Suzanne Marie Calvin: Author of FIONA'S FANCY & BEWITCHING THE BACHELOR
Jenni: A Romance Review
Gina: Love Romances
Denise Fleischer: Gotta Write Network
Diane T.: The Romance Studio
Deborah Hern: The Romance Reader's Connection
Kari Thomas: Love Romances
Joy Calderwood: Reviewer's Choice Reviews
Suzanne Marie Calvin, Author of FIONA'S FANCY & BEWITCHING THE BACHELOR
I have just finished reading this book and I am breathless.
Breathless and fighting the urge to just start over and read it all again.
Reading the last page was too much like saying good bye to family and friends
has been this past week (before we head off to Colorado).
This book is incredible. The characters are full-bodied, fun, intense, smart
and REAL. Michelle once again grabs the reader by the shirt collar and holds
on until the very end -- this book just begs to be read. I've found myself
stealing many moments from packing and other things to hide away and read,
frustrated when I'm found out and have to put the book down again.
The heroine Anya has "special gifts" that add flavor and excitement to this
story. Her friends are interesting and REAL (even the alien Thlassnian) and
fun. Jason, the hero, is to DIE for. He's a true knight in shining armor whose
bones are just BEGGING to be jumped (again and again and.... oh... AGAIN).
Marta, a key player in this story, is a wonderful, daring female leader that
makes you wonder what WOULD happen if we could finally put a woman in the oval
office (um... not the Monica Lewinsky type...).
The story has suspense, tension and enough action to keep you on the edge of
your seat -- especially the end, where Michelle's awesome knack for putting
you RIGHT there, makes the story literally jump off of the pages (unfortunately,
Jason did NOT jump off the pages and into my lap, but well, isn't that what
dreams are for??)
Anya and Jason have the most wonderful, sizzling romance with just the right
amount of angst to make you truly anticipate their coming together (and...
when they come together... well... I had to crank up the air and sit in front of
the vent....). There is no doubt that these characters fall head over heels
for each other and that truly builds even more tension as Anya consistently
finds herself in one "close call" after another, with Jason rescuing her and
threatening to lock her up where she won't get into trouble anymore. ;-) LOL
Michelle is an incredible writer. She blew me away with THE HUNTRESS and
with her HUNTRESS-inspired short stories. Once again she has literally blown me
away. I am not a sci-fi reader by any stretch, but Michelle's converting me
with her knack for spinning an awesome story and for her exquisite
characterization. Her descriptions create bright, vivid pictures in your mind and you
truly do NOT want the story to end. This is a book I will revisit time and time
again. I highly recommend it not only to sci-fi romance readers, but to
anyone who wants to read a true work of art. It's inspiring. Books like this
inspire me to reach higher and perfect my own gift of writing.
Thanks for a great read, Michelle! I can hardly wait for more!!
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Jenni, reviewer for A Romance Review
RATING: Four and a Half Roses
Running from a Telepath Guild assassin, Anya Vaedrin heads for a space station at the far reaches of the galaxy. She is known as Angel because of her long white hair and beautiful voice. She is also a tel-empath which is why the Guild is hunting her. She lands on the station and asked to see Jason Salvatore, the second-in-command. Begging for sanctuary is the only way she can be free of her fear.
Jason Salvatore has always been a fan of the Angel. To have her begging for help on his station seems a strange dream come true. But he fears her power. He thinks that she only wants to humiliate him. So he antagonizes her at every meeting, fighting his attraction for her.
Unfortunately, Anya has stepped into something that she doesn’t understand. The captain of the station welcomes her with open arms. Alliances are being made and expectations are raised. Will this station be her salvation? Or, will what she finds there lead her far from reality?
Ms. O’Leary has created a magical world populated by humans and aliens alike. The space station becomes real as the characters are portrayed as believable. The story flows at a marvelous pace. Jason and Anya’s relationship matures nicely as Jason learns to overcome his fear. The secondary characters help build the story perfectly.
Angels and Ministers of Grace is a wonderful book to curl up with and spend time visiting with strange creatures and interesting worlds.
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Gina, reviewer for Love Romances
RATING: Four Hearts
This reviewer would not mind having Jason Salvatore for her own man! Ms. O’Leary offers a rich description of each character – so much so that one can almost see the person or being standing in front of them. The hero of the story, Jason Salvatore is the strong, physically gorgeous, ethical and moral man the stories of King Arthur bring to mind. One can almost hear the music made by the unwilling heroine Anya, nick-named Earth Angel.
While at times the reader may wonder “how did that happen” or “how did they get to that point” the story flows as not only a believable tale, but with each seeming resolution of an issue a new mystery arises.
O’Leary offers a rich tapestry of beings from Earth as well as other planets and the underlying inter-galactic political intrigue make for good reading.
What keeps this book from receiving a 5 rating is the suddenness of the relationship between Jason and Anya. Once they give in to their attraction they are “in love”. Not quite believable.
This reviewer sees Anya as an unwilling heroine in that she is interested in her music and being with her friends primarily. As a “tel-empath” she has a talent for feeling what other people feel coupled with the ability to make other people feel what she feels. She does not seek to save an entire planet. What make this story less believable are her memory loss and the despair over not remembering Jason when they were a couple for perhaps 24 hours. Had they had some time to be together, share a few experiences and then move into the chapter with the memory loss it would be more believable. That aside, this is a wonderful story and the reader will find a strong connection to the characters.
Aside from Anya and Jason we also meet Marta, the space station captain and Frank, a second in command and the intriguing Thlassnian, Rie. It is easy to see how this book could become part of a trilogy with stories evolving around the Marta, Frank and Rie characters.
In speaking of Rie, one will also note that the author develops her characters, particularly the alien people Rie hales from, quite fully. In her descriptions of how Rie’s eyes change color and how she moves one can almost see the being before them as it happens.
The story has something for everyone: some science fiction, some paranormal abilities, a variety of space aliens co-existing and a love story. This reviewer looks forward to more of Ms. O’Leary’s writing.
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Denise Fleischer, reviewer for Gotta Write Network
RATING: Four and a half good thoughts out of five
Anya Vaedrin is a fugitive on the run from the Telepath Guild. For moral support her friends Jarden, Rie and Cesna join her on a journey to Far Reach Station.
Aboard a cargo ship, Anya informs them that their only hope of freedom in human territory may be in contacting Captain Marta Jamison and Lieutenant Commander Jason Salvatore. In order to be provided with better cover, they'll ask Salvatore to input them into the registration system.
With the cargo ship behind them, Far Reach station's customs check and DNA ID's were now ahead. It wouldn't be difficult for the Guild's stalker to trace their steps. When Salvatore makes his appearance, he tells Anya that he doesn't care what brought her so far out and that her fame as a singer will not win her and her friend's special attention. He has a station to run and can't cater to the needs of a spoiled girl. But it isn't a matter of privilege for her, more so a matter of life and death. From the beginning she's straightforward with Captain Jamison. As a tel-empath, one who can project feelings and emotions into others, she is a rarity highly sought by the Guild, therefore seeking sanctuary is their only choice of freedom. It also is a conflict for the Captain in going against the wishes of the powerful and influential agency.
Captain Jamison grants them sanctuary and Lieutenant Francis Cooper is now in charge of Anya's protection. They're given a one bedroom in sector seven and told to stay put for their own safety. Anya is fully aware that the agency already knows she's at Far Reach.
Jason Salvator's problems are on the rise since Anya "Earth Angel" Vaedrin became a Far Reach resident. She has been the object of his fantasies for the past two years. Now she's calling him before he hits the pillow sensing the nearness of the stalker. The danger doesn't end there for the Captain has a plan that includes Anya's cooperation. With that plan comes danger and changes that Earth has to recognize. It's time.
ANGELS AND MINISTERS OF GRACE is a SF adventure, a struggle to survive beyond the grasp of a judgmental society, to be one's self without the manipulation of another. Far Reach is a middle ground, a platform for harmony and independence. Within its metal structure are humans in search of monetary opportunities and freedom. Then there are those who see beyond themselves. The Thlassnian Dreamer, whose visions forge the way of the future. The Queen of the Shrieks, who is concerned about the safety of her unborn daughters. And one brave Captain and crew willing to make sacrifices in order to secure a better life for future generations.
O'Leary's e-book is fast paced, full of dimensional characters whose friendships are exceptional. Even with danger awaiting in the shadows, they are so filled with life. Together they support Anya when the stalker strikes and they try to make a new life for themselves.
December 7, 2003
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Diane T., reviewer for The Romance Studio
Overall rating: 5 Hearts
Sensuality rating: Very sensual
In the future, mankind still quarrels among themselves over outdated ideals
and political agendas. They are still controlled by their basic need for
power, the need to feel superior to others because of color, race, greed
and ignorance. But the universe is shrinking and species from all over the
galaxies are closing in on our world and mankind has also evolved. There is
a new breed, one with telepathic abilities that makes them both revered and
frightening.
