Tribute to the Alien Warlord

Warlords of Thyre #1

by Bella Blair

She was given to me as a tribute, but soon she becomes the master of my heart.

ALAHNA : Many generations ago, humans fled to the planet Thyre, which is ruled by warlords. Each year, our outposts pay tribute to the Thyres for their protection and for allowing us to live on their land.
This year, we are short on horses and so I'm chosen to be part of the tribute given to the Warlord of Grymburg. I don't know what awaits me, but I wasn't prepared for the warlord to take my breath away and claim me the moment he laid eyes on me.


BROGAN : The humans, a tolerated species on Thyre, have many uses, but by far their greatest asset is their talent to breed horses.
When it's time to collect this season's tribute, I'm dismayed that they' re us ing e human kallinies to pay their debts instead of the horses I expected. At least until my eyes land on her. The most delectable kallini I have ever seen and who soon heats my cold warlord heart. Before I know it, she even brings pets into our home.

Genres: Aliens, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy, Spicy, Audiobook

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2023

Reviews

[OneDayI'll · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 different books

Read this because the MMC was described as a cinnamon roll on a post. Otherwise I would have avoided due to the blurb. And while the MMC was a cinnamon roll softy he wasn't at the beginning. The book literally changes everything about 30% in. It starts off very much in line with the blurb's description. Humans seem like indentured servants, paying tithes to be allowed to exist, and humans being trafficked to the aliens as chattel. Then, poof, magically it all changes. Humans are free, they work with the aliens, and everything is happy happy joy joy. Huh? Her village literally gave her away because she had no worth but suddenly she's defending them saying they're good people, that they aren't slaves, and that humans are happy. It was like we left 1 book and walked into another that had already started. And, names changed, especially her pet's name. I really thing the author has 2 different books ideas and just got confused and mashed them together. Or forgot and combined them accidentally. The romance started off bad. Just bad. Because it was the powerplay dub-con that I abhor. It isn't really a choice if you don't have a choice.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medieval Vibes, Space Origins, and One Very Protective Horse



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😍
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration

🦸🏼‍♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Alahna

A fierce horse trainer and the only rider capable of taming the black stallion that catches a warlord’s eye, Alahna lives among the human settlers on Thyre—a planet once offered refuge from Earth’s corruption. Her strength isn’t just physical; it’s in her quiet defiance, her bond with the beasts she’s raised, and the way she holds her ground when offered as tribute. She’s not a damsel. She’s the reason the stallion bows to no one else.

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🦸🏻‍♂️ Hero Spotlight: Brogan

Warlord of the region and reluctant host of the annual tithe ceremony, Brogan is all grit and command—until a missing forty horses and one unruly stallion throw the day off course. His fascination with the stallion leads him straight to Alahna, and despite his cynicism about the tribute of four women, he’s not immune to her presence. Smart, strategic, and surprisingly thoughtful, Brogan’s alpha energy is tempered by curiosity and restraint.

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🔥 Plot Snapshot

When the settlement falls short on their horse tithe due to a Udron raid, Brogan demands answers. The leaders offer four women as temporary appeasement—a move he sees through instantly. But Alahna isn’t just another mouth to feed. She’s the trainer behind the stallion he covets, and her quiet strength shifts the power dynamic. As tensions rise between warlords, settlers, and Udron raiders, Alahna and Brogan find themselves entangled in a conflict that’s as political as it is personal.

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❤️‍🔥 What Worked

• Alahna’s competence is front and center. She’s not just strong—she’s skilled, respected by the animals she trains, and emotionally grounded.
• The black stallion’s loyalty to her adds a layer of emotional depth and symbolism.
• Brogan’s immediate interest in Alahna feels earned, and their early kiss sets the tone for a romance that simmers beneath the surface.
• The backstory of Earth’s downfall and the settlers’ medieval lifestyle on Thyre adds intrigue and raises compelling questions about survival, adaptation, and power.

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🤨 Room for More

• The premise had promise, but the execution felt like a shadow of Zoey Draven’s Horde Kings of Dakkar series. The emotional stakes and world-building didn’t quite reach the same heights.
• Some plot beats felt familiar, and the pacing could’ve used more tension and unpredictability.

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🎧 Narration Vibes

Narrated in dual POVs by Jenn Jayden and Ross Pendleton.

• Jenn Jayden’s voice felt mismatched for Alahna—unexpectedly aged and distracting, especially given the character’s youth and vitality.
• Ross Pendleton’s delivery was fine, but lacked the deep, commanding tone that Brogan’s character demands. For a warlord, you want gravel and gravitas—not just “decent.”

---

📝 Final Thoughts

A heroine worth rooting for, a warlord with unexpected depth, and a stallion that steals the show. While the story doesn’t quite break new ground, it offers enough grit, romance, and rebellion to keep you listening—if you can get past the narration.


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[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I enjoy Sci-fi where anything goes, and I really enjoyed this story and these alpha men/aliens.

Tribute to the Alien Warlord is the first exciting book in the Warlords of Thyre series and offers an action-packed and compelling read.

Some people from Earth asked to join their planet and have lived a life with few complaints. However, everything changes when the Thyre, a race of formidable alpha warriors, become determined to save women who are offered as tributes. To the Thyres' astonishment, they come to recognize the women as their destined partners and confidantes, treating them with the reverence they deserve. The ultimate goal of these brave warriors is to unite diverse beings to stand against the forces of evil.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf
First day together
She arrives as a Princess Leia style sex slave. She bites him when they kiss
He tells her if she wants to see her horse she has to kiss him whenever he wants. Just kissing. She’s fine with this.
Horseback riding date
He says he wants to f her
She is fine with this
One of the least appealing spicy scenes ever ensues.

There’s just no romantic tension whatsoever, and the timeline makes no sense. She’s almost immediately docile and smitten. Since I do not care about whatever non-romance plot points happen, I have now completed the story arc. He wants her, she wants him. Not very interesting to me and the characters had the depth of paper dolls.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a weird book. The humans are descendants of colonists, but the native peoples are basically in a medieval setting, with a few modern amenities. They take tithes from the humans and sort of view them like livestock, which makes the warlord immediately feeling horny for one when she's presented as part of the tithe a little odd. Alahna feels scared for maybe an hour then she's kissing and banging this dude and forgets all about the other women who were tribute'd with her. Suddenly she's lady of the manor and oh yeah, a magical horsewoman as well. There's some cute animal interaction, a lot of sex, and then in the last 75% we get the major external conflict. The other natives on the planet decide to come attack in the middle of winter, but it's not what you expect. The other warlords also ride up, there's a lot of character introduction, and then other characters go off to deal with the new threats - I assume that those stories are told in the other books in the series. Alahna magically remembers stories from her grandmother to help defeat the new enemy, she finally gets knocked up, and the book ends.

Meh. Not as good as I was hoping for an the middle really dragged on. I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warlord Brogan of Grymburg is set to receive his tribute, but a shortage of horses instead finds Alahna, vulnerable due to personal circumstances, becoming his tribute, sparking a unique connection between the pair. As the two spend time together, their relationship deepens and they have to navigate their differences and the challenges that come their way, from the Udrun threat and the Terran Confederation. The human rebellion, the role of the Vandalls, and the impending human conflict layer the storyline as Brogan struggles to protect his people while grappling with his feelings for Alahna. The contrasting perspectives of Alahna and Christina provide depth, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and ideology, as the story subtly addresses societal norms and prejudices, highlighting the importance of understanding and tolerance. Lovely tale of romance, cultural clashes, survival, and impending conflicts with plenty of heat, action, intrigue, danger, and more.

[Heather]

DNF’ed at 49%
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this as far as the story upsetting me in any way. It’s been very pleasant. There’s just no kind of opposition, no obstacle to overcome— I’m not sure what the story is working towards and I’d rather put it down for now and find something to read that has a clearer objective that will maintain my interest by inciting my curiosity, if that makes sense. So definitely a me thing and I might eventually circle back to this one when I’m in need of a lighthearted palette cleanser after reading some heavier material.

[Mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

started out strong honestly, lost the plot at half way trough

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little light read

It's nice to read a story that's not too dark. I guess I needed a breather because this was a breath of fresh air. I just wish the aliens could have been more, well, alien.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several generations ago, humans fled Earth and came to Thyre, ruled by 5 powerful warlords under one khazar. The humans pay a tythe (taxes) to the warlords for protection and the right to inhabit the lands. With their skill in breeding horses, their tribute is usually horses. This tax time, Governor Bertram is short over a third of the horses because of a Udrun raid. He has brought with him 4 human women as part of the tribute which will be fulfilled when the foals are able to travel after the cold season. Alahna is one of the women given to Warlord Brogan of Grymburg.

Brogan is dismayed that this season's tribute includes human kallinies until he lays eyes on Alahna, who he quickly claims as his own. The worst day of Alahna's life has a very different ending than she expected.

