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Brides of the Vinduthi #1
Deal with the Alien Devil
I need a deal to survive. But all I have to offer is... myself.
On the station, humans are the lowest of the low. We take whatever jobs we can, scraping just to get by.
Comfort is rare. Security a dream. And a real friend? Almost unheard of.
So when my best friend goes missing, I'm desperate to find her. But before long my search leads me to the claws of the leader of the Vinduthi cartel.
He's terrifying. Utterly ruthless.
He'll help me find my friend, but can I pay the price he demands?
On the station, humans are the lowest of the low. We take whatever jobs we can, scraping just to get by.
Comfort is rare. Security a dream. And a real friend? Almost unheard of.
So when my best friend goes missing, I'm desperate to find her. But before long my search leads me to the claws of the leader of the Vinduthi cartel.
He's terrifying. Utterly ruthless.
He'll help me find my friend, but can I pay the price he demands?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2023
1053 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Ava York
103 books132 followersReader, dreamer and frantic scribbler. I really do believe that love conquers all... and make terrible things for my characters to survive to prove it! (insert evil laugh here)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 11, 2023
FMC is a vaginal life support system. Even MMC doesn't understand why he wants her. He says it a lot.
Other female characters are presented as catty and jealous.
I am supposed to become invested in the obvious future mmcs, but all they do is grunt occasionally.
No resolution to the main plot. I'm supposed to read the next one.
Author needs to understand that I don't give a shit if Mera's corpse in encased in concrete right under my feet if I've never met her before. She's not MY friend.
So these guys are "brothers". I wasn't there, so TELL ME about the battles these guys fought in to form such a bond.
Make me care about Mera, make me care about one of the grunty boys, make me care about this gang war, make me care about the plight of the humans. Give me one TINY thing to get curious about and I will read your whole series!
One extra star for alien peen and for using mysterious "builders" on the space station. First star was for awesome cover art and lack of pregnancy.
Other female characters are presented as catty and jealous.
I am supposed to become invested in the obvious future mmcs, but all they do is grunt occasionally.
No resolution to the main plot. I'm supposed to read the next one.
Author needs to understand that I don't give a shit if Mera's corpse in encased in concrete right under my feet if I've never met her before. She's not MY friend.
So these guys are "brothers". I wasn't there, so TELL ME about the battles these guys fought in to form such a bond.
Make me care about Mera, make me care about one of the grunty boys, make me care about this gang war, make me care about the plight of the humans. Give me one TINY thing to get curious about and I will read your whole series!
One extra star for alien peen and for using mysterious "builders" on the space station. First star was for awesome cover art and lack of pregnancy.
July 13, 2025
Galactic Shenanigans
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🙁🤓😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
🧍♀️ The Heroine: Tessi
Tessi, a human woman navigating the harsh reality of Thodos 3, offers a compelling entry point into a world where humans rank low in the interspecies hierarchy. Her indentured role as a dancer at Club Pulsar under the control of the Mondian Banek frames her struggle for autonomy. Her decision to risk the back alleys emphasizes her desperation and resilience, though the narrative leans heavily on classic damsel tropes when she’s rescued by Alkard. Her driving motivation—to find her missing friend Mira—grounds her arc emotionally, though it remains largely unresolved by the story’s conclusion.
---
🧑🚀 The Hero: Alkard
Alkard, the Vinduthi leader of the Fangs cartel, is introduced in a blend of savior and negotiator roles. His initial act of rescue feels emotionally charged, but his quick pivot to business at Club Pulsar suggests a character torn between power and instinctual protectiveness. His interest in Tessi quickly shifts from convenience to compulsion, and while this sparks chemistry, it risks overshadowing his deeper potential as a politically complex figure. His motivations for offering Tessi freedom are admirable, but lack full development beyond romantic impulse.
---
🧠 Plot Dynamics
Set against the backdrop of Thodos 3’s volatile criminal power struggles, the story introduces rich potential for layered intrigue—faction rivalries, weapon shipments, and cartel negotiations. However, exposition-heavy world-building at the outset may overwhelm readers before emotional stakes are properly established. The tension between Alkard’s cartel and rival factions is undercut by rushed scene transitions and underexplored alliances, especially with characters like Kony who remain largely enigmatic.
While Alkard’s decision to intervene in Tessi’s contract creates a morally grey moment of possessive heroism, the narrative doesn’t probe deeply into its implications. Tessi’s choice to work with Alkard hinges on a promise that echoes the genre’s familiar redemption arc, but the political conflict and Mira’s disappearance remain unresolved, leaving the final chapters feeling abruptly cut off.
