Heidi Hart

This novella is a prequel origin story for Fiona and Greg, the main characters in Happily Even Ninja, slated for release early next year. As a teaser for that longer work, Ninja at First Sight definitely did the job of stirring up my excitement and making me invested in the characters. The novella is set at university in the mid-1990s, during Fiona's first year of college. Greg, at 23, back in school after serving in the Marines for several years, is more worldly and experienced in almost every way. However, despite her sheltered upbringing, Fiona is strong and smart and nobody's cupcake, which is the appeal both for Greg and for the reader. The dialogue is original, thought-provoking, and funny, and the romance brings the feels. The ending is kind of cliffhanger-y, but I forgave that knowing the novella is a teaser for the forthcoming book.