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Red Cell #1
Break and Enter
Man on machine on man.
Red Cell, Book 1
Ex-Green Beret Victor “Cyke” Kellermann is on the run for a crime he didn’t—well, okay, did commit, but he didn’t realize it at the time. He’s a good guy, a “white hat” hacker for hire. He’s also more teched out than the Bionic Man, though his ailing ’ware creates as many problems as it solves.
His latest series of break-ins are proving…difficult. Sentinel Tech’s security is cutting-edge, and the cops are hounding his ass. He sees only one reason why his employer hasn’t called off the dogs: someone inside is stealing data for real and setting him up to take the fall.
Paramedic-cum-tech-phreak Bear keeps scooping an increasingly battered Cyke off the sidewalk, and each time, his fascination for the fugitive and his mysterious ’ware grows. So does the attraction that makes him reluctant to turn Cyke in. Every time they touch, barriers fall. Before long, they're both laid bare.
Cyke can handle losing blood, even losing consciousness. What he can’t afford is to lose his heart. Distractions like that get people killed—and if he succeeds in unlocking Sentinel Tech’s ugly secrets, he won’t be the only one in the line of fire.
Warning: This book contains mechanical eyeballs, multimillion-dollar hand warmers, pushy mind probes, a man too stubborn to quit when he’s bleeding, an underpaid paramedic whose services are needed entirely too often, and circuit-scorching cybersex…without a computer.
Red Cell, Book 1
Ex-Green Beret Victor “Cyke” Kellermann is on the run for a crime he didn’t—well, okay, did commit, but he didn’t realize it at the time. He’s a good guy, a “white hat” hacker for hire. He’s also more teched out than the Bionic Man, though his ailing ’ware creates as many problems as it solves.
His latest series of break-ins are proving…difficult. Sentinel Tech’s security is cutting-edge, and the cops are hounding his ass. He sees only one reason why his employer hasn’t called off the dogs: someone inside is stealing data for real and setting him up to take the fall.
Paramedic-cum-tech-phreak Bear keeps scooping an increasingly battered Cyke off the sidewalk, and each time, his fascination for the fugitive and his mysterious ’ware grows. So does the attraction that makes him reluctant to turn Cyke in. Every time they touch, barriers fall. Before long, they're both laid bare.
Cyke can handle losing blood, even losing consciousness. What he can’t afford is to lose his heart. Distractions like that get people killed—and if he succeeds in unlocking Sentinel Tech’s ugly secrets, he won’t be the only one in the line of fire.
Warning: This book contains mechanical eyeballs, multimillion-dollar hand warmers, pushy mind probes, a man too stubborn to quit when he’s bleeding, an underpaid paramedic whose services are needed entirely too often, and circuit-scorching cybersex…without a computer.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2011
10 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Haimowitz
41 books718 followersM/M erotic romance author, freelance writer and editor, sadist with a pesky conscience, shamelessly silly, proudly pervish. I'm a twitter addict (@rachelhaimowitz), and I blog every M/W/F at Fantasy Unbound. To learn all about my current and upcoming projects, please stop by my website. I love to hear from folks, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
February 9, 2014
Nicely done.
Sexy as hell, and briskly paced. A fun read that gave me four and a half boners.
More, please.
No, seriously—more.
*makes grabby-handed gesture*
Sexy as hell, and briskly paced. A fun read that gave me four and a half boners.
More, please.
No, seriously—more.
*makes grabby-handed gesture*
March 24, 2013
3.5 stars – A well-written sci-fi/cyberpunk novella that is very tautly told, but for me, never fully engaged me with the characters or the conflict.
What I liked: I appreciate that Haimowitz and Voinov throw you in the pool with no warning. It’s a style of storytelling that I like since it usually means over-exposition is kept at a minimum, and the authors are doing the favor of handing the reins to the readers to figure things out and keep up with the narrative.
You’re very much thrown into the action immediately when we meet Cyke collapsed at a bus stop, his heavily cyber-altered body suffering from some unknown attack. Along comes medic Bear, who is intrigued by his mysterious patient, but lets him go when Cyke refuses medical services. And so begins the story of two men who end up being very drawn to each other, and the corporate espionage case that threatens to tear them apart.
The writing is very taut, and there is no padding or wasted words in this 100 page/27,000+ word story. There are also a lot of neat ideas slipped in to build this futuristic world that Cyke and Bear live in, from nanobots that fix you from the inside out to Cyke’s amazing prosthetic gloves, who at times seemed to have their own mind, and would quickly alter themselves for whatever purpose was needed. (Reminded me a little of the metal-bending T-1000 from Terminator 2 and how he would just change his arm to be a gleaming metal spike.) I also appreciated the authors’ use of short chapters, and time shifts to help keep the pacing tight.
What was harder for me: When I start over-focusing on craft, it usually means that I’m not getting swept into the story, and that was my main issue with this. It’s very well-written, but I never felt really connected (or “jacked-in”) to the characters. Of the two characters, Cyke was definitely the richer of the two, with his stubborn resilience to push through whatever pain is inflicted on his body (followed by the mental digs of his former drill sergeant yelling at him whenever he took a breath, like a bullying Greek chorus), but neither MC really engaged me fully, and I found myself pushing to finish this story. I came out respecting the authors’ ability to write, but missed having a deeper story experience, and ultimately felt unsatisfied, and ready to move on to something else.
