All it takes is one giant intergalactic leap of faith…
Geo Crushing on a fuzzy blue alien isn’t in construction worker Geo’s plans when he decides to leave Earth to escape his cheating boyfriend.
Unfortunately, repressed chromosomes from DNA shared with the Lornian species trigger the alpha buried in his genes. Confused by the changes in his body, his lack of control and his wild attraction to Makir, he’s certain of two Makir will never see his short, fat, underendowed in the goods-department self as a potential mate. And no matter how good omega Makir smells to him or how much Geo longs for him, he doesn’t have a chance.
Makir Disillusioned with alphas after a disastrous heat, Makir flees his royal family to find sanctuary and open his hovercraft repair shop on a remote outpost. With no other Lornian inhabitants, he’s finally safe from overbearing alphas.
At least, that’s the plan. But omegas aren’t meant to be alone, and when Makir uses a healing source forbidden to off-worlders on a human, the consequences leave him reeling. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to uncover a dormant alpha—the one thing he wanted out of his life for good.
But when the full moon brings on his heat and a terrifying creature attacks, he’s left wondering if he’ll ever get to stop running, or if he’ll be alone forever. If only he could learn to trust his omega senses again, then maybe he’d believe this alpha’s all that he seems.
Would you like to review future ARCs from me? How about gaining access to exclusive content! If so I'd love to hear from you. Sign up for my newsletter at www.chrisredd.ca.
Chris Redd has been dreaming up stories since she can remember. Her attraction to the romance genre began in the dusty corridors of her tiny local library, browsing the curled corners of Sweet Valley Highs and Sweet Dreams. Now she writes her own twist on romance.
She loves to craft vivid sci-fi worlds where flawed humans fall in love with equally flawed aliens. She is the author of the steamy Alien Fated Mates series.
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris Redd exploring the forests and the coastline with her Toy Aussiedoodle or trying to capture the perfect video of her daughter’s rabbit doing a binkie.
A sweet and sexy sci-fi M/M romance, featuring an unexpected human alpha and the alien omega who captures his heart.
Taking a job as a construction foreman on Tern—a newly (re)established colony far from Earth—seemed like the fresh start Geo needed after having his heart and his self-esteem shattered by his self-centred ex.
But the last thing Geo expected was to find an intense new connection so quickly with another off-worlder named Makir—a male omega and a secret royal, who is running from his own traumatic past, hoping to avoid controlling alpha-types in newly (re)inhabited Tern.
As far as they both know, humans don’t typically exhibit alpha or omega traits, but something is definitely changing physiologically and emotionally in Geo, ever since he first laid eyes on Makir.
These two suffer from some major inabilities to communicate what they’re feeling, and, naturally, there are plenty of hesitancies afoot for both men dealing with past hurts, but their attraction is instant and palpable, steeped in the kind of fated-mate vibes that Makir has only ever dreamt about back on his home planet.
Not being new to the omegaverse genre, this story had many of the expected tropes and themes in play that I purposely read such books to enjoy. Geo (unexpected to even him) gave off those protective and growly-possessive alpha vibes the closer he grew to Makir, while Makir was more kind-hearted and nurturing in his omega traits, always the caretaker of those around him.
Their romance was sweet and heartwarming, but it was plenty steamy, too, with Makir’s first omega heat kicking in fairly early in the story, showcasing the pairs very own version of knotting and breeding that was unique to this story in a way I hadn’t read before. (Note: Mpreg is possible within the worldbuilding here, but not relevant in this particular story).
Overall, I enjoyed myself with this one, despite my general disinterest in miscommunication tropes and the pesky horrible parents that the story focused on later in the piece (boooooo).
Honestly, I had high interest in this story after only seeing the playful title, 20% Stud 80% Muffin—and, for the most part, this M/M sci-fi debut delivered the kind of fun, heart-happy, steamy omegaverse romance I was hoping for.
I’d definitely be open to reading more by this author, with sequels and beyond.
***A special thanks to the author (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this but it was impossible. MC1 is basically a doormat in the human world and letting his boyfriend walk all over him even after he gets gaslit about agreeing to be in an open relationship he still decides to stay with the man until that man decides he won't watch his dogs for a year while MC1 goes to a different planet for work.
Malik, i liked a little more- i actually don't really have any issues with him.
But once the two MCs are near each other MC1 turns into an asshole and they end up having weird sex because of all the pheromones and immediately after finishing MC1 is tugging himself out of Malik even tho there's a 'lock'(knot). That whole situation was super awkward and even more awkward when MC1 does some dirty talk and edging ... like he can't think enough to be able to not have sex but he's thinking enough to want to edge Malik instead of just rutting? 🙄
Most of the ' relationship' development happens off page and somehow they're in a relationship?
I don't even have words for how awful the execution of this was. I skimmed a lot, spent most of my time rolling my eyes or wanting to slap MC1 but still i pushed through trying to finish the book until around 88% where I finally decided that it wasn't worth my sanity just to be able to mark this as read instead of DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I mean, it’s an MM alien omegaverse romance, and the omega is a blue, furry alien… so, all in all, I had a lot of fun reading it. Admittedly, I went into it with super low expectations, which I think helped a lot. Sometimes, going in with no pressure lets you just enjoy the ride, and that’s exactly what happened here. Plus, the title had me in stitches—it’s so ridiculous in the best way possible.
The story itself is surprisingly sweet and heartfelt, despite its outlandish premise. The relationship between the two main characters is endearing, and the omegaverse dynamics are handled in a way that feels fresh and entertaining. Our little blue, furry lion of an omega -Makir- is such a unique character, and I found myself weirdly invested in his journey. The romance has its tender moments, but let’s be real—it’s also very much an “alphahole and we like it like that” kind of deal. If you’re into that dynamic, you’ll probably enjoy it, but even though it gets a bit over the top the book calls itself out in the odd Alpha/omega dynamics and it's so interesting to see. Obviously speaking as someone who loves and has read many a omegaverse romance.
I’m so pumped for book 2, even if I’m a bit confused about the cover. I thought it was going to focus on JayJay and Ginger, but there are two guys on the cover, so… maybe it’s an MMF situation? Honestly, I have no idea, but I’m down to clown again in this little interplanetary universe. The first book was such a fun, unexpected ride that I’m ready to dive back in, no questions asked.
EDIT: Ok, so I apparently forgot how to read the actual title that was ON THE COVER ITSELF , but apparently it's just an alternative cover of this same book. So the guys were just Makir and Geo hanging out in their little lovely bubble of love. My b.
If you’re looking for something lighthearted, this side of quirky, and just a little bit absurd, this is the book for you. It’s not going to win any literary awards, but it’s a great escape into a world that’s equal parts weird and wonderful.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 - The spice is definitely there, but HEAVY on the omegaverse things. So steamy, a little rough around the edges, and unapologetically intense. If you’re into heat, you’ll enjoy it, even if it’s not exactly balanced with the emotional beats of the story.
DnF at 70% This book wasn't quite what I expected. The blurb made it sound like a heavier, hurt/comfort romance, but it mostly felt like two MCs avoiding their feelings. Geo, the alpha, was annoyingly aloof, and Makir's trauma wasn't explored as deeply as I'd hoped. The world-building was lacking, and the serious themes weren't handled with the nuance they deserved. The brotherly bond was the best part. I wanted a happy ending for Makir, but Geo wasn't quite the right partner for him, at least not in the way the book portrayed them.
I am decidedly not the target audience for this book, but went along for the ride anyway. It’s light-hearted, genuinely funny, and had me clutching my pearls. There are things in kangaroo pouches, and that’s all I’m going to say about that. So, we’ve got Geo, a shy, self-conscious human who has a complete personality makeover once he dumps his terrible boyfriend and catches a rocket to a building site planet. He meets Makir, who has blue fur, a tail for days, and a bar for boyfriends which is literally on the floor. He turns to jelly at the barest hint of kindness, and honestly he deserves the world. Most of the tension comes from Geo being monumentally bad at expressing even a single emotion — and also giant worm monsters. The ending felt a little bit rushed, but it’s an entertaining read with lots of cool worldbuilding.
I completely admit that I grabbed this because of the title. It e fed up being very sweet and addresses healing from past trauma from abuse. It also deals with some self esteem issues.
Cute, a little drawn out in places, and a lot of not communicating. It's also weird how they have spaceships, but don't have mattresses lol. Just weird little things like that. The characters are really cute though and I love how supportive they are of each other.
Goodreads seems to have an issue with hiding in-text spoilers rn so the entire review is behind a spoiler wall for now...
Update 07/25
Months later and I have to come back and up this to a 5 star read. I still regularly think about this book and I miss Makir so much. Definitely my favorite alien book as of now.
— read 4.5
ok this was SO cute. Makir is such a precious MMC and I love how he walks the line between an Omega's submission and standing up for himself and protecting himself. I seriously fell deeply in love with this pretty blue alien.
I loved their dynamic and how it developed over time! Like the perspective of Makir, who has never been around humans, watching Geo in his insecurities and a behaviour that's so normalised for us but so weird from the outside was just cute and refreshing. Communication was so difficult for them yet it didn't bother me like the miscommunication trope usually does.
The side characters are so much fun too and I can't wait to immediately dive into book 2 and spend more time with JayJay the grumpy mother hen!
There were miiiinor things that bothered me in the writing but that was just nitpicking. 98% of the time it was so easy to read with great flow and pace.
Overall it was such an enjoyable book and I loved how it broke with beauty stereotypes on several levels and addressed this in a way that felt realistic and wholesome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was alright but it kinda dragged on. I didn’t like how Geo acted as an alpha and how much he dragged his feet to do research or read what the doctor gave him.
Unfortunately the title of this book should be changed to: 80% Stud 20% Muffin…
I went into this book with high expectations and I think I latched on too much to one part of the synopsis and not the other.. Perhaps because of the male sounding author name, I was expecting better. I wanted a smutty alien love story between an ornery omega alien and a short, fat, not so well endowed MMC.
But he does not remain short and fat - the man is barely pudgy ESPECIALLY in the art in the book - which is gorgeous, don’t get me wrong - but in no way is he “80% muffin.”
If this book had been written by a gay man, I have the feeling there would have been less bodily-alpha changes to make him more aesthetically pleasing to the female gaze.
This is an MM book written for women and unfortunately it shows.
The story itself is a very easy and enjoyable read and the alien world and omegaverse the author has created is super colourful and so fun to explore. Not to mention the steamy scenes are very, very hot. I was just promised one thing in the title and synopsis and got something different than what I wanted from the romance. If I hadn’t been so excited, I wouldn’t have been as disappointed, but I was over the moon to see a short, fat, not well endowed MMC and I didn’t get it with this novel. I’ll go for a gay male author next time instead.
*I received an eARC from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. All opinions are my own*
I wanted to like this book. And I did, mostly. I loved the setting, the world-building, the diverse cast of alien side characters. I even loved the main characters. Right until the point they actually met. After that, it kind of went downhill.
Geo was an adorably awkward cutie. I truly really loved him and felt terrible for how his boyfriend treated him. But when he met Makir, he turned from awkward to rude or straight out hostile. It was like he suffered from a split personality disorder. I struggled to understand him and empathize with him.
Makir was a sweetheart who had gone through something terrible. But after meeting Geo, he didn't bother even attempting to communicate with him, let alone explain the basics of Alpha/Omega dynamics to him even when it became clear that humans knew nothing about it.
The main plot of the book was a massive miscommucation issue. Not a fan. It was made even worse by both sides KNOWING there was a miscommunication issue and that everything would be alright if they just talked, but they just never do.
I'm sure it will find readers who will love it even if I didn't, because it's really well written and it has a lot of interesting characters and great world-building.
On the recolonized planet Tern, in the Reiner System, the reader is introduced to two new inhabitants. Geo, a human archbuilder with a recent broken heart and Makir, a blue Omega Alien who escaped alphas from the planet Lorne.
Supported by a cast of delightful, quirky side characters, Geo and Makir take you on a journey of bonding and romance quite like no other. There's no shortage of steamy love scenes as these two navigate a tense, fast-growing relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As my first Alien Fated Mate book experience, it left me at times shocked but also smiling and wanting more. A well written, fast-paced, fun, first book of hopefully many more to come, by Chris Redd. Looking forward to Book 2 in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of 20% Stud, 80% Muffin Chris Redd delivers a slow-burning alien fated-mates romance that’s 20% grit and 80% heart. Geo, a construction worker reeling from betrayal, collides with Makir, an omega alien prince scarred by a brutal first heat. Their chemistry builds like a low-voltage hum—never rushed, always earned—while Redd layers in clever sci-fi world-building, royal politics, and the biological twists of omegaverse. I loved the contrast of Geo’s rough, steady presence with Makir’s royal fragility and hidden strength. The prose is clean, the dialogue snaps, and the emotional payoff is inevitable. A fresh, funny, unexpectedly tender read that proves alien romance can be both otherworldly and deeply human.
What a sweet ride this was! As per my usual I went into this book not knowing much about it; I was deliciously thrilled!
I haven’t read many omegaverse books – I hope other reads can stand up to this one! It’s sweet and fun, with emotionally conflicting thoughts and challenges that both Makir and Geo must navigate. Makir’s is such an enduring character that one cannot help but love – his story is heartbreaking. His relationship with his brother is lovely – that ending? So fantastic, it gave me all the feels.
Geo goes through it all, changing his life and leaving behind a toxic relationship to journey across the universe to a planet where he meets Makir and begins a confusing ordeal discovering he’s actually an alpha – never in his wildest dreams would he have guessed this!
Always the one getting walked on back home, Geo isn’t used to being the loud, aggressive one and really has to learn to keep his zen as his alpha traits threaten to turn him into a raging lust filled overly protective, jealous male.
Thankfully he has JayJay nudging him in the right direction and Ginger - his human best friend from Earth who does the reading Geo keeps putting off to help him understand what he’s going through.
The consent piece that came up was beautiful – Geo always has enough control to not be too forceful – YES – this will keep me reading Chris Redd’s books!
I loved Geo’s arc, his confusion and struggle as he finds himself drawn more and more forcefully toward the sweet omega Makir. I loved his sweetness and really didn’t mind him blundering through his alpha traits, this felt real which I appreciated. And the body positivity; wonderful.
I can’t stand omegaverse books that gloss over consent because the alpha is so caught up in their own needs they can’t seem to stop themselves to make sure their omega is okay and on board. Chris Redd doing things right!
I’m saddened by those who stopped reading at the 80% mark because that last 20% of the book is so dang good it had me in tears! I exaggerate not.
It would have been lovely to have seen Geo and Makir learn to open up more about their feelings and communicate earlier on, especially about their past traumas.
However, the way Chris wrote their characters, I think it really emphasises what so many of us have gone through in our own lives – miscommunication, old wounds making us not trust etc. So, as much as it was painful at times to see them refusing to trust each other and be open – I get it, I really do and I think Chris really honours that in the choices she made.
I really enjoyed the world building – I loved the pink sand! How cool was that?! And all the different species / side characters that dip into this story. I love that there’s a book two focused on JayJay because I need more of this “universe” that Chris Redd has created, and we all need more JayJay.
I found this read super visual with Chris’ descriptions; the writing really pulls you in and paints a wonderful picture for you to sink into while you read.
Looking forward to diving into book two!
I think this will turn into a comfort read that I’m going to come back to again and again. HEA – just what I need right now. To sum it up… I really loved this book; absolutely five stars.
Geo had Cameron but found out Cameron was not being faithful to him. So Geo took up on an offer from Ginger to go to another planet and be an archbuilder. Meanwhile Makir was on planet Tern and trying to run a business of hoverbikes. That would be great if the community had not been burned down and now he only has a neighbor that scares him. Makir has an appointment with an archbuilder to help him build his place. Geo is making a living but he wants his pups with him. Ginger decides she is going to visit and is allowed to visit and will be bringing his babies, Charz and Pika. When she gets there so much will happen.
Silly romance about a silly alien and his even sillier human.
While I have some issues with this book, I actually had a lot of fun reading it. The overall idea of the planet where different species live is really fun and can be used for a whole series of books (which I think is the plan), and the different species created are fascinating.
I think that the best part of this story is not the romance but the different characters and their dynamics.
But this book is a romance, so let's focus on this. I actually don't read a lot of omegaverse, but I try to keep my mind open and read different things. And as for me, that part was fine, the spice was there, and it's written really well. My problem with the romance is the lack of communication between Geo and Makir. From the beginning, Makir is withdrawing information from Geo, firstly because he doesn't know that humans don't understand alpha/omega dynamics, but then he knows that and still doesn't explain how things should work between them. As for Geo, he wants to know many things but is too afraid to ask. And this happens for the whole book. I know that lack of communication is a great plot device, but there are other ways to create tension between the characters (like using the resident lizard alpha). For me, Makir and Geo's relationship progressed too quickly in comparison to how little information they shared.
Other than that, the book is okay; quick, fun and steamy read. And sometimes it's all you need.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
This is an ARC read, book drops Dropping November 30th and I need you all to go out and preorder because this was a great read!
First thought at finishing this book, I need MORE! This was an amazing read that I couldn’t put down.
This is a slow burn, fated mates, MM Alien omegaverse with awesome side characters. I loved watching Geo’s transformation throughout this story. Being a human, having to learn new customs and trying to decipher what all these new changes to his new body were. Every time he fumbled with his changes made the story absolutely adorable. Makir is a lovable omega traumatized by his past so he doesn’t think Geo will want him. But the pull of a mate bond is what hopefully pushes them to the edge.
I love when an author writes Amazing side characters! Jayjay, sisip, Ginger and the enforcers. Omg I can’t wait for book 2 you have no idea!!!
Tropes: Hefty Hero Royalty Confined space Monsters M/M Alien Anatomy Found Family Slow Burn
I have never read a M/M Romance before, but this was a really sweet story with two male characters you could really root for! I was nervous about the love scenes, and but found them as erotic as any M/F story I read — maybe a little more as they were so original and taboo. I loved Geo’s surprising changes and confusion as they fell for each other, and Makir’s slow revelations to his troubled past add depth to the storyline. Great Book! Looking forward to a sequel!
A complete new author to me, and the blurb sounded interesting. I enjoy omegaverse but do not read mpreg so I’m always on the hunt for something new to read.
What I enjoyed about this book is it mixed up the standard ‘tall/buff/perfect’ Alpha with the ‘tiny/twinky’ omega. Here, our Alpha is a short and plump human, whilst our Omega is the tall strong alien. It was a good difference.
Also, again mixing it up, as I find with alien books often it’s the human who goes through genetic change and becomes an omega. Here, it’s our human who is thoroughly confused to find themself changing into an alpha - gaining muscles/a knot.
It’s pretty rare to find an Alpha Awakening book and I was hoping this would be properly explored. Sadly not, our newly awakened Alpha literally ignored this for 50% of the book, dragged himself to the doctor and then didn’t read any of the info. provided to him as to explaining this. He admitted to not wanted to deal with it?! Umm, hello, really…. He then barked at his omega repeatedly and unintentionally abused him because he couldn’t be bothered to read about his medical status. Oh, and our omega had been abused so I felt the author massively fucked up here - I’ll write my alpha to be an uncontrolled rage of hormones and pair him up with an abused omega trying to escape aggressive alphas. Great job!
I’m not a huge miscommunication fan and it was frustrating that neither of our MCs actually had a proper conversation about what being an alpha/omega meant to them, future plans, historical insecurities and abuse that our omega had historically suffered. Our omega didn’t even tell the alpha that his males of his species could get pregnant, like you think that would come up at some point? I really felt they needed to have this conversations, it would have massively improved this book. Things worked out, as they do, but yeah, it was disappointing.
The sex scenes were on point, hot and spicy. Plus use of different anatomy for our alien made it interesting.
I also like the world-building around the planet - developing this - as well as day-to-day descriptors as to food/businesses etc.
There was external angst with one of our MCs family, his parents, and they didn’t get the comeuppance they deserved - I’m a vengeful soul - and that was annoying. I personally needed more.
However, I wouldn’t read this author again for MM books. The bad far outweighed the good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book had great world building, the writing was great IMO. I loved the ending I will read the next one, however I had to stop reading half way and read other books cause I hated Geo so much. He was a complete ass, I wasn't going to finish it. I was planning to 1 star it but the ending and writing bumped it to 3 stars. So if you don't find Geo to be a total POS like I did you'll probably love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love the cover, but unfortunately, I found the story boring. There isn’t much interaction between the MCs, but when there is, Geo isn’t a very likable character. There’s also something about the writing style that makes it difficult for me to read, but I can’t quite put my finger on what’s causing the disconnect.
Really sweet, suprisingly decent story, given the ridiculous sounding title. Omegaverse, which I generally don't like, but was done really well. I loved Makir, the world and had so many questions about what was happening in the background.
Stars rounded down mostly because I hated the term stud muffin, which was used far too many times in such a short book.
I will definitely try the second one in this set though.
Very cute little Earthling meets alien instalove story. If you like sugary sweet romance with lots of weird monstery spice and some cool backstory and world building this is for you. There's an M/F sequel that I may or may not read (don't read M/F at all but the story was fun enough that it's probably worth deviating for a change).
Great take on the whole omega/alpha thing. After a horrifying experience, Makir has wisely relocated to a planet where there are no alphas compatible with his race. No risk of some stupid alpha trying to bond him - ha, brilliant!
Except Leo the human turns up not long after, contracted to lead the local builders, and turns out to be a latent alpha. Leo has no idea what that means, or why his body is suddenly, um, growing bigger, so it takes some time for him to get with the program. Which is probably a good thing, as it gives Makir time to trust that Leo is safe and not all alphas are assholes.
Now they just have to deal with a shitty neighbor, some even shittier parents, some really nice furs, two Jack Russell terriers, a giant worm monster, a bestie from earth, and soooo much pink dirt.
So, this story in theory had everything I love - aliens, strange new worlds, lovely friends, pets, an omega who is not weak, an alpha that is not hung up on positions and domination (that is what I feel a lot of people get wrong, being an alpha or a leader has little to do with domination and force but rather with care and strength of character). So why not a 4 or 5 star read? Not solely because of the miscommunication - as I read there might be some beforehand and prepared for some frustration - but the extent of it was incredible. Is there even one single being in this whole universe who can communicate fully? I had the feeling as though not even the dogs would have told what was in their hearts if they had the ability to tell their master to not leave them behind that they would not care about alien creatures and the possibility of getting eaten, just to stay with him. How is that even possible? How can every single situation and communication lack what it was created to do, its sole purpose for existing if you will, to convey information. Why didn't you tell me you were afraid of water? Why didn't you tell me you couldn't swim? Why didn't you tell him about the consequences of your former attacker before you bonded in a life long commitment? 》This was actually one I struggled with the most. This is informed consent even though his friend told you he would not care. But also in turn. Why didn’t they talk about anything remotely important, like, what the changes might mean for Geo, was there something he might have to look out for, are there going to be some triggers that might cause him to be embarrassed, humiliated etc. later? Why didn't Geo talk to Makir about his trip to the doctors and what he learned not only about himself but Omegas? They never spoke about pregnancy before, Geo didn't know anything and if he might have already impregnated him unwittingly. What if Makirs body had healed enough in the meantime? What if the change in Geo had allowed for a miracle? Not being able to and not wanting are different conversations to have too. They could not even formulate their desire for the other person to move in for gods sakes. And this whole affair also for sure played a role in the author not letting up on Geos gruffness and grunting. Sure, something changed in him, sure one can be awkward in front of a crush, but the rude single word vomits were something else. Especially in the beginning I had the feeling that they masked the authors lack of understanding of the MCs chosen profession, so all meaningful conversation was just cancelled out. Also Geos past and future were also never really talked about or worked out. Some things seemed to "just work themselves out, but nor really because there are still possible roads open" like
And these were just from the top of my head.
So yeah, I don't know what I was expecting. Maybe it would have been better to focus on abduction, the jealous neighbor being a villain wanting to secure a position in nobility, or being an assassin in disguise, maybe in tandem with coming to terms with never having bio kids or some miracle happening there after an attack and being injected with some venom. If the story ends quicker than expected then just leave it like that, shorter. Artificially prolonging a plot more likely and often than not weakens the impact, lessons, reading experience and ultimately - enjoyment.
So while I actually liked and felt for the characters and am excited for a new alien story I just don't know...
It's a sweet alien romance, set on a recolonizing planet, with MM omega verse elements. Both Geo and Makir had horrible past relationships that make them a bit skiddish and unsure in the beginning, add in changing hormones, and a meddling neighbor (more annoying than anything), and the odds seem stacked against them. As always, it makes the ending sweeter.
I've read a few books were females were transported to OV like planets or different worlds, but not a male, so this one was interesting that way.
I thought this book was so cute! I loved the characters together and separately. I will say I don't read a lot of alien romances, but this makes me want to and I am curious about what the future books hold. This is a standalone, but it looks like it will be a start of a series, and I am really curious about the next MMC getting his story. Now I will say that that while there is no miscommunication trope it at times for me had the feelings of it and maybe that's common in interspecies/alien romances is that they aren't talking about the differences in species and cultures, so they have a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions about each other. So, at times during the book I was just like y'all need to sit down and talk. But something that stands in the way also for these characters is that to have a real conversation would mean being vulnerable with each other and they have both been really hurt by those previous in their life so at the same time I can understand not having the deeper conversations, but the basics could be still have been had. Both characters though were extremely loveable, and I was so happy that they found each other and were perfect for each other. They definitely were able to give each other what they truly needed to feel happy and secure. Such as Maskir who needs an alpha but doesn't want all the really strong overbearing alpha traits as they really hurt him in the past. But then you have Geo who has these alpha tendencies coming out due to the tether with Maskir but he is still checking in and making sure Maskir is okay with things and even still asking for consent or doing certain activities that in Maskir's culture an alpha would never do but Geo as a human would. I just thought they were cute and loveable, and I am happy they have each other. This book is about Geo who leaves earth after realizing he needs a new and fresh start especially after realizing his BF has been cheating on him. He decides to go work off planet for a year leaving his home and dogs in the care of his best friend and hopes to be back in a year with the backing to restart his life on earth then. But when he gets to this new planet where he is trying to acclimate and learn all the new species, he is encountering there is one in particular he can't just seem to take his eyes off. A Lornian names Maskir who reminds him of a blue lion. But as captivated as Geo is with him, old baggage and a skittish Maskir makes a friendship let alone more unlikely. That is until a full moon comes and a situation where they are in close contact together brings out Maskir's heat with only Geo to service him. Will this be the chance for both of them to take a chance on each other.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.