Sixth Iteration by E. Hughes is a romantic sci-fi novel revolving around Dr Stella Andrews, the head researcher for the anthropology department of St Claire University, and Randall Reid, the head scientist of the temporary lab by Reid Robotics. While Stella had her heart stolen the moment she started working with Randall, he was all business and wanted nothing more than to get his part of the job done and over with. As unexpected events constantly rock both Stella’s and Randall’s lives, they develop feelings for each other in the midst of utter chaos. With many secrets untold, will Stella and Randall ever find their happy-ever-after? Or will the clutches of Reid Robotics drag them down forever?

Sixth Iteration by E. Hughes is a beautifully written romantic science fiction novel, filled to the brim with unrequited love, action, and suspense. I particularly loved the push-and-pull dynamic between Stella and Randall, which kept me excited throughout the entire book. Coupled with the complicated relationship between Victor and Sapphire, Sixth Iteration is an epic for the hopeless romantic, for those that are looking to have their hearts played with. All the characters were wonderfully written, outlining their personality and motives clearly. I also really liked how each of the characters has their own complicated past (also beautifully written), making the storyline all the more heart-wrenching. While there were many things going on at once, I was never left confused, making for a seamless reading experience. Overall, this is a riveting novel that will keep you glued to the pages before you even realize you’ve finished it!

In the Sixth Iteration by E. Hughes, artificial intelligence becomes more than Dr. Stella Andrews ever imagined. Stella lives on Moon Bay Island where she is an anthropologist in the isolated St. Claire University Research Center. Randall Reid joins her on the island where she is to help teach R1836 to experience human emotions. Despite her reservations, she agrees to assist the aloof Randall with the project. It shocked Stella when the entire research building is transformed into a high-tech security compound. Meanwhile, Sapphire is in the hospital and receives a visit from a woman who promises to secure her future and pay for her grandmother’s nursing care. In exchange, Sapphire has to train as a spy for Elito. Her mission is to gain Victor Reid’s trust and get information on what his secret project is and where it is located.

E. Hughes has produced a science-fiction novel that explores human emotions in artificial beings. Spending five years alone in a research laboratory set Stella up to fall for Randall. It perplexed me when he showed jealousy, but ignored her attempts to flirt with him. Her time spent with R1836 was interesting. Playing games, watching movies, and discussing topics every day could make anyone regard R1836 as a living being. Sapphire’s apprehension at Tennessee Jenkins’ offer of financial stability is relatable. However, her motivation becomes crystal clear. Sapphire nevertheless tested Tennessee’s attempts to control her. Hughes gave vivid detail of both Stella's and Sapphire’s internal turmoil. Every emotion was realistic and their reactions to dangerous situations made sense. The intense conclusion promises a sequel. I felt sympathy for several of the characters, including R1836. I recommend Sixth Iteration to science-fiction readers who enjoy stories involving artificial intelligence developing abilities.