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Salt Planet Giants #2
The Ballast’s Bride: Salt Planet Giants, Book 2
He'll cross oceans for her . . .
Skarr giant Hinrivik has been in love with the human he guards for years. But when her marriage is arranged—and he's assigned to deliver her to her groom across the sea—he loses hope that she'll ever return his feelings.
When they arrive at their destination, she'll step off the ship into her new life as someone else's wife. Can Hinrivik convince her to consider him, a wildly mismatched monster, as her mate? He'll have to do it before they reach the other shore . . . because breaking her marriage contract could easily start a war.
The Ballast's Bride is a sweet and steamy size-difference alien romance about a gentle giant bodyguard and the tiny human woman who ignites his instincts.
Contains mature themes.
Skarr giant Hinrivik has been in love with the human he guards for years. But when her marriage is arranged—and he's assigned to deliver her to her groom across the sea—he loses hope that she'll ever return his feelings.
When they arrive at their destination, she'll step off the ship into her new life as someone else's wife. Can Hinrivik convince her to consider him, a wildly mismatched monster, as her mate? He'll have to do it before they reach the other shore . . . because breaking her marriage contract could easily start a war.
The Ballast's Bride is a sweet and steamy size-difference alien romance about a gentle giant bodyguard and the tiny human woman who ignites his instincts.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
Published December 5, 2023
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354 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 31, 2023
At the gates of heaven god is going to pull my Goodreads up and be like WHATS THIS HUH???? and then I’ll march my hind end down to hell where I belong anyway lmao
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DATE AND MARRY A REGULAR MAN WHEN THIS IS WHAT I READ AND ENJOY????
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DATE AND MARRY A REGULAR MAN WHEN THIS IS WHAT I READ AND ENJOY????
June 16, 2025
The rock hard giant!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙃🙁😀
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Mimma - she is a Nightborn daughter. He parents had wings and drank blood to survive. Though Mimma was a human. She couldn’t take the blood that her parents drank, and when with them, she drank blood colored wine and didn’t eat in front of them. Her parents think an uprising might be brewing and they fear that if their estate was breached, their secret would be discovered, and they could be jailed for purchasing a human and raising her as their own. Her mother wanted her to be a true wife, not just a blood wife, used to feed from. They arranged her marriage to a tribal king across the sea who is treaty bound to take a human wife.
The Hero: Hinrivik - He is a Skarr Giant that works for the estate of Mimma’s parents. He thought of her often and knew he had feelings for the young woman. He often imagined giving her gifts before she fell asleep in his lap. He sometimes felt like a traitor to his kind for having these thoughts about a human, given what humans had done to his kind. Humans often screamed and ran when they saw a Skarr Giant. Hinrivik couldn’t stop picturing Mimma in intimate situations, he wanted her so badly. Skarr Giants were dying out, with Nightborn and Humans taking over much of their territory most of the females had died out. Hinrivik had recently found out that one of his friends had mated a human, though he didn’t know exactly how, he now knew it could be done.
The Story: One day he came across Mimma in the garden, she was crying, and he asked her what was wrong. She told him of the marriage that her parents had arranged for her. He wanted to help but she knew he couldn’t help her with this problem. Mimma knew when she left, even if she ended up loving her new husband, she would have a “Giant sized hole in her heart”. She tells Hinri that she will be leaving in two days to take a ship across the sultan sea where she was getting married and that she wouldn’t be coming back.
When it came time for Mimma to leave for the boat, a human came to be her escort, but Mimma was afraid of the human. Hinri went along to assuage her fears, but when it came time to leave on the boat and the crew was crass with her, Hinri told Mimma if she wanted, he would take her away, but she couldn’t do that to her parents or Hinrivik, so she said no, but he decided to come along to protect her. He hired on to load and unload cargo so the captain wouldn’t have to pay dockworkers. She definitely felt better with him along.
The author crafted a rich world with distinct dynamics—Nightborn, humans, and the dwindling Skarr Giants—and a tense, emotionally layered conflict. Mimma’s struggle between loyalty and self-preservation is heartbreaking, and Hinrivik’s quiet yearning makes him instantly sympathetic.
The moment where he offers to take her away was pivotal—she was tempted, for a moment, before refusing. That choice carried weight, especially given the looming uncertainties of her arranged marriage. And Hinri joining her voyage? That had all the makings of a slow-burn tension where his presence is a quiet comfort, yet an unspoken question lingers: *What if?*
Like the first book in this series, there were some steamy scenes in which the main characters had to get more inventive than the standard couple, given the size difference and the fact that their parts couldn’t fit together for them to be intimate in the way normal couples that are sexually compatible can be. Though in this day and age we certainly know that two people without interlocking parts can have fulfilling relationships.
This audiobook was narrated from multiple perspectives, done in solo narration by Soren Gray. He has a decent voice and is good at using different voices for different characters. He is also very expressive in his narration. I don’t like solo narration, but he did a fine job. Overall, the book was good, and like the first in this series it was different than what we usually get. I liked the fact that it wasn’t insta-love like the first book, these two were friends long before the events in this book. I just wish the size difference was more like he was twice her size not like she was as big as a barbie doll is to a human. It just seemed too much of a difference to me.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙃🙁😀
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Mimma - she is a Nightborn daughter. He parents had wings and drank blood to survive. Though Mimma was a human. She couldn’t take the blood that her parents drank, and when with them, she drank blood colored wine and didn’t eat in front of them. Her parents think an uprising might be brewing and they fear that if their estate was breached, their secret would be discovered, and they could be jailed for purchasing a human and raising her as their own. Her mother wanted her to be a true wife, not just a blood wife, used to feed from. They arranged her marriage to a tribal king across the sea who is treaty bound to take a human wife.
The Hero: Hinrivik - He is a Skarr Giant that works for the estate of Mimma’s parents. He thought of her often and knew he had feelings for the young woman. He often imagined giving her gifts before she fell asleep in his lap. He sometimes felt like a traitor to his kind for having these thoughts about a human, given what humans had done to his kind. Humans often screamed and ran when they saw a Skarr Giant. Hinrivik couldn’t stop picturing Mimma in intimate situations, he wanted her so badly. Skarr Giants were dying out, with Nightborn and Humans taking over much of their territory most of the females had died out. Hinrivik had recently found out that one of his friends had mated a human, though he didn’t know exactly how, he now knew it could be done.
The Story: One day he came across Mimma in the garden, she was crying, and he asked her what was wrong. She told him of the marriage that her parents had arranged for her. He wanted to help but she knew he couldn’t help her with this problem. Mimma knew when she left, even if she ended up loving her new husband, she would have a “Giant sized hole in her heart”. She tells Hinri that she will be leaving in two days to take a ship across the sultan sea where she was getting married and that she wouldn’t be coming back.
When it came time for Mimma to leave for the boat, a human came to be her escort, but Mimma was afraid of the human. Hinri went along to assuage her fears, but when it came time to leave on the boat and the crew was crass with her, Hinri told Mimma if she wanted, he would take her away, but she couldn’t do that to her parents or Hinrivik, so she said no, but he decided to come along to protect her. He hired on to load and unload cargo so the captain wouldn’t have to pay dockworkers. She definitely felt better with him along.
The author crafted a rich world with distinct dynamics—Nightborn, humans, and the dwindling Skarr Giants—and a tense, emotionally layered conflict. Mimma’s struggle between loyalty and self-preservation is heartbreaking, and Hinrivik’s quiet yearning makes him instantly sympathetic.
The moment where he offers to take her away was pivotal—she was tempted, for a moment, before refusing. That choice carried weight, especially given the looming uncertainties of her arranged marriage. And Hinri joining her voyage? That had all the makings of a slow-burn tension where his presence is a quiet comfort, yet an unspoken question lingers: *What if?*
Like the first book in this series, there were some steamy scenes in which the main characters had to get more inventive than the standard couple, given the size difference and the fact that their parts couldn’t fit together for them to be intimate in the way normal couples that are sexually compatible can be. Though in this day and age we certainly know that two people without interlocking parts can have fulfilling relationships.
This audiobook was narrated from multiple perspectives, done in solo narration by Soren Gray. He has a decent voice and is good at using different voices for different characters. He is also very expressive in his narration. I don’t like solo narration, but he did a fine job. Overall, the book was good, and like the first in this series it was different than what we usually get. I liked the fact that it wasn’t insta-love like the first book, these two were friends long before the events in this book. I just wish the size difference was more like he was twice her size not like she was as big as a barbie doll is to a human. It just seemed too much of a difference to me.
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January 8, 2024This human and alien giant definitely find ways to make this work 😉
November 13, 2025
4.5 stars
Sara Ivy Hill is quickly becoming a new favorite!!
Sara Ivy Hill is quickly becoming a new favorite!!
April 2, 2023
Hinri and Mima's story is so cute. They love each other for a long time but they didn't say anything to each other and things start to look hopless when She is sent to Marry a King from another Kingdom. In the trip to her new husbund thing Change finaly and we get to see our Heroes making great escapes that just leave us glued to the book. Very good!
April 1, 2023
*𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴.*
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕'𝒔 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆
𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒕 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝑮𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔
𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑰𝒗𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖/𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
This is the second book in the Salt Planet Giants series and once again I loved the uniqueness of the couple in this! They're so vastly different that they have to find their own ways to work around it to find their happiness and pleasure with one another.
Their feelings are so strong for one another to overcome any obstacles. In many ways they give up certain things in life by being together. And it's totally worth it! It really makes for the sweetest connection, interactions, and romance.
Hinri is a giant and Mimma is a human. They're so vastly different but somehow fit together so well. As did Patrek and Maja in the first book! These stories are very unique, very sweet, with a bit of danger and adventure, and a bit of spicy steam that's unique to the characters.
I loved this one so much. Seeing Mimma realize and admit her feelings for Hinri, and Hinri pining after this bite-sized human, was the most adorable thing ever. I had so much fun with it!
And thank you Sara for sending an ARC my way! I just love your stories!!
𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒:
•𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦
🔥🔥/𝟓
•𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡
❤❤❤❤/𝟓
•𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡
🤣🤣🤣/𝟓
•𝐂𝐫𝐲
-/𝟓
"𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰. 𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸! 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭! 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘵 @𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺_𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘱𝘵_𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺.
𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳: 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺."
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕'𝒔 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆
𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒕 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝑮𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔
𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑰𝒗𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖/𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
This is the second book in the Salt Planet Giants series and once again I loved the uniqueness of the couple in this! They're so vastly different that they have to find their own ways to work around it to find their happiness and pleasure with one another.
Their feelings are so strong for one another to overcome any obstacles. In many ways they give up certain things in life by being together. And it's totally worth it! It really makes for the sweetest connection, interactions, and romance.
Hinri is a giant and Mimma is a human. They're so vastly different but somehow fit together so well. As did Patrek and Maja in the first book! These stories are very unique, very sweet, with a bit of danger and adventure, and a bit of spicy steam that's unique to the characters.
I loved this one so much. Seeing Mimma realize and admit her feelings for Hinri, and Hinri pining after this bite-sized human, was the most adorable thing ever. I had so much fun with it!
And thank you Sara for sending an ARC my way! I just love your stories!!
𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒:
•𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦
🔥🔥/𝟓
•𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡
❤❤❤❤/𝟓
•𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡
🤣🤣🤣/𝟓
•𝐂𝐫𝐲
-/𝟓
"𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰. 𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸! 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭! 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘵 @𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺_𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘱𝘵_𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺.
𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳: 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺."
June 9, 2024
Umm. Hmm.
More of the same from the first book which will either be very your thing or not. I’m leaning towards not with occasional moments of intrigue that kept me reading and then restarting the horny/cringe cycle. At this point, I’m kinda mad that the world building is interesting enough to make me want to read the next book because I don’t think the erotica is quite my speed. This one is oddly less cock-worshippy than the first one, given the premise. A lot more story, which let the interesting world building peek through, but was ultimately not very intriguing on its own. I do think I’ll have to read the next one though because there’s a big reveal and I want to see how it pans out.
But apparently my interest in size difference has a limit and it’s when PIV passes difficult and becomes impossible. I also apparently have a limit on how prominent assorted fluids can be in the erotica writing. I’m, um, not much of a swimmer. I do also have some of my usual vocabulary beefs with the author. “Spend” and “Spilling” are not sexy and I am once again begging people to just use profanity instead of “her center”. 🥴
Also, I never want to hear about an exposed nerve again. That was horrific.
More of the same from the first book which will either be very your thing or not. I’m leaning towards not with occasional moments of intrigue that kept me reading and then restarting the horny/cringe cycle. At this point, I’m kinda mad that the world building is interesting enough to make me want to read the next book because I don’t think the erotica is quite my speed. This one is oddly less cock-worshippy than the first one, given the premise. A lot more story, which let the interesting world building peek through, but was ultimately not very intriguing on its own. I do think I’ll have to read the next one though because there’s a big reveal and I want to see how it pans out.
But apparently my interest in size difference has a limit and it’s when PIV passes difficult and becomes impossible. I also apparently have a limit on how prominent assorted fluids can be in the erotica writing. I’m, um, not much of a swimmer. I do also have some of my usual vocabulary beefs with the author. “Spend” and “Spilling” are not sexy and I am once again begging people to just use profanity instead of “her center”. 🥴
Also, I never want to hear about an exposed nerve again. That was horrific.
