Pets in Space 6

Pets in Space Anthologies #6

by Carol Van Natta (Editor), S.E. Smith, Veronica Scott

Pets in Space® is back for a new year of adventures!

Join the incredible authors in this year's Pets in Space 6 for another out-of-this-world adventure. This award-winning, USA TODAY Bestselling anthology is packed full of your favorite Pets in Space®. Featuring 11 original, never-before-released stories from some of today's bestselling science fiction romance and fantasy authors, Pets in Space 6 continues their vital support of Hero-Dogs[dot]org, the non-profit charity that improves quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military and first-responders with disabilities. Don't miss out on this limited-edition anthology before it's too late!

Pets in Space 6 is edited by Carol Van Natta. Contributing authors: S.E. Smith (NY Times and USA TODAY bestselling author), Veronica Scott (USA TODAY bestselling author), Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta (USA TODAY bestselling author), Cassandra Chandler (USA TODAY bestselling author), J.C. Hay (USA TODAY bestselling author), S.J. Pajonas (USA TODAY bestselling author), Greta van der Rol, Deborah A. Bailey, Melisse Aires, and Kyndra Hatch.

Behr's Rebel by S.E. Smith
Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott
The Cyborg with No Name by Honey Phillips
Escape fro Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta
Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler
See How They Run by J.C. Hay
Suri's Sure Thing by S.J. Pajonas
The Thunder Egg by Greta van der Rol
Worlds of Fire: Metamorphosis by Deborah A. Bailey
Stranded on Grzbt by Melisse Aires
Escaping Korth by Kyndra Hatch

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction Romance

1316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Carol Van Natta writes science fiction and fantasy, including Overload Flux, Minder Rising, Zero Flux, Pico's Crush, and Jumper's Hope, the first five books in a space opera series; In Graves Below (Magic, NM) , a paranormal romance; and Hooray for Holopticon , a retro science fiction comedy. She shares her Fort Collins, CO home with a sometime mad scientist and various cats. Any violations of the laws of physics in her books is the fault of the cats, not the mad scientist. Be the first to know about new releases by signing up for her newsletter at bit.ly/CVN-news or read her blog at Author.CarolVanNatta.com, or find her on Facebook at CarolVanNattaAuthor.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar sci-fi romance anthology of novellas awaits me each year that Pets in Space releases. I welcome old favorite authors and series as well as some new ones. A variety of alien and human, deep space situations, but of course, it is all about the space pets.

I'll summarize my thoughts for each novella as I go:

Behr's Rebel by S.E. Smith
#2 Marastin Dow

Raia, a gutsy, human freighter captain is paid to break the Marastin Dow rebel general out of a high-security prison with the help of her adorable, but talented pets. Nobody warned her this would be just as dangerous to her heart when she catches sight of Behr, himself.

I've read other stories from the author's wide and wonderful existing sci-fi world of aliens and the fights they have for freedom and love. While I got this one out of order, I had no trouble reading it as standalone and appreciating the detail to the world, the characters, and the riveting plot. I enjoyed getting the story from multiple points of view. Just another huge prod to get busy on the backlist.

Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott
A Sectors Romance

Raelyn is a stewardess aboard the premiere cruise ship of the galaxy and she loves her job, but a mishap with a broken mystical artifact sets her life into a time loop reliving the same day where she meets a gorgeous man and the ship is entirely destroyed in an explosion. Can experiencing the same day and gleaning more and more details each time help her prevent a disaster and maybe finally get the chance with ex Special Forces turned action star, Kev?

I've read three novellas from this series so I knew I was going to get an intriguing and spicy sci-fi romance with likeable characters in a familiar setting. I enjoyed the clever pet inclusion of an alien turtle who helps save the day, encountering familiar faces from past stories, and meeting spunky heroine, Raelyn who doesn't give up. Definitely want more Sectors series.

The Cyborg With No Name by Honey Philips
Cyborgs on Mars series

Animal robotic and cybernetic expert, Rose, has built the magnificent metal horses for the cyborg Rangers of frontier Mars. However, the corporation she worked for didn't appreciate the horses or believe her that they grew into sentient beings so embittered and desiring to be left to herself she went out into the desert to live on her own keeping her hand in with the odd mechanical repair job and she builds a robotic dog and wonders if it, too, will become sentient. Into her quiet, ordered world comes one of her horse creations and a Ranger who is near death and has no memories. It's time for Rose to step back into life affairs because the cyborg might have brought danger to her door, but she can't refuse to help- and she can't help noticing his gorgeous body.

Wild West meets Cyberborg Romance in this endearing, but spicy story of two lonely people and their creatures making a connection in the vast desert of Mars. I've seen this author's books around, but this was my first chance trying her work. I really enjoyed it and would definitely continue reading her Cyborgs on Mars series and more.

Escape From Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta
Central Galactic Concordance Series

Zade desperately wants to escape his last employer so jumps at the chance to work another cargo ship. Unfortunately, he lands in the secret Nova Nine Mining Prison where he will likely end his days. He ends up on Julke's mining crew and she realizes that Zade's minder talents might be just what they need to attempt an escape. She has important galaxy-impacting information to get back to her pirate clans. So, with a little luck, the mine's colony of gryphons, and the talents and skills of her fellow prisoners, they attempt the impossible.

Probably one of my top three favorite series out there, I was jazzed to get this latest installment that took me into the futuristic space world of the Central Galactic Concordance and this standalone adventure. Complex world, plot, and and characters who were as engaging as ever.

After reading the first four in the anthology, I was left utterly satisfied, but also with a strong desire to dart off and read more of the authors' full series that I haven't read yet. They drop the reader into well-drawn sci-fi worlds, complex characters, and exciting, intriguing plots. For those who want a stellar sampling of sci-fi romance, I can't recommend this anthology enough.

~~~~~

Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler
Dept of Homeworld Security series

Gwen is geeked up about the chance to monitor signal traffic from an old Mars explorer. She hopes for proof of aliens, but not in her wildest dreams did she imagine pulling up video of a delightful green lizard person cavorting around the explorer. But, her hacking of the signal leads her into a hidden world of aliens among us scenario and the alien's trying to keep earth safe while finding a home for their war refugees. Xan, one of the aliens who came to retrieve her video proof is attractive and willing to bring her into space and aboard his ship and his space cat is too adorable for words and far too intelligent to be a normal cat.

This series is described as light sci-fi romcoms and I found Trade Secrets an engaging and fun introduction to a new to me author's series. There was a nice bit of action and intrigue, some spicy romance, and fun characters. I need to go back for the whole series.

See How They Run by JC Hay
Tri-Systems: Smugglers

Second engineer Baker has a reputation for never getting emotionally attached or letting others attach to her, but she is more than tempted to break her own rules when first engineer, April Rambova is around. The need to do whatever she must for April when she finds out they have a killing disease has her pulling a stupid when she does a B&E at a research lab to steal three research mice and brings possible disease back to the ship. Quarantined in engineering brings answers to more than one question, but meanwhile, someone wants their lab mice back and the secrets they carry.

Tender forced proximity romance, cute little mice, and a non-binary character from a fascinating communal zero-G culture of humans who live outside the tri-systems. Focus was on the characters and their relationship with a bit of excitement in the climax scene. I've read a novella from the earlier Tri-Systems series so it is neat to get the third one from the spin-off series that seems to be taking place aboard the same ship involving the adorable space pets and their humans. Definitely want to go back for the others and finish the Rangers series.

Suri's Sure Thing by S.J. Pajonas
Kimura Sisters series

Suri works in quality improvement on the new deep space ship that will shuttle willing colonists to other colonies to relieve the overcrowding and over-extending of resources on her own world. Her life is devoted to her work and time with her best friend, Eric, ever since her ex broke up with her and took himself off to the other side of the continent. When she is faced with a duty to family vs her own happiness and love, can she take the big leap? Meanwhile, the protesters against the colony ships being built are getting louder and more dangerous.

Trying a new to me author is particularly exciting in sci-fi romance because I get to explore a whole new world of the author's stories. This was no exception. I can see where this standalone story is both tied to an earlier series and preparing to branch into a new direction after the intro to Suri and her lively sisters. This was a gentle friends to lovers romance at it's core with that necessary heart-stopping moment of excitement. Quite engaging.

The Thunder Egg by Greta Van der Rol
Dryden Universe

Afra is walking the fog-shrouded dark streets of Old Town when a strange flying creature communicates enough to get her to follow and help the battered man lying in an alley. Drew is a history professor who happened upon Neyru's egg and now they are being hunted because the little dragon-like creature is worth a lot. In fact, sketchy Yrnak female Afra owns on her dad's loan would take the creature and the money would pay off the loan and then some. But, seeing history come alive through Drew's eyes and falling for the sweet, adorable Neyru makes it not such an easy choice. Besides, she is as fascinated to get the answers of what Neyru is and where she comes from as much as Drew.

I loved this engaging story full of mystery and romance and the background that is painted in. It was fun having Drew being a man with a head full of knowledge, but not much street sense and Afra hiding a big heart behind the pain and past experience that life has brought her. Definitely want more of the series.

The sci-fi was dazzling in these for the diverse and colorful worlds the authors have created as well as some of the clever gizmos, but their attention to character and relationship development was stellar. The only downside to reading mostly new to me authors is the huge backlist pile I now have to explore. Oh wait, that's only bad if I'm not excited to read them, right? All in all, the antho continues to amaze. Off to read the last few.

