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Craving the Heveians #1
The Alien's Bite
Kora
My nightmares didn't prepare me for this.
Abducted off the space station where I teach the standard galactic language, I'm imprisoned with two other women in a cold, dirty cell on an alien ship. We're destined for something worse than death until a fierce, blue-haired alien male rescues us. We recover on his ship with his group of Heveian pirates. There, the attraction that formed when he first carried me in his arms grows into a force neither of us can deny. But something else has taken up residence on the ship. Something that will stop at nothing to destroy us all.
Ryland
I was trained from my royal youth to fight. Even here, as a rogue raider in exile with my rebellious friends, it's the role I play, until I hold Kora in my arms. She makes my fangs ache. She makes everything ache. My protective instincts roar as I vow to protect my mate against any who would harm her. But how can I protect her from an enemy so insidious that it can turn our crew against each other? I will keep Kora safe, even if it means the ultimate sacrifice.
Contains mature themes.
My nightmares didn't prepare me for this.
Abducted off the space station where I teach the standard galactic language, I'm imprisoned with two other women in a cold, dirty cell on an alien ship. We're destined for something worse than death until a fierce, blue-haired alien male rescues us. We recover on his ship with his group of Heveian pirates. There, the attraction that formed when he first carried me in his arms grows into a force neither of us can deny. But something else has taken up residence on the ship. Something that will stop at nothing to destroy us all.
Ryland
I was trained from my royal youth to fight. Even here, as a rogue raider in exile with my rebellious friends, it's the role I play, until I hold Kora in my arms. She makes my fangs ache. She makes everything ache. My protective instincts roar as I vow to protect my mate against any who would harm her. But how can I protect her from an enemy so insidious that it can turn our crew against each other? I will keep Kora safe, even if it means the ultimate sacrifice.
Contains mature themes.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2023
851 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
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December 5, 2023His shlong is shaped like a screw. Oh and he has fangs. So like…cross an Ice Planet Barbarian with a Vampire. It’s very cool.
I love me a good alien abduction romance, especially when the aliens have no clue what they’re supposed to do around humans and try to woo them. This one had a cool action subplot (they’re alien space raiders) to the romance and I’m excited for the rest!!
I love me a good alien abduction romance, especially when the aliens have no clue what they’re supposed to do around humans and try to woo them. This one had a cool action subplot (they’re alien space raiders) to the romance and I’m excited for the rest!!
August 4, 2025
Hot Fangs, Cold Cells and Lukewarm Narration.
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😋😀😍
Narration: 🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
🦸🏼♀️ The Heroine: Kora
Kora’s journey begins on a bustling space station, where she teaches the standard galactic language to a rotating cast of alien visitors. Earth is in her rearview mirror after a traumatic miscarriage and a failed marriage—her ex wanted kids, she couldn’t, so she launched herself into the stars to escape. Unfortunately, the universe had other plans: she’s abducted by a hostile alien race and thrown into a freezing cell with two other human women. The food? Rancid and inedible. Survival isn’t a given.
🦸🏻♂️ The Hero: Ryland
Meet Ryland—a fang-sporting, brightly haired space pirate from the heveian race. He’s the security chief aboard a rogue vessel crewed by exiles who pillage their way across the galaxy. Ryland’s people were once victims of a deadly virus engineered by the United Coalition for Peace (UCP), who wanted their mineral-rich planet for themselves. Salvation came via a human woman whose rare blood carried the cure—setting the stage for the “fated mate” trope that Ryland seems ready to embrace the moment he lays eyes on Kora.
---
📚 Plot Snapshot
Kora and her fellow captives share the same rare blood as the woman who saved the heveian king—making them highly valuable to the UCP (for reasons that are a bit hand-wavey, considering the cure already exists). Unable to return to Earth, they find reluctant refuge among space pirates, with Ryland taking a particular interest in Kora. There’s chemistry, danger, and just enough teeth to keep things interesting.
---
🌟 Highlights
• Space pirates. Yes please.
• Fangs. Vampire-adjacent aliens always earn style points.
• Bright hair, bold vibes. The heveians bring color—literally.
---
💔 Misses
• Plot originality? Thin. Classic alien romance tropes abound.
• Narration letdown. A performance that lacked…performance.
---
🎙️ Narration Breakdown
Eric MacArthur and Dani California alternate POVs, but the execution left much to be desired. Their delivery felt more read than lived—flat, monotone, and lacking the emotional intensity these interstellar stakes deserved. MacArthur’s voice didn’t carry the depth or presence expected of a commanding alien male. California’s tone was passable, but ultimately unremarkable.
---
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’re here for space pirates, fated mates, and a dash of galactic drama—this audiobook scratches the itch. Just don’t expect a fresh take on the genre or gripping narration. It’s popcorn sci-fi romance with familiar seasoning.
