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Over the Moon #2
Eat My Moon Dust
Tinsley Adams is fed up. She's a pastry chef stuck on an alien planet where cooked food is printed piping hot and perfect every time. Where's the fun in that? The artistry? The sense of family and community?
When snow caps the distant mountains, she decides it's high time for some community-building festivities. No one throws a holiday bash like a Canadian, after all. But in order to do it, she'll need some serious help, and she's willing to do anything to bring some Christmas cheer to Renata.
Hunar Fareshi is fed up. He's the chief engineer in the human colony, aging out of the dating scene and struggling to make ends meet while he provides for his children from afar. And the "fresh start" he was promised? Only attainable if he entices a human into coiling with him. How is he supposed to do that when he's three times their age and seen as the colony skrooj ?
The end of his contract looms mere weeks away. If he's kicked out of the delegation, he'll lose his kids, his home, his savings... When the offensive human with bouncy brown silk offers a solution, he can't afford to turn her away. He'll play nice and make strange decorations until his contract is renewed.
Then they'll go their separate ways... Right? ***
The Over the Moon series takes place in the Intersolar Union universe, in the human colony on Yaspur. These are lighter standalones with a touch of emotional turmoil. They can be read in any order, separate from the ISU series. Features explicit adult scenes - mature readers only. All of my books are HEA, no cheating. Please read the content notes on my ettapierceromance.com
Nervous jumping into a book without some spoilers first? Reach out to me on social media if you have specific questions about any of my books so I can make your reading experience more comfortable!
When snow caps the distant mountains, she decides it's high time for some community-building festivities. No one throws a holiday bash like a Canadian, after all. But in order to do it, she'll need some serious help, and she's willing to do anything to bring some Christmas cheer to Renata.
Hunar Fareshi is fed up. He's the chief engineer in the human colony, aging out of the dating scene and struggling to make ends meet while he provides for his children from afar. And the "fresh start" he was promised? Only attainable if he entices a human into coiling with him. How is he supposed to do that when he's three times their age and seen as the colony skrooj ?
The end of his contract looms mere weeks away. If he's kicked out of the delegation, he'll lose his kids, his home, his savings... When the offensive human with bouncy brown silk offers a solution, he can't afford to turn her away. He'll play nice and make strange decorations until his contract is renewed.
Then they'll go their separate ways... Right? ***
The Over the Moon series takes place in the Intersolar Union universe, in the human colony on Yaspur. These are lighter standalones with a touch of emotional turmoil. They can be read in any order, separate from the ISU series. Features explicit adult scenes - mature readers only. All of my books are HEA, no cheating. Please read the content notes on my ettapierceromance.com
Nervous jumping into a book without some spoilers first? Reach out to me on social media if you have specific questions about any of my books so I can make your reading experience more comfortable!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
77 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Etta Pierce
17 books302 followersI'm a hopeless academic and science fiction romance author. I write intelligent women, complicated men, and slow burn steam! My first series, the Intersolar Union Series, is ongoing with many more series and books planned for the future. Strap in for the long haul, guys, I'm here to stay and crank out some good romantic fiction!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 17, 2024
That escalated quickly. I really didn’t mind. I enjoy the series and world the author has built. The aliens are actually alien.
July 18, 2025
EAT MY MOON DUST was an absolute delight to read and it kind of snuck up on me with how much I was enjoying it. We met Tinsley in the previous book as Omi's best friend who was short, energetic, and bubbly. And all that sunshine resonated throughout this book as Tinsley worked to bring some Christmas cheer to the Renata colony. I sometimes get a bit annoyed with overly sunny characters but Tinsley never bothered me and I loved how welcoming and open she was while also being so relatable in her moments of embarrassment or vulnerability.
Tinsley was the perfect medicine to brighten Hunar's life and remind him of his old dreams of a loving family. Hunar was a grump and not always the nicest shilpakaari but in the previous books it was always obvious how much he cared about the colony and doing right by the humans. But in EAT MY MOON DUST we also see what's been weighing Hunar down and making him so miserable. He's tired, lonely, missing his kids, and he's lost all sense of hope. My heart broke for what Hunar's previous priya was putting him through and I loved the way Tinsley made Hunar a priority.
While this certainly had it's spicy moments I also loved how sweet it was. I also wasn't expecting the fake-but-real coil and since fake dating is one of my favorite tropes I really enjoyed that plot line. Seeing grumpy Hunar slowly loosen up was perfect and I especially enjoyed the moments where was reconnecting with his kids (who were so adorable). Another great addition to this large world Pierce has created!
Content Warning: chronic illness; child abandonment (MMC's ex)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re my sunrise, Tin.”
Tinsley was the perfect medicine to brighten Hunar's life and remind him of his old dreams of a loving family. Hunar was a grump and not always the nicest shilpakaari but in the previous books it was always obvious how much he cared about the colony and doing right by the humans. But in EAT MY MOON DUST we also see what's been weighing Hunar down and making him so miserable. He's tired, lonely, missing his kids, and he's lost all sense of hope. My heart broke for what Hunar's previous priya was putting him through and I loved the way Tinsley made Hunar a priority.
While this certainly had it's spicy moments I also loved how sweet it was. I also wasn't expecting the fake-but-real coil and since fake dating is one of my favorite tropes I really enjoyed that plot line. Seeing grumpy Hunar slowly loosen up was perfect and I especially enjoyed the moments where was reconnecting with his kids (who were so adorable). Another great addition to this large world Pierce has created!
Content Warning: chronic illness; child abandonment (MMC's ex)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re my sunrise, Tin.”
November 27, 2023
Tinsley is one of the residents of the human colony a former baker of indigenous descent. She's a sunny glass-half-full sort of girl. She misses her old life but tries to make the best of things and not wallow in past regrets. Hunar is the chief engineer at the human colony he and Tinsley have rubbed each other up the wrong way from day one. He's the grump to her sunshine the total opposite of bubbly Tinsley but not without just cause.
Hunar's backstory is so sad coiled to the mother of his children who lives elsewhere with their spats he's been in withdrawal and suffering from the wasting sickness for a decade. When he finds himself unexpectedly the sole guardian of his children he has no choice but to take them back home with him. But there's a clause in his initial work contract that states that to make this his permanent home he must pursue a human female or be replaced as engineer. When Tinsley convinces a reluctant Hunar to lend his assistance to her Christmas celebrations she in return sets in motion a ruse that sees them thrown together and soon lines are blurring as these two start to fall deep the pretence becoming reality.
What an ambient sense of warmth and family this story imparted. It had such a feel-good vibe that easily transferred over to me the reader and I enjoyed this latest book in the series immensely. This had a grumpy-sunshine fake dating trope but with a sci-fi twist and I'm partial to all of these tropes. It was also all done very well and it felt authentic. I was a fan of both Tinsley and Hunar and their slow burn-shy connection was initially sweet and then exploded into some super red-hot intensity.
This was well-written and well-researched and I especially loved the family aspect and simplicity of their connection. There were no great misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict and it was just a heartwarming experience. I recommend this series highly and it delivers every single time each story bringing something different. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Eat My Moon Dust.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
November 14, 2023
Eat My Moon Dust is the second in a series that's meant to standalone, however the author provides a "The World So Far" section and an exhaustive list of characters (including descriptions of the various alien species) to help, because this is a spin-off series of a greater world. This series is lighter (but still emotional) and more slice of life than the first series though. I enjoy this author's sci-fi romance, but they are very descriptive and sometimes a little confusing. That's not meant to discourage anyone, because clearly I've liked this series a lot, but it's a head's up.
