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The Krinar Chronicles #1
Close Liaisons
In the near future, the Krinar make the rules. An ancient, highly advanced race from another galaxy, they are beautiful, powerful, and immortal ― and driven by dark desires.
A student at NYU, Mia Stalis has her whole life planned out...until one close encounter changes everything. Drawn against her will to the dangerous alien determined to possess her, Mia finds herself thrust into a world of explosive passion and deadly intrigue. And if she is to escape his addictive embrace, she will have to make an impossible choice...while the fate of Earth hangs in the balance.
9 pages, Audiobook
First published October 5, 2012
1663 people are currently reading
8446 people want to read
About the author
Anna Zaires
100 books7,862 followersAnna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.
Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.
In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.
She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,009 reviews
June 30, 2017
I enjoyed every second of this. Off to inhale book two...RTC.
March 23, 2015
Combination of Twilight (2000 year old bloodsucker) with 50 Shades (controlling rich dude) and a submissive inane heroine lacking intelligence, backbone and basic logic. (Oh also - she's a POOR-ME whinger)
Heroine: have you ever read the account of a woman suffering domestic abuse? Well there you go….
Hero: glaring irregularities.
1. I'm not sure if the author has secret Gulf Arab sheikh fantasies but she's played them out here. The heroes (and all K men) appear to be black-haired, bronze skinned, tall and authoritarian. Either that or she's got a fetish for the Taliban.
2. Typical characteristics of a silly Neanderthal/ Cave man (possessive, believes in female ownership and inequality, and judicial killings) but is meant to be 2k years old from a mature older race... Than surely they'd be enlightened progressives? Using armed warfare would equate to being primitive.
In fact considering their small population (K's are inclined to reproduce less (not as fertile as humans) but live longer) and their use of brain mass (K's are highly evolved intellectually) surely after exceeding a billion years the evolutionary outcome would be a race that would be rendered with telepathic (and Psychokinesis/ telekinesis) aibilitis and minimal animalistic tendencies/inclinations. Basically a low sex drive, non-violent, control over emotions etc.
Sexual details:
This is disturbing. I'm not against dominating/ dubious consent stuff. If that's what you enjoy - better to feed your fantasy via text than in reality. However, this author finds the idea of outright rape distasteful hence according to the hero as long as the heroine is enjoying the "forced seduction" then its only borderline rape - so eermm....ok..??
Dude - if you're going to infringe those essential liberties than go all the way rather than tease your audience with a semi-rapist control freak stalker. And don't - JUST DO NOT - justify such behaviour. If it's your kink - fine. But don't think it's ok. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is NOT ok.
However, most disturbing was the references to the heroine resembling a 10 year old . Basically she doesn't have the body that most erotic novel heroines do (i.e. curves. You wouldn't want a hero less endowed hence vice versa).
So when the hero falls for our heroine, it's primarily due to her resembling a frightened 10 year old running from the Big Bad Wolf.
Issues/ Contradictions/ Illogical
1. Mention of Oil Rich Sheikh.
- considering the K's are here to prevent the further destruction of planet earth from immature humans; than one would assume that they'd immediately introduce clean transportation (like using telepods). Surely for an advance race (that's been existence for billions of years)- this would require little to no effort.
2. The humans have signed a treaty with the K leadership. No mention if a global treaty or if the USA is speaking for the whole world (I mean I know our friends across the pond have world domination in mind - but I think the Chinese combined Russian strength has put paid to that ambition with a declining global reserve).
3. Humans are (according to K's) a subspecies whom the K's despise due to our inferiorty, which the K's state is manifested by our selfish, ignorant and emotional state of being.
However, Korom is NOT in control of his emotional state (and hardly an intellect) and does NOT resemble a sophisticated enlightened being. Korom is a whinging diva, petty, stalker, cavemen Neanderthal - it doesn't make sense.
...loads more but can't be bothered to go into it.
Heroine: have you ever read the account of a woman suffering domestic abuse? Well there you go….
Hero: glaring irregularities.
1. I'm not sure if the author has secret Gulf Arab sheikh fantasies but she's played them out here. The heroes (and all K men) appear to be black-haired, bronze skinned, tall and authoritarian. Either that or she's got a fetish for the Taliban.
2. Typical characteristics of a silly Neanderthal/ Cave man (possessive, believes in female ownership and inequality, and judicial killings) but is meant to be 2k years old from a mature older race... Than surely they'd be enlightened progressives? Using armed warfare would equate to being primitive.
In fact considering their small population (K's are inclined to reproduce less (not as fertile as humans) but live longer) and their use of brain mass (K's are highly evolved intellectually) surely after exceeding a billion years the evolutionary outcome would be a race that would be rendered with telepathic (and Psychokinesis/ telekinesis) aibilitis and minimal animalistic tendencies/inclinations. Basically a low sex drive, non-violent, control over emotions etc.
Sexual details:
This is disturbing. I'm not against dominating/ dubious consent stuff. If that's what you enjoy - better to feed your fantasy via text than in reality. However, this author finds the idea of outright rape distasteful hence according to the hero as long as the heroine is enjoying the "forced seduction" then its only borderline rape - so eermm....ok..??
Dude - if you're going to infringe those essential liberties than go all the way rather than tease your audience with a semi-rapist control freak stalker. And don't - JUST DO NOT - justify such behaviour. If it's your kink - fine. But don't think it's ok. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is NOT ok.
However, most disturbing was the references to the heroine resembling a 10 year old . Basically she doesn't have the body that most erotic novel heroines do (i.e. curves. You wouldn't want a hero less endowed hence vice versa).
So when the hero falls for our heroine, it's primarily due to her resembling a frightened 10 year old running from the Big Bad Wolf.
Issues/ Contradictions/ Illogical
1. Mention of Oil Rich Sheikh.
- considering the K's are here to prevent the further destruction of planet earth from immature humans; than one would assume that they'd immediately introduce clean transportation (like using telepods). Surely for an advance race (that's been existence for billions of years)- this would require little to no effort.
2. The humans have signed a treaty with the K leadership. No mention if a global treaty or if the USA is speaking for the whole world (I mean I know our friends across the pond have world domination in mind - but I think the Chinese combined Russian strength has put paid to that ambition with a declining global reserve).
3. Humans are (according to K's) a subspecies whom the K's despise due to our inferiorty, which the K's state is manifested by our selfish, ignorant and emotional state of being.
However, Korom is NOT in control of his emotional state (and hardly an intellect) and does NOT resemble a sophisticated enlightened being. Korom is a whinging diva, petty, stalker, cavemen Neanderthal - it doesn't make sense.
...loads more but can't be bothered to go into it.
November 19, 2018
This is a cute Alien/Human love story. "i've been around long enough to understand that when you find a good thing you hold on to it, you don't throw it away on a whim" Aww *i fell in love with him when he said it :D*
September 22, 2014
Stupidest.Heroine.Ever..... There isn't anything remotely charming or sexy about this book. You have an ALIEN male protagonist who is controlling, emotionally abusive & brutish. You have a HUMAN female protagonist who's just flat-out stupid. Why are 90% of the female protagonists portrayed as helpless, innocent virgins? This novel takes the notion of the defenseless female virgin WAY TOO FAR.... She can never adapt to her alien lover's enormous "size," & in one scene, she actually requires medical attention for a vaginal injury.... Erotic?!? I think not. It bears similarities to the very popular series-- "Fifty Shades of Grey," except for the fact that this novel's characters are "Fifty Shades More Unlikeable".... Oh yeah, & one more thing: IN THIS NOVEL, ALIENS THRIVE OFF OF DRINKING HUMAN BLOOD. "Twilight," much?!? *1/5 stars*
June 19, 2017
Although this is another Alien hunk-meets-Earth girl romance, the events take place in Earth and particularly in New York. No Deep Space here. There is an Earth Invasion you see...
Korum and Moira meet 5 years after the first time one of the Aliens introduced himself to US president. Korum is ecstatic to meet her at the park, while Mia wants to run away and scream.
Basically this is how their story rolls. Korum is pushy, territorial, bossy, cruel and a jerk sometimes, but Mia is his and she needs to understand this.
Mia is scared to death, virginal, defensive and a crybaby sometimes who has no clue what this hot alien wants from her.
Their passion will be over the top. Mia will be pampered, looked after, fed properly (Korum keeps cooking these tasty, healthy salads and sandwiches just for her) and she will be HIS.
She has no other choice actually. She will become his sex toy and she will be introduced in his world of passion. Certain things scare her like his craving for blood during sex act (she will overcome her fear about his vampiric tendencies soon and she will enjoy them) and their age difference maybe.
Okay, he is much older than her (a couple of thousand years older), cleverer than her (he has designed the vessels that brought his people to Earth) and richer than her (he owns the company which creates the vessels).
Little innocent, student Mia is overwhelmed. Plus she is warned that now she will be his slave, he will never let her go and he will make her disappear.
To be honest I did not like the two main characters very much when I started this series. I wanted to punch Korum a couple of times. He behaves like a patronized, arrogant – I know everything- asshole. And he probably knows everything, but this is not my point! Mia on the other hand is truly a baby, easily manipulated by both her alien and her friends. Not my thing.
I gave 5 stars actually when I finished all three books and I saw several things I liked i.e.:
-how their relationship proceeded through the three books
-how Korum explained himself and his behavior.
And the world building is amazing: Aliens have conquered the Earth peacefully and they are teaching them medicine and technology to improve their lives.
Korum and Moira meet 5 years after the first time one of the Aliens introduced himself to US president. Korum is ecstatic to meet her at the park, while Mia wants to run away and scream.
Basically this is how their story rolls. Korum is pushy, territorial, bossy, cruel and a jerk sometimes, but Mia is his and she needs to understand this.
Mia is scared to death, virginal, defensive and a crybaby sometimes who has no clue what this hot alien wants from her.
Their passion will be over the top. Mia will be pampered, looked after, fed properly (Korum keeps cooking these tasty, healthy salads and sandwiches just for her) and she will be HIS.
She has no other choice actually. She will become his sex toy and she will be introduced in his world of passion. Certain things scare her like his craving for blood during sex act (she will overcome her fear about his vampiric tendencies soon and she will enjoy them) and their age difference maybe.
Okay, he is much older than her (a couple of thousand years older), cleverer than her (he has designed the vessels that brought his people to Earth) and richer than her (he owns the company which creates the vessels).
Little innocent, student Mia is overwhelmed. Plus she is warned that now she will be his slave, he will never let her go and he will make her disappear.
To be honest I did not like the two main characters very much when I started this series. I wanted to punch Korum a couple of times. He behaves like a patronized, arrogant – I know everything- asshole. And he probably knows everything, but this is not my point! Mia on the other hand is truly a baby, easily manipulated by both her alien and her friends. Not my thing.
I gave 5 stars actually when I finished all three books and I saw several things I liked i.e.:
-how their relationship proceeded through the three books
-how Korum explained himself and his behavior.
And the world building is amazing: Aliens have conquered the Earth peacefully and they are teaching them medicine and technology to improve their lives.
September 27, 2015
I loved the 'Twist Me' series by Anna Zaires, so I thought I'd check out some of her other works. I am so glad that I did! I've found another series that has captured my interest in this first book of 'The Krinar Chronicles'. Usually, paranormal isn't my "go to" sub genre in romance. However, every once in a while I find one that is compelling and unique. 'Close Liasons' was one of those rare finds.
In many ways, I wanted to hate the main characters. Korum, the sexy alien invader, was high-handed, manipulative and controlling. On the other hand, Mia was wishy-washy, naive and often portrayed as weak. Usually, that would be enough to completely turn me off. Yet in spite of, or maybe because of, all this, I could not get enough of these two. Sometimes, it just works.
The story begins with a brief history of how the Krinar, a more advanced alien race, took control of earth. After the initial invasion, they seem to live peacefully alongside the humans for the most part. Of course, rumors about the gorgeous alien invaders abound.
One day, Mia is approached by Korum in the park. Just a human college student, Mia has no idea what the beautiful Krinar male could see in her. She's never been particularly attractive to the opposite sex with her skinny frame and wild, curly hair. Yet, she can't stop staring and can't deny the connection she feels.
Korum soon divulges his intentions for Mia. He wants Mia in his bed and it isn't optional. Apparently, the Krinar get what they want and Korum wants Mia.
Despite trying to fight her attraction for Korum, Mia develops feelings for him. While she really doesn't have a choice but to comply with his wants, Mia can't help but feel like a traitor to her race for enjoying his touch so much. She definitely has a love/hate relationship with him throughout this story.
There is also a lot going on behind the scenes as well. Freedom fighters are waging a campaign against the Krinar and Mia is called upon to support the human cause. Korum is more powerful than he's let on, and vital to the Krinar. Eventually, tempers flare and Mia's deceit is revealed.
This book ends with things still up in the air. Mia is in danger and still bound to Korum. He's unwilling to let her go and despite his harsh ways, there is a tenderness about him that continues to draw you back in, no matter what he's done. I can't get enough of this story and will be starting the next book immediately.
In many ways, I wanted to hate the main characters. Korum, the sexy alien invader, was high-handed, manipulative and controlling. On the other hand, Mia was wishy-washy, naive and often portrayed as weak. Usually, that would be enough to completely turn me off. Yet in spite of, or maybe because of, all this, I could not get enough of these two. Sometimes, it just works.
The story begins with a brief history of how the Krinar, a more advanced alien race, took control of earth. After the initial invasion, they seem to live peacefully alongside the humans for the most part. Of course, rumors about the gorgeous alien invaders abound.
One day, Mia is approached by Korum in the park. Just a human college student, Mia has no idea what the beautiful Krinar male could see in her. She's never been particularly attractive to the opposite sex with her skinny frame and wild, curly hair. Yet, she can't stop staring and can't deny the connection she feels.
Korum soon divulges his intentions for Mia. He wants Mia in his bed and it isn't optional. Apparently, the Krinar get what they want and Korum wants Mia.
Despite trying to fight her attraction for Korum, Mia develops feelings for him. While she really doesn't have a choice but to comply with his wants, Mia can't help but feel like a traitor to her race for enjoying his touch so much. She definitely has a love/hate relationship with him throughout this story.
There is also a lot going on behind the scenes as well. Freedom fighters are waging a campaign against the Krinar and Mia is called upon to support the human cause. Korum is more powerful than he's let on, and vital to the Krinar. Eventually, tempers flare and Mia's deceit is revealed.
This book ends with things still up in the air. Mia is in danger and still bound to Korum. He's unwilling to let her go and despite his harsh ways, there is a tenderness about him that continues to draw you back in, no matter what he's done. I can't get enough of this story and will be starting the next book immediately.
May 23, 2013
I can't label this a romance. Its the systematic, methodical acclimatization of a woman to mental and emotional abuse. If Zaires had classified this as literary fiction, I would be the first to hail her as a brave new voice in world of anatomy of the psychotic mind along the lines of Humbert in "Lolita." Zaires' explored abuse in all its harsh forms. Korum takes one look at Mia and decides, for reasons we are never privy to, that he will have her. He separates her from her friends, her family, her dreams, and makes her totally dependent upon him with absolutely no apologies or wiggle room. Mia is so brainwashed by the middle of the books, she blames his outbursts of attempted murder on herself. Again, if this were meant to be pure literature or a character study of a psychotic abuser, then I am on my feet applauding Zaires for her absolute prowess! But just like "Twilight" and "50 Shades of Gray" this story is escapist pop fiction meant to be enjoyed and not dissected. I am almost positive that Zaires wrote to entertain, not educate. And for that reason, I'm just so sad.
I read 50 Shades and enjoyed it because of the character development of its dark hero, Christian Gray. The writing was atrocious and the heroine, Ana, had no personality. Zaires' prose is passable, her world-building engaging. Her characters though, were blank slates. Outside of their actions, I couldn't tell you much about Mia or Korum. I didn't take to the first Twilight book, but I loved the second because of the writing, and Bella had some balls. I'm so over this trope of virgin and alpha-hole. Give me a Nalini Singh or Kresley Cole book where the alpha holes have to put up with some grown women who will challenge their asses!
I'm torn about the ending too. I love a non-traditional HEA. But there was nothing happy or redemptive or even satisfying about that ending. So sad.
I read 50 Shades and enjoyed it because of the character development of its dark hero, Christian Gray. The writing was atrocious and the heroine, Ana, had no personality. Zaires' prose is passable, her world-building engaging. Her characters though, were blank slates. Outside of their actions, I couldn't tell you much about Mia or Korum. I didn't take to the first Twilight book, but I loved the second because of the writing, and Bella had some balls. I'm so over this trope of virgin and alpha-hole. Give me a Nalini Singh or Kresley Cole book where the alpha holes have to put up with some grown women who will challenge their asses!
I'm torn about the ending too. I love a non-traditional HEA. But there was nothing happy or redemptive or even satisfying about that ending. So sad.
December 13, 2013
Freebie!!! Thank you Anna Zaires and Kindle!!! Yaaaayyyy!
3.5 Stars
A great surprise, a book I really enjoyed!