~~~~~

Metamorphosis by Deborah A. Bailey
Worlds of Fire series

Asira is finished with her classroom studies and is ready to conduct some true alchemy. Needing a good mentor to prep for her final project and exam, she goes to one of the youngest and best mentors. Jaydon is not what she imagined from his disorganized office, enigmatic and challenging questions and assignments, and his little yellow bird companion. Pressure from her high class family to succeed and enter the highest order of alchemists leaves her confused because she is not sure what she wants and Jaydon challenges her to not rush through her studies to the goal, but pay attention to the experience along the way.

The World of Fire is a fascinating blend of old magic and sci-fi in the world building. I thought it was all rather fascinating the way the alchemy created caste systems and there were portals connecting the worlds. More of a gently-paced and low tension quick engaging romance.

Stranded on Grzbt by Melisse Aires
Far Star Series

Story opens when four earth women are seized by alien worms for the illegal slave market, but a lucky happenstance has the women free of their captors and hiding on the big spaceport. The women are all ages from Chloe age twelve to Hannah and Acacia around thirty, and Mimi, the main heroine at college age. They have to learn to work together and figure out their alien surroundings, but they get a little help from a cute little alien mouse-elephant and later a clan of alien traders. Mimi wonders if Kyre has some sort of alien magnetism going for him, but then slavers threaten again and they must all work together to stay free.

More of a light sci-fi romance with some curious alien and tech background and an engaging cast of humans, aliens, and alien pets. Moments of excitement and the romance stay on the light side as well. This story seems to be setting up the rest of the series and I'm curious to see what adventures come next for them all.

Escaping Korth by Kyndra Hatch
Before the Falls series

Liana is a human botanist who was captured by the Korthan when she was alone on a planet studying the soil for future growing projects by a colony. She is being held as a combatant and her jailers plan to use what they must to discover all she knows. Her fear is real even if growing up on a planet where an exchange program was going on between the two races and her best friend being Korthan, she knows that not all Korthan are the same and only hopes that somehow maybe the absent Interrogator will work out the same about her without resorting to torture. Meanwhile, she discovers she isn't alone in her cell.

K'urt knew good humans as a child in the exchange program and his bestfriend was sweet plant-loving Liana. He knew even then that she was his mate, but then war broke out and she became lost to him behind the lines. He ended up bonded with a Mogha, in the cyborg program, and bonded to a ship all in order to fight for and defend his race. But, his mogha beast refused to fight and K'urt felt the same deep down though he still wished to protect his people. His superiors saw him as a waste and took him from his ship and put him over the prison tower. He never thought that it is there that he would reunite with Liana and discover his mate bond was stronger than ever. He has to convince the judge this human doesn't deserve the death sentence and was never a combatant- or, if he can't can he find a way to protect Liana during a time of war?

The Fall series has appeared in several Pets in Space anthologies so I knew exactly what I was getting when I started this one. I love this series with its wonderful blend of alien-human enemies to lovers romance, sentient ships and buildings, special alien beasts that bond, and the cyborg protectors. Each story advances the overall series plot and finishes the thread on the romance and immediate conflict situation. There is good tension and action, but also an amazing world. Want more.

So, these last three finish with two new to me authors and one I've already enjoyed. Again, I'm struck by the variety in their sci-fi worlds, clever alien peoples and creatures, and of course the engaging characters and romances.

Bonus Story with purchase of Pets In Space 6 and sign up of SE Smith's newsletter
Raia's Pets by S.E. Smith
Prequel to Behr's Rebel

At the age of fourteen, Raia is celebrating her birthday at a spaceport market when she accidentally acquires two rare pets. Meantime, Anders receives a secret communication and an object to keep safe and it puts them in danger. Raia meets her first humans Ben and Aaron and their Marastin Dow wives who become her friends and help support her in the years to come.

This story was poignant and a great set up story. I loved meeting Anders in person and seeing how everything came about. I think though it is chronologically first; I appreciated it more getting it after.

~~~~~
In summary, this latest Pets In Space anthology was stellar from cover to cover. I chose to read it in bits over the period of a month so I could savor the stories. I encountered about half familiar and half new to me authors and series. And, with that in mind, I can safely promise that though all are novellas from existing series or worlds of series, they do work standalone and as introductions to the authors' writings. Each introduces pet characters along with their human or alien characters and the pets have significant roles so pet lovers will drool over that prospect. Of course, I connected with some writing styles or storylines better than others though I didn't experience any duds or meh ones. At their core, these books are engaging tales of sci-fi action and romance that fill the reader with wonder and are fine entertainment. I can't praise the series enough for newbies and old fans alike.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the Pets in Space anthologies. It's a great way to read more by familiar authors and try out stories by new to me authors. I like the mix of pets and science fiction romance.

I am updating my review as I go along and read more stories.

Behr's Rebel by S.E. Smith
I have read some stories by this author before in previous Pets in Space books, but not any besides that. This was an okay read. Raiya is hired to free Behr from a prison and while they're hiding themselves away hoping for things to cool down after their escape they fall in love. The romance developed a bit quickly and I didn't fully feel it, but it was clear how much they grew to care about one another. I liked Raiya's personality and the way she handled things.

I liked the two pets in this one. They're both cute and have some cool powers too. I enjoyed reading about their antics and seeing how close they were to Raiya and how they quickly warm up to Behr. There is some interested world building and some interesting reveals about a planet they stay on. It can easily be read as a standalone, but it's also clear this story is set in the author's overarching universe and I have the feeling a bunch of the side characters that were introduced later are characters from her other books. So you might get even more out of this one if you have read this author's other books.

Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott
I really enjoyed this one. I've enjoyed multiple books by Veronica Scott and always like returning to her star cruise series where the books are all set upon the same star cruise ship. This story had a time loop plot line, while I am not a big fan of time travel stories, I often find time loops can be done well in scifi books. And that sure was the case here. The female main character and her pet Eyn get stuck in a time loop and every night the ship explodes. She's trying to figure out how to stop this form happening.

I liked the time loop set up here. There is a clear goal, namely saving the ship and everyone in it. And every day she tries to get closer to that. I like how she took different approaches, like the time she tried going directly to security or when she flirts with another guy to get information. I also liked how in every loop she ends up stumbling into the love interest somehow and seeing how their romance develops even though only she remembers their previous meetings. It sure was an interesting set-up, due to the fact that only one day happens for everyone else than the main character the romance did feel like it progresses a bit fast. I liked their connection and the way they seemed like a good match. The story has a satisfying conclusion and I liked the way the pet played an important role as well.

The Cyborg With No Name by Honey Phillips
I liked the set-up for this one with how humans are now colonizing Mars as well and how there are cyborgs and robots. I liked how the female main character cared about her creations. The robot horses were pretty cool and the dog she created was cute. I liked the hint about them probably becoming sentient, although that concept didn't get further explored.

The romance progressed pretty fast, but I liked the way they met with her saving his life and taking care of it. The first steam scene made me a bit uncomfortable as I found that it was dub-con, even though it's clear she didn't mind too much, I didn't like it. Luckily after that the romance progressed normally and they were both full onboard and conscious the next time they got intimate again. They made for a good couple and I liked the epilogue and showing what their life together looks like.

Escape from Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta
I really enjoyed this one! I discovered Carol Van Natta in one of the earlier Pets in Space books and have been a fan of her books even since. Escape From Nova Nine is a great story. There's something about this author's writing style that always pulls me into her stories immediately. This story is a sort of prison escape type of story, which usually aren't my favorites, but I really enjoyed it. The plot kept me curious to see how the characters would find a way out of this prison.

The characters really shine in this book and I liked both main characters. I liked seeing how the romance developed between the two main characters. Even while they're in prison and don't have a lot of time when their supervisors aren't listening in to their conversations, it was clear the bond they developed. I really liked these two together and the way their relationship builds throughout the book. I liked their empathy talents and the way they connected together.

There isn't just one pet in this one, but a whole group of griffins. Even different species. It was fun to see them pop up now and then and also see the bond some characters had with them. As I am a fan of a series it's great to see another piece of this universe explored as well as see some new sub-type of minder powers that we haven't seen before. There's also a bit about the Pirate Clan the Volksstam. And I wish we had learned more about the Volksstam as it seemed they have their own culture.

Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler
This one didn't fully grab me for some reason. It follows the point of view of Gwen who discovers aliens are real and then they visit her and try to convince her to keep it a secret. One of the aliens is super hot and she immediately starts falling for him. The romance develops quite quickly in the span of a few hours, but this seemed to be common for these earthling-alien bondings as far as the book describes it. I liked Gwen as a character, but felt we didn't get to know Zax as well as I would've liked. The kitten bandit was adorable.

I also felt that this one would be more enjoyable if you know more about the world and series. There are some references to other events and it feels like there's more to the characters and world than what we see here. The ending was kinda abrupt and left a plot line dangling. The epilogue only further enhanced that feel of the plot line left dangling instead of bringing resolution.

See How They Run by JC Hay
I have read some of JC hay's books before and I was looking forward to this one. i struggled a bit getting into this one, but once I did I enjoyed it. I think it's set in the series of his that haven't started yet as I think some of the couples might've been couples from previous books. It definitely worked to read as a standalone.

I liked the sweet friends to lovers romance in this one. It also was interesting to read about a non-binary character as main character. The mice were pretty cute, although they made me a bit sad as they reminder me of the rats we used to have. I also didn't really care for the focus on the mice and possible April being sick as I don't like reading about sickness. I am happy with how it all got resolved tough. I liked seeing the romance progress and seeing how the characters dealt with things, they were both likable and I felt I got a good feel for their personality. The whole world building was interesting with the Far Reach and how April grew up there and how different that was from most people in this world.

Suri's Sure Thing by S.J. Pajonas
I was really excited that S.J. Pajonas has a story in this year's Pets in Space as she's one of my favorite authors. Suri's Sure Thing was great! This story is the first book in a new series, the series is set in the same world as the Nogiku and Hikoboshi series and it was just a joy to return to this world. The timing is also interesting as it's set before the Hikoboshi mission leaves and it was fun to see how Suri is working on one of the space ships. I liked this tie in with the other series, but I think you can easily read this one as a standalone too, it just that bit of extra fun when you already know the world.

Suri's pet Finn was so fun to read about and I liked how they're plenty of scenes with Finn. Suri's love interest Erik also has his own dog. I like how in this world people can get the animal chip and communicate with their paired animal, so Suri can actually talk to Finn. There's a lot going on in this story, Suri's ex is back and her father is pushing her to give it another chance, but Suri is realizing she's actually in love with her best friend Erik. Then there is her job working on the space ship and the protestors.

I didn't really like Suri's father and how he treated his children and I wonder if this will be an ongoing plot line in this series, I liked how Suri stood up to him eventually and wouldn't let him dictate her life. It also was fun to see some of Suri's siblings as I think they'll all get their own story, although so far I couldn't remember all their names and who was who.

I liked seeing Suri and Erik's romance go from friends to lovers. I like friends to lovers romances. Although I got a bit frustrated when Suri misinterpreted Erik's words, but it was awesome how Erik wouldn't let her go. I liked Suri and Erik together, but wish this book was even longer so we got to see more of them together.

The Thunder Egg by Greta van der Rol
