Publisher's Weekly Review
This enjoyable addition to the Vorkosigan family saga (after Captain Vorpatril's Alliance) will work best for readers who don't expect interstellar derring-do but are prepared to amble through a gently developing romance. Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan, now vicereine of the colonial planet Sergyar, and Oliver Jole, admiral of the fleet guarding the planet, have discovered that they not only both loved Cordelia's dead husband, Aral, but are ready to care passionately for each other. There's still the question of what to do with frozen genetic material that can let Cordelia have six more daughters and Oliver three sons, but no one-not even series hero Miles Vorkosigan, Cordelia's son-is terribly upset by the thought of such a large expansion of the family. The tender feelings and humor add up to a droll tale that's more comforting than exciting, like a space opera written by Jane Austen. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Bujold's follow-up to Cryoburn (2011) is a romantic romp with life-affirming changes in wait for fans of the series, not to mention the entire Vorkosigan clan. The still grieving vicerein of Sergyar, Cordelia Vorkosigan, has made the decision to begin life anew for herself and her adopted planet. She offers an old friend (and the vicerein's military right arm), Admiral Jole, the opportunity to join her in a bold scheme designed to give both of them a chance to overcome the shared loss suffered three years ago. Oliver Jole is intrigued by her proposal and ups the ante with unexpected plans of his own, leading to a delightful romantic liaison. The political climate on Sergyar may cause problems for their budding relationship, though, and further complications arise with the sudden arrival of the current Count Vorkosigan and family. Neither Cordelia nor Oliver wants to consider how Miles and the rest of the Vorkosigan kin will react to their tryst and the forthcoming results of their new venture. Fans will want to see how Miles deals with these new developments.--Lockley, Lucy Copyright 2016 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Three years after the death of her husband, Aral, Dowager Countess -Cordelia -Vorkosigan has finally moved beyond her fog of grief and is ready for a new life chapter. She will resign as Vicereine of the planet Sergyar and be a mother again (after raising the irrepressible Miles Vorkosigan), thawing out genetic material that she has banked away. In a generous impulse, she offers the extra eggs to Oliver Jole, Aral's former aide and longtime lover, to have a child of the man he loved. As the two spend time together, bonded initially by their mutual love of Aral, they find they have more in common than shared grief. Things get complicated, however, when Miles comes to Sergyar to check on his mother. VERDICT Bujold has had great success in the past writing romance featuring mature adults (Paladin of Souls), and Oliver and Cordelia make a lovely couple, albeit one with more baggage than most. A welcome addition to a series that is always a delight.-MM © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
