Stevie‘s review of Interlocking Hearts (The DMA Files, Book 2) by Roxy Mews
Science Fiction Romance published by Samhain 09 Feb 16
I was highly intrigued by the world portrayed in the first book of this series, and keenly grabbed this next instalment to learn more about the people and situations that had been set up for us. Coral, the heroine of the previous book, has pioneered the concept that some androids are just as entitled to human rights as the actual humans they work for and with, but now the focus turns to her entirely-human former roommate, Paisley.
Before landing a position working as a cleaner for the royal family, Paisley flitted from job to job, all the while trying to deal with her abusive husband. Now single, and respected by her colleagues, as well as those she works with outside the palace, Paisley is a bit of a good-time girl, but manages to keep her work and her social life separate until the day a chance encounter with two guests at a palace dinner ends up losing her her job. Fortunately, Coral is on hand to help her out, finding Paisley both a place to stay – rooming next to the two dinner guests who caused her problem in the first place – as well as a new employer – in the government department responsible for deciding which androids are entitled to a Certificate of Humanity.
Unfortunately for all our protagonists, anti-android sentiments are on the increase, not just amongst the ordinary people who resent the possibility of paying wages to the machines that previously served them for free, but also in the very department where Paisley is employed and where Coral lends her expertise as a contractor. Fortunately for the two women, Paisley’s neighbours are former army buddies of Coral’s partner and have very good reasons to get involved in the counter-offensive against the protesters and, more especially those in power whipping resentments up into frenzy and riots.
While I liked Ben, the enhanced human, and Jon, the former pleasure bot, for me this story was all about the women. Not just Paisley and Coral, but also the queen, Miss Matilda – Paisley’s boss at the palace, who sticks by her even after she loses her job – and the reporter who insists her cameraman keeps filming in the midst of a riot and insists on interviewing everyone she can get close enough too. Not that the romance between Paisley, Ben and Jon wasn’t satisfying, and it was good to see how Coral and Quinn’s relationship had progressed, but I much preferred watching the political upheavals unfolding, and then being untangled by the women.
I really hope this series continues one way or another as I’m keen to see more of our heroines and to watch the situations they’ve set up develop further.
Grade: B
Summary:
A human, an almost-human, and a more-than-human walk into a palace…
After her husband threw her out, Paisley Compton drew her sexuality around her like a shield. She finds solid ground as a palace maid until, during a formal dinner service, she trips onto the lap of a man who takes her breath away.
Ben has always known Jon is far more than property, and he jumps at the chance to get the android his certificate of humanity. Paisley—whose abilities far exceed her job title—is a welcome distraction from the bureaucracy.
Used and abused by his former owners, Jon trusts no one—particularly the smartass woman who’s caught Ben’s eye. He might not be certified human yet, but he has all the right parts to get to the bottom of this sexy mystery wrapped in a maid’s uniform.
Their attraction sparks unexpected new conduits among them, but when they realize Jon’s certificate comes with a terrible price, they must risk everything to foil an Anti-Mech plot—and hope they survive to lose themselves in each other’s arms.
Warning: Overheating is likely. The mechanics in these pages require ample lubrication to perform at optimum levels. When possible, multiple system operators are recommended.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