This was a new to me author. I really enjoyed this story and definitely plan to check out more books by this author. The Thunder Egg follows Afra, a captain, who on her way to pick up some new cargo stumbles upon a rare alien pet and an injured man. There are people who are looking for the pet and together they try to keep the alien creature safe.

I liked how Drew and Afra are very different types of people. Afra is a capable captain who has been hurt in the past. While Drew is a scholar-y type who hasn't seen a lot of the universe and can be quite naive. I liked how they both bond with the alien creature they call Neyru and how they both want what's best for her. I liked how they acted and the decisions they made regarding what to do with Neyru and about eahc other. It was fun seeing them grow closer. This book has a bit of mystery and tension as they figure out where Neyru came from while pursuers are hot on their tails. I also liked the bit of history we learn as Drew tells stories about the pales they visit. I liked the world building and how the author made this universe come alive. I had a lot of fun reading this one!

World of Fire: Metamorphosis by Deborah A. Bailey
Unfortunately this one wasn't for me. The story couldn't grip me and I didn't really felt invested. I felt very distanced from what was going on and didn't feel the emotions. It felt very matter of fact somehow. The writing style didn't work for me and I skimmed through most of this.

Stranded On GRZBT by Melisse Aires

Escaping Korth by Kyndra Hatch

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Welcome to the latest iteration of the annual reading treat that is Pets in Space. It’s that time again, and the newest addition to the Pets in Space litter, clowder, herd or what-have-you of marvelous science fiction romance novellas where the pets steal the show will be released tomorrow, October 5, 2021.

It’s time for Pets in Space 6, and I already know that it’s every bit as big a winner as its earlier siblings.

The Pets in Space collections are always huge reading treats, and this year is no exception. There are eleven stories packed into 1,300 pages – that’s over 100 pages per story. So these are not exactly short stories. Rather they are all novelette or novella length.

So none of the stories are small. Some of the pets however – like the mice in one of my favorite stories this year – are a bit on the tiny side. But oh-so-cute all the same.

Because this collection is always a mega-treat, I always go into it with a plan of attack – and this year is no exception. The stories are always so good, and too much of a good thing can be wonderful, but these are always such lovely treats that I like to spread them out a bit over the year.

But first, that plan of attack. Because I definitely want to read some of the stories the moment I get the collection!

I start by looking for stories in worlds that I’m already familiar with. This year that meant Veronica Scott’s Sectors SF Romance Star Cruise: Time Loop. The series as a whole began with The Wreck of the Nebula Dream, but has evolved to cruise around the galaxy on a ship that is crewed and staffed by quite a few retired members of the military.

It’s a cruise ship. In space. Who wouldn’t want to take one of their cruises, in spite of some of the stranger and/or more dangerous things that happen aboard? I’d certainly sign up.

The events of the story in this year’s collection are both strange AND dangerous. Senior stewardess Raelyn Cantorini of the cruise ship Nebula Zephyr has a pet lizard from her homeworld. Eyn is bright and mischievous, as so many pets are. Eyn is also more intelligent than average, which just adds to the amount of mischief the little one can make. But when Eyn breaks a glass ornament that was supposedly an artifact of the Ancients who seeded the galaxy with life, Raelyn finds herself experiencing Groundhog Day. Not the day in February, but the movie, where life repeats the same day over and over until someone, in this case Raelyn, gets it right.

And saves the lives of everyone on the ship. If she can get someone to believe her before its too late.

Eyn’s mischief led me to feline mischief – not that I don’t see plenty of that in real life!

In Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler, a confessed space nerd girl learns that not only are aliens out there, but they are also living on Earth – with their ultra-intelligent, hypo-allergenic cats. Gwen points her hacking skills at an abandoned Mars Rover only to discover that lizard-like aliens have fixed and adopted the little machine. Which is very much against the rules – not that Gwen’s hack was any better. The aliens come to Earth to persuade Gwen to give up her recording – and end up taking her back to the stars.

Where the Star Cruise story reminded me a lot of the Stargate SG-1 episode Window of Opportunity, Trade Secrets had the flavor of Earth Girls are Easy – which was a hoot and a half I still remember fondly.

Howsomever, as much as I’d love to go into space, and as easily as Gwen falls for her fated alien mate, much of the charm of this story belongs to the super-smart and super-cute “space cat” Bandit, along with his self-centered and destructive litter-mate Queenie.

After the cruise ship and the cats, I went looking for something cute and fuzzy to round out this portion of my SFR reading and discovered Positive, Negative and Monocle, the lab mice in See How They Run by JC Hay. This story is part of a series that sounds a bit like Firefly crossed with Sisters of the Vast Black, as odd a combination as that sounds. The engineers on the ship Sentinel of Gems, April and Baker, are friends who would like to be more. But Baker has a history of not letting herself get involved, and April has just learned that they may have a genetic time bomb ticking in their lungs. When Baker decides to save her friend by stealing a trio of lab mice from a high tech laboratory that studies just the disease that April fears they have, the situation goes pear-shaped at the speed of light. But while they are all in quarantine together, April, Baker and the surprisingly intelligent stolen mice, the humans figure out that it’s more important to spend what time they have together than to worry about how much time they might or might not have. Not that the mice won’t have plenty to say about that.

Escape Rating A: I love this collection. I love it for its size and its scope, for the endless hours of reading pleasure it gives me, for its promotion of great science fiction romance and SFR authors, and for its annual donations to Hero Dogs, a charity that raises, trains, and places support dogs with U.S. veterans and first-responders.

So this is a win-win-win. I get a great bunch of stories to read every year. A terrific charity gets a nice boost in donations and publicity. And now I get to pass all of that on to you! If any of the stories I’ve mentioned above appeal to you, or if you like the concept of Pets in Space, pick up a copy of this year’s collection and settle in for a long and glorious reading binge!

[KJ Van Houten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pets in Space 6 Anthology. Summary: can’t recommend this strongly enough! 5+ stars

Pets. Space. Hero dogs. What’s not to love? This is the 6th Pets in Space anthology, raising money for the Hero Dogs charity that matches support dogs with veterans and first responders. Maybe that’s why so many stories in each anthology stars pets and unusual creatures that are also worthy of being called heroes.

Below is my brief review for each novella in PIS 6. One thing that struck me is that all of the stories here seem to be part of larger series, providing hints at past stories or peeks at things to come, even if some are presented as standalone here. I didn’t really feel lost at not knowing some of the background hinted at. I know I’d have gotten more out of some of these short novellas if I’d previously read within their series though. All of the stories here were really enjoyable! And I’ve got a few new-to-me series to start! Definitely recommend these, especially if you’re looking for an introduction to some of the participating authors and their series.

Behr’s Rebel by SE Smith (Book 2 in Marastin Dow series)
Smith’s novels are often a hit or miss with me, but her novellas for PIS always score a home run! I fell in love with the ‘pets’ Pi and Chummy instantly — and fell hard. How could I not love a cuddly pair of telepathic, telekinetic fuzzballs. One of them can also predict danger in the near future. That is pretty important when you’re paired up with a sarcastic but charming human pilot and the Marastin Dow rebel leader she was hired to break out of prison. I want an entire series of Pi and Chummy’s adventures with their ‘pets’.

Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott (Part of the Sectors series)
Return to the Nebula Zephyr cruise starship, setting of previous stories in Scott’s Sectors series. I love this series so much, I was excited to jump into this story. This was a Groundhog’s Day type of story, with the heroine repeating the same day in which she has to suffer through a staff meeting, getting through her first trideo film acting experience, meeting the man of her dreams, and saving the entire ship from being blown apart and everyone on board dying. With only her pet moyed — which seems like a cross between a PERN dragonette and a turtle to me — sharing the repetition with her. Satisfying mix of love and adventure, typical of the Sectors series which I am always eager to read. And reread.

The Cyborg with No Name by Honey Phillips (Part of Cyborgs on Mars series)
The story revolves around the scientist who designed robotic horses to aid cyborgs with terraforming projects on Mars. What happens when an ex-engineer and her robotic dog encounter a wounded cyborg Ranger with amnesia? They must solve the mystery of who is he, what happened to him, and why is his health not recovering as it should. This may be my favourite story in this Cyborg on Mars series — it comes across as a sweet and slightly steamy love story that doesn’t try to do too much within a novella format. Makes me want to return to reading the series.

Escape from Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta (Part of the Central Galactic Concordance series)
