Rocks and Hard Places

Sister and brother Micah and Granite Bayonne are on a mission on the starship Phoenix. Their work is very important to both of them, but neither ever expected to actually start relationships onboard. Granite is as intimidating as his name suggests, but his masculine form catches the eye of Lieutenant Wilhelm Schmidt, head of tactical science for the Phoenix. Willy is as soft and sensitive as Granite is hard and abrasive, but when Willy sneaks into Granite’s quarters, fireworks explode between the two.

Micah has had a crush on the second in command onboard the Phoenix, Commander West James. Unfortunately, she knows he could never develop any real feelings for her because Micah is a manufactured person, the same as her brother. To real humans, manufactured people can’t feel emotions, can’t feel pain, and of course can never fall in love. These are all myths, but nonetheless, most people believe them. West certainly does, and while he’s more than willing to make love to shy and gentle Micah, there is no way a serious relationship could ever develop between them.

But feelings are put to the test when Granite and Micah accept a dangerous mission. Will they make it back alive or will West and Willy lose their chance at love?

Rocks and Hard Places is another exciting story from J.J. Massa. The evolving relationships in this story are incredibly moving because both couples have to work against so many prejudices and deeply ingrained beliefs in order to truly be happy together. Added to the emotional intensity is the great mix of characters that Ms. Massa creates. Each of the main characters has their own facets and flaws, his or her own individual personalities that make them stand out from each other, rather than blending in to become lost amongst this character driven story. Tender and touching, brash and bold, the relationships explored in this novel are strong and complex with characters that will easily sneak into your heart. This novel contains both a male/male relationship, and a female/male relationship, equally well written and emotionally satisfying. Rocks and Hard Places is yet another wonderful story from a writer who should be added to everyone’s must-buy list.

Reviewed by: Sarah W