My favorite books with kick-ass heroes you don’t mess with

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an Irish writer who is completely hooked on anything sci-fi related. I used to race home from school to do my homework as fast as possible so I could watch Star Trek: The Next Generation. The first character I ever wrote about began his life in my head as part of the Star Trek: TNG world before deciding he was too big and created his own. It’s still an area I am passionate about. Shows like Firefly, Dark Matter, Picard, etc are on my favourites list. I just love the endless possibilities with the genre. Endless exploration, hi or low tech, and incredible ships. What’s not to love?


I wrote...

Ares

By K.A. Finn,

Book cover of Ares

What is my book about?

When they realised who he was… The Foundation wanted him back. Will Terra betray the man who saved her?

For twenty years, Gryffin, a man who was given cybernetics as a child, hid. All the other children had died. Now, as the leader of the Nomad, he captains the largest pirate ship in the fleet. Everything changed when he spotted her on the rundown space station. Terra was in trouble. Was rescuing her a mistake? Officer Terra Rush believed in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needed to be prepared for colonization, and nothing could stop her from doing her job...except him. She will need to make a choice. Follow her orders…or follow her heart.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Star Wars: Maul - Lockdown

K.A. Finn Why did I love this book?

Reading this book was a no-brainer for me. First – it has Maul in it. Actually, that’s enough of a reason. Who doesn’t love Maul? 

As far as I’m concerned he’s the ultimate bad guy. You don’t mess with him, he kicks serious ass, and he looks wow! My kind of hero/anti-hero. Dark, brooding, commanding, and can stop a conversation with just one look.

He’s the type of anti-hero you can’t help but root for and this book didn’t let me (or Maul) down. Imprisoned in hell, he has to complete his mission while staying alive against seemingly insurmountable odds. Plenty of deep stares, lots of kicking-ass, and a great plot that kept me up early into the morning.

By Joe Schreiber,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Star Wars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the mind of Joe Schreiber, New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars:
Death Troopers, comes the delirious follow-up to last year's Darth Plagueis. In a tale of
retribution and survival set before the events of The Phantom Menace, Darth Plagueis
and Darth Sidious dispatch Sith apprentice Darth Maul on a secret mission to infiltrate a
criminal empire operating from inside Cog Hive Seven--a hidden prison teeming with the
galaxy's most savage criminals. There, he must contend against the scummiest and
most villainous in gladiatorial death matches while carrying out his masters' clandestine
commands. Failure is not an option;…


Book cover of Peace Warrior

K.A. Finn Why did I love this book?

I read this book a few years ago and again recently. I still love it. The whole series in fact. The main character, Grant Justice is instantly captivating. I have to admit his name is pretty great too! Like all my favourite heroes, Grant is a man who can look after himself. In fact, he can look after the whole planet. He’s that kick-ass. Loads of action, a bit of romance, and a lot of Grant. I think I’ll have to go and read it again…

By Steven L. Hawk,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Peace Warrior as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?


PEACE WARRIOR

It’s the mid-21st century when Sergeant First Class Grant Justice is killed during an ambush on an enemy tank column.

Six hundred years later, his body is retrieved from the frozen, arctic lake where he perished. Re-animated by a team of scientists, Grant awakens to a civilization that has abolished war. A civilization that has outlawed violence and cherishes Peace above all else. A civilization that has been enslaved by an alien race called the Minith.

Grant is humankind’s final hope against the alien menace. He must be the... Peace Warrior.

********************


Book cover of Tiger of Talmare

K.A. Finn Why did I love this book?

I read this because it mentioned space pirates. Who doesn’t love space pirates? It’s also got a kick-ass heroine and an equally kick-ass hero. Both characters have a history and aren’t particularly fond of each other. Then she’s tasked with shipping the wronged hero back to Earth on her pirate ship, but someone doesn’t want him to stand trial. Being stuck together on her ship together makes for some interesting situations. Three guesses how that goes. 

By Nina Croft, Helen Dunning (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tiger of Talmare as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Space pirate, Melissa Stark, will take on just about any job as long as the price is right. But this particular job she would gladly do for free, because Captain Zachary Knight has been a thorn in her side ever since she stole his starship ten years ago.

Back then, he was a genuine hero and poster boy for the army's hybrid breeding program. Now things have changed. Zach has been accused of a massacre on the planet of Talmare and is being shipped to Earth to stand trial. But certain influential people want to make sure Zach never reaches…


Book cover of Stealing Coal

K.A. Finn Why did I love this book?

I’ve read all of this series, but this was my favourite. I have a thing for kick-ass heroes who have a vulnerable side. I love characters who can be strong and fight to protect what’s theirs but can also be damaged, flawed, not perfect. I think it makes them far more interesting. Coal hits the mark on this. Big and strong, but seriously damaged.  It helps keep me more invested in his story and development. And yes – it does help that this book is hot!

By Laurann Dohner,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stealing Coal as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

*** THIS IS A RERELEASE OF A PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED BOOK ***

Jill has learned the hard way that men can’t be trusted and sex only causes pain. In the lawlessness of space, women are a sexual commodity—to be used and abused. She’s doing a man’s job, with only her father’s brutal reputation and three androids to help keep her alive when she sees a massive, handsome cyborg chained to a freight table. The abusive crew plans to sell him to fight in gruesome death matches. It’s stupid, it’s insane, but Jill can’t leave him to such a horrible fate.

Coal…


Book cover of Ice Planet Barbarians

K.A. Finn Why did I love this book?

This series was recommended by a friend and I’m hooked. Again, more broody, kick-ass, heroes. It’s a theme I have a thing for. These are quick reads which isn’t a bad thing – there are plenty of books in the series. The books focus on two main characters but also introduce the other players which draws you into the next book. And the next. I’m not usually a fan of human/ alien romances but this series changed my mind. It’s not just a romance – there is a plot and the characters have personalities. Makes a difference to the pull of the series.

By Ruby Dixon,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Ice Planet Barbarians as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

You'd think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you'd be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they've left their cargo of human women - including me - on an ice planet.

And the only native inhabitant I've met? He's big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me...


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A Darling Handyman

By Lark Holiday,

Book cover of A Darling Handyman

Lark Holiday Author Of A Darling Handyman

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Christmas market lover Friend to all croissants

Lark's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

She’s hiding from pain. He’s lost everything but his dog. When fresh air and second chances bring them together, can they rediscover true love?

If you enjoy kind-hearted heroes, small towns, and more humor than heat, you’ll adore this contemporary Alaskan romance! A Darling Handyman is the feel-good first book in the Darling Men series. All books in the series can be read alone and in any order.

A Darling Handyman

By Lark Holiday,


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