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The Crimson Earth
One human doctor will cross enemy lines to save humanity. When the Aelyds arrived on Earth, they promised peace. Instead, men were thrown into interment camps and women were used to crossbreed on the off chance that their children would carry on the Gift - psychic powers highly prized by the Aelyds.
Dr. Ziggy Madden has been providing underground care to the women who so desperately need it. But when she's caught and offered a deal with the devil, she has to make an uncertain alliance with the same aliens who destroyed the planet she once knew. THE CRIMSON EARTH is an Alien Mafia Brides WhyChoose novella that takes place in the aftermath of an alien invasion. Please note that this novella contains extremely dark themes. This novella was originally published in the I AM THE FIRE anthology.
Dr. Ziggy Madden has been providing underground care to the women who so desperately need it. But when she's caught and offered a deal with the devil, she has to make an uncertain alliance with the same aliens who destroyed the planet she once knew. THE CRIMSON EARTH is an Alien Mafia Brides WhyChoose novella that takes place in the aftermath of an alien invasion. Please note that this novella contains extremely dark themes. This novella was originally published in the I AM THE FIRE anthology.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 26, 2023
Dr. Ziggy (h) provides illegal health services for women forced into breeding with Aelyds, aliens who’ve taken control of Earth. Roshan (h) captures her but as he gets to know her he begins to question the women’s treatment and Ziggy’s impending execution. She struggles with the options presented to her but ultimately agrees to Roshan’s rescue plan which involves tow other Aelyds, Jupiter (H) and Taavi (H). As the rescue proceeds, Ziggy finds herself drawn to her three would-be rescuers. A dark alien RH quickie with some dark themes in a dystopian future, includes mention of forced breeding, violence, MM, MFM.
March 19, 2023
This is a short novella introducing Bright and Parker’s version of an Earth invaded by aliens. One thing I really liked about The Crimson Earth is that it takes place some time after the invasion, when humans have been living for a while under the Aelydon who now run Earth. That means men have been shunted to work camps and women have been reduced to breeders for the invaders. The Aelydon have a broken system—they want human women to bear them children, but they don’t protect or help them; instead, they treat them as expendable commodities.
Our heroine Ziggy (and I’m sorry, but I kept seeing the cartoon character when I read this name) is an obstetrician practicing her craft in secret. Ziggy hates the alien regime and works to hide the stillborn children that result far too often from relations between the Aelydon and humans. When she’s finally caught, it’s only her integrity and steadfast belief in the righteousness of what she’s doing that starts to turn some of the Aelydon into believers and supporters of her cause.
This is a lot to cram into a short novella, and that made the story problematic for me. Ziggy attracts multiple lovers, and some of them spend no time alone with her, so I couldn’t understand why they’d suddenly be willing to risk everything for her. They had to switch their belief systems pretty quickly, and I couldn’t buy into that. Ziggy goes from hating all the aliens to being attracted to them, and again, I had trouble accepting that she’d turn on a dime like this. And I had trouble understanding exactly how the aliens were treating the human women to cause them such harm and create such hate in Ziggy.
That said, the glimpses of the world Bright and Parker are building are fascinating as a truly dystopian alien situation. There are hints that there are various alien Families (which are like tribes), and they have very different views of humans and how they should be treated from the Family that’s currently dominant on Earth, which leaves open all sorts of story possibilities. So I’d definitely be willing to read more works set in this world. But I hope they are longer books to build out the fullness this setting deserves.
The authors kindly offer a number of CWs, and readers should definitely pay attention to those.
Our heroine Ziggy (and I’m sorry, but I kept seeing the cartoon character when I read this name) is an obstetrician practicing her craft in secret. Ziggy hates the alien regime and works to hide the stillborn children that result far too often from relations between the Aelydon and humans. When she’s finally caught, it’s only her integrity and steadfast belief in the righteousness of what she’s doing that starts to turn some of the Aelydon into believers and supporters of her cause.
This is a lot to cram into a short novella, and that made the story problematic for me. Ziggy attracts multiple lovers, and some of them spend no time alone with her, so I couldn’t understand why they’d suddenly be willing to risk everything for her. They had to switch their belief systems pretty quickly, and I couldn’t buy into that. Ziggy goes from hating all the aliens to being attracted to them, and again, I had trouble accepting that she’d turn on a dime like this. And I had trouble understanding exactly how the aliens were treating the human women to cause them such harm and create such hate in Ziggy.
