Alien From Exile

Deviant Warriors of Kar'Kal #3

by Gemma Voss

A king crowned in exile is practiced in the art of waiting to claim what belongs to him.
Makiva has everything. His enemies are on the run, his native planet is in his grasp, and the mating bond has chosen his queen. But love is the last thing on his human mate’s mind when she wakes from the regenerative coma that followed her near-deadly escape from captivity. Done with all physical touch, Frankie proposes an idea he didn’t know a loveless marriage. She’ll take her rightful place at his side if he settles for partnership over passion.

DEVIANT WARRIORS OF KAR'KAL
This series of interconnected stand-alones follows a race of alien warriors that have long been banished from their home planet. Living on the fringes of the civilized galaxies, the Deviants of Kar’Kal have been surviving as pirates, sellswords, and thieves. In this third installment, their king will settle an exiled population on a planet scarred by war.

Genres: Slow Burn, Science Fiction Romance, Romance, Aliens

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story. Frankie and Mak had banter for days and genuinely cared for each other. Frankie’s trauma meant that she couldn’t jump head first into a relationship, and doubted that she’d ever want to. However, she was dedicated to becoming who the Kar’Kali needed and being a support for Mak. They both pushed each other and understood what scars trauma leaves behind. Also, I related so hard to Frankie laughing at her toxic dad and Mak being horrified. Like, you gotta laugh at the dark stuff, but people who don’t have messed up families are always shocked.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: Graphic descriptions of violence and injury, SA of MMC (groping and kiss), World-building that includes references to heavy topics such as genocide, slave trade, sex trafficking, and colonialism, A main character healing from a traumatic experience with captivity and sexual abuse. While the abuse is not depicted on page, the character suffers panic attacks, sensory issues, and insomnia as a direct result. References to deceased parents, brief discussion of emotionally abusive parent, pregnancy in epilogue

[Kimbot the Destroyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's more love story here than in the other installments. I liked the relationship more than usual.

There is no longer any careful worldbuilding, the hair thing fell by the wayside a couple books ago (I guess it was just a Niko thing), and I needed to know waaaay more about those blue freckles.

Overall, this subseries completely fulfills genre expectations and I liked it well enough.

[Amanda books_ergo_sum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unique feral-for-my-fated-mate alien romance story. Because our heroine had a lot of boundaries and their love language was all about respect.

The couple was great and the story was satisfying. The only reason why this gets a four and not a five is that I irrationally prefer the introductions to plotlines over the wrapping-up of plotlines. Why? I have no idea.

But the overarching plot of this series (and the Virgin Warriors of Kar’Kal too) has been so compelling. From ethnic cleansing and multi-generational refugee aliens living in exile, to the perpetrators of that ethnic cleansing becoming victims of a g-cide themselves, to trying to rebuild a society—it’s been a lot. Super compelling (and way more politically relevant than it should be).

[Marian Pattechat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gemma Voss' world building and rich characters, and this book delivered on both those fronts! The banter between the MCs was delicious. I enjoyed seeing the FMC gradually fall for the King's charms (and they're many :D ). He was so patient with her, a consent king! Her overcoming her past and growing into her position as queen was a highlight for me. The subtle humor throughout the book had me giggling. The dirty and dominant talk of the MCs during sexy times had me fanning myself! A great read <3

[Afina ❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Ohhhh, this was adorable. My favorite in the trilogy! I was hesitant at first with Frankie’s trauma, but the author did such a good job at executing it the right way. Mak was so tender and patient with Frankie, my heart melted into a puddle at my feet by the end of the book. Their happy ending was perfect.

[Jaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is the best out of the 3. The way trauma and healing is depicted was just beautifully handled. The slow burn is scrumptious, Mak is the sweetest nastiest man ever and Frankie proved to be way more courageous than she let on. Loved it.

[Shiro Kitana · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, so I’ve had this on my list for years because I read the other two in the series immediately, and for some reason, I just wasn’t feeling like reading this one. But last night, I was finally in the mood to try it again.

I expected to be kind of put off by how scared she would be of him because, normally, some authors don’t handle that well when introducing romance with trauma. But Gemma did this really well. I loved that she was actually so afraid of him at first that my girl almost had a panic attack straight out of the Regen Chamber. And even after she found out the truth, she was still so scared that even her friends touching her made her feel physically sick.

I also really liked that Mak gave her space to be by herself and have what she needed, even though he wanted to be with her. That was so sweet. He was always there, careful not to push her boundaries—even though he literally waited months for Frankie to wake up.

I loved that initial space, and that something eventually forced her to come back because, realistically, someone as traumatized as Frankie wouldn’t just go back because of a mate bond.

And I loved how they bonded slowly—first as partners, then friends, then a little more than friends, and eventually true mates. Mak always went at Frankie’s pace, letting her decide what she was comfortable with. When she told him from the beginning what she wasn’t comfortable with, he respected that. She was the one who eventually said, “I’m fine with that now.”

I also loved that when she had a night terror, Mak wanted to help her so badly, but didn’t want to cross her boundaries and make things worse. My poor boy was stress to come up with a way to comfort her without touching her. It was so sweet.

And then there was Frankie’s personality. Yes, she had been through a lot of traumatizing things before, but my girl was willing to throw down for her man when that Deviant Girl forced herself on Mak. My girl was ready to fight! All Frankie could think about was claiming Mak.

Also, a side note about how sweet Mac is—because I know I’ve been raving about that the whole time—but I also loved what the author did with them sexually. I was not expecting Mac to be both so dominant and yet able to switch things up at the same time. And honestly? I was here for it.

So overall, this was a really good read. A nice way to finish off the series.

[The Spicy Familiar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve been following the Kar’Kal series and were left emotionally gutted by Frankie’s story, Alien from Exile is the slow, soul-soothing balm you didn’t know you needed. This book? It’s a soft-spoken stunner — less action, more emotional labor, with a romance that builds tenderly, respectfully, and on Frankie’s terms.

Frankie has been through it. Abducted. Trafficked. Tortured. Rescued. And now? She’s in a regenerative coma, physically mending while her soul remains in pieces. Most stories would rush the recovery — this one doesn’t. Instead, it slows everything down to make space for healing.

Enter Makiva. Exiled king. Gentle giant. Beast whisperer. Emotionally literate mate material. Led by his loyal creature Nisina to Frankie’s bedside, he instantly knows what she is to him: his Queen. But what follows isn’t insta-love. It’s patience. Reluctant trust. And a contract — one with strict terms: No touching. No sex. No romance.

And Mak? He honors it.

That’s what makes this book so refreshing. The romance doesn’t stem from lust or adrenaline — it comes from trust, safety, shared silences, and quiet moments that say: you’re safe now. It’s a marriage of duty that grows into love, and watching Mak gently, consistently show Frankie what it means to be wanted without expectation? Devastatingly romantic.

Tropes :
🛸 Fated Mates
🛸 Marriage of Convenience
🛸 Survivor Healing Arc
🛸 Touch Aversion / Consent Focus
🛸 Beast Companion Matchmaking
🛸 Slow Burn That Delivers

Read Rating: 🔮🔮🔮🔮
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Magic Meter: 🧬 No magic but sci-fi adjacent

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien from Exile picks up the storyline from the end of book two and goes forward beautifully with the main characters of King Makiva and his unexpected chosen Francesca (Frankie).
Frankie is in a regenerative coma when Makiva finds her, led to the chamber where she lays healing by his beast pet Nisina, who senses Frankie is Mak’s fated mate.
One glance into that chamber and for Makiva a new battle will begin for the love of his mate, and Queen.
Frankie though had welcomed death after the horrors she had experienced and waking from regen had for her not been a blessing as was finding out a King was now her mate. Traumatized and unable to tolerate being touched Mak has his work cut out for him with the healing of her mental and emotional state, and so he does in a thousand wonderful of ways.
I loved this story, characters, excellent writing, world building, emotion, adventure, and spice, which delivered another engaging read in what has been a fantastic series.

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

[Guadalupe Cosme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie is in a regenerative coma. Makiva was crowned king in exile. His native planet belongs to him, and his people. He has plans tp rebuild his planet. Makiva's mating bond has chosen Frankie, as his queen. When Frankie wakes up from the regenerative coma, she is frightened. She does not want to be touched by anyone. Frankie refuses to acknowledge the bond with Makva. She was in captivity, and was rescued. Makiva understands her, and is patient. Frankie offers Makiva a proposal, a loveless marriage. She agrees to be his partner, and stand by his side. She will be his queen. Frankie has one stipulation--no touching, and no sex. Makiva agrees to the contract. Will this marriage last? Will the enemies find Makiva? I enjoyed reading this book! There is love, passion, hope, and revenge.

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

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This book was excellent! The FMC has an aversion to physical touch due to trauma obtained in a previous book (this was the first book from this author I read, so not sure). The MMC is very supportive of this and her need for space.

Boundaries are set and respected! As the FMC gets more comfortable with the MMC there is some ‘testing of the waters’ so to speak.

This world is very well thought out, as a first time reader I was a little confused about a couple of details but this is the newest book in the series so that’s to be expected. I still enjoyed it very much.

I don’t find it particularly spicy, but there is no fade to black, so I’ll give it 3🌶️.

Hot, respectful aliens? Relationship negotiation? Respected boundaries? This book has it.

I would have given it 5 ⭐️ except that I don’t like it when another FC tries to steal the MMC, but the MMC was having NONE of it, so there’s no worry about cheating!

I did receive an ARC of this book.

[Laura Pita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a fun series!! It gave me major IPB vibes and while it wasn’t as laugh out loud funny, it delivered the same high I’ve been chasing for years 😂. I just found out this is a spin-off series, so I will have to read the OG soon!

The scifi plot hooked me IMMEDIATELY and although the books could use some line editing (there were plenty of extra words, missing words, etc) it was easy to overlook because I was having so much fun; which as a writer/editor myself says a lot!

I loved how like IPB each book had the same storyline but they felt unique because of the main characters backgrounds/experiences. I fell in love with all of the Kar’Kal aliens, but Kalla might be my favorite. I could honestly do with a million more of these!

Honestlyyyy the books could’ve used more smut 😈 the amount of scenes didn’t feel enough… but I objectively know the series is more plot driven 😂.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst this is in part a known sort of tale where the alien male has his mate bond activated by a human female there is so much more to it that just that. It picks right up from the previous book so you don't feel that you are missing anything. Frankie has been put into a healing coma due to the horrors of the past and coming out of it to find she is the mate of someone rather knocks her for six. She is completely touch averse and her mate Makiva, vows to uphold a marriage of convenience. What he does not tell her is that he is determined to win her over and is willing to slowly work that no matter how long it may take.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Frankie and Mak! Frankie's been traumatized by by her abduction and can't deal with anyone touching her, let alone males. She knows that Mak says he's her fated mate, but how can she get over what was done to her? Mak swears that he'll be there forever for her. I'ts so sweet and romantic, it tugs at my heartstrings, he's so patient and willing to take whatever she's offering, but also help her to overcome her demons to get better. What a story! They learn about each other. Great world building and even greater character development. Loved every minute of it! Bravo!.

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

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other books in this series so I went in with the knowledge it was a romance book with aliens. You don't have to worry about knowing any of the other books when picking this one up. You can enjoy it completely on its own. I love series like that. It gives me the ability to read the whole series or enjoy just one book. The writing is well done and you don't feel like you are missing anything when you read it. I recommend it for those who like alien romances.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fab addition to the series where we get to see just how patient King Makiva can be when it comes to letting his queen, human gal, Frankie, heal and find her way to him. Although she welcomed death after all her trauma, her inability to accept any kind of touch broke my heart. Mak helped her in so many ways to find mental and emotional healing... With fab world building, tons of emotions, adventure and steam, this really was a page turning read. I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series :D

[Crystal-Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a good job of scratching the itch that I have for wanting to read alien romance. I enjoyed the pacing and romance between the main characters. My favorite thing about this book is how refreshing Mak is as an MMC. His patience and support pairs beautifully with Frankie's journey to overcome what she has faced. Overall, Alien from Exile was a fun addition to the Deviant warriors universe.

[Jeanéva Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally home!
This is the first book in this series that I've picked up. That being the case, the very beginning was a little confusing, but things quickly fell into place and I found myself enjoying the read immensely. Be prepared to deal with a very patient male as he gives his woman the space to deal with her prior traumas. I loved how their issues were dealt with. I will definitely be reading more in the series.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story and slightly emotional especially with Frankie dealing with her trauma. I love how caring and considerate Mak is towards her. It's a continuation of a series with each book focused on a different main couple. Can be read as a standalone but best to read from the beginning to enjoy the world building.

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

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Frankie and Mak... this is their story.. a fast paced action packed drama.. with healing... Mak is crowned King.. he has found his queen... Frankie is in regen and wakes to ? being mated to a King and she is now Queen... but, she was ready to die.. had welcomed it even.. she has major trauma.. she can't be touched... and now she is Queen.. a deal.. so good !!.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage Contract to a King

Mak knows that Frankie is his mate, but she has mental blocks and an aversion to touch that leaves her feeling broken. So when she proposes a marriage in name only to act as his queen and gain his protection, Mak accepts, forever hoping that their relationship will become more. I loved this story, the gentle nature of Mak’s love for Frankie, the patient way that they grew together and the wild way they eventually came together. A fantastic read.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um this was even better than the last.

I will say, the way she doesn’t let the males use their primal mating instincts as plot devices to move the romantic plot along, is refreshing. All three of the MMCs in these books respected what the FMC wanted without hesitation. She made “alpha holes” look like lesser of men in my eyes. Not that I don’t enjoy that plot devices 🤣

Either way. This was super good and I hope she writes more. Also the cover art 🥰

[P.A. Eastwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how he was watching over her and waiting for her to wake up all this time. She had so much trauma she had to deal with it was really sad. I really like how they eventually got together. I want to read the other books now. Enjoyed the world building and characters.

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

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like strong-willed female characters who overcome their fears, then you’ll enjoy this book. I very much enjoyed Mak and how much he adored and supported Frankie.

Watching their love grow and flourish was very satisfying.

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

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 3 in The Deviant Warriors of Kar'Kal Book Series has an entertaining story with detailed scenes, well-crafted world and unique characters. These characters have interesting histories, engaging personalities and believable interactions. This entertaining story has the following: twists, turns, adventure, action, humans, aliens, love, steam and a HEA.

[Dominique - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Voss is a new to me author whop I had some high expectations for. I'm happy to say that she lived up to the hype and Alien From Exile was so stinking good! Everything from the world building to the characters where indepth and so much fun.

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

[Nicole Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. This was definitely more of a slow burn because of Frankie's past abuse, but the way Mak was so gentle with her and was just her friend even though he desperately wanted her... It really made for a great love story.

Of course we had the typical male arrogance we know and love from the Kar'Kali males...

"Sit on this face if you like it so much."

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Gemma Voss is great. I was always very excited for Frankie and Mak. There relationships was very sweet and developed naturally. There wasn’t a strong plot outside the development of their relationship which felt strange to me especially with how their story started but I still enjoyed the story.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third story in the Deviant Warriors of Kar'Kal, Mak and Frankie's story has a good storyline. I enjoyed reading their story and seeing them get a happy ending. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this enjoyable series. It brought back memories of the first book and will be grabbing the 2nd that I've yet to enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.