July 12, 2024
✨ARC Review! I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.✨
…
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a review! The Ballast’s Bride is the second installment in her Salt Planet Giants series. I thought the first book was absolutely perfect and this one just made the series even sweeter! This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
Our gentle giant Hinrivik (aka Hinri) works for Mimma’s family. They “adopted” her at 5 years old from her mother who was struggling from addiction (sound familiar?!). Her parents are Nightborn and therefore she’s lived a lonely life as a human. She’s essentially kept in the cage of her estate since she must remain a secret. Her only true friendship is Hinri’s. Their friendship over the years grew naturally into love, but neither of them acknowledge it.
Her father announces that he’s marrying her off to a Nightborn King across the sea (sound familiar?!). Her marriage will be a political alliance, make her a queen, and allow her parents to resume a normal life. Mimma reluctantly agrees since she really doesn’t have a choice. Her only pain comes from having to leave behind Hinri.
In an attempt to be by her side as long as possible and keep her safe, Hinri secures passage on the ship with her. During their voyage they finally confess their feelings. Mimma even wakes up Hinri’s mating bond!
But what does that mean for Mimma’s soon-to-be husband? What about the political alliance? Can they even be together as true mates even though she’s human? All of these questions come to light and it’s up to Mimma and Hinri to fight for their love. They will have to make daring escapes and unlikely allies to get what they want. But at what cost? And will it be worth it in the end?
This 👏🏻 book 👏🏻 was 👏🏻 PHENOMENAL. I legitimately couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what happened. The first half was very sweet and I loved seeing the history of their friendship growing over the years. The second half though… there’s so much action! There’s so many overlapping plots happening! You get character interactions and plot points intersecting from The Mountain’s Mate and Bound By The Alien King happening! Sara is an absolute genius! Please make sure you read those books first because when it all overlaps it’s 💥💥💥!
And these two MC’s! What a powerful couple they make! Hinri is strong and fiercely protective of Mimma, but he’s also so gentle and tender with her. Mimma may have grown up sheltered, but this woman grows up FAST! She makes some tough decisions in this and still puts the best interests of others before herself. Bravo to her!
…
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a review! The Ballast’s Bride is the second installment in her Salt Planet Giants series. I thought the first book was absolutely perfect and this one just made the series even sweeter! This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
Our gentle giant Hinrivik (aka Hinri) works for Mimma’s family. They “adopted” her at 5 years old from her mother who was struggling from addiction (sound familiar?!). Her parents are Nightborn and therefore she’s lived a lonely life as a human. She’s essentially kept in the cage of her estate since she must remain a secret. Her only true friendship is Hinri’s. Their friendship over the years grew naturally into love, but neither of them acknowledge it.
Her father announces that he’s marrying her off to a Nightborn King across the sea (sound familiar?!). Her marriage will be a political alliance, make her a queen, and allow her parents to resume a normal life. Mimma reluctantly agrees since she really doesn’t have a choice. Her only pain comes from having to leave behind Hinri.
In an attempt to be by her side as long as possible and keep her safe, Hinri secures passage on the ship with her. During their voyage they finally confess their feelings. Mimma even wakes up Hinri’s mating bond!
But what does that mean for Mimma’s soon-to-be husband? What about the political alliance? Can they even be together as true mates even though she’s human? All of these questions come to light and it’s up to Mimma and Hinri to fight for their love. They will have to make daring escapes and unlikely allies to get what they want. But at what cost? And will it be worth it in the end?
This 👏🏻 book 👏🏻 was 👏🏻 PHENOMENAL. I legitimately couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what happened. The first half was very sweet and I loved seeing the history of their friendship growing over the years. The second half though… there’s so much action! There’s so many overlapping plots happening! You get character interactions and plot points intersecting from The Mountain’s Mate and Bound By The Alien King happening! Sara is an absolute genius! Please make sure you read those books first because when it all overlaps it’s 💥💥💥!
And these two MC’s! What a powerful couple they make! Hinri is strong and fiercely protective of Mimma, but he’s also so gentle and tender with her. Mimma may have grown up sheltered, but this woman grows up FAST! She makes some tough decisions in this and still puts the best interests of others before herself. Bravo to her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
first half was great! second half was slooowwwww
January 12, 2024
Another great read/variety of Spice
I liked this second one in the series just a hair less than the first one. The spice was varied a bunch which is so great for similar sized couple.
I enjoyed the couple and the more slow burn aspect of the romance. It was definitely very different in setup than the first.
I wasn't a huge fan of the epilogue only because it felt like a big story moment was rushed. But outside of that I'd absolutely read the next one.
I liked this second one in the series just a hair less than the first one. The spice was varied a bunch which is so great for similar sized couple.
I enjoyed the couple and the more slow burn aspect of the romance. It was definitely very different in setup than the first.
I wasn't a huge fan of the epilogue only because it felt like a big story moment was rushed. But outside of that I'd absolutely read the next one.
October 18, 2023
3.5
Another fluffy romance set in a dark world - this time with a crap ton of purity culture. I liked the friends to lovers plot line, and the conclusions the FMC drew near the end of the book.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: sexual exploitation of side character (off page), emotional abuse (mostly off page)
Another fluffy romance set in a dark world - this time with a crap ton of purity culture. I liked the friends to lovers plot line, and the conclusions the FMC drew near the end of the book.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: sexual exploitation of side character (off page), emotional abuse (mostly off page)
June 4, 2024
Another great Salt Planet Giants romance! I loved Hinrivik so much. His banter with Mimma was hilarious and their spicy times were steamy and hot! This series is the size difference romance of my dreams. Loved their friendship before becoming lovers, too.
Can't wait to get to the next one!
Can't wait to get to the next one!
November 8, 2023
a very fast but appropriately paced story, almost felt like a slightly longer novella. It’s definitely more complex and plot-heavy than the cover suggests (there is an appropriate focus paid toward creating a built out world: enough physical description to ground you, enough exposition to understand the basic structures of the society / form of govt / culture) but it also doesn’t really go incredibly deep into the lore at the same time. The romance is the primary focus, this time with a forbidden love vibe, mixed with bodyguard trope / friends-to-lovers, mutual pining and protectiveness<333 The size difference is to a very exaggerated extent lol… be WARNED ok this is for the well-versed in cross-species romances!! The sex scenes aren’t actually very detailed tho?? Despite having some explicit suggestions…it’s not incredibly descriptive if that makes sense. But I didn’t care about that tbh I was here for the emotional relationship!! There were some truly gut wrenching and poetic lines in this believe it or not. I was impressed!!! Will def be reading more from her
October 31, 2023
Sweet Giant
I'm in love with this series. The size difference it's astronomical and oh so exciting. I love how they find ways to ahem, you know what. And to have gentle giants willing to do anything for their mates, ugh, these girls are living the dream. In this crazy world, if you're looking for an escape, at least a little bit of distraction with a bonus of gentle giants, adventurous women, and smut, then I recommend you read this series. The books are not too long, they're just enough. Love a romance with plot and good smut.
I'm in love with this series. The size difference it's astronomical and oh so exciting. I love how they find ways to ahem, you know what. And to have gentle giants willing to do anything for their mates, ugh, these girls are living the dream. In this crazy world, if you're looking for an escape, at least a little bit of distraction with a bonus of gentle giants, adventurous women, and smut, then I recommend you read this series. The books are not too long, they're just enough. Love a romance with plot and good smut.
June 30, 2023
I had high hopes for this book since I loved The Mountain's Mate, but I didn't find it as enthralling. What I liked: the friends to lovers relationship, the new creative ways around the size difference.
What I wanted: more spice, more time with Hinri's tribe, more time seeing the sisters reunite. What I didn't like: nearly all of the time on the boat, the heaviness of the plot.
My opinion seems to be in the minority so don't let my opinion stop you from reading this. I enjoy the Skarr and am interested to read more books in future.
What I wanted: more spice, more time with Hinri's tribe, more time seeing the sisters reunite. What I didn't like: nearly all of the time on the boat, the heaviness of the plot.
My opinion seems to be in the minority so don't let my opinion stop you from reading this. I enjoy the Skarr and am interested to read more books in future.
November 12, 2025
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 3.5 / 5
(Explicit, 2 full scenes, with several other teasing/angst scenes building up to that)
Kink: 3.5 / 5
(Huge size difference, creative anatomy & sex, scenting, scent marking, praise)
Overall
This was a cute, steamy read.
Writing? Beautiful.
Worldbuilding? Gorgeous.
Imagery? Out of this world. Literally.
Characters are realistic and lovable. Emotions are emotion-ing and deeply felt.
Loved it and definitely recommend!
This could probably be read as a standalone, but it is better if you've read the first book beforehand!
Positives & Things I loved
Writing:
Sara Ivy Hill is a wonderful writer. I love her style and voice. The characters and emotions are so well delivered, you never doubt or wonder what the MCs are feeling or motivated by.
Worldbuilding:
The world is interesting and well-thought-out, with the right balance of information to avoid info-dumping and also not leave me lost. It is also beautiful, in a painful way. I ache for what the Skarr have lost.
Characters:
Mimma is a little naive, but resilient and well-meaning. She was kept hidden by her parents and tutored, but never allowed to leave the estate. She had to take care of herself during the day, and her only true friend was Hinri, the giant estate guardian.
This leads to her only knowing how the world works in theory and she clings to an idealized version of it, until the realities of life give her a harsh awakening.
Hinri is a sweet, but strong cinnamon roll.
I don't always like cinnamon roll MMCs because they are often written as weak-willed and insecure. However, Hinri's insecurities are not about him disliking himself, but thinking that he is too strange and scary for Mimma to like him in that way, because humans are so often scared of the Skarr. There was also no way that her parents would approve of him courting her. Aaand also no way for them to "mate" in the conventional sense...
This led to Hinri being a cute, pining MMC who would do anything for his sweet little Mimma and would not hesitate to destroy anything and anyone to get to her.
Plot & Conflict
The conflict was primarily external. There was very little drama within the relationship, other than the initial pining/angst and struggling with their feelings. I love this because while I love pining and angst, I don't like OWD/OMD, cheating, miscommunication, or third-act breakups, and none of this exists in this book!
Negatives
I really don't have much to complain about. I would have liked if it were longer and had one or two more steamy scenes.
This is minor, but it is the primary reason why I knocked off a few points... I was disappointed that
Spice: 3.5 / 5
(Explicit, 2 full scenes, with several other teasing/angst scenes building up to that)
Kink: 3.5 / 5
(Huge size difference, creative anatomy & sex, scenting, scent marking, praise)
Overall
This was a cute, steamy read.
Writing? Beautiful.
Worldbuilding? Gorgeous.
Imagery? Out of this world. Literally.
Characters are realistic and lovable. Emotions are emotion-ing and deeply felt.
Loved it and definitely recommend!
This could probably be read as a standalone, but it is better if you've read the first book beforehand!
Positives & Things I loved
Writing:
Sara Ivy Hill is a wonderful writer. I love her style and voice. The characters and emotions are so well delivered, you never doubt or wonder what the MCs are feeling or motivated by.
Worldbuilding:
The world is interesting and well-thought-out, with the right balance of information to avoid info-dumping and also not leave me lost. It is also beautiful, in a painful way. I ache for what the Skarr have lost.
Characters:
Mimma is a little naive, but resilient and well-meaning. She was kept hidden by her parents and tutored, but never allowed to leave the estate. She had to take care of herself during the day, and her only true friend was Hinri, the giant estate guardian.
This leads to her only knowing how the world works in theory and she clings to an idealized version of it, until the realities of life give her a harsh awakening.
Hinri is a sweet, but strong cinnamon roll.
I don't always like cinnamon roll MMCs because they are often written as weak-willed and insecure. However, Hinri's insecurities are not about him disliking himself, but thinking that he is too strange and scary for Mimma to like him in that way, because humans are so often scared of the Skarr. There was also no way that her parents would approve of him courting her. Aaand also no way for them to "mate" in the conventional sense...
This led to Hinri being a cute, pining MMC who would do anything for his sweet little Mimma and would not hesitate to destroy anything and anyone to get to her.
Plot & Conflict
The conflict was primarily external. There was very little drama within the relationship, other than the initial pining/angst and struggling with their feelings. I love this because while I love pining and angst, I don't like OWD/OMD, cheating, miscommunication, or third-act breakups, and none of this exists in this book!
Negatives
I really don't have much to complain about. I would have liked if it were longer and had one or two more steamy scenes.
This is minor, but it is the primary reason why I knocked off a few points... I was disappointed that
March 29, 2023
🖤 “For the rest of my life, you’ll be my mate… From this moment forward, every breath I take is for you.”
~~~
Mimma is one very kind, compassionate and caring woman! She’s spent all her life in secret and loneliness, living with her adoptive Nightborn parents. I really loved her courage to face all the challenges thrown her way. Even more, I loved that she was not shy in expressing her wants and desires. She seems so easy to be around and I really, really liked her!
And Hinrivik is one phenomenal male! He’s so sweet and funny. Even more, he’s loyal, strong, understanding and fiercely protective of the people he cares about! Hinri’s size might be intimidating for the others around him, but behind the fearsome facade is a male with a huge and gentle heart. And I adored everything about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Mimma and Hinri! For years they’ve been the very best of friends while Hinri works as a guard for Mimma's family. Even more, Hinri’s been pining after Mimma for such a long time but never allowing himself to succumb to his feelings. And when Mimma’s parents arrange for her to marry, Hinri was there by her side every step of her journey, giving her all his support, even if it meant losing her for good. I just loved those two together - they were so caring and supportive of each other. Even though their journey towards happiness was not an easy one, they more than deserved to find love with each other. And, when Mimma triggered Hinri’s mating instincts, all bets were off, and I loved their determination and courage to be together! I absolutely love the unique look on romance in the series! Indeed, there’s quite the size difference between the characters and “it” really, really doesn’t fit. But I love the creative ways they make it work! Hinri and Mimma were so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of the sweet giant and his feisty little human!
In addition, the storyline was spectacular! Oh, what a journey across the Salten Sea! And the people in the Colony drove me crazy with their beliefs and norms. But I loved the unexpected friendships that were formed. Even more, two very important discoveries were made - one regarding Mimma, and something very major for the Skarr. With everything happening, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, The Ballast's Bride is another marvellous addition to the series and a wonderful friends-to-lovers / forbidden-love story! It’s filled with suspense, danger, drama, action, intrigues, twists, passion and fantastic characters.
I absolutely loved every page of it!
~~~
Mimma is one very kind, compassionate and caring woman! She’s spent all her life in secret and loneliness, living with her adoptive Nightborn parents. I really loved her courage to face all the challenges thrown her way. Even more, I loved that she was not shy in expressing her wants and desires. She seems so easy to be around and I really, really liked her!
And Hinrivik is one phenomenal male! He’s so sweet and funny. Even more, he’s loyal, strong, understanding and fiercely protective of the people he cares about! Hinri’s size might be intimidating for the others around him, but behind the fearsome facade is a male with a huge and gentle heart. And I adored everything about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Mimma and Hinri! For years they’ve been the very best of friends while Hinri works as a guard for Mimma's family. Even more, Hinri’s been pining after Mimma for such a long time but never allowing himself to succumb to his feelings. And when Mimma’s parents arrange for her to marry, Hinri was there by her side every step of her journey, giving her all his support, even if it meant losing her for good. I just loved those two together - they were so caring and supportive of each other. Even though their journey towards happiness was not an easy one, they more than deserved to find love with each other. And, when Mimma triggered Hinri’s mating instincts, all bets were off, and I loved their determination and courage to be together! I absolutely love the unique look on romance in the series! Indeed, there’s quite the size difference between the characters and “it” really, really doesn’t fit. But I love the creative ways they make it work! Hinri and Mimma were so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of the sweet giant and his feisty little human!
In addition, the storyline was spectacular! Oh, what a journey across the Salten Sea! And the people in the Colony drove me crazy with their beliefs and norms. But I loved the unexpected friendships that were formed. Even more, two very important discoveries were made - one regarding Mimma, and something very major for the Skarr. With everything happening, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, The Ballast's Bride is another marvellous addition to the series and a wonderful friends-to-lovers / forbidden-love story! It’s filled with suspense, danger, drama, action, intrigues, twists, passion and fantastic characters.
I absolutely loved every page of it!
April 26, 2023
ARC Review
OMG, I think I might have loved this better than the first book, and I didn't think that could be topped! And more hiding in giant trousers! Sara Ivy Hill is just a genius!
I loved Hinri in the first book, so I was super excited to read his story! This book is So sweet and it wastes no time in getting right to their relationship and inner feelings. Mimma, our new heroine, has grown up with her giant bodyguard and doesn't realize he's been in love with her for years. Their friendship and his loving protection of her are just precious. I love Mimma, she's really sweet and feminine and innocent but she's brave and strong too, she felt very similar to my own personality, especially how playful she is.
I think this book focuses more on their relationship, whereas the first one was more of an action packed adventure and they bonded later on in the story, I really liked that this one started with the characters being close. And I love the Regency feeling of the story without it being cluttered with polite, stilted dialogue or historically accurate descriptions of everything, something I struggle with in historical romance, this was done perfectly!! The story itself is full of adventure and I love that most of it took place on a ship.
The steam! OMG, I love these giants that absolutely cannot fit and therefore they have to get very creative, somehow it's hotter than the actual act! I just love the idea of "tree hugging" the giant member and he's not afraid to use his tusks in new ways. 😏 If you like buckets of fluid, this is where it's at! And the purity ribbons Mimma is forced to wear, why is that so freaking hot!? I want some now, on my wedding day at least,lol! Obsessed!
This is just a masterpiece. I'm hyperventilating and not remembering everything because I just finished it. It's sooooo good! I can't wait for the next one!
OMG, I think I might have loved this better than the first book, and I didn't think that could be topped! And more hiding in giant trousers! Sara Ivy Hill is just a genius!
I loved Hinri in the first book, so I was super excited to read his story! This book is So sweet and it wastes no time in getting right to their relationship and inner feelings. Mimma, our new heroine, has grown up with her giant bodyguard and doesn't realize he's been in love with her for years. Their friendship and his loving protection of her are just precious. I love Mimma, she's really sweet and feminine and innocent but she's brave and strong too, she felt very similar to my own personality, especially how playful she is.
I think this book focuses more on their relationship, whereas the first one was more of an action packed adventure and they bonded later on in the story, I really liked that this one started with the characters being close. And I love the Regency feeling of the story without it being cluttered with polite, stilted dialogue or historically accurate descriptions of everything, something I struggle with in historical romance, this was done perfectly!! The story itself is full of adventure and I love that most of it took place on a ship.
The steam! OMG, I love these giants that absolutely cannot fit and therefore they have to get very creative, somehow it's hotter than the actual act! I just love the idea of "tree hugging" the giant member and he's not afraid to use his tusks in new ways. 😏 If you like buckets of fluid, this is where it's at! And the purity ribbons Mimma is forced to wear, why is that so freaking hot!? I want some now, on my wedding day at least,lol! Obsessed!
This is just a masterpiece. I'm hyperventilating and not remembering everything because I just finished it. It's sooooo good! I can't wait for the next one!
June 4, 2024
The plot didn't make much sense and I didn't care enough to rewind and relisten to try and figure it out. The h was the little sister of the h in book one. The family that she'd been sold to was confusing. The dad bought her for the mom since she couldn't have kids. He seemed to love his wife even though he had half breed bastards with his blood wives, which were humans that he also fed on. h thought her dad loved her too, but then he sold her to a country night king. Things in the city seemed flipped from the country. In the city the humans seemed subservient to the night walkers. In the country, the males were forced to live alone in the woods and the women had their wings clipped at birth and were servants to the humans. The only exception was the night king, who lived in town and was forced to take a willing human wife. The h was sold to a human nun and priest (?) She was to be prepped for marriage to the king. She was supposed to lie and pretend she hadn't been raised by night walkers and knew all about human customs. She was supposed to be a virgin and was wrapped tightly on from her waist to thighs in ceremonial ribbons. She was supposed to have been bound by her mom when she first got her period and they were only to be removed by her husband. Anywho, her bodyguard, Henry, admitted his attraction to her and they hooked up. They escaped to the Skarr mountain and HEA. He had two broken tusks that he'd capped to keep them from splintering and hurting. We learn that they are very sensitive and that even a cool breeze can make them hurt. But, putting them, uncapped, someplace warm and wet has the opposite effect. So, use your imagination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2023
Ooohhh looks like we have a giant love story on our hands! And no, I don't mean a love story about giants, I mean a love story between a literal giant and a human.
Hinri, the big guy with a big heart (and apparently a big, um, you know what), is head over heels for Mimma, the human who's just the right size for him to, uh, cuddle?!😏
Despite the fact that they're completely different species and sizes, these two just can't keep their hands off each other. And let me tell you, it's not just because Hinri is a giant in the bedroom department (if you catch my drift). It seems like the mating ceremony between the Hinri and Mimma has been successfully completed! And let me tell you, folks, even though the giant's "thing" is big enough to make the Eiffel Tower look like a toothpick, he's got other parts that fit just right too. And as for Mimma, she's never been shy about expressing her love for her Skarr giant. Looks like they're a match made in heaven, or maybe in the land of the giants!
But it's not all smooth sailing for our lovestruck duo. They know that their love is impossible, but they just can't resist each other. And when our Sara, works her magic, anything is possible - even giant-human romance.
It looks like we've got some new characters in town! And with them, a whole new territory to explore. And if we're lucky, we might even stumble upon another giant to mate with another human or Skarr female. Who knows what kind of crazy adventures await us?
On a side note: And I'm happy for Maja and Mimma get reunited, I forgot the hint about Mimma in book 1.
Hinri, the big guy with a big heart (and apparently a big, um, you know what), is head over heels for Mimma, the human who's just the right size for him to, uh, cuddle?!😏
Despite the fact that they're completely different species and sizes, these two just can't keep their hands off each other. And let me tell you, it's not just because Hinri is a giant in the bedroom department (if you catch my drift). It seems like the mating ceremony between the Hinri and Mimma has been successfully completed! And let me tell you, folks, even though the giant's "thing" is big enough to make the Eiffel Tower look like a toothpick, he's got other parts that fit just right too. And as for Mimma, she's never been shy about expressing her love for her Skarr giant. Looks like they're a match made in heaven, or maybe in the land of the giants!
But it's not all smooth sailing for our lovestruck duo. They know that their love is impossible, but they just can't resist each other. And when our Sara, works her magic, anything is possible - even giant-human romance.
It looks like we've got some new characters in town! And with them, a whole new territory to explore. And if we're lucky, we might even stumble upon another giant to mate with another human or Skarr female. Who knows what kind of crazy adventures await us?
On a side note: And I'm happy for Maja and Mimma get reunited, I forgot the hint about Mimma in book 1.
April 2, 2023
Book 1 for me was the best in this series so far. I love love love book 1 and can read it over and over.
But this book, though I love Hinri (seems to be a theme where authors have readers loving on the males but the FMC are a no) but Mimma got on my nerves more times in the book than I actually liked her. Her character came across as too childish for me knowing how old she was.
Also the setting felt very much like earth back in the Victorian times and not on an actual alien planet would like the first book. Writing about other planets should mean not feeling one speck of earth to it. Felt very back in the day where women are below everybody else and has to submit. In my escapism, I honestly would prefer real life be left out as much as possible. We live in a society where women are basically dirty to men. I don’t want to read about it. Make shit up, give women power in books so real life doesn’t continue to feel like we’re drowning twice.
3 stars reflects on how much I loved Hinri, the setting up for book 3 and the sex scenes (which I think more could have been added) with them not being able to have the same sex as normal is such a huge aspect for me. I love my smut but they’re fated mates yet they can’t do sexy times like normal is so intriguing and unique. I think it should be explored more.
Do I recommend, yes I do. Will I read more in the series, yes I will. I love the author’s writing style. This book wasn’t it for me but I will read the next book.
But this book, though I love Hinri (seems to be a theme where authors have readers loving on the males but the FMC are a no) but Mimma got on my nerves more times in the book than I actually liked her. Her character came across as too childish for me knowing how old she was.
Also the setting felt very much like earth back in the Victorian times and not on an actual alien planet would like the first book. Writing about other planets should mean not feeling one speck of earth to it. Felt very back in the day where women are below everybody else and has to submit. In my escapism, I honestly would prefer real life be left out as much as possible. We live in a society where women are basically dirty to men. I don’t want to read about it. Make shit up, give women power in books so real life doesn’t continue to feel like we’re drowning twice.
3 stars reflects on how much I loved Hinri, the setting up for book 3 and the sex scenes (which I think more could have been added) with them not being able to have the same sex as normal is such a huge aspect for me. I love my smut but they’re fated mates yet they can’t do sexy times like normal is so intriguing and unique. I think it should be explored more.
Do I recommend, yes I do. Will I read more in the series, yes I will. I love the author’s writing style. This book wasn’t it for me but I will read the next book.
May 28, 2024
The 2nd of the giants is up and his special lady friend is the lonely human he's been guarding. Finding out some human women might be open to a relationship with a giant opens up a world of opportunities Hinrivik hadn't even considered and he finds himself unwilling to let her travel to the colony alone. So he joins her as her protector and, well, THINGS HAPPEN.
BUT WAIT. First, there's a lot of undercurrents in Mimma's arranged marriage. I mean, A LOT. The colony she's heading to has rules and cultural challenges that Mimma has never been exposed to. Having been raised by Nightborn, Mimma doesn't see the Nightborn in the same light as the colony humans and this alone causes issues. Not to mention the man who has appointed herself as her human guardian on the trip is not the best person ever. At all. So it turns out that Mimma really does need a protector and Hinri is the only person she can truly rely on as they travel.
On Hinri's end, once he decides to shoot his shot, things move forward for these two. It takes creativity and a little patience, but they get where they need to be.
A dangerous journey (in more ways than one), a family reunion, hope for the future, a giant who will do anything for his special someone (even spend an extended period of time on a cramped ship), and a human woman who loves hard and likes her male girthy. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
BUT WAIT. First, there's a lot of undercurrents in Mimma's arranged marriage. I mean, A LOT. The colony she's heading to has rules and cultural challenges that Mimma has never been exposed to. Having been raised by Nightborn, Mimma doesn't see the Nightborn in the same light as the colony humans and this alone causes issues. Not to mention the man who has appointed herself as her human guardian on the trip is not the best person ever. At all. So it turns out that Mimma really does need a protector and Hinri is the only person she can truly rely on as they travel.
On Hinri's end, once he decides to shoot his shot, things move forward for these two. It takes creativity and a little patience, but they get where they need to be.
A dangerous journey (in more ways than one), a family reunion, hope for the future, a giant who will do anything for his special someone (even spend an extended period of time on a cramped ship), and a human woman who loves hard and likes her male girthy. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 30, 2023
A Unique Alien Romance
This is a unique read. I would almost place it into a dark monster-alien category. It definitely has darker elements throughout the story.
Mimma is a human girl that was born on an alien planet (Salaan) to a mother who became addicted to a street drug and ended up selling her for drug money. This separated her from her older sister Maja (book one of series). She ended up being raised as a spoiled daughter of vampire like parents native to the planet (Nightborn).
Hinri is her Skarr guard. The Skarr are also native to the planet and are giant, mountain like beings with rocky skin and tusks that are often used by the Nightborn as guards. Hinri has been in love with Mimma for years. He is a kind, sweet and loving character.
Mimma’s parents have arranged for her to marry a tribal king across the sea. Hinri is tasked with getting her there. This is when all the action happens – no spoilers though! Will Mimma and Maja be reunited?
The storytelling is fluent and the plot flows well. The sex scenes were descriptive but… unique due the size discrepancy between the two. Almost a Thumbelina like situation. Hinri had a coo that he used to calm and gentle Mimma when she was upset or agitated – another unique but nice trait.
While this story may not fit everyone’s taste, it is well written and different. Some aspects of the story definitely make it for 18+ adults.
This is a unique read. I would almost place it into a dark monster-alien category. It definitely has darker elements throughout the story.
Mimma is a human girl that was born on an alien planet (Salaan) to a mother who became addicted to a street drug and ended up selling her for drug money. This separated her from her older sister Maja (book one of series). She ended up being raised as a spoiled daughter of vampire like parents native to the planet (Nightborn).
Hinri is her Skarr guard. The Skarr are also native to the planet and are giant, mountain like beings with rocky skin and tusks that are often used by the Nightborn as guards. Hinri has been in love with Mimma for years. He is a kind, sweet and loving character.
Mimma’s parents have arranged for her to marry a tribal king across the sea. Hinri is tasked with getting her there. This is when all the action happens – no spoilers though! Will Mimma and Maja be reunited?
The storytelling is fluent and the plot flows well. The sex scenes were descriptive but… unique due the size discrepancy between the two. Almost a Thumbelina like situation. Hinri had a coo that he used to calm and gentle Mimma when she was upset or agitated – another unique but nice trait.
While this story may not fit everyone’s taste, it is well written and different. Some aspects of the story definitely make it for 18+ adults.
March 30, 2023
✨Spoiler-free ARC Book Review✨
Some books make you want to drop all your work and dive deep into the fictional world. The Ballast's bride by @saraivyhill was one for me.
The story is about Hinrivik, a Skarr male who has been serving as a bodyguard at the L'vac estate for the past 6 years and has been in love with Mimma, the daughter of the L'vac family. Do you smell anything? Yeah, that's the heavenly mix of forbidden romance with best friends to lovers trope.
Both the main characters are absolutely devoted to each other. Even when they were just friends both of them care for each other and it's so sweet to read about casual platonic love between the MCs. It gets some time for Mimma to realize Hinri's feelings but when she does, damn, they make up for the 6 years they have been pinning for each other.
I couldn't get enough of these two and seriously just wanted them to smash, but you know worldly problems...sigh... Anyways it was a happy ending for our gentle giant and his tiny human.
The spice was very creative given the extreme size difference and "the get into my trousers" moment was just *a chef's kiss*🥵. But... I wanted more (yeah I'm greedy).
I would recommend this book to all monster lovers who want to read a fresh and sweet and spicy relationship between a human and a giant (that go downright filthy in the bed)
I enjoyed the book, and hope you enjoy it too.🤍
Some books make you want to drop all your work and dive deep into the fictional world. The Ballast's bride by @saraivyhill was one for me.
The story is about Hinrivik, a Skarr male who has been serving as a bodyguard at the L'vac estate for the past 6 years and has been in love with Mimma, the daughter of the L'vac family. Do you smell anything? Yeah, that's the heavenly mix of forbidden romance with best friends to lovers trope.
Both the main characters are absolutely devoted to each other. Even when they were just friends both of them care for each other and it's so sweet to read about casual platonic love between the MCs. It gets some time for Mimma to realize Hinri's feelings but when she does, damn, they make up for the 6 years they have been pinning for each other.
I couldn't get enough of these two and seriously just wanted them to smash, but you know worldly problems...sigh... Anyways it was a happy ending for our gentle giant and his tiny human.
The spice was very creative given the extreme size difference and "the get into my trousers" moment was just *a chef's kiss*🥵. But... I wanted more (yeah I'm greedy).
I would recommend this book to all monster lovers who want to read a fresh and sweet and spicy relationship between a human and a giant (that go downright filthy in the bed)
I enjoyed the book, and hope you enjoy it too.🤍
March 27, 2023
This book is so much darker than the first in the series. The author is also so good at describing that darkness that it’s hard to enjoy the protagonist’s story. It’s like, aww… the MMC is so sweet. Ok, guess it’s time for background sexual assault and threats of the same for the FMC. Rinse and repeat with other stomach turning themes.
The good: MMC is a gem, so funny and charming. I love the protagonists rapport. The world building is also engaging and colorful.
The bad: abuse from several key characters is kind of glossed over, not to mention jarring and distracting. Also, the background story of the two sisters at the end felt tacked on?
This book is not, as author Alana Khan might call, a “one-handed read.” Which is to say it’s not sexy. Not unless you think humping something akin to an average sized tree with the aftermath being a large pot of creamy soup thrown all over you is sexy. I ain’t judging if that’s your thing. ;) I’m just here for the story. And in that regard the author delivers. Just, umm, keep an open mind. I received a free ARC of this book from Book Funnel to review and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The good: MMC is a gem, so funny and charming. I love the protagonists rapport. The world building is also engaging and colorful.
The bad: abuse from several key characters is kind of glossed over, not to mention jarring and distracting. Also, the background story of the two sisters at the end felt tacked on?
This book is not, as author Alana Khan might call, a “one-handed read.” Which is to say it’s not sexy. Not unless you think humping something akin to an average sized tree with the aftermath being a large pot of creamy soup thrown all over you is sexy. I ain’t judging if that’s your thing. ;) I’m just here for the story. And in that regard the author delivers. Just, umm, keep an open mind. I received a free ARC of this book from Book Funnel to review and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2023
I absolutely adored the first book and now I find myself in the same position again. There is just something about the writing, the world-building and these huge craggy males with the most unbelievable molten centres. Hinrivik has been slowly pining away for the woman whom he guards. While they have a friendship he truly felt that this was as close as he would ever get to her. He has such a huge heart and you get such a sense of loneliness from him. He will do the right thing by her even if it causes him pain. Stoic, gentle and always there to make sure she is safe. Mimma is one of those heroines that you cannot help but like. Seeing the way that she has been brought up and then finding out that she is going to be shipped across the Salten Sea to marry a Knightborn. She is one of the very few to see Hinri for who he genuinely is. The way that they both look out for and care for each other is touching. You cannot help but will them to end up together and then you hold your breath when they do. Wonderful writing.
May 12, 2024
A forbidden trope of a guard pining for the precious master that he is to protect.
I like the concept and the way the plot actually plays out was pretty promising until she got into his pants to hide... same concept used in the first book which I felt was ridiculous but here I am riding about orcs with human sized dicks, like what else am I suppose to not expect.
It was fairly good throughout but it just was lackluster in terms of the ending where all she did was to escape when in fact she could have just agreed to Hinri to take her away when they had the chance. Because she literally went to the Colony to find a replacement but nothing was achieved.
Also, the first book involved tech stuff because they were in the city and Mimma and Hinri is from the city but it felt more medieval? Didn't seem to link very well and I didn't know where to put them in the world I thought they were supposed to be in.
I don't know how I feel about this series and I'm pretty sure the next book will have the mate hiding in his pants, 100%. Doesn't really satisfy my Orc cravings, so won't recommend.
I like the concept and the way the plot actually plays out was pretty promising until she got into his pants to hide... same concept used in the first book which I felt was ridiculous but here I am riding about orcs with human sized dicks, like what else am I suppose to not expect.
It was fairly good throughout but it just was lackluster in terms of the ending where all she did was to escape when in fact she could have just agreed to Hinri to take her away when they had the chance. Because she literally went to the Colony to find a replacement but nothing was achieved.
Also, the first book involved tech stuff because they were in the city and Mimma and Hinri is from the city but it felt more medieval? Didn't seem to link very well and I didn't know where to put them in the world I thought they were supposed to be in.
I don't know how I feel about this series and I'm pretty sure the next book will have the mate hiding in his pants, 100%. Doesn't really satisfy my Orc cravings, so won't recommend.
December 11, 2024
3.5/5🌟
1.5🌶️
There's a lot that's new to me in this book and it was a fun time.
➕
- Easy and quick read that helped me ease out of a slump.
- I love the premise. Mimma must travel across the sea for her arranged marriage. She is accompanied by her giant bodyguard Hinri who has been secretly pining after her for years.
- If you like friends to lovers, fated mates, massive size difference, bodyguard romance/protective MMC.
- I've never read a book before with a big size difference. It definitely requires some creativity 👀.
- Hinri and Mimma are so, so sweet together.
➖
- The pacing slowed for me after they arrived by boat. The situation on the island felt unresolved and unsatisfying. I'm sure it's a set up for a future book though.
- In general, I'm not a fan of sheltered and naive FMCs. Mimma started that way, but I liked that as the story went on she started to flex her backbone and fought to do things her way.
#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecs #saraivyhill #theballastsbride #scifiromance #kindleunlimited #sizedifference
1.5🌶️
There's a lot that's new to me in this book and it was a fun time.
➕
- Easy and quick read that helped me ease out of a slump.
- I love the premise. Mimma must travel across the sea for her arranged marriage. She is accompanied by her giant bodyguard Hinri who has been secretly pining after her for years.
- If you like friends to lovers, fated mates, massive size difference, bodyguard romance/protective MMC.
- I've never read a book before with a big size difference. It definitely requires some creativity 👀.
- Hinri and Mimma are so, so sweet together.
➖
- The pacing slowed for me after they arrived by boat. The situation on the island felt unresolved and unsatisfying. I'm sure it's a set up for a future book though.
- In general, I'm not a fan of sheltered and naive FMCs. Mimma started that way, but I liked that as the story went on she started to flex her backbone and fought to do things her way.
#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecs #saraivyhill #theballastsbride #scifiromance #kindleunlimited #sizedifference
March 30, 2023
I received this book as an ARC. I've been a longtime fan of Sara Ivy Hill's and was excited to read this. There is something absolutely magical about her prose - the way she spins her words to weave an intricately crafted scene and invoke your emotions is something that struck me multiple times during this book. Her characters are enchanting and well rounded. A secretly purchased child kept hidden away by a Nightborn couple until she's sent off to marry the Nightborn King. Though if her Skorr guard and admirer has anything to say about she'll be held up by his tusks instead. It was very fun to read but also had moments of danger and tension that had me on the edge of my seat whether or not our protaganist Mimma would be safe or if she'd be forced into a sham of a marriage. If you love good quality writing, a fascinating alien world and size-differences, then this is the book for you. 10/10 do want my own Skorr giant now.
March 30, 2023
I enjoyed this story very much. It was only after that I realized the connection with another book of Sara's that I read, called Bound to the Alien King.
Hinrivik, the hero in The Ballast's Bride, is very likeable and sweet. The tension throughout had me wanting to read ahead to make sure they got together, but I fought it and read every line.
I found myself unable to stop reading and stayed up late to finish it over two nights. At first I wasn't sure how the whole Giant and human woman thing would work, but it was brilliantly done. There were a few typos or incorrect words here and there that caused me to reread a line or two. But overall, I am really glad I read it. The twist at the end was wonderful!
Hinrivik, the hero in The Ballast's Bride, is very likeable and sweet. The tension throughout had me wanting to read ahead to make sure they got together, but I fought it and read every line.
I found myself unable to stop reading and stayed up late to finish it over two nights. At first I wasn't sure how the whole Giant and human woman thing would work, but it was brilliantly done. There were a few typos or incorrect words here and there that caused me to reread a line or two. But overall, I am really glad I read it. The twist at the end was wonderful!
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