There is an organization of evolved humans called the Telepath Guild who
over a period of time have enslaved humans, and their own kind, to their
will. They think themselves far superior to all species in the universe.
Anya Vaedrin was born an empath. Her ability at first was so weak the TG
left her alone. At puberty her abilities altered and she became a
tel-empath. The first of her kind, she knew she had to hide it, or the
Telepath Guild would capture her and experiment on her. Anything they see
as a threat they either controlled or eliminated. Anya’s ex lover turns her
in, and now she is running for her very life.
Anya is a singer by trade; with a voice that has earned the nickname Earth
Angel. Along with her are her backup singers and closest friends Rie of
Thlassnian, Jarden and Cesna. They have heard of a place called Far Reach
Station where they might find sanctuary. It is known as the Free Zone where
all forms of life can live together in harmony. Maybe there they will be safe.
Captain Marta Jamison runs Far Reach Station and grants Anya and her group
asylum gladly… a little too gladly. Anya gets the feeling that Capt.
Jamison has her own agenda.
There, Anya meets Lieutenant Commander Jason Salvatore. With her ability of
empathy, she can feel his anger towards her, but she has no idea why. She
is also drawn to him in a way she has never felt for any man. But that will
have to wait. Right now her main concern is to stay alive and avoid the
assassin sent by the TG.
From the moment Jason sees Anya he is a stunned. This is the woman he has
fantasized about ever since he first heard her sing. But he fights this
attraction because he believes Anya read his mind and was poking fun about
his feelings for her. He uses anger as a way of shielding himself from her.
He soon realizes he’s deeply in love with Anya and very afraid for her life.
Capt. Jamison is a highly intelligent woman and she knows that change is
inevitable. Anya could be the one person who can help achieve peace between
the human race and the alien races that are closing in on their universe.
Jason is torn between his love, as well as his need to protect Anya, and
his duty to the station and his captain. Anya realizes her love for Jason,
but doesn’t know how to get through the anger he feels toward her. Can she
get past his barrier and find a love ever lasting? And how does she fit in
Capt. Jamison’s plans to stop a war, which could very well wipe out mankind?
This sci-fi romance is very well written; it has action, intrigue, humor,
and love. Once I started reading I just couldn’t put it down. I laughed and
cried as I watched Jason and Anya quarrel their way to a love that could
only be found in the stars. Michelle O’Leary, who also wrote the book The
Huntress, once again shows just how talented she is. Her ability to create
other life forms that not only sound realistic, but have you looking up at
the sky and wondering, does she know something we don’t? I hope Ms. O’Leary
has plans to expand this story by writing a story for Anya’s friends.
Jarden, Cesna and Rie were very strong characters, as well as the captain
and Lt. Cooper. All together they made for a very wonderful day of reading.
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Deborah Hern, reviewer for The Romance Reader's Connection
RATING: 4 Daggers and a Star = Outstanding!
Anya Vaedrin is famous throughout the galaxy as a singer of immense talent. What most of her fans don't know is that Anya is an empath. She senses the emotions and strong thoughts of those around her. The law requires empaths to register, but in general the Telepath Guild doesn't bother them. The TG wants to find children with telepathic powers and train them from an early age, ostensibly for law enforcement. As Anya gets older, she realizes that not only does she receive emotions from others; she can also emit them. When she sings, she emits emotions that affect her audience. Some see this as an extra dimension of talent, others as an unfair manipulation of the audience.
As the story begins, Anya and three of her friends are on the run from the TG. Someone has informed the TG that Anya possesses undocumented skills. Anya's party has been turned away and refused asylum everyplace they've gone. Their last hope is Far Station. The TG has sent someone to track down Anya. At first, everyone assumed the tracker was hired to bring her in alive, for use in the Guild. But the closer he gets, the more Anya can sense him. She knows he's psychotic. Why would the Guild send someone like this for her? And are there hidden agendas among the officers of Far Station?
This is a hard book to classify. It is at once a story of science fiction, mystery, and romance. Relationships bloom in the least likely of places, as readers will discover. The far-future world described here is fully realized and vividly detailed. The characters are all three-dimensional and have diverse backgrounds and motives. Secondary characters and even alien races add flavor to the mix. An engaging mystery, plenty of intrigue and emerging romance will keep readers glued to the story.