This is the first book I’ve read by Haimowitz and the second by Voinov (after the co-authored contemporary romance novella Country Mouse, which was fine, but a little forgettable.) Although this one didn’t really work for me, I’ll look to try something else by them to get a better understanding of their style.
Your mileage may vary though, and what didn't work for me may not bother you at all. If you like sci-fi mm, especially in the cyberpunk variety, this story may be up your alley.
As a heads-up, this novella continues Samhaim’s practice of ending early on the e-file. The story ends at 83% and is followed by excerpts for other books. That always throws me, since I’m never expecting the end that early.
What I liked: I appreciate that Haimowitz and Voinov throw you in the pool with no warning. It’s a style of storytelling that I like since it usually means over-exposition is kept at a minimum, and the authors are doing the favor of handing the reins to the readers to figure things out and keep up with the narrative.
You’re very much thrown into the action immediately when we meet Cyke collapsed at a bus stop, his heavily cyber-altered body suffering from some unknown attack. Along comes medic Bear, who is intrigued by his mysterious patient, but lets him go when Cyke refuses medical services. And so begins the story of two men who end up being very drawn to each other, and the corporate espionage case that threatens to tear them apart.
The writing is very taut, and there is no padding or wasted words in this 100 page/27,000+ word story. There are also a lot of neat ideas slipped in to build this futuristic world that Cyke and Bear live in, from nanobots that fix you from the inside out to Cyke’s amazing prosthetic gloves, who at times seemed to have their own mind, and would quickly alter themselves for whatever purpose was needed. (Reminded me a little of the metal-bending T-1000 from Terminator 2 and how he would just change his arm to be a gleaming metal spike.) I also appreciated the authors’ use of short chapters, and time shifts to help keep the pacing tight.
What was harder for me: When I start over-focusing on craft, it usually means that I’m not getting swept into the story, and that was my main issue with this. It’s very well-written, but I never felt really connected (or “jacked-in”) to the characters. Of the two characters, Cyke was definitely the richer of the two, with his stubborn resilience to push through whatever pain is inflicted on his body (followed by the mental digs of his former drill sergeant yelling at him whenever he took a breath, like a bullying Greek chorus), but neither MC really engaged me fully, and I found myself pushing to finish this story. I came out respecting the authors’ ability to write, but missed having a deeper story experience, and ultimately felt unsatisfied, and ready to move on to something else.
This is the first book I’ve read by Haimowitz and the second by Voinov (after the co-authored contemporary romance novella Country Mouse, which was fine, but a little forgettable.) Although this one didn’t really work for me, I’ll look to try something else by them to get a better understanding of their style.
Your mileage may vary though, and what didn't work for me may not bother you at all. If you like sci-fi mm, especially in the cyberpunk variety, this story may be up your alley.
As a heads-up, this novella continues Samhaim’s practice of ending early on the e-file. The story ends at 83% and is followed by excerpts for other books. That always throws me, since I’m never expecting the end that early.
November 20, 2013
Let me first say I’m not a fangurl of reading scfy or cyberpunk. Why is it punk anyway? There are no The Clash or Ramones references. No one got Punk’d. What’s going on here?
I should probably also disclose that these two authors could re-write the phone book & I’d be like, “that was fascinating! Did you see what they did with the M section? All that alliteration was impressive!” So read this review with a grain of salt.
I normally talk a little about the plot then again, I’ve still no clue as to WTF happened. So here goes…
First a all, there was that thing with the thing called a "pincer glove" & Bear <---love that name BTW. I know. Don't judge me! IDKWTH’s wrong with me! came to rescue him & Cyke was all ‘nuh unh’. Then there was the thing with a mechanical eye & Bear went back to “the storage facility” WTF is this BTW? No clue. Like a shed? & ate an MRE with grey chocolate. *blech* Then there was a buncha stuff with “clot bots”, a “cheat chip”, a Spiderman reference, 50,000 volts of something, a slave drive *whispers not what I was thinking it was* & a "platform chip". Then BAM! Cyke ends up at Bear’s shot then a code gets deleted & the words “bone grinding need” get thought &… FUCK ME… that was pretty hot but, I guess, 2000 days of denial will do that to a guy. “Hand blades”? O.O Erm… that could get dicey. Then what had happened was this thing with a thing on a desk & some bad shit went down & Bear got sucked into the shit wait, that didn't sound right & had to go to “safe house #2”. <---pun not entirely intended When Cyke finds him he says, “You gonna stand there staring or put that down your throat?” <---3 guesses what he’s talking about here, the first two don’t count. Then... FUCK ALL... they started teasing me with a shit load of kinky talk of restraints & steel rings & a next time & then…
POOF! It’s over. *shakes Kindle* Is Kindle broken? Where’d it go? Maybe someone did get Punk'd. *sad face*
The End.
I should probably also disclose that these two authors could re-write the phone book & I’d be like, “that was fascinating! Did you see what they did with the M section? All that alliteration was impressive!” So read this review with a grain of salt.
