Title: Two to Tango
Series: N/A
Author: Nicola Cameron
Genre: Science Fiction/Suspense
Length: Novel (184 pages)
Publisher: Evernight Publishing (June 10th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Rory MacLellan, AKA the Highlander, is the most successful interstellar art thief in the Known Worlds. Unfortunately for him, he also has a conscience. So when he runs into a suicidal museum worker during his latest job, he has no choice but to stun the man and rescue him from certain death.
Dr. Dmitri Grigoryev was an up-and-coming exoarchaeologist until a disastrous dig left his career in tatters. Hungry, broke, and desperate, the last thing he expected was a dashing thief to come along and ruin his suicide by saving his life.
With interstellar police on their tail, Rory and Dmitri reluctantly join forces for a major heist. But will their simmering attraction get in the way, or pull them even closer?
ISBN: 978-1-77130-876-2
Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/two-to-tango-by-nicola-cameron/
Reviewer: Prime
Review: I am completely in love with this book. For one thing, it reminded me of some of my various sci-fi fandoms. Warning: obscure references ahead for those not into sci-fi. Another thing, the title doesn’t scream “sci-fi/futuristic” but it actually comes from a scene between the MCs while at a party.
I really loved the MCs, Rory MacLellan and Dr Dmitri Grigoryev. This is a world where humans have gone out to the stars to settle other planets due to Earth being completely screwed up, though people still live there. Interestingly, different cultural groups populate different planets or planetary systems. Rory is a Scot and his criminal name is The Highlander.
I’m just going to put this out there: Rory is to MM/sci-fi what Jamie Fraser is to historical fantasy. Rory even wears his clan kilt (*big smiles*). Dmitri is totally adorable, but he is also very smart and there is more to him than meets the eye. Although I did have some concerns on his mental stability, whether he was truly suicidal or just desperate. Dmitri has a kind heart and passionate about archaeology. He reminds me of the younger versions of Indiana Jones, as seen with Sean Patrick Flannery and River Phoenix. Although Dmitri is also very much sensible, something that Rory needs in a companion.
I really love the world that Nicola Cameron has created. The interstellar government is all controlling and really tough when it comes to order. The Russians are gritty groups, very resourceful and fairly much are what we see in movies that involve Russian, gangsters and otherwise. The Scots are more like the Scottish Clans of history complete with lairds (i.e. before Battle of Culloden in 1746, etc.). The society featured on Earth in Scotland is also reminiscent of 1700-1800s society. Then action between all these groups is tense and fun. Dmitri also really comes out of his shell and kicks butt at the end. I enjoyed this glimpse into the personal life/history of Rory and Dmitri.
This book, as sci-fi fan and as a scientist, fairly much made me giddy and not just because for the points I’ve already mentioned. There were a number of little Easter eggs for those that watch sci-fi, too. There was an amusing reference to Star Trek (Original Series), it’s direct but not a far stretch to make considering Rory is a Scot. Anyone who likes Guardians of the Galaxy (Groot) or Doctor Who (can’t remember the alien but all I can remember is “I give you breath from my lungs”) may encounter a familiar sounding description of an alien. Probably all coincidence, but Phaalan was a fun character for comedy relief and his brogue.
Another may be reading too much into things, but I made the connection easy enough at the end when there was a line to the effect of “let’s be bad guys”, I thought Firefly. A point that crosses both science and science fiction is the planetary hub called Sagan (i.e. Carl Sagan). Finally, the scientist in me was transported back to undergrad chemistry when I read the name van der Waal (i.e. van der Waal’s forces and equation).
An honourable mention for an incredibly important and supportive character – Molly or Molly Girl, the AI on Rory’s ship. She’s sassy and funny and sensible, some things that Rory is not. She is just as enjoyable to read as the living characters.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *