Double Bind
Author: Cara Bristol
Reviewer: Sophia Rose
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
He seduced her, he drugged her, he kidnapped her, and then he married her. Anyone surprised this marriage is more like hostile combatants trapped together? Cara Bristol’s Cosmic Mates series has been filled with some fun sci-fi romance surprises with this latest having a cloned character and an enemies to lovers vibe. I was eager to see how Marshall and Amity got this tangled knot working for their happily ever after.
Double Bind is the second part of the third Cosmic Mates duos. Marshall and Amity’s story began during the earlier book so I recommend Double Take first.
Double Bind reads quickly jumping in when the frosty pair arrive at their destination on the planet of Refuge. To be given asylum here, Amity had to be married to an already accepted Marshall. He had no desire for an angry wife who hated his guts, but he felt he owed it to her to help get her to safety. In truth, none of the fiasco of before was his fault and he had good reason to lie to her at the time, but he caught feelings including the guilt that came with playing a role and Amity, who was already vulnerable about never having a guy take a genuine interest, was hurt deeply by the deception.
I enjoyed that this had a strong emotion conflict that they had to resolve, but it never tipped the scales into too much drama that felt affected. Oh sure, there is a late period misunderstanding, but, again, it doesn’t carry on too long. In truth, this felt cozy and sweet even with the heat of their attraction simmering in the background until they resolved matters.
It was fun seeing a different village on the planet and how it was a smaller place focused on artisan work like Faith’s pottery, Amity’s weaving and crocheting, and John and Marshall’s woodworking in a diverse alien community.
All in all, a fast, but heartwarming and engaging read. Hoping for more Cosmic Mates series in the future. In truth, I’ll pretty much read anything Cara Bristol will right and enjoy it. This series has excitement, but is overall for those who like a cosier sci-fi romance.
My Rating: B+
Sophia Rose
About the Book:
Marshall Clark III never meant to hurt Amity Landers. But the clone indentured to Dark Ops couldn’t allow his attraction to a beautiful woman destroy his sole chance for freedom. Having inadvertently put her life in danger, he’s willing to marry her so she can gain sanctuary on planet Refuge.
But is she grateful? No. Instead, the formerly sweet, enchanting woman has turned bitter and angry and seems intent on making his life miserable. Fortunately, the Cosmic Mates marriage contract provides an escape clause. However, he’s locked in for a year until he can regain his freedom.
Terminally unlucky in love, Amity Landers still had high hopes when she met the handsome, charming Marshall Clark. But after a magical first date that swept her off her feet, she’s crushed when she discovers the Dark Ops agent used her, faking interest to obtain the information he wanted. And worse, contact with him jeopardized her life. The only recourse is to accept his grudging offer of marriage, which will enable her to get asylum. But she’ll be counting the days until she can break free of her fake, pity marriage.
When even friendship seems out of reach, can two people in a fake marriage who hate each other find true love before time runs out?
* * * *
All Cosmic Mates sci-fi romances can be read as standalones. The series novellas are released in duets, each two-book set being its own mini-series. Books 1 & 2 are a set, books 3 & 4 are a new set, and books 5 and 6 are different set. Double Bind (Cosmic Mates 6) is the second book of the duet. (Double Take is the first book).
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Publisher: Cara Bristol
Series: Cosmic Mates #6
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Format(s): paperback (188 pages), e-book
Book Source: Author