I normally talk a little about the plot then again, I’ve still no clue as to WTF happened. So here goes…
First a all, there was that thing with the thing called a "pincer glove" & Bear <---love that name BTW. I know. Don't judge me! IDKWTH’s wrong with me! came to rescue him & Cyke was all ‘nuh unh’. Then there was the thing with a mechanical eye & Bear went back to “the storage facility” WTF is this BTW? No clue. Like a shed? & ate an MRE with grey chocolate. *blech* Then there was a buncha stuff with “clot bots”, a “cheat chip”, a Spiderman reference, 50,000 volts of something, a slave drive *whispers not what I was thinking it was* & a "platform chip". Then BAM! Cyke ends up at Bear’s shot then a code gets deleted & the words “bone grinding need” get thought &… FUCK ME… that was pretty hot but, I guess, 2000 days of denial will do that to a guy. “Hand blades”? O.O Erm… that could get dicey. Then what had happened was this thing with a thing on a desk & some bad shit went down & Bear got sucked into the shit wait, that didn't sound right & had to go to “safe house #2”. <---pun not entirely intended When Cyke finds him he says, “You gonna stand there staring or put that down your throat?” <---3 guesses what he’s talking about here, the first two don’t count. Then... FUCK ALL... they started teasing me with a shit load of kinky talk of restraints & steel rings & a next time & then…
POOF! It’s over. *shakes Kindle* Is Kindle broken? Where’d it go? Maybe someone did get Punk'd. *sad face*
The End.
December 21, 2014
I started the book and... *blink blink*... I finished the book. Where did the time go, I have no idea! It gripped me like a tidal wave and didn't let go until the very last page. Actually it kept me moving even beyond - to the "About Authors" section and excerpts, where I finally slowed down - LOL
I will have to read it again sometime, at a slower pace, to thoroughly enjoy all the details =)
5 stars
I will have to read it again sometime, at a slower pace, to thoroughly enjoy all the details =)
5 stars
December 20, 2011
Taut tech-thriller about manly men who like to fuck and be fucked by other manly men. Favourite line ever: “He . . . would crawl up the fucking walls waiting on this tongue-finger-fingers routine”. I so hope Bear and Cyke will be back for another (longer?) book.
December 22, 2011
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the world building. It was very interesting to discover what was behind Cyke's attempts at breaking Sentinel Tech's security and to literally learn how he worked. The realization of his work comes to the reader almost at the same time as Bear learns about it. I was glas I didn't read the blurb because it tells a bit too much, in my opinion. The story catches the reader in a whirlwind of events and the transition between a chapter and the next was literally like the blinking in and out of functioning of a machine.
I think though that in this action plot, the characters and their personality gets out of focus a little bit, so I couldn't really connect with them, even if I cared for them. I have to say that I would have preferred the sex to happen behind closed doors (gasp!), and see the intimacy spill into their time on the page, I think it would have given me a better sense of the relationship developing between them.
Bear, the medi-geek, is strong and reliable. I liked the way he was both attracted to Cyke as a guy and to his technical gear and equipment and I know this sounds dirty, but it isn't, I promise, not entirely dirty. Cyke was so complicated inside and out that he stole the spotlight. It was really fascinating too see the little details of how he worked, both as a human being in flesh and as a sophisticated machine.
I would love to see more adventures of Cyke and Bear but also of other couples in the same universe. It's clear that the authors really enjoyed crafting this world, so I do hope they have something more in store for us.
My usually complaint with Samhain's books (and not the authors' fault of course): the last 15% of the e-book is made of excerpts from other books, plus the blurb for Break and Enter, which should be put at the beginning of the book, I think. It's a bit annoying because you build your expectations on what's happening based on what remains to be read and then you're disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the world building. It was very interesting to discover what was behind Cyke's attempts at breaking Sentinel Tech's security and to literally learn how he worked. The realization of his work comes to the reader almost at the same time as Bear learns about it. I was glas I didn't read the blurb because it tells a bit too much, in my opinion. The story catches the reader in a whirlwind of events and the transition between a chapter and the next was literally like the blinking in and out of functioning of a machine.
I think though that in this action plot, the characters and their personality gets out of focus a little bit, so I couldn't really connect with them, even if I cared for them. I have to say that I would have preferred the sex to happen behind closed doors (gasp!), and see the intimacy spill into their time on the page, I think it would have given me a better sense of the relationship developing between them.
Bear, the medi-geek, is strong and reliable. I liked the way he was both attracted to Cyke as a guy and to his technical gear and equipment and I know this sounds dirty, but it isn't, I promise, not entirely dirty. Cyke was so complicated inside and out that he stole the spotlight. It was really fascinating too see the little details of how he worked, both as a human being in flesh and as a sophisticated machine.
I would love to see more adventures of Cyke and Bear but also of other couples in the same universe. It's clear that the authors really enjoyed crafting this world, so I do hope they have something more in store for us.
My usually complaint with Samhain's books (and not the authors' fault of course): the last 15% of the e-book is made of excerpts from other books, plus the blurb for Break and Enter, which should be put at the beginning of the book, I think. It's a bit annoying because you build your expectations on what's happening based on what remains to be read and then you're disappointed.