---
😍 Highlights
• The political tension and missing weapons subplot add an engaging layer of external conflict that elevates the stakes beyond the romantic arc.
• The chemistry between Tessi and Alkard is palpable, with steamy scenes balanced by moments of genuine emotional tension.
---
🙃 What Missed the Mark
• Overloaded Introduction: The opening deluge of alien races and faction politics creates cognitive fatigue before character motivations can take root.
• Character Crowding: The abundance of secondary players—most minimally developed—dilutes the narrative focus and causes confusion.
• Unresolved Arcs: The disappearance of Mira and the station’s unstable power dynamics are left hanging, weakening the emotional and political payoff.
---
🎧 Audiobook Impressions
Narrated by Mia Madison and Oliver Highpoint, the dual-POV performance aligns well with the story’s structure. Madison’s slightly deep register lends Tessi a grounded tone, matching the character’s age and resolve. Her male character interpretations are solid and unobtrusive. Highpoint, while competent, delivers with a more monotone style—his lack of vocal range limits emotional resonance, especially in tense or intimate scenes. A deeper vocal timbre and dynamic inflection might have lent Alkard more authority and nuance.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🙁🤓😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
🧍♀️ The Heroine: Tessi
Tessi, a human woman navigating the harsh reality of Thodos 3, offers a compelling entry point into a world where humans rank low in the interspecies hierarchy. Her indentured role as a dancer at Club Pulsar under the control of the Mondian Banek frames her struggle for autonomy. Her decision to risk the back alleys emphasizes her desperation and resilience, though the narrative leans heavily on classic damsel tropes when she’s rescued by Alkard. Her driving motivation—to find her missing friend Mira—grounds her arc emotionally, though it remains largely unresolved by the story’s conclusion.
---
🧑🚀 The Hero: Alkard
Alkard, the Vinduthi leader of the Fangs cartel, is introduced in a blend of savior and negotiator roles. His initial act of rescue feels emotionally charged, but his quick pivot to business at Club Pulsar suggests a character torn between power and instinctual protectiveness. His interest in Tessi quickly shifts from convenience to compulsion, and while this sparks chemistry, it risks overshadowing his deeper potential as a politically complex figure. His motivations for offering Tessi freedom are admirable, but lack full development beyond romantic impulse.
---
🧠 Plot Dynamics
Set against the backdrop of Thodos 3’s volatile criminal power struggles, the story introduces rich potential for layered intrigue—faction rivalries, weapon shipments, and cartel negotiations. However, exposition-heavy world-building at the outset may overwhelm readers before emotional stakes are properly established. The tension between Alkard’s cartel and rival factions is undercut by rushed scene transitions and underexplored alliances, especially with characters like Kony who remain largely enigmatic.
While Alkard’s decision to intervene in Tessi’s contract creates a morally grey moment of possessive heroism, the narrative doesn’t probe deeply into its implications. Tessi’s choice to work with Alkard hinges on a promise that echoes the genre’s familiar redemption arc, but the political conflict and Mira’s disappearance remain unresolved, leaving the final chapters feeling abruptly cut off.
---
😍 Highlights
• The political tension and missing weapons subplot add an engaging layer of external conflict that elevates the stakes beyond the romantic arc.
• The chemistry between Tessi and Alkard is palpable, with steamy scenes balanced by moments of genuine emotional tension.
---
🙃 What Missed the Mark
• Overloaded Introduction: The opening deluge of alien races and faction politics creates cognitive fatigue before character motivations can take root.
• Character Crowding: The abundance of secondary players—most minimally developed—dilutes the narrative focus and causes confusion.
• Unresolved Arcs: The disappearance of Mira and the station’s unstable power dynamics are left hanging, weakening the emotional and political payoff.
---
🎧 Audiobook Impressions
Narrated by Mia Madison and Oliver Highpoint, the dual-POV performance aligns well with the story’s structure. Madison’s slightly deep register lends Tessi a grounded tone, matching the character’s age and resolve. Her male character interpretations are solid and unobtrusive. Highpoint, while competent, delivers with a more monotone style—his lack of vocal range limits emotional resonance, especially in tense or intimate scenes. A deeper vocal timbre and dynamic inflection might have lent Alkard more authority and nuance.
