Title: Hearts on the Line
Author: T.A. Chase
Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic/Action/ Adventure
Length: Novel (160 pages)
ISBN: 9781611245615
Publisher: Amber Allure Press, Amber Quill Press (February 22nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: In 2134, the United States of America no longer exists as a world superpower. Americans struggle to keep from being completely conquered by their numerous and determined enemies. Scientists have begun to genetically engineer soldiers to fight the war in place of true humans. These men are stronger, faster, and more impervious to injuries. These soldiers are created in labs, and then once they’re birthed, they’re shipped to the compounds of the American Freedom Front where they’re trained exclusively to fight.
Baxter and Addison are two such soldiers. They’re from different compounds, but serve in the same unit. Baxter isn’t the most intelligent of the soldiers, and he knows it. His job is to kill the bad guys, and do nothing else. Addison, however, although he understands his place in the world, also yearns for more. He doesn’t want to be just a killer, but to have some other kind of life, and he’s discovered he wants that life to be with Baxter.
During the height of battle, when their unit decides to stop fighting and makes a desperate run for the border toward freedom into Mexico, Baxter and Addison quickly find they have only the certainty of their love to get them through the dangers they are about to face.(
Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/HeartsOnLine.html
Review: Hearts on the Line is a very different story for me. It is Sci-fi- futuristic and has action and adventure. It’s not that I don’t like sci/fi. It’s just not something I read a lot of. I read the blurb on this it and it sounded like something I would like. I loved it.
This story is set in the future and has a sort of post-apocalyptic feel. (Sorry folks, no Zombies). It is about a group of genetically engineered soldiers. These are men that are human, living breathing men, who have been developed in a lab to have superior strength, fighting skills, eat less, be stronger etc. The perfect soldier. There are two groups one with a bit more intelligence to be officers then there are the grunts developed for front line fighting, basically cannon fodder. Though it’s pushed aside, these men do have feelings and suffer pain. This part of the story really tugged on my heartstrings.
Baxter and Addison are the main characters. They are bio genetically created. Addison is the leader of his group of eight men. Baxter is his second in command. Baxter was injured the previous year and Addison had worried he would be put down, but Addison pulled a few strings to keep Baxter in his unit and by his side. Baxter meant more to Addison than just a good soldier. Baxter is Addison best friend and he couldn’t imagine life without Baxter. Baxter feels the same for Addison, except he doesn’t feel worthy of Addison since he is an officer and meant to move up and go places, Baxter cant. Can you see the romance already and the action?
Baxter and Addison’s group was moved into the front lines for a mission, both men can since some problems, not only is it dangerous enemy territory but now the Trues (full humans fear of being taken over by the GE( genetically engineered) so they have no problems pushing them into danger to try to get rid of them. (Cruel and heartless isn’t it?)
I think you see the basic story, it’s a group of GEs sent on a dangerous mission, they have a secret plan to try to find a better life and there is romance blooming between Baxter and Addison. There is also another sweet twist in the last section of this story that I found so sweet. Yes I am such a romantic and this one sent my romance meter pinging!
The world building isn’t bad. My only issue was that there is many codes used like GE (genetic engineered), AFF, etc. They are explained, but I kept forgetting what it meant, but it wasn’t a big deal. There wasn’t a lot of big unusual, hard to pronounce names, which I found great. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves in this genre so this was very easy to read.
The romance was beautiful, there wasn’t a lot of sex, but what there was is very well done, mostly off the page and I found it loving and sensual, very befitting for these two men. Addison and Baxter are on my favourite couples list for this year.
If you like futuristic worlds, A little science fiction, bio-engineered beings, soldiers, friends to lovers, sweet romance and sensual man-love, camaraderie, some twists and turns this is for you!