I enjoyed this book and eagerly await the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a little too ‘tame’ for my tastes, but the story itself was okay. Will I read the next in the series? Probably not

[Lucey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much like myself, this book is kinda messy and devoid of substance. It’s a full-length novel, yet its entire contents seem to get glossed over.

Due to their insta-love, there is no relationship arc between the main characters. Their relationship is based upon being hot, liking horses, and one being the other's chattel. None of their interactions ever read as meaningful, and their lack of chemistry made the (sometimes dubcon) sex scenes abrupt and unengaging.

The MCs' personalities remain banal and superficial throughout and the heroine is also insipidly and implausibly apathetic towards her own misfortunes, despite having lost her only family and being human trafficked. Also, entirely too much focus is given to her animal sidekicks. Like, way too much. It was giving Barbie Fairytopia.


There’s no real worldbuilding to speak of, other than a vague air of Medieval-but-Martian, and some details that are curiously similar to a popular book with a curiously similar title and plot (imo). The aliens may as well have been humans, as they had no significant physical or cultural differences. The rare instances where details were described in-depth were often contextually inconsequential and provided little enrichment. The story also initially sets up a staunch, multi-generational adversary of the species, but that hatchet gets buried within a single conversation, without conflict, and so two new enemies are instead introduced in the final act, but then they never actually come into play (???).

As for the narrative itself, the premise that is established in the beginning is quickly forgotten and nothing remarkable happens for 75% of the book, other than what could be summated as a sewing project and a mock-trial for a cat.

But then!
Things finally start picking up!

Until the author figuratively says ‘psych’ and the climax is resolved off-page by secondary characters and is never explained. Literally. The end.

Also, presumably by chance, the word for ‘woman’ in the aliens’ language just so happened to sound exactly the same as the Irish word for ‘little girls’, which was an exceptionally unfortunate and off-putting coincidence, given its sexual usage towards the heroine. It was, however, also utterly obsolete for any alien words to be fabricated, as it is clarified that they are speaking the aliens’ native language throughout.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribute to the Alien Warlord is a sci-fi romance by Bella Blair which is booke of the new Warlords of Thyre series.

The premise is interesting - some couple hundred years earlier, oppressed humans from an overpopulated Earth (which had been changed to Terra by the then new global government), gathered resources, hired a spaceship and found a new place to call home. This place was the planet Thyre, and they now live peacefully on the planet. The humans have become known for the horses they brought to Thyre and their ability to breed the beasts. So as a tax, the humans must give their landlords tythe in the form of horses.

The alien Warlords of Thyre are intriguing. The best description I can give is that they have an almost Viking feel about them. However, as the story progresses, it is clear that these guys aren't the barbarians that some may expect.

We learn more about Thyre and the people that call it home through the romance between human woman Alahna and the Thyrian warlord, Brogan. They come together when Alahna is offered as tribute when her human clan fall short of the number of required horses after being raided some months or weeks earlier.

There is a good dose of lust, and possibly love, at first sight. But it is interesting to get to know Alahna and Brogan as they see the differences, but also see the similarities with each other, and the strength that both characters hold in spades. Not only do they need to learn and get to know each other, there is also a growing threat coming their way and together they need to be strong for their people. I loved this couple. They were just wonderful together.

I can't wait for more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the start of the WARLORDS OF THYRE series. It introduced the set of characters that lives in the planet of Thyre and how certain events are changing the normalcy that they had known in various ways. In this first book of the series, the human heroine is part of a tribute to the native alien hero's people when the usual number of horses was cut short due to an enemy's attack. The hero is instantly attracted to the heroine and claimed her as his own. Thus begins the romantic relationship between the hero and the heroine as they encounter situations that hinders their happy ending with each other.

This Bella Blair book is an entertaining and enjoyable read. I liked the main couple and how their relationship grew from their first meeting until the end of the story. This book is a great start to the series and the species that lived in the planet of Thyre. The premise of the book and the overall series plot was something that got my attention and makes me look forward to the rest of the series. Though I wanted more details in the story, I still find it enjoyable to read. A wonderful Bella Blair book for readers of science-fiction romances.

** I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. **

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brogan, the male alien lead, is shocked when his human tenants pay part of their taxes with human females, including Alahna, the female lead, after another alien species steals part of their horse herd. Unwillingly fascinated by Alahna, Brogan makes many concessions for her.

Alahna is grieving her father who was killed when the horses were stolen and has no idea what her life may look like now but she appreciates the care and freedom that Brogan gives her.

Then Brogan’s peoples’ enemies from across the sea come seeking aid in their fight against invading humans who have come from outside the planet to “save” the human captives…

This story is dual POV, and a fun, steamy romance that launches a new series. I enjoyed the way Brogan and Alahna’s relationship was established early in the story and that much of the story revolves around setting up a world where they could be happy! I enjoyed the banter and the zaniness of the pets Alahna selected. I enjoyed their steamy engagements. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and am looking forward to more stories in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but I'm not sure i’d like to live on a planet where for taxes you could be handed over like animals but this is the life the humans agreed to for living on the planet Thyre. Alahna is a human female that lives on Thyre and they breed horses that are given each year as a tribute but they. Are short this year and so there Governor Bertram decides to hand over 4 females instead and I’m one of them but the Warlord isn’t happy. Warlord Brogan of Grymburg has come to the human settlement for his tribute this year but soon learns that the horses aren’t ready and so they are given 4 females and just as he was about to refuse he see’s one the he instantly wants and claims her Alahna as his own. At first Alahna is scared of Brogan when he claims her but he is gental with her at the same time. Everything is going well between them until more humans arrived and try to take his mate from him and that’s not going to happen and it could mean war between them both. How does it all turn out in the end, to find out get this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alahna is emotionally damaged by the death of her father and spitting mad at being made to be tribute to the warlord. What appeared to be a disastrous first meeting between herself and Warlord Brogan rapidly became something beautiful and more powerful. Brogan is bored with the routine of life until faced with a feisty, enchanting, small human female who quickly becomes the centre of his life.

Just as they reach an understanding danger from across the ocean threatens their very lives.

Alahna is a strong, capable, self reliant individual expecting the worst but making the best of things. Whilst Brogan is a built, charismatic warrior whose world is turned on its head.

A truly wonderful series with excellent world building, so many brilliant characters and absorbing storylines. This is the first book by this author that I've read and I can't wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribute to the Alien Warlord is another wonderfully engaging read from author Bella Blair.
Warlord Brogan and Alahna’s story is a dynamic of emotion, fated mates, culture clash and a wickedly alpha warlord whose heart Alahna ultimately melts.
When her human outpost is short on their Tythe/tax of horses to the Grymburg Stronghold Alahna and three other females are given in tribute as replacement which doesn’t go over well with Warlord Brogan until he locks eyes with Alahna and an answering fire awakens in both.
Their journey together will not be an easy one but the reader will enjoy the passionate battle of wills as well as a riveting adventure riddled with political intrigue that is all crafted within a perfectly imagined world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Considering the great crime that has taken place here and how close our great Warlord is to the… accused, ahem, suspect;..."

Brogan gets more than he bargained for when the human community brings their annual "tax" payment, but unexpected packages can contain the most amazing things.

Alahna is a unique woman, capable of training a warhorse, she just might be able to hold her own with a Warlord.

I really enjoyed the twists this story took, as we learned more about this interesting world, and the universe it is a part of, the story is told with a fun sense of humor and engaging characters.

Alahna is willing to challenge herself, and those around her, leading to some powerful scenes. I can't wait for more of this series, numerous characters are ripe for stories all their own.

I read Tribute to the Alien Warlord in Kindle unlimited and chose to share my thoughts.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

this story had a lot of action and humans, with aliens and taxes that had to be paid. Horses were traded as taxes to Brogan, but the human who trained horses was short 40 horses because of an attack so he brought 4 human Kellaines in exchange for the taxes, Brogan was immediately mad as he said how can these human women be worth 40 war horses but when he finally got to see one of the kellanies he was stunned at her beauty and grit & drawn to Alanha he found it strange that he was smitten with a human woman, but their attraction grew by leaps and bounds, and Brogan realize that this Kellanie woman was worth her weight in gold but the wars continued and warships from earth, came to rescue all the humans which they thought were prisoners so things take an ominous turn. What will Alanaha and brogan do

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was just ok. The world building was interesting but it needed more detail. The protagonists were presented in a very basic way and I feel there could have been more done to develop them. From the beginning until about halfway in the book I was starting to feel I was reading a sci-fi 50 Shades of Grey as there were so many sex scenes. At about the 60% mark of the book the plot started to develop more as it seemed the author realized that she had to do something with the other two couples that appear in the remaining books of the trilogy. Once the action started to pick up it was near the end and then the book finished, not a very satisfying read at all. In addition the resolutions of the other books in the trilogy are revealed, not just who ends up with who but how they reached that stage. I don't think I will read anymore book by this author.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brogan and Ahlana
What a great first book, this series has some of that alien alure that Bella Blair has on her other series but now, humans live on a world not theirs and they left all off their tecnoligical advances behing in order to live on peace with this world inabitants. Several generations past and humans live on Harmony with the other aliens but They must pay tribute as was agreed with the first colonists and this is how our MC's meet. Ahlana is gifted as a tribute but She captures the heart of the Warlord and things start to go well. Until the humans from Planet Terra came, guns blazing and want to save the humans in the Planet. I just loved it and really want to know other couples stories.

[Guadalupe Cosme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brogan the Warlord was given Alana as a tribute. He claims as her as his in front of everyone. He agrees that Alana keeps her horse, Samju. He also let's her be a horse handler. He gives her the title of Lady, in front of his subjects. The Vandalls arrive on their territory, by the Dark Sea. Brogan meets with King Uthar. He had a human woman in a cage. Christina stares that she is here to free the humans from slavery. She warns them of the technologies, the humans will use. Will there be a war? Can Brogan's army beat the humans? I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline flows well. The characters are realistic, and likeable. There is a hea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALAHNA is taken with three other women to the warlord Brogan. The tribute was short horses so the men added the women to the tribute. When Brogan sees her he is entranced with her and her beauty. The two are drawn together by a horse she has raised and trained. As they get to know each other he claims her as his. He knows he is putty in her hands when she looks at him and voluntarily kisses him. Then one the Vandalls are sighted and they bring them a prisoner. Now they have to convince the new female that the humans on this world are free. Will they be able to do that? The interplay between them is interesting. It's a pull/push interaction but they play it beautifully!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I want you to be happy here, Alahna, and if that means you spend your day in the stables with that gods-awful horse of yours, then by all means…" I waved my hand.
"Samju is not that awful," she quickly defended the horse from dubnos before my words must have penetrated her mind and she smiled so beautifully it lit up the room. "You mean I can work with the horses?"
I nodded. "Kar."
She slung her arms around me and kissed me. She kissed me!

I really enjoyed this book. Great world building. I really liked both Alahna and Brogan. Alahna being given in tribute in payment of taxes when there was a shortage of horses should have been the worst day of her life, but it turned out to be the best as it led her to her mate. I would continue this series. 4 stars.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brogan and Alahna

There was a world that welcomed the Terran people. Welcomed them from the planet formerly known as an Earth. They fled their world of oppression and discontent. Now hundred of years later the humans have a foothold in the Arthur’s world. Well known for their horse breeding. The human paid their taxes in horses. This year they were short. So it was purposed to give women.

Brogan was just about to refuse until he saw her. Alahna was a beauty like no other. And she had a way with the horses. Especially one particular horse. I would have liked to have seen more of her work with the horses.

Brogan and Alahna’s relationship bleeds into another of the Warlords of Thyre. That story will be up next but this was an interesting world

[Nanadeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute take on a space fantasy.

Even though horse trainer, Alahna is alone after a great loss and traded to Warlord Brogan, of Thyre, to pay her village's taxes, she still keeps her spirit and pride up, much to Brogan's amusement. And yes, she still manages to get her warlord. The only cons I have is 1. the beginning says women have no power on this planet, to by the end she's bending over backwards to prove that she, the other women, and the rest of the humans are free. Huh? 2. The crisis/climax was solved way too easily and with few details. And 3. the warrior that was sent with the female soldier to divert a war, didn't speak English. How did they communicate? Still, if you can overlook those things it was an fun read. ;D

[books2loversss · Rating 2 out of 5]

No greater pet peeve than a bad alien language

From sentence one you’re confronted with a poor attempt at a new language. The word “tythe” for tax, which at that point, why? Then you get gems like, “Ah, dryck, I cursed, realizing I wouldn't be able to say nyck to her.”

Of course, a pet peeve alone doesn’t make for a bad book, but this one just didn’t do it for me. The writing was a bit cringy, in addition to the language issues mentioned already, and there was no development when it came to the romance. One moment our alien tribute hates the warlord, and literally hours later she’s thrilled to be in his bed for however long she can.

At least there was some broader plot in the second half. That got me to the end, but I will not be continuing the series.

[RB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welp, it's a quite standard romance in the sorta scifi genre. Big, study warrior gets gifted a gorgeous human woman and her horse. He falls for her and makes her his mate. Their little fiefdom gets invaded by pseudo friends who alert them to a bigger, real invasion. Everyone must come together to defeat the threat. The end.

There's really not much more to the story. The leads are 2 dimensional and basically fall in love right out of the gate. The spice, however, is pretty hot.

There's some world building but it's fairly minimal. The ending is not a cliffhanger, but it definitely indicates another book in the series, more than one.

I may check out one more book in the series, but so far, this is not much to read.