March 17, 2013
I really enjoyed the tech aspects of the book. It was fun without being overbearing. Although I liked the world, I wanted more character development, especially with Bear. I liked both characters and I knew they were attracted to each other and came to care for one another but I didn't feel their connection. I thought the relationship was a bit rushed. I could see Bear's fascination with Cyke and Cyke's need for comfort but their emotions towards the end were not believable. I especially had a problem with
I also wished we got a bit more world-building outside of Cyke's enhancements. It felt like I started reading in the middle of the book - like several pieces were missing. I wanted to know more about Sentinel Tech and I also wanted to see more of Cyke on his missions.
Even with these few issues, I still liked the book and the characters. I just wished the relationship and the characters had been developed as well as the tech aspects.
I also wished we got a bit more world-building outside of Cyke's enhancements. It felt like I started reading in the middle of the book - like several pieces were missing. I wanted to know more about Sentinel Tech and I also wanted to see more of Cyke on his missions.
Even with these few issues, I still liked the book and the characters. I just wished the relationship and the characters had been developed as well as the tech aspects.
Read
June 10, 2016DNF. Enjoyable tech talk about robot arms, repair bots and data theft, that could not make up for the fact that the characters' personalities were flat as a pancake and there was zero chemistry between them.
December 17, 2012
4 - 4.5 stars
Not really a review, just a few quick impressions.
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book. First, the themes Haimowitz is usually writing about are uncomfortable for me to say the least. On the other hand, I love Voinov's writing and his books. Second, I am a huge sci-fi fan, but there are very few books that I find entirely satisfying, especially within M/M genre. In the end, I was very happy with it.
For such a short book and the first in the series, Break and Enter was great - the cyber speak was not overwhelming, the technology was intriguing, we got enough of the men to start caring about them (plus, the were both hot and gentle which is always a great combo) and their relationship, what there was of action was exciting. The writing was tight and Samhain's editing is always impressive, particularly when we see some less than stellar examples in this publishing niche. This is definitely a rereading material and I can see it as my personal comfort read. And, I hope the authors give us at least 5 or six sequels. (Subtle I am not. XD) I hope for more together on-page time for Cyke and Bear.
Second reading - December 2012
Still great. Cyke is sexy as hell. Together they are really, really hot. Promising both in the relationship department and future action. I can't wait for more sequels. (When!? WHEN!?) Hopefully, Cyke wouldn't be hurt as much. And, if he needs to be restrained, hopefully Bear will do it. XD
Not really a review, just a few quick impressions.
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book. First, the themes Haimowitz is usually writing about are uncomfortable for me to say the least. On the other hand, I love Voinov's writing and his books. Second, I am a huge sci-fi fan, but there are very few books that I find entirely satisfying, especially within M/M genre. In the end, I was very happy with it.
For such a short book and the first in the series, Break and Enter was great - the cyber speak was not overwhelming, the technology was intriguing, we got enough of the men to start caring about them (plus, the were both hot and gentle which is always a great combo) and their relationship, what there was of action was exciting. The writing was tight and Samhain's editing is always impressive, particularly when we see some less than stellar examples in this publishing niche. This is definitely a rereading material and I can see it as my personal comfort read. And, I hope the authors give us at least 5 or six sequels. (Subtle I am not. XD) I hope for more together on-page time for Cyke and Bear.
Second reading - December 2012
Still great. Cyke is sexy as hell. Together they are really, really hot. Promising both in the relationship department and future action. I can't wait for more sequels. (When!? WHEN!?) Hopefully, Cyke wouldn't be hurt as much. And, if he needs to be restrained, hopefully Bear will do it. XD
December 23, 2012
A great sci-fi/futuristic read. I really enjoyed the cybernetic tech here. Very realistic and gritty. This was a tight storyline that had me on the edge of my seat more than a few times. The relationship build here worked for me a lot as well. Great chemistry between Cyke and Bear and there was a really nice natural feel to it that didn't seem forced or rushed. I'll definitely be looking for more in this series.
October 28, 2013
I'm currently doing a reread based on a twitter chat w/ Rachel and Catherine and Tristina (thanks to Catherine's ponies :)...God, it's SO good, you guys. If you haven't read, you must. Bear and Cyke are just...hot. And it's so well written. Lots of information that doesn't ever feel like...information. It's a book to learn from in that sense for authors and for readers..it'll leave you wanting MOAR!
*back to my reread*
*back to my reread*
November 7, 2012
This reads at breakneck speed, but does not skimp on the details. Not in the very least! So exciting my heart was literally pounding even as I laughed at the humorous thoughts and antics of the MC's. Cyke is such a badass tough guy of course he gave me plenty to chuckle at!
With all the high tech talk, at one point I was like "I'm in Johnny Mnemonic's head!" bitchin' enough, but this is even better!
The romance fit the story, one of those seamless blends where it just made sense. Loved every wonderful word, thank you very much.
With all the high tech talk, at one point I was like "I'm in Johnny Mnemonic's head!" bitchin' enough, but this is even better!
The romance fit the story, one of those seamless blends where it just made sense. Loved every wonderful word, thank you very much.
June 23, 2013
Yes!
3.5 stars.
How lucky am I? Very. This was a great introduction to Sci-Fi and it's left me wanting more.
I loved Cyke's biting sarcastic tone and his chemistry with Bear was delicious. The plot was interesting while the technotalk wasn't too overwhelming for a newbie like me.
