Cast Adrift by Mannah Pierce

Jax is hoping to become a cabin boy on a spaceship.  That would eliminate some of the danger to him.  He's the heir apparent of a major clan who owns many assets.  His father and mother were killed by his uncle and now he's after him.  The only problem he has is that he doesn't know who he's supposed to be meeting.  They need to show him a special signal...

The author and Publishing Push sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can find a copy on Amazon.

There are several ships trying to win him but it's the latecomers that have the signal.  While he's in the pen being looked over like stock, he's talked to a young hybrid who is real different.  When he says goodbye, the crew asks him if he's his friend.  He says yes and Rae is picked also.  His hybrid mix seems a bit doggy but he's very swift, has excellent reflexes and can travel faster than anyone else in the crew.  These two are at the core of this story.

Tre is cyborg that is personally assigned to protect Jax.  He's a fascinating character in his own right.  He has a love but he won't admit it.  His life is not his own so he will not commit to a relationship.

The story of life on board the ship is interesting and the relationships make life there better or worse.  This is an openly homosexual crew.  I could have done without some of the sexual overtone and terms used but that's me.  I prefer romance and love that stays in the bedroom and not in the book.  I read over it or around it and the basic story is very good and I cared about the characters.  I have four favorites and I'm hoping they will get through the whole series.

Despite everyone's attempt to keep Jax safe, there's someone on board plotting against him.  The ending of this book is really the beginning of a new story.  Once you've read this one, you'll want to read more about these characters.  I know I do.