CAPTIVE by Cheryl Brooks picks up where the second book in her “Cat Star Legacy” series left off. This story works as a standalone novel. There is plenty of hot and heavy love scenes in CAPTIVE, but it’s balanced with a lot of fascinating characters and a gripping action-packed story. At the opening of CAPTIVE, Moe Tshevnoe is irritable over his brother getting his childhood friend and “one who got away”. He’s killing time on the hot and “wild west” vibe planet of Haedus Nine when an impromptu bar brawl lands him in the clutches of Klara Tavock. Moe and Klara’s introduction to each other makes for a very unlikely romance, but it develops into an entertaining story.

Of all the planets in the galaxy, fate brings these two half Zetithians together. Their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. Moe’s Zetithian father met his human mother while he was a slave and being auctioned off. Being a woman of adventure, Captain Jack took a chance on Cat and rescued him. Moe grew up traveling different worlds surrounded by his family, crew, and friends. Klara wasn’t so fortunate. Her Zetithian father and Davordian mother had a one night stand that resulted in her birth, unbeknownst to her father. Klara’s life was one of tragedy and struggles. I was happy that Klara and Moe got on friendly terms quickly after some discussion. Growing up with such a strong and straight-talking mother might have contributed to Moe appreciating similar qualities in Klara. Although Moe tries to help Klara, her beloved gang, and the people of Haedus Nine, he never tries to mansplain to her or put the spotlight on himself. If anything, Moe tries to promote Klara as the heroine Haedus Nine wants and needs. Like any good hero or heroine, Klara has a good backstory involving the villain of CAPTIVE. Branethan Pelarus is a narcissistic dictator who is hot for Klara. His treatment of just about everyone makes it easy for Klara and Moe to plot his destruction and get others to help.

CAPTIVE is part sci-fi epic adventure and part classic love story. Although reading the previous books in this series is not necessary to enjoying CAPTIVE, I recommend reading SLAVE first for some context. SLAVE is the first book in the preceding series and details how Moe’s parents met and explains his perspective on strong women, oppressed people, and Nedwuts. The book detailing Klara’s father’s story is HERO. I look forward to reading Cheryl Brooks’ next book. I always say this, but I would love to see these books translated to film.

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