That said, the glimpses of the world Bright and Parker are building are fascinating as a truly dystopian alien situation. There are hints that there are various alien Families (which are like tribes), and they have very different views of humans and how they should be treated from the Family that’s currently dominant on Earth, which leaves open all sorts of story possibilities. So I’d definitely be willing to read more works set in this world. But I hope they are longer books to build out the fullness this setting deserves.
The authors kindly offer a number of CWs, and readers should definitely pay attention to those.
March 3, 2023
🖤 “Anything for you. I mean that. Anything.”
~~~
Dr. Ziggy Madden is one amazing woman! She’s strong, brave and so fierce. Even more, I loved her determination to do everything in her power, even risk and sacrifice her own life, to provide assistance and lifesaving care for all the Earth women who need it. And I loved that she was not afraid to say things as they really were and to stand up even against the dangerous and powerful Aelyds. Ziggy is phenomenal and I absolutely adored her!
And then we have the three males from three different Aelyd Families - Roshan, Jupiter and Taavi. Those three are fearsome, dangerous, resourceful and protective. They were so different and yet fit together so well. Even more, they share a lot of history and were definitely not shy to show affection for one another. I just loved all the naughty things they could do with their Gift. Taavi, Roshan and Jupiter were magnificent and I loved all three of them so, so much!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Ziggy, Jupiter, Roshan and Taavi! The tension in the beginning was so palpable as they were on opposite sides. And it took some time for them to learn to trust each other. I loved that the three males managed to show Ziggy that not all Aelyds were bad and that Ziggy showed them that Earth women were more than a breeding stock and they must have a choice when it comes to their lives and their bodies. Those four were amazing together and so perfect for each other. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot and I couldn’t get enough!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! With the fragile peace between the Aelyd Families, the daring and dangerous rescue mission and the suspense, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, The Crimson Earth is a spectacular story about choices and body autonomy. It’s filled with danger, suspense, action, violence, blazing hot passion and magnificent characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it.
~
P.S. The story touches on some very dark topics, so be sure to check the TW/CW.
~~~
Dr. Ziggy Madden is one amazing woman! She’s strong, brave and so fierce. Even more, I loved her determination to do everything in her power, even risk and sacrifice her own life, to provide assistance and lifesaving care for all the Earth women who need it. And I loved that she was not afraid to say things as they really were and to stand up even against the dangerous and powerful Aelyds. Ziggy is phenomenal and I absolutely adored her!
And then we have the three males from three different Aelyd Families - Roshan, Jupiter and Taavi. Those three are fearsome, dangerous, resourceful and protective. They were so different and yet fit together so well. Even more, they share a lot of history and were definitely not shy to show affection for one another. I just loved all the naughty things they could do with their Gift. Taavi, Roshan and Jupiter were magnificent and I loved all three of them so, so much!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Ziggy, Jupiter, Roshan and Taavi! The tension in the beginning was so palpable as they were on opposite sides. And it took some time for them to learn to trust each other. I loved that the three males managed to show Ziggy that not all Aelyds were bad and that Ziggy showed them that Earth women were more than a breeding stock and they must have a choice when it comes to their lives and their bodies. Those four were amazing together and so perfect for each other. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot and I couldn’t get enough!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! With the fragile peace between the Aelyd Families, the daring and dangerous rescue mission and the suspense, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, The Crimson Earth is a spectacular story about choices and body autonomy. It’s filled with danger, suspense, action, violence, blazing hot passion and magnificent characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it.
~
P.S. The story touches on some very dark topics, so be sure to check the TW/CW.
March 1, 2023
Stars: 5
FMC: Ziggy
MMC(s): Roshan, Jupiter, Taavi
Tropes: Mars Needs Women, Why Choose (it hit this reader's poly vibes), Morally Grey main characters, abduction. Reader add: Mafia, piercings, electro-play, and sword crossing.
Perspective: Multiple
Plot or character driven: Both
Spice level: 4
Burn speed: Fast
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, but it's going to make a lot more sense if you've read the whole series.
Re-Readability: Yes.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Numerous. Please check the CW/TW at the beginning of the book. And then check it again. The book is VERY dark, but the romance is not. I will also add that if you only like M/F, or if you don't like M/M, pass on this one.
I DON'T EVEN LIKE MAFIA NOVELS.
YES, I am yelling about it because this novella had me in a chokehold. I cannot stress enough the importance of reading the CW with this particular novel as there some pretty intense scenes and themes.
I, personally, did not find the romance part to be dark at all. The MMCs are morally grey, however, there's never a question of how they feel about one another, or how they feel about Ziggy which is often prevalent in dark romances.
So, onto the story. I love how they introduced the guys of our story, even Roshan who is a little dicey at the beginning due to how he and Ziggy meet, and even if he does change his mind rather fast, I liked it so he's getting a pass.
And the history between the guys. Chef's kiss. I was blowing kisses at my screen while I was reading it.
And now I apparently like space mafia novels just fine. What even is my life.
FMC: Ziggy
MMC(s): Roshan, Jupiter, Taavi
Tropes: Mars Needs Women, Why Choose (it hit this reader's poly vibes), Morally Grey main characters, abduction. Reader add: Mafia, piercings, electro-play, and sword crossing.
Perspective: Multiple
Plot or character driven: Both
Spice level: 4
Burn speed: Fast
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, but it's going to make a lot more sense if you've read the whole series.
Re-Readability: Yes.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: Numerous. Please check the CW/TW at the beginning of the book. And then check it again. The book is VERY dark, but the romance is not. I will also add that if you only like M/F, or if you don't like M/M, pass on this one.
I DON'T EVEN LIKE MAFIA NOVELS.
YES, I am yelling about it because this novella had me in a chokehold. I cannot stress enough the importance of reading the CW with this particular novel as there some pretty intense scenes and themes.
I, personally, did not find the romance part to be dark at all. The MMCs are morally grey, however, there's never a question of how they feel about one another, or how they feel about Ziggy which is often prevalent in dark romances.
So, onto the story. I love how they introduced the guys of our story, even Roshan who is a little dicey at the beginning due to how he and Ziggy meet, and even if he does change his mind rather fast, I liked it so he's getting a pass.
And the history between the guys. Chef's kiss. I was blowing kisses at my screen while I was reading it.
And now I apparently like space mafia novels just fine. What even is my life.
May 1, 2023
This book definitely felt like a novella. There just wasn't enough to bite into and really get invested. There was some world building but it seems like a pretty complex world maybe a bit too much for a novella. There were just enough details to be confusing and not explain much. I almost wished there was a bit less incomplete background and more 'the world sucks for women, more details in the full length novels.' Which would have left space for the why chose romance which came from nowhere.
The romance, especially the two additional males felt way underdeveloped. The MM pairings had some history and chemistry. Their connections felt like they were built romance and love. But Roshan is the only one who seemed to have any interactions much less chemistry with Ziggy. Taavi only had one small interaction with her, while Jupiter isn't even introduced to her before they are suddenly jumping into a future together as a family. I would have believed an MMM match-up where they decided to rescue humans and Ziggy was just a catalyst and not a FL. As it was the romance between these four felt abrupt and not particularly believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The romance, especially the two additional males felt way underdeveloped. The MM pairings had some history and chemistry. Their connections felt like they were built romance and love. But Roshan is the only one who seemed to have any interactions much less chemistry with Ziggy. Taavi only had one small interaction with her, while Jupiter isn't even introduced to her before they are suddenly jumping into a future together as a family. I would have believed an MMM match-up where they decided to rescue humans and Ziggy was just a catalyst and not a FL. As it was the romance between these four felt abrupt and not particularly believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2023
Love created a new family!!!!!
There is something about family that makes love in its infintie place nothing but perfect.
Ziggy is a Dr trying salvage and save women being used and abuse by the Aelyds to procreate for survival. Roshan never really felt at home so he did what he was told being a soldier in one of the three families. But his interaction/conversation with Ziggy makes him question the treatment of the human women. So Roshan come up with a plan, that includes Jupiter, a former lover, and Taavi a new friend.all from different families. But as they run for their lives and try to protect Ziggy and the women she wouldn't leave, they find love that is lost rekindled, new love and rcreatedna new family with in the resistance.
Love created a new family and sparked goal to help human women be better.
Intersting story with a back drop not focused on one person. This is tols through multiple characters. The steam level is 🔥🔥 however you fall in love with the growth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is something about family that makes love in its infintie place nothing but perfect.
Ziggy is a Dr trying salvage and save women being used and abuse by the Aelyds to procreate for survival. Roshan never really felt at home so he did what he was told being a soldier in one of the three families. But his interaction/conversation with Ziggy makes him question the treatment of the human women. So Roshan come up with a plan, that includes Jupiter, a former lover, and Taavi a new friend.all from different families. But as they run for their lives and try to protect Ziggy and the women she wouldn't leave, they find love that is lost rekindled, new love and rcreatedna new family with in the resistance.
Love created a new family and sparked goal to help human women be better.
Intersting story with a back drop not focused on one person. This is tols through multiple characters. The steam level is 🔥🔥 however you fall in love with the growth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2023
This book was set in a harsh post alien invasion Earth and it's rather dystopian. Please check the tw before diving in as things are very grim and dark for us gals, and humans in general. We meet Roshan and Doc Ziggy when he arrests her for helping women with their deliveries. Her integrity really made an impact on him and allowed him to look at how his family, the Aelydon clan ruling Earth, and see all the wrongs they were doing. His connections with Taavi and Jupiter helped get a rescue set up and things go fast and furious, with great suspense, as they try and rendezvous with another clan's ship to get off planet. Sparks sure fly for the four of them when they have some quiet moments in a safe house. I love that they saw the hope of a new and unique family that contains someone from each clan, and of course, Ziggy. This was a fab note to end such a dark story on - hope and family and love :D
April 28, 2023
Dark, Dystopian Yet Hopeful
Dr Ziggy Madden helps women who have been impregnated by the Aelyd, either in giving birth in secret or termination. While highly illegal in a post-invasion Earth, it’s her life’s mission - until one night, when she’s arrested. Roshan Diavolo is part of the team that arrests Ziggy, but what she says gives him a change of heart, so he reaches out to an old friend for help. Jupiter Ganivets in turn asks Taavi Tauros to stage a rescue attempt. This team works to get the women to safety, all the while sparking attraction between Ziggy, Roshan, Jupiter and Taavi. Without a doubt, the attraction between these four is intense, made more so by the dangerous circumstances, but it’s the desperation and futility of life for the women in this story that really stuck with me. Plus, it really made me reflect on body autonomy and how fortunate my situation is. A surprisingly thought-provoking story.
May 22, 2023
★ “I didn’t change my mind,” Roshan says quietly. “You did.” ★
—>>> Dr. Ziggy Madden fights for the birthing rights of human women left on Earth post-alien invasion. This was a very fast-paced story, and while I did wish that there was more development of the relationships between Ziggy and her three Aelyd males, the story was enjoyable and was a great follow-on installment to Penn’s story in Veiled in Shadow. The Resistance continues to gain members and I admire Ziggy’s dedication to doing what she needs to do to get the job done. If she has her way, no woman will get left behind.
—>>> Dr. Ziggy Madden fights for the birthing rights of human women left on Earth post-alien invasion. This was a very fast-paced story, and while I did wish that there was more development of the relationships between Ziggy and her three Aelyd males, the story was enjoyable and was a great follow-on installment to Penn’s story in Veiled in Shadow. The Resistance continues to gain members and I admire Ziggy’s dedication to doing what she needs to do to get the job done. If she has her way, no woman will get left behind.
March 6, 2023
Ziggy is a human Dr, she's seen first hand the horrors of the alien war, but could Roshan, Jupiter and Taavi show her there's more good to the aliens than the evil she's seen. Well written steamy, alien, why choose romance, with dark themes throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2023
3.5 stars. Good RH in a dystopian future but the loose ends aren't tied up, the story feels unfinished.
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.
March 3, 2024
I liked the other story in this universe but this was (sadly) just rushed and bad.
March 27, 2023
I really liked reading this novella. It’s was a great why choose novella. We get to see this utopian world where women are used as breeding stock and we get Ziggy, a doctor that is trying to care for women. The men in this novella we’re great. They really showed that they wanted to listen to Ziggy and what she had to say. Will she accept the, and begin a relationship with them?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews