Narrated by Lauren Fortgang & James Fouhey, Only Bad Options is the first audiobook in the Galactic Bonds science fiction romance series by Jennifer Estep. This space opera delivered suspense, romance, house politics and more. Fans of Consortium Rebellion will want to add this one to their list.
by Jennifer Estep
Series: Galactic Bonds #1
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang, James Fouhey
Length: 12 hours and 35 minutes
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.3x
A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . .
Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp starcruisers, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me.
I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.
I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Coldren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both.
A MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET HIS PAST . . .
The name Kyrion Coldren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corion are afraid of me.
But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets.
Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the dangerous enemies who want to bend us to their will.
We meet Vesper Quill, a seer with photographic memory who works as a lab-rat at Kent Corp. House Kent also designs star cruisers and when one crashes, it is Vesper who discovers why. When she realizes there is a coverup, she finds herself on a ship bound for danger. To survive, she’ll have to fight and place her trust in a Kyrion Coldren.
The tale that unfolds has houses fighting for more power, evil lords and a few swoons as Vesper finds herself bonded to Kyrion Coldren, the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.
The world-building was delivered as the story unfolded and we learned about the different houses, the tech wars and the evil lord who wants Coldren bonded and in his grip.
Vesper is smart, exceptional with gadgets and leary of people. Giving her history this all makes sense. The one thing she craves is to belong. Coldren, however, watched his parents suffer because of their bonding and has shut himself off from others. He has many enemies, from those who wish for his title to those that want to use him for his lineage.
The romance will be a slow burn over the course of the series. We are already seeing character growth. Now we need trust. I loved their interaction and the denial as we witnessed the bond grow. Both deserve a happily ever after and I am rooting for them.
Lauren Fortgang & James Fouhey narrated giving us alternate POVs from Vesper and Coldren. I enjoyed listening and felt they captured the characters’ unique personalities. The two work well together, from pacing to tone.
Perfect for fans of science fiction romance, space operas and romantic suspense off planet. Estep pulls the reader in and holds them until the end. Looking forward to the next!
Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep delivered from action to a slow burning romance. I cannot wait for more. #audiobook #LaurenFortgang #JamesFouhey #GalacticBonds Share on XAbout Jennifer Estep
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin adult urban fantasy series for Pocket. Books in the series are SPIDER'S BITE, WEB OF LIES, VENOM, TANGLED THREADS, SPIDER'S REVENGE, BY A THREAD, WIDOW'S WEB and DEADLY STING. THREAD OF DEATH, an e-novella, is also available. HAINTS AND HOBWEBS: AN ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN SHORT STORY can be found in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF GHOST ROMANCE. Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington.
About James Fouhey
James Fouhey is an actor and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator living in New York City. He received classical training at Boston University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He has recorded more than 150 audiobooks across a variety of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, YA/teen, and biography and other nonfiction. James has even voiced a rapping kid dinosaur, much to the delight of his mom.
About Lauren Fortgang
Lauren Fortgang is a New York City–based actor whose voice-over work includes video games, commercials, and live announcing. She has narrated roughly 160 unabridged audiobooks and has received recognition from AudioFile magazine, the Audio Publishers Association, the American Library Association, the Young Adult Library Services Association, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly.
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
Yes, I can second this one. I love this author and this book.
Kimberly
Glad you enjoyed it as well!
Ailyn Koay
Love the cover! I think there’s a lot of things going around in the book that might be interesting!
Kimberly
Yep, plenty to hook you.
Ailyn Koay
that’s Estep for ya
Hena Tayeb
Not a big sci-fi fan but love the title!
Kimberly
This has a strong romantic element that might pull you in.
Ethan
I always appreciate it when an audio features multiple narrators. It makes things much clearer!
Kimberly
Totally agree Ethan, after listening to T.J. London’s Rebels & Redcoats Saga with full cast narration, I want it all the time…lol
Anne - Books of My Heart
I think I’d really enjoy this one. I have the ebook on hold at the library. I’d probably prefer the audio though.
Kimberly
Yeah, if I can get this genre in audio I prefer it.
Jen Twimom
I read this one, but I think I’ll need to try the audiobook, especially before a second book comes out. Glad to hear the narrators worked well for you!
Kimberly
100% Jen!
Livia
Thanks for the recommendation! This one sounds right up my book buddy Sandra’s alley. I’ll forward your review to her and see if I’m right about her potential desire to read it.
Kimberly
I hope they decide to try it! Thank you 🙂
Wendy
I like the sound of this. I like a slow-burn romance, and these two have a lot to work on it seems.
Kimberly
Hehe…indeed they do.
Lover of Romance
Great review you have of this one! I have heard this is a wonderful sci fi romance. Good to know its a slow burn. Definitely a series I want to look into reading here.
Kimberly
I hope you get to listen Renee!
Melliane
I had a really nice time with this one too!
Kimberly
Yay! I do enjoy this author 🙂