Heart of the Domini

Mates of the Domini #5

by Talia Rhea

HATTIE HAS FINALLY MADE PEACE WITH HERSELF

It's been a long time coming, but she has reached a place of understanding. And it's a good thing, because it's all being put to the test. Her ex is back, testing the foundation of her carefully rebuilt self-esteem. Tuvo is there, testing the boundaries of the friendship she's trying to make between them. Standing between these males, she's struggling to remind herself to be strong.

TUVO IS DETERMINED TO MAKE PEACE WITH HATTIE, AND NOTHING ELSE

He owes her penance for his hurtful words, he knows that, but the need to give into his mate is breaking him inside. He's denied his instincts too long, and he's finally breaking. But he can't. She's too soft, too small, too delicate. He'll hurt her. He'll break her. But he has to protect her. From the forces conspiring against them, and from her previous lover who puts a familiar hurt in her eyes.

HATEFUL FORCES ARE STACKED AGAINST THEM, THREATENING ALL THAT THEY'VE BUILT

Most are happy to welcome their new alien friends, but those who don't are powerful and dangerous. A plot against the treaty is a threat to the peace between Earth and the Coalition. Surviving in the wilds of the Amazon, facing down human traffickers, and building trust between species. One way or another, it all ends here. The only question that remains is what their relationship when the dust clears.

Heart of the Domini is a standalone MF romance that is the finale of a series with an overarching story. Each book can be read as a standalone, but, for max enjoyment, are best read in order.

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance

544 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2023

Reviews

[Autumn Miller ~ autumnbookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was definitely worth the wait for Hatti and Tuvo’s story! I loved it so much. I am so sad this series is over 😭

[Hannah Reads a lot of Smut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book but it’s just so long when it doesn’t need to be. It has build up through the other books and a deep longing from both hero and heroine.

But the length. The parts that made me bored really made it hard to finish. It was meh when the makings had the potential to be amazing.

[Samie Treat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Sci-Fi Romance Series! 🌌

I wanted to wait till I finished the series to leave my review and I’m so glad I did! This is an overarching series, where each book show cases a different couple, yet keeps the others close enough that you feel their story continues. I have to say, this has become one of my top favorite sci-fi romances!

I loved Hattie and Tuvo so much. I can see why the author waited for them at the end, I felt it gave their story a great build up and there were a lot of great moments full of heartfelt honesty and growth! Also I hope a certain someone is STILL stubbing his toes on coffee tables.

All in all, I absolutely encourage you read, it’s 10/10 worth it! My only grievance for any of the books is that sometimes I felt like certain things were spoiled, instead of expanded on. I understand they’re long books already, and we can’t spend too much time in every moment, but some of the things mentioned came out as a offhanded comment by another character, which wasn’t bad, but I would’ve like more pomp and circumstance for those moments, even if a couple more lines.

Still, if you AT ALL like alien romances, then this series will be one of your favorites as well, I have no doubt! Each book was a 5 ⭐️ for me in its own right but even as an entire series it was exceptional. I truly hope to see more from this author in this universe!

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of "other man" drama in the form of her ex-boyfriend. The author explains at the end of the book that she knows readers hate the ex-boyfriend.

I liked the book but hated the scenes with the ex in them. I've been waiting for Tuvo and Hattie's book since book 1 when Tuvo made the "size" comment that led to the epic misunderstanding between them.

He is the "First Warrior" and the largest alien. She is a short plus size woman who loves to cook. He commented on her size because he was worried he would hurt her during sex. She thought he meant she was fat.

When they finally talk it out they realized what happened.

The author confirmed she is starting a spin off series with the aliens studying humans (with human volunteers) to see if they can determine why humans are so fertile with aliens. I'm looking forward to more books. Hopefully without any ex-boyfriend drama. Her previous books did not have "other man" drama.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Amazing. A fabulous series finale, and a great ending of a beginning of this universe. Hattie and Tuvo were so good together and this book had the action and survivalist. Even though I hated Keith and do even more, I’m so glad Hattie got to confront him and really close the door and Tuvo got to be aggravated with him lol. This book was amazing. I randomly pick used the first book of this series bc I was in a slump and open to just picking something random. And I’m so glad I did. This is one of my top fave series!!! And 5 books is a great series amount/5 couples even if the books were long.

Even though, this one was noticeably shorter, it didn’t take away from anything and honestly I’ve come to really enjoy the length and that caters to a great story and buildup of the characters and settings. All in all this was amazing and the epilogue was soooooo cute!!!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I think this was my favorite book of the series.

The romance was sweet and both MCs were adorable together. I liked seeing the playful side of Tuvo and Hattie finally standing up for herself.

The majority of the book gave me Romancing the Stone and Jewel of the Nile vibes (with aliens!) and I enjoyed everything up until the climax and what I thought was the ending. But like the rest of the series, the book just kept going and going.. and going, way past the natural stopping point. I struggled finishing the last 75+ pages of a book that I had genuinely loved.

So other than the sheer longevity, a smattering of typos, and a few eyebrow raising revelations during the extended epilogues for the other FMCs, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The series finale, Heart of the Domini, is an emotional, high-stakes conclusion that ties the threads of each previous book together while giving Hattie and Tuvo a raw, vulnerable love story. Hattie’s growth from broken to bold is one of the most satisfying arcs in the series, and Tuvo’s slow-burning anguish and protective instincts hit hard. Their dynamic is steeped in regret, redemption, and the ache of second chances. The external threats—an ex-lover, human traffickers, and anti-alien factions—intensify the pressure, but their emotional journey never gets lost in the action. This is a strong, heartful finale that balances romance with hard-won survival and hope.

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Content, well loved, and unspeakably happy”

God, this book. This series!!!! Just utter perfection. The perfect end to a love story that built up to a sweet, sweet crescendo. And what an adventure this entry had! Everything was so satisfying, and the epilogue tied it in a neat bow. I adored Hattie and Tuvo, more than I thought I would and I already had HIGH expectations. 10/10 would recommend.

Can’t wait to see where else Ms. Rhea will take us!

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was waiting a long time for this pairing and was happy for how it went down with them. Some of the book felt really long such as them being stranded in Azores. I liked the prologues on the end but wish they were longer. Without moving onto another new series, I wish we heard a bit more about what Earth was like
Marriage and proposals were total cheeze and a bit awkward

[Alaska love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

Finally Hattie and Tuvo have their story. Tuvo was a hard sell but because of adversity he finally succumbed to mate hood. Many trials with good outcomes. Loved hearing all the updates about all of the girls and their mates too. Enjoy!

[Misti Britnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY

The teasers in the prior books for Hattie's story had me excited for this book. It did not disappoint. Still had some editing issues, but I will be looking for more of this author's work.

[Belmira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this an extra star just because one of the characters had the same name as me and she's a badass.
It's pretty clear this was supposed to be the third book. The decision to make this the last one derailed everything in my opinion.

[F~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @83% this was way too long and the FMC was way too desperate 😩 I just couldn’t with her or the FMC. And what was the point of the OM in this? He was cartoonishly evil lol it was so weird how the FMC just continued to let him be weird with her. The MMC too tbh. Didn’t feel very domini.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

so excited for what’s next

While I am terribly disappointed the series is over. I am excited to know she is continuing her world. So I am excited for what comes next!!

[Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEA

What a fantastic period to an amazing series! I absolutely love Tuvo and am so glad he finally got his mate. Thank you for sharing!

[Ana B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the book 1 this one is my favorite

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet ending to very sweet books.

[Mnms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty true to the previous books. I'd skipped no 4 and it went fine.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf’d at 84% bc i just couldn’t get through with it, i was so bored. Also I hated the whole size thing like wdym you can’t be with her bc it won’t fit, is that all that matters…

[Brittany’s Book List · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this whole series. It’s a fun alien romance read. A light read with a little spicy.