My only gripe is that it was too short, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.
Well worth a read.
3.5 stars.
How lucky am I? Very. This was a great introduction to Sci-Fi and it's left me wanting more.
I loved Cyke's biting sarcastic tone and his chemistry with Bear was delicious. The plot was interesting while the technotalk wasn't too overwhelming for a newbie like me.
My only gripe is that it was too short, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.
Well worth a read.
August 24, 2012
Reading ‘Break and Enter’ took me back to musing about (and drooling over) elite athletes competing in the recent Olympics games. The constant training and pushing physical limits often through pain and injury. And the whole drugging issue that drifts in and out of the spectacle. Drugs used to enhance performance... This illicit practice has been around forever and unfortunately it’s not going anywhere fast.
Forget drugs, what about bionic enhancement? What if we could use bionic body parts for improved performance? Think of Oscar Pistorius, the South African Olympic runner, an amputee fitted with leg prosthetics that may not be bionic but allowed him to accomplish something truly remarkable and revolutionary at the recent Summer Games in London. Could bionic additions be far off?
Haimowitz and Voinov take a look at this looming future (Voinov has harkened to it in previous books, most recently in my experience, Incursion where his MC, another physically handicapped ex-soldier, is bionically enabled.) It’s to the authors’ credit that the futuristic aspects of ‘Break and Enter’ while adding a tasty piquancy, don’t overwhelm what is essentially a romance about a loner, Victor/Cyke, a cybernetic-ally enhanced, part machine/part computer guy, living on the edge. Cyke is an intense, hard-boiled anti-hero. His inner dialogue -- snarky pep-talking -- entertains and endears us to him from the start. He meets EMT, Bear, after a botched mission and finds in him a home beacon to ground him. No cooky-cutter m/m romance here. A little techy, a little action, a little horror in a dark and gritty world. That Voinov and Haimowitz fluidly integrate these with a little love story is a testament to their skill. This was great seamless teamwork all around.
Forget drugs, what about bionic enhancement? What if we could use bionic body parts for improved performance? Think of Oscar Pistorius, the South African Olympic runner, an amputee fitted with leg prosthetics that may not be bionic but allowed him to accomplish something truly remarkable and revolutionary at the recent Summer Games in London. Could bionic additions be far off?
Haimowitz and Voinov take a look at this looming future (Voinov has harkened to it in previous books, most recently in my experience, Incursion where his MC, another physically handicapped ex-soldier, is bionically enabled.) It’s to the authors’ credit that the futuristic aspects of ‘Break and Enter’ while adding a tasty piquancy, don’t overwhelm what is essentially a romance about a loner, Victor/Cyke, a cybernetic-ally enhanced, part machine/part computer guy, living on the edge. Cyke is an intense, hard-boiled anti-hero. His inner dialogue -- snarky pep-talking -- entertains and endears us to him from the start. He meets EMT, Bear, after a botched mission and finds in him a home beacon to ground him. No cooky-cutter m/m romance here. A little techy, a little action, a little horror in a dark and gritty world. That Voinov and Haimowitz fluidly integrate these with a little love story is a testament to their skill. This was great seamless teamwork all around.
November 4, 2012
Holy cow! Where the hell is the next book in this series? RACHEL!!!!!!! She does this to me on purpose. That is the only reasonable explanation I can come up with. I'm now going to boycott. Unless she has all her books written in a series, I'm not starting them. Hrrmpph. (I don't know if I can wait that long though.)
Break and Enter is an awesome cyberpunk book. This is definitely one I could enjoy. Cyke and Bear are both pretty cool characters. We don't get to learn too much about Bear the paramedic, but boy, he's pretty hot and what we do learn, it's all good. Cyke is the lethal half man half machine. But even better, his a WHITE HAT! Did I ever mention how I kind of lust after White Hats? Their minds. Mmm hmm good. And the fact that this guy is hot and a body made to kill, what could be better? Oh, right, if Cyke was NOT gay. Shoot me.
This was a fast paced and enjoyable book. The computer parts integrated in were right up my alley. The hot m/m sex was divine. This tightly woven little story is the movie Sneaker meets the Terminator with a gay twist. Totally awesome! I hope the next book in the Red Cell series shows up soon. Recommended to m/m readers who enjoy some techie speak.
Break and Enter is an awesome cyberpunk book. This is definitely one I could enjoy. Cyke and Bear are both pretty cool characters. We don't get to learn too much about Bear the paramedic, but boy, he's pretty hot and what we do learn, it's all good. Cyke is the lethal half man half machine. But even better, his a WHITE HAT! Did I ever mention how I kind of lust after White Hats? Their minds. Mmm hmm good. And the fact that this guy is hot and a body made to kill, what could be better? Oh, right, if Cyke was NOT gay. Shoot me.
This was a fast paced and enjoyable book. The computer parts integrated in were right up my alley. The hot m/m sex was divine. This tightly woven little story is the movie Sneaker meets the Terminator with a gay twist. Totally awesome! I hope the next book in the Red Cell series shows up soon. Recommended to m/m readers who enjoy some techie speak.
November 21, 2012
A skilled merging of two talented authors underlies this novella. Having read both authors individually, I enjoyed this collaboration.
