Starshipping

Humorous and sexy romp in which Lia, a Navy starship captain, is set up by her lover, is betrayed, and then "falls" for another man. While it started to be more of a romantic adventure rather than a military exploration in a future setting, there was more than superficial space travel at the edge of the border between human and non-human civilizations.

The story gives sever women strong leadership roles while powerful men are devious and superficial. Lia, after being dismissed by the Navy, quickly gets a new position as a captain of a cruise starship for ultra wealthy people who were mostly single and looking. Her new job as captain of a posh ship on short notice making its maiden voyage was hard to believe. However, Lia easily filled the job as captain. She was able to do the meet-and-greet routines for the cruise guests in a few days after accepting the job. While checking out the ship's amenities, she has an encounter with a sensory deprivation device and had a dream about a frightening future. After returning to reality, some of her dream was fulfilled.

The adventure puts the all-business captain - except for her personal life - into a social setting which placed her in an uncustomary job of socializing which, for her, was a stretch to be the caring host of a cruise ship. The job is more than just uncomfortable especially since her parents are passengers. Lia's love life nearly becomes her primary interest. A romantic comedy turns into a more serious military situation in which Lia fights and uses her martial arts skills.

I found many of the situations straining my credibility, but the light story was quite pleasant entertainment.

It's the story of a female spaceship commander who falls into the trap of a conspiracy. In an attempt to restore his reputation, he takes us through many adventures with space pirates, government agents, sprinkled with loves and betrayals, real or apparent.

Lia, the main character of the adventures is a powerful and rising military woman, but equally a single one, with strong desires and feelings and a complicated relationship with her parents.

The book is dynamic, the action keeps you on your toes for a while, moving naturally to a romantic foray.

Highly recommend.

Lia is thrown to the wolves and loses everything she has worked hard for, but is  determined to prove her innocence.  Starshipping is filled with betrayal, lies, scheming and danger.