Audiobook Review: Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep

Only Hard Problems
Author: Jennifer Estep
Narrator: Max Roll & Lauren Fortgang
Series: Galactic Bonds (Book 3)
Publication: Audible Studios (February 20, 2024)
Length: 6 hours and 15 mintes

Description: New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed adventure that blends science-fiction technology and magical fantasy elements with a touch of historical romance. This rollicking space opera focuses on a fan-favorite secondary character who’s part hero, part villain, and all arrogance. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .

My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.

But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.

The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.

I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .

My Thoughts: The third Galactic Bonds novel is Zane Zimmer's story. He's scion of a wealthy family and a favored topic for the gossipcasts. He is also the head of the Arrows now that Kyrian Caldaren has fled with Vesper Quill. 

However, he does have some problems. In the realm of the personal is adjusting to the news that Vesper Quill is his sister. He's also dealing with a grandmother who is determined to see him married off to a woman who comes with lots of mineral rights and who hates Zane. In the realm of the galactic is always the Techwave who have as their goal taking over the galaxy. 

A Summer Solstice celebration goes bad when the Techwave brings troops to the event in the hopes of stealing technical date and causing havoc. Zane battles to protect his family and his government and learns some things about his potential bride. 

This is a nice fill-in story. I don't think it would stand alone well. However, having read the first two books in this series, I liked knowing more about Zane.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.