Cyke - a 'white hat' (no doubt a nod to the old cowboy movies) and ex-green beret - is found lying unconscious near a bus stop. Bear - a paramedic called to the scene - is intrigued by what he finds. As the story unfolds, Bear and Cyke find themselves together and together they must risk everything.
I liked Cyke, his thoughts often bluntly sarcastic with an underlying sense of self-directed humor, and I liked his sense of honor/duty - not rigidly enforced but definitely a priority. Bear has much the same sense of duty, and it's why they click together. For me, Bear was a little less fleshed out than Cyke, and I think I would have enjoyed a little more time spent on him. There is a reasonable amount of sci-fI techno stuff, so if this isn't something you deal well with, you may not enjoy it as much as I did, but as I'm a nerd/geek from way back, I found it mostly entertaining. All up, it's a well-written sci-fi romance, and I'll look forward to reading more from this collaboration.
Cyke - a 'white hat' (no doubt a nod to the old cowboy movies) and ex-green beret - is found lying unconscious near a bus stop. Bear - a paramedic called to the scene - is intrigued by what he finds. As the story unfolds, Bear and Cyke find themselves together and together they must risk everything.
I liked Cyke, his thoughts often bluntly sarcastic with an underlying sense of self-directed humor, and I liked his sense of honor/duty - not rigidly enforced but definitely a priority. Bear has much the same sense of duty, and it's why they click together. For me, Bear was a little less fleshed out than Cyke, and I think I would have enjoyed a little more time spent on him. There is a reasonable amount of sci-fI techno stuff, so if this isn't something you deal well with, you may not enjoy it as much as I did, but as I'm a nerd/geek from way back, I found it mostly entertaining. All up, it's a well-written sci-fi romance, and I'll look forward to reading more from this collaboration.
February 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this one, though some of the description of Cyke digging something from his arm was a bit disturbing. (Guessing that was you, Rachel? You do like to run the boys through the wringer.)
I adored the scene where Bear was looking through code, 'pinging' this snippet of code, and Cyke's reaction to it. (Though terminology used took me out of the scene a tiny bit.) And of course the scene that followed was quite entertaining.
The plot was also entertaining and a quick read. 4 stars.
I adored the scene where Bear was looking through code, 'pinging' this snippet of code, and Cyke's reaction to it. (Though terminology used took me out of the scene a tiny bit.) And of course the scene that followed was quite entertaining.
The plot was also entertaining and a quick read. 4 stars.
June 4, 2016
Excellent novella, looking forward to the next installment. A great combination of sf, m/m and cyber from two masters: Rachel Haimowitz and Aleksandr Voinov.
'Cyke woke early in the evening, Bear still asleep beside him, their limbs pressed tight and tangled. He was sore, and he kind of had to piss... but not even wild horses could have dragged him from this bed right now.'
'Cyke woke early in the evening, Bear still asleep beside him, their limbs pressed tight and tangled. He was sore, and he kind of had to piss... but not even wild horses could have dragged him from this bed right now.'
December 24, 2011
Awesome on the tech-geekery front, not as awesome on the relationship front.
January 26, 2014
While I enjoyed the ideas behind this world I did feel like the story was a little rushed. The characters were interesting and the I enjoyed the premise, I think I just wish it had been a little longer with more development time allowed. I would have liked to have known more about the history of both our characters.
Bear is a paramedic with a bit of a tech fetish nature. He loves fiddling with all the ‘ware that exists now. When he is called out on a run for an unconscious drunk he’s surprised by the shear amount of high tech ‘ware the man is sporting. His fingers are itching to get more time exploring it all. Doesn’t help that the man is hot and appeals to his own preferences as well. Still when he goes RMA there’s nothing Bear can do but watch him walk, or really stumble, away.
Cyke is an ex-Green Beret and acquired much of his slightly outdated ‘ware while still a part of the military. Of course while his ‘ware may be out dated by military standards it’s still highly advanced compared to most readily available tech. Now out of the military Cyke makes his living as a “white hat” hacker. Hired to break in and test different companies security his current job isn’t going quite to plan. Having the same paramedic picking him up for his multiple injuries puts Cyke in a spot he’s never been before, trusting someone else to have his back.
Bear was kinda adorable. I liked his fascination with the ‘ware and how drawn he was to Cyke despite his rough exterior. Though this does fall closer to the insta love side of things since neither character really gets a lot of time to know the other. Cyke is the epitome of the lone wolf living off the grid. Allowing Bear to enter his space is tantamount to a lifetime commitment. These two were definitely hot together and I could see the chemistry between them.
There was only a little bit of a hesitation with this one in that you’re thrown into a world with very little explanation. The writing is great and it pulls you in, but a lot of the tech in this story is just assumed knowledge. Cyke has a mechanical eye and strange metal tech-y gloves, also a chip in his head, all with little explanation. As I got further into the story I was able to understand at least a little bit more about how it all worked together, but I would have liked to have a greater understanding of the world around these two. I enjoy the cyberpunk elements though and I was happy to dive into the craziness of this world. I just wish I’d gotten more.
