Burning Bright
The free-port world of Burning Bright is a nexus of trade, balanced economically and politically between the human and Hsai empires, and also the center of the Game, a virtual-reality-based extravaganza that is played throughout settled space. When Quinn Lioe, a space pilot and game designer, finds herself unexpected stranded on Burning Bright, she takes this as her opportunity to float a new Game scenario where it will be most appreciated. But when her scenario becomes part of the complex real world politics also played on Burning Bright, she is forced to learn that new game before it destroys her.
Melissa Scott
Melissa Scott (born 1960) is an American science fiction and fantasy author noted for her science fiction novels featuring LGBT characters and elaborate settings.