The Protector by Diane Burton: Blog Tour and Review

I am so pleased to host another new release announcement for my friend and fellow Michigander, Diane Burton! Diane writes romance in sci-fi settings, yet they don't overwhelm the reader with technical jargon. I loved reading her Switched series as well as her detective book. This time she's promoting the third book in her Outer Rim series, The Protector.

The Protector (An Outer Rim Novel)
by Diane Burton
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | Smashwords
Genre: Romantic Adventure/Science Fiction
Release Date: July 24, 2015
Length: 370 Pages

After tavern owner Rissa Dix rescues two girls from a slave ship, she must rally the townsfolk to prevent traffickers from raiding the frontier colony. She’s met with apathy and disbelief. Because she lost her own baby to traffickers, she’s determined that no other mother will suffer the same heartache. 

Industrialist heir Dillan Rusteran aids her in rescuing more children. Little do they know they’re about to tangle with a trafficking ring that puts Rissa in danger. Dillan’s loved her for years despite her claim she’s too old for him. As they fight the traffickers, will she finally see him in a new light?

I asked Diane to share a bit about how she came to write Sci-fi romance, and she was gracious enough to respond. So here's Diane:

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Why Do I Write...
By Diane Burton

A question I’m often asked is why I write science fiction romance. It’s not the most popular genre. There’s more money in romantic suspense. I write what I like to read. I fell in love with space adventures when I saw my first Star Wars movie. Actually, I heard the music on the radio first and knew I had to see it. Action. Adventure. Romance. And it was in space. Even better.

My love affair with space exploration started with Sputnik and the Space Race. President John Kennedy proclaimed the U.S. would put a man on the moon in “this” decade (the 1960’s). We did, but he wasn’t there to see it. At the time, I knew the names of all the astronauts. I watched every launch broadcast. And like millions of Americans, I saw Neil Armstrong step onto the moon’s surface.

As space is explored (too slowly in my opinion) I often wonder if there is sentient life “out there.” And why not? Aren't we being arrogant to think we're the only creatures capable of thought in this vast universe? To paraphrase a character in the movie Contact, wouldn't that be an awful waste of space?

I write about adventure. Yes, we can have adventures in the here and now. For me, it’s more fun to think about adventure in space. Call it escapism, if you will. Who doesn't need an escape—from dirty dishes, weeds in the flowerbeds, a nasty coworker, homework, loss of a job (or the fear of losing one), a dying relative?

So I write about adventures in space. What’s an adventure without romance? Granted, some sci-fi stories don’t have romance. Again, I’ll say I write what I like to read. I love reading romances—especially romances with something different. An unusual locale, suspense, bad guys.

In the end, I hope my stories give readers a fun journey, hours of escape, and that “ahh” feeling of a satisfying ending.

The Protector can be purchased here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books | Smashwords
You can find Diane at these links: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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Patty's thoughts:
Since I was busy with final edits for The Partridge and the Peartree I didn't get a chance to finish the entire novel. The last time I checked my Kindle app I was at 75 percent through. But what I did read is full of action and adventure! I'm always assured of a great story with Diane, and this one didn't disappoint. 

I am always drawn to strong heroines, and Rissa Dix is a super-heroine! She's learned to be tough because she had to. After several life experiences that would have destroyed a weaker woman, she's built a life for herself. What she doesn't realize is that she's also built strong connections with the community, and they rally behind her in her time of need.

Dillan Rusteran is an absolutely yummy hero. He's strong and capable, and it doesn't hurt that he's wealthy and generous. Yet he's not intimidated by Rissa's strength or the fact that she's older than him. He's there to help her - and more. 

Once I finish reading, I need to get caught up with my writing projects. And then I'm going to have to go back and read the first two books in this series: The Pilot (published in 2012) and The Chameleon (published in 2014)!

UPDATE: I FINISHED THE BOOK - AND YOU SHOULD, TOO! THE AWESOMENESS CONTINUES ALL THE WAY THROUGH!!!

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