Actually I enjoyed the way this story built. I liked that for awhile we weren’t really sure what Cyke’s background was, is he the good guy or the bad guy? I liked that Bear was intrigued in spite of the possibility that he’s helping a criminal. As the story unfolded the foreshadowing indicated things to come, but let the reader discover what was going on as it was pertinent. Especially for a novella the pacing was very well done.
I do hope that there are more stories to come in this world. I would love to know more about Cyke’s past and how he got to be where he is. I want to know more about how this society functions within the bounds of all their tech. I want to know where Bear and Cyke’s story goes moving forward. These circumstances brought Cyke out of his normal anonymity a place where he can maybe truly make something work with Bear. I will continue to cross my fingers that more stories appear soon. ☺
Bear is a paramedic with a bit of a tech fetish nature. He loves fiddling with all the ‘ware that exists now. When he is called out on a run for an unconscious drunk he’s surprised by the shear amount of high tech ‘ware the man is sporting. His fingers are itching to get more time exploring it all. Doesn’t help that the man is hot and appeals to his own preferences as well. Still when he goes RMA there’s nothing Bear can do but watch him walk, or really stumble, away.
Cyke is an ex-Green Beret and acquired much of his slightly outdated ‘ware while still a part of the military. Of course while his ‘ware may be out dated by military standards it’s still highly advanced compared to most readily available tech. Now out of the military Cyke makes his living as a “white hat” hacker. Hired to break in and test different companies security his current job isn’t going quite to plan. Having the same paramedic picking him up for his multiple injuries puts Cyke in a spot he’s never been before, trusting someone else to have his back.
Bear was kinda adorable. I liked his fascination with the ‘ware and how drawn he was to Cyke despite his rough exterior. Though this does fall closer to the insta love side of things since neither character really gets a lot of time to know the other. Cyke is the epitome of the lone wolf living off the grid. Allowing Bear to enter his space is tantamount to a lifetime commitment. These two were definitely hot together and I could see the chemistry between them.
There was only a little bit of a hesitation with this one in that you’re thrown into a world with very little explanation. The writing is great and it pulls you in, but a lot of the tech in this story is just assumed knowledge. Cyke has a mechanical eye and strange metal tech-y gloves, also a chip in his head, all with little explanation. As I got further into the story I was able to understand at least a little bit more about how it all worked together, but I would have liked to have a greater understanding of the world around these two. I enjoy the cyberpunk elements though and I was happy to dive into the craziness of this world. I just wish I’d gotten more.
Actually I enjoyed the way this story built. I liked that for awhile we weren’t really sure what Cyke’s background was, is he the good guy or the bad guy? I liked that Bear was intrigued in spite of the possibility that he’s helping a criminal. As the story unfolded the foreshadowing indicated things to come, but let the reader discover what was going on as it was pertinent. Especially for a novella the pacing was very well done.
I do hope that there are more stories to come in this world. I would love to know more about Cyke’s past and how he got to be where he is. I want to know more about how this society functions within the bounds of all their tech. I want to know where Bear and Cyke’s story goes moving forward. These circumstances brought Cyke out of his normal anonymity a place where he can maybe truly make something work with Bear. I will continue to cross my fingers that more stories appear soon. ☺
January 30, 2012
4.5 - 5 stars
This was a great read for those that like a plot driven short. A difficult thing to achieve if you ask me with so little space for world building but this one pulls it off nicely with no world building at all.
The tech is full on and very believable for near future timelines. It weaves the relationship of the two MC's, one being heavy on the tech, the other being a tech-geek. Both characteres were easy to relate to and bond with and I was invested in the outcome.
Light on sex but when it's there it's hot and pushes the story forward. It was also a great ending. A sequel would be nice, but isn't really necessary.
All in all a good example of a well balanced, well written story that I would recommend to anyone liking high-tech with their reads. That's high-tech not sci-fi. The science in this story is not fiction but highly plausible and likely already under testing in labs around the world.
This was a great read for those that like a plot driven short. A difficult thing to achieve if you ask me with so little space for world building but this one pulls it off nicely with no world building at all.
The tech is full on and very believable for near future timelines. It weaves the relationship of the two MC's, one being heavy on the tech, the other being a tech-geek. Both characteres were easy to relate to and bond with and I was invested in the outcome.
Light on sex but when it's there it's hot and pushes the story forward. It was also a great ending. A sequel would be nice, but isn't really necessary.
All in all a good example of a well balanced, well written story that I would recommend to anyone liking high-tech with their reads. That's high-tech not sci-fi. The science in this story is not fiction but highly plausible and likely already under testing in labs around the world.
May 22, 2012
I LOVED this, and I'm still trying to figure out exactly why. The characters weren't nearly as well fleshed-out as I usually like: I still feel like I know next to nothing about them. But I still adore them both! And they couldn't have been more perfect together if they'd been made for each other (although I suppose it can be argued that in a way Cyke was indeed "made" for Bear).
The sci-fi part was excellently done, and the story was brilliant. It reminded me in a way of a futuristic version of the movie Sneakers. Everything was well paced, and I was totally absorbed through the whole book. And in spite of how painful certain parts were to read, this is a book and a world that I would love to spend more time in. I'm really hoping that the fact it's called Red Cell #1 means there's more to come!