Everyone who knows me (family,friends...), knows I'm a sucker for everything sci/fi. It all started years ago, when I stayed past my bedtime one night with my father to watch Star Trek and I ended up with a huge childhood crush...
...that I reluctantly admit I may not have get over with! Go figure!
All of you, my GR buddies, know I'm a sucker for a HOT romance and a hero that go after what he wants!
Anna Zaires managed to combine these two, and write a book that pushed all my buttons in a very good way...
What is all the fuss about?
We are 5 years in the future. In these years an alien race has made itself known to humanity.
They call themselves Krinar. They didn't come to eradicate us and plunder our planet. They are an ancient and dying race of nearly immortal Humanoid creatures who are responsible for the human evolution. They made us in their image million years ago and now they are here to guide us, because we are set on destroying our world. They have vampiric tendencies (only for pleasure), are gorgeous and have what it seems to us superstrength. They are above our laws and have set even nutrition laws for all the humans!
OUTLAWED
Enter Korum. A very powerful Krinar, high in their hierarchy. He is seductive and ruthless and possessive and had me wondering about his motives throughout the book.
Mia Stalis is the only cliché (but she really warms up to you) in this highly unique story. She is a 21 years old psychology student and you guessed right... shy, introvert, virgin, awkward and entirely unaware of her own sex appeal.
So they two meet and despite their explosive chemistry have to overcome impossible problems. Resistance movements among the humans, rebel Krinars with their own agenda, Korum and Mia's inability to carry out a single discussion without having sex (arousing but annoying...) and then we have a huge BANG and.....
Yeah that's right when you are craving for more, the book ends. It's not just a cliffhanger. It's as though the book was whole and somebody (yeah ok, Anna Zaires) split it in two and gave us the first part, teasing us mercilessly! Nothing is resolved, we have a huge pile of questions and no answers.
It worked! I'm definitely reading the next!
3.5 Stars
A great surprise, a book I really enjoyed!
Everyone who knows me (family,friends...), knows I'm a sucker for everything sci/fi. It all started years ago, when I stayed past my bedtime one night with my father to watch Star Trek and I ended up with a huge childhood crush...
...that I reluctantly admit I may not have get over with! Go figure!
All of you, my GR buddies, know I'm a sucker for a HOT romance and a hero that go after what he wants!
Anna Zaires managed to combine these two, and write a book that pushed all my buttons in a very good way...
What is all the fuss about?
We are 5 years in the future. In these years an alien race has made itself known to humanity.
They call themselves Krinar. They didn't come to eradicate us and plunder our planet. They are an ancient and dying race of nearly immortal Humanoid creatures who are responsible for the human evolution. They made us in their image million years ago and now they are here to guide us, because we are set on destroying our world. They have vampiric tendencies (only for pleasure), are gorgeous and have what it seems to us superstrength. They are above our laws and have set even nutrition laws for all the humans!
OUTLAWED
Enter Korum. A very powerful Krinar, high in their hierarchy. He is seductive and ruthless and possessive and had me wondering about his motives throughout the book.
Mia Stalis is the only cliché (but she really warms up to you) in this highly unique story. She is a 21 years old psychology student and you guessed right... shy, introvert, virgin, awkward and entirely unaware of her own sex appeal.
So they two meet and despite their explosive chemistry have to overcome impossible problems. Resistance movements among the humans, rebel Krinars with their own agenda, Korum and Mia's inability to carry out a single discussion without having sex (arousing but annoying...) and then we have a huge BANG and.....
Yeah that's right when you are craving for more, the book ends. It's not just a cliffhanger. It's as though the book was whole and somebody (yeah ok, Anna Zaires) split it in two and gave us the first part, teasing us mercilessly! Nothing is resolved, we have a huge pile of questions and no answers.
It worked! I'm definitely reading the next!
September 22, 2017
I love SF mixed with hot romance, alian invasion, alpha males, some darkness of the soul, tortured (not literally) hero/heroine and all that stuff, so when I so this blurb I thought this would be a perfect book for me!
A dark and edgy romance...
There's NOTHING dark and edgy in this book!
Or, better, if you're 15 years old, maybe you'll find something edgy here! *wink*
Since I was expecting someting dark and edgy, I was also expecting an adult herione! But Mia was young, young, young! I should have read better the blurb... :(
So, she's young and she reacts like a very young girl should. That's described very well. Her reactions are what a really young and naive girl would do.
But... that's why I don't like reading YA/NA books! I just get all annoyed with that kind of reasoning! As I got annoyed with Mia's!
Karum was supposedly 2000 years old, but... sadly... I don't think a 2000 years old man would act like he was acting here. OK, he's uber-alpha, alien, predatory male... He saw Mia in a park and decided that she's his!
Here Mia was right: he treats her like a pet, not a sentient human being! So, in this instance I understood Mia's reasoning ! He spend time explaining her the customs of his people, but doesn't explain her why he's treating her that way. It doesn't make sense!
But, on the positive side, the story was interesting and intriguing enough for me to want to read the rest of this series.
A dark and edgy romance...
There's NOTHING dark and edgy in this book!
Or, better, if you're 15 years old, maybe you'll find something edgy here! *wink*
Since I was expecting someting dark and edgy, I was also expecting an adult herione! But Mia was young, young, young! I should have read better the blurb... :(
So, she's young and she reacts like a very young girl should. That's described very well. Her reactions are what a really young and naive girl would do.
But... that's why I don't like reading YA/NA books! I just get all annoyed with that kind of reasoning! As I got annoyed with Mia's!
Karum was supposedly 2000 years old, but... sadly... I don't think a 2000 years old man would act like he was acting here. OK, he's uber-alpha, alien, predatory male... He saw Mia in a park and decided that she's his!
Here Mia was right: he treats her like a pet, not a sentient human being! So, in this instance I understood Mia's reasoning ! He spend time explaining her the customs of his people, but doesn't explain her why he's treating her that way. It doesn't make sense!
But, on the positive side, the story was interesting and intriguing enough for me to want to read the rest of this series.
December 6, 2017
This was one of the first "alien-type" stories I've ever read and Anna has spoiled me for other paranormal books of this type. Like... No alien so far has ever been able to compare to Korum. Lol.
I mean, the only books I've read that were genre-similar to this that were able to maybe stand beside this series was Evangeline Anderson's Brides of the Kindred book series.
Thank you, Anna, for introducing me to Mia and Korum.
They were my very first paranormal love!
I mean, the only books I've read that were genre-similar to this that were able to maybe stand beside this series was Evangeline Anderson's Brides of the Kindred book series.
Thank you, Anna, for introducing me to Mia and Korum.
They were my very first paranormal love!
November 1, 2019
I LURVE this author! She does the best obsessed alpha male! I found this book by accident a few years back and honestly it is one of my favourite series, I love the intensity of her hero's and I love how they only see the heroine from the time they see them. It's nice to read books where I am not cautious about potential cheating I am sick of that plot, I want to read about a guy who only has thoughts and feelings for his woman and Anna Zaires def gives me that with every book of hers I read! I LURVE this author! She does the best obsessed alpha male! I found this book by accident a few years back and honestly it is one of my favourite series, I love the intensity of her hero's and I love how they only see the heroine from the time they see them. It's nice to read books where I am not cautious about potential cheating I am sick of that plot, I want to read about a guy who only has thoughts and feelings for his woman and Anna Zaires def gives me that with every book of hers I read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2014
I loved this bit of Alien Erotica!
It was made all the more enjoyable because I kept expecting a "probe" joke, but it never came... Well played...
But here's the thing - this book featured a carefully crafted Science-Fiction world, and was a refreshing departure from the usual characters of Paranormal Romance.
Admittedly, there was some suspiciously familiar "naive college girl seduced by a powerful Alpha-Male" thing going on (which is why I gave four stars rather than five) but you know what? It was a FREE eBook, and it was a good read. Go pick it up.
The Breakdown:
In the near future, aliens land on Earth for a (mostly) peaceful mission of colonizing our world. It is revealed that humans are Meet Mia, a NYU Psychology student who meets a Krinar by chance in Central Park. What follows is an edge-of-your-seat close encounter which puts Mia face to face with an Alpha-Male Alien, Human Resistance Fighters, Crazy Alien technology, Espionage, and one moment for her to change the fate of the entire Human race.
Oh, and it's super sexy - Korum the alien is built like a human... a very gifted human... No tentacles involved.
It was made all the more enjoyable because I kept expecting a "probe" joke, but it never came... Well played...
"It was difficult to believe that just four days ago, she was dreading her sociology paper, and worrying that her dating life was in the dumps. And now she was trying not to get caught spying on a two-thousand year old extraterrestrial who likely wanted to keep her as a sex slave."My inner-snarky-book-reviewer insists that I roll out the phrase "Space Vampire Erotica" because the whole idea of that sounds ridiculous...
But here's the thing - this book featured a carefully crafted Science-Fiction world, and was a refreshing departure from the usual characters of Paranormal Romance.
Admittedly, there was some suspiciously familiar "naive college girl seduced by a powerful Alpha-Male" thing going on (which is why I gave four stars rather than five) but you know what? It was a FREE eBook, and it was a good read. Go pick it up.
The Breakdown:
In the near future, aliens land on Earth for a (mostly) peaceful mission of colonizing our world. It is revealed that humans are Meet Mia, a NYU Psychology student who meets a Krinar by chance in Central Park. What follows is an edge-of-your-seat close encounter which puts Mia face to face with an Alpha-Male Alien, Human Resistance Fighters, Crazy Alien technology, Espionage, and one moment for her to change the fate of the entire Human race.
Oh, and it's super sexy - Korum the alien is built like a human... a very gifted human... No tentacles involved.
April 27, 2018
This wasn’t a bad book, but the female mc is the dumbest ever. Super TSTL and I’m not sure how the alien guy puts up with her.
Alien guy is part caveman, part domestic god. He’ll do your laundry, cook you a gourmet meal and tell you that you can’t go out. Sunshine is overrated, I’d be cool with that setup. But TSTL girl has to ruin it all. The end.
Alien guy is part caveman, part domestic god. He’ll do your laundry, cook you a gourmet meal and tell you that you can’t go out. Sunshine is overrated, I’d be cool with that setup. But TSTL girl has to ruin it all. The end.
February 8, 2017
Re-read: 05.10.2016
God, I like Korum, might even love him, but Mia? Fuck, I hate her some fierce. First time reading the book, I was simply annoyed with her, this time around? I just couldn't stand her. I do know I'll not be re-reading this book again. Not matter how much I like Korum...
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Korum.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Already have.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No, I don't think so.
(NEW) Rating - 2.5/3 * Alien* Stars.
First read review:
Close Liaisons was a strange book, I must say :P A little bit slow and hard to really fall into it, but other than that it was good.
Mia got on my nerves a lot, but she was an okay person though, and sexy Korum left me pretty much wet and dirty..
Rate: 3-3.5 stars.
God, I like Korum, might even love him, but Mia? Fuck, I hate her some fierce. First time reading the book, I was simply annoyed with her, this time around? I just couldn't stand her. I do know I'll not be re-reading this book again. Not matter how much I like Korum...
“. . . the romantic teenager buried deep inside her was weeping at the perversion of her love story. There was no hero in her romance, and the villain made her feel things that she had never imagined she could experience.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Korum.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Already have.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No, I don't think so.
(NEW) Rating - 2.5/3 * Alien* Stars.
First read review:
Close Liaisons was a strange book, I must say :P A little bit slow and hard to really fall into it, but other than that it was good.
Mia got on my nerves a lot, but she was an okay person though, and sexy Korum left me pretty much wet and dirty..
Rate: 3-3.5 stars.
January 11, 2015
My luck has serious been off lately! This is one in a long line of duds the last few weeks:(
Anyhoo, I don't mind domineering, alpha male characters that have good intent despite being overly protective or demanding. The beautiful bastard complex is hot, but that's not this book!
What I do mind are assholes that feel superior to the woman and treat her like nothing more than an object to purely control, degrade, and use. And, the male MC here makes no qualms about bluntly telling his female counterpart that she is beneath him in every way. She a hamster in a cage in this book; he leaves the cage slightly ajar, but it just happens to sit atop a 200 foot cliff.
Rape is mentioned several times, and despite the author whitewashing it to consensual, the reality was that forced consent is the same as the woman kicking and screaming "no." I'm not into rape, even if the participant is consenting because she has no other option other than eventually being physically forced. I wouldn't allow anyone under 18 to read this crap.
There is nothing remotely romantic nor erotic about this book. It's emotional and physical abuse and should be labeled as such for readers to decide if that's their thing or not!
Aliens taking over to clean up behind us filthy humans.. Okay. But damn if I didn't feel subconsciously preached to about vegan diets and environmental concerns every other page. Again, not my cup of tea:(
Too much fluff. Pages upon pages describing wardrobe, decor, and food. The same "he's not good for you; get away from him" ... " mind your own business" convo between the female MC and her roommate took place every other chapter. Likewise, two separate Skype convos with parents and sister that took 8-9 pages a piece just wasn't necessary.
When you take out the pointless convos, preaching, inner diatribes about how horrid the female MC thought the male MC was, and narratives on mundane food and clothes.... There's not much to this book but nauseating sex scenes and a few rebel bits. No action, no romance, and very little to substantiate the plot.
Will Not be continuing!
Anyhoo, I don't mind domineering, alpha male characters that have good intent despite being overly protective or demanding. The beautiful bastard complex is hot, but that's not this book!
What I do mind are assholes that feel superior to the woman and treat her like nothing more than an object to purely control, degrade, and use. And, the male MC here makes no qualms about bluntly telling his female counterpart that she is beneath him in every way. She a hamster in a cage in this book; he leaves the cage slightly ajar, but it just happens to sit atop a 200 foot cliff.
Rape is mentioned several times, and despite the author whitewashing it to consensual, the reality was that forced consent is the same as the woman kicking and screaming "no." I'm not into rape, even if the participant is consenting because she has no other option other than eventually being physically forced. I wouldn't allow anyone under 18 to read this crap.
There is nothing remotely romantic nor erotic about this book. It's emotional and physical abuse and should be labeled as such for readers to decide if that's their thing or not!
Aliens taking over to clean up behind us filthy humans.. Okay. But damn if I didn't feel subconsciously preached to about vegan diets and environmental concerns every other page. Again, not my cup of tea:(
Too much fluff. Pages upon pages describing wardrobe, decor, and food. The same "he's not good for you; get away from him" ... " mind your own business" convo between the female MC and her roommate took place every other chapter. Likewise, two separate Skype convos with parents and sister that took 8-9 pages a piece just wasn't necessary.
When you take out the pointless convos, preaching, inner diatribes about how horrid the female MC thought the male MC was, and narratives on mundane food and clothes.... There's not much to this book but nauseating sex scenes and a few rebel bits. No action, no romance, and very little to substantiate the plot.
Will Not be continuing!
January 3, 2022
Korum is a pretty hot alien. I’m not sure what Mia’s problem is. 👀🤷🏼♀️
I don’t read much alien romance but when I do I prefer the aliens to very closely resemble humans. And Korum is just a super hot version of a human with a big 🍆 and yellow eyes. Sounds like a winning combination to me. 😅
The h is a 21 year old college student. She meets the H at a park and he immediately starts pursuing her. He starts out super respectful but his more aggressive bulldozer side comes out eventually. She doesn’t consider herself pretty so she has no idea what he wants with her. And I gotta be honest… I’m not sure either. The instalove is a bit awkward. And she fights him for way too long.
Now, this is a debut book, so I gave the author some rope. And by the end I liked the book. The world building doesn’t take over and I liked the characters. I kinda wish the H was more like her later character, Julian… a bit more forceful and aggressive. This character pulls back every time you’re expecting him to lose it. That’s frustrating.
This is the beginning of a trilogy. It doesn’t really end in a cliffhanger. It’s more a tentative HFN. No “I love you”s have been uttered yet.
Bottom Line? not bad for a debut book! I liked it enough to move to the next in the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- no OW drama
- OM drama - the H catches the h out at a club dancing with a guy and nearly kills the guy.
- no dubcon
- h is a 21 yr old virgin
- the H in 1000s of years old and experienced
- no condoms but it’s an alien romance…
I don’t read much alien romance but when I do I prefer the aliens to very closely resemble humans. And Korum is just a super hot version of a human with a big 🍆 and yellow eyes. Sounds like a winning combination to me. 😅
The h is a 21 year old college student. She meets the H at a park and he immediately starts pursuing her. He starts out super respectful but his more aggressive bulldozer side comes out eventually. She doesn’t consider herself pretty so she has no idea what he wants with her. And I gotta be honest… I’m not sure either. The instalove is a bit awkward. And she fights him for way too long.
Now, this is a debut book, so I gave the author some rope. And by the end I liked the book. The world building doesn’t take over and I liked the characters. I kinda wish the H was more like her later character, Julian… a bit more forceful and aggressive. This character pulls back every time you’re expecting him to lose it. That’s frustrating.
This is the beginning of a trilogy. It doesn’t really end in a cliffhanger. It’s more a tentative HFN. No “I love you”s have been uttered yet.
Bottom Line? not bad for a debut book! I liked it enough to move to the next in the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- no OW drama
- OM drama - the H catches the h out at a club dancing with a guy and nearly kills the guy.
- no dubcon
- h is a 21 yr old virgin
- the H in 1000s of years old and experienced
- no condoms but it’s an alien romance…
November 5, 2020
Not for me!
January 6, 2022
4.5 stars: Great world-building for a first book
I’ve read other Anna Zaires books, which I’ve loved, and this is different, but we still see some signature AZ steam and a J/P H. Too bad the h annoyed me many times😅 (the H deserves more than 5 stars lol).
Mia’s (21) a college student, and considers herself an introvert and not very attractive. She has a roommate, who she’s very close to. She decided to attend college in New York because of the alien invasion that happened five years before. Her parents were afraid of them overtaking Florida, where she’s from, so she opted to go to a school that was further away. Nevertheless, the aliens ended up also living in New York. She’s never really interacted with them, until one day she meets one in the park, and the connection’s instant.
Korum (2000) is tall, handsome, and very powerful. He sees Mia and is completely transfixed (low key- I looooved this! 🥰). Mia’s nervous and doesn’t know what to do- I mean, guuuurl, I. GET. IT! I’d be flabbergasted as well 😬 lol. He’s a tall, smexxxy man, a virile one 😈 and she’s a v…
I’m lying. I’d know what I’d do 😅😉😈.
But this is a book review, so let me get back to it 😂.
He bulldozes himself in her life, and I was here for it. He starts to woo her and basically tells her that he’s claiming that v, so she needs to let it happen 💅. This guy has no shame- just the way I like ‘em 💁🏻♀️😈. So why was she hesitating so much? 😒.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Suuuure, they’re bigger, stronger, almost immortal, and pretty much invincible. But girl. Get yours 👏🏻 😂😂😂. She gets approached by people that are part of “The Resistance,” a group of people who are against the alien invasion, and she’s between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, she doesn’t wanna just be a warm bed for Korum, and she’s seen the damage they can do to humans with their bare hands, but on the other hand, what the aliens have done for Earth’s amazing (cleaner, healthier, less waste, etc). I felt her turmoil, which is why I gave her some credit, but I also felt like slapping her for being so gullible sometimes.
And Korum. Dear lord that alien 🔥. He’s ALL about Mia. He’s a LOT older (by like 1979 years lol) so he’s VERY experienced. I LOOOOVED how attentive he was to Mia. She’s a v, which means he has to… um… prepare her a lot (because y’all know he’s packing 💦). And oh boy, does he ever 😅🥵. I love me a man that always makes sure his woman’s ready 💅 and god, the stamina on this alien 🔥. He’s sooo in-tuned to Mia, I was melting behind my kindle 🔥😅. Even when he cares for her to help her heal… swooooooon. I love this man (move over Mia). And this man doesn’t take no for an answer (no noncon though- he’s just VERY persuasive 😉). He pays so much attention to Mia , even when she thinks he’s not, which is why their chemistry’s so explosive 🥵.
Plus, I ALWAYS appreciate primal smexxxy times and when the H breaks down a door to get to the h 😈. Annnnd, he bites her- gawd- sooo sexxxy 🥵🔥🔥🔥💦💦💦. He’s not a vampire, but he’s able to bring them both so much pleasure when he does, and then he licks her blood clean 😉.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but I would say it’s almost like a HFN. I’m curious to see what happens next, so maybe the book will go on sale lol. I love the fact that even though Korum’s experienced, that also means that he appreciates when he had a good thing ❤️.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Mia annoyed me, but Korum saved the book for me 😉❤️.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-omd: when the h goes clubbing with her roommate, she dances with om. The om kisses her (she didn’t want it) and the H nearly kills him. Swooooon 🥰
-dubcon ish?
-virgin h
-mild praise kink
-no dubcon/noncon (I was looking for it, trust me- the H is very persuasive though 💅)
-no c@nd@ms: he’s an alien, so there’s that
I’ve read other Anna Zaires books, which I’ve loved, and this is different, but we still see some signature AZ steam and a J/P H. Too bad the h annoyed me many times😅 (the H deserves more than 5 stars lol).
Mia’s (21) a college student, and considers herself an introvert and not very attractive. She has a roommate, who she’s very close to. She decided to attend college in New York because of the alien invasion that happened five years before. Her parents were afraid of them overtaking Florida, where she’s from, so she opted to go to a school that was further away. Nevertheless, the aliens ended up also living in New York. She’s never really interacted with them, until one day she meets one in the park, and the connection’s instant.
Korum (2000) is tall, handsome, and very powerful. He sees Mia and is completely transfixed (low key- I looooved this! 🥰). Mia’s nervous and doesn’t know what to do- I mean, guuuurl, I. GET. IT! I’d be flabbergasted as well 😬 lol. He’s a tall, smexxxy man, a virile one 😈 and she’s a v…
I’m lying. I’d know what I’d do 😅😉😈.
But this is a book review, so let me get back to it 😂.
He bulldozes himself in her life, and I was here for it. He starts to woo her and basically tells her that he’s claiming that v, so she needs to let it happen 💅. This guy has no shame- just the way I like ‘em 💁🏻♀️😈. So why was she hesitating so much? 😒.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Suuuure, they’re bigger, stronger, almost immortal, and pretty much invincible. But girl. Get yours 👏🏻 😂😂😂. She gets approached by people that are part of “The Resistance,” a group of people who are against the alien invasion, and she’s between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, she doesn’t wanna just be a warm bed for Korum, and she’s seen the damage they can do to humans with their bare hands, but on the other hand, what the aliens have done for Earth’s amazing (cleaner, healthier, less waste, etc). I felt her turmoil, which is why I gave her some credit, but I also felt like slapping her for being so gullible sometimes.
And Korum. Dear lord that alien 🔥. He’s ALL about Mia. He’s a LOT older (by like 1979 years lol) so he’s VERY experienced. I LOOOOVED how attentive he was to Mia. She’s a v, which means he has to… um… prepare her a lot (because y’all know he’s packing 💦). And oh boy, does he ever 😅🥵. I love me a man that always makes sure his woman’s ready 💅 and god, the stamina on this alien 🔥. He’s sooo in-tuned to Mia, I was melting behind my kindle 🔥😅. Even when he cares for her to help her heal… swooooooon. I love this man (move over Mia). And this man doesn’t take no for an answer (no noncon though- he’s just VERY persuasive 😉). He pays so much attention to Mia , even when she thinks he’s not, which is why their chemistry’s so explosive 🥵.
Plus, I ALWAYS appreciate primal smexxxy times and when the H breaks down a door to get to the h 😈. Annnnd, he bites her- gawd- sooo sexxxy 🥵🔥🔥🔥💦💦💦. He’s not a vampire, but he’s able to bring them both so much pleasure when he does, and then he licks her blood clean 😉.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but I would say it’s almost like a HFN. I’m curious to see what happens next, so maybe the book will go on sale lol. I love the fact that even though Korum’s experienced, that also means that he appreciates when he had a good thing ❤️.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Mia annoyed me, but Korum saved the book for me 😉❤️.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-omd: when the h goes clubbing with her roommate, she dances with om. The om kisses her (she didn’t want it) and the H nearly kills him. Swooooon 🥰
-dubcon ish?
-virgin h
-mild praise kink
-no dubcon/noncon (I was looking for it, trust me- the H is very persuasive though 💅)
-no c@nd@ms: he’s an alien, so there’s that
Read
March 25, 2017@54% I'm calling this one a DNF. I really can't believe it because I usually "just have to know" what happens! But in this case, and after reading the synopsis for the next two books and one standalone, I think I generally have it figured out. (Yes, I cheated.) I'm sure there will be some interesting details along way that I will regret missing out on, but not enough to keep going right now.
The real problem for me is Mia. She is an IDIOT! AND the spy on Korum (sp?) thing is not working for me. He's also a bit of an ass- though I kinda like him and I'm sure he will make up for being a jerk. I would have gotten over his dictatorial ways, but I'm just going to go ahead and get out while I can. Before I get sucked into three books of Mia being stupid with a few highlights thrown in.
On the plus side... this was a new (at least to me) take on vampires. They're really aliens!! I liked that!
Overall though, I'm kinda bummed because I was looking forward to reading this one. Oh well, Happy reading anyway.
The real problem for me is Mia. She is an IDIOT! AND the spy on Korum (sp?) thing is not working for me. He's also a bit of an ass- though I kinda like him and I'm sure he will make up for being a jerk. I would have gotten over his dictatorial ways, but I'm just going to go ahead and get out while I can. Before I get sucked into three books of Mia being stupid with a few highlights thrown in.
On the plus side... this was a new (at least to me) take on vampires. They're really aliens!! I liked that!
Overall though, I'm kinda bummed because I was looking forward to reading this one. Oh well, Happy reading anyway.
October 18, 2023
FREE on Amazon today (9/19/2017)!
October 30, 2016
Freebie read
Let's cut to the chase shall we. The writing was good, the words flowed nicely and I didn't initially detect any editing problem but then again I was quite tired when I was reading this.
The plot was Ok, not very developed but it wasn't bad, Alien race comes down to live snuggle with humanity. It's been done before and better, it wasn't offensive or a complete rip off of anyone else's work, so bravo Anna Zaires. There was plenty of smexy time and in honestly it was written well.
Korum I don't know what it was about this dude/Alien but he totally rubbed me up the wrong way. For the love of waffles he used sex to keep Mia quiet when she spoke about something he didn't want to hear. How about you sit down and talk it out like two civilized creatures, no?? just a suggestion. Oh and don't even get me started on Mia Miss 'I'm so confused I kind of like being used as an alien sex toy but I must complain about it to Everyone, poor little me' *gack*.
ummmmm would I actually pay for the next in the series........that would be a big hell no!
Let's cut to the chase shall we. The writing was good, the words flowed nicely and I didn't initially detect any editing problem but then again I was quite tired when I was reading this.
The plot was Ok, not very developed but it wasn't bad, Alien race comes down to live snuggle with humanity. It's been done before and better, it wasn't offensive or a complete rip off of anyone else's work, so bravo Anna Zaires. There was plenty of smexy time and in honestly it was written well.
Korum I don't know what it was about this dude/Alien but he totally rubbed me up the wrong way. For the love of waffles he used sex to keep Mia quiet when she spoke about something he didn't want to hear. How about you sit down and talk it out like two civilized creatures, no?? just a suggestion. Oh and don't even get me started on Mia Miss 'I'm so confused I kind of like being used as an alien sex toy but I must complain about it to Everyone, poor little me' *gack*.
ummmmm would I actually pay for the next in the series........that would be a big hell no!
April 20, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
Bella, caparbia e determinata, Mia Stalin é una studentessa di psicologia. Lontana dalla sua famiglia per gli studi, Mia vive a New York, inseguendo il suo più grande sogno: diventare qualcuno che possa aiutare chiunque abbia bisogno di crescere e sbocciare, accompagnandoli nei periodi più disordinati della loro esistenza. Una ragazza dedita allo studio e al desiderio di aiutare il prossimo, fedele nelle amicizie e nel credere che l'amore vero esiste. Ma sarà ancora così dopo che tutte le sue certezze verranno messe in discussione? Durante una passeggiata al parco, Mia incrocia lo sguardo con un uomo tanto affascinante quanto pericoloso, due occhi che riescono a catturare qualsiasi preda, risucchiandola in una spirale di istinti e desideri. Korum è un uomo affascinate, misterioso, agghiacciante e soprattutto è un Krinar. I krinar sono alieni che hanno colonizzato la terra, per poter vivere quando il loro mondo sarebbe esploso. È colui che ha permesso il trasferimento da un sistema solare all'altro, in quanto è il proprietario delle aziende che costruiscono i mezzi per i loro trasporti. Korum sa cosa vuole, cosa desidera e fa di tutto per ottenerlo.
Dopo aver incontrato Mia, il suo obiettivo è proteggerla, possederla e trasformarla nella sua Charl, ossia la sua compagna umana. Ma é davvero cosi facile? Il bisogno che l'uno ha per l'altra rappresenta la pietra cardine di tutta la loro storia. Cercano di allontanarsi, di odiarsi, di camuffare la loro attrazione e mascherare i loro istinti. Due facce della stessa medaglia, i poli opposti che si attraggono. L'alfa e l'omega, l'inizio e la fine. Quando si lasciano coinvolgere dalle situazioni e dai sentimenti a lungo sopiti, Mia e Korum sprigionano energia in qualsiasi direzione. Sono plasmati dallo stesso desiderio e dalla stessa passione. Ma può trasformarsi in vero amore?
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
Bella, caparbia e determinata, Mia Stalin é una studentessa di psicologia. Lontana dalla sua famiglia per gli studi, Mia vive a New York, inseguendo il suo più grande sogno: diventare qualcuno che possa aiutare chiunque abbia bisogno di crescere e sbocciare, accompagnandoli nei periodi più disordinati della loro esistenza. Una ragazza dedita allo studio e al desiderio di aiutare il prossimo, fedele nelle amicizie e nel credere che l'amore vero esiste. Ma sarà ancora così dopo che tutte le sue certezze verranno messe in discussione? Durante una passeggiata al parco, Mia incrocia lo sguardo con un uomo tanto affascinante quanto pericoloso, due occhi che riescono a catturare qualsiasi preda, risucchiandola in una spirale di istinti e desideri. Korum è un uomo affascinate, misterioso, agghiacciante e soprattutto è un Krinar. I krinar sono alieni che hanno colonizzato la terra, per poter vivere quando il loro mondo sarebbe esploso. È colui che ha permesso il trasferimento da un sistema solare all'altro, in quanto è il proprietario delle aziende che costruiscono i mezzi per i loro trasporti. Korum sa cosa vuole, cosa desidera e fa di tutto per ottenerlo.
Dopo aver incontrato Mia, il suo obiettivo è proteggerla, possederla e trasformarla nella sua Charl, ossia la sua compagna umana. Ma é davvero cosi facile? Il bisogno che l'uno ha per l'altra rappresenta la pietra cardine di tutta la loro storia. Cercano di allontanarsi, di odiarsi, di camuffare la loro attrazione e mascherare i loro istinti. Due facce della stessa medaglia, i poli opposti che si attraggono. L'alfa e l'omega, l'inizio e la fine. Quando si lasciano coinvolgere dalle situazioni e dai sentimenti a lungo sopiti, Mia e Korum sprigionano energia in qualsiasi direzione. Sono plasmati dallo stesso desiderio e dalla stessa passione. Ma può trasformarsi in vero amore?
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
March 20, 2016
3 ★
oh boy I went on this book with high hopes
the style is Anna Zaires for sure....but half the book I was like...Mia what are you thinking (´･_･`) and the other half...K what the heck (¬_¬)
The plot was interesting.... but it wasn't as captivating as expected...would I continue reading the series....yes.... I started it so might as well finish it.....and that being said......
See ya and on to the next book with a bunch of aliens...that eat mostly veggies... yup veggies....but don't be mistaken....there are other things they enjoy pretty much ╮(╯▽╰)╭
oh boy I went on this book with high hopes
the style is Anna Zaires for sure....but half the book I was like...Mia what are you thinking (´･_･`) and the other half...K what the heck (¬_¬)
The plot was interesting.... but it wasn't as captivating as expected...would I continue reading the series....yes.... I started it so might as well finish it.....and that being said......
See ya and on to the next book with a bunch of aliens...that eat mostly veggies... yup veggies....but don't be mistaken....there are other things they enjoy pretty much ╮(╯▽╰)╭
October 16, 2012
What happens when your lover is supposed to be your enemey? Would you sacrifice your chance at happiness because of rumors and prejudice? These are just some of the hard questions that I was asking myself while reading Close Liaisons.
Mia is a naive college student that gets caught up in a dangerous situation when Korum, a visitor from another planet, takes an interest in her. From the first time they meet she feels physically drawn to him, but only five years after the Krinar race made themselves known to Earth there is still a lot of mistrust placed on the alien visitors. Korum doesn't help things with his blunt and territorial personality. His highhandedness and domineering ways had me scared yet drawn to him at the same time. I felt just as confused about my feelings for him as Mia did!
While Mia's naivety and Karum's pompous attitude towards humans had me cringing on more than one occasion I couldn't manage to put it down. The plot and steamy love scenes had me devouring the pages, and thinking about it long after I finished.
For the happily ever after seekers amongst us be aware that Close Liaisons has a satisfying, yet, happy for now, open ending. (Not open enough to feel frustrated, just enough to keep you excited for the next installment.)
My one and only complaint would have to be that during the sex scenes I felt a little put off by the very clinical terms used. Don't get me wrong, I don't want vulgar or flowery synonyms for the male and female form, but something about the very sterile terms thrown into hot (HOT, HOT!) sex scenes let me down.
With an original plot, and characters that won't leave your mind for some time to come I can't recommend Close Liaisons enough!
*You might think I'm a bit crazy, (seeing as there was no BDSM and Close Liaisons is a Sci-Fi Romance) but I can't help but see similarities between Mia/Korum and Anna/Christian from 50 Shades of Grey. A sheltered, small town college student meets a domineering slightly crazy/stalkerish, handsome man is the name of the game in this one. While Anna Zaires writing is much better (in my honest opinion) than James' I thought it might be helpful to point out the similarities to those that enjoy reading about slightly dangerous and all-consuming relationships.
Mia is a naive college student that gets caught up in a dangerous situation when Korum, a visitor from another planet, takes an interest in her. From the first time they meet she feels physically drawn to him, but only five years after the Krinar race made themselves known to Earth there is still a lot of mistrust placed on the alien visitors. Korum doesn't help things with his blunt and territorial personality. His highhandedness and domineering ways had me scared yet drawn to him at the same time. I felt just as confused about my feelings for him as Mia did!
While Mia's naivety and Karum's pompous attitude towards humans had me cringing on more than one occasion I couldn't manage to put it down. The plot and steamy love scenes had me devouring the pages, and thinking about it long after I finished.
For the happily ever after seekers amongst us be aware that Close Liaisons has a satisfying, yet, happy for now, open ending. (Not open enough to feel frustrated, just enough to keep you excited for the next installment.)
My one and only complaint would have to be that during the sex scenes I felt a little put off by the very clinical terms used. Don't get me wrong, I don't want vulgar or flowery synonyms for the male and female form, but something about the very sterile terms thrown into hot (HOT, HOT!) sex scenes let me down.
With an original plot, and characters that won't leave your mind for some time to come I can't recommend Close Liaisons enough!
*You might think I'm a bit crazy, (seeing as there was no BDSM and Close Liaisons is a Sci-Fi Romance) but I can't help but see similarities between Mia/Korum and Anna/Christian from 50 Shades of Grey. A sheltered, small town college student meets a domineering slightly crazy/stalkerish, handsome man is the name of the game in this one. While Anna Zaires writing is much better (in my honest opinion) than James' I thought it might be helpful to point out the similarities to those that enjoy reading about slightly dangerous and all-consuming relationships.
January 1, 2017
3.5 stars. My alien cherry has been popped.. and it was good.
Ive always stayed away from the alien stories. For some reason I can get on board with faes, vampires, shapeshifters, but aliens?! I usually run the other way. It's the same way with movies. I REFUSE to watch alien movies. I have no idea why I started this book given the mixed species, but I am so glad I did.
PROS:
*Fascinating story. I was hooked on the story of how the K came to Earth, why, and all the little in and out details of their history and species.
*I liked the H, Korum, even with his domineering ways. He was extremely alpha.
CONS:
*The lack of communication between the two drove me insane. Absolutely insane. So many misconceptions that could have been solved with questions asked and answers given.
*There were so many things that could have been explained but the author chose to leave those explanations out. - this goes along with my first con
*While I loved that the H was all alpha hotness, it was without apology or explanation, and I believe both would have gone far in this story even if it was him explaining a little bit.
*I wanted to like the heroine a lot more than I did. I couldn't because of her back and forth feelings. That drove me a little nutty.
So while the cons really outweigh pros (imo), I still enjoyed this book. I'm on to book two and I hope that the cons are worked out.
Ive always stayed away from the alien stories. For some reason I can get on board with faes, vampires, shapeshifters, but aliens?! I usually run the other way. It's the same way with movies. I REFUSE to watch alien movies. I have no idea why I started this book given the mixed species, but I am so glad I did.
PROS:
*Fascinating story. I was hooked on the story of how the K came to Earth, why, and all the little in and out details of their history and species.
*I liked the H, Korum, even with his domineering ways. He was extremely alpha.
CONS:
*The lack of communication between the two drove me insane. Absolutely insane. So many misconceptions that could have been solved with questions asked and answers given.
*There were so many things that could have been explained but the author chose to leave those explanations out. - this goes along with my first con
*While I loved that the H was all alpha hotness, it was without apology or explanation, and I believe both would have gone far in this story even if it was him explaining a little bit.
*I wanted to like the heroine a lot more than I did. I couldn't because of her back and forth feelings. That drove me a little nutty.
So while the cons really outweigh pros (imo), I still enjoyed this book. I'm on to book two and I hope that the cons are worked out.
February 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story very much, but what I don’t understand is why the need for heroes to have huge penises?
He’s was so big that i thought she would need to require some stitches.
The idea of having a man shove something that feels like a baseball bat into one’s body is not entirely arousing and , my legs immediately went into lockdown mode.
Beside that, it was pretty good. Korum is super possessive, protective and extra intelligent alien (Krinar) from another galaxy. They drink blood during smexy time and have animalistic tendencies.
I am definitely reading the next one!
He’s was so big that i thought she would need to require some stitches.
The idea of having a man shove something that feels like a baseball bat into one’s body is not entirely arousing and , my legs immediately went into lockdown mode.
Beside that, it was pretty good. Korum is super possessive, protective and extra intelligent alien (Krinar) from another galaxy. They drink blood during smexy time and have animalistic tendencies.
I am definitely reading the next one!
June 28, 2025
This was an extremely compelling, hot, and uncomfortable read. I highly recommend it for fans of darker, complex romances. I couldn't stop reading.
In a not too distant future, an alien race called the Krinar come to Earth and tell us they guided our evolution to make us their sister race. They look like humans, but bigger, smarter, faster, more beautiful, better in every way. They want to integrate with our population and help guide us through the final stages of our evolution, as we become the great race they dreamed we would be. Some view them with apprehension, some with outright hatred, some welcome them as gods, and others, like Mia, don't really care. They are here to stay, just accept it and move on. Not like she expects to ever have to deal with them personally. Until one sees her in the park.
As soon as Korum sees Mia, she has no hope of escape. He claims her as his own and takes complete control of her life. She doesn't fight it because she is terrified, and because deep down she has to admit she is attracted to him. He takes care of her and never physically hurts her, but she can never leave him. He has no regard for her will. She is a prisoner in her own life.
Mia's struggle was fascinating. Besides the semi-imprisonment, Korum treated her well and they had explosive sex daily. She could no longer imagine her life without him, and didn't really want to. Although she knew it was wrong, she caught herself sometimes thinking that the loss of her freedom would be worth it, to be with him as long as possible. But she still feared him. Even in the end, she thought he would hurt her if properly motivated. But I never thought so. They clearly have different beliefs on how she should be treated. There was never any indication that Krinar women were treated as inferior, so it is likely humans that his people were led to believe it was ok to treat as possessions, since the Krinar had created them. But I don't think Korum would have gone to such lengths to keep Mia with him, if he didn't care about her. He just has a drastically different way of showing it.
Korum himself is an extremely captivating character. He is a demanding and dangerous man, and as the book progressed he did not soften. He is not a man who will change to please a woman. He brooks no argument and Mia will do what he tells her to or suffer the consequences. She only displeased him once, and he punished her with sex (which is kind compared to what Mia thought he was capable of). But somehow, he is the same man that nurses her when she is sick, massages her when she is tired, helps her with her homework, cooks for her, and desperately wants her to be happy with him.
I have no idea what book 2 Close Obsession, will have in store for us. Whether or not Mia and Korum will be able to forgive their mutual betrayals. Whether they can move their relationship beyond the physical and become less destructive to each other. Will Mia ever trust Korum not to hurt her? Will Korum even trust Mia not to leave him? Can he love her, or only possess her? I cannot wait to find the answers to these questions, and whatever else Anna Zaires has waiting for us. It will be marked on my calendar.
In a not too distant future, an alien race called the Krinar come to Earth and tell us they guided our evolution to make us their sister race. They look like humans, but bigger, smarter, faster, more beautiful, better in every way. They want to integrate with our population and help guide us through the final stages of our evolution, as we become the great race they dreamed we would be. Some view them with apprehension, some with outright hatred, some welcome them as gods, and others, like Mia, don't really care. They are here to stay, just accept it and move on. Not like she expects to ever have to deal with them personally. Until one sees her in the park.
As soon as Korum sees Mia, she has no hope of escape. He claims her as his own and takes complete control of her life. She doesn't fight it because she is terrified, and because deep down she has to admit she is attracted to him. He takes care of her and never physically hurts her, but she can never leave him. He has no regard for her will. She is a prisoner in her own life.
Mia's struggle was fascinating. Besides the semi-imprisonment, Korum treated her well and they had explosive sex daily. She could no longer imagine her life without him, and didn't really want to. Although she knew it was wrong, she caught herself sometimes thinking that the loss of her freedom would be worth it, to be with him as long as possible. But she still feared him. Even in the end, she thought he would hurt her if properly motivated. But I never thought so. They clearly have different beliefs on how she should be treated. There was never any indication that Krinar women were treated as inferior, so it is likely humans that his people were led to believe it was ok to treat as possessions, since the Krinar had created them. But I don't think Korum would have gone to such lengths to keep Mia with him, if he didn't care about her. He just has a drastically different way of showing it.
Korum himself is an extremely captivating character. He is a demanding and dangerous man, and as the book progressed he did not soften. He is not a man who will change to please a woman. He brooks no argument and Mia will do what he tells her to or suffer the consequences. She only displeased him once, and he punished her with sex (which is kind compared to what Mia thought he was capable of). But somehow, he is the same man that nurses her when she is sick, massages her when she is tired, helps her with her homework, cooks for her, and desperately wants her to be happy with him.
I have no idea what book 2 Close Obsession, will have in store for us. Whether or not Mia and Korum will be able to forgive their mutual betrayals. Whether they can move their relationship beyond the physical and become less destructive to each other. Will Mia ever trust Korum not to hurt her? Will Korum even trust Mia not to leave him? Can he love her, or only possess her? I cannot wait to find the answers to these questions, and whatever else Anna Zaires has waiting for us. It will be marked on my calendar.
May 22, 2013
I picked this one up when I was told it was free. Had wanted to read it but no to the point of going out of my way to bump it up on my tbr list and buy it.
First off. This is a 'different' type of dark (?) erotica read that has the equivalent of an alien version of Christian Grey (I know. I really hesitated to even type that out but it's a good reference point so I'm using it) pursuing an Earther Anastasia Steele (again. ditto feeling). The question mark I placed with the dark reference is because this really wasn't dark for me. Different, yes. A little bit of heart pounding thriller at times. Yes. But not dark per say.
With that framework of thoughts i want to say that i read this book in under 24 hrs which for a 318 page book is pretty fast for me. And then went and bought the book 2 and finished that one also in less than 24 hrs. I can't say that this was a five star for me but that's only because of the vagueness and lack of direction to define the central character Korum. I really want to say why but it really would possibly influence your opinion if you haven't read this and that's not fair. His character was the dark horse for sure. There is so much about him and his alien technology skills that could have been better handled yet it's for those reasons that I frquently wanted to throw my e reader across the room in frustrations because I WANTED TO KNOW and HATED THAT THE AUTHOR WAS TEASING ME with these glimpses of why Mia caught his attention and what his plans were for her. Was she a short term sexual toy? Was she a soul mate? Was she a friends with benefits? WHAT/WHERE was this relationship going. And don't even get me started about his possessive/dominant personality and controlling of Mia. By the end of this book I really didn't know if Korum was a good alien or a bad alien (said in the voice of Glinda from Wizzard of Oz). So buying book 2 is a necessity.
The book does end on a plateau but the events leading up to the climatic ending are like trying to eat just one potato chip. No way i could stop at just one.
First off. This is a 'different' type of dark (?) erotica read that has the equivalent of an alien version of Christian Grey (I know. I really hesitated to even type that out but it's a good reference point so I'm using it) pursuing an Earther Anastasia Steele (again. ditto feeling). The question mark I placed with the dark reference is because this really wasn't dark for me. Different, yes. A little bit of heart pounding thriller at times. Yes. But not dark per say.
With that framework of thoughts i want to say that i read this book in under 24 hrs which for a 318 page book is pretty fast for me. And then went and bought the book 2 and finished that one also in less than 24 hrs. I can't say that this was a five star for me but that's only because of the vagueness and lack of direction to define the central character Korum. I really want to say why but it really would possibly influence your opinion if you haven't read this and that's not fair. His character was the dark horse for sure. There is so much about him and his alien technology skills that could have been better handled yet it's for those reasons that I frquently wanted to throw my e reader across the room in frustrations because I WANTED TO KNOW and HATED THAT THE AUTHOR WAS TEASING ME with these glimpses of why Mia caught his attention and what his plans were for her. Was she a short term sexual toy? Was she a soul mate? Was she a friends with benefits? WHAT/WHERE was this relationship going. And don't even get me started about his possessive/dominant personality and controlling of Mia. By the end of this book I really didn't know if Korum was a good alien or a bad alien (said in the voice of Glinda from Wizzard of Oz). So buying book 2 is a necessity.
The book does end on a plateau but the events leading up to the climatic ending are like trying to eat just one potato chip. No way i could stop at just one.
April 8, 2013
My first thought when finishing this book was that it was a lot like porn. There is a hell of a lot of sex with very little plot and an even smaller amount of character development thrown in.
The ever shy, inexperienced, college girl attracts what is supposed to be a dominant, experienced man and they fall into a relationship: check
Said dominant man actually actually a controlling, obsessive, manipulative man who does whatever necessary to catch his prey and trap her: check
They fall into bed more times than I can count on one hand in the course of a few chapters: check
Here is my thing with this book. Alpha males only work if they are done right. That means that they come across as an asshole who either 1.) recognizes what he is and figures out how to compensate for said asshattery (yup, I made that up) or 2.) he develops over the course of the book to recognize what he is doing and change.
That doesn't happen in this story. Instead the female just swoons when the "ahem" asshole kisses her or even looks in her direction and he continues to manipulate and control her life. On top of that, you have the whole crazy story with the resistance and the betrayal and all the timid little mouse (yes that is the female character) falls in love.
This just didn't work for me. All the combinations combined just left me shaking my head and wondering why I stuck with the book.
Now for the confusing part, with all that said. I kind of want to pick up the next one to see what happens. I know! Makes no freaking sense based on how I felt when finishing this book. But, the author must have done something right because I want to know what happens in the next book. That is why this book gets two stars. I'm still intrigued even though I'm a bit disgusted with the 2 main characters.
The ever shy, inexperienced, college girl attracts what is supposed to be a dominant, experienced man and they fall into a relationship: check
Said dominant man actually actually a controlling, obsessive, manipulative man who does whatever necessary to catch his prey and trap her: check
They fall into bed more times than I can count on one hand in the course of a few chapters: check
Here is my thing with this book. Alpha males only work if they are done right. That means that they come across as an asshole who either 1.) recognizes what he is and figures out how to compensate for said asshattery (yup, I made that up) or 2.) he develops over the course of the book to recognize what he is doing and change.
That doesn't happen in this story. Instead the female just swoons when the "ahem" asshole kisses her or even looks in her direction and he continues to manipulate and control her life. On top of that, you have the whole crazy story with the resistance and the betrayal and all the timid little mouse (yes that is the female character) falls in love.
This just didn't work for me. All the combinations combined just left me shaking my head and wondering why I stuck with the book.
Now for the confusing part, with all that said. I kind of want to pick up the next one to see what happens. I know! Makes no freaking sense based on how I felt when finishing this book. But, the author must have done something right because I want to know what happens in the next book. That is why this book gets two stars. I'm still intrigued even though I'm a bit disgusted with the 2 main characters.
May 22, 2019
What chore. If not for this challenge, a DNF for sure. I actually finished this book a few days ago because it was a pretty quick read however I had to cleanse my palate because I did not enjoy this one.
First the heroine is your typical virgin who doesn't know that she's attractive but the hero is all caveman crazy for her. I couldn't stand her. I don't like wishywashy heroines. This may be vulgar so into spoiler tags it goes
And then we have our hero. Typical alpha cave man. Don't get me wrong. I love an alpha. But there is a fine line between an Alpha who nurtures and supports and an alpha who treats the heroine like an imbecilic child. I think a lot of authors think they are writing the first when really what is portrayed is the latter. There are several instances in the story where he more or less yells at her to do something like she's a child or scares her into submission. I can't get behind that.
This book falls into the 50 Shades aftermath of author after author dabbling in dom/sub lite erotica, captivity erotica, and this odd kink about being a sex slave. To each their own but this ain't it for me.
First the heroine is your typical virgin who doesn't know that she's attractive but the hero is all caveman crazy for her. I couldn't stand her. I don't like wishywashy heroines. This may be vulgar so into spoiler tags it goes
And then we have our hero. Typical alpha cave man. Don't get me wrong. I love an alpha. But there is a fine line between an Alpha who nurtures and supports and an alpha who treats the heroine like an imbecilic child. I think a lot of authors think they are writing the first when really what is portrayed is the latter. There are several instances in the story where he more or less yells at her to do something like she's a child or scares her into submission. I can't get behind that.
This book falls into the 50 Shades aftermath of author after author dabbling in dom/sub lite erotica, captivity erotica, and this odd kink about being a sex slave. To each their own but this ain't it for me.
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