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Close Quarters
This spaceship isn’t big enough for two broken hearts.
Dapper and determined Ketis has never quite gotten over the abrupt end of his first love affair. Sick of running into his stupidly handsome ex-alpha in every damn corridor of Debera Palace, he agrees to travel halfway across the galaxy to the capital of the Drualian Empire. That should be far enough to forget Soran, right?
Right?
Two years ago, fiercely protective Deputy Captain Soran Anstone failed his precious, brilliant Ketis in the hour he needed him the most. Unable to face the omega he doesn’t deserve to love, he jumps at the chance to lead a new security team, even if losing Ketis again hurts more than leaving the only planet he’s ever known.
Their surprise reunion aboard HMS Descant is unexpectedly intimate, but with Soran consumed by guilt and Ketis convinced that the alpha doesn’t care, neither can see that the flame between them is blazing brighter than ever. Then the ship is plunged into darkness, and the pair must track down a would-be assassin—and find their way back to each other—before interstellar peace is shattered forever.
Close Quarters is a 26k second-chance romance featuring mutual pining and lethal danger on a spaceship. While mpreg exists in this world, there is no pregnancy or birth in this book.
Dapper and determined Ketis has never quite gotten over the abrupt end of his first love affair. Sick of running into his stupidly handsome ex-alpha in every damn corridor of Debera Palace, he agrees to travel halfway across the galaxy to the capital of the Drualian Empire. That should be far enough to forget Soran, right?
Right?
Two years ago, fiercely protective Deputy Captain Soran Anstone failed his precious, brilliant Ketis in the hour he needed him the most. Unable to face the omega he doesn’t deserve to love, he jumps at the chance to lead a new security team, even if losing Ketis again hurts more than leaving the only planet he’s ever known.
Their surprise reunion aboard HMS Descant is unexpectedly intimate, but with Soran consumed by guilt and Ketis convinced that the alpha doesn’t care, neither can see that the flame between them is blazing brighter than ever. Then the ship is plunged into darkness, and the pair must track down a would-be assassin—and find their way back to each other—before interstellar peace is shattered forever.
Close Quarters is a 26k second-chance romance featuring mutual pining and lethal danger on a spaceship. While mpreg exists in this world, there is no pregnancy or birth in this book.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2022
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 23, 2022
4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Reference to parental abuse, SFF-typical violence
Kink: N/A
Close Quarters by Juna Jay is a SFF omegaverse featuring a second chance romance and forced proximity, with competent diplomat omega Ketis and dutiful guard Soran.
What an adorable book! This is my first read by Juna Jay and I did enjoy it. In terms of the writing, I do think that the first half suffered a bit. There were a few editing issues (use of ellipses I felt were unnecessary, ‘etc etc’ that I swear was an editing note left in), and the front loading of world building and getting my grips in the setting was difficult with the slower pacing. However, once we got past the first half and to the timing of the mild suspense, things flowed a lot easier and I was able to get invested in the romantic connection between the two MCs.
Another note for the author is I would appreciate if time breaks had a visual marker/chapter break symbol between them. A simple, “… Ketis said later” can be a bit jarring.
Regarding the relationship of Ketis and Soran — so sweet. I loved how Soran was this soft and protective alpha, and how this translated into their sexual dynamic. I know Jay enjoys the idea of omegas not being typically submissive and we see this element a bit here. Both in and out of the bedroom Ketis is the confident one who empowers Soran and supports him. Soran treasures Ketis and treats him like royalty, that definitely had this ‘body worship’ vibe going on which I enjoyed. I love a “let me take care of you” moment.
I thought the sex scenes were a bit short however, to my taste. I think they could’ve been written better, but that just might be with time.
Overall, I think this is an interesting read within an intriguing world and I am so wanting a book about the arranged marriage between omega and alpha prince. I do recommend this book!
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Reference to parental abuse, SFF-typical violence
Kink: N/A
Close Quarters by Juna Jay is a SFF omegaverse featuring a second chance romance and forced proximity, with competent diplomat omega Ketis and dutiful guard Soran.
What an adorable book! This is my first read by Juna Jay and I did enjoy it. In terms of the writing, I do think that the first half suffered a bit. There were a few editing issues (use of ellipses I felt were unnecessary, ‘etc etc’ that I swear was an editing note left in), and the front loading of world building and getting my grips in the setting was difficult with the slower pacing. However, once we got past the first half and to the timing of the mild suspense, things flowed a lot easier and I was able to get invested in the romantic connection between the two MCs.
Another note for the author is I would appreciate if time breaks had a visual marker/chapter break symbol between them. A simple, “… Ketis said later” can be a bit jarring.
Regarding the relationship of Ketis and Soran — so sweet. I loved how Soran was this soft and protective alpha, and how this translated into their sexual dynamic. I know Jay enjoys the idea of omegas not being typically submissive and we see this element a bit here. Both in and out of the bedroom Ketis is the confident one who empowers Soran and supports him. Soran treasures Ketis and treats him like royalty, that definitely had this ‘body worship’ vibe going on which I enjoyed. I love a “let me take care of you” moment.
I thought the sex scenes were a bit short however, to my taste. I think they could’ve been written better, but that just might be with time.
Overall, I think this is an interesting read within an intriguing world and I am so wanting a book about the arranged marriage between omega and alpha prince. I do recommend this book!
July 6, 2022
Tags: Sci-fi, omegaverse, second chance romance, coworkers, political intrigue
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Juna Jay. I love sci fi, and omegaverse, but have actually not seen them together before. (Mpreg - yes, omegaverse, no). I loved the pining between the MC's - I'm not always a fan of second chance romances but this was well done.
My only complaint was that at times it was hard to follow what was going on, especially in heavy dialogue parts. It didn't interfere with my enjoyment, but I probably missed some of the plot. There were also a lot of side characters that didn't really get fleshed out much, but were a bit distracting.
Overall I would recommend and plan to read more by the author.
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Juna Jay. I love sci fi, and omegaverse, but have actually not seen them together before. (Mpreg - yes, omegaverse, no). I loved the pining between the MC's - I'm not always a fan of second chance romances but this was well done.
My only complaint was that at times it was hard to follow what was going on, especially in heavy dialogue parts. It didn't interfere with my enjoyment, but I probably missed some of the plot. There were also a lot of side characters that didn't really get fleshed out much, but were a bit distracting.
Overall I would recommend and plan to read more by the author.
July 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this scifi investigator husbands novella. I saw some reviews wishing for more backstory/worldbuilding, but I appreciated the brevity in that regard (sometimes worldbuilding exhausts me, and I never felt lost or overly confused.) We get enough of a sense of who the characters are, and even tho the personal conflict seemed a bit overblown, at the same time, I liked that it was straightforward and could be easily resolved.
I also liked the casual omegaverse in this one, where status is acknowledged, but omegas aren't relegated to a lower rank or exclusively raising children. Admittedly, I'm newer to reading about omegaverse societies, but this was a twist on what I have seen that I found refreshing. I'll definitely plan to check out future books in the series!
I received a review copy from Gay Romance Reviews, and these are my honest opinions.
I also liked the casual omegaverse in this one, where status is acknowledged, but omegas aren't relegated to a lower rank or exclusively raising children. Admittedly, I'm newer to reading about omegaverse societies, but this was a twist on what I have seen that I found refreshing. I'll definitely plan to check out future books in the series!
I received a review copy from Gay Romance Reviews, and these are my honest opinions.
June 27, 2022
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
If you’re looking for a short MM omegaverse story with sci-fi elements, this is definitely the one you should be picking up!
I read the synopsis and was immediately intrigued. Upon reading, the world building was off to a really good start. The universe this author has created is so unique and I loved the maps in the beginning. I found the political system interesting and found myself wanting to know about other planets and cities in this universe.
But ultimately, the story fell a little flat for me.
I wish there was a bit more character development here. There were some characters who would show up and I’d not remember if they had been there before or if they were even mentioned in passing. I also wish we got more of a look into Soran’s and Ketis’s past. We do know what happened between them but I still felt like something was missing.
Still, there is potential here. Prince Ivar has my attention. 👀
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a short MM omegaverse story with sci-fi elements, this is definitely the one you should be picking up!
I read the synopsis and was immediately intrigued. Upon reading, the world building was off to a really good start. The universe this author has created is so unique and I loved the maps in the beginning. I found the political system interesting and found myself wanting to know about other planets and cities in this universe.
But ultimately, the story fell a little flat for me.
I wish there was a bit more character development here. There were some characters who would show up and I’d not remember if they had been there before or if they were even mentioned in passing. I also wish we got more of a look into Soran’s and Ketis’s past. We do know what happened between them but I still felt like something was missing.
Still, there is potential here. Prince Ivar has my attention. 👀
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
Lots of ideas in this sci-fi short but the world building etc probably needed a little more room to breathe. The main couple was very sweet and I always like a good investigation plot.
June 30, 2022
My original review has vanished but I really liked this novella.
The worldbuilding was interesting and I really rooted for the characters. Since it was told from both povs it was possible to see from both sides and get a better idea of the characters.
A sweet second chance sci-fi romance.
Hopefully there's more from this series
The worldbuilding was interesting and I really rooted for the characters. Since it was told from both povs it was possible to see from both sides and get a better idea of the characters.
A sweet second chance sci-fi romance.
Hopefully there's more from this series
August 24, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Close Quarters is a fast paced, sci-fi adventure set in the omegaverse. It’s light on world building and character development, but it’s still a sweet story that works despite its deficits.
Ketis and Soran are only slightly more developed than superficial; there’s not a lot of depth to either of them and the reason for their break up doesn’t really seem supported, but their affection for one another comes to through in a big way. Despite the hurt between them, the love runs deeper and it guides their actions without them even being aware of it. As a couple they work, despite their lack of growth over the course of the book.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Close Quarters is a fast paced, sci-fi adventure set in the omegaverse. It’s light on world building and character development, but it’s still a sweet story that works despite its deficits.
Ketis and Soran are only slightly more developed than superficial; there’s not a lot of depth to either of them and the reason for their break up doesn’t really seem supported, but their affection for one another comes to through in a big way. Despite the hurt between them, the love runs deeper and it guides their actions without them even being aware of it. As a couple they work, despite their lack of growth over the course of the book.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
June 29, 2022
3.5
If you want a short story that has you intrigued to know what is going to happen, this story is for you.
Before talking about our protagonists I want to talk about the mystery, there is someone trying to kill the prince that our protagonists are guarding, and I was really immersed in wanting to know what was happening because The prince also became one of my favorite characters and I want to know more about him and what will happen to his marriage. It should be noted that I loved the secondary characters. I want to know more about Soran's friends.
I was very surprised by the dynamic between our characters. Ketis is an omega but with a character and determination that many alphas already want, he knows what he wants and is not afraid to go for it. and what he wants is for his alpha Soran to return to his side. Soran is a character who, like a good Alpha, is made to rule but when it comes to matters of the heart, that is, Ketis is full of doubts because he doesn't feel worthy of his love. I loved the way things are going between them again, you have their tender moments and the occasional smuth moment.
If you want a short story that has you intrigued to know what is going to happen, this story is for you.
Before talking about our protagonists I want to talk about the mystery, there is someone trying to kill the prince that our protagonists are guarding, and I was really immersed in wanting to know what was happening because The prince also became one of my favorite characters and I want to know more about him and what will happen to his marriage. It should be noted that I loved the secondary characters. I want to know more about Soran's friends.
I was very surprised by the dynamic between our characters. Ketis is an omega but with a character and determination that many alphas already want, he knows what he wants and is not afraid to go for it. and what he wants is for his alpha Soran to return to his side. Soran is a character who, like a good Alpha, is made to rule but when it comes to matters of the heart, that is, Ketis is full of doubts because he doesn't feel worthy of his love. I loved the way things are going between them again, you have their tender moments and the occasional smuth moment.
Did not finish
June 28, 2022DNF at 6%
Ended up picking a different book for this bingo square
6/27
Ended up picking a different book for this bingo square
6/27
April 3, 2025
The story had so much potential but the writing was just bad so i had no idea what was going on. Wish i could give it more stars
July 10, 2022
Ketis is an omega and the Viscount Amberfields. He thought he had found his alpha years ago but two years ago something happened that drove them apart. Through no real fault on his alpha, Ketis was forced to go through an early heat on his own. Upset at his alpha at first, he later learned what kept his alpha from his side. Ketis was ready to forgive and be a couple again but his alpha Soran keeps pushing him away. Ketis takes a job working as a liaison for the royal family and is being sent to a distant planet with the prince his employer. Ketis can't stand being near Soran any more and being pushed away. This trip is just what he needs until he learns that Soran had been appointed to the head of the prince's security. Instead of leaving his love behind, they will be stuck on a long space voyage together.
Soran has always loved Ketis. When he missed Ketis' heat 2 years ago, he felt like he had betrayed him. He doesn't feel worthy of being his alpha even though it wasn't even his fault. Ketis heat came early while Soran was on protective detail for a member of the royal family. An incident happened and Soran was injured and sent to med bay making him really late to get to Ketis. Soran is being pressured by his friends to talk to Ketis again but he feels unworthy as a common guard and failing Ketis when he needed him. Soran gets promoted to head of security of Prince Ivor and is keeping him safe on the way to his diplomatically arranged wedding. He is happy to have distance from his strong desires for Ketis until he gets a horrible surprise. Ketis is a liaison for Prince Ivor. They are stuck on one ship together. Soran is able to keep his distance until everything starts to go haywire. He and Ketis make a perfect pair to help figure things out
Soran has always loved Ketis. When he missed Ketis' heat 2 years ago, he felt like he had betrayed him. He doesn't feel worthy of being his alpha even though it wasn't even his fault. Ketis heat came early while Soran was on protective detail for a member of the royal family. An incident happened and Soran was injured and sent to med bay making him really late to get to Ketis. Soran is being pressured by his friends to talk to Ketis again but he feels unworthy as a common guard and failing Ketis when he needed him. Soran gets promoted to head of security of Prince Ivor and is keeping him safe on the way to his diplomatically arranged wedding. He is happy to have distance from his strong desires for Ketis until he gets a horrible surprise. Ketis is a liaison for Prince Ivor. They are stuck on one ship together. Soran is able to keep his distance until everything starts to go haywire. He and Ketis make a perfect pair to help figure things out
July 3, 2022
What a short and sweet story. Not a serious read, but a nice relaxation read. Two years ago there was a misunderstanding, a lot of anger and hurt, which is still impacting them even now. It is kind of funny how they were both trying to flee from it, but they both ran to the same place. As Ketis said, they belong together. I liked almost everything about it - the characters, the angst, the added assassin action. I honestly liked how short it was, because I was not tortured with endless pages of angst while they figure themselves out. To be fair, the story feels a bit unfinished, because we never find out everything about those conspiracies and intrigues, even though there is a cute epilogue. I still enjoyed the story. It was so sweet, it made me smile almost constantly.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
June 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this. Short and sweet. I think despite the short page count we got to see the relationship unfold really well. We could see why Soren felt bad about what happened and Ketis being confused about his reaction. I loved Soren in rut, he just got kinda goofy and I was here for it. I did think the mystery bit with the assassin was a bit rushed, but didn't bother me too much. I do think that a few bits needed to slow down so I was like wait where the heck did this come from? Because sometimes the conversation were a bit hard to follow, the hints to subtle. I def loved soft and squishy Soren. And Ketis was fun being all smart and knowledgeable. They were fun poking at each other through out. Def looking forward to more in this world :D
July 6, 2022
I was a bit disappointed in this story. We don’t get a resolution to the major conflict of the story. Who was behind the assassination attempts? Why were they trying to, apparently, cause a war between these two systems?
In addition to that, the world-building wasn’t sufficient. If the younger prince was so beloved by the people, did that mean that they didn’t feel as devoted to their crown prince? Were the people unhappy about the marriage in general, or just that it wasn’t happening on their planet? Did dozer trigger rut, or was that just a coincidence?
Overall, this was ok as the first few chapters of a rather interesting romance, but it wasn’t satisfactory on its own.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
In addition to that, the world-building wasn’t sufficient. If the younger prince was so beloved by the people, did that mean that they didn’t feel as devoted to their crown prince? Were the people unhappy about the marriage in general, or just that it wasn’t happening on their planet? Did dozer trigger rut, or was that just a coincidence?
Overall, this was ok as the first few chapters of a rather interesting romance, but it wasn’t satisfactory on its own.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 7, 2022
A fun setting for a second chance sci/fi fantasy romance. Our alpha and omega had a misunderstanding that has kept them apart for way too long. The forced proximity of a spaceship and the drama of having an assassin onboard creates the perfect opportunity for these characters to reconcile and create a new way forward.
I found parts of the book a little confusing, but I did enjoy that Soren and Ketis worked out their misunderstandings.
This is book one of the Companion Stars series and I am looking forward to the next book.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
I found parts of the book a little confusing, but I did enjoy that Soren and Ketis worked out their misunderstandings.
This is book one of the Companion Stars series and I am looking forward to the next book.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
July 11, 2022
Love the visual map! Ketis and Soran, were in love. Soran, felt he disappointed Ketis and abruptly left him. Ketis, is still in love and regretful. Ketis, worked in administration and Soran worked as a guard. Ketis' new assignment is taking him off planet and away from Soran, forever as he thought. There are a series of miscommunications that keep the lovers apart. Then they are shocked to find themselves on a transport ship. Then, there is an attack and they are in grave danger. Will they put aside their differences and team up to fight through the peril? Will they be able to find closure? Great story. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2022
This story offers a number of really promising elements: a second-chance romance, mutual pining, some peril, a sci-fi backdrop (everything is better with spaceships). I liked both Soran and Ketis as individuals: Ketis in particular felt vividly drawn and compelling. There’s so much potential here that it’s hard not to want a bit more world building and character development— myriad things, while always interesting, feel a bit rushed. Overall, however, an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 9, 2022
This was a interesting sci fi omegerverse second chance romance. It wasn't that easy to read for me...I guess too much of the sci fi elements that I couldn't follow along well. The second chance romance is what drew me. I really liked Soran and Ketis. Soran is the kind of alpha I like reading about and Ketis had that feisty omega personality that I also like. Overall the story/romance with a bit of intrigue/action plot was good. Nice ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 10, 2022
Ketis and Soran have royally messed up their relationship in the past because of something Soran now blames himself for so much that he can't even reach out to Ketis to try to make things right. Both men take an assignment across the galaxy and end up on the same spaceship with a chance to finally talk it all out and make things right. It takes an assassin's threat to the ship and the galaxy for them to finally sort things out. A story that held my interest in both the characters and their personal struggles as well as the mystery aboard ship.
July 10, 2022
This was an interesting and intriguing read from a new-to-me author. I enjoyed the second-chance romance and how in trying to run from each other the MCs ended up back in each others' orbit. (Love is like that sometimes.🤣) I liked both MCs, but especially Ketis. I liked his self-confidence and independence. I'm not a big fan of plotlines with omegas who can't take care of themselves and need to be 'rescued.' Fun, quick read with some intrigue and drama. I look forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 11, 2022
I would like to say I loved this story, but I can't. It's a second chance, suspense romance, set in the omegaverse and in space. The blurb was really good and I was interested in reading it. Although both the romance and the mystery wrapped up nicely, I was confused most of the story. There were so many moving parts, that it wasn't always easy to follow. The book wasn't bad, but there was just too much going on for me. Suspense romance is usually one of my favorite genres, but this one didn't work for me.
July 8, 2022
This was my first time reading this author. I really loved the story! Loved Ketis and Soran. It was a fairly short novella and would love to see more of the world that the author created. Forced proximity has always been one of my favorite troupes and this was paired with second chance romance with suspense. Overall, a great story, highly enjoyable read. Well written with good pacing. My only wish was that it longer!
July 9, 2022
I love to see new authors added to my omegaverse library. Such a diverse set of writing, yet gives me the same warm and fuzzes for their happily ever after.
Their coupling might not have been all sweetness and sunshine, but that's what makes second-chance romances that much more entertaining - that unknown history and the ability to overcome the past.
I hope to see more 'really soon' from this author.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Their coupling might not have been all sweetness and sunshine, but that's what makes second-chance romances that much more entertaining - that unknown history and the ability to overcome the past.
I hope to see more 'really soon' from this author.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
July 8, 2022
He failed his mate once before and they left him behind when they went to space to hide from him. He just cannot get over them so he decides to go into space as well leaving their planet behind him. Fate has something for them and it just happens they ends on the same ship. Will this restart their love tale? Will it make it even more complicated? A love story in space
July 8, 2022
This is the story of Ketis and Zoran. It is the first book in the Companion Stars series and this book is a great start to the series. It is also for me kinda a second chance story. The mystery and action keeps you turning the pages. Interesting world the author created with amazing characters. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
July 10, 2022
This book was just ok. I didn’t love the writing style, and it was a little confusing in parts. Like I was supposed to know things that hadn’t been explained. The assassination plot was pretty weak, there could have been a much more interesting reason for the omega’s involvement than there was. Not recommended.
June 26, 2022
I enjoy omegaverse and I enjoy sci-fi/ space opera and Close Quarters fit those tropes. The mutual pining and hurt feelings between Soran and Ketis was cute and sweet. Soran was the ultimate gentleman.
July 2, 2022
Companion stars
This was a great start to a new series. Loved the way the storyline unfolds with lots of adventure. The characters Ketis and Soran have so many problems bit are perfect for each other. They do get a good ending and I am excited to read what happens next.
This was a great start to a new series. Loved the way the storyline unfolds with lots of adventure. The characters Ketis and Soran have so many problems bit are perfect for each other. They do get a good ending and I am excited to read what happens next.
July 9, 2022
Good Enough
It's a cute fun, second chance, sci/fi fantasy romance. I did find parts of the book a little confusing, and had to do double takes. But Soren and Ketis are great characters and the world building is decent.
It's a cute fun, second chance, sci/fi fantasy romance. I did find parts of the book a little confusing, and had to do double takes. But Soren and Ketis are great characters and the world building is decent.
July 11, 2022
This was a nice second chance romance, though Soran has been beating himself up for so long over a mistake that he hasn't felt worthy. Ketis was able to show him that he was still wanted and is the perfect alpha for him. The story was a little jumpy at times as it was hard to tell time jumps but it was a nice short read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews