Reviews

“Amazing heroine, sexy hero, lovable sub-characters…This is an exceptional, fast-paced, futuristic book that takes you to different worlds and introduces you to a whole new outlook on this genre of writing.” Babes in Bookland

“Silver Serenade by Nancy Cohen is a fun, entertaining, out of this world read!” Cheryl’s Book Nook

“Fans of Nathan Fillion and Firefly are sure to enjoy this futuristic romantic fantasy.” Coffee Time Romance

“Silver Serenade is strangely captivating and oddly intriguing in an exciting, first-rate way.” Final Cut Editing

“The author draws a fascinating world of intergalactic politics, futuristic technologies, and clashing moral priorities.” Fort Myers Magazine

“A book of intergalactic proportions as well as action and romance!” Oh, For the HOOK of a BOOK!

“From start to finish, Silver Serenade throws an action-packed thrill ride. It’s fun and adventurous, and left me begging for more!” Siren Book Reviews

“Get ready for an epic adventure, as vast as the universe in which it is set! With a touching love story, a great blend of humor, action and passion, and a great cast of characters, this is a book that won’t let you go until the very last page.” The Romance Reviews

“A fun, romantic science fiction thriller!” The Romantic Post

“Silver Serenade is an exciting, action-packed space adventure with more attention-grabbing twists and turns than a West Virginia highway. I loved it!” Two Lips Reviews

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Excerpt

Despite the coolness of the woods, sweat dribbled down the back of Silver Malloy’s neck. Her muscles ached from hours spent in a crouched position, but stealth mattered more than comfort. She’d waited for this opportunity for months—no, make that years—and wasn’t about to lose it due to a lapse in technique. This first kill might be her last, but at least she’d complete her revenge.

Using her rifle scope, she scanned the dusty street that stretched below her hillside vantage point. The few scruffy inhabitants who trudged between the ramshackle buildings didn’t interest her.

A lucky tip had brought her to Al’ron, a watering hole for space travelers. Those who visited here were not welcome elsewhere. They came to buy arms, men, and equipment to carry out lawless raids against innocent victims, and Tyrone Bluth had earned the reputation as the cruelest bandit of them all.

Silver couldn’t wait to end his reign of terror. Raucous bird cries and the drone of insects rang in her ears, augmented by the auditory sensors in her gold drop earrings. Her concentration centered on the only saloon in town as she waited for the slightest hint of movement from the double swinging doors.

The spicy scent of tangleberries tickled her nose. She stifled a sneeze, unwilling to lose focus, even for a moment.

Her pulse accelerated as someone staggered from the saloon. She recognized Bluth, the leader of Tyrone’s Marauders. He sported a wide-brimmed black hat, militia-style clothes, and a weapons belt bristling with armaments. A hostile scowl creased his ugly face, a face that had haunted her dreams for decades.

Shutting one eye, she took careful aim through the targeting sight of her TechVix LD-6 Sharpshooter Special.

Her gut clenched, and she steeled herself to fire. Just as her finger twitched on the trigger, a shadowy figure dove into her. The impact knocked her to the ground. She dropped the rifle, but not before it discharged a wild shot.

A heavy weight toppled across her body, forcing her spine against the packed earth. Tiny pebbles dug into the small of her back while brittle pine needles pierced her skin. So much for the protective jumpsuit she’d worn.

“Let me up.” She shoved at the bulk immobilizing her. Unable to break free, she aimed a string of expletives toward the man whose furious green eyes glared down at her.

“Who the devil are you?” he demanded, his thick dark brows drawn together.

“I could ask you the same.” Silver’s hand scrabbled in the dirt, searching for her fallen weapon. “Are you one of Bluth’s men?”

“No.” His thighs pressed her firmly to the ground.

“Then get off me so I can finish what I started.”

“Only after you tell me why you’re here.”

Panic seized her as she faced the possibility of failure. “All I need is one clear shot, then we’ll talk.” She thrust at his broad chest, but he wouldn’t budge.

“If you’re worried about Bluth getting away, it’s too late.”

“What?” Silver lifted her head to peer over the crest of the hill. Sure enough, Tyrone Bluth was nowhere in sight.

The villain had torn apart everything meaningful in her life, and now she’d lost her chance to even the score.

Rage clouded her vision. “I don’t know who you are, but you’ve no right to interfere.”

His lip curled. “Is that so?” His attention shifted to a spot beyond the ridge, then he lowered his face close enough for her to see the brown flecks in his irises. “Be quiet. Bluth’s patrol is searching the area.”

Gritting her teeth, she gave him an appraising glance. Taut angles highlighted his bone structure, emphasizing a patrician nose and a jaw set at an arrogant pitch. Jet black hair swept in tousled waves to his nape. Slicked back from a wide forehead, its style proclaimed he was a man who couldn’t be swayed from his purpose.

With her smaller frame, she doubted the defensive tactics she’d learned during training would be effective. He looked like a guy who could counter her every move.

Minutes ticked by while he pressed against her in a manner that made unwanted awareness flood through her.

He raised himself to peer over the rise. “All right, it’s clear. Get up and identify yourself.”

You wish, mister. As soon as his weight lifted off her, she rolled to her side, snatched her rifle, and stood. The stranger appeared unarmed. From the tight fit of his vest and leather pants, she didn’t see where he could hide a weapon unless one was tucked inside his polished black boots.

“I should shoot you for what you’ve done.” She aimed her laser rifle at his chest. “I’ve waited months for this opportunity to kill Tyrone Bluth.”

“Why are you after him?”

Maybe if she explained, he’d let her finish the job. “Bluth is a ruthless outlaw. He leads a band of terrorists who prey upon colonists. His raids destroy entire settlements, killing thousands of innocent people. I mean to end his tyranny.”

They both spoke in low tones, aware that Bluth’s men still scoured the woods.

The man’s jaw clenched, exposing a slight cleft in his chin. “I need the man alive, not dead. Fortunately, I caught a gleam of your weapon and stopped you in time.”

Before she could respond, a flurry of birds fluttered into the air. Silver’s head tilted sharply as she read the sign of unwelcome visitors. She hadn’t detected the stranger earlier only because she’d been so focused on her target.

“Someone’s coming,” she said. “I’m outta here.” Slinging her rifle strap over her shoulder, she sped down the slope, twigs and dead leaves flying in her wake. The man’s footfalls pounded behind her.

At the base of the hill, the forest swallowed them. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the branches, illuminating cobwebs suspended in the air. Pine needles swatted her face, but she ignored them, icy prickles of fear clawing her spine. She’d heard what Bluth did to captives.

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Alternate Covers

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