Can a protective cyborg guard a brilliant scientist from a hidden threat?

Dr. Cassandra Winters has dedicated her life to the study of Mars and the mysteries beneath its surface. When strange readings emerge from a remote monitoring station, Cass sets off with her cybernetic armadillo Roland to investigate.

Cyborg ranger Z-542’s job is to protect, not to feel. He does his best to keep his distance from the humans on Mars—even the enticing little scientist he can’t stop thinking about. However when he discovers that Cass has headed out into the wilderness alone, nothing will stop him from going after her.

When an unexpected storm traps him with Cass, the attraction between them can no longer be ignored. But something dangerous is stirring beneath the surface of Mars. With danger closing in from above and below, can they protect each other—and admit the feelings blossoming between them?

Each book in the Cyborg on Mars series can be enjoyed as a standalone romance. This sweet and spicy science fiction romance is intended for mature readers. A version of this story was previously published in the Pets in Space 10 anthology.

Published
April 19, 2026
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Cyborgs on Mars

The series

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On the scarlet plains of Mars, survival is more than a test of strength, it is a measure of what it means to be human. Engineered from the remnants of war, the cyborgs of Mars were designed to endure isolation, harsh landscapes, and the weight of their own power. Decades later, their world has become both prison and sanctuary, where the line between machine and heart grows ever thinner.

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Everything changes when humans from Earth arrive, sparking desire, conflict, and the chance for connection that the cyborgs long thought impossible. As loyalties are tested and secrets unravel, each encounter forces them to confront the emotions they suppressed for survival and the freedom they never imagined they could have.

Blending high-stakes science fiction with romance, the series immerses readers in a Martian colony filled with danger, intrigue, and passion. The stories explore identity, resilience, and the cost of freedom in a world where love may be the ultimate rebellion.

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