Earth, Ferro, or both.
I really liked how the Ferroans' changed their opinion of Bea over time. At first, she's treated like a parcel to be delivered safely. She's a precious and important parcel, of course, because she's the host and a key to the prophecy, but they're not particularly interested in her thoughts or feelings. This changes over time, as Bea earns their respect over the course of the novel.
Cash's real identity, as a Ferroan alien with almost endless powers, comes out when he's tasked with protecting her. It's hard to say who hates this protection more, Bea or Cash. Both of them are sassy and mouthy about it, with an added annoyance for poor Cash who's really trying to keep Bea out of danger. And, man, there's a lot of danger. I really liked feeling like there was a whole Ferroan world and history, that it all absolutely existed and everything was connected, but our Bea didn't know anything about it. I also liked how the things that seemed strange in the beginning of the book came together to create an alien world with long-lasting secret connections to earth, with Bea at the heart of it.
As Bea and Cash begin to have feelings for each other -- No, who are we kidding? They had feelings since they first met! As Bea and Cash begin to admit they have feelings for each other, their romance is complicated by Bea's status as a host (for his lost girlfriend's spirit, no less) and by a frightening prophesy that might mean the destruction of Earth, Ferro, or both.
I really liked how the Ferroans' changed their opinion of Bea over time. At first, she's treated like a parcel to be delivered safely. She's a precious and important parcel, of course, because she's the host and a key to the prophecy, but they're not particularly interested in her thoughts or feelings. This changes over time, as Bea earns their respect over the course of the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
This was an enjoyable, quick read that I would recommend to those interested in present-day YA supernatural or sci-fi romances.
The Connection is very reminiscent of a lot of the YA supernatural/dystopian/romance series that have risen to popularity - the dynamic between the main characters serves up Roswell/Divergent/Twilight vibes (in the best of ways). Naturally, I ate it right up. It is angsty and full of all of the teenage feels that make reading a book like this such an awesome escape from reality.
I’m a sucker for dual-perspective novels and feel like the alternating POV really lends a hand to the fast-paced nature of this book and to the development of the main characters, Bea and Cash, whose enemies-to-lovers romance is at the core of this novel. Bea’s life is turned upside down when family secrets come to life and she learns of an otherworldly connection to an alien race. She is so much more than a foolish high schooler, which I loved, and she really gives the cocky Cash a run for his money as the two butt heads while he tries to keep her safe to save their respective planets.
Aside from the main characters, the secondary characters are also fleshed out in a way that allows the reader to really place themselves within the universe of this book. I didn’t feel like Darla, Tasha and co were sidelined or one-dimensional in the telling of this story.
This novel is a sci-fi YA romance, however, it is light on the science fiction aspect, which I actually appreciated. I found it to be the best of both worlds.
I’m very much looking forward to the second installment of this series and have added Dana Claire to the list of authors that I now follow.
The Connection is very reminiscent of a lot of the YA supernatural/dystopian/romance series that have risen to popularity - the dynamic between the main characters serves up Roswell/Divergent/Twilight vibes (in the best of ways). Naturally, I ate it right up. It is angsty and full of all of the teenage feels that make reading a book like this such an awesome escape from reality.
I’m a sucker for dual-perspective novels and feel like the alternating POV really lends a hand to the fast-paced nature of this book and to the development of the main characters, Bea and Cash, whose enemies-to-lovers romance is at the core of this novel. Bea’s life is turned upside down when family secrets come to life and she learns of an otherworldly connection to an alien race. She is so much more than a foolish high schooler, which I loved, and she really gives the cocky Cash a run for his money as the two butt heads while he tries to keep her safe to save their respective planets.
Aside from the main characters, the secondary characters are also fleshed out in a way that allows the reader to really place themselves within the universe of this book. I didn’t feel like Darla, Tasha and co were sidelined or one-dimensional in the telling of this story.
This novel is a sci-fi YA romance, however, it is light on the science fiction aspect, which I actually appreciated. I found it to be the best of both worlds.
I’m very much looking forward to the second installment of this series and have added Dana Claire to the list of authors that I now follow.
January 16, 2021
This book was promising in several respects. I was enough intrigued to read it to cover. It was well published, edited and maintained me as a reader. True characters adapt to the storyline and new words, and certain science-fi aspects can be clarified if necessary.
🤗Two big characters are in the novel. Beatrice Walker is a normal teenager, a high school teacher. The male actor, Cash Kingston, seems to be still close. He's depicted as rude and often feigned violent. Beatrice and Cash met at graduation, and nothing was known about Beatrice's future. Other minor characters associated with these protagonists from the beginning are Tasha, Sammie, Darla, Chris and Mr. Walker
🤗She was more shocked as she found out that Cash came to assist her. Faye was Beatrice's mum, she was dead, and Beatrice was not well aware of the incident. Cash had a girlfriend named Seraphine who was dead and Cash wondered why she died.
🤗The writer is genuinely an exceptional writer who writes an excellent novel. The explanations of the author are as vivid as you feel in the novel. The storyline is suspenseful and difficult to foresee the next step, so the story moves in a different direction only as you believe you know what will happen.
🤗Science fiction and young adult fantasy is the ultimate mix. Twists and turns in that storey, I really enjoyed. There are no obvious mistakes or typos inside the novel. Characters are well designed. Author Dana Claire did a marvellous job of retaining the reader hooked to the last page. Everybody, I recommend this.
🤗Two big characters are in the novel. Beatrice Walker is a normal teenager, a high school teacher. The male actor, Cash Kingston, seems to be still close. He's depicted as rude and often feigned violent. Beatrice and Cash met at graduation, and nothing was known about Beatrice's future. Other minor characters associated with these protagonists from the beginning are Tasha, Sammie, Darla, Chris and Mr. Walker
🤗She was more shocked as she found out that Cash came to assist her. Faye was Beatrice's mum, she was dead, and Beatrice was not well aware of the incident. Cash had a girlfriend named Seraphine who was dead and Cash wondered why she died.
🤗The writer is genuinely an exceptional writer who writes an excellent novel. The explanations of the author are as vivid as you feel in the novel. The storyline is suspenseful and difficult to foresee the next step, so the story moves in a different direction only as you believe you know what will happen.
🤗Science fiction and young adult fantasy is the ultimate mix. Twists and turns in that storey, I really enjoyed. There are no obvious mistakes or typos inside the novel. Characters are well designed. Author Dana Claire did a marvellous job of retaining the reader hooked to the last page. Everybody, I recommend this.
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