What do you do when you’re on the run from a captain that wants to use or sell you, only to get kidnapped and find yourself imprisoned on a remote mining station? If you have special empath abilities like Zach Lunaso, you try to keep your head down while plotting escape and making friends with local hordes of griffins living in the mines. Doesn’t hurt if you fall in love while you’re at it! Van Natta’s Central Galactic Concordance series is a favourite of mine, so loved getting back into her universe of minders. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, as I’d have liked to see villains suffer more, but it was still an excellent and fun read.

Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler (Part of The Department of Homeworld Security series)
I know it’s difficult to develop a romantic relationship between strangers in a novella, and I did feel this one was rushed. But I guess that’s part of life when you’re a human meeting aliens for the first time — and not just one species. Then you’re whisked away with said aliens and a ‘not normal’ kitten to an alien warship to find yourself helping solve problems that threaten the safety of Earth, a secret moonbase, and more. Not to mention revealing the secret that aliens really are among us. This was a fun and light-hearted read.

See How They Run by JC Hay (Part of the TriSystems: Smugglers series)
What’s it like to secretly be attracted to one of your closest friends and coworkers? Jesusa Baker accidentally overhears that her best friend, April’s, life may be in danger due to a spacefarers disease that has caused the death of some of their family. Baker sets out to find a solution — involving stealing lab mice from a medical research facility, and getting back to the ship they work on only to end up in quarantine with April and the mice. To make life more interesting, the research facility has sent bounty hunters to retrieve the mice at any cost. Caught between life and potential death from multiple threats, what can they can do but fall in love! Hay does a great job of fitting this novella into his series without it needing a lot of backstory to fall right into it.

Suri’s Sure Thing By S.J. Pajonas (Part of the Kimura Sisters series)
There are some things in life you can be sure of — a stable job, a bonded animal companion, a loving family, and a best friend. Then fate comes along and messes it up. There’s the ex-boyfriend who wants to get back together for his own secretive reasons, the father who wants to control her life and starts making ultimatums, and the friend who may or may not want to be more than friends. Not to mention a loving dog who wants to stay at her side no matter what — even if that means stowing away on a space shuttle! I loved this friends-to-lovers story and wish it had gone on longer. I’d like to see the ex-boyfriend suffer consequences, too!

The Thunder Egg by Greta van der Rol (Part of the Dryden Universe series)
Drew is a historian, traveling around the Empire seeing places of old that he’d only read about, and collecting souvenirs. How was he to know the Thunderegg geode he bought wasn’t what it seemed to be? Afra is captain of her own small freighter desperately looking for cargo. She was not looking to find a hurt man with a strange flying creature in a dark alley. She was not looking to take them on as passengers, helping Drew discover what sort of creature he’d found and return it to its home. She most definitely was not looking to fall in love! But I fell in love with this story. I wish it were longer, just the types of main characters I like best. Once again I’m reminded that I haven’t read enough of this series.

Worlds of Fire: Metamorphosis Deborah A. Bailey (Part of the Worlds of Fire series)
Being a student near the end of studies can bring on a mix of feelings — ready to prove you know more, can do more, than the elders around you think, yet also afraid of making it on your own or not measuring up to family expectations. Even worse when you are attracted to the gargoyle shifter magistrate who is your mentor for transmutation, the final exam you need to pass, and then you accidentally ingest an elixir that throws your life into jeopardy! This story has a more paranormal feel to me, caught up in a world of shifters, alchemy, and elixirs. although there are certainly a few SF elements so it’s more of a hybrid. This felt like a glimpse, enough of a peek into the world Bailey has created to catch my interest, so I will be looking at her series for more!

Stranded on Grzbt By Melisse Aires (Start of the Far Star series)
First story in a new series and I’m already hooked! Three women and a teenager find themselves abducted by aliens, then unintentionally stranded on a bustling trade world. Each are very different personalities and don’t always get along, but manage to pull together when they need to. Their adventure lead them into encounters with some interesting creatures such as a nanoscoot and a telepathic cat breed. Of course, this adventure also leads a certain woman into the arms of a very handsome and helpful alien! The ending definitely sets up for more stories to come.

Escaping Korth By Kyndra Hatch (Part of the Before The Falls series)
Life as an agronomist should be peaceful, but that’s not Liana’s fate. Snatched from the terraformed world she was studying, she finds herself a prisoner on Korth, caught in the war between humans and Korthans. The Korthan cyborg interrogator seems familiar, his mogha companion not really scary, and the strange rainbow-coloured spyder-crab creeping around her cell is rather cute. Now if only the other Korthans didn’t want her dead! Or is there a way to escape even as human warships appear in the sky? I will definitely be reading this series. Hatch presents a lot of story in a small number of pages, has interesting characters and creatures that I want to know more about!

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall rating is the average of the following ratings.

Bahr’s Rebel by S. E. Smith
Series:Marastin Dow #2
Pages: 153
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

This was a wonderful alien romance. It’s been years since I read S.E. Smith but I still really enjoy her writing and characters. Raia has accepted a mission to rescue General Behr De’Mar, the leader of the Marastin Dow rebel forces, from a Marastin Dow prison. She was smart, innovative, kind, and just an absolutely wonderful heroine. I loved her. Behr is a strong and protective man who is determined to help his people. He was a wonderful hero and I loved watching him fall for Raia, and her two adorable sidekicks Pi and Chummy.

This was a wonderful alien romance with a kickass virgin heroine and a serious hero instantly falls for his rescuer. Also, I really want more of just Pi and Chummy stealing food and being cute.

I am now tempted to go back and reread all of Smith’s books because of how much I enjoyed this one.

Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott
Series: The Sectors #15 (I think)
Pages: 113
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Raelyn Cantorini is a senior stewardess onboard the cruise ship Nebula Zephyr. When a mystical artifact she recently purchased breaks, she finds herself stuck in a time loop that won’t end until she discovers who is trying to destroy the ship. Along the way she falls for actor and former special forces soldier Kev Gordonn.

This was an enjoyable time loop romance. Normally, with any kind of media involving a time loop I quickly become bored and annoyed by the repetitiveness of the scenes. I didn’t with this one though. I enjoyed Raelyn’s journey to uncover the culprit behind the explosions and her romance with Kev. Also, I loved how quickly Kev accepted Raelyn’s story about the time loop and how he instantly went into protective soldier mode.

Also, another very cute and interesting pet in this one.

The Cyborg With No Name by Honey Philips
Series: Cyborgs On Mars
Pages: 77
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Dr. Rose Abbot is the scientist who pioneered the technology behind the robotic horses used on Mars. But she quickly becomes disgusted at the way GenCon Corporation treats the animals and leaves. Then one of those horses leads her to an injured cyborg ranger who has no memory.

Rose and Roy were an adorable couple. I really enjoyed their slowish relationship and how Roy slowly gained his memory. The pets in this one were cool too because they were a mechanical horse and a dog, which is unique. I like that they had a lot of personality too. Overall, this was a very enjoyable cyborg, instant love relationship. I really should read this series because I enjoy Honey Philips writing and this seems like a very interesting world on Mars with cyborgs and mechanical horses.

P.S. I did go back and read this series and really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a cyborg romance series definitely check it out.

Escape From Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta
Series: Central Galactic Concordance
Pages: 125
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok

Zade Lunaso finds himself captured and sent to a mining operation. He is determined to escape, even if no one else ever has, and with the help of Julke Defayendystr it might actually work.

So this was an interesting story because the world was very interesting. I found the different abilities of these Minders were fascinating and I especially loved how they could interact with the griffins. Julke and Zade were interesting characters but I never felt any love or chemistry between them. They are so focused on getting free that their relationship reads as just a friendship to me, which is one of the reasons why I am rating this so low.

Another thing is that while this was an interesting world, I found myself getting bored at times because of the lack of romance or real connection between these two. I was expecting more of a connection and while I felt they will be lifelong friends, I can’t envision these two as a couple, even after that ending.

Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler
Series: Department of Homeworld Security #15 (i think)
Pages: 105
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Gwen Williams wants nothing more than to explore space and make contact with aliens. The only problem is her plan works a little too well and she soon finds herself helping a group of aliens.

