Academy 7

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

I have to start by saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover."
In this case the cover is very Harlequin romancey, and the book is NOT.
Much more of a sci-fi thriller with some romance thrown in (although nothing major and suitable for even younger teens-not too mushy for the guys.)
Aerin is a young girl who has been through more tortures in her young life to mention.  Saved from her decrepit space-ship at the last possible moment, she finds a world she didn't even know existed.  Equality?  Fairness?  Freedom?
Enrolled in the prestigious Academy 7, a starting point for future leaders, she soon finds out there is so much she doesn't know.  She excels in her studies, being the top of the class in all but debate where Dane, the son of a powerful Alliance leader, talks circles around her.   After time they form a relationship, Aerin's first friendship.  Full of space ships, beautiful imagery, and high tech escapades. 
I am anxious for the next book so I can find out what happens next to these interesting characters.