I wanted to give Tinsley (h) and Hunar (H) and Hunar's kids hugs so bad for a good portion of the book. Tinsley is coping post-alien abduction and with her human refugee status, but she misses her life on Earth, because there's not a comparable role in their community. She was a baker and unfortunately, food is created mechanically and some ingredients aren't able to be processed. Tinsley's a big ole ball of sunshine despite some of her more down moments and she decides to lead the community in decorating for and celebrating Christmas to lift her spirits and others. Hunar is the chief engineer and he's been accused of being a grump, however his life is pretty sad. He was in a toxic relationship and has three kids that he supports, but isn't able to spend much time with, until he goes for a visit and his ex effectively tosses them out so she can start a new family. Except when Hunar goes to get his kids approved for returning to the human colony with him, he learns that he has to fulfill a relationship provision in his contract or lose his job.
This is the set-up that leads to a fake relationship between Tinsley and Hunar, lots of Christmasy in space moments, delving past the surface with someone you dislike and learning things you love instead, and the building of a new family. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (H is done with his ex emotionally, but physically had some repercussions from the ending of their relationship years ago because of his species), and neither are virgins.
Tinsley and Hunar do get a bit angsty because Hunar hasn't always been kind to Tinsley and their fake relationship status comes about in a foolish attempt of hers to help him. But they were so sweet together as they spent more time together and especially as Tinsley understood more about what Hunar and his kids had experienced. Their cultures are very different and I appreciate that the author focuses on cultural differences, without making them giant misunderstandings to drive the plot. Hunar's kids and Tinsley were adorable together and Hunar getting to truly be a dad was wonderful. There were lots of really sweet scenes in this book, some frustrating ones, and yes, there are some pretty steamy times (including solo moments and couple ones). Hunar's species is a fascinating one anatomically and he's the same species as the H from book 1, but his experiences are unique in some ways.
Because this is a slice of life type series, no major action occurs. The suspense of whether they'll pull off the fake relationship (that gets real fast) and what their future holds is what drives the tension and the story. There is a great scene of Tinsley standing up for Hunar. There's also an equally great one where Hunar makes a big gesture. The ending is HEA of them mated and in love and with a final beautiful moment of Hunar supporting and loving Tinsley. This really hit the spot for me with the holiday theming, the emotional impact of the characters' journeys, and then an ending that left me super happy.
I wanted to give Tinsley (h) and Hunar (H) and Hunar's kids hugs so bad for a good portion of the book. Tinsley is coping post-alien abduction and with her human refugee status, but she misses her life on Earth, because there's not a comparable role in their community. She was a baker and unfortunately, food is created mechanically and some ingredients aren't able to be processed. Tinsley's a big ole ball of sunshine despite some of her more down moments and she decides to lead the community in decorating for and celebrating Christmas to lift her spirits and others. Hunar is the chief engineer and he's been accused of being a grump, however his life is pretty sad. He was in a toxic relationship and has three kids that he supports, but isn't able to spend much time with, until he goes for a visit and his ex effectively tosses them out so she can start a new family. Except when Hunar goes to get his kids approved for returning to the human colony with him, he learns that he has to fulfill a relationship provision in his contract or lose his job.
This is the set-up that leads to a fake relationship between Tinsley and Hunar, lots of Christmasy in space moments, delving past the surface with someone you dislike and learning things you love instead, and the building of a new family. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (H is done with his ex emotionally, but physically had some repercussions from the ending of their relationship years ago because of his species), and neither are virgins.
Tinsley and Hunar do get a bit angsty because Hunar hasn't always been kind to Tinsley and their fake relationship status comes about in a foolish attempt of hers to help him. But they were so sweet together as they spent more time together and especially as Tinsley understood more about what Hunar and his kids had experienced. Their cultures are very different and I appreciate that the author focuses on cultural differences, without making them giant misunderstandings to drive the plot. Hunar's kids and Tinsley were adorable together and Hunar getting to truly be a dad was wonderful. There were lots of really sweet scenes in this book, some frustrating ones, and yes, there are some pretty steamy times (including solo moments and couple ones). Hunar's species is a fascinating one anatomically and he's the same species as the H from book 1, but his experiences are unique in some ways.
Because this is a slice of life type series, no major action occurs. The suspense of whether they'll pull off the fake relationship (that gets real fast) and what their future holds is what drives the tension and the story. There is a great scene of Tinsley standing up for Hunar. There's also an equally great one where Hunar makes a big gesture. The ending is HEA of them mated and in love and with a final beautiful moment of Hunar supporting and loving Tinsley. This really hit the spot for me with the holiday theming, the emotional impact of the characters' journeys, and then an ending that left me super happy.
November 28, 2023
I LOVED IT! This Krismis/Winter Festival centered alien romance was just what I needed! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop.
I liked Tinsley and Hunar's grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Seeing more of Hunar in general was great because I liked him as a character from previous books and I liked that Tinsley was a tiny firecracker of a woman. (Side note though: I'm realizing this series really needs some plus size representation.) Hunar's kids were an excellent add to the story and I enjoyed them a lot. A little confused on their whereabouts during Hunar and Tinsley's private moments but I figured they're the equivalent of young teenagers among a small population in one of the most heavily guarded locations in the known galaxy so I'd let it slide. The way Tinsley connected with the kids and seeing Hunar struggle with fatherhood was satisfying.
Loved the side cast of characters and getting to see so many returns from previous books. The little flirtations happening between Naitee and Piro is so friggin cute. I would normally avoid any romance book about someone their age but I'd make an exception for these two (eventually?) <3. I'm also perfectly happy with seeing them interact throughout the stories of other characters and don't feel like they necessarily need a whole book unto themselves, especially with how young they both are.
As a holiday read, this was nice but it's not over the top, in spite of Tinsley's best efforts. Sure, planning the holiday and preparing stuff and making decorations and talking details about the holidays were literally happening constantly throughout the story, but it still felt like it wasn't shoving any and everything holiday themed in your face. It felt like a very real struggle to reconcile a winter-time holiday in the jungle of an alien moon and I loved the way the two were ultimately integrated. I liked that holidays besides Christmas were addressed, although it felt as much of an afterthought in the book as it did to Tinsley.
The spice scenes between Hunar and Tinsley might be my favorites so far because they didn't follow the same recipe I complained about in every other book set in this universe. It was a little different and, as a result, it felt uniquely them. A little more personal, a little more intimate. That was all I wanted!
I LOVED the whole food bay discussion and technical details. I love sci fi stuff but I rarely see the common food replicator concept thought out like this. Author Etta Pierce mentions arguing with her husband about food bay functionality and I don't know what side they each fell on in the argument but I enjoyed what ended up in the story.
Last but not least among the things I liked, I appreciate the author's efforts to both represent a variety of people, nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures as well as utilizing advisors and sensitivity readers to do so.
I was a little confused on the timeline for this story, both during the scope of the book as well as where it fell in regards to other works. For the latter, a novella was published about Sizzle and Jihae in September, a couple months before this was released, and I wasn't sure if I needed to read that first. Instead, it sounds like Sizzle's story is being expanded on (?) for book 3 of this series and will chronologically come after this one. I wish that was a little bit more clear from the start.
The timeline during the story felt a bit off and very whimsical, not the least bit concrete. Tinsley has 3 weeks to plan and put together this Winter Festival and the passage of time as she accomplishes things along the way felt like it was longer than 3 weeks. Then again, you could try to fudge the time by saying weeks are longer on this moon or whatever. I certainly let a lot of other stuff like that slide by assuming there's a sort of translation happening for the reader's sake when the alien characters are mentioning Earth units of measure. The only reason this matters is because Tinsley and Hunar ultimately seemed to catch feelings rather rapidly in the span of a few days. Tinsley especially felt like it was practically overnight. There was a lot of time spent outside of that window doing other things after or prior to them realizing feelings so the actual feeling change felt a little abrupt. I would have liked to have seen that handled a tad differently.