This was a cute story. Gwen and Xan have an instant attraction and love that I enjoyed. Gwen has always wanted to meet aliens so the whole experience was a dream come true for her. I loved her excitement at everything and her determination to help. Xan was super sweet and I really liked him. I wish their story had been longer because I wanted to find out who was trying to sabotage this alien base.

Overall, this was a good instant love alien romance. The world was fascinating and now I want to read more of this series to get the whole story but it’s not necessary to understand this story. Also, Brandt the cat in this was so cute and I want a space cat now.

See How They Run by JC Hays
Series: TriSystems: Smugglers #3
Pages: 125
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Jesusa Baker is determined to help her friend survive, even if it means stealing some lab mice. But what she doesn’t expect is to end up quarantined with April and the tree mice. Now she can’t ignore her attraction to April.

This is the first LGBTQ story for this anthology! I enjoyed Baker and April’s friendship and how they slowly admitted their feelings. Baker and April both struggle to discuss their feelings but they eventually work it out. I liked April. They were a great character and I found her abilities to be graceful in antigravity to be fascinating.Their whole family upbringing was also interesting because it was a community one and not individual.

Baker has spent her life being abandoned by anyone she cared about so she now doesn’t trust anyone. This causes her to appear as heartless to others but it is really a defense mechanism for her. I enjoyed watching her break through the traumas of her past and open up to April.

Overall, this was a good friend to lovers story. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and how they worked through their problems. Also the mice were cute.

Suri’s Sure Thing by S. J. Pajonas
Series: Kimura Sisters #1
Pages: 115
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Trigger Warning: Controlling and sometimes mentally abusive parents. Threats of homelessness.

Suri Kimura won’t be going to the Kikoboshi Farewell Ball. She would rather work in orbit and earn more cash. But her father is insistent that she go to the ball with her ex and Suri doesn’t know what to do now.

This was a good friends to lovers story. Suri and Erik have been friends for years and are always doing things together. When her father pushes Suri to go back out with her ex, she finally realizes that she is in love with Erik. Suri was a great heroine. She was kind and took care of her family. I liked her dedication to her work.

Suri’s parents were terrible. At least her mother tried to control her father but she also didn’t stop him when he made a decision. I was glad to see that Suri finally stood up to them and wouldn’t let herself be pushed around anymore. I just feel sorry for the rest of her siblings now who still are trapped by their father.

Erik was a quiet hero but he was perfect for Suri. He has been her friend for years and always goes out of his way to help her and be there for her. I love that he never questioned her feelings for her ex or tried to make excuses for him since they had been friends. These two were cute together and I really enjoyed their adventure in space. Also I loved that they were bonded with dogs who they could talk to.

The Thunder Egg by Greta Van Der Rol
Series: Dryden Universe
Pages: 128
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

Trigger warnings: sexual assault, grief from recent parental death

When history professor Drew Torson purchases a thunder egg at market it leads to the discovery of a unique and highly sought after bird. With the help of freighter captain Afra Abrussen he is able to escape danger but loses his heart.

This was a wonderful space romance. I really enjoyed this unique world with different creatures and races. Drew was a wonderful hero and I really adored when he went all geeky on everyone. Afra was a wonderful heroine who is struggling to keep her ship and deal with her grief. These two really worked well together and I enjoyed their adventure.

Neyru was a wonderful animal. She was unique and fascinating. I enjoyed seeing her grow and try to matchmake. Overall, this was really enjoyable and I think I will check out other books in this series now.

Worlds of Fire: Metamorphosis by Deborah A. Bailey
Series: Worlds of Fire
Pages: 80
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok

Asira is determined to pass her exams for alchemy. She becomes the apprentice of Jaydon, a gargoyle shifter, who is well known at the university for his skills as an alchemist. But things don’t go as planned for Asira.

This was an ok story. Asira was an ok heroine. She has followed her family's dictates all her life and is being pressured into joining the golden court once she passes her exams. She didn’t really show much personality, especially in the beginning, because she was so used to just doing what was told of her.

Jaydon was interesting because he was a gargoyle shifter but also very distant. He really wasn’t a great mentor. He was just like read this or go work on formulas by yourself. Their romance was barely there. There was very little romance, flirting, or emotion between these two. I struggled to get through this one between the lack of romance and the world itself not really interesting me.

Stranded on Grzbt by Melisse Aires
Series: Far Star
Pages: 117
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Mimi Stevens finds herself kidnapped by wormlike aliens with three other women. When they see a chance they escape but quickly find they don’t know how to survive. When they come across Kyre Valryssian who understands English they realize they might have found some friends.

This was a good alien abduction story. I enjoyed Mimi and how determined she was to survive. Kyre was an interesting alien since he knew English. I liked him and his family a lot. These two had an instant attraction that quickly turned to love. I enjoyed this one and will add this author to my list to read. Also Velvet, the alien elephant creature, was adorable.

Escaping North by Kyndra Hatch
Series: Before the Falls #4
Pages: 97
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

K'urt Knox is a Korthan cyborg warrior assigned to interrogate the human combatants. His new interrogation quickly gets complicated when he realizes he knows the human female and that she is his mate.

I really enjoyed this one. The humans and Korthan were once allies but the humans broke the treaty when they terraformed a world that already had life. Sadly, this all seems possible with how our governments work currently. I liked K’urt and Liana. They were childhood friends and now their feelings have just grown. I am very interested in reading more books from this series because I want to know how this war plays out.

Also I really liked the pets in this one, even if the skydar was a little too spider-like. W’ard was an interesting doglike creature and I love that they bond to the person and can talk to them.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was such a profoundly unique and engaging read. Each author did a fantastic job of infusing their own unique creative spins and introducing readers to their crafted worlds while incorporating the theme of pets in space so effortlessly. The heart and passion for which the authors deliver these tales are both inspiring to read as the cause for which this book speaks are so important, and the creativity that this anthology has sparked is a testament to the amazing talent these authors have.

What really stood out to me as a reader was the depth of world-building that each story had. Each individual story did a great job of pacing and building enough atmosphere to get a feel for the unique universes each author had created, and as with any great sci-fi story, each author built a hefty and gripping mythos that the readers won’t be able to stop diving head-first into. The emotional pull of both the featured romances and the love between the characters and their pets was so relatable and added the emotional connection the readers needed for each of these stories and their protagonists.

The Verdict

A thrilling, action-packed, and emotionally investing sci-fi anthology, “Pets in Space 6” is a must-read novel of 2021, and the perfect sci-fi read heading into fall. The charity organization the book is dedicated to and is helping is such a worthy cause, and the author's flair for creative storytelling and heavy world-building made this a brilliant narrative that is not to be missed.

[Amanda J]

Good read

Now this was a great collection of stories, each writer had such a great storyline which became a pageturner. I don't even know where to begin without making this a huge book-long review which I feel would make any reviewer skip over so I'll make it short and sweet. This book had a few well-known writers as well as a few I have not read and I'm so glad it did because I found some new favorites. I loved the integration of the animals in each story, quite refreshing to our usual sci-fi romance. It's definitely one you should grab if you want a lighter HEA sci-fi romance, it'll grab your attention.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read the rest of the Pets in Space 6 anthology yet, but I've had the chance to read Carol Van Natta’s Escape From Nova Nine and it was fantastic. I loved the two main characters, Zade and Julke and the way they worked together with their fellow prisoners to escape from the illegal prison where they’ve been providing slave labor to a mining operation. The addition of the griffins was great and I’m glad the prisoners helped protect them, and that they reciprocated with help when needed. The conditions were so terrible and it was inspiring to see the prisoners never losing hope, they just kept looking for their chance to escape. Julke had been imprisoned for quite some time and Zade was the noob, but he picked things up quickly and was a great asset to the effort. I loved the growing romance between the two as well, not so much as to detract from the main story, but enough to be rooting for them to have a chance to explore their feelings in a better future. I look forward to reading the rest of the anthology soon.

[Suesan Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFUL READ!

As always another great Pets in Space anthology.
I absolutely love the Pets in Space anthologies, and the fact they contribute to such a worthy cause (Hero Dogs) is a huge plus in my book. The stories are always terrific. I would hard pressed to choose just one as a favorite. I look forward the next release next year. I just wish there could be more one release a year.
Thank you.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this anthology for Carol Van Natta's Escape From Nova Nine! I enjoy her Central Galactic Concordance series!

[SJ Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for the Cyborg with No Name

I love the Cyborgs of Mars stories and so I was excited to get a look at the newest novella. Having the heroine the original designer of the horse models was wonderful! I loved this and her focus on the mechanics of creating her bots as well as her observation that they are not merely machines. It added something really sweet to the story especially since I've always been really fond of the cyborgs' horses (I want one, not going to lie lol).
The space constraints of having it novella form did make itself felt when it came to the growth of their relationship which makes me really hope that it gets expanded with a few additional chapters there once it comes out of the anthology because I would love to return to this story with a bit more in the middle there!
As always the sexy times are hot and I just loved both the heroine and they sexy and sweet Roy (the cyborg). I look forward to reading more from this world!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Sherratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Included: The Cyborg with No Name (Honey Phillips). Although set in the same series timeline as Cyborgs on Mars, this one can definitely stand on its own. The added cyborg pet just makes it that much more special. I just can’t get enough of the cyborg rangers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

11 Wonderful Science Fiction Romance stories. There are some of my favorite authors and some new to me. This time I am going to read in order. On the other 5 I skipped around and did not read all the stories. So far, so good. First two stories are authors new to me and they just added books to my TBR pile. So many books, so little time.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this on and off between some other books. Let's see how much I remember about each story!

Behr's Rebel by S.E. Smith - 3 stars. I felt a bit lost in this one, since it was clear that some characters had relationships from a previous book that I hadn't read. I liked Raia and her pets were adorable as well. I would have appreciated some bits from Behr's POV, as I think that this was all from Raia's POV?

Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott - 4 stars. Once day I'll have to read these all in order! I do like the idea of a galactic cruise ship, and most of the stories I've read have been good. Raelyn and Lev had good chemistry and seemed well-matched.

The Cyborg with No Name, Honey Phillips - 4 stars. I'd been interested in this series, but hadn't read anything so far. This was a great introduction to the series and I want to read more. Robot horses seem like a bit of an absurd idea, but they worked really well in this story.

Escape from Nova Nine by Carol van Natta - 5 stars. One of the standouts of the anthology for me, but I've enjoyed everything I've read from this author so it wasn't a surprise. The mini griffins sound SO ADORABLE and I like that they've evolved to have different specialties. The team coordination and slightly older ages of the leads in this one was a nice bonus as well.

Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler - 3 stars. Space romcom! Lighter than most of the other stories in this anthology, but a nice fun, fluffy break.

See How They Run by JC Hay - 4 stars. Reminded me a lot of The Expanse with the changes to anatomy from the colonists who grew up in low gravity. The mice sounded quite cute.

Suri's Sure Thing by S.J. Pajonas - 3 stars. Another lighter one, friends to lovers with some cute dog sidekicks. Interesting dynamic between the human colonists who'd been there for a few hundred years and those who had arrived more recently.

The Thunder Egg by Greta Van der Rol - 4 stars. Interesting start, and a great story!

Metamorphosis by Deborah A. Bailey - 2 stars. Not a fan of the student/teacher dynamic, even if they are fairly close in age and it's like a grad student/mentor situation. The world-building was also a little confusing since I've never read anything by this office before.

Stranded on Grzbt by Melisse Aries - 4 stars. Good introduction to the rest of the series - the women were all interesting and had unique strengths, and the nanosnoots might be the best pets in the anthology. I would have liked a bit more involvement from the women in the case against the kidnapping pirates, and maybe some more angst or struggle with "oh hey we're never going to get to go home" rather than immediately setting into their cushy new alien apartments.

Escaping Korth by Kyndra Hatch - 4 stars. I think I've read all of the novellas in this series, but it's hard for me to keep track what order they're in, chronologically. This was nice because while it was focused on the hero & heroine it also contextualized the larger setting and helped to place some other events and places. The alien spyder sounded very cute, and I know I'm supposed to like the moghas, but the extending fingers creep me the hell out!

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this anthology, eleven science fiction authors each provided a novella; proceeds from this book benefit Hero Dogs, a charity that trains dogs to be placed with veterans and first responders. In keeping with this theme, each of the eleven stories features a pet of some kind, from the familiar to the decidedly alien.

S.E. Smith's contribution, "Behr's Rebel," opens the volume. The heroine and her two plucky pets have to rescue a mercenary captain from certain execution, and of course, romantic shenanigans will ensue. Still, telepathic and telekinetic pets looking after me? Such a wonderful idea! Being a novella, we have a slower exploration of their backstories, the Big Bad hunting the captain, and the hero and heroine becoming lovers. The pets aren't just fun pieces of fluff, they play a role in the story and get the plot moving along, too.

From there, we have glimpses into futuristic cruises, truth-tellers, futuristic medical practice, sulking teens, shapeshifters, and the like. Animals are often companions, sometimes the reason why things go sideways. Because a lot of these novellas are part of a series, we also have a bit of background prior to each one beginning.

I thoroughly enjoyed Veronica Scott's contribution "Star Cruise: Time Loop." Not only do we have a time loop, but our plucky heroine gets a chance to save 8000 people and get the guy of her dreams because of her actions. These are all fun stories, but the time loop is my favorite one of the bunch because of the fun way she played around with the time loop trope. All of these are really fun to read, with happily ever afters for everyone.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pets in Space 6 is a massive anthology, bringing together a dozen (almost) short stories, all revolving around two of my favorite subjects: animals and science fiction. I mean, what could possibly be better? Oh, right! Did I mention that Pets in Space 6 supports Hero-Dogs.org? Yeah, that's pretty amazing!

Included in Pets in Space 6, you'll find: Behr's Rebel by S.E. Smith, Star Cruise: Time Loop by Veronica Scott, The Cyborg With No Name by Honey Phillips, Escape from Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta, Trade Secrets by Cassandra Chandler, See How They Run by JC Hay, Suri's Sure Thing by S.J. Pajonas, The Thunder Egg by Greta van der Rol, World of Fire: Metamorphosis by Deborah A. Bailey, Stranded on GRZBT by Melisse Aires, and Escaping Korth by Kyndra Hatch.

Now, to be fair: I actually haven't read any of the anthologies before Pets in Space 6. That being said, I am absolutely going to change that as soon as I have the time! I love anthologies, and I love them even more, when they are created in support of a good cause. Thank you to all of the authors that came together to make this book a reality; you're amazing! 

Pets in Space 6 is a fun and delightful read, portraying various animals and situations – all having some sort of science fiction vibe. In other words, it's perfect for animal lovers, especially those that prefer this very specific genre. 

It was such a blast to read, and I really hope the rest of the anthologies are as creative as this one because this was a wholly new experience for me! 

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pets in Space 6 . . .

PETS IN SPACE 6 presents 11 original, never-before-released stories from the generous authors who give their time and creativity each year to support Hero-Dogs.org, a non-profit charity. Below is a review of one of the stories to give you an idea of what is included in this limited-edition anthology.

*** Reviewing “SURI’S SURE THING” by S. J. Pajonas ***
Suri Kimura works on the ship designed for deep space to transport volunteer colonists elsewhere to reduce current overcrowding and resource issues on her world. She is totally immersed and devoted to her work, although she does make time for her best friend, Erik. When she decides not to go to the Hikoboshi Farewell Ball, her father insists she go. Instead, she joins her best friend Erik and her dog, Finn, to relax planet-side. However, her ex-boyfriend is back and he insists she accompany him to the ball.

Her pet, Finn, does not like the ex, nor does Erik. Something isn’t right. When Erik comes to her rescue, she realizes how much Erik means to her. Will he reciprocate her feelings? Will they take a chance on a relationship with each other? Grab your copy of this wonderful anthology and enjoy this and the other stories, and it’s all for a good cause (so no feeling guilty when you can’t get your nose out of the book).

Thanking the contributing authors: S.E. Smith, Veronica Scott, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Cassandra Chandler, J.C. Hay, S.J. Pajonas, Greta van der Rol, Deborah A. Bailey, Melisse Aires, and Kyndra Hatch.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for "The Cyborg With No Name" by Honey Philips.

I haven't read any other books in this series but I really enjoyed this one. Dr. Rose Abbot is a cybernetic engineer working for GenCon Corporation on Mars developing robot horses. When a storm damages the container with the horses, she rushes to she how badly they were damaged. To her surprise, there is only damage to one large horse which appears to have shielded the others. The horse needed a new eye, but since it wouldn't impede it's purpose, the company refused to make the simple fix since the horses were going to cyborgs anyway. Dissatisfied with a company that cared only about profits, she leaves the company and a year later she is living in an isolated homestead and able to survive on her own. While building a robot dog one day, one of the horses she created ran right up to her and lead her to its injured cyborg ranger. She brings him to her home to heal, but he awakens and has lost his memory.

Great world building. I loved the robot animals! I don't read too many cyborg stories, but this story has me interested in reading this series. 5 stars.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought for the SE smith story.
Will add to review as I read them.
S.E. SMITH - BEHR'S REBEL - MARASTIN DOW 2
Such a fun and entertaining read.
Ms Smith has once again woven a story seamlessly into her interlinked worlds as to make you feel that you are a part of all that is happening.
Oh my goodness, what a great story.
Assassins, secret worlds, goddesses and love.
This story just played out beautifully and took me along for the ride.
Behr was softer than I expected for a Marastin Dow General. There was no harshness in him, even though his childhood and the environment he was raised in should have made him cruel.
VERONICA SCOTT - STAR CRUISE - TIME LOOP SECTORS
HONEY PHILLIPS - THE CYBORG WITH NO NAME
CAROL VAN NATTA - ESCAPE FROM NOVA NINE - CENTRAL GALACTIC CONCORDANCE
CASSANDRA CHANDLER - TRADE SECRETS - THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMEWORLD SECURITY
JC HAY - SEE HOW THEY RUN – TRISYSTEMS: SMUGGLERS
S.J. PAJONAS - SURI'S SURE THING - KIMURA SISTERS
DEBORAH A. BAILEY - THE THUNDER EGG
GRETA VAN DER ROL - WORLDS OF FIRE: METAMORPHOSIS
MELISSE AIRES - STRANDED ON GRZBT
KYNDRA HATCH - ESCAPING KORTH - BEFORE THE FALL

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In general, don't tend to read anthologies because the stories, especially if they are by multiple authors, tend to be uneven in quality. However, Pets In Space is one of my few exceptions to the rule. I've been reading these anthologies since the second one was published and look forward to the newest one every year. After all, what's not to love about adorable (and sometimes deadly) creatures and the people who love them. I especially love that because this is SF, the authors have full freedom for their imaginations. Sometimes the "pets" are familiar to species we have here on Earth, other times, they are wildly different and imaginative. I usually enjoy a few of the stories more than others, but in general, the quality is high across the board, and the novella length of each story provides enough page count for the author to sketch out a fully satisfying story, yet they are short enough to read when you have a break in your day. Plus, I always find new authors and new series that I want to dive into further. Bravo to all of the Pets In Space authors!

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! cyborgs on Mars.... love Rose..Dr. Abbott... and Roy..R-730...Bucephalus the horse and Otis the dog... this is their story... a fast paced drama... Rose is the creator of the robot horses and Otis... she feels that they have intelligence and feelings... nobody believes her... she quits and lives in a remote area and fixes things... one of her horses comes to her for help... she names him Bucephalus and finds R-730 that she names Roy... he is at death's door... she tries to heal him but, he is dying... he was assaulted and experimented on...can she save him ? is the danger gone ? what about their feelings for each other ? just loved it !!!

the cyborg with no name by honey phillips

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Pets in Space 6, we find an anthology with multiple stories where many imaginative and futuristic concepts mix with an integration of animals.

As in life, there are some unexpected attractions. There is also transitioning from friends to lovers and in some situations, transmutation skills are needed.

There is a robotic horse, mechanical dog, a kitten, turtle, green lizard, etc. And while some animals seem to have familiar traits to our own furry and not-so furry friends, others are undeniably alien.

Mix these romances with some time travel and the hope of surviving asteroids and you too should be able to manipulate the picture in your mind.

After all, anything is possible, as our world advances.

I received a copy of this anthology from Lola, assistant, with Pet's in Space Books.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is for The Cyborg With No Name by Honey Phillips. Dr. Rose Abbott lives alone with her experiments after she left GenCon Corporation for the way that they treated her creation the horses that the Cyborgs use to patrol Mars. Her latest creation is a dog that she names Otis. One day one of her horses arrives at her house and wants her to follow him. She does and finds a cyborg badly injured with no memory. She brings him home to take care of and finds herself attracted to him. Steamy romance mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read all the stories in this anthology. I received an ARC of Escape from Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta and am reviewing that story. It was a nice space romance with likeable leads but as with most pets in space stories, while the griffins are interesting they disappointingly don't play a significant role in the story. I was also left wondering about the culture of Julke's clan which seems very different and interesting but these are only fleetingly referenced and not explored or explained so it was a bit confusing. It would have been better to either give more detail and context to the clans or to not have them play a part at all.

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Tag *
This was such a beautiful read
If you are an animal lover this ones for you. Knowing that it's time to walk away, Rose( Dr. Abbott) moves to a remote part of Mars, there she decides to create her first cyborg canine. When a familiar face( horse) shows up at her little oasis, her past comes flooding back to her with a vengeance.
Deception, revenge and love all come together in a nice little package.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey Phillips - The Cyborg With No Name
A continuation of her Cyborgs on Mars series, this short story features Rose. Creating a new life for herself after leaving GenCon, she finds herself seeking companionship in the form of creating an AI dog. But the unexpected happens and she finds herself rescuing an amnesiac Cyborg. Will the algorithms that are in one branch out into another? Can an ex-genetic/scientist find happiness without realizing that was what she was seeking all along? Are the AI animals truly sentient?

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey’s book:
Otis was such a huge presence for such a little guy! I fell in love! I need to go back and reread the other books- it’s been too long, but the animals always steal the show for me (I’m super partial to their huge hearts and awesome personalities and how they make themselves understood). Rose has an equally large heart and how she tends to Roy and his horse- I loved the interactions with all of them. As always, it’s too short. I get so wrapped up, it’s over before I know it. I’m so glad there was a little epilogue. I’m hoping we get to see all of them again!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero Dogs Charity anthology

This is the 6th Pets in Space anthology that I have had the pleasure to purchase and read. It's nice to know that each of us that purchase this limited edition have a small part in helping someone.

I always enjoy the short additions to series, by authors that I already follow, and have also discovered new authors to read.

If you follow S. E. Smith, you will not want to miss Behr's Rebel. Honey Phillips addition, A Cyborg With No Name is part of the Cyborgs on Mars series.
There are several more good stories in this anthology.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review - A Cyborg with No Name by Honey Philips
I love Honey Philips Cyborg on Mars series! This short is as equally great…in fact, I hope Philips expands it into full book. Rose is a scientist who becomes dishearten with her work, she realizes that the metal horses are becoming sentient. She can not continue this work so purchases a place of her own on Mars. One of her precious horses comes to find her to help his riders. Bucephalus and his rider become her world and love flourishes but first they must confront evil. Excellent story filled with hot romance and loving animals. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Review- Escape from Nova Nine by Carol Van Natta
Great story with a complex plot this story leaps off the page into your heart! Zade and Julke, along with supporting characters are imprisoned on an asteroid mining and trying to stay alive. Low and behold, space griffins are also in the mine…and some prisoners are befriending them. What a touching story that is a must read for Van Natta fans.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love The Cyborgs on Mars series. I can't help loving the mix of Western, Sci/fi and romance but this one is extra. I have always enjoyed the horses but this one has a dog! Otis! I loved imagining Otis. The story, world building and characters are superb as you would expect from Honey Phillips..she never disappointes. Otis took it over the top for me..loved it! 5 stars and 10 paw prints for this story!