Alien Werewolf's Prize

by January Bell

There's only one thing the huge alien werewolf wants: me.

Enduring harassment by a brain in a vial is hardly my vision of an ideal career, much less what I want for the rest of my life. When I’m selected for the Starlight Lottery, the choice is easy: literally anything is better than the space station I’m on. Except— it’s not a job they’ve found for me. Nope. I’m set to marry a ferocious alien werewolf clan leader. Not work for him. Marry.

The life of luxury the Starlight Lottery sells to me sounds like a dream. Sure, I didn’t expect a husband in the mix, but I’ll take him over the brain.

When I land and meet my werewolf, though? I certainly didn’t expect alien perfection— or the fact I’d be wildly attracted to him.

Welcome to the Starlight Brides Lottery - luck is optional, but the hot alien is guaranteed.

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Novella, Shapeshifters, Werewolves

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2024

About the author

January Bell writes steamy sci-fi and fantasy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Combining pure escapism, a little adventure, and a whole lotta love makes for romance that's a world apart. For the latest updates, follow her on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive content. Is there a character you would like to see featured in a future novel or novella? Don't be shy! She'd love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Hannah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ultimate vibes read and palate cleanser! If I was comparing this to other books, I’d probably rate it lower, but rating it as a novella? 10/10. I normally hate novellas, but this gave me a good amount of story and romance without making me feel like I was missing out on backstory.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, low stakes, instalove sci-fi romance with a sexy possessive wolf shifter and a down on her luck human woman. I enjoyed the sentient tentacle and perverted brain at the beginning and kinda wished we got more of them. Aileen and Brekker had a low angst relationship and she didn’t let being inexperienced get in the way of jumping that alien peen, which makes her my kind of girl.

Spice: 2.5/5

Triggers: speciesism

[Athanasia ♥︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean... it was okayyy...but could be better...

Tags:
Virgin FMC 🌮💦👅
Paranormal MMC🧛‍♂️🧞‍♂️🧜‍♂️
Marriage of Convenience👰🏼‍♂️ 🤵🏼‍♀️
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Cultural differences👩‍🌾 🧑‍🌾 👨‍🌾
Simp MMC🙌😻
Intresting Anatomy👀👅🤭
Size Difference👽🐊
Altern. Universe/ Dystopian Society☄️🌏 🪐🌞 🌝
Monster Smut👺👾🤤
Alien Romance 👽👽👽
Interesting anatomy👀✨🥵
HEA🔔👰🏼🌠

[Jess Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for supplying an ARC in exchange for my feedback.

I'm always a sucker for werewolf/shifter stories and this cute 100 page story checks off my love for werewolves and aliens. I would have loved to see him more in his wolf-y element and the climax didn't feel like it had too high of stakes, but it wrapped everything up nicely. Great way to introduce the next character in the series and looking forward to book 3!

[Maya Mood Reads Romance · Rating 1 out of 5]

This feels incomplete. No chemistry no relationship and the spice was not good

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quickish Review

Cute, low angst SFR that could’ve done with a little more plot and tension, so I can’t rate it any higher.

I’m curious about the next entry though, so I’ll give it a chance.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expect a novella to cut to the chase but this truly felt like it was over just as it got started… Aileen escapes a crap job, only to find the next one isn’t a job at all, but that she’s to marry. A werewolf.

Whisked off for the honeymoon (and to escape some anger because their leader is mating a human), they return to an angry clan, announce that she was *ahem* physically compatible, and Bob’s yer uncle—suddenly they all want one.

I sometimes get annoyed by stories with too many obstacles and overly complicated storylines, but this just left me wishing there was more meat to the story. If you want a quick read, though, it is a fairly complete story.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking a better life, the characters sign up for new jobs. However, what they receive and what they expected are two different things.

This sci-fi paranormal tale follows Earth women as they discover their fated mates in the most unexpected places. It features humor and a longing for love that we can all relate to.

The series is written by different authors, each contributing their own unique spin on the concept of fated mates with unusual alien creatures.

It's a very short but enjoyable read.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

We have another banger in the new Starlight Brides series, but this time from January Bell! This had the same ridiculous vibes as the first book, but was a little more cozy. Yet again, I enjoyed the world building, and I really liked how demure Aileen was in comparison to Brekker's over the top alpha-ness. I'm very excited to learn about the other planets and species from the rest of the series.

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a werewolf story - like I really really do. But this was just too rushed and short for me to get anything out of it. The lore was non existent, the characters had zero depth, and the plot was they get married and that’s it. I know it’s a novella, but I just expected a little bit more from it :/

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Aileen has lived and toiled on a space station her entire life, and she along with her bestie Bridget perform the most thankless, menial, and degrading tasks for otherworldly alien creatures. Unbeknownst to Aileen, Bridget has applied for jobs through an intergalactic agency. Happy to leave her small, sad life behind, she readily accepts. What she’s not prepared for is the position for which she’s actually been selected: bride to an alien werewolf clan leader.

Heartbroken and dismayed by the third confirmation that he carries the dreaded genetic variant that results in basically losing control and becoming feral and overwhelmed with bloodlust, Brekken assumes he’ll have to abdicate rather than risk passing on his mutation to his offspring. When his sister Tessa declares she’s matched him with a human woman, he’s excited yet fearful of things not working out.

A mutual agreement is one thing, but can feelings develop from such an unorthodox union?

This was a fun, steamy, and sweet novella, a quick, satisfying read that teases Bridget’s journey during the epilogue.

I was furnished an advance reader copy by the author and bookfunnel, and I’m very pleased to share my honest impressions.

[Lia ☾]

~ DNF at 70%

Nothing's wrong, it's just not for me. 🙌

If you like (or have no problem) with insta-almost-everything, then you'll like it! Especially if you're into monster romance. 😏

It's a short and fast-paced story about a mail-order bride and her fresh new werewolf husband who craved her from the second he first saw her 😌


---------------------—

This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖

---------------------—

[Sopha · Rating 4 out of 5]

”We don’t need a contract. I’m going to let you lead me where you want to go, and if it takes the rest of our lives to fulfill all my fantasies with you, then it will have been time well spent.”

—

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5

This one was such a shortie! For the length, it was paced well with a little sprinkle of drama. Brekker was a sweetheart and I honestly wouldn’t mind if the book ever get extended 😇

I can’t wait for Bridget’s story!

[spidermse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a short romance. 100 pages of humor (I was cracking up at the tentacle and brain), a little bit of drama, some spice, and a handsome werewolf alien. He was really sweet and understanding about the fmc's fears and anxiety.

Nice one or two day read.

[Candace P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by the author and I really liked it! It was a quick fated mates story that had a fun storyline.

I really enjoyed watching Aileen go from from the start of the book and the scene with the brain in a jar, to meeting Brekker and realizing what becoming the alien werewolf's prize means.

I can't wait for more in the series! I loved the set up for Bridget's story!

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, I loved it. This was such a fun, hot, quick read. I really enjoyed their story.

[madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a fun palette cleanser while reading other heavy fantasy books!

[Nicole Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, low stakes, palate cleanser novella

[Deirdre · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was nowhere near as good as her other books. I know it’s a novella but still. Insta everything

[Racheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, short and quick read! The beginning dialogue surrounding the tentacle and the brain totally cracked me up! I loved how the Starlight Bride Lottery came about in this book. I loved how wolf-ish Brekker was and all the wolfy language that was used to describe him. I thought it was well done! And even with Aileen, I thought he was so patient, kind and gentle with her considering her anxiety and shyness. They were just so sweet together! This short story was low action but high on the spice, romance and had just a little flare of drama to it. Overall, it was a fun read!

[jesse]

Unrated

Looking back, my perspective has changed fundamentally, both in how I see the world and in what kind of content I consume. I can't see myself ever picking up a book like this ever again.

I used to be an atheist. I rejected God because of various things that had happened in my life. When it came to human struggles, injustice, suffering and death, I had my own views on these things. Today, I understand why they exist. Looking back, I don't just find it convincing, I find it almost self evident.

For me, my entire life changed in 2025. I see my life as having a "pre 2025" and a "post 2025."

It all started with a prayer from the Kreupasanam Church. At my sister's request, I reluctantly agreed to pray for 90 days as part of a covenant. For anyone curious, there's a newsletter with testimonies here. The covenant itself is free, and just to be clear, the covenant is with God.

Last year, I also had a supernatural encounter. The covenant brought me closer to God, and shortly afterwards my sister had an apparition of Jesus. Everything that has happened since has only strengthened my faith.

Before this, I was generally supportive of the LGBTQ+ movement. I wasn't an activist, but I also didn't really see anything wrong with it. I didn't think much about the harm caused by abortion. I also had no real issue with New Age practices like witchcraft (mostly wiccan), manifestation, tarot, crystals, dreamcatchers, astral projection or energy healing (which are all linked to the occult and the demonic). I was largely fine with consuming pornography, as well as violence and sex in movies and books (getting into increasingly dark and twisted stories). I had a very "live and let live" attitude towards other religions and sexuality. Hey, if it doesn't affect me and nobody gets hurt, who cares? Can't all things be true? Isn't Jesus, Allah, the Source and the Universe somehow ...maybe... the same thing or leading to the same place?

Um, no.

I've come to realize that just because society tells us something is right doesn't make it right. The Bible warns about this very thing: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Just because something has become socially accepted, normalized or even celebrated doesn't mean it IS morally right.

Today, I have a completely different view on all of these things. It's like the scales have fallen from my eyes and I can finally see the truth.

Why?

Because there aren't "multiple" truths. There is ONE absolute truth. There is a moral standard, and that standard comes from God, from Jesus. Reading the Bible has opened my eyes more and more to what is right and what is wrong. Evil exists, just as good exists. Doing, saying, and consuming things that aren’t good for you and that in some ways glorify evil or bad behavior, have a way of chipping away at your core and normalizing it. That includes romanticizing demons, btw. And I really believe that, at the end of the day, it’s just not good or okay. It has this destructive effect on your soul. But more than that, it's a social contagion.

If you're reading this, I hope something in it clicks for you. Or maybe it simply makes you curious enough to start your own journey in search of the truth. Because in the end, that journey always leads to the same place.

***

If you've read this far, I'm going to point to some sources that I personally found useful and helped me:

* I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist
* Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels
* Gravity True For You But Not For Me
* Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity
* Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You A Spiritual Exploration of Life, Purpose, and Eternal Hope in the Face of Death and Grief
* Podcast about the Resurrection and NDEs (Near Death Experiences)/Afterlife
* Cross Examined

[Aspen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like that he told her that she was in charge but then demanded something, then went back to saying she's in charge. He was clearly pushing her, despite what he said.

Also not a big fan of shifter mates having been with others, considering most are about wolves and wolves mate for life... I don't know, it just feels like it cheapens what these authors are selling with the whole mate thing. Although to be fair it seems like in this book it's just pick someone and they are your mate instead of any kind of actual bond.

The whole marriage thing felt like a contract, period. Everything was just so... sterile to him, even the extra contract he was going to write up about sex, like if she was fine with vaginal, anal, oral, etc... it just came away as cold. It was bad enough he bit her in front of everyone even though her contract initially said there would be none of that. He didn't care, he just wanted to possibly have kids since he had some bloodlust gene and couldn't be with someone of his own species because of it.

And then there is this virgin human girl who is just all like yup! Imma just diddle myself in front of my new husband like it's nothing. No hesitation, all of a sudden she's just some seduction Queen. It's like her only goal as an MC is to be fucked by him. That's it. Even when she's worried about her friend it lasts all of a minute at best and then she's all about wanting to be fucked. The worst thing is the whining. Gods above why are these women always whiney, desperate hoes?

Anyone who categorizes these books as insta-love need to get their head checked. It's not love, it's sex, and while yes, sex and love go hand in hand, sex is just that; sex. Two overly horny people coming together who are clearly as delusional as the writer to confuse something as pure as love with sex. To prove that point further, he doesn't even want to look at her face when he fucks her. Nope, it's get on your hands and knees while I fuck you from behind. Be still my heart, I don't think I'll survive all this lovey dovey stuff. (Yes, I'm being entirely bitchy sarcastic at the moment).

I just... is it so hard to want a decent story instead of all smut? is it too much to ask for an emotional connection? something other than penis in one of her many holes?

My breaking point with this book was near the end of it when everyone is bitching about him taking a human, and not one of the wulfric females, blah, blah, blah. And of course he tells everyone he carries the bloodlust gene and that she's a means to an end of it because she won't pass that gene on and then everyone's on board like some teenage CW show. I'm sorry, but it's such as stupid ending.

[Cat Moreschi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review - spoilers ahead

After a slightly disappointing start to the series (albiet by a different author than the one that wrote this story), I went into this book hopeful that Bell would turn things around – and holy smokes, she did NOT disappoint. Although short, this story was fun, flirty, and overall just a really good time.

Immediately upon starting I was hooked by the world building and the different species that are introduced. I love it when aliens are a little weird and not just humans that are a different color. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but as a long-time sci-fi fan who was raised on the monstrosities that are the various Star Trek: The Orignal Series aliens, sometimes I want a little variety.

I was also very much a fan of Aileen’s reaction to finding out she’s in the Starlight Brides Lottery. She doesn’t just accept it – she faints and is actually very not happy with the situation. That is, until she finds out just how much money she’ll be making, at which point she changes her tune. As someone who has spent YEARS saying I would happily marry for money, this was INCREDIBLY relatable and instantly made me really like Aileen.

Once Aileen meets Brekker (about halfway through the novella) I expected everything to devolve into spicey content, but there was actually quite a lot of communication between them. They managed to talk through things while also having sex and it qas quite honestly refreshing. And, even with the idea of him going crazy with lust, they still had fun in the bedroom – there was laughter, which is an unusual concept for mating stories.

Overall this was a quick, fun read that reinvigorated my interest in this series, and definitely has me wanting to read more of Bell’s work. I’m very excited for her next book in the series, where we get to find out what is happening with Bridget. I give this a 4.5/5

(P.S. the “wham, bam, chomp you ma’am” joke made me nearly burst out laughing in my place of employment)

[LovelyReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blazing a Trail Across the Stars: A Review of Alien Werewolf's Prize (ARC), Book 2 in the Starlight Bride Series.
For fans of: Bride, The Fake Mate & The Clecanian Series
First Impressions:
Alien Werewolf's Prize throws you headfirst into a thrilling world-building adventure. The author does an excellent job of establishing the group of characters and this other world, making it both fantastical and believable. I was immediately captivated by Aileen, a shy yet courageous heroine who isn't afraid to try new things.
The Heart of the Arc:
The romance between Aileen and Brekker is fast-paced and left me wanting to see these two more! January expertly weaves emotional development alongside the plot, making their eventual meeting all the more satisfying. I found their romance to be sweet, spicy and believable.
Room for Growth:
As this is an ARC, there were a few areas where the story could be further polished. There wasn't enough room for true conflict in this 100-ish page novella. I feel like I would have loved to learn more about Wulfric and the pack! I'm also eager to see the world-building fleshed out further in future installments and particularly, Bridget's story!
A Final Verdict:
Alien Werewolf's Prize is a promising start to a captivating sci-fi romance series. With its strong characters, intriguing world, and sizzling romance, this is a series I'll be eagerly waiting to follow.
Recommendation:
If you're looking for a quick read and love omega verse romances and/or sci-fi romance, then definitely add Alien Werewolf's Prize to your TBR list.
Content warnings:
Marriage of convenience
Breeding (Referenced)
Insta-love
Knotting

[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ “You’re it for me. All I want is you, forever.”
~~~
Aileen’s life hasn’t been easy. But despite all the hardships thrown her way, she’s been working so hard to make ends meet. Aileen is a kind, sweet, compassionate and shy woman. And she’s also a really wonderful and caring friend. She’s amazing and I loved her so, so much!

Brekker is the leader of Clan Claw of planet the Wulfric. He’s one fearsome, strong and absolutely gorgeous male. Even more, Brekker is patient, thoughtful and fiercely protective. He’s one charming and utterly irresistible male and I adored everything about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Aileen and Brekker! Aileen and her best friend sign up for the Starlight Lottery in search for a better future but the “job” they find for her is not what she expected at all. On the other hand, Brekker is quite surprised to discover that his beloved sister has matched him with a mail-order bride. I adored those two together! Their attraction was strong right from the start and their chemistry was fantastic. Even more, I loved how patient, gentle and considerate Brekker was with Aileen and her shyness and inexperience. And I loved him for being the male to show the lovely human, that life can be good and comfortable. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were so hot and I loved all the naughty, knotty and bitey delight. Aileen and Brekker were such a wonderful match and more than deserved to find happiness, future and love together!

Overall, the story is a fun, quick, romantic and deliciously naughty read.

I loved it!

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aileen's (h) life on a space station is monotonous and harsh, defined by thankless tasks and limited prospects. Everything changes when she and her best friend, Bridget, are selected for the Starlight Lottery, promising new opportunities. But the lottery isn't what they expected—it's a bride lottery. Aileen is paired with Brekker (H), the formidable werewolf leader of Clan Claw from planet Wulfric. Brekker, burdened with a genetic bloodlust trait, never expected to find a mate, but his sister found him a human mate through the bride lottery. His fierce exterior hides a longing for connection, something Aileen begins to fulfill. Thrust into an alien world, Aileen must navigate new customs, intense rituals, and an unexpected attraction to her werewolf husband - pant, pant. As they explore their growing bond, Aileen discovers a life of passion and possibility far beyond her wildest dreams. But their newfound happiness is threatened by clan politics and deep-seated prejudices. Loved how Tessa took charge of Brekker's love life, and in actuality for other Wulfric males in need of mates too. Some humorous moments thrown in - looking forward to Bridget and the tentacle's adventures. Ultra-hot and steamy alien werewolf romance, exploring love, passion, belonging, respect, and connection.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, light hearted romp. Like the first book in the Starlight Bride's series, the MFC is a desperately poor earth girl (although Earth is apparently gone) who gets herself entered into the Starlight Jobs Lottery and “wins”. So far, neither MFC has known they are “winning” being a bride but we do because, you know, it's a romance.

My inner feminist overlord constantly grumbles that all these great MMCs are actually damaging to the reader’s delicate psyche because RL has so few great guys so we are just deluding ourselves with these fantasies. BUT I find something inspiring in the normalizing of guys that function naturally at a high bar of respectful, confident, understanding behavior. In a way, these simple love stories make healthier relationships, communication, and masculinity commonplace and doable. See their conversation in the transport on the way to the Lodge.

A nice touch to the story was the sentient tentacle,

“The tentacle falls off her, landing on the floor with a wet smack of despair.”

And apparently we will get to meet it again in the next story which is about a kraken, heh.

Also, I like this simple declaration,

“I’m going to let you lead me where you want to go, and if it takes the rest of our lives to fulfill all my fantasies with you, then it will have been time well spent.”

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Potentially offensive items: anti-human racism, nudity, adult situations, (hinted at) bisexuality, sexually explicit, prostitution, offensive language/ profuse swearing, (threatened) murder, mature themes, religious viewpoint, fraud, lying, depression, supernatural powers

This is pure erotica with no real plot. The beginning is set up with a lot of sexual innuendo: The woman is basically tricked into being a mail-order bride and then bribed once she is actually told what she signed up for, making her little more than a prostitute. This nastiness is attempted to be smoothed over, but it really doesn't make it any better.

The plotline of the main male character struggling to control his wolf and finding it calmed by her was grazed over. I am also pretty sure AI was used to create the book because there is disjunction even in the sex scenes.

Further, I started this series solely through the one book Ursa Dax wrote for it, and all the world premises she incorporated do not exist here. (I think this was written first, but I liked Dax's world better than this one.) I am going to read the other one by Bell simply because there is a cliffhanger for it at the end of this one, but I really am not expecting much.

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Aileen McEllroy’s job is as far from glamorous as you can get. Having lived her whole life on a spaceship, she’s never known a world without recycled air and alien bosses. When her friend signs her up for the Starlight Brides Lottery, she realizes that this is the opportunity she needs. Brekker is the clan leader on planet Wulfric, who received devastating news about his bloodline. In need of a mate to help sire healthy pups, his sister signs him up to be a recipient of the Starlight Brides Lottery. When Aileen and Brekker meet, sparks fly and they have an immediate connection. What follows is a short novella of love, relationship building and lupine instincts.

This was a quick, delicious and smutty novella. A fun entry into the Starlight Brides series… with a cliffhanger that has me dying to know what comes next! Be prepared to demolish this story in one sitting… it’s too fun not to demolish all at once!

Tropes in this story:
✨Arranged marriage
✨Virgin FMC
✨Seggsy lessons
✨Kn0tt!ng

I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book via the author, but my review is all my own. Thank you, January!! 💕🐺🌙

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but rivetting story with all the feels. 
Aileen has lived barely surviving  on a space station her entire life, and with her best friend  Bridget perform the most degrading tasks for a race of alien blobs .
Bridget has applied for jobs through an intergalactic agency. Happy to leave her small, sad life behind, she readily accepts. Surprise,the position for which she’s actually been selected: bride to a hot alien werewolf clan leader.
Heartbroken and dismayed by the third confirmation that he carries the dreaded genetic variant that results in basically losing control and becoming feral and overwhelmed with bloodlust, Brekken assumes he’ll have to abdicate rather than risk  passing on his mutation to his offspring. When his sister Tessa declares she’s matched him with a human woman, he’s excited yet fearful of things not working out. A mutual agreement is one thing, but can feelings develop from such an unorthodox union?
This was a short but rivetting story, spicy and fun and really would love to see more of the Wulfric!
The author lefts in the epilogue,a hint of Bridge