Charmed by the Alien Warrior

Spirit Mates of the Laediriian Exiles #2

by Michelle Nova

Crash-landing on an alien planet wasn’t in my plans, but then, my life has never been easy.

Surviving on my own is what I do best, and I learned the hard way that trusting others only leads to heartbreak. Now, I’m stuck on a dangerous world teeming with massive, prehistoric beasts that see me as an easy meal. Even worse? I’ve volunteered to go on a mission with Sorrin, a stubbornly cheerful alien warrior who acts like facing down deadly creatures is just another thrilling adventure.

He thinks we’re just searching for other survivors, but I have my own reason for joining this mission—finding a way back to Earth. But the more time I spend with Sorrin, the harder it is to keep my guard up. No matter how much I try to keep him at arm’s length, he refuses to let me face this world alone. But when an ambush leaves us stranded, hunted by both deadly creatures and enemy forces, trusting him might be my only shot at survival.

Escaping this planet was always my goal. But as the danger closes in, I’m starting to wonder—will leaving mean losing the one person I never expected to need?

Genres: Romance

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Kara McCrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see that this is an ARC review and the book was so kindly given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review ☺️

4/5 ⭐ 2.5/5🌶️

This book was fantastic. Ever since I got the opportunity to read the first book I was really excited to get my hands on book 2. There were quite a few plot points that I sat with for a long time and hemmed and hawed about, so it's been nice to get some more clarity on what the heck is going on.

This book was a great blend of adventure, facing adversity, standing up to your own fears (and pushing past them), and in Sorrin's case maybe even learning that you can't hide everything behind a smile.
Mara reminds me a lot of myself if I was in the same situation. Hesitant and guarded. Skeptical. Those things would all be me on an alien planet I think. But it was nice over the course of the book to watch her change and grow and be able to rely more on the people around her (specifically Sorrin ofc) who really cared about her. Also Sorrin and Mara have SUCH good chemistry I could read about those 2 for daysssss.
The plot was fast paced and the aside from plot building that I felt like I was still wanting so badly from book 1, this book really helped expand world building and give us more insight into how vast and unique the planet is. It is a series I have become completely invested in, and will be excited to see where it goes in the next installment!
Overall I had a great time with this book and binged it in one sitting (as is Normal with me for alien books hahah) and if you love alien romance this book will not disappoint. Although it can probably be read as a stand alone, I'd highly suggest reading book 1 before this one for some context.

[Midniteillusion · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
The writing and editing was so so much better than the fittest book, little or no typos or incorrect word use, but the story and characters fell short.

I was super excited going into this book because, for all of its editing faults, the first book had a great story ahd pace. I was disappointed from the get go with this one though. There wasn’t any of the abduction or crash or aftermath really from Mara’s POV, and I didn’t feel like we got to know Sorrin much at all.

She doesn’t like him, and he’s a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. She doesn’t really give us a solid reason she doesn’t like him which makes it hard to understand her POV.

More sister interaction wouod have been good. I think it would have helped build Mara as a character more, and help the reader connect with her.

It was nearly instalove once they’re separated from the group, but it’s not believable. I never felt it as a reader. It seemed the author was focused on telling more than showing which just didn’t work. The sex never felt sexy, it felt too rushed, and like in the first book somewhat anatomically/scientifically incorrect in the descriptions.

I was also expecting more when they found the second set of stranded women. But it just felt rushed and fell flat.

I think if the author hadn’t rushed the love/lust and added an another 50-75 pages it could have been a much better story.

I’m really intrigued in the tribal politics and usurpers but that was most glossed over in this book.
I am planning to read book 3 since I already own it, however since the author seems to be having problems writing book four I’m not sure I’ll continue this series if the storytelling from book one doesn’t return.

[Poetry Drive · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 in this series. I love how fierce and cynical Mara is, especially when paired with the light-hearted Sorrin.

So much happened in the overarching story in this book that leaves so many more questions, but in an exciting way. I’m so glad that the author didn’t leave us hanging about what was going on with the other tribes for books on end and i can’t wait to see what happens next with the tribe dynamics in this world.

Damn cliffhanger 😂

[spidermse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Michelle Nova and I really enjoyed it! I loved that the mmc, Sorrin, was the sunshiney character and Mara was the grumpy one. I think I would be like her. Very wary and not easily trusting. But Sorrin won her over with his swoony personality.

I hadn't read the first book but it wasn't very hard to keep up with the ongoing plot. I do want to go back and read it though! We also got to see a lot of the world in this book and got a deeper understanding of the politics between the species. There is a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara works the front desk at The Valu-Right Inn. At the moment a woman who is gunning for because she had family working there is in front of her trying to find a way to get Mara fired. But she fixes a bright smile on her face and does what she needs to do. This is a side gig. She has a podcast based on crime. She's almost to the point she'll be able to quit the inn job. She's leaving work and going into a darkened parking lot because no one has fixed the lights.Her sister Maddie is waiting in her car and tells her how her and her boyfriend broke up. They head home and before they get a few steps to the porch a bright white light appears. It gets brighter and then her last thought is aliens are real!!!
Months later she's on an alien planet and volunteering for a mission for the Anuriix tribe. She and her sister and other women from earth were abducted and the aliens, Zyfeliks, when they are almost caught by the Alliance Force dumped them onto a planet called Laedirissae. It's not uninhabited. It has dinosaur like creatures. Then they find out it has other "people", the Anuriix tribe. She doesn't trust them. She's been burned too many times. As she's watching the events about the mission unfolding her gaze goes to a warrior named Sorrin. She recalls the things she's learned about them. They have a living womb that make the babies. She learns about "amoris" or soulmates. Yeah she doesn't believe in that either. She knows something is going on. She suspicious of them and vows she'll find out what game they're playing. The mission is to find more women. Mara believes there has to be with the size of the ship they had been on. Plus it'll give her the chance to find out for sure if there are other ships out there that could take them back to earth.
Sorrin is fascinated by these human women. They are very unlike their females even if he has never seen one. Although soft they harbor strength and tenacity. He's called to a meeting and is to let Mara know. When he arrives he finds that the chief's brother thinks they have a traitor in the tribe. Five warriors and two human females will go. There are four areas to search. It's been confirmed that there was another box that landed/crashed. NOw the team going on the mission are on the way. Just her luck she's riding with Sorrin. He is so irritating. But to others her watching him is noticed.
For Sorrin he is fascinated by the little human Mara. He's seen her laugh but she is prickly and keeps herself back. He doesn't think it's the amoris bond. There are no signs of it..his eyes haven't turned gold and his second heart isn't beating. But she is a puzzle he wishes to solve.
Then they are attacked by the Pugj. The warriors battle. In the melee one of the Pugj manages to take Mara. Mara knows that in a kidnapping you shouldn't be taken to a second place but the other tenet is to remain calm. She will bide her time. Then it comes and she snatches it. She manages to injure the Pugj and get away. Unfortunately she's recaptured and when she comes to she's tied. But that doesn't mean she can't leave a trail. She just needs to survive.
Now Sorrin needs to find her. He promised he would keep her safe. The main mission is put on hold as they begin the search. Will they find her in time? Will it coincide with the mission? So many variables.
A fascinating story in this series that will keep the reader enthralled.

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

[Shelley G · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book with a unique plot idea which is richly developed, flows well and a good pace to hold interest. Mara is a woman who has seen a lot of trauma and heartache in her life and now doesn't trust anyone or anything. When her and her sister are kidnapped by aliens of all things she vows to fight to return to earth and keep her sister safe. Sorrin is a strong cheerful happy warrior who uses smiles and laughter to hide childhood trauma he experienced being an orphan. Mara doesn't trust these big coloured aliens who rescued them from their original kidnappers and thinks sorrin is just a goofball who can't be serious and finds him very annoying. while on a mission together many things happen to them both which leads them both to discover there is hidden depths to them both and more to their character than meets the eye. You will need to read to find out all the danger, excitement, drama, betrayal, fighting, intrigue, discovery and emotional upheaval that happens during their incredible journey together. a gripping story which wonderfully written characters and great world building. a very believable story i highly recommend.
I received an arc copy from booksirens and this is my honest voluntary review.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Charmed By The Alien Warrior! I thought Mara and Sorrin were a great couple. Sorrin had a great personality and more depth than I was expecting. Mara also had a lot of depth, which played out in her trauma-response personality. Watching the two of them get to know each other was exciting. I also really like the political drama happening on the planet; it’s a great overarching plot to link all the books. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I was able to catch on pretty quickly.

Parts of the book were repetitive. I went back a few times to see if anything was legitimately repeated, but it was all just very similar. And this might be a me problem, but crash landing on a planet with big blue aliens had me thinking I had read this book or the series starter before, but I had not. It’s easy to get the book mixed up with certain Ice Planet books.

I’m looking forward to Emily’s book next. I likely won’t go back and read the series starter, but only because I don’t feel like I’m missing any crucial information.

I received a copy of Charmed By The Alien Warrior from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'How can a being so different from me feel so right, as if she’s always been a part of me?
This fierce, maddening human shakes me to my very core. She’s small, fragile by Laediriian standards, yet she’s a force stronger than anything I’ve ever faced in battle. Her laughter, her touch, even her stubbornness— they’ve worked their way into the marrow of my bones.
The bond between us is undeniable, and it thrums through my veins like an electric charge I can’t escape.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I was hooked from just the prologue. I was fascinated with the blend of very advanced and medieval aspects of the Laediriians lifestyle, growing babies in artificial wombs since there are no females, spirit mates, and the planet's predators.

I loved both Mara and Sorrin, loved the way she came to trust him, and a bond of friendship and loved bloomed. I loved Sorrin's cheery personality.

This story was a fun adventure with action, danger, suspense, family, and love. 5 stars.

[SunnieK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your Boy meets Girl story. More like Girl gets kidnapped from Earth, crash lands on an alien world, meets alien boy.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I chose this book because I love alien/fated mate trope. This is Mara and Sorrin’s story. She had to grow up fast and has built walls around herself to protect herself and her sister. He is the smiling fool of a warrior that irritated Mara from the onset. That was of course until circumstances thrust them together and they must learn more about each others secrets and fears.

It was a quick fun read. Definitely a series that I could binge read. Spiciness was a 3 / 5. Overall, 4 stars, something that I would like more of and find the story of the rest of the kidnapped women from Earth and the tribe they make home in.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars = This writer was relatively new to me, and I'd found this alien romance story an enjoyable and engaging read. The characters were very likable; Sorrin our alien and Mara our human. Mara ends crashing on Laedirissae with a group of human women who were ejected when their abductor's spaceship was attacked. The Alliance warriors who were trying to rescue them also crash. They formed a group to survive. Mara volunteers to look for other survivors and Sorrin goes with her. The lighthearted Sorrin with the cynical Mara gave an enjoyable banter to read. The planet was very descriptive with it many tribes. Their adventures were an entertaining and romantic read in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.

[Marian Pattechat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I'm hooked! We're thrust into a dangerous alien world with predators and tribal politics, and join the tough heroine as she undertakes a risky mission to find a way off the planet and determine if the locals are trustworthy. The hero is a ray of sunshine, but beneath his humor hides a vulnerable soul. I loved how their relationship grew steadily and realistically while they faced the dangers of his world. He was the perfect person to see past her guarded exterior and break down her walls, and they shared many touching, emotional moments. As for their schmexy moments, those were hot and so well written. The next book in the series can't come out soon enough!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fab follow up to book one and I love that we get more world building to truly see how fascinating and diverse this planet really is. This is a 'reverse' grumpy/sunshine romance and it makes total sense. Mara really was fierce, wary and skeptical and Sorrin was all sunshine for his mate. He really was swoony, willing to do anything to have her be happy - even to the point of letting her go. Thankfully, that didn't come to pass and I enjoyed seeing Mara warm up to him. We also get a deeper understanding of the politics between the different species, which I loved. However, we're not done yet so there is a cliffie and I have to say I'm really looking forward to the next book. Good fun!

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this fascinating and deliciously steamy alien romance 💕. Mara and her sister Maddie were abducted by aliens. Ship wrecked on planet, rescued by the Anuriix tribe. Mara wants to take her sister home, so she and Isabella volunteers for journey to find other survivors. Maybe find a way home. Sorrin is kind, sweet male and a powerful warrior. I find him delightful and entertaining, he’s perfect for Mara, he will always protect her. Mara and Sorrin will face dangerous challenges, deadly threats and abduction before they find their HEA. Beautifully executed story and very entertaining read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, adorable read! I had such a good time reading this book and Sorrin and Mara's relationship gave me such warm fuzzy feelings. I also loved that this is basically a reverse grumpy/sunshine (with the FMC being the grump and the MMC being the sunshine).

The story was also so refreshing in that Sorrin (the MMC) was an absolute cinnamon roll and was consistently sweet and supportive to the Mara (the FMC) throughout. I hadn't read the first book, but the plot was easy to follow while still feeling high-stakes and exciting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

– Easy to read, action packed enemies to lovers story.
This reads as a laid back, casual read however the story has hidden depths dealing with serious issues that have impacted the MCs. The resilience they portray is inspiring. I’m not a huge fan of ‘enemy to lovers’ (normally!) but this story overcame any resistance I had, and all I can say is that I was curious and then invested in these beautifully developed characters, setting, and storyline. And yes, I will be looking for the rest of this series. Non-stop adventure. Thank you :-)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natasna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. If I went into this as a first time alien reader I would have given it 4 stars but it reads like any other alien abduction. Although I gave to it 3.75 stars the alien warrior was funny at times and I found myself smiling at some of his antics. There are so many different alien tribes that you have to keep up with and what role they play. This is my first time reading this, and I did not read book one but even though it is interconnected I believe that they can be read as a standalone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interested in the aspect of an alien romance, I accepted a free copy of this book.

Okay. I actually liked this! I wasn't sure that I would, so I was happy to be proven wrong. It’s funny to see a grumpy/sunshine dynamic where SHE is the grump. I might get infuriated by someone who's so smiley all the time too, but he was just so infectious! Sorrin and Mara completely balanced each other out. It was just perfect. And the fact that he was completely willing to let her go, just to see her happy? Swoon!

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the first in this series of two but will be very soon. I always enjoy sci fi and this was a nice change from some of the other genres. Mara and Sorrin are on a journey, though Mara wished to return to earth she finds Sorrin to be cheerful in his work. These two had a journey with dangers along the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of science fiction romance will like this series. While somewhat predictable, it was a good story and a fun read. The second in the series is centered on Sorrin and human Mara. I liked that the aliens did use some technology, yet their planet was definitely wilder than earth. With tribal enemies, and more human women on the planet, this promises to be a good entertaining series.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline, and the characters, but there is too much repetitive thoughts from the characters. It detracts from my enjoyment of the story unfolding.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Keyyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I haven't read the first one so the first chapters were a lot of info, but it was still understandable! A really rich but simple plot. I will continue to follow this series with pleasure.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to go with them especially if there's human survival. Too many chances of the enemy following us and somehow we got separated from our pack and being alone with Sorrin is is becoming hard to ignore.

I received this arc for a honest review.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Although I need to read book 1 and then this again. I did enjoy it though. She is out looking for survivors and just wants to find a way back to earth. But she gets in with a sexy alien. And finds it harder to want to. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

more of a 2.5, tbh.
this is a prime example of why editors' work is needed and so precious in the publishing process.

[Chrissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorrin is such a great character and I love his humour. His ability to crack jokes and his inability to allow Mira’s attitude to dim his sunshine is great!

[Margot Primrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the world building and the characters!