Title: Vexing Voss
Author: Gail Koger
First published September 23, 2013
248 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781623005078
Rating: 4.14
Overview
It’s no big deal for Vex, a skilled Coletti Warlord, to rule over the galaxy. His psychic charm is unbeatable, and no one can resist him when he sets his heart on something.
Zoey is on a mission to find her mother’s murderer, and she’s ready to do whatever it takes. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a fierce warrior from another planet.
Despite her attempts to steer clear, Vex is determined to make her his mate. Zoey tries every trick in the book, from disguises to pepper spray, but nothing seems to work.
When they strike a deal, Zoey is stunned. Vex promises to help her find the killer if she agrees to be his mate.
They embark on a quest filled with danger and adventure, and as they work together, they discover an unexpected bond. They must navigate through interplanetary war and form unlikely alliances to bring justice to the universe.
As they grow closer, their love burns brighter than the stars.
About the Author
For over three decades, I worked as a dispatcher for emergency services. It was a stressful job, but I found solace in writing.
Thankfully, the stress didn’t drive me crazy – at least not completely. I may have developed a slight addiction to chocolate and a twitch in my left eye, but overall, I’m doing alright.
Right now, I’m working on a new project called Jinxing the Warlord, which is part of the Coletti Warlord series.
Editoral Review
Possible book review:
Vexing Voss by Gail Koger is a lively sci-fi romance that blends humor, action, and sensuality with a dash of suspense and silliness. Published in 2013, the novel showcases Koger’s knack for creating quirky characters, zany situations, and steamy scenes that appeal to readers who enjoy a light-hearted adventure.
While not a major work of literature, Vexing Voss delivers its promises with gusto and charm. Koger, who has published several other books in various genres, including paranormal, fantasy, and mystery, introduces us to a universe where humans coexist with aliens, some of whom resemble giant insects, reptiles, or plants.
The main heroine, Skylar (Sky) Aris, is a witty and brave pilot with a talent for flying damaged ships through dangerous routes. She wants to save enough money to retire from her risky job and open a bar on a tropical planet.
However, her latest mission goes awry when she crashes into a jungle planet, where she meets Voss, a tall, muscular, and green alien with a talent for making women faint and enamored. Voss belongs to a rare species of insectoids who mate for life and can read the thoughts and emotions of their partners.
He has been raised as a prince in a secluded palace, where he was groomed to become the next ruler of his people. However, when he encounters Sky, he is mesmerized by her scent, her humor, and her resilience.
He also recognizes her as his fated mate, whom he has been seeking for years. He captures her, hoping to convince her to bond with him and enjoy his company forever.
Sky is not amused by Voss’s behavior, as she considers him a brute and a freak. She tries to escape from his palace, only to find that she is surrounded by hostile creatures, traps, and puzzles.
She also learns that Voss’s planet is in peril from a group of rebels who want to overthrow the monarchy and establish a democracy. Sky’s skills and Voss’s powers are needed to save the planet from destruction.
The plot of Vexing Voss may sound cheesy or predictable, but Koger infuses it with wit, irony, and sympathy. The dialogue between the characters is snappy, funny, and revealing, showing their personalities and histories without being too expository or repetitive.
Koger also adds a touch of social commentary, as the aliens represent different cultures and ideologies, some of which clash with each other, but all of which have merits and flaws. Koger avoids stereotypes and clichés by giving each character a distinct voice and attitude, even those who appear briefly or seem minor.
Koger also knows how to balance the romantic and the adventurous elements of the story, keeping the pace brisk and the tension light. However, Vexing Voss is not flawless.
Some readers may find the humor too silly or the romance too quick to be believable. Some may also question the logic of some plot twists or the consistency of some character traits.
Moreover, the book may not appeal to readers who prefer a more serious or deep approach to science fiction or romance. Nevertheless, Vexing Voss fulfills its genre expectations and entertains its audience with grace and humor.
It delivers a satisfying blend of fantasy, humor, and romance, offering a glimpse of a fantastical universe where love conquers all, even in the face of insectoid monarchs and rebel insurrections. Fans of Koger’s previous work or of similar authors like Eve Langlais or Ruby Dixon may enjoy Vexing Voss and its sequels.
Readers who seek a light and fun diversion from their daily routines may also find Vexing Voss a pleasant escape. Therefore, I recommend Vexing Voss to readers looking for a witty and steamy sci-fi romance with a touch of action and humor.
My rating for Vexing Voss is 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on its originality, humor, and readability.