---
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😋😀😍
Narration: 🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
🦸🏼♀️ The Heroine: Kora
Kora’s journey begins on a bustling space station, where she teaches the standard galactic language to a rotating cast of alien visitors. Earth is in her rearview mirror after a traumatic miscarriage and a failed marriage—her ex wanted kids, she couldn’t, so she launched herself into the stars to escape. Unfortunately, the universe had other plans: she’s abducted by a hostile alien race and thrown into a freezing cell with two other human women. The food? Rancid and inedible. Survival isn’t a given.
🦸🏻♂️ The Hero: Ryland
Meet Ryland—a fang-sporting, brightly haired space pirate from the heveian race. He’s the security chief aboard a rogue vessel crewed by exiles who pillage their way across the galaxy. Ryland’s people were once victims of a deadly virus engineered by the United Coalition for Peace (UCP), who wanted their mineral-rich planet for themselves. Salvation came via a human woman whose rare blood carried the cure—setting the stage for the “fated mate” trope that Ryland seems ready to embrace the moment he lays eyes on Kora.
---
📚 Plot Snapshot
Kora and her fellow captives share the same rare blood as the woman who saved the heveian king—making them highly valuable to the UCP (for reasons that are a bit hand-wavey, considering the cure already exists). Unable to return to Earth, they find reluctant refuge among space pirates, with Ryland taking a particular interest in Kora. There’s chemistry, danger, and just enough teeth to keep things interesting.
---
🌟 Highlights
• Space pirates. Yes please.
• Fangs. Vampire-adjacent aliens always earn style points.
• Bright hair, bold vibes. The heveians bring color—literally.
---
💔 Misses
• Plot originality? Thin. Classic alien romance tropes abound.
• Narration letdown. A performance that lacked…performance.
---
🎙️ Narration Breakdown
Eric MacArthur and Dani California alternate POVs, but the execution left much to be desired. Their delivery felt more read than lived—flat, monotone, and lacking the emotional intensity these interstellar stakes deserved. MacArthur’s voice didn’t carry the depth or presence expected of a commanding alien male. California’s tone was passable, but ultimately unremarkable.
---
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’re here for space pirates, fated mates, and a dash of galactic drama—this audiobook scratches the itch. Just don’t expect a fresh take on the genre or gripping narration. It’s popcorn sci-fi romance with familiar seasoning.
---
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November 28, 2023
I am baffled at the amount of people saying that this is fast paced because it absolutely was not. This was exhausting to read and it did not help that I had second hand embarrassment and cringe the entire time while reading it, which made it a nightmare to get through. Everything was over described that it lost a lot of potential to be interesting.
There was zero romantic chemistry between Kora and Ryland, this was nothing but insta-lust and stayed that way for the whole book. You can have these characters tell each other 'I love you' as much as you want but that doesn't make it believable, they knew each other for like a week? Why do these books never have a timeline? Aside from the characters not having any romantic chemistry, the plot around them falling in love was also void of any emotions, not once while reading this did I ever actually feel like these two were falling in love, it was just lust filled attraction.
Now lets break down the characters. Ryland had no personality, it was like the author wasn't sure if she wanted him to be rough and tough or sweet and caring and it just resulted him in being neither and coming off as a bland walking specimen. But don't worry we got the most relentless amount of description for this man, I mean it just never ended, it would go on for paragraphs and paragraphs, just praising and over describing him to the point of irritation! He would randomly become demanding of Kora, at one point he literally walks up to Kora and just demands that she will met him in his room for sex!! This was not attractive!!!!! He would constantly approach her in front of everyone and just be the most cringy man possible, all up in her space acting like no-one else was there, just literally showing how he just wanted to bang her. The amount of times I was literally screaming for him to stop lusting after her in front of everyone was insane.
Kora, oh boy was kora annoying. She had 'pick me' written all over her. Apparently she thought because she talked to the other girls that meant she could just tell the guys all about them and she was always like 'well since I'm clearly the leader' no one said that, your just the only one who started talking because you instantly lusted after some dude. She honestly was also void of any kind of personality, aside from dumb as hell. She never actually thought about the consequences of the mating bite, it was handled like an after thought honestly. She just did whatever Ryland told her to do, but don't worry we had a moment where she was like 'omg he doesn't like me why am I so bad with men' you know what happened, Ryland impulsively kissed her, freaked out and she acted like she was soooooo gross that he hated her. But don't worry it only lasted for 5 seconds. and then lets look at this gem:
There was at no point in this book where it was stated that the crew was given special rights, and at no point where these women treated poorly or differently from everyone. What is she advocating for???? They had free run of the ship, were fed, clothed, bathed, given medical attention, didn't have to provide anything, and yet she is running her mouth demanding rights? FOR WHAT??? this was unnecessary! Oh but don't worry she shows more of her stupidity when during the scene with the alien monster attacking the walls near her and Ryland, she responds with BANGING ON THE WALL INFORMING IT OF WHERE THEY ARE!. But then magically has the smarts later on to be like "can we include parameters to check for less advanced lifeforms.' like be so forreal right now.
