Contains spoilers…
The development of the romance – and of the story, if we’re being honest – is NON-EXISTENT.
Kayla gets used to everything happening around her far too easily, even when it’s absurd (like being trapped on a planet full of alien men who eat human flesh from time to time).
She barely spends any time with Grut – because he makes a point of staying away from her most of the time. He doesn’t want her, even knowing they are compatible and that she could give him what he’s always wanted: children.
Leiv, on the other hand, makes it clear that he wants a partner, but he’s respectful and gives her space. He was sincere and considerate – even if he has a more meticulous way about him.
And the protagonist is so confused that, even after deciding to be with Leiv, she gives everything up because Grut simply said “no” and practically forced her to have sex? Wtf?
And he basically only stayed with her because he felt he would lose a possession to Leiv. He doesn’t gradually change his plans as I expected because he grows captivated by Kayla.