I wish we knew more about what interactions are like between Ferulis and Marcella because what little we see is great but I wanted more! I also kept wondering the whole book what happened to the biognostics Jharim and Roav. They're never mentioned so I'm assuming that storyline will stick to the main series, Intersolar Union, and I'm dying to know what happens with them. I liked them as characters.
I was a little annoyed at how ditzy Tinsley seemed from not realizing how a coil worked. It felt like she definitely should have known better and had a better basic knowledge of it, especially given her friendship with Omi and Siatesh. I feel like that was a misstep in her characterization and the fake dating could have come about a little differently.
The biggest thing I had any issue with is Ambassador Zufi and I'm going to put that behind spoilers.
I liked Tinsley and Hunar's grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Seeing more of Hunar in general was great because I liked him as a character from previous books and I liked that Tinsley was a tiny firecracker of a woman. (Side note though: I'm realizing this series really needs some plus size representation.) Hunar's kids were an excellent add to the story and I enjoyed them a lot. A little confused on their whereabouts during Hunar and Tinsley's private moments but I figured they're the equivalent of young teenagers among a small population in one of the most heavily guarded locations in the known galaxy so I'd let it slide. The way Tinsley connected with the kids and seeing Hunar struggle with fatherhood was satisfying.
Loved the side cast of characters and getting to see so many returns from previous books. The little flirtations happening between Naitee and Piro is so friggin cute. I would normally avoid any romance book about someone their age but I'd make an exception for these two (eventually?) <3. I'm also perfectly happy with seeing them interact throughout the stories of other characters and don't feel like they necessarily need a whole book unto themselves, especially with how young they both are.
As a holiday read, this was nice but it's not over the top, in spite of Tinsley's best efforts. Sure, planning the holiday and preparing stuff and making decorations and talking details about the holidays were literally happening constantly throughout the story, but it still felt like it wasn't shoving any and everything holiday themed in your face. It felt like a very real struggle to reconcile a winter-time holiday in the jungle of an alien moon and I loved the way the two were ultimately integrated. I liked that holidays besides Christmas were addressed, although it felt as much of an afterthought in the book as it did to Tinsley.
The spice scenes between Hunar and Tinsley might be my favorites so far because they didn't follow the same recipe I complained about in every other book set in this universe. It was a little different and, as a result, it felt uniquely them. A little more personal, a little more intimate. That was all I wanted!
I LOVED the whole food bay discussion and technical details. I love sci fi stuff but I rarely see the common food replicator concept thought out like this. Author Etta Pierce mentions arguing with her husband about food bay functionality and I don't know what side they each fell on in the argument but I enjoyed what ended up in the story.
Last but not least among the things I liked, I appreciate the author's efforts to both represent a variety of people, nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures as well as utilizing advisors and sensitivity readers to do so.
I was a little confused on the timeline for this story, both during the scope of the book as well as where it fell in regards to other works. For the latter, a novella was published about Sizzle and Jihae in September, a couple months before this was released, and I wasn't sure if I needed to read that first. Instead, it sounds like Sizzle's story is being expanded on (?) for book 3 of this series and will chronologically come after this one. I wish that was a little bit more clear from the start.
The timeline during the story felt a bit off and very whimsical, not the least bit concrete. Tinsley has 3 weeks to plan and put together this Winter Festival and the passage of time as she accomplishes things along the way felt like it was longer than 3 weeks. Then again, you could try to fudge the time by saying weeks are longer on this moon or whatever. I certainly let a lot of other stuff like that slide by assuming there's a sort of translation happening for the reader's sake when the alien characters are mentioning Earth units of measure. The only reason this matters is because Tinsley and Hunar ultimately seemed to catch feelings rather rapidly in the span of a few days. Tinsley especially felt like it was practically overnight. There was a lot of time spent outside of that window doing other things after or prior to them realizing feelings so the actual feeling change felt a little abrupt. I would have liked to have seen that handled a tad differently.
I wish we knew more about what interactions are like between Ferulis and Marcella because what little we see is great but I wanted more! I also kept wondering the whole book what happened to the biognostics Jharim and Roav. They're never mentioned so I'm assuming that storyline will stick to the main series, Intersolar Union, and I'm dying to know what happens with them. I liked them as characters.
I was a little annoyed at how ditzy Tinsley seemed from not realizing how a coil worked. It felt like she definitely should have known better and had a better basic knowledge of it, especially given her friendship with Omi and Siatesh. I feel like that was a misstep in her characterization and the fake dating could have come about a little differently.
The biggest thing I had any issue with is Ambassador Zufi and I'm going to put that behind spoilers.
November 29, 2023
Sweet and Christmasy. I really enjoy this world.
Aliens aren't just fancy colored humans, definite alien peen, subplot includes the politics of the human's position in the universe and the author tries very hard for respectful diversity.
Aliens aren't just fancy colored humans, definite alien peen, subplot includes the politics of the human's position in the universe and the author tries very hard for respectful diversity.
November 10, 2023
Ugh Etta Pierce! She just gets me every time. I loved this book. Tinsley was such a fun character, I really enjoyed her. And I love that Shilpakarri always have so much depth. Hunar may seem like a grump on the outside but he has so much more going on underneath. What a great book!
September 16, 2025
I don’t even care that I read a Christmas book in September that was the cutest thing ever
November 19, 2023
Quickish Review
Man I have enjoyed this little spinoff series by Ms. Pierce. Tinsley and Hunar have their own unique journeys, and I’m impressed with the way this story manages to dig into them. The story isn’t a standalone, as familiarity with this ‘verse helps with understanding why this fake relationship turned real happens in the first place.
Exploring the way each human character has dealt with their traumatic kidnappings and are learning to forge new lives in Renata was been interesting, bittersweet and hopeful. These novellas are shorter than the main series books, but just as impactful. I also can’t speak to the native/indigenous representation, but I admire the fact that Ms. Pierce has made note of getting sensitivity readers to give her feedback.
Yeah I like this series and author. Looking forward to the next book.
Man I have enjoyed this little spinoff series by Ms. Pierce. Tinsley and Hunar have their own unique journeys, and I’m impressed with the way this story manages to dig into them. The story isn’t a standalone, as familiarity with this ‘verse helps with understanding why this fake relationship turned real happens in the first place.
Exploring the way each human character has dealt with their traumatic kidnappings and are learning to forge new lives in Renata was been interesting, bittersweet and hopeful. These novellas are shorter than the main series books, but just as impactful. I also can’t speak to the native/indigenous representation, but I admire the fact that Ms. Pierce has made note of getting sensitivity readers to give her feedback.
Yeah I like this series and author. Looking forward to the next book.
November 28, 2023
Best Holiday Romance I’ve Read
How precious was Tinsley? And Hunar had ALL the reasons to be the grumpy counterpart to her sunshine. I was a bit nervous about the fake dating trope, but it worked out well with the high stakes and biological differences. Of course, it didn’t work out the way Tinsley had in mind, but it’s better that way.
I have to say, this was a good depiction of chronic illness - even though the alien was the one who was ill. It’s easy to assume someone is a prick because they are just a prick, but chronic pain and fatigue can take away energy that would have been used to socialize more appropriately.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: neglect (off page), abduction, references to genocide, severe illness and depression, emotional abuse (off page)
How precious was Tinsley? And Hunar had ALL the reasons to be the grumpy counterpart to her sunshine. I was a bit nervous about the fake dating trope, but it worked out well with the high stakes and biological differences. Of course, it didn’t work out the way Tinsley had in mind, but it’s better that way.
I have to say, this was a good depiction of chronic illness - even though the alien was the one who was ill. It’s easy to assume someone is a prick because they are just a prick, but chronic pain and fatigue can take away energy that would have been used to socialize more appropriately.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: neglect (off page), abduction, references to genocide, severe illness and depression, emotional abuse (off page)
November 10, 2023
amazing as always
It is amazing as always. I had hoped for a little more push and pull between them but it’s okay it was great either way!
It is amazing as always. I had hoped for a little more push and pull between them but it’s okay it was great either way!
November 21, 2023
I love this series!! The shilpakaari are my favorite aliens. Hunar is not the most lovable af males, but has his reasons: a wasting illness, three spats, a failed relationship. Enter Tinsley (and my misgivings): Tin is christmas obsessed. I hate seasonal romances. When I discovered the Christmas-theme was encompassing all the book, I almost cried of a broken heart. But!!! In the end, Etta Pierce made me love Hunar and Tin's book. Kudos!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 15, 2023
4.5 // ARC
Stand alone companion series to the InterSolar Union series featuring human refugee FMCs trying to make a new life for themselves on a new planet after having been rescued from an intergalactic trafficking ring. And the alien MMCs who love them.
Tinsley, a Cree woman and pastry chef, is longing for what she lost and right now that longing is Christmas. She knows she’s not the only one so she cooks up a plan to celebrate it with her fellow refugees. But to do so she must engage the grumpy shilpakaari chief engineer in her endeavor and he wants nothing to do with her perceived shenanigans.
Shilpakaari men have a hard go of it in their society. Not only do they outnumber females but they’re chained to a biology that binds them to females who aren’t bound to them in the same way. As such, when one group holds power over another, it becomes unequal.
Getting Hunar’s current situation punched me in the chest—if he doesn’t coil with a human he loses his job. Enter Tinsley with her heart of gold and a plan. It’s a bit spontaneous and maybe she doesn’t think everything through but she’s determined to help the man who helps the human colony the most.
I didn’t expect to fall for Hunar as hard as I did but the depth with which Etta writes his character is so touching. His character development is excellent and the spice after that slow burn is extremely satisfying. For the grumpiest socially awkward man in the colony he sure knows what to say and do once he makes his choice. *fans self*
Per Etta’s usual we get remarkable world building and a rich plot with depth and nuance. I’m always eager to be back in this world and this latest installment did not disappoint.
Stand alone companion series to the InterSolar Union series featuring human refugee FMCs trying to make a new life for themselves on a new planet after having been rescued from an intergalactic trafficking ring. And the alien MMCs who love them.
Tinsley, a Cree woman and pastry chef, is longing for what she lost and right now that longing is Christmas. She knows she’s not the only one so she cooks up a plan to celebrate it with her fellow refugees. But to do so she must engage the grumpy shilpakaari chief engineer in her endeavor and he wants nothing to do with her perceived shenanigans.
Shilpakaari men have a hard go of it in their society. Not only do they outnumber females but they’re chained to a biology that binds them to females who aren’t bound to them in the same way. As such, when one group holds power over another, it becomes unequal.
Getting Hunar’s current situation punched me in the chest—if he doesn’t coil with a human he loses his job. Enter Tinsley with her heart of gold and a plan. It’s a bit spontaneous and maybe she doesn’t think everything through but she’s determined to help the man who helps the human colony the most.
I didn’t expect to fall for Hunar as hard as I did but the depth with which Etta writes his character is so touching. His character development is excellent and the spice after that slow burn is extremely satisfying. For the grumpiest socially awkward man in the colony he sure knows what to say and do once he makes his choice. *fans self*
Per Etta’s usual we get remarkable world building and a rich plot with depth and nuance. I’m always eager to be back in this world and this latest installment did not disappoint.
November 10, 2023
Love, love, love. I really enjoyed that I got to read a holiday romance that was also full length and not a novella!
Bree cracked me up in this one when she was pretending to be hard of hearing because of her eye damage and was yelling at Zufi 😂
I thought Hunar's kids would be annoying(I usually hate kids in romance books) but the author pulled it off really well and made the kids likeable. They weren't annoying and felt realistic. They also didn't get in the way of the spice, they were old enough to spend time by themselves.
Also!!! I didn't read it because I don't want to spoil it for myself, but omg!!! The snippet from book 3!!! Jihae and SIZZLE. I AM SO EXCITED. This is my fav couple of the series since reading their story in Supra Velum!
Bree cracked me up in this one when she was pretending to be hard of hearing because of her eye damage and was yelling at Zufi 😂
I thought Hunar's kids would be annoying(I usually hate kids in romance books) but the author pulled it off really well and made the kids likeable. They weren't annoying and felt realistic. They also didn't get in the way of the spice, they were old enough to spend time by themselves.
Also!!! I didn't read it because I don't want to spoil it for myself, but omg!!! The snippet from book 3!!! Jihae and SIZZLE. I AM SO EXCITED. This is my fav couple of the series since reading their story in Supra Velum!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
ARC REVIEW
Etta Pierce is one of the best scifi alien romance authors out there!!!
I absolutely devoured the Convergence series this year and love the spinoff series, much more slice of life type stories. The world building on the Renata colony is complex, interesting, and the characters as rich and diverse as the red jungle planet. I'm team shipilkaari all the way.
Tinsley and Hunar's story is great, spicy, and lots of fun. Tropes include single dad, fake dating, and Christmas holiday fun.
A side note that Bree's interaction with the ambassador made me laugh at loud.
5 stars as I would read again. Highly recommend!
Etta Pierce is one of the best scifi alien romance authors out there!!!
I absolutely devoured the Convergence series this year and love the spinoff series, much more slice of life type stories. The world building on the Renata colony is complex, interesting, and the characters as rich and diverse as the red jungle planet. I'm team shipilkaari all the way.
Tinsley and Hunar's story is great, spicy, and lots of fun. Tropes include single dad, fake dating, and Christmas holiday fun.
A side note that Bree's interaction with the ambassador made me laugh at loud.
5 stars as I would read again. Highly recommend!
November 6, 2023
I'm always a fan of the grumpy sunshine trope and it was perfection.
I love this author! I love the world building and the diversity in characters from humans to aliens.
I loved the complexity or Hunar and his situation.
I loved that he took his kids and wanted to give them a better life.
I loved Tinsley sweetness and general upbeat personality but also her determination and persistence when it came to the festival but also to helping Hunar.
She had to be the one to initiate but when Hunar made his choice and gave in..GAWD DAMN!!!
I don't know what kind of magic this author has but I am and will forever be obsessed with this world!
This was an arc review
I love this author! I love the world building and the diversity in characters from humans to aliens.
I loved the complexity or Hunar and his situation.
I loved that he took his kids and wanted to give them a better life.
I loved Tinsley sweetness and general upbeat personality but also her determination and persistence when it came to the festival but also to helping Hunar.
She had to be the one to initiate but when Hunar made his choice and gave in..GAWD DAMN!!!
I don't know what kind of magic this author has but I am and will forever be obsessed with this world!
This was an arc review
April 9, 2024
I love Tinsley and Hunar! I'm biased for Tinsley as I'm also Indigenous from Canada! Lol
I kept calling Hunar a Dinkface for the first bit of the book. But I said it with love and understanding lol but he was still a dinkface!
I love how he just switched for Tinsley though ❤️ and felt like he was failing as a father but was such a sweet dad who was always trying.
Once Hunar is encoiled and hot and ready he sure becomes daddy hunar 🌶
I kept calling Hunar a Dinkface for the first bit of the book. But I said it with love and understanding lol but he was still a dinkface!
I love how he just switched for Tinsley though ❤️ and felt like he was failing as a father but was such a sweet dad who was always trying.
Once Hunar is encoiled and hot and ready he sure becomes daddy hunar 🌶
April 20, 2024
⭐️ 2.5 stars.
March 14, 2025
God I love this world.
November 11, 2023
ARC Review
I’ve been waiting for Hunar’s story! It’s great to see a character who is from a but if a different age range and the different perspective that brought to the story (and the surprise additional characters!). The Over the Moon series has a much smaller world/slow paced feel than the Intersolar Union series. The smaller town feel makes this series a great vacation or holiday read. Etta’s newest book has the same great world and character building, even outside of the romance (explicit) narrative. The care she puts into reflecting diverse people in her humans and aliens is a refreshing change.
I’ve been waiting for Hunar’s story! It’s great to see a character who is from a but if a different age range and the different perspective that brought to the story (and the surprise additional characters!). The Over the Moon series has a much smaller world/slow paced feel than the Intersolar Union series. The smaller town feel makes this series a great vacation or holiday read. Etta’s newest book has the same great world and character building, even outside of the romance (explicit) narrative. The care she puts into reflecting diverse people in her humans and aliens is a refreshing change.
December 24, 2024
It's been a little while since I've been in this world, and reading this felt like coming home.
It has ALL of the festive cheer and hallmark sweetness you want just with a delicious alien coating . Perfect cozy reading when you need something a little more than your standard human hero.
♡Tropes♡
👾Fake dating
👾Single dad
👾Grumpy/Sunshine
👾Alien Engineer Hero/Cree Baker Heroine
👾Tentacle fun
This had me grinning and kicking my feet, I love that Tinsley is a bit of an emotional mess ( in a good way) she's not afraid to cry and wears her heart on her sleeve and it immediately endeared her to me. You don't always need to be in control and a bad ass to be a great fmc .
Hunar was just a lovable grump, when you learn of the struggles he's put up with just to keep his kids in his life it absolutely melts your heart. I'm a sucker anyway for single dad trope but I think hunar wins this one. Both him and his kids absolutely deserve a woman like Tinsley in their lives 🥰
♡Favourite highlights ♡
🌌🌌🌌
“A bouncing chaos machine one beat, a serene enigma the next. You’re really something, Tinsley, you know that?”
🌌🌌🌌
“Good girl.” Blood parted like the Red Sea between my blush and my groin so fast I saw black dots in my vision. I swallowed a lump in my throat and got to my feet, in shock and entirely too affected to mumble anything but a wobbly, high-pitched, “Mphm—” I turned away from him, pretending to get my bag in order, but really my eyes were bulging from their sockets, and I was mouthing, “Oh my god!” to myself instead of melting into a messy, babbling puddle on the floor. I needed to get out of there. Fast.
🌌🌌🌌
“Keep your eyes on me,” he demanded, pushing my legs further apart. “Don’t look away while I learn you.”
🌌🌌🌌
It has ALL of the festive cheer and hallmark sweetness you want just with a delicious alien coating . Perfect cozy reading when you need something a little more than your standard human hero.
♡Tropes♡
👾Fake dating
👾Single dad
👾Grumpy/Sunshine
👾Alien Engineer Hero/Cree Baker Heroine
👾Tentacle fun
This had me grinning and kicking my feet, I love that Tinsley is a bit of an emotional mess ( in a good way) she's not afraid to cry and wears her heart on her sleeve and it immediately endeared her to me. You don't always need to be in control and a bad ass to be a great fmc .
Hunar was just a lovable grump, when you learn of the struggles he's put up with just to keep his kids in his life it absolutely melts your heart. I'm a sucker anyway for single dad trope but I think hunar wins this one. Both him and his kids absolutely deserve a woman like Tinsley in their lives 🥰
♡Favourite highlights ♡
🌌🌌🌌
“A bouncing chaos machine one beat, a serene enigma the next. You’re really something, Tinsley, you know that?”
🌌🌌🌌
“Good girl.” Blood parted like the Red Sea between my blush and my groin so fast I saw black dots in my vision. I swallowed a lump in my throat and got to my feet, in shock and entirely too affected to mumble anything but a wobbly, high-pitched, “Mphm—” I turned away from him, pretending to get my bag in order, but really my eyes were bulging from their sockets, and I was mouthing, “Oh my god!” to myself instead of melting into a messy, babbling puddle on the floor. I needed to get out of there. Fast.
🌌🌌🌌
“Keep your eyes on me,” he demanded, pushing my legs further apart. “Don’t look away while I learn you.”
🌌🌌🌌
November 9, 2023
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Age gap, Fake Dating
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5, not a lot but really good.
Standalone or series: Can be read as standalone but will understand more if read from beginning (Convergence)
Long or short read: On the shorter side but not novella short. Nice in-between short and long.
Hunar and Tinsley are part of the ISU (Intersolar Union) world. Small back story: humans were abducted, saved and given a colony on an alien planet to build their community on. Certain aliens were chosen to help integrate the humans into the ISU. This book is part a off shoot series from the main series and each book gives insight to everyday life and romances of the human colony for different characters.
Tinsley is a human, a Cree baker from Canada who loves to help people and LOVES Christmas. This book gives perfect holiday/Christmas feels. She is bubbly, selfless, and loves to help people as much as possible, which leads to her helping Hunar.
Hunar is the grumpy older alien and Tinsley needs his help to create Christmas for the humans, finds out he needs help and decides to step her foot right into the mess of it and help him.
We've seen both characters in other books in the Intersolar Union series but this book provides the back stories for each of them at the beginning of the book and that leads perfectly into their story.
Hunar's progression from the grump to becoming soft for Tinsley, it gives me the best kind of butterflies and had me kicking my feet and giggling. He does have his possessive side that comes out when he gets entangled in the coil with Tinsley but he still wants to be a gentleman since she is helping him. He let's her decide how to see through their charade.
The best part of this story is I didn't see Hunar's back story coming at all. It completely surprised me, and changed my original thoughts about him. I was always kind of ehh about him but after reading his story I absolutely adore him.
As for Tinsley, it felt like I was reading a little bit about myself. This small person who everyone dismisses at first and is always trying to help out everyone. I also love to cook for people and LOVE Christmas. I loved her personality and how selfless she is. This book is dual POV and I loved her POVs just as much as Hunar's.
This book is sweet and spicy and the Christmas elements are perfect for this time of year. I was a bit sad for it to end as I wanted more, but I know there are more books coming in this series!
If you are looking for an alien/human romance and would like a little Christmas thrown in, give this book a try!
Even though it's technically part of a series, as I said it can be read as a standalone AND the author provides an exhaustive index of all characters/creatures of this book and others at the beginning of the book. So you can dip your toe into the ISU world and see if you'll love it as much as I do!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5, not a lot but really good.
Standalone or series: Can be read as standalone but will understand more if read from beginning (Convergence)
Long or short read: On the shorter side but not novella short. Nice in-between short and long.
Hunar and Tinsley are part of the ISU (Intersolar Union) world. Small back story: humans were abducted, saved and given a colony on an alien planet to build their community on. Certain aliens were chosen to help integrate the humans into the ISU. This book is part a off shoot series from the main series and each book gives insight to everyday life and romances of the human colony for different characters.
Tinsley is a human, a Cree baker from Canada who loves to help people and LOVES Christmas. This book gives perfect holiday/Christmas feels. She is bubbly, selfless, and loves to help people as much as possible, which leads to her helping Hunar.
Hunar is the grumpy older alien and Tinsley needs his help to create Christmas for the humans, finds out he needs help and decides to step her foot right into the mess of it and help him.
We've seen both characters in other books in the Intersolar Union series but this book provides the back stories for each of them at the beginning of the book and that leads perfectly into their story.
Hunar's progression from the grump to becoming soft for Tinsley, it gives me the best kind of butterflies and had me kicking my feet and giggling. He does have his possessive side that comes out when he gets entangled in the coil with Tinsley but he still wants to be a gentleman since she is helping him. He let's her decide how to see through their charade.
The best part of this story is I didn't see Hunar's back story coming at all. It completely surprised me, and changed my original thoughts about him. I was always kind of ehh about him but after reading his story I absolutely adore him.
As for Tinsley, it felt like I was reading a little bit about myself. This small person who everyone dismisses at first and is always trying to help out everyone. I also love to cook for people and LOVE Christmas. I loved her personality and how selfless she is. This book is dual POV and I loved her POVs just as much as Hunar's.
This book is sweet and spicy and the Christmas elements are perfect for this time of year. I was a bit sad for it to end as I wanted more, but I know there are more books coming in this series!
If you are looking for an alien/human romance and would like a little Christmas thrown in, give this book a try!
Even though it's technically part of a series, as I said it can be read as a standalone AND the author provides an exhaustive index of all characters/creatures of this book and others at the beginning of the book. So you can dip your toe into the ISU world and see if you'll love it as much as I do!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 10, 2023
A perfect Christmas novel (with an alien hero). He is an alien grumpy workaholic/single dad with 3 kids. She is a sunshine former baker now turned Christmas/holiday festival organizer. They need to have a fake relationship to trick his boss that he is dating a human and integrating into the colony. There is a happy ending and some steamy scenes.
SPOILR SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
We find out in the first chapter that his former girlfriend/baby mama has a new man and without any warning she dumps all 3 kids on him. He thought they were having a vacation together. Instead, he is now unexpectedly a full time dad forever. His baby mama does not want the kids back as she is pregnant with her new guy's kids.
He is happy to have his kids but also terrified as he hasn't made any arrangements. He manages to get an emergency visa for his kids to come to the human refuge colony on the moon where he works.
But his work contract is up in 3 weeks. His boss doesn't want to renew it because he wants to send an alien man who will try to date the humans. He doesn't want to date a human but wants to keep his job. So he agrees to try. Having no intention of trying just going on a blind date or something for appearances.
Unfortunately, his boss shows up really early and it's obvious he's trying to fire the hero. The heroine comes in wanting a favor (to use the industrial "printer" to make Christmas decorations) and realizes what is going on. She pretends to be his fake girlfriend.
The boss isn't convinced because the hero has "wasting disease" from lack of chemicals/contact/sex with his former baby mama. So he knows hero and heroine are not "doing the deed" or the hero would have been much better at this point.
Heroine comes up with a plan. She gives the hero a pair of her used panties (after she masturbated while wearing them) so he can reverse the wasting disease and trick his boss that he is better and dating a human.
In the meantime, the hero's kids really like her and want the fake relationship to become real. They start plotting to get the hero and heroine to spend time together alone.
There are lots of scenes of hanging Christmas decorations and ornaments and treats and Christmas music. Lots of Christmas cheer.
I enjoyed the steam. The hero explained she couldn't do certain things to avoid triggering a "frenzy" as he didn't want to hurt her. She's like, woo hoo let's have a frenzy.
My favorite part of the book is after the frenzy he's trying to take care of her. He messed up her comforter/blanket with body fluids so he washes it while she sleeps.
SPOILR SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
We find out in the first chapter that his former girlfriend/baby mama has a new man and without any warning she dumps all 3 kids on him. He thought they were having a vacation together. Instead, he is now unexpectedly a full time dad forever. His baby mama does not want the kids back as she is pregnant with her new guy's kids.
He is happy to have his kids but also terrified as he hasn't made any arrangements. He manages to get an emergency visa for his kids to come to the human refuge colony on the moon where he works.
But his work contract is up in 3 weeks. His boss doesn't want to renew it because he wants to send an alien man who will try to date the humans. He doesn't want to date a human but wants to keep his job. So he agrees to try. Having no intention of trying just going on a blind date or something for appearances.
Unfortunately, his boss shows up really early and it's obvious he's trying to fire the hero. The heroine comes in wanting a favor (to use the industrial "printer" to make Christmas decorations) and realizes what is going on. She pretends to be his fake girlfriend.
The boss isn't convinced because the hero has "wasting disease" from lack of chemicals/contact/sex with his former baby mama. So he knows hero and heroine are not "doing the deed" or the hero would have been much better at this point.
Heroine comes up with a plan. She gives the hero a pair of her used panties (after she masturbated while wearing them) so he can reverse the wasting disease and trick his boss that he is better and dating a human.
In the meantime, the hero's kids really like her and want the fake relationship to become real. They start plotting to get the hero and heroine to spend time together alone.
There are lots of scenes of hanging Christmas decorations and ornaments and treats and Christmas music. Lots of Christmas cheer.
I enjoyed the steam. The hero explained she couldn't do certain things to avoid triggering a "frenzy" as he didn't want to hurt her. She's like, woo hoo let's have a frenzy.
My favorite part of the book is after the frenzy he's trying to take care of her. He messed up her comforter/blanket with body fluids so he washes it while she sleeps.
December 10, 2025
If you see me reading mainly Christmas books this month, please congratulate me. I've wanted to read some of these books for over a year plus and am finally in the mood. The stars aligned so it happened during the Christmas season. Will wonders never cease. I will say reading cheesy cute Christmas novels (what alliteration wow) is a sure way to get in the Christmas spirit. And in this world I need all the Christmas spirit I can get since last year I could have challenged the Grinch to an anti-Christmas campaign and won.
Etta Pierce remains one of my favorite scifi romance authors. And this book delivered exactly what I wanted. Holiday cheer with an undercurrent of serious themes and issues. Tinsley Adams is Cree which I respected a lot since I believe Pierce is based in Canada. (There is probably a nuanced discussion for whether or not it is appropriate for a white author to write a main character that isn't white. But I don't think as a white person it is my place to determine that. Pierce did have two sensitivity readers that are part of the tribes in Canada read and advise on this which lent it more credibility and meaning to me.)
Part of the reason I really appreciate this world though is that there is a lot of representation of cultures and responses to the trauma of abduction. There is no one type of character here and the melting pot of culture and backgrounds fascinates me. I also really applaud the fact that the aliens are actually alien. They're weird and a little uncomfortable to me and the cultures are wildly different. Pierce doesn't fall into simple miscommunication tropes but actually engages with how relationships across species would work on a physical, emotional, and mental level. However she does it in a way where it is easy and fun to read and engaging.
Tinsley is sunshine personified because she chooses to be. Hunan is the equivalent of a bitter cup of coffee. Neither of them actually change as they become close and I adored the fact their personalities remained at the core the same. I liked seeing how they developed and their relationship changed.
So basically yes. This book was fun and fast. It was all about a winter festival and was hilarious. But it contained the complexity I love by having Hunan actually navigating being a single father coming out of a toxic relationship, Tinsley pursing her passion of baking despite the obstacles as well as finding a way to honor traditions from Earth, the way in the romance they kind of shifted and merged together. I actually adored it so much.
