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Tribute
In the year 2597, Earth’s colony world of Mariposa is shared with an alien race, the Tipruii. When war breaks out between the human colony and the aliens, Fiona learns that her future will be the price of peace. To save her people, she will be the tribute in a treaty marriage to the Tipruii princess, Simaala, and spend the rest of her days on the other side of the wall between their races.
As peace hangs in the balance, Simaala and Fiona navigate the confusion of new cultures and new desires to find a love that will transcend their differences. But not everyone wants peace, and Fiona is in more danger than she knows, putting all their plans and the fate of the human race in jeopardy.
As peace hangs in the balance, Simaala and Fiona navigate the confusion of new cultures and new desires to find a love that will transcend their differences. But not everyone wants peace, and Fiona is in more danger than she knows, putting all their plans and the fate of the human race in jeopardy.
314 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2024
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 21, 2025
3 ⭐️- I really liked this book. The writing is good. The story line was interesting. I liked the MCs and the side characters. I loved that being gay was completely normal.
It would be a 4 ⭐️ but for my one gripe. The aliens are barely alien. They are basically slightly taller humans with different skin colors and slightly different features. But they have pretty much the same physiology, personality traits and thought processes as humans.
All that being said, if the premise sounds intriguing to you definitely check it out.
It would be a 4 ⭐️ but for my one gripe. The aliens are barely alien. They are basically slightly taller humans with different skin colors and slightly different features. But they have pretty much the same physiology, personality traits and thought processes as humans.
All that being said, if the premise sounds intriguing to you definitely check it out.
November 15, 2024
Nice chemistry.
October 30, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a romance story, this is perfectly fine and gives all the good feels. But the setting had so much potential and was thoroughly ignored all through the book, even after
It's missing all the elements that could have made it great (political intrigue, SFF world-building, in-depth alien biology, exploration of terraforming and its colonialist impact) and does the bare minimum to prop up a scifi-ish backdrop for an okay love story.
So if I were to rate it as a romance, I'd say it has a great buildup and a sweet conclusion, although it is too lengthy. It could have done without the miscommunication conflict in the last stretch to the ending. But I enjoyed the fact both protagonists had nothing but good intentions at heart, that the author avoided the angst you'd expect from such a premise and that it didn't go too hard on the miscommunication tropes.
This book is the perfect read for people wanting a low-stakes, cozy sapphic romance and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to read it!
As a romance story, this is perfectly fine and gives all the good feels. But the setting had so much potential and was thoroughly ignored all through the book, even after
It's missing all the elements that could have made it great (political intrigue, SFF world-building, in-depth alien biology, exploration of terraforming and its colonialist impact) and does the bare minimum to prop up a scifi-ish backdrop for an okay love story.
So if I were to rate it as a romance, I'd say it has a great buildup and a sweet conclusion, although it is too lengthy. It could have done without the miscommunication conflict in the last stretch to the ending. But I enjoyed the fact both protagonists had nothing but good intentions at heart, that the author avoided the angst you'd expect from such a premise and that it didn't go too hard on the miscommunication tropes.
This book is the perfect read for people wanting a low-stakes, cozy sapphic romance and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to read it!
January 13, 2025
Those two MCs were one communication faux pas away from a third act breakup. Then again, being a treaty bride I’m not sure that’s allowed so there’s some good news for you- no 3rd act divorce hahah! The political anti-human group sorta gets washed away after their first attempt, the rock launchers for the Humans First group dissolves into background noise as the two leads find their footing in the bedroom, and in each others lives. The human is an emotional being and the alien is a bit more brusque but you’ll love them together.
Treaty bride does get a dose of insta-family, but it’s a fairly smoothe transition. Overall, sweet read and steamy scenes.
Treaty bride does get a dose of insta-family, but it’s a fairly smoothe transition. Overall, sweet read and steamy scenes.
February 23, 2025
This was a really fun book. There aren't nearly enough sapphic sci-fi romance novels, and even fewer with alien love interests. So, this one was a delight to find. I loved the characters and how the relationship developed. The world building was a little weak. They live on a colony world lightyears away from Earth, but we never see anything that would suggest we're anywhere so exotic. And moving to the "alien" side of the wall doesn't change that very much either.
The relationship between the two MCs was great. It is very much a slowburn build up with plenty of angst. Simaala has to work through not just falling for a woman for the first time, but a woman from another species. Both have some grief and trauma to work through. It was great to see MCs with more emotional lore than most romances deal with. Even as the two work out their attraction to each other, they also have to deal with the emotional attachment that they develop for each other as well. Fiona is much more in tune with her own emotions than Simaala though.
There is kind of a third act breakup. They obviously don't divorce or anything, but Simaala does accidentally banish Fiona from her room. Luckily it doesn't last long in the book or chronologically, though it is very emotionally charged. I really enjoyed this book and have a feeling it is going to be something I repeat reading over the years.
The relationship between the two MCs was great. It is very much a slowburn build up with plenty of angst. Simaala has to work through not just falling for a woman for the first time, but a woman from another species. Both have some grief and trauma to work through. It was great to see MCs with more emotional lore than most romances deal with. Even as the two work out their attraction to each other, they also have to deal with the emotional attachment that they develop for each other as well. Fiona is much more in tune with her own emotions than Simaala though.
There is kind of a third act breakup. They obviously don't divorce or anything, but Simaala does accidentally banish Fiona from her room. Luckily it doesn't last long in the book or chronologically, though it is very emotionally charged. I really enjoyed this book and have a feeling it is going to be something I repeat reading over the years.
November 11, 2024
I was drawn to this book by the premise of two vastly different people coming together and trying to navigate a new life in an arranged marriage between an alien woman and a human woman. Well, it delivered on that part, but the there was also a promise of political intrigue with factions on either side that would see the other just gone from a shared planet. This part is there, but the amount of time spent on it could fit on a page; it really is a non-issue, which is a shame, in my opinion.
Instead, we get a book where almost nothing happens. The vast majority of the story is about people being excruciatingly polite to each other. Because I can't help myself, I counted the amount of times the words 'thanks' and 'thank you' appeared in the text. I stopped counting at 110, and that was in the first 10 chapters.
I did finish it, though, but it reminded me of another book The Lily and the Crown where absolutely nothing happens until the end.
Instead, we get a book where almost nothing happens. The vast majority of the story is about people being excruciatingly polite to each other. Because I can't help myself, I counted the amount of times the words 'thanks' and 'thank you' appeared in the text. I stopped counting at 110, and that was in the first 10 chapters.
I did finish it, though, but it reminded me of another book The Lily and the Crown where absolutely nothing happens until the end.
August 27, 2024
Thanks NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC copy.
This book is a sapphic arranged marriage alien romance and it is a well written story that focuses more on the characters struggles with duty and falling in love then the usual just straight to the romance no backstory a lot of alien romances have. It was well paced except for the ‘drama’ of the story when the Fiona ends up on the alien side of the wall, it felt rushed, glossed over and then just kind of was moved past like it didn’t even happen or need to be in the story.
I loved the elements of the back story that took place before you even meet the arranged bride Princess Simaala. It really helped me feel for and be invested in what Fiona was going through. I loved watching their friendship then affection grow for each other.
If you are a fan of sapphic alien romance then I can highly recommend this novel.
This book is a sapphic arranged marriage alien romance and it is a well written story that focuses more on the characters struggles with duty and falling in love then the usual just straight to the romance no backstory a lot of alien romances have. It was well paced except for the ‘drama’ of the story when the Fiona ends up on the alien side of the wall, it felt rushed, glossed over and then just kind of was moved past like it didn’t even happen or need to be in the story.
I loved the elements of the back story that took place before you even meet the arranged bride Princess Simaala. It really helped me feel for and be invested in what Fiona was going through. I loved watching their friendship then affection grow for each other.
If you are a fan of sapphic alien romance then I can highly recommend this novel.
September 5, 2024
This was a very wonderful story. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 though for a couple of reasons. Spoilers below****
The lead-up to where the conflict between the humans and Tipurii was exceptionally well written. The tension between Fi and Simaala is strong and draws you into the story. Simaala hiding her identity from Fiona allows them to build the relationship before the Tribute Wedding, supported by angry Species' first movements on either side.
Once they are married and move to the Tipurri side of the world everything seems to slow down to just tension building between their feelings for each other. It makes most of the lead-up with the dissension for the protester/assassin storyline almost irrelevant to the rest of the story. It was somewhat disappointing that it wasn't tied further with their love story.
Overall great story but had some plot gaps for me.
The lead-up to where the conflict between the humans and Tipurii was exceptionally well written. The tension between Fi and Simaala is strong and draws you into the story. Simaala hiding her identity from Fiona allows them to build the relationship before the Tribute Wedding, supported by angry Species' first movements on either side.
Once they are married and move to the Tipurri side of the world everything seems to slow down to just tension building between their feelings for each other. It makes most of the lead-up with the dissension for the protester/assassin storyline almost irrelevant to the rest of the story. It was somewhat disappointing that it wasn't tied further with their love story.
Overall great story but had some plot gaps for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
Great story, read it! Then read it again
Excellent story, characters, and plot. N.D Shar and now L.M Rose will be my go to for sapphic sci-fi romance with smut:) Very happy to have come across their books and look forward to anything else they may write. I hope to see more from this author and these characters. There is no cliffhanger, but I do wonder what happens next for them both.
For me, the worldbuilding was just the right amount. I got to understand the story world and what was going on, but not so much that it took away from the developing romance. Highly recommend you get this book. It's now become one of my top favorites and well be one I am sure I will read again and again.
Excellent story, characters, and plot. N.D Shar and now L.M Rose will be my go to for sapphic sci-fi romance with smut:) Very happy to have come across their books and look forward to anything else they may write. I hope to see more from this author and these characters. There is no cliffhanger, but I do wonder what happens next for them both.
For me, the worldbuilding was just the right amount. I got to understand the story world and what was going on, but not so much that it took away from the developing romance. Highly recommend you get this book. It's now become one of my top favorites and well be one I am sure I will read again and again.
August 27, 2024
Okay, so I was really in the mood for a sapphic human/alien trope. So, when I found this book, I felt like I was hitting a jackpot.
Tribute was a wonderful sapphic sci-fi romance. I have to admit, when I first read the blurb, I thought it would be a forced proximity/enemies-to-lovers trope with lots of drama and dark fantasy... well, I guess I still enjoy it even without those dramas! I love the writing style; the story was at a good pace. L.M. Rose created lovable characters that both have their depth. I think I have a little crush on Simaala.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.<>
Tribute was a wonderful sapphic sci-fi romance. I have to admit, when I first read the blurb, I thought it would be a forced proximity/enemies-to-lovers trope with lots of drama and dark fantasy... well, I guess I still enjoy it even without those dramas! I love the writing style; the story was at a good pace. L.M. Rose created lovable characters that both have their depth. I think I have a little crush on Simaala.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.<>
September 19, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by LM Rose, and it didn’t disappoint. In a sci-fi, arranged marriage plot line, the story focuses on Fiona and Simaala, who come from communities on opposite sides of a war. The tension on both of their sides was well written, and both of them seemed well-versed in the reason for the arranged marriage and emotionally mature in how they carried themselves.
For a novel whose plot focuses, especially in the beginning, on communities at war, there was little on-page violence, which I found refreshing in the current climate.
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley. It’s
For a novel whose plot focuses, especially in the beginning, on communities at war, there was little on-page violence, which I found refreshing in the current climate.
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley. It’s
September 29, 2024
Have you been desperate for another queer arranged marriage in space since you read Winter’s Orbit? Tribute by L.M. Rose might be just what you’re looking for. In the distant future, humanity shares a planet with the mysterious and advanced alien race the Tipruii. When war breaks out it fast becomes clear that humanity cannot compete with the Tipruii’s military power and the only way to make peace is through a treaty marriage. Fiona is the daughter of the human colony’s leader and the closest thing to human royalty. She’s had her great love, better her than any of her sisters. What she doesn’t expect is an attraction to the princess, or the political opposition to that marriage. Will she lose everything before they can even secure the treaty, or could Fiona possibly gain more than peace for the human settlement?
Tribute is a sexy romance with a little bit of sci-fi and very light political intrigue. The characters, even the secondary ones, are well rounded with unique personalities. Both of the characters have goals and desires outside of the relationship that aren’t simply forgotten for the sake of romance. This is a medium paced, character driven book, and the overall themes of the book are healing and family. It was a fun read and I recommend it to romance lovers.
My only complaints are the miscommunication trope that honestly felt kind of out of character, and the medical bit. The second might be very specific to me as a medic, but it did sort of knock me out of suspension of disbelief for a chapter or so.
Tribute is a sexy romance with a little bit of sci-fi and very light political intrigue. The characters, even the secondary ones, are well rounded with unique personalities. Both of the characters have goals and desires outside of the relationship that aren’t simply forgotten for the sake of romance. This is a medium paced, character driven book, and the overall themes of the book are healing and family. It was a fun read and I recommend it to romance lovers.
My only complaints are the miscommunication trope that honestly felt kind of out of character, and the medical bit. The second might be very specific to me as a medic, but it did sort of knock me out of suspension of disbelief for a chapter or so.
February 7, 2025
Tribute is a sci-fi, fantasy tale with human Fiona and Tipruii princess Simaala in a tribute marriage intended to seal a peace treaty. The author does a reasonable, albeit minimal, job of world building and there is a great deal of dialog devoted to humans and tipruii being very polite to each other to avoid conflict. The actual romance and the accompanying spicy scenes are a bit lost amidst the mechanics of moving the characters through this new world. That said, the pair make an interesting couple, and they are surrounded by a good supporting cast. This is an enjoyable read with a few moments of angst and a satisfying conclusion.
October 27, 2024
A very nice debut. There were a couple of things that could have been better, namely or the amount of crying, but, overall, it was interesting and it kept me engaged throughout the entire book. The plot was okay, the pacing was a bit slow and the characters and romance were engrossing. I hope L.M. Rose keeps writing because there’s a lot of potential here.
December 9, 2024
Brilliant book
This is a brilliant book. Don’t let the idea of si-fi put you off. This is a slow burn romance set between two women of different races. Following an inter race war, Fiona is given as a gift to Simaala. You follow their journey from both points of view and I just loved the writing. Gentle, but never lacking, you move slowly to a great ending. Would highly recommend.
This is a brilliant book. Don’t let the idea of si-fi put you off. This is a slow burn romance set between two women of different races. Following an inter race war, Fiona is given as a gift to Simaala. You follow their journey from both points of view and I just loved the writing. Gentle, but never lacking, you move slowly to a great ending. Would highly recommend.
February 2, 2026
I’m not going to say it was Perfect, but it was pretty damn close to that for me. Just so many of my favorite tropes, with a focus on all the things I wanted focused on. In a lot of ways, it was a very classic fantasy romance that just happened to be wrapped up in a sci fi package, and it made the most of both. Love these ladies, would’ve gladly read another couple hundred pages of them both.
Will be following this author for sure.
Will be following this author for sure.
September 13, 2024
The difference…
Sometimes the differences we have from other people are what make our relationships with those people special, when we have the courage to see the beauty in the difference. This is a lovely story about the differences and finding courage then joy. Nice evolution for both protagonists. A very good story!
Sometimes the differences we have from other people are what make our relationships with those people special, when we have the courage to see the beauty in the difference. This is a lovely story about the differences and finding courage then joy. Nice evolution for both protagonists. A very good story!
December 23, 2024
Two different worlds
I don’t usually read this genre but the book was recommended to me. I enjoyed it very much, found the two different worlds fascinating as were the characters. Refreshing that they tried to learn from each other and fell in love. Blue definitely became my colour…
I don’t usually read this genre but the book was recommended to me. I enjoyed it very much, found the two different worlds fascinating as were the characters. Refreshing that they tried to learn from each other and fell in love. Blue definitely became my colour…
December 26, 2025
The writing was good. It was a great idea, it just needed a subplot, a little action and some world building. There are hardly any Sci-Fi or technical terms in the book, so its a very easy read. I think this book is in the arranged marriage romance genre (with a beautifully tall blue person). very low angst and there are some sexy scenes.
November 30, 2024
lovely read
The book was nicely written. Somewhere in the middle it began to drag, and then picked up slowly afterward. I think more could be added to the plot, some angst here or there. I do recommend the book and hopeful toward another story in this work?
The book was nicely written. Somewhere in the middle it began to drag, and then picked up slowly afterward. I think more could be added to the plot, some angst here or there. I do recommend the book and hopeful toward another story in this work?
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September 30, 2024Great story
It was unique and interesting. I hope there is a sequel! I enjoyed the story and read it in one afternoon
It was unique and interesting. I hope there is a sequel! I enjoyed the story and read it in one afternoon
December 1, 2024
Some sexy time queer romance with a bit of sci- fi thrown in.
April 29, 2025
This was interesting. I was hesitant but ended up enjoying it.
October 27, 2025
Good read. Well developed world. Needs a sequel to answer a few open questions.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews