Diane, the female human lead, is part of a group of “ideal” humans set aside for breeding with aliens at risk of extinction by the aliens keeping humans alive after Earth is destroyed. Not interested, Diane attempts to hide but other human females, who don’t get her privileged treatment, attack her and she is “rescued” and healed sufficiently to be shipped off to another alien group.
Almaac, the male alien lead, is shocked when his leader’s “creature” asks him to care for the new creature that has been sent through the portal. He can’t believe the condition she’s in, though he’s sure he wants her for his mate, regardless of what the leader’s mate thinks.
As Diane heals physically, she finds herself drawn to Almaac because he cares for her the way her deceased husband did. But she’s sure it’s a betrayal of both males to feel this way!
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and deals with some very serious emotional issues in a witty way. It is also seriously hot on the intimacy front and definitely portrays a DS relationship - mind your triggers. I enjoyed Diane’s willingness to fight back when necessary contrasted with her desire to be in a DS relationship. I enjoyed Almaac’s genuine care for her and his desire to give her what she wanted, even if it didn’t align with his desires. I enjoyed the highly integrated secondary characters and exploration of cultural misunderstandings. Whilst this story stands alone, it will be enhanced by having read the first one in the series. I’m also enjoying the different intimate relationships the author is exploring for these characters and the physical explorations for these interspecies couples as they learn each other’s bodies in the highly erotic intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.