The Iron Admiral: Conspiracy. Ptorix Empire, #1

Danger lurks, threatening to disrupt the fragile balance of peace in the galaxy. Allysha Marten takes on a mission to clear her debts and move on from the wreckage of a failed marriage. It should be straightforward-reopening an abandoned mine. But the deeper she gets into the operation, the clearer it becomes that something isn't right. Drawn into a situation she doesn't fully understand, she turns to the only person she has come to trust-the security officer who has unexpectedly captured her heart.
Ex-Admiral Chaka Saahren has a reputation-and it isn't a good one. Working undercover, the last thing he expects is to fall for the systems engineer already entangled in the operation. What they uncover together changes everything. As the threat begins to take shape, Saahren is forced to confront not only his past, but Allysha's. He will need her help to stop what's coming. But first, he must convince her he isn't the man she believes him to be-before it's too late.
Reviewers Choice Award, Twolips Reviews Feb 2012. Reviewers say:"Action-packed space opera romance.""Non-stop action from beginning to end.""A clever, feisty heroine and a disgraced hero.""Twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.""Strong, capable women and romantic men who feel real."