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June 2, 2023
russian mafia this irish mafia that...WHAT ABOUT THE ✨SPACE✨ MAFIA? 🤭
i didn't really understand the world building, what happened to earth, since when they're living in a different planet? idk. i guess heroine lived on this planet for a while if not born here 🤔
so he's a ruthless man🔪 but also he's the sweetest gentleman when it comes to her 🤭 he was ready to kill random people just because they were looking at her 😌 also he's the consent king, he literally ask everything before doing 😋
Tessi starts working as a stripper at the club where her only friend went missing (honestly space strip club? why on earth we're leaving the earth if everything is the same) Alkard promises to help finding her bff, (they did not find her) so they fell in love, become mates, she turned into a vampire... (kind of)
it was interesting and i'll continue reading the series since there's more mafia man/alien 🧎🏼♀️
i didn't really understand the world building, what happened to earth, since when they're living in a different planet? idk. i guess heroine lived on this planet for a while if not born here 🤔
so he's a ruthless man🔪 but also he's the sweetest gentleman when it comes to her 🤭 he was ready to kill random people just because they were looking at her 😌 also he's the consent king, he literally ask everything before doing 😋
Tessi starts working as a stripper at the club where her only friend went missing (honestly space strip club? why on earth we're leaving the earth if everything is the same) Alkard promises to help finding her bff, (they did not find her) so they fell in love, become mates, she turned into a vampire... (kind of)
it was interesting and i'll continue reading the series since there's more mafia man/alien 🧎🏼♀️
June 24, 2025
4 Stars
Deal with the Alien Devil (Brides of the Vinduthi #1) is the first book in this exciting series. In a bleak future where Earth has become uninhabitable, humans find themselves relegated to the lowest social strata in a space station as Earth has become uninhabitable. Struggling for survival against the backdrop of formidable space vampires, other creatures, and constant peril. This narrative is packed with exciting and dangerous elements that keep the reader engaged.
I was compelled to delve deeper into the unfolding story. Members of the Vinduthi mob are on top at the space station and feared by many in a bustling hub serving as both a refuge and battleground for various interstellar species.
One by one they become infatuated with a resilient human woman, whose mere presence disrupts the carefully maintained order of their world. A cascade of events entangled in a web of chaos and danger, leading to intense moments and unexpected alliances. As the stakes rise, readers are left eager to see how love can flourish in such tumultuous circumstances.
Deal with the Alien Devil (Brides of the Vinduthi #1) is the first book in this exciting series. In a bleak future where Earth has become uninhabitable, humans find themselves relegated to the lowest social strata in a space station as Earth has become uninhabitable. Struggling for survival against the backdrop of formidable space vampires, other creatures, and constant peril. This narrative is packed with exciting and dangerous elements that keep the reader engaged.
I was compelled to delve deeper into the unfolding story. Members of the Vinduthi mob are on top at the space station and feared by many in a bustling hub serving as both a refuge and battleground for various interstellar species.
One by one they become infatuated with a resilient human woman, whose mere presence disrupts the carefully maintained order of their world. A cascade of events entangled in a web of chaos and danger, leading to intense moments and unexpected alliances. As the stakes rise, readers are left eager to see how love can flourish in such tumultuous circumstances.
January 5, 2024
Sadly not the best alien romance I’ve read!
I didn’t feel like I knew the MCs, Tessi and Alkard, very well so I wasn’t sold on their connection, especially since it moved from lust to love so quickly.
The driving force of the book was Tessi looking for her friend, but without ever meeting or seeing her in a flashback, the emotion wasn’t there.
And lastly, Alkard was off doing things so much that I don’t think there was nearly enough time of them together.
I know how hard it is to write a book, so I do like to share some positives too! I think some elements of the world were interesting and the “brothers” Alkard have could be promising if their relationship is built up in future books!
I didn’t feel like I knew the MCs, Tessi and Alkard, very well so I wasn’t sold on their connection, especially since it moved from lust to love so quickly.
The driving force of the book was Tessi looking for her friend, but without ever meeting or seeing her in a flashback, the emotion wasn’t there.
And lastly, Alkard was off doing things so much that I don’t think there was nearly enough time of them together.
I know how hard it is to write a book, so I do like to share some positives too! I think some elements of the world were interesting and the “brothers” Alkard have could be promising if their relationship is built up in future books!
July 26, 2023
Deal with the Alien Devil was a little all over the place, especially with the world-building, but I ran with it and enjoyed the book.
Tessi is working as a stripper at a seedy club where her only friend has gone missing. She is almost attacked, and Alkard saves her. He makes her a deal to stay with him so he can keep her safe, and he promises to help find her friend. Things quickly heat up between them, but can Tessi trust him to find her friend, or does he have ulterior motives?
Tessi is working as a stripper at a seedy club where her only friend has gone missing. She is almost attacked, and Alkard saves her. He makes her a deal to stay with him so he can keep her safe, and he promises to help find her friend. Things quickly heat up between them, but can Tessi trust him to find her friend, or does he have ulterior motives?
June 3, 2024
Genre: Sci-fi Romance
Type: Book 1 of Brides of the Vinduthi series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
As a human, life on the space station Thodos III was hard for Tessi. When her best friend went missing, she vowed to find out what happened. Hope flourished when the notorious Vinduthi leader, Alkard, offered help, but it came with a price she might not be willing to pay.
This one was an easy and quick read. I enjoyed the overall story but the world building could use some works. The plot has enough weight to keep it interesting, with Tessi and Alkard having good chemistry. This book can technically be read as a standalone, with the series arc continuing in the next book.
Deal with the Alien Devil is a story of finding love unexpectedly. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a light sci-fi romance.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Book 1 of Brides of the Vinduthi series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
As a human, life on the space station Thodos III was hard for Tessi. When her best friend went missing, she vowed to find out what happened. Hope flourished when the notorious Vinduthi leader, Alkard, offered help, but it came with a price she might not be willing to pay.
This one was an easy and quick read. I enjoyed the overall story but the world building could use some works. The plot has enough weight to keep it interesting, with Tessi and Alkard having good chemistry. This book can technically be read as a standalone, with the series arc continuing in the next book.
Deal with the Alien Devil is a story of finding love unexpectedly. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a light sci-fi romance.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
September 19, 2023
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed reading this book. Short, but packs a lot in. Great storyline, a mystery to be solved, and a friend to find. Great characters.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Short, but packs a lot in. Great storyline, a mystery to be solved, and a friend to find. Great characters.
February 7, 2025
I read this to the end so normally that means I’d give it more than one star. But the book is just not well done. The problems come from the lack of depth. First, we get one or two scenes of the main couple living together. Then we are told they never talk. They just have sex. Suddenly, they’re both falling in love. Huh? But the FMC says she doesn’t know anything about the MMC but she loves him? And at the end, the MMC’s brothers all say they like her because she gives him a hard time. But we were told she’s been completely isolated and hasn’t been around any of them. How do they know her? There’s just inconsistency and lack of showing these characters in action that makes the whole thing feel disconnected.
Finally, the MMC has flanges on his penis. Just gross.
Ruby Dixon does this genre better.
Finally, the MMC has flanges on his penis. Just gross.
Ruby Dixon does this genre better.
November 3, 2024
I would say I was pleasantly surprised by this book but since it’s SciFi and I love the genre I wasn’t surprised I enjoyed it. It takes place on another planet, kind of. There are all kinds of different alien life forces and humans are one of them though low on the scale.
Tessi is the heroine. She works as a stripper in a rather low class club on the planet but her real goal is to try and find her best friend who has gone missing. One night a new customer arrives at the bar and he’s instantly taken with Tessi and offers her a deal. If she agrees to stay with him for a month, he will locate her friend. As Alkard is the head of a powerful crime family, Tessi somewhat reluctantly agrees. While she’s also attracted to Alkard, he is a Vinduthi, a kind of vampire like race. While definitely humanoid, there are some differences.
Thus is the outline of the story. Alkard being powerful, Tessi falling for him and vice versa. It’s not a lengthy book, a nice enjoyable tale. This is the first book in a series and ends with a slight cliffhanger. This book ends and the next book focuses on Tessi’s missing friend and one of Alkards fellow Vinduthi. These are available on KU and I definitely plan on continuing with the series. This books gets a thumbs up and a ‘you should read this’ recommendation.
Tessi is the heroine. She works as a stripper in a rather low class club on the planet but her real goal is to try and find her best friend who has gone missing. One night a new customer arrives at the bar and he’s instantly taken with Tessi and offers her a deal. If she agrees to stay with him for a month, he will locate her friend. As Alkard is the head of a powerful crime family, Tessi somewhat reluctantly agrees. While she’s also attracted to Alkard, he is a Vinduthi, a kind of vampire like race. While definitely humanoid, there are some differences.
Thus is the outline of the story. Alkard being powerful, Tessi falling for him and vice versa. It’s not a lengthy book, a nice enjoyable tale. This is the first book in a series and ends with a slight cliffhanger. This book ends and the next book focuses on Tessi’s missing friend and one of Alkards fellow Vinduthi. These are available on KU and I definitely plan on continuing with the series. This books gets a thumbs up and a ‘you should read this’ recommendation.
dnf
November 24, 2024DNF @ 39%. I’m bored.
October 2, 2024
If Pretty Women, Mafia Romance, and an Alien Romance had a baby— it would be this book. But also add in a mystery (that never gets solved)
The author created this world but did tell the reader about it. All these aliens live on a ship. There’s a lower ward ? But people are slaves ? No explanation given. No world building. Just smut and a “vampire” alien.
The author created this world but did tell the reader about it. All these aliens live on a ship. There’s a lower ward ? But people are slaves ? No explanation given. No world building. Just smut and a “vampire” alien.
December 1, 2023
Meh
Too much side plot for such a short read. Left the romance in the back burner.
The world building and the characters were very good, but that's it.
Somewhat fun and a little smutty.
Too much side plot for such a short read. Left the romance in the back burner.
The world building and the characters were very good, but that's it.
Somewhat fun and a little smutty.
September 19, 2024
Started out strong. Detailed, interesting characters, and fiesty chemistry. Then it felt like an entire 200 page middle section went missing. The ending felt like Breaking Dawn Fan Fiction on steroids.
December 29, 2025
A quick read, not bad but not amazing. Good alien romance non the less.
July 10, 2023
I liked the overall story but it feels like there’s a big chunk missing out of the middle in regard to relationship building between the two main characters.
November 27, 2024
The Deal is Off.
Like ok, listen, I knew what I was getting into. The book is exactly what you think it is. But the minute you try to make me take these books SERIOUSLY? I lose interest.
Like ok, listen, I knew what I was getting into. The book is exactly what you think it is. But the minute you try to make me take these books SERIOUSLY? I lose interest.
November 27, 2023
I couldn't.
DNF at 50 percent.
This is the last time (realistically probably not) I let my eyes do the reading for me. The cover of this book is everything... too bad that's about the only thing I liked.
Book Gods and Goddesses above, where do I even start with the sacrilege that is this book?
The writing.
I have no words.
I take that back, I have too many.
Childlike. Show vs Tell errors. Poor descriptions. Passive voice errors. Cringey wording.
The best way to describe my experience with this book is like reading the work of a seventh grader who just discovered his first nudie mag in the seventies. Take from that what you will.
The world-building was inconsistent and all over the place much like the plot and the characters.
The relationship between Tessi and Alkard can be described as insta-lust, which normally I'm down for, but in this case, it never develops into anything more. There is no foundation between them and no chemistry. I still haven't figured out why they like each other.
If the first book was this bad I can't imagine the others getting much better. However, I'm a positive person so I just may try the second book in the series and if that one can't cut it I'm just going to cut my losses and move on.
DNF at 50 percent.
This is the last time (realistically probably not) I let my eyes do the reading for me. The cover of this book is everything... too bad that's about the only thing I liked.
Book Gods and Goddesses above, where do I even start with the sacrilege that is this book?
The writing.
I have no words.
I take that back, I have too many.
Childlike. Show vs Tell errors. Poor descriptions. Passive voice errors. Cringey wording.
The best way to describe my experience with this book is like reading the work of a seventh grader who just discovered his first nudie mag in the seventies. Take from that what you will.
The world-building was inconsistent and all over the place much like the plot and the characters.
The relationship between Tessi and Alkard can be described as insta-lust, which normally I'm down for, but in this case, it never develops into anything more. There is no foundation between them and no chemistry. I still haven't figured out why they like each other.
If the first book was this bad I can't imagine the others getting much better. However, I'm a positive person so I just may try the second book in the series and if that one can't cut it I'm just going to cut my losses and move on.
June 26, 2024
I enjoyed this !!! It was a fun read !!
I enjoyed this story of Tessi and Alkard .
Tessi is a lowly human on this crazy space station . She is a dancer looking for the only family she had . Mera had disappeared, and it's up to Tessi to find her. No matter what.
Alkard is the head of an enterprising clan , and on his way through the dangerous shortcut , he helps a hapless victim. She doesn't stick around , but these humans are at the bottom of the dregs of the space station. He shouldn't concern himself.
Really....
As Tessi and Alkard find themselves thrust together, the disappearance of her friend becomes a little clearer. And their awakening feelings for one another surprise them both !!
Definitely interested in the next book !!
I enjoyed this story of Tessi and Alkard .
Tessi is a lowly human on this crazy space station . She is a dancer looking for the only family she had . Mera had disappeared, and it's up to Tessi to find her. No matter what.
Alkard is the head of an enterprising clan , and on his way through the dangerous shortcut , he helps a hapless victim. She doesn't stick around , but these humans are at the bottom of the dregs of the space station. He shouldn't concern himself.
Really....
As Tessi and Alkard find themselves thrust together, the disappearance of her friend becomes a little clearer. And their awakening feelings for one another surprise them both !!
Definitely interested in the next book !!
June 3, 2023
Deal with the Alien Devil is a FANTASTIC first book of a new series, and I LOVED IT!
Tessi is a human who lives on Thodos 111 a deep space station where humans are considered lower than the low and with that has contracted to work for the Club Plusar in an attempt to gain Intel on her best friend Mera who has gone missing.
Late for work one day Tessi takes a shortcut that gets her waylaid by distasteful Ewani creatures and then is saved by a Vinduthi who she later finds out is Alkard, gangster Leader of the Fangs who becomes drawn to the feisty bundle of energy like a moth to a flame. Something he can’t talk himself out of.
I loved these two characters and Tessi’s determination to find her friend which the wheels start turning faster when Alkard offers to help…for a price.
These two may have started off as apprehensive with each other but their attraction soon turns into a full-blown scorching hot, possessive alpha hero,
I want to claim you … yes please, rock my world, chemistry off the charts mesmerizing read!
Whoosh, this was such a good story I couldn’t put it down until I finished it as the excellent writing, expertly crafted alien/human universe and action had me glued to the pages.
I am now going to have to wait for the next book as this one ended on a HFN and obviously the story will arc into book two with another Vinduthi male and possibly Mera? Who still hasn’t been found but the clues are rolling in!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tessi is a human who lives on Thodos 111 a deep space station where humans are considered lower than the low and with that has contracted to work for the Club Plusar in an attempt to gain Intel on her best friend Mera who has gone missing.
Late for work one day Tessi takes a shortcut that gets her waylaid by distasteful Ewani creatures and then is saved by a Vinduthi who she later finds out is Alkard, gangster Leader of the Fangs who becomes drawn to the feisty bundle of energy like a moth to a flame. Something he can’t talk himself out of.
I loved these two characters and Tessi’s determination to find her friend which the wheels start turning faster when Alkard offers to help…for a price.
These two may have started off as apprehensive with each other but their attraction soon turns into a full-blown scorching hot, possessive alpha hero,
I want to claim you … yes please, rock my world, chemistry off the charts mesmerizing read!
Whoosh, this was such a good story I couldn’t put it down until I finished it as the excellent writing, expertly crafted alien/human universe and action had me glued to the pages.
I am now going to have to wait for the next book as this one ended on a HFN and obviously the story will arc into book two with another Vinduthi male and possibly Mera? Who still hasn’t been found but the clues are rolling in!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
Book Review: Deal with an Alien Devil by Ava York
I really struggled with this book, and honestly, it just wasn’t for me. The story contained elements that I found deeply uncomfortable, particularly the abusive BDSM undertones and the lack of true consent in the relationship. The fact that the male lead essentially purchases the heroine set a disturbing tone from the start, and their dynamic only became more problematic from there.
One scene that really stood out in a bad way was when he randomly interrupts her while she’s doing a task he assigned, just to spank her because he’s jealous. It felt forced, inappropriate, and not at all romantic or sexy—just weird and unsettling. The characters themselves were flat and two-dimensional, making it hard to connect with them or understand their motivations.
To make things even stranger, by the end of the book, the heroine suddenly transforms into some kind of vampire-alien hybrid, which felt completely out of place and poorly explained. The writing itself was confusing, making it difficult to follow what was happening at times.
If you’re looking for a romance with a healthy relationship dynamic, solid writing, or even clear consent, this is not the book for you. The consent throughout the story was dubious at best, and the overall execution left a lot to be desired. I can’t recommend this one.
I really struggled with this book, and honestly, it just wasn’t for me. The story contained elements that I found deeply uncomfortable, particularly the abusive BDSM undertones and the lack of true consent in the relationship. The fact that the male lead essentially purchases the heroine set a disturbing tone from the start, and their dynamic only became more problematic from there.
One scene that really stood out in a bad way was when he randomly interrupts her while she’s doing a task he assigned, just to spank her because he’s jealous. It felt forced, inappropriate, and not at all romantic or sexy—just weird and unsettling. The characters themselves were flat and two-dimensional, making it hard to connect with them or understand their motivations.
To make things even stranger, by the end of the book, the heroine suddenly transforms into some kind of vampire-alien hybrid, which felt completely out of place and poorly explained. The writing itself was confusing, making it difficult to follow what was happening at times.
If you’re looking for a romance with a healthy relationship dynamic, solid writing, or even clear consent, this is not the book for you. The consent throughout the story was dubious at best, and the overall execution left a lot to be desired. I can’t recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2023
Le Sigh.
Yet another insta-love story with not much else going on inbetween. There's lots of interesting concepts: the station and its different parts, the different species and the main characters background - but we aren't given any more information about all these things and that's very disappointing.
The wee lass is apparently searching for her friend (who we've never met, so who cares?), but other than getting a job at the place she went missing from, hasn't really done anything else. Has been searching? Where? How? TELL ME MORE.
Them Mr Muscles comes along and following some insta-attraction and promises of further friend searching (why? why would he offer this? clearly this is a false promise right?) moves her straight into his bedroom as a personal vagina.
Other than finding each other attractive, neither character have enough personality between them to actual built any chemistry - the story jumps from location to location so fast there's just no reason for them to be together, or do any searching or anything really.
The story just needed so much more depth to make it truly work, despite having such good ideas as it's foundation.
Yet another insta-love story with not much else going on inbetween. There's lots of interesting concepts: the station and its different parts, the different species and the main characters background - but we aren't given any more information about all these things and that's very disappointing.
The wee lass is apparently searching for her friend (who we've never met, so who cares?), but other than getting a job at the place she went missing from, hasn't really done anything else. Has been searching? Where? How? TELL ME MORE.
Them Mr Muscles comes along and following some insta-attraction and promises of further friend searching (why? why would he offer this? clearly this is a false promise right?) moves her straight into his bedroom as a personal vagina.
Other than finding each other attractive, neither character have enough personality between them to actual built any chemistry - the story jumps from location to location so fast there's just no reason for them to be together, or do any searching or anything really.
The story just needed so much more depth to make it truly work, despite having such good ideas as it's foundation.
June 15, 2023
This was such an enjoyable book and i do love a strong independent woman who will stand up and fight for her friends and now Mera is missing and when she goes looking for her and comes across some gang members and because she is a human female and are nothing but scum on Thodos 111 station that they attack her but she is saved by a Vinduthi male who turns out to be the Leader of the Fang Gang ALkard and straight away there attraction to each other is off the charts and when she asks for his help to find her missing friend and offers herself up because she has nothing else to give and he excepts but he would do it for nothing because she is his mate and with there steamy times and laugh out loud moments had you glued to the pages. To find out how it all turn out even with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end makes this an amazing read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2023
I buddy read this ARC with a friend and we commented to each other how much we liked one of the side characters. I really liked how the author wrote the characters in this book. The folks that were supposed to have known each other for a very long time seemed to have that camaraderie, and the strangers seemed to have that slightly uncomfortable awkward conversation feel. The FMC chatted with everyone somewhat because she was trying to get information and get them out of their shells, which really pushed the character development. I'm looking forward to those friendships continuing in future books. I'm assuming those characters will be the main characters finding relationships of their own. I also liked how the MMC was a unique blend of alien/paranormal qualities, it made him more mysterious.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I was hoping for more spice. While there wasn't fade-to-black, this reads like a traditional romance novel, with formulaic smex at periodic intervals and some kind of mystery regarding the MFC's friend that only served to mess with the pacing and inspire lots of skimming. The prose was straightforward, but uninspired. The world building made no sense (she lives on a space station in the underground, abandoned by her parents at 10 years old, but somehow she has all of these idiosyncratic language and culture references from Earth and a really advanced vocabulary and evidence of schooling and somehow absolutely no separation anxiety (or any anxiety) and a completely unrealistic expectation on how quickly someone can do research).
I might read more by Ava York, but I'll probably skip the rest of this series.
I was hoping for more spice. While there wasn't fade-to-black, this reads like a traditional romance novel, with formulaic smex at periodic intervals and some kind of mystery regarding the MFC's friend that only served to mess with the pacing and inspire lots of skimming. The prose was straightforward, but uninspired. The world building made no sense (she lives on a space station in the underground, abandoned by her parents at 10 years old, but somehow she has all of these idiosyncratic language and culture references from Earth and a really advanced vocabulary and evidence of schooling and somehow absolutely no separation anxiety (or any anxiety) and a completely unrealistic expectation on how quickly someone can do research).
I might read more by Ava York, but I'll probably skip the rest of this series.
September 11, 2023
This was a really fun read.
I loved the banter and dynamic of the characters. Their romance was a little odd, cause it felt as if they had the kind of "mate" desire and pull towards each other but that's never really brought up as a topic or a thing. Which kind of tests the pacing of the book a bit. But otherwise, they were quite believable together.
What I adored about this was the world building. I felt immersed in this world. It was amazing. I could have read the descriptions of the world endlessly! Obviously that shows I really enjoyed her writing style too.
I liked the mafia subplot too. I just wish there was maybe a bit more detail in why they were drawn to each other as desperately as they were. And maybe a bit more expanded on how things affected the MC at the end of the book.
I loved the banter and dynamic of the characters. Their romance was a little odd, cause it felt as if they had the kind of "mate" desire and pull towards each other but that's never really brought up as a topic or a thing. Which kind of tests the pacing of the book a bit. But otherwise, they were quite believable together.
What I adored about this was the world building. I felt immersed in this world. It was amazing. I could have read the descriptions of the world endlessly! Obviously that shows I really enjoyed her writing style too.
I liked the mafia subplot too. I just wish there was maybe a bit more detail in why they were drawn to each other as desperately as they were. And maybe a bit more expanded on how things affected the MC at the end of the book.
October 10, 2023
DNF
I have nothing against women/men dancing naked, do I want to read a play by play of their dancing regime? The simple answer is no. It holds no interest for me. I kept reading thinking the plot would pick up any minute, I gave up when there was extended yammering about going to a restaurant and every thing that goes with it. I wanted to read a book about aliens, with a good or at least a decent plot, instead it may as well be a fluffed up version of a mob boss and his stripper fancy. I didn't get any romantic anything off the pages I read.
Although it says book 1 it feels like we've already missed key points about the characters. What war? Why are humans on this particular space station? Why are they hated? I could go on but maybe that's enough of spoilers. There would have been more of an engaging plot if it was less naked and more well..plot.
I have nothing against women/men dancing naked, do I want to read a play by play of their dancing regime? The simple answer is no. It holds no interest for me. I kept reading thinking the plot would pick up any minute, I gave up when there was extended yammering about going to a restaurant and every thing that goes with it. I wanted to read a book about aliens, with a good or at least a decent plot, instead it may as well be a fluffed up version of a mob boss and his stripper fancy. I didn't get any romantic anything off the pages I read.
Although it says book 1 it feels like we've already missed key points about the characters. What war? Why are humans on this particular space station? Why are they hated? I could go on but maybe that's enough of spoilers. There would have been more of an engaging plot if it was less naked and more well..plot.
June 16, 2023
An alien mafia romance. Yes please! I really enjoyed this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I absolutely loved Tessi and Alkard. The chemistry between them sizzled. Tessi was a strong woman and could hold her own. Alkard was intrigued by her wit and sass. I loved their dynamic.
'She had thrown down the gauntlet.
Either kiss me or kill me.
“You are impetuousness made flesh,” I whispered under my breath. Her keen ears picked it up.
“Thank you. But flattery will get you nowhere.”
How had this human managed to worm her way under my skin so thoroughly?'
I was completely hooked to the story- and even more so to this couple. I also liked the supporting characters. This was the first book I've read by this author and I definitely want more. 5 stars.
'She had thrown down the gauntlet.
Either kiss me or kill me.
“You are impetuousness made flesh,” I whispered under my breath. Her keen ears picked it up.
“Thank you. But flattery will get you nowhere.”
How had this human managed to worm her way under my skin so thoroughly?'
I was completely hooked to the story- and even more so to this couple. I also liked the supporting characters. This was the first book I've read by this author and I definitely want more. 5 stars.
January 20, 2024
These two Alkard and Tessi
This is book one of the series Brides of the Vinduthi. I am reading the series however it has been out of order. It has been fine but I was very interested in Alkard, the leader of the syndicate. In the other books Alkard is spoken about as an illusive and dangerous leader. Overall I liked the storyline but I expected Alkard to be more alpha and forceful. The human female lead named Tessi was a quirky and fun but at times irritating. Tessi is looking for her BFF Mera. She has been missing for a while now so Tessi has taken it upon herself to trace Mera’s last steps and work as an exotic dancer in the same club. Alkard meets Tessi in this club and she has his attention, but she has also has some unwanted attention. Read On!
This is book one of the series Brides of the Vinduthi. I am reading the series however it has been out of order. It has been fine but I was very interested in Alkard, the leader of the syndicate. In the other books Alkard is spoken about as an illusive and dangerous leader. Overall I liked the storyline but I expected Alkard to be more alpha and forceful. The human female lead named Tessi was a quirky and fun but at times irritating. Tessi is looking for her BFF Mera. She has been missing for a while now so Tessi has taken it upon herself to trace Mera’s last steps and work as an exotic dancer in the same club. Alkard meets Tessi in this club and she has his attention, but she has also has some unwanted attention. Read On!
June 7, 2023
Tessi (h) and her fellow humans lead a miserable life as the have-nots on a space station where she works as a dancer in a seedy club hoping to find information about the disappearance of her best friend. Alkard (H), the leader of the violent Vinduthi cartel, rescues her from a near sexual assault in a dark alley and finding himself drawn to her purchases her contract. Tessi is wary of Alkard but likewise is drawn to the alien who makes a deal with her to help her find her friend. Things quickly heat up between Alkard and Tessi, even s they’re surrounded by danger. Ultra-hot and steamy alien-human romantic quickie with a bit of danger.
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