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Kari Thomas, reviewer for Love Romances
RATING: 5 Roses
Having reviewed Ms. O’Leary’s previous book THE HUNTRESS, this reviewer was very impressed with the author’s talent in mixing the two genres of Science Fiction and Romance and making the story work so successfully. She’s done it again! ANGELS AND MINISTERS OF GRACE is a unique romance set in the SciFi world, and packs just as much ‘punch’, keeping the reader enthralled in a fast paced story involving a complex world of science and spiritual definitions.
Anya Vaedrin, aka Angel, is a singer with a special talent that is rare and mistrusted by the majority of humans and aliens. Being a “tel-empath” (meaning she has both talents of telepathy and empathy), Anya is an actual threat to others. Although she has a good heart and doesn’t use her talent for evil, others still mistrust her. And there are those who would seek to ‘use’ her --- or destroy her. Fleeing from a psychopath assassin sent by the Telepath Guild, Anya and her band seek refuge on Far Reach Station where those like her are accepted without prejudice.
But not all will be well there, as Station Captain Marta Jamison plans to use Anya’s arrival to her own benefit, and two other alien races will center their obsessive attention on Anya too. Also there is Lt. Commander Jason Salvatore who will do anything it takes to protect Anya.
The passion that starts to simmer between Jason and Anya will have readers devouring the pages, eager to read the final culmination of their love. But interfering with their love is the life-threatening danger that surrounds Anya, and this has to be taken care of first.
Filled with all the requirements that make a romance enthralling, and all the technical and deeply intricate plots that make a SciFi exciting, Ms. O’Leary’s newest book is a must read for fans of both genres. This reviewer loved the intricate, complex world the author skillfully creates to be so believable. Her characters are both tough and tender at the same time, have deeply rooted beliefs and feelings, and they come to life from the first introduction. Ms. O’Leary has a reader fan in this reviewer, and I will eagerly look forward to her future books.
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Joy Calderwood, reviewer for Reviewer's Choice Reviews
Anya Vaedrin and her backup band are in full flight. They have been turned away by every planetary and space base they have tried, because they are being chased by a psychopathic assassin of the Telepath Guild, and no one wants to get involved. Anya is a tel-empath, meaning she doesn’t just read other people’s feelings, she can impress emotions on them. The Guild is determined that anyone with an ability as strong as Anya’s will either be under their control or dead.
Far Reach Station is Anya’s last resort. On the outer rim of human space, its commanding officers welcome alien residents as much as they do humans. In fact, Captain Marta Jamison greets Anya and her friends with suspicious eagerness. She and her second in command, Jason Salvatore, go to immense lengths to protect them. In spite of his dedication, however, the sizzlingly attractive Lt. Commander Salvatore seems anything but welcoming.
The Guild assassin is only the beginning of Anya’s challenges on Far Reach. Two different alien species are taking an unnerving interest in her. The Hive Queen of the Shrieks – so known for the normal human reaction to them – summons her for an audience, and the Dreamers of the mesmerizingly beautiful Thlassnians make cryptic pronouncements about her. Meanwhile Captain Jamison secretly readies her plans to take advantage of the lucky windfall of Anya’s arrival. Jason Salvatore grows haggard trying to avoid her.
Anya Vaedrin is another captivating heroine by author Michelle O’Leary. Nicknamed Earth Angel by her millions of fans, Anya is as nice as she is beautiful, with a sense of concern for others that more than makes up for the occasional snapped temper. Where Anya goes, fans follow, and no doubt readers would feel the same if they lived in this story. A sense of camaraderie with her fellow performers brings the spice of fun with it. The simmering passion between Anya and Jason will raise the temperature of your room.
One of the hallmarks of romance stories is that a lot of the plot is made possible by the characters hiding pointless secrets from each other. If Anya had been told what Far Reach was planning to do and how, it would have kept her from taking dangerous preemptive action on her own. The leaders of the plan surely knew her well enough to predict she would act independently. I found this part of the story the least believable.
Previously I reviewed Michelle O’Leary’s delightful debut novel THE HUNTRESS, also a sci fi romance. This is a gifted new writer who only needed to add a touch of restraint, and she has done this successfully in ANGELS AND MINISTERS OF GRACE. Her descriptions of the disconcertingly beautiful Thlassnians show exactly the right combination of appreciation and discomfort. She has also injected a message to give a little substance to ANGELS: Captain Jamison’s crusade has to do with tolerance toward those who are different from ourselves. ANGELS AND MINISTERS OF GRACE is an improvement by an author who already has more than her fair share of native talent. I will be on the watch to see what her Muse brings her next.
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