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A mysterious protector. A delicate Earthian female. Neither wants this arrangement, but neither wants death either.
Olivia: Some call me shallow. Some call me privileged. Some call me entitled. In reality, they want to be me, one of the privileged.
As the only daughter of Alexander Nash, the richest man on Earth, that all changed when daddy told me I’d become a mail order bride for the Kashians, a species he himself contacted using his marvelous inventions.
The Kashians believe they rescued Earth when our first alien contact went astray and another species nearly invaded. They convinced those monsters they had an alliance with us.
But then the others demanded proof.
Gyft: A bride is the last thing on my mind, especially one from a dismal planet who offers nothing. Nothing except an absolute marvelous creation that defies logic—a simple shuttle capable of traveling through wormholes and coming out the other side whole.
It should be enough joy for us to save their perplexing species from destruction—one they created by reaching out for a first contact without caring about what risk they put their people in. But no, my planet wants the technology of that shuttle.
And once I get to know her? I want that bride. An absolute marvelous creature that also defies logic.
* This sweet and spicy holiday tale is part of the Rescued by the Alien collection, a collaboration of authors telling holiday tales with a science fiction romance twist. Each book is a standalone, containing its own Happily Ever After. They can be read in any order. Enjoy!
Olivia: Some call me shallow. Some call me privileged. Some call me entitled. In reality, they want to be me, one of the privileged.
As the only daughter of Alexander Nash, the richest man on Earth, that all changed when daddy told me I’d become a mail order bride for the Kashians, a species he himself contacted using his marvelous inventions.
The Kashians believe they rescued Earth when our first alien contact went astray and another species nearly invaded. They convinced those monsters they had an alliance with us.
But then the others demanded proof.
Gyft: A bride is the last thing on my mind, especially one from a dismal planet who offers nothing. Nothing except an absolute marvelous creation that defies logic—a simple shuttle capable of traveling through wormholes and coming out the other side whole.
It should be enough joy for us to save their perplexing species from destruction—one they created by reaching out for a first contact without caring about what risk they put their people in. But no, my planet wants the technology of that shuttle.
And once I get to know her? I want that bride. An absolute marvelous creature that also defies logic.
* This sweet and spicy holiday tale is part of the Rescued by the Alien collection, a collaboration of authors telling holiday tales with a science fiction romance twist. Each book is a standalone, containing its own Happily Ever After. They can be read in any order. Enjoy!
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2024
203 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Rena Marks
91 books265 followersJoin my fantasies! Get lost in worlds that twist and turn with plot and give you a feel-good, happy ending. Grow lovestruck by the heroes, each one unique. Find them perfectly matched by their heroine, strong women like you and I who know exactly what they want and how they want it—searing, sexy, and passionate.
Remember, true love is out there--beyond the mundane. Life is magical, come read about my mine!
Remember, true love is out there--beyond the mundane. Life is magical, come read about my mine!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 9, 2024
An unwilling participant in a bridal exchange with a distant planet, Olivia is...maybe not the best person to send as an ambassador (of sorts) for the human people. She's shallow, flighty, and more interested in her brand aesthetic than anything else. But she was the one Gyft chose, so she's heading out to do her part and be his bride.
Sort of. I mean, she messes with the controls prior to take off, ends up landing on a dangerous part of the planet, and has some vague plans to disappear and live her life without her husband. Which doesn't work AT ALL like she plans. Fortunately.
As for Gyft, he's also an unwilling participant in this whole marriage thing. In fact, he plans on doing his duty long enough to figure out the secrets to the their wormhole travel and then quietly divorce his new bride and send her on her way. Except Olivia's amateur sabotage of her pod has the two of them spending more time than he anticipated during the rescue. And it turns out he kind of likes the lady he's married to.
A not-so-well-though-out plan to escape an unwanted marriage, a journey through some rough land, a little communication issue, some steamy kisses, a little danger, a male who almost loses the thing he wants most in the world before he realizes what he has, and a lady who is not nearly as shallow as she seems at first glance. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Sort of. I mean, she messes with the controls prior to take off, ends up landing on a dangerous part of the planet, and has some vague plans to disappear and live her life without her husband. Which doesn't work AT ALL like she plans. Fortunately.
As for Gyft, he's also an unwilling participant in this whole marriage thing. In fact, he plans on doing his duty long enough to figure out the secrets to the their wormhole travel and then quietly divorce his new bride and send her on her way. Except Olivia's amateur sabotage of her pod has the two of them spending more time than he anticipated during the rescue. And it turns out he kind of likes the lady he's married to.
A not-so-well-though-out plan to escape an unwanted marriage, a journey through some rough land, a little communication issue, some steamy kisses, a little danger, a male who almost loses the thing he wants most in the world before he realizes what he has, and a lady who is not nearly as shallow as she seems at first glance. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 17, 2024
Gyft
This is a light hearted romance which is always a nice break from the more serious ones. Both characters are kind of rude and superficial which makes them great together.
I appreciated the certain lack of drama that characterized the story. During the beginning of the story there's a language barrier. The MFC thinks he is her bodyguard, not her husband (who she has never seen).
“Oh, God. You’re Gyft? I thought you were telling me that Gyft sent you for me. That you were my guard.”
“You slept with me,” he says flatly.
“I was really torn up about it. I wanted to go to Hellaya to live and see if you could come. If maybe we could explain to Gyft about our feelings for each other.”
He growls. “Nice to know you would have fallen for anyone who rescued you from the woods.”
“You’re kind of blaming me because you’re hot,” I point out reasonably. “A girl gets kind of swoony over that, you know.”
And that's it. The issue is over. I kind of liked it. Her upset later with him almost seemed odd because they had an arranged marriage anyway so of course there would be political maneuvering to get military and scientific secrets from each other.
This is a light hearted romance which is always a nice break from the more serious ones. Both characters are kind of rude and superficial which makes them great together.
I appreciated the certain lack of drama that characterized the story. During the beginning of the story there's a language barrier. The MFC thinks he is her bodyguard, not her husband (who she has never seen).
“Oh, God. You’re Gyft? I thought you were telling me that Gyft sent you for me. That you were my guard.”
“You slept with me,” he says flatly.
“I was really torn up about it. I wanted to go to Hellaya to live and see if you could come. If maybe we could explain to Gyft about our feelings for each other.”
He growls. “Nice to know you would have fallen for anyone who rescued you from the woods.”
“You’re kind of blaming me because you’re hot,” I point out reasonably. “A girl gets kind of swoony over that, you know.”
And that's it. The issue is over. I kind of liked it. Her upset later with him almost seemed odd because they had an arranged marriage anyway so of course there would be political maneuvering to get military and scientific secrets from each other.
December 7, 2024
Olivia’s father has manufactured a space vehicle that can travel through wormholes. This has caught the attention of hostile aliens. Gyft is a warrior of a different alien race who will help protect Earth contingent on his marriage to Olivia, a rather vapid influencer.
Olivia is sent to Gyft’s planet although she had monkeyed with the controls in an attempt to arrive at a location from where she might elude him. Gyft locates her pod and rescues her from a life threatening creature. They seek shelter at a nearby farm and circumstances cause them to stay longer than originally anticipated. They can’t understand a word that the other speaks as a translator hasn’t been activated.
Olivia thinks Gyft is a bodyguard sent by her husband but the truth eventually comes to light. She regales the children of the farmer with stories about Christmas and promises to return to instigate the celebration in a nearby town. A misunderstanding causes a major rift between Gyft and Olivia but is resolved. Christmas is saved.
Olivia is sent to Gyft’s planet although she had monkeyed with the controls in an attempt to arrive at a location from where she might elude him. Gyft locates her pod and rescues her from a life threatening creature. They seek shelter at a nearby farm and circumstances cause them to stay longer than originally anticipated. They can’t understand a word that the other speaks as a translator hasn’t been activated.
Olivia thinks Gyft is a bodyguard sent by her husband but the truth eventually comes to light. She regales the children of the farmer with stories about Christmas and promises to return to instigate the celebration in a nearby town. A misunderstanding causes a major rift between Gyft and Olivia but is resolved. Christmas is saved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
This is the third book of the series that I've read, and like the others, its engaging with humour, drama, suspense and steam. Gyft and Olivia come together because of a deal, although she didn't realize Gyft was her hubby and not just her rescuer when they finally meet...which let her be open to getting physical with him ;P Their not so subtle communications were hiliarious and I really enjoyed how their story started. However, their start also made for misunderstandings. Thankfully, that sets up a second chance romance vibe, which I love. With fab world building, a smooth pace and wonderful characters, it was a page turner for me. Doesn't hurt that they got a wonderful and well deserved HEA ;D Can't wait to read more stories in this fun multi-author series :D
October 25, 2024
Dang, the beginning of this book, had me in hysterics. Apart from the language barrier, their not so subtle communication was addictive. Their banter and dual conversations couldn't have been written better. But talking out loud regardless broke the tension.
The characters and world building are phenomenal. This story has everything you could possibly need in a book. Suspense, intrigue, enemies to lovers, but most of all, a beautifully written love story. Some heartbreak is thrown into the mix, but we get the happy ending that these two amazing characters deserve.
A well written story that keeps you entertained from start to finish.
The characters and world building are phenomenal. This story has everything you could possibly need in a book. Suspense, intrigue, enemies to lovers, but most of all, a beautifully written love story. Some heartbreak is thrown into the mix, but we get the happy ending that these two amazing characters deserve.
A well written story that keeps you entertained from start to finish.
November 9, 2024
In order to protect earth, Olivia is given as Bride to the Kashians. Neither Gyft or Oliva are happy about this. I love books that start out with a language barrier and that's in play when these two meet each other. Olivia thinks this guy is her body guard. Of course she REALLY starts to like her body guard. This book is full of awkward situations and misunderstandings, but that lends itself to the fun. I love a good holiday romance. Olivia is determined to bring earth Christmas, in its own fashion, to the Kashians. She may get the most amazing Gyft in return. Fun read! 4 stars, 3 spice emojis!
December 14, 2024
Olivia was forced by her father to become a mail order bride for a Kashian named Gyft. Neither Olivia or Gyft wanted the marriage but did it for the good of their people, that is until they met each other and things changed rather quickly. Well for Gyft it was after all the black goth make up and dress was gone. This a steamy romance between a rich human female and a hot alien which defies all odds. Trouble and danger comes their way and miscommunication between each other along with some hilarious interactions make this a fun read!
November 4, 2024
Excellent reading!
With the people of earth in dire straits, Olivia becomes a sacrifice. I must admit, at first, I found her to be a spoiled rich girl. She soon redeems herself, though, and I love seeing her relationship with Gyft begin to flourish. I love Gyft’s swift change in expectations once he spends some time with Olivia. It doesn’t keep him out of trouble, though. This is a delightful holiday story, with more than one happy human by the end of it. An excellent reading experience!
With the people of earth in dire straits, Olivia becomes a sacrifice. I must admit, at first, I found her to be a spoiled rich girl. She soon redeems herself, though, and I love seeing her relationship with Gyft begin to flourish. I love Gyft’s swift change in expectations once he spends some time with Olivia. It doesn’t keep him out of trouble, though. This is a delightful holiday story, with more than one happy human by the end of it. An excellent reading experience!
November 13, 2024
From the world of 'first daughter' that seems to have anything she wants to her new life as a wife to Gyft, Olivia has some life changes. From getting lost, to monsters in the woods, not being able to communicate was probably the worst for Olivia. (And funniest for me to read their interactions.) Overall, a wonderful story full of hope, a bit of anger, danger, and spice. Rena has created wonderful characters and locations for her readers to enjoy
November 17, 2024
He doesn’t want a bride and she doesn’t want to be a bride. But, neither have a choice. Well, she had a trick up her sleeve, but then he has a even bigger one.
And let the games begin! I loved that they both underestimated each other. Olivia proved to be a stronger woman than she even thought, while Gyft, well he learned a lesson not to prejudge a female.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
And let the games begin! I loved that they both underestimated each other. Olivia proved to be a stronger woman than she even thought, while Gyft, well he learned a lesson not to prejudge a female.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want to read
September 27, 2024Rescued by the Alien - 7 books in this series, all of them are to be released - November 8, 2024 -
❌ LASHE by Ella Blake -
❌ PYNE (Rescued by the Aien) by Alana Khan -
❌KHOL by Ava Ross -
❌ GYFT : A Sci-Fi Holiday Romance by Rena Marks -
❌ KLAZ : Rescued by the Alien by Ava York -
❌ KRINGL : A Sci-Fi Holiday Romance by Tana Stone -
❌ RUDI : A Sci-Fi Holiday Romance by Honey Phillips -
❌ LASHE by Ella Blake -
❌ PYNE (Rescued by the Aien) by Alana Khan -
❌KHOL by Ava Ross -
❌ GYFT : A Sci-Fi Holiday Romance by Rena Marks -
❌ KLAZ : Rescued by the Alien by Ava York -
❌ KRINGL : A Sci-Fi Holiday Romance by Tana Stone -
❌ RUDI : A Sci-Fi Holiday Romance by Honey Phillips -
November 11, 2024
Love in spite of communication
Loved this book! It's sometimes boring when reading about aliens trying to learn languages. These two just had conversations even though they couldn't understand each other. It was hilarious! Loved the world building in such a short book. Highly recommend!
Loved this book! It's sometimes boring when reading about aliens trying to learn languages. These two just had conversations even though they couldn't understand each other. It was hilarious! Loved the world building in such a short book. Highly recommend!
November 18, 2024
A Gift for Gyft
In order to save her planet, she becomes a bride for one of an alien planet guards. They're meet/cute happens when he saves her from a monster. I liked that even though they had trouble communicating with each other, they started on the road to loving each other. After some adventures and misunderstandings, they got their HEA.
In order to save her planet, she becomes a bride for one of an alien planet guards. They're meet/cute happens when he saves her from a monster. I liked that even though they had trouble communicating with each other, they started on the road to loving each other. After some adventures and misunderstandings, they got their HEA.
December 14, 2024
Mistaken Bodyguard
This book was so good I don’t know how to review it without giving away spoilers! I loved the characters, the world building and the humor. The language barrier in the beginning had me in tears. Olivia is not your typical, entitled rich girl. She has a heart of gold. And Grft, ooh la la. Hurry up and read this one.
This book was so good I don’t know how to review it without giving away spoilers! I loved the characters, the world building and the humor. The language barrier in the beginning had me in tears. Olivia is not your typical, entitled rich girl. She has a heart of gold. And Grft, ooh la la. Hurry up and read this one.
December 29, 2024
Coerced and Unwilling, but then…
Neither Gyft nor Olivia really wanted to be mated/married just for humans to be able to their trade technology and a mail order bride for protection by the Kashians. Enjoy the twists and turns of this tale of Gyft and Olivia, two independent, headstrong individuals as their respect, understanding and love grows!!!
Neither Gyft nor Olivia really wanted to be mated/married just for humans to be able to their trade technology and a mail order bride for protection by the Kashians. Enjoy the twists and turns of this tale of Gyft and Olivia, two independent, headstrong individuals as their respect, understanding and love grows!!!
January 12, 2025
Barely 3 Stars
Gyft in my humble opinion it is not as I expected. Honestly, seems like it was written for a social media crazed teenager. I found it to be confaluted and lack of so many mature elements. Am not sure if I want to give Rena Marks another try. On a plus for the editing I only noticed one typo which is a plus that received the 3 Stars rating.
Gyft in my humble opinion it is not as I expected. Honestly, seems like it was written for a social media crazed teenager. I found it to be confaluted and lack of so many mature elements. Am not sure if I want to give Rena Marks another try. On a plus for the editing I only noticed one typo which is a plus that received the 3 Stars rating.
November 23, 2024
Fun to read
I enjoyed the banter with Gyft and Olivia. What a hoot when she slept with a bodyguard. These holiday novellas come out yearly and I love to read them! Spicy and festive!
I enjoyed the banter with Gyft and Olivia. What a hoot when she slept with a bodyguard. These holiday novellas come out yearly and I love to read them! Spicy and festive!
December 19, 2024
Very fun holiday read!
This was a super quick, super sexy, super fun holiday read! The dialogue between the two characters is so funny and adorable! Loved it! The spice is hot too!
This was a super quick, super sexy, super fun holiday read! The dialogue between the two characters is so funny and adorable! Loved it! The spice is hot too!
February 6, 2025
Loved it
This book was amazing!! I absolutely loved the interactions between the hero and heroine. It was so funny!!! Especially when she was giving him CPR and couldn't hear his heart🤣. The Santa clause part was just as good...
Recommend!
This book was amazing!! I absolutely loved the interactions between the hero and heroine. It was so funny!!! Especially when she was giving him CPR and couldn't hear his heart🤣. The Santa clause part was just as good...
Recommend!
February 8, 2025
two spacey adults
The misunderstanding was amusing. Both are adults with huge egos. With misconceptions of themselves and their place.
Did not understand the later tiff since she mentioned it as reason for her being forced to marry.
The misunderstanding was amusing. Both are adults with huge egos. With misconceptions of themselves and their place.
Did not understand the later tiff since she mentioned it as reason for her being forced to marry.
April 1, 2025
Gyft
This was interesting and I still haven't figured out what type of Alien Gift is. Is he a Vampire or what? Whatever he is, the author wrote an amazing story about him, his new wife, their life.
This was interesting and I still haven't figured out what type of Alien Gift is. Is he a Vampire or what? Whatever he is, the author wrote an amazing story about him, his new wife, their life.
April 14, 2025
Laughing one moment, sexy time another
They have been misunderstandings but it is what makes them great together.
You will find love and an adventure. The fact that you have a spunky lovable human matched with a hunky 8-packed alien.
You get yummy steamy fun.
They have been misunderstandings but it is what makes them great together.
You will find love and an adventure. The fact that you have a spunky lovable human matched with a hunky 8-packed alien.
You get yummy steamy fun.
October 27, 2024
Super cute sci/fi holiday romance! Loved it.. Steam and sweetness, misunderstandings and second chances..
November 10, 2024
Great read .. gyft definitely had his hands full LOL some very funny moments.. I would recommend this book I love everything from this author
November 11, 2024
2.5 stars
November 26, 2024
Good read
What do you get when you marry an alien sight unseen? A lot of trouble! You cannot make plans and have them carried out without knowing the whole story! So Enjoy!
What do you get when you marry an alien sight unseen? A lot of trouble! You cannot make plans and have them carried out without knowing the whole story! So Enjoy!
December 12, 2024
It was a good and interesting read, something are a little bit fast paced but it's ok
December 19, 2024
GREAT world building!! I only wish there were more installments to this world.
January 16, 2025
nice addition to the series
I liked this book a lot. They were so cute together. I’m going to look for more of this author.
I liked this book a lot. They were so cute together. I’m going to look for more of this author.
Read
August 26, 2025DNF @30%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews