She didn’t just find aliens—she found their secrets! Check out TRADE SECRETS by @CassChandler in #PetsInSpace 6! #SciFiRomance

TRADE SECRETS

The Department of Homeworld Security series

by Cassandra Chandler

Gwen Williams wants nothing more than to explore the vast possibilities of outer space, but Earth’s technology isn’t going to get her there. Her solution? Make contact with aliens. The only problem is, her plan works a little too well—landing her on the radar of a group of aliens with plans of their own that involve her homeworld.

Xan was just trying to help his Vegan friends avoid getting into trouble for messing with human things they should have left alone. He didn’t expect to run up against Gwen, a brilliant, beautiful Earthling who stirs a depth of emotion in him that he didn’t know he possessed—and who also has evidence of his friends’ transgression. Adding in the fact that the super-smart “space cat” who’s adopted him has plans to bring Gwen into their little family and this Coalition pilot has some tricky space to navigate.

As if that wasn’t complicated enough, the trio discovers a plot on Xan’s ship that could compromise the security of all of their people—and the newly forged bonds between the sentients working toward peace in the galaxy. Will they be able to work together to secure a more peaceful future, or will their secrets drive them apart?

Available as part of Pets in Space 6 ANTHOLOGY!

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.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!

AVAILABLE FROM:

Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble

Google Play | Kobo | Books2Read

OUR CHARITY: HERO-DOGS.ORG

Proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org, Pets in Space® authors have donated over $15,300 in the past five years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders. 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 6 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space 6 today so together we can continue helping this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/

Star Wars

I’ve often said that the movie Star Wars opened my eyes to what fun science fiction can be. Action, adventure, romance—what a combination. And fabulous music, too. The essence of that movie influenced me so much it’s what I enjoy writing. 

By the way, did you celebrate Star Wars Day on Sunday? May the Fourth (be with you). Okay, bad pun.

Like many Star Wars fans, I’ve been eagerly awaiting information about the newest film, Star Wars VII. And last week they finally revealed the cast. The original three—Luke, Leia, and Han—will be back. This new story will take place thirty years after The Return of the Jedi. I just hate that we have to wait almost two years for it.

I was surprised when George Lucas gave up the project that seemed to be his baby. That said I’m excited that J.J. Abrams has taken it on. I loved his reboot of Star Trek, so I’m sure he’ll do justice to Star Wars.

What was it about the original Star Wars film (A New Hope) that so captured movie-goers? Analysts have tried to explain that the culture of the 1970s—the end of the Viet Nam War, the Watergate scandal, a period of disillusionment—made us ripe for this movie. The 70s was a time without heroes. We were so ready for heroes, ready to believe in Good triumphing over Evil. Had Star Wars come earlier or later, those same analysts say it might not have had the impact. I'm not so sure they're right.

My children reveled in Star Wars. We took them to the movies. I even took my friend’s son (she hates science fiction) to see The Empire Strikes Back. Imagine, if you will, me in the middle of my son and hers (in the front row, no less—oh, my aching neck) with her son who’d never seen the first movie leaning across me constantly asking who’s that. My kids played with the action figures and space vehicles. The boys had light saber fights with yardsticks. After they grew up, I saved those toys (much to my husband’s dismay) with the belief that they would want them some day. Daughter got hers as soon as she had a house. Last spring, we finally hauled Son’s toys out to Arizona. Daughter and her husband just introduced their 4-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter to Star Wars. They use my "feather" dusters for light sabers and beg to watch the movie (for the 3rd o 4th time). Another generation captured by the fantasy.

In my science fiction romances (the Switched and Outer Rim series), I’ve tried to incorporate the fun I experienced while watching the Star Wars films. Who knows? Maybe one day, my grandchildren will do the same.

Battleship

I went to see Battleship on its opening weekend because it had explosions, aliens, and Taylor Kitsch. He'd been great in John Carter, which I also enjoyed & feel was under-rated, so I was totally ready to enjoy Battleship on its own terms, which was a fun special effects movie. It delivered. No, we're not talking art film at its finest, but it had many of the elements I look for in an action flick.

Which is to say, lots of visuals, snappy dialog, and explosions. Sensing a theme here? I like explosions. But also, it had a somewhat credible romance with the lead girlfriend character being a strong woman, up to the challenge of fighting off aliens. She wasn't perfect, but she didn't make me grind my teeth.

Come to think of it, Kitsch's other summer movie, John Carter, had more than a passable romance. The romance was a key part of the story and the heroine was no slouch in the action department. Not just up to the challenge, but Princess Dejah Thoris is a strong willed leader, a woman ready to risk her life to not be railroaded, who risks everything for her people, who can FIGHT! Dare I hope this is an up and coming trend in action adventure movies, that the heroines be more than a pinup doll?

The worst pinup doll character in a movie of this type has to be the girlfriend in Transformers 3. Talk about teeth grinding. I wanted to bash her over the head. Several times over. The world is crashing down around her. Her boyfriend is greasy, bleeding, mussed, torn, dirty. Her crisp white suit is spotless, her lipstick gleaming--even after the obligatory kiss, and she's showing enough skin you can't imagine she doesn't have a road burn here or there from all that skidding around on pavement. But no. She's spotless and coiffed. The heroines in Battleship and John Carter get in on the action. They look like they've run around some. Maybe not as much as Ripley in Alien, but yeah, their hair isn't coiffed at the end of the action scenes.

So, if you want to watch an action adventure romance with a strong female lead, catch John Carter. Don't watch Transformers 3.

How about you? Watch a recent action adventure with an at least passably competent female lead?


***
Ella Drake is a dark paranormal and science fiction romance author. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, & Goodreads.
Her latest releases are Desire the Banshee an erotic paranormal romance from Ellora's Cave & Desert Blade, a near-future post-apocalyptic romance from Carina Press. Coming soon, MetalMark (Lyrical Press). Other work includes The Forbidden Chamber,  Silver Bound, Jaq’s Harp, Braided Silk & Firestorm on E’Terra.