[Ra Ra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this entire series in a caffeine fueled binge. Here are my thoughts.

- The domini don’t have three eyes. It freaked me out so i made the executive decision to omit that detail from my imaginings.
- EARTH SUCKS
- Each FMC and MMC felt very unique. I really like that.
- The fixation of human women being the peak of sexuality across the entirety of the universe got old and weird after a while.
- I can’t remember anything else. It was just fun vibes… but not 4 star vibes. Kinda felt like watching NCIS. It’s a good way to kill a few hours but it’s not blowing my mind

[The Book Scientist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! The book we've all been waiting for! There was no greater couple to wrap up this awesome series than Hattie and Tuvo. I'm so glad Tuvo was able to redeem himself and Hattie got the HEA she always wanted. Thank you Talia Rhea, for giving us a long epilogue with a peek into the futures of each couple. I am going to miss them!

HEA? yes
3rd act break-up? no
🌶🌶🌶/5

[Tammy Moldovan]

Tuvo and Hattie’s story at last

I have been waiting for Tuvo and Hattie’s alien-human, opposites attract, disaster forced proximity romance. And it did not disappoint, I loved it. I was hooked from the first sentence and enjoyed this cannot stop reading, stay up way to late heartwarming, suspenseful and steamy tale. Hattie is a human woman who was drugged and kidnapped from earth a year ago with four other human women. They all now live as citizens on the planet Turv. Hattie was a chef on earth and she has been creating human-domini recipes. Tuvo is domini and the First Warrior for his planet. He recognized Hattie was his mate when he first saw her but he is so much larger than petite Hattie, he is afraid he would kill her if they mated so he has been fighting the mating instinct. Hattie believes he finds her physically unappealing and does not like to be around her. They are back on Earth to introduce the planet to the coalition of aliens and to help it become a protectorate. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about aliens mating with humans and they are not above using violence. To get to their HEA, Tuvo and Hattie will have to fight off potential assassins and survive crashing into the Amazon rainforest all the while dealing with their own personal baggage. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline woven into superb world building. There are sweet moments, steamy scenes, fighting, dangerous situations, alien physiology and cultures, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, political machinations, mystery, revelations, plot twists, big feels, and laughs. Each book in the series has focused on one couple but the other woman and domini are also integral parts of each story. While this is a standalone, there are some overarching storylines that you’ll enjoy more if you read the books in order. I am sorry to come to the end of this series and I will miss these characters.

[Liesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this better than the last 2. I don't know how much of that was the writing or story or if it was just finally getting Hattie and Tuvo's story. I hated how long Keith lingered in the last book, but I figured he would be gone soon enough. Nope. He was there pretty much the whole time. way past when it made sense for the story. Why did he need a ride home in the private jet? Why wouldn't he have immediately left the village? It didn't make sense and I didn't care for it at all. He wasn't a good enough foil to make it worthwhile.
The whole plot with the village and human trafficking was just ridiculous. When the runners were sent from the village why didn't they contact officials? I get that the security was compromised, but I feel like the author just kept ignoring the fact that she wrote the POTUS as a caring, good man. I can't imagine they wouldn't have felt comfortable contacting him. Also, they weren't concerned about their friends at all?! I get thinking their situation had been an isolated hit, but how were they not considerate of how worried and upset their friends would be after a plane crash? It did not make sense with their characters. It was disappointing.
I really hope the author gets better editors for the spin-off series because I think she has created a really fantastic world. I fully admit to being a grammar grump, but there were so many mistakes (misspellings, wrong word choice). It really took me out of it.
I think there is so much potential in the universe and now that they have gotten the Earth bureaucracy out of the way, I am excited to see humans with all the other cultures and alien races.

[Hannah Avendaño · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Hattie and Tuvo were really built up through all the books and I loved reading their story. I wish Keith was not present for most of the book. He didn’t add anything to the story and only made me annoyed at Hattie for the interactions she allowed for so long. She could have told him off in the beginning and the story would have been just as compelling without the annoying factor from having him there being obnoxious