The Sex Scene was terrible! It felt like Ryland just had an itinerary where he was just checking off each moment before he finally got the chance to bang her. And then he has a horrifying penis, which I don't think the author fully knew what she wanted and that's why its horrifying because she calls it by one name but then describes it another way that sounds less horrifying, but still not good. And then the scene felt rushed, it was like bam, bam, done. It felt like the author wanted to get to it, but then didn't want to write it. Also can we please be realistic and realize you can't have a a man who is 'monstrously huge and odd shaped' just smash it in, that will cause permanent damage, stop it! I don't read romance for the sex scenes but I do judge them and both scenes were terrible.
Now can we also talk about the amount of TRAUMA that was GLOSSED over! You have Arria (side character) just vomiting her past to everyone at random ass times, which include abuse, torture and control and yet its glossed over EACH time. We are also told she is 'scared of her own shadow' and yet we never once actually got to see this. A miscarriage is brought up, and the character who brought it up just laughs it off!! Must be nice to be perfect and have ZERO trauma around such an event in ones life.If you are going to utilize heavy trauma you need to respect it and treat it properly or not use it at all, this was infuriating to constantly come across.
The plot, the plot was something. It felt like we finally got away from the 'girls in space being used to make babies' but no, it came up. Also the way the enemy kidnaps Kora is so stupid its hilarious, and lets not forget how Ryland openly attacked the monster while Kora was in hitting range, makes sense, she is sooooo important but apparently this was a good choice.
I will not be continuing on with this series.
There was zero romantic chemistry between Kora and Ryland, this was nothing but insta-lust and stayed that way for the whole book. You can have these characters tell each other 'I love you' as much as you want but that doesn't make it believable, they knew each other for like a week? Why do these books never have a timeline? Aside from the characters not having any romantic chemistry, the plot around them falling in love was also void of any emotions, not once while reading this did I ever actually feel like these two were falling in love, it was just lust filled attraction.
Now lets break down the characters. Ryland had no personality, it was like the author wasn't sure if she wanted him to be rough and tough or sweet and caring and it just resulted him in being neither and coming off as a bland walking specimen. But don't worry we got the most relentless amount of description for this man, I mean it just never ended, it would go on for paragraphs and paragraphs, just praising and over describing him to the point of irritation! He would randomly become demanding of Kora, at one point he literally walks up to Kora and just demands that she will met him in his room for sex!! This was not attractive!!!!! He would constantly approach her in front of everyone and just be the most cringy man possible, all up in her space acting like no-one else was there, just literally showing how he just wanted to bang her. The amount of times I was literally screaming for him to stop lusting after her in front of everyone was insane.
Kora, oh boy was kora annoying. She had 'pick me' written all over her. Apparently she thought because she talked to the other girls that meant she could just tell the guys all about them and she was always like 'well since I'm clearly the leader' no one said that, your just the only one who started talking because you instantly lusted after some dude. She honestly was also void of any kind of personality, aside from dumb as hell. She never actually thought about the consequences of the mating bite, it was handled like an after thought honestly. She just did whatever Ryland told her to do, but don't worry we had a moment where she was like 'omg he doesn't like me why am I so bad with men' you know what happened, Ryland impulsively kissed her, freaked out and she acted like she was soooooo gross that he hated her. But don't worry it only lasted for 5 seconds. and then lets look at this gem:
The two of them looked at each other, like the question had surprised them, and they didn’t have an answer. “We’ll see.” “We’ll see?” I crossed my arms. “Members of the crew have rights. We deserve to know what ours are here.” “Fine. The three of you will have the same rights as the crew, but have to abide by rules based on your status of having been rescued, not enlisted. Fair?”
There was at no point in this book where it was stated that the crew was given special rights, and at no point where these women treated poorly or differently from everyone. What is she advocating for???? They had free run of the ship, were fed, clothed, bathed, given medical attention, didn't have to provide anything, and yet she is running her mouth demanding rights? FOR WHAT??? this was unnecessary! Oh but don't worry she shows more of her stupidity when during the scene with the alien monster attacking the walls near her and Ryland, she responds with BANGING ON THE WALL INFORMING IT OF WHERE THEY ARE!. But then magically has the smarts later on to be like "can we include parameters to check for less advanced lifeforms.' like be so forreal right now.
The Sex Scene was terrible! It felt like Ryland just had an itinerary where he was just checking off each moment before he finally got the chance to bang her. And then he has a horrifying penis, which I don't think the author fully knew what she wanted and that's why its horrifying because she calls it by one name but then describes it another way that sounds less horrifying, but still not good. And then the scene felt rushed, it was like bam, bam, done. It felt like the author wanted to get to it, but then didn't want to write it. Also can we please be realistic and realize you can't have a a man who is 'monstrously huge and odd shaped' just smash it in, that will cause permanent damage, stop it! I don't read romance for the sex scenes but I do judge them and both scenes were terrible.
Now can we also talk about the amount of TRAUMA that was GLOSSED over! You have Arria (side character) just vomiting her past to everyone at random ass times, which include abuse, torture and control and yet its glossed over EACH time. We are also told she is 'scared of her own shadow' and yet we never once actually got to see this. A miscarriage is brought up, and the character who brought it up just laughs it off!! Must be nice to be perfect and have ZERO trauma around such an event in ones life.If you are going to utilize heavy trauma you need to respect it and treat it properly or not use it at all, this was infuriating to constantly come across.
The plot, the plot was something. It felt like we finally got away from the 'girls in space being used to make babies' but no, it came up. Also the way the enemy kidnaps Kora is so stupid its hilarious, and lets not forget how Ryland openly attacked the monster while Kora was in hitting range, makes sense, she is sooooo important but apparently this was a good choice.
I will not be continuing on with this series.
January 5, 2024
You’re terrifying, even to us. I’d piss myself if you told me you wanted to fuck me.
Ryland is the head of security part of this group of space pirates/cowboys/outlaws. Either way they get more than they bargained for when they find a group of abused human females. Kora was a teacher of the common galactic language on the Titanlink Base Station until she was kidnapped by a different group of aliens. As soon as he sees her, Ryland knows she’s his. Now he has to convince her. Which, you guessed it, is not hard to do.
This story was a little rushed. Like the plot was planned out and the characters were somewhat planned out. Mostly superficial stuff. I wish it had more feelings but I also knew what this was. Alien rescues human and falls in love. This was mostly lust. And that could have been done better but I’m also not complaining. I knew what this was. It was a fun ride.
Ryland is the head of security part of this group of space pirates/cowboys/outlaws. Either way they get more than they bargained for when they find a group of abused human females. Kora was a teacher of the common galactic language on the Titanlink Base Station until she was kidnapped by a different group of aliens. As soon as he sees her, Ryland knows she’s his. Now he has to convince her. Which, you guessed it, is not hard to do.
This story was a little rushed. Like the plot was planned out and the characters were somewhat planned out. Mostly superficial stuff. I wish it had more feelings but I also knew what this was. Alien rescues human and falls in love. This was mostly lust. And that could have been done better but I’m also not complaining. I knew what this was. It was a fun ride.
May 6, 2023
Cute couple but no working through trauma
The book had an interesting premise, with a mercenary-like MMC roped into a rescue mission and a FMC close to death. They had the chemistry and an opportunity to bond. However, the FMC showed no symptoms of trauma. None. It was a missed opportunity to bring the couple closer together.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: captivity, starvation, violence
The book had an interesting premise, with a mercenary-like MMC roped into a rescue mission and a FMC close to death. They had the chemistry and an opportunity to bond. However, the FMC showed no symptoms of trauma. None. It was a missed opportunity to bring the couple closer together.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: captivity, starvation, violence
August 23, 2024
Fun, great characters and overall enjoyed but a few minor confusing elements of world building. 4.5 ⭐
December 28, 2024
Slow af.
April 19, 2023
Quickish Review
FMC was kidnapped and held on alien ship because she had potential to help cure Heveians who have been suffering from fatal illness. Except the cure has been found, and they were no longer needed. The Heveian pirates, a collection of royal-born/high class Heveians who have been living off planet for a long time becvause they couldn't go back due to said illness, have been happily roaming the galaxy, looting along the way, so when they get to this ship and save the women, things get interesting and yes, romance happens.
Definite references to past abuse of supporting characters, suffering the women went through when kidnapped, it's not a light read, but it's an interesting one. I was actually a little sad that the next story isn't out yet but I will be keeping an eye out for it.
FMC was kidnapped and held on alien ship because she had potential to help cure Heveians who have been suffering from fatal illness. Except the cure has been found, and they were no longer needed. The Heveian pirates, a collection of royal-born/high class Heveians who have been living off planet for a long time becvause they couldn't go back due to said illness, have been happily roaming the galaxy, looting along the way, so when they get to this ship and save the women, things get interesting and yes, romance happens.
Definite references to past abuse of supporting characters, suffering the women went through when kidnapped, it's not a light read, but it's an interesting one. I was actually a little sad that the next story isn't out yet but I will be keeping an eye out for it.
May 15, 2023
Becoming a member of the team
So I might have stayed up all night reading this book. What can I say, it was just that good! I absolutely loved the characters! The gals were stronger than they thought, and true survivors, without losing the softness that make them women. And the guys were hiding those marshmallow centers, some harder than others, that make them the best kind of alpha male mates. The storyline was absolutely phenomenal! I loved the action, danger, and unexpected enemy. It kept the book exciting and high intensity until the very end. The author was able to use her words to draw me in and I was unable to put the book down until I knew the outcome for the crew. Now I can’t wait to read the next book to see which hero finds his HEA and what the crew gets into next.
So I might have stayed up all night reading this book. What can I say, it was just that good! I absolutely loved the characters! The gals were stronger than they thought, and true survivors, without losing the softness that make them women. And the guys were hiding those marshmallow centers, some harder than others, that make them the best kind of alpha male mates. The storyline was absolutely phenomenal! I loved the action, danger, and unexpected enemy. It kept the book exciting and high intensity until the very end. The author was able to use her words to draw me in and I was unable to put the book down until I knew the outcome for the crew. Now I can’t wait to read the next book to see which hero finds his HEA and what the crew gets into next.
March 11, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and it was perfect! Quick and easy read! I love Ella Blake!
April 30, 2023
My, my, my
Loved this story. The insta-feels Ryland gets for Kora, the creepy mold, and the other interpersonal relationships evolving make a great read. There is an argument overarching story that looks like it will continue in the next book, but you get a HEA for the couple, but a great complex story to keep you invested.
Loved this story. The insta-feels Ryland gets for Kora, the creepy mold, and the other interpersonal relationships evolving make a great read. There is an argument overarching story that looks like it will continue in the next book, but you get a HEA for the couple, but a great complex story to keep you invested.
April 1, 2023
Good book, but a little simple. I read it in an afternoon. I’ve got nothing bad to say about it, so if the synopsis sounds good to you, give it a read.
September 28, 2024
DNF 60% not for me.
I wanted to like this.
I thought maybe I needed to have read the prequel to make it work. So paused and went off and tried.
Couldn’t manage that either.
It’s clearly just the authors style, that is at times, dry, stilted, and too wordy, including repeating information and sentences.
While I liked the alien and could excuse it as ‘other’, in him, in the human, it just read as false.
Great concept, but weak execution as I read it.
A good edit would make all the difference, in addition to some tightening of the pace.
I wanted to like this.
I thought maybe I needed to have read the prequel to make it work. So paused and went off and tried.
Couldn’t manage that either.
It’s clearly just the authors style, that is at times, dry, stilted, and too wordy, including repeating information and sentences.
While I liked the alien and could excuse it as ‘other’, in him, in the human, it just read as false.
Great concept, but weak execution as I read it.
A good edit would make all the difference, in addition to some tightening of the pace.
May 19, 2023
I read the second book first. I liked that one better. This was a little too insta-lovey.
There really wasn’t any angst or drama between them, it was more about surviving some toxic mold and being very attracted to each other. 🤷🏻♀️
There really wasn’t any angst or drama between them, it was more about surviving some toxic mold and being very attracted to each other. 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
The cover though.. 🥵🔥
Ryland seems like such a hothead in the beginning but he’s actually so sweet and caring. Only to Kora though 😂 She definitely softens him up a bit and it’s so cute. I loved their relationship.
Ryland seems like such a hothead in the beginning but he’s actually so sweet and caring. Only to Kora though 😂 She definitely softens him up a bit and it’s so cute. I loved their relationship.
April 11, 2023
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this story. Plenty of action, well written, big growly alpha males, and sassy human females, always makes for a good combination. I will definitely keep reading the rest of this series
I really enjoyed this story. Plenty of action, well written, big growly alpha males, and sassy human females, always makes for a good combination. I will definitely keep reading the rest of this series
March 17, 2023
Good
Ryland and Kora
When Kora and her two fellow human women are rescued by the Heveians, they find themselves having to hide amongst these pirates.
Ryland is immediately drawn to Kora, wanting to protect her and keep her for himself. He knows it won’t be easy with the powers that be after them, but he finds himself falling for her…
This is a quick and fun read in this new series. It follows the events in the introductory tale Virgo’s Prize, and while you don’t have to have read that one, it does set up the current situation the Heveians are under, plus telling the story of how a human helped to save them, and introducing Hoc. This book is a whole new story thread, with all new characters (plus Hoc who was a favourite of mine in the first story). It’s got a fair amount of action, an intriguing overarching background plot, and a few sex scenes.
An enjoyable sci-fi romance for SFR enthusiasts.
Ryland and Kora
When Kora and her two fellow human women are rescued by the Heveians, they find themselves having to hide amongst these pirates.
Ryland is immediately drawn to Kora, wanting to protect her and keep her for himself. He knows it won’t be easy with the powers that be after them, but he finds himself falling for her…
This is a quick and fun read in this new series. It follows the events in the introductory tale Virgo’s Prize, and while you don’t have to have read that one, it does set up the current situation the Heveians are under, plus telling the story of how a human helped to save them, and introducing Hoc. This book is a whole new story thread, with all new characters (plus Hoc who was a favourite of mine in the first story). It’s got a fair amount of action, an intriguing overarching background plot, and a few sex scenes.
An enjoyable sci-fi romance for SFR enthusiasts.
June 13, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 2/5
Trope:
Alien Romance
Fated Mates
Plot: Abducted off the space station where Kora teaches the standard galactic language, she's imprisoned with two other women in a cold, dirty cell on an alien ship. They're destined for something worse than death until a fierce, blue-haired alien male rescues them. We recover on his ship with his group of Heveian pirates. There, the attraction that formed when he first carried her in his arms grows into a force neither of us can deny. Ryland is the trainer and security officer on their ship, and they both bond over the shared love for teaching.
Thoughts: Could've been spicier, and I like my spice. I really wanted more time for Kora to develop actual feelings or him, or at least have the author explain the different times they've trained together and how Kora felt afterwards towards him. There was maybe like 2 training scenes and it described the feelings for Ryland she couldn't explain, but one was at the beginning of the book, and the other one was towards the end. It's not really clear either why the "mold" chose Kora over the other two girls, I don't think it would've mattered if it was just for multiplying it's numbers.
Safety:
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: none
HEA: yes
Spice: 2/5
Trope:
Alien Romance
Fated Mates
Plot: Abducted off the space station where Kora teaches the standard galactic language, she's imprisoned with two other women in a cold, dirty cell on an alien ship. They're destined for something worse than death until a fierce, blue-haired alien male rescues them. We recover on his ship with his group of Heveian pirates. There, the attraction that formed when he first carried her in his arms grows into a force neither of us can deny. Ryland is the trainer and security officer on their ship, and they both bond over the shared love for teaching.
Thoughts: Could've been spicier, and I like my spice. I really wanted more time for Kora to develop actual feelings or him, or at least have the author explain the different times they've trained together and how Kora felt afterwards towards him. There was maybe like 2 training scenes and it described the feelings for Ryland she couldn't explain, but one was at the beginning of the book, and the other one was towards the end. It's not really clear either why the "mold" chose Kora over the other two girls, I don't think it would've mattered if it was just for multiplying it's numbers.
Safety:
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: none
HEA: yes
June 15, 2023
Thought this was a very good alien romance read. I feel like a lot of the time with this genre the plot can feel repetitive and boring, but I think this author did a good job of giving it some variety to keep it unique and interesting. Liked how even though they called each other mates, it wasn’t necessarily instant. He took the time to try and learn about human courting culture so he didn’t come off as too much too soon for her. Unfortunately I do think that while it was a great addition it was weakly done. It felt rushed through so it felt like really it wasn’t being slowed down for him to court her in a way that she would be comfortable with. This was very good though and I will be picking up book 2 as I liked the side characters enough to be curious about what they get up to.
December 17, 2023
Pretty standard sci fi romance start.
I did appreciate the very Star Trek conflict in this one, it wasn't an action packed space battle that served as the central problem.
FMC wasn't super capable or smart but she felt like an actual person. MMC is as likeable as an instalove-struck Security Chief can get. More importantly, the communications officer is a grouchy asshat and there's a ship's doctor. Going to read everyone's romance for sure.
They're more privateer than pirate but you get bromance ship crew banter even if there aren't a lot of pirate shenanigans.
Weird alien peen, insta lust, pretty standard worldbuilding and politics, abduction storyline, bonus points for goo vats.
I did appreciate the very Star Trek conflict in this one, it wasn't an action packed space battle that served as the central problem.
FMC wasn't super capable or smart but she felt like an actual person. MMC is as likeable as an instalove-struck Security Chief can get. More importantly, the communications officer is a grouchy asshat and there's a ship's doctor. Going to read everyone's romance for sure.
They're more privateer than pirate but you get bromance ship crew banter even if there aren't a lot of pirate shenanigans.
Weird alien peen, insta lust, pretty standard worldbuilding and politics, abduction storyline, bonus points for goo vats.
December 31, 2023
Fantastic read!
So much tension here. Unknown, largely unseen danger encountered when rescuing abducted human women from a seemingly abandoned ship. Mix in a few honourable, hunky men and a desperate search before a hidden enemy destroys them all, and you're pretty much on the edge of your seat the whole way.
Lots of sparks and obvious room for the rest of the story, though this was not a cliffhanger by any means (what a relief!) This is a rare instance where a freebie has me itching to get the sequels.
So much tension here. Unknown, largely unseen danger encountered when rescuing abducted human women from a seemingly abandoned ship. Mix in a few honourable, hunky men and a desperate search before a hidden enemy destroys them all, and you're pretty much on the edge of your seat the whole way.
Lots of sparks and obvious room for the rest of the story, though this was not a cliffhanger by any means (what a relief!) This is a rare instance where a freebie has me itching to get the sequels.
June 3, 2024
Okay book, but nothing great. It felt jumpy at times and the relationship was also underdeveloped. One minute she was not trusting, and then instantly trusting/into the MMC. The background plot and politics were lacking in this book.
The relationship between all the male aliens was the most entertaining part for me. Between the FMC and MMC was a bit lackluster, and the spice was 🌶🌶.5/5.
It was just a run of the mill alien book, nothing amazing, nothing terrible, but definitely could have used some improvement.
The relationship between all the male aliens was the most entertaining part for me. Between the FMC and MMC was a bit lackluster, and the spice was 🌶🌶.5/5.
It was just a run of the mill alien book, nothing amazing, nothing terrible, but definitely could have used some improvement.
April 8, 2023
Ok
A sci-fi romance that starts with insta-lust, then adds some danger and action before insta-love and a HEA for the couple (crew overall has mysteries still pending). The heroine, 28-year-old Kora, was abducted from teaching common galactic on a space station. The hero, 38-year-old Heveian Security Officer Ryland Crex, has lived his life focused on his work and hasn't had much time for emotions.
The Good is that I liked the action and the plot. This book, as the first in the series, spends some time world building and introducing us to the cast for the series. The Bad is that means there wasn't a lot of time for the characters. There was insta-lust and then he pulled back, and then it felt like days were edited out of there and things were suddenly back on and I wasn't sure how that happened. At times I didn't feel like things were well explained (e.g. biting = fated mate?) to the reader or the heroine. Some things felt like they were never explained (e.g. why hero so emotionless at start?). I have no problem with the general formula of insta-lust + action = insta-love. I think my problem is that at the start of the book I thought I would be getting a little more to it, but that never materialized.
*****Spoiler Alert*****
This Book Includes
Violence. Alien vs. alien battle including deaths of bad guys and release from captivity, fight against mold creatures with guns & bleach bombs, physical training.
Sex. MF sex, cock like a corkscrew, biting including some bloodsucking, biting is pleasurable.
A sci-fi romance that starts with insta-lust, then adds some danger and action before insta-love and a HEA for the couple (crew overall has mysteries still pending). The heroine, 28-year-old Kora, was abducted from teaching common galactic on a space station. The hero, 38-year-old Heveian Security Officer Ryland Crex, has lived his life focused on his work and hasn't had much time for emotions.
The Good is that I liked the action and the plot. This book, as the first in the series, spends some time world building and introducing us to the cast for the series. The Bad is that means there wasn't a lot of time for the characters. There was insta-lust and then he pulled back, and then it felt like days were edited out of there and things were suddenly back on and I wasn't sure how that happened. At times I didn't feel like things were well explained (e.g. biting = fated mate?) to the reader or the heroine. Some things felt like they were never explained (e.g. why hero so emotionless at start?). I have no problem with the general formula of insta-lust + action = insta-love. I think my problem is that at the start of the book I thought I would be getting a little more to it, but that never materialized.
*****Spoiler Alert*****
This Book Includes
Violence. Alien vs. alien battle including deaths of bad guys and release from captivity, fight against mold creatures with guns & bleach bombs, physical training.
Sex. MF sex, cock like a corkscrew, biting including some bloodsucking, biting is pleasurable.
February 2, 2024
While I did enjoy the story, there were a few hiccups.
I’m a big fan of this author’s writing style and enjoyed that the most in this book. She very good as describing things and making me feel like I’m really there in that world and in that moment with the characters. I was also glad to see that the characters were written all distinctively and their different personalities were shown, making me feel like I really knew the characters. The action was handled well and was frequent enough that I felt we were always moving forward but with enough reprieved to have time with the characters just interacting.
What was lacking for me was mostly in the romance area, the spice specifically. Before having sex for the first time they really should have at least talked about their expectations for their relationship, and the fact that they couldn’t really express their feelings was a turn off for me. They do end up having the conversation after that, but it was a little too late for me. Their devotion to each other was very sweet.
All in all it’s worth it, especially for the fun characters and interesting setting and plot. Maybe in the next few books I’ll appreciate the romance more.
I’m a big fan of this author’s writing style and enjoyed that the most in this book. She very good as describing things and making me feel like I’m really there in that world and in that moment with the characters. I was also glad to see that the characters were written all distinctively and their different personalities were shown, making me feel like I really knew the characters. The action was handled well and was frequent enough that I felt we were always moving forward but with enough reprieved to have time with the characters just interacting.
What was lacking for me was mostly in the romance area, the spice specifically. Before having sex for the first time they really should have at least talked about their expectations for their relationship, and the fact that they couldn’t really express their feelings was a turn off for me. They do end up having the conversation after that, but it was a little too late for me. Their devotion to each other was very sweet.
All in all it’s worth it, especially for the fun characters and interesting setting and plot. Maybe in the next few books I’ll appreciate the romance more.
September 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this. This was one of the most believable and realistic couple's I've read from a Sci-Fi romance in a LONG time. Their connection wasn't one of fated or mates (although I do like that trope too) it was founded in common interest, appriciating the other for who they were more than just a carnal desire they both felt pulled towards. The sex 100% took a backburner in this novel in comparison to a lot of sci-fi romances but if anything that added to how great their dynamic was. All the secondary characters were super fun and it made me laugh quite a few times.
Overall a 4 star, well-written, funny, great characters and developed romance, with a super fun plot line. Will definitely read from Ella Blake again!
*edit - I actually had read from Ella Blake before, without remembering. I had previously DNF'd one of hers as I didn't like how the dynamic was. Intrigued to see what else she's written
Overall a 4 star, well-written, funny, great characters and developed romance, with a super fun plot line. Will definitely read from Ella Blake again!
*edit - I actually had read from Ella Blake before, without remembering. I had previously DNF'd one of hers as I didn't like how the dynamic was. Intrigued to see what else she's written
April 5, 2023
They are both attracted to each other. He has never had the urge to bite a woman during sex before. He asks her and shows her his fangs. She says no. He respects that decision.
Then during sex she changes her mind and is yelling at him to bite her. He asks if she's sure and she says yes. Well, she didn't know him biting her was a permanent mate bond. He never told her that. For his part, he thought she understood that.
She explains to him afterwards that humans don't make those kinds of decisions so quickly. They talk things out.
The book was pretty much instant lust and instant love. He thinks she's hot from the moment he saw her and she thinks he's hot. I didn't feel much of a connection.
Then during sex she changes her mind and is yelling at him to bite her. He asks if she's sure and she says yes. Well, she didn't know him biting her was a permanent mate bond. He never told her that. For his part, he thought she understood that.
She explains to him afterwards that humans don't make those kinds of decisions so quickly. They talk things out.
The book was pretty much instant lust and instant love. He thinks she's hot from the moment he saw her and she thinks he's hot. I didn't feel much of a connection.
January 3, 2025
Lila & Gavrox
Nun.... dieses Buch hatte eine interessante Storyline als Idee, mit einem leichten Schreibstil, der jedoch einige Schreibfehler aufwies, sowie einer wechselnden Erzählperspektive beider Protagonisten.
Zu der Handlung kann ich sagen das sie sehr gewöhnungsbedürftig für mich war. Die Geschichte hatte eine interessante Idee, allerdings fand ich die Umsetzung eher mager, denn die Handlung war eher halbgar.
Dazu kam das die Protas eher oberflächlich gehalten sind und man zwar Einblicke in ihre Vergangenheit bekommt, doch mir fehlten hier eindeutig die Emotionen und Gefühle, die nicht spürbar waren.
Auch hab die Handlung nur bedingt Sinn, da fehlte es eindeutig an Tiefe.
Für zwischendurch war sie jedoch okay, abgesehen von den Schreibfehlern, die das Lesen etwas erschweren.
Nun.... dieses Buch hatte eine interessante Storyline als Idee, mit einem leichten Schreibstil, der jedoch einige Schreibfehler aufwies, sowie einer wechselnden Erzählperspektive beider Protagonisten.
Zu der Handlung kann ich sagen das sie sehr gewöhnungsbedürftig für mich war. Die Geschichte hatte eine interessante Idee, allerdings fand ich die Umsetzung eher mager, denn die Handlung war eher halbgar.
Dazu kam das die Protas eher oberflächlich gehalten sind und man zwar Einblicke in ihre Vergangenheit bekommt, doch mir fehlten hier eindeutig die Emotionen und Gefühle, die nicht spürbar waren.
Auch hab die Handlung nur bedingt Sinn, da fehlte es eindeutig an Tiefe.
Für zwischendurch war sie jedoch okay, abgesehen von den Schreibfehlern, die das Lesen etwas erschweren.
September 6, 2023
Cheesy, predictable, but cute.
I can tell this author is not very advanced. Her writing style is to descriptive of every little thing each person is doing.
A story should flow seamlessly. Like your reading what you're watching.
If everyone in a movie stopped to say everything they were going to do before they did it, it would be very irritating to watch.
This novel is quite choppy. The I love you's were said wayyyy to early! And the first sex scene was cringe worthy 😖
It did have potential for a good story line, but everything felt rushed.
I am definitely not interested enough to read anymore of the stories.
I can tell this author is not very advanced. Her writing style is to descriptive of every little thing each person is doing.
A story should flow seamlessly. Like your reading what you're watching.
If everyone in a movie stopped to say everything they were going to do before they did it, it would be very irritating to watch.
This novel is quite choppy. The I love you's were said wayyyy to early! And the first sex scene was cringe worthy 😖
It did have potential for a good story line, but everything felt rushed.
I am definitely not interested enough to read anymore of the stories.
January 15, 2024
I didn’t hate it. I’m surprised I liked it at much as I did.
HOWEVER, this book felt very basic and it was SUCH an easy, fun, quick read. Nothing wrong with that, but I really enjoyed the back stories and I feel like the writer missed the opportunity to develop her fascinating world further into something fantastic.
There were parts that were very cheesy and corny that made me laugh out loud with how ridiculous it was. But I mean, I knew what I was getting into for picking up an alien smut book, so I welcomed it.
There are other books in this series; I probably won’t pick them up. I am not invested to read on.
HOWEVER, this book felt very basic and it was SUCH an easy, fun, quick read. Nothing wrong with that, but I really enjoyed the back stories and I feel like the writer missed the opportunity to develop her fascinating world further into something fantastic.
There were parts that were very cheesy and corny that made me laugh out loud with how ridiculous it was. But I mean, I knew what I was getting into for picking up an alien smut book, so I welcomed it.
There are other books in this series; I probably won’t pick them up. I am not invested to read on.
July 26, 2023
3 uncomplicated stars
This is the kind of book you read when your brain needs a break from other complex books. Overall, just a very simple read with simple characters and a simple storyline. I must say that it wasn't necessarily boring but some situations took a little too long for me to be resolved. Everything flows for the most part and it's a quick read. Can't say the two MCs have the most explosive chemistry I've ever read but it was sweet enough to finish the book.
enjoyable enough to read the sequel though
This is the kind of book you read when your brain needs a break from other complex books. Overall, just a very simple read with simple characters and a simple storyline. I must say that it wasn't necessarily boring but some situations took a little too long for me to be resolved. Everything flows for the most part and it's a quick read. Can't say the two MCs have the most explosive chemistry I've ever read but it was sweet enough to finish the book.
enjoyable enough to read the sequel though
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