Title: Cruz
Author: Anna Hackett
First published April 26, 2015
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.17
Overview
Cruz Ramos, second-in-command of the deadliest commando squad fighting the invading aliens, has lost his purpose. He has seen too much destruction and death, and the numbness is creeping in.
Until one day, he meets Santha Kade, a fierce woman seeking revenge against the raptors who destroyed her home and took her sister. Despite her single-minded focus, Cruz and Santha team up to rescue human hostages from the aliens.
As they fight side by side, their attraction becomes too strong to ignore. Can they survive long enough to find something worth living for?
This sci-fi romance is packed with action, tough warriors, and steamy scenes. If you like fast-paced, gritty, and sexy stories, this one’s for you! Includes a preview of Book 3 of the series.
About the Author
As a passionate romance author, I’ve had the honor of reaching the USA Today bestseller list. My writing revolves around fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
My ultimate goal is to showcase individuals who overcome unbeatable odds and achieve the impossible. I firmly believe that we all have the potential to achieve greatness.
Connecting with readers is an essential aspect of my work. If you’d like to get in touch, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, or my website.
Editoral Review
In Cruz, Anna Hackett masterfully blends science fiction and romance, delivering a thrilling adventure with edge-of-your-seat action and heartwarming moments. Hackett is a well-established author in the science fiction genre, and Cruz is no exception to her impressive body of work.
Set in a dystopian future on a planet inhabited by humans and aliens, Cruz follows the story of Violet, a former soldier turned smuggler, and Cruz, a rugged alien warrior with a troubled past. Forced to work together to complete a dangerous mission, the two must overcome their differences and trust each other to survive.
Along the way, they discover an undeniable attraction that threatens to distract them from their mission and potentially put their lives in danger.
Hackett’s writing style is immersive, and readers will find themselves drawn into the world she creates.
Her characters are nuanced and three-dimensional, with realistic motivations and relatable struggles. Violet and Cruz’s interactions are filled with witty banter and palpable chemistry, making their romance feel genuine and earned.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, balancing the character development and action sequences expertly. The battle scenes are thrilling and keep you on the edge of your seat, but they never feel gratuitous or excessive.
The world-building is also impressive, with Hackett expertly conveying the intricacies of her futuristic society and its many denizens.
One of the strengths of Cruz is the way Hackett tackles issues of discrimination and social inequality through the lens of her fictional society.
The dynamic between humans and aliens on the planet is complex, with layers of prejudice borne out of historical conflicts. The themes of empathy and understanding resonate powerfully throughout the novel, offering a poignant reminder of the issues we face in our own world.
If there is one flaw in Cruz, it is that the novel ends too soon. Readers will undoubtedly be left eager for more adventures with Violet and Cruz, as they are both immensely likable and engaging characters.
Overall, Cruz is a dazzling sci-fi romance that delivers action, heart, and important social commentary. Fans of Hackett’s previous work and newcomers to her writing alike will find themselves thoroughly entertained by this beautifully written novel.
The Washington Post gives Cruz a glowing recommendation, with a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.