These are a few of my favorite things… and they’re just a few of the cool elements in Tin Cat by Misa Buckley.
This story actually surprised me. I guess when I saw the story’s geektastic backdrop I was expecting more camp, but this is actually a really touching romance. The themes in the story are familiar and fresh at the same time.
Heroine, Amber Gerald, isn’t looking for love and when it comes looking for her she has trouble believing her hero can really look at her and not see her wheelchair as an insurmountable obstacle. Who would choose to complicate their life with a disable woman. Sure she’s done a great job of putting her life back together after her accident, she has her comic books shop, her friends, and she’s learned to cope with her physical struggles. But she knows the reality of living life from her chair and how scary that can be for others—like the boyfriend who disappeared when her life changed.
Hero, Hunter Gray, is in need of redemption—a man from the future, trying to make up for his past. He made a terrible mistake with terrible consequences and now he is paying for it. When he meets Amber, he isn’t sure if he is making another mistake, but he is willing to take that chance. He looks at Amber and he sees a beautiful, capable, woman who takes in strays. He can’t resist temptation when circumstances give him a reason to stick to her side.
Their love story is set amidst a looming threat from an evil bad guy. The suspense and romance elements are nicely woven together and balanced in the story. And what about the android cat? Very little I can say without being spoilery, but I will say the cat is more than window dressing in the story. Really, all the elements from the comic book shop to the time travel and the cybernetic enhancements are all woven into the story with a skilled hand.
To sum up, Hunter and Amber’s story made for a fun and touching read! Highly recommended.
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Publication date: March 4, 2013
Length: Novella
My copy of the story was kindly provided by the author. Thanks, Misa!
Smart Girls love SciFi 
Hooray! Another book featuring humanity’s diversity in a positive manner. Can’t have too much of this, and I appreciate the fact you shared this review via the blog. I’ll be looking for this book.
The fact that Amber was in a wheelchair was handled really well. It was integral but it didn’t take over. Kudos to Misa for that!