The sci-fi part was excellently done, and the story was brilliant. It reminded me in a way of a futuristic version of the movie Sneakers. Everything was well paced, and I was totally absorbed through the whole book. And in spite of how painful certain parts were to read, this is a book and a world that I would love to spend more time in. I'm really hoping that the fact it's called Red Cell #1 means there's more to come!
May 31, 2014
A fast-paced, imaginative and heated story of Cyke, an ex-military man with cybernetic additions, whose job as a white-hat hacker goes bad when he turns out to be being used rather than legitimately employed. When he's found passed out and injured - twice - a connection is formed between his rescuer, Bear, a paramedic with a tech-fascination, and the stubborn elusive rescuee. Bear is fascinated and protective from the start. (Almost too fast - my biggest obstacle to becoming immersed in this story, because I couldn't see his reason up front to protect and believe Cyke to the degree he does.) Once these guys come together, though, there is engaging banter, hot sex, and swiftly-moving action. Cyke in particular is a fascinating character in both his backstory and his attitude. Well worth reading, if you like a little Sci-Fi tech in what is otherwise a hacking-and-conspiracy caper.
January 5, 2013
It was just as good as I thought it would be. Some of the tech speak went over my head - but that's o.k. because it framed a world that then became more real to me. Loved that the reveal's happen throughout - and though there is foreshadowing it is not always clear which keeps the reader puzzled and curious and READING!
Though it is not a long book it is complete - though I could have wished for more background. It does drop you right into the action. I felt a little more distanced from Bear so perhaps a bit more on him would have made me better able to connect. It is always a treat to read either of these two authors!
Though it is not a long book it is complete - though I could have wished for more background. It does drop you right into the action. I felt a little more distanced from Bear so perhaps a bit more on him would have made me better able to connect. It is always a treat to read either of these two authors!
December 20, 2011
Who knew sci-fi, cyborgs, and medigeeks could be so hot? Well, certainly not me! If this is the norm for sci-fi m/m romance, then I might just have to read more. Likely, it is just that I am a fan of Aleks & Rachel... but who knows?
January 4, 2013
This book caught me off guard. Wasn't sure I would like it. Then I read it. I was completely engrossed and loved every single word. I want more of these two! Bear and Cyke have a very nice lover story. Good science fiction story, with some Ghost in the Shell overtones involving cyber implants.
August 13, 2013
I was hoping Cyke would overheat my circuit board unfortunately that wasn't the case... I did enjoy the main characters. This particular genre is just not my thing, cuppa ,preference.... whatever people call it .. Regardless, the cover is still one of my favs.
August 12, 2016
2.5 stars This wasn't bad. There was a lot of techno-speak initially that I was kind of lost in, although it's not super relevant. I really like the way Bear and Cyke meet and continue to meet, it was cute. And I liked them together, and knew they cared about each other... but I just didn't feel it. I think it's because after their first time together, the next few times were skipped over (only mentioned) and then we're just supposed to assume they have a connection now. But I have to see the connection growing, you can't just tell me it's there. I did like the twist with Cyke's character, however, didn't see that coming. So I enjoyed this, but unfortunately I wasn't as emotionally invested as I would have hoped.
Lent out February 2014 in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Lent out February 2014 in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
January 23, 2014
Dark but not too dark, sorta dystopian-lite, with likable leads. The "tech" stuff about our Steve-Austinish bionic hero, Cyke, was especially well-written and inventive--so much that I'd recommend it as a model for anyone contemplating writing about high tech/bionic/enhanced soldier/cyborg yada yada. While the "togetherness" scenes were well-done, uncliched and never sappy, the relationship between Cyke and Bear never really gelled for me. It may be because we just don't see that much of Bear, so other than that he's a good guy, a Paramedic and kind of a tech-geek, I can't really come up with many descriptors for his personality. Still, there's a moment when Bear unlocks a particular piece of computer code that was really original and clever and crazy-hot.
Recommended for those who like urban/black-opsie stuff, with a strong helping of cool tech.
Recommended for those who like urban/black-opsie stuff, with a strong helping of cool tech.
September 9, 2013
OY VEY!
The category for bingo was "Gay Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopic". I knew that I was gonna have trouble with this category as soon as I seen the bingo cards. I picked this book since I was familiar with the authors. I have loved just about everything else I've read by these two, so my rating/review has absolutely nothing to do with the book per se and everything to do with the fact that I just don't mesh with sci-fi/cyberpunk. Cyke seemed like a pretty kick-ass guy tho, I will say. If this had been a movie...I probably would have enjoyed it.
Doubtful I'll finish the series unless another bingo category or challenge comes up and I have to read this genre again.
Don't let me thoughts stop you from picking up the book...it could be just the book you are wanting to read!
The category for bingo was "Gay Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopic". I knew that I was gonna have trouble with this category as soon as I seen the bingo cards. I picked this book since I was familiar with the authors. I have loved just about everything else I've read by these two, so my rating/review has absolutely nothing to do with the book per se and everything to do with the fact that I just don't mesh with sci-fi/cyberpunk. Cyke seemed like a pretty kick-ass guy tho, I will say. If this had been a movie...I probably would have enjoyed it.
Doubtful I'll finish the series unless another bingo category or challenge comes up and I have to read this genre again.
Don't let me thoughts stop you from picking up the book...it could be just the book you are wanting to read!
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