Happy Holidays. Please read this book.
Etta Pierce remains one of my favorite scifi romance authors. And this book delivered exactly what I wanted. Holiday cheer with an undercurrent of serious themes and issues. Tinsley Adams is Cree which I respected a lot since I believe Pierce is based in Canada. (There is probably a nuanced discussion for whether or not it is appropriate for a white author to write a main character that isn't white. But I don't think as a white person it is my place to determine that. Pierce did have two sensitivity readers that are part of the tribes in Canada read and advise on this which lent it more credibility and meaning to me.)
Part of the reason I really appreciate this world though is that there is a lot of representation of cultures and responses to the trauma of abduction. There is no one type of character here and the melting pot of culture and backgrounds fascinates me. I also really applaud the fact that the aliens are actually alien. They're weird and a little uncomfortable to me and the cultures are wildly different. Pierce doesn't fall into simple miscommunication tropes but actually engages with how relationships across species would work on a physical, emotional, and mental level. However she does it in a way where it is easy and fun to read and engaging.
Tinsley is sunshine personified because she chooses to be. Hunan is the equivalent of a bitter cup of coffee. Neither of them actually change as they become close and I adored the fact their personalities remained at the core the same. I liked seeing how they developed and their relationship changed.
So basically yes. This book was fun and fast. It was all about a winter festival and was hilarious. But it contained the complexity I love by having Hunan actually navigating being a single father coming out of a toxic relationship, Tinsley pursing her passion of baking despite the obstacles as well as finding a way to honor traditions from Earth, the way in the romance they kind of shifted and merged together. I actually adored it so much.
Happy Holidays. Please read this book.
November 8, 2023
Stars: 5
FMC: Tinsley
MMC(s): Hunar
Tropes: Cree Baker Heroine, Age Gap, Fake Relationship, Rut and Frenzy, Alien Engineer Hero, Single Dad, Slow burn, Christmas Festival, Tentacles, Chaotic Sunshine, Scrooge McAsshat, Good Girl
> Reviewer add: Indigenous (Cree) FMC, Alien biology, Alien culture, sort of oviposition, ex-spouse drama, Abduction, past-trauma, why’s it so big?
Perspective: Dual first
Plot or character driven: Character
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? Yes, two scenes.
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes.
> Personal favorite? Their first time.
> State of the joystick? Alien. Harpoon shaped tip with a wide slit, and small pearl shaped bulges for the eggs.
> Anything else to note? Eff. Yes.
Burn speed: Slow
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, but it helps if you have read the rest of Intersolar Union.
Re-Readability: Yes it brought me joy.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: See author’s website.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
“Drawn into my flour from the afternoon before was a truly ugly heart. It looked more like a bean than the iconic symbol, with the bottom and top center divots slightly too round.
Joy just about burst from my chest like that alien baby in the movie Alien as I traced the awkward heart Hunar had drawn with his finger.
Screw the standard morning-after text.
This was way better.”
Tinsley gets abducted and ends up living on Renata. Hunar is the grumpy Scrooge that ends up with his three spats (children) when his ex-wife shacks up with a new dude and ends up prego. Except the administrator tells him that his contract is about to end and he won’t have anywhere new to stay! Tinsley is here to help.
This was not a cozy, but it was like wrapping my brain up in a cozy, happy sweater. I loved Tinsley who kept getting back up even when knocked down. I loved Hunar who was grumpy until he wasn’t. The kids were cute as hell, and I loved the little moments that tied Tinsley back to her culture and her roots. We have really hot moments with this very deep character stuff that’s indicative of the author.
Etta Pierce wrote it. At this point I would read her chore list.
FMC: Tinsley
MMC(s): Hunar
Tropes: Cree Baker Heroine, Age Gap, Fake Relationship, Rut and Frenzy, Alien Engineer Hero, Single Dad, Slow burn, Christmas Festival, Tentacles, Chaotic Sunshine, Scrooge McAsshat, Good Girl
> Reviewer add: Indigenous (Cree) FMC, Alien biology, Alien culture, sort of oviposition, ex-spouse drama, Abduction, past-trauma, why’s it so big?
Perspective: Dual first
Plot or character driven: Character
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? Yes, two scenes.
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes.
> Personal favorite? Their first time.
> State of the joystick? Alien. Harpoon shaped tip with a wide slit, and small pearl shaped bulges for the eggs.
> Anything else to note? Eff. Yes.
Burn speed: Slow
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, but it helps if you have read the rest of Intersolar Union.
Re-Readability: Yes it brought me joy.
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: See author’s website.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
“Drawn into my flour from the afternoon before was a truly ugly heart. It looked more like a bean than the iconic symbol, with the bottom and top center divots slightly too round.
Joy just about burst from my chest like that alien baby in the movie Alien as I traced the awkward heart Hunar had drawn with his finger.
Screw the standard morning-after text.
This was way better.”
Tinsley gets abducted and ends up living on Renata. Hunar is the grumpy Scrooge that ends up with his three spats (children) when his ex-wife shacks up with a new dude and ends up prego. Except the administrator tells him that his contract is about to end and he won’t have anywhere new to stay! Tinsley is here to help.
This was not a cozy, but it was like wrapping my brain up in a cozy, happy sweater. I loved Tinsley who kept getting back up even when knocked down. I loved Hunar who was grumpy until he wasn’t. The kids were cute as hell, and I loved the little moments that tied Tinsley back to her culture and her roots. We have really hot moments with this very deep character stuff that’s indicative of the author.
Etta Pierce wrote it. At this point I would read her chore list.
November 9, 2023
Tinsley, the female human lead and rescued and resituated refugee, looks bright and happy to everyone but she’s been hiding her depression. With the opportunity arising to celebrate Christmas, she eagerly jumps on the distraction, determined to make it great for all members of their colony. However, her little printer can’t do the big decorations and she really needs help from Hunar, the male alien lead and colony engineer.
Hunar has been working hard for years to ensure that he provides well for his children - his ex-partner is only required to keep them if he pays more than 80% of his income for their upkeep and she has been providing the bare minimum for his hormonal needs. When he returns for visitation, she dumps his two sons and daughter on him, telling him they’re old enough and she’s having a new baby with her new partner. Then his boss tells him his contract is about to expire and he won’t have a job because he’s not “integrating” with the humans well enough.
Short tempered due to stress, Hunar pushes Tinsley away when she asks for help but, when she overhears his situation, she offers to help however he needs, including pretending to be his mate, including supplying his hormonal needs…
This story is dual POV, well written, and an awesomely creative sci fi romance. I have read a novella from this author that piqued my interest but this was my first full length story and it won’t be my last! I haven’t read the first in the series and I think it might have enhanced my understanding of the world. Notwithstanding that, I really enjoyed so much of this complex and engaging story. I enjoyed the lead character presentation and development. I enjoyed the relationship development between Hunar and Tinsley, as well as with Hunar’s children. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and the genuine community spirit. I enjoyed the contrast of Tinsley’s upbeat approach compared to Hunar’s more dour style. I enjoyed the building intimate tension and the intensity of its peak, as well as the novelty of the alien physiology. I will be reading more from this author including going back for the first in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Hunar has been working hard for years to ensure that he provides well for his children - his ex-partner is only required to keep them if he pays more than 80% of his income for their upkeep and she has been providing the bare minimum for his hormonal needs. When he returns for visitation, she dumps his two sons and daughter on him, telling him they’re old enough and she’s having a new baby with her new partner. Then his boss tells him his contract is about to expire and he won’t have a job because he’s not “integrating” with the humans well enough.
Short tempered due to stress, Hunar pushes Tinsley away when she asks for help but, when she overhears his situation, she offers to help however he needs, including pretending to be his mate, including supplying his hormonal needs…
This story is dual POV, well written, and an awesomely creative sci fi romance. I have read a novella from this author that piqued my interest but this was my first full length story and it won’t be my last! I haven’t read the first in the series and I think it might have enhanced my understanding of the world. Notwithstanding that, I really enjoyed so much of this complex and engaging story. I enjoyed the lead character presentation and development. I enjoyed the relationship development between Hunar and Tinsley, as well as with Hunar’s children. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and the genuine community spirit. I enjoyed the contrast of Tinsley’s upbeat approach compared to Hunar’s more dour style. I enjoyed the building intimate tension and the intensity of its peak, as well as the novelty of the alien physiology. I will be reading more from this author including going back for the first in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
November 3, 2023
I can’t express how much enjoyment I’ve had reading through the ISU and the OtM series. Each book has had a unique and impressionable storyline that isn’t a typical slow burn, rinse and repeat alien meets girl and they fall in love with a minor antagonist pulling them apart, then they live happily ever after.
Although yes, we get our HEA and there are variations, the motivations behind each character and the couples goals truly keep us enthralled to learn more about each character and their journey. EMMD is highly recommended as a fall/winter read. As I was reading it, I had to make my own hot delicious cup of mulled cider by the fireplace to truly enjoy the holiday themed book. It really made it magical and fun to get behind our Scrooge Mcasshat and get a proper intro to Tinsley Adams. It’s not action packed or dramatic compared to the other books but it truly is a light feel good read. It has light spice but I think it was appropriate for this pairing due to other characters that take priority for the situation.
Without spoiling the plot, we see new representation of other characters backgrounds and cultural dynamics. The affects on the shils post frenzy. What truly was unexpected, somehow Hunar x Tin have made it to my top 3 couples from the series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you haven’t already dug through the 2 series before you enjoy this gem.
Full disclosure: I received a ARC for EMMD.
Although yes, we get our HEA and there are variations, the motivations behind each character and the couples goals truly keep us enthralled to learn more about each character and their journey. EMMD is highly recommended as a fall/winter read. As I was reading it, I had to make my own hot delicious cup of mulled cider by the fireplace to truly enjoy the holiday themed book. It really made it magical and fun to get behind our Scrooge Mcasshat and get a proper intro to Tinsley Adams. It’s not action packed or dramatic compared to the other books but it truly is a light feel good read. It has light spice but I think it was appropriate for this pairing due to other characters that take priority for the situation.
Without spoiling the plot, we see new representation of other characters backgrounds and cultural dynamics. The affects on the shils post frenzy. What truly was unexpected, somehow Hunar x Tin have made it to my top 3 couples from the series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you haven’t already dug through the 2 series before you enjoy this gem.
Full disclosure: I received a ARC for EMMD.
October 22, 2024
Tinsley and Hunar are freaking adorable together, oh my god. I was not expecting Hunar's story, and I felt so sorry for him with his ex and everything that went on there. The Shilpakaari world does not favour men (ironic, given our actual world). Still, I loved the Hunar who stood up for his spats and took them in, giving them a home and the love they needed.
Tinsley was sweet and bubbly; her dedication to bringing Christmas to life was great. I loved how everyone got involved with it as well, plus the mentions of other religious holidays like Hannukah, Kwanzaa and Eid. It must be hard trying to celebrate when there are not many humans and a lot of different religions and cultures that will end up missing out. Still, the Winter Festival was sweet.
I do wish there had been a bit more exploration of Tinsley's Cree heritage, as it always felt a little surface-level. I'd have loved to find out more about that and her having to incorporate her culture into this alien world.
I'm excited to see Tinsley's baking and cooking in the future - here's to hoping everyone gets some tasty food!
Tinsley was sweet and bubbly; her dedication to bringing Christmas to life was great. I loved how everyone got involved with it as well, plus the mentions of other religious holidays like Hannukah, Kwanzaa and Eid. It must be hard trying to celebrate when there are not many humans and a lot of different religions and cultures that will end up missing out. Still, the Winter Festival was sweet.
I do wish there had been a bit more exploration of Tinsley's Cree heritage, as it always felt a little surface-level. I'd have loved to find out more about that and her having to incorporate her culture into this alien world.
I'm excited to see Tinsley's baking and cooking in the future - here's to hoping everyone gets some tasty food!
November 6, 2023
I have loved everyone of the books in this series, but this one just resonated with me.
We finally get to see and hear why Hunar is grouchy and unapproachable. A male living a lonely existence and wasting away until a force of nature steps into his path.
Tinsley is that force, with such a bubbly exuberant personality who is undeniably his saviour. Her dedication to put a Christmas holiday event together is admirable that is until she runs out of credits making all the decorations. The one person who is in a position to assist her is not exactly her greatest ally. Things get overheated in the most delicious ways. Maybe a tad unorthodox but a friend in need...
The miracle that takes place within Hunar is without a doubt the most beautiful transformation he has ever known, all thanks to that force of nature. Tinsley.
This was such a beautiful love story with an amazingly happily ever after . And I have to say that it's my favorite now.💜
Etta, I'd give you more than 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if I could!
We finally get to see and hear why Hunar is grouchy and unapproachable. A male living a lonely existence and wasting away until a force of nature steps into his path.
Tinsley is that force, with such a bubbly exuberant personality who is undeniably his saviour. Her dedication to put a Christmas holiday event together is admirable that is until she runs out of credits making all the decorations. The one person who is in a position to assist her is not exactly her greatest ally. Things get overheated in the most delicious ways. Maybe a tad unorthodox but a friend in need...
The miracle that takes place within Hunar is without a doubt the most beautiful transformation he has ever known, all thanks to that force of nature. Tinsley.
This was such a beautiful love story with an amazingly happily ever after . And I have to say that it's my favorite now.💜
Etta, I'd give you more than 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if I could!
November 7, 2023
The challenges of a New World + Romance!!
Tinsley lives with a group of rescued humans and various aliens on a tropical moon. A baker in her previous life, she is frustrated at the artificial food created by machines, and the lack of ovens etc.
Hoping to lift her spirits, and those of her neighbors, she starts a movement to decorate and celebrate for Christmas. Ultimately it turns into a Winter Carnival.
Hunar has come to pick up his three kids for the weekend, and ends up with them forever, as his ex is starting a new family with her new boyfriend. Hunar has suffered for years being away from his mate. This is obvious to others as his coloring denotes his health and prowess. He is mostly gray.
When Tinsely agrees to “fake” date him so he can stay on planet, she doesn’t quite realize the visual cues all will see to know just how close they have been.
All about family and relationships, in a world where everything is a challenge. But the heart knows what it wants.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Tinsley lives with a group of rescued humans and various aliens on a tropical moon. A baker in her previous life, she is frustrated at the artificial food created by machines, and the lack of ovens etc.
Hoping to lift her spirits, and those of her neighbors, she starts a movement to decorate and celebrate for Christmas. Ultimately it turns into a Winter Carnival.
Hunar has come to pick up his three kids for the weekend, and ends up with them forever, as his ex is starting a new family with her new boyfriend. Hunar has suffered for years being away from his mate. This is obvious to others as his coloring denotes his health and prowess. He is mostly gray.
When Tinsely agrees to “fake” date him so he can stay on planet, she doesn’t quite realize the visual cues all will see to know just how close they have been.
All about family and relationships, in a world where everything is a challenge. But the heart knows what it wants.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
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