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Barbarians of the Dust #1
Rok's Captive
I signed up for a quick paycheck. Instead, I got abducted by aliens—and stranded on a desert planet that wants me dead.
My name is Justine Parker, and I was desperate. Rent was due, my sister and I were one eviction away from living on the streets, and the job market had collapsed after the Xyma arrived. So when I saw an ad offering ten grand just for participating in "environmental adaptation research," I didn’t read the fine print.
Big mistake.
Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a crashed transport pod on a hellscape of a planet—no water, no supplies, just endless sand and a sun that wants to cook me alive. And then he finds me.
Rok is seven feet of golden-skinned, battle-scarred alien warrior with a glare that could melt steel. He moves like a predator, speaks in growls, and—apparently—thinks I belong to him.
Turns out, I’m the first female he’s ever seen. And now that he’s imprinted on me, he won’t let me out of his sight.
Worse? His body adapts to me. Literally.
At first, he was just a terrifying, silent guardian. Now? He’s got a very specific upgrade—one that makes my knees weak and my common sense disappear. Every touch, every growl, every possessive glance sends heat straight to my core.
But this planet isn’t done trying to kill me. Between sand serpents, rival clans, and whatever nightmare lurks in the Silent Valley where my sister is trapped, survival is anything but guaranteed.
Rok says he’ll protect me. But the deeper we fall into this obsession—this need—the more I
If I want to survive this place, I’ll have to trust him.
And if I want to keep my heart intact?
I’ll have to stop pretending I don’t want to be his.
My name is Justine Parker, and I was desperate. Rent was due, my sister and I were one eviction away from living on the streets, and the job market had collapsed after the Xyma arrived. So when I saw an ad offering ten grand just for participating in "environmental adaptation research," I didn’t read the fine print.
Big mistake.
Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a crashed transport pod on a hellscape of a planet—no water, no supplies, just endless sand and a sun that wants to cook me alive. And then he finds me.
Rok is seven feet of golden-skinned, battle-scarred alien warrior with a glare that could melt steel. He moves like a predator, speaks in growls, and—apparently—thinks I belong to him.
Turns out, I’m the first female he’s ever seen. And now that he’s imprinted on me, he won’t let me out of his sight.
Worse? His body adapts to me. Literally.
At first, he was just a terrifying, silent guardian. Now? He’s got a very specific upgrade—one that makes my knees weak and my common sense disappear. Every touch, every growl, every possessive glance sends heat straight to my core.
But this planet isn’t done trying to kill me. Between sand serpents, rival clans, and whatever nightmare lurks in the Silent Valley where my sister is trapped, survival is anything but guaranteed.
Rok says he’ll protect me. But the deeper we fall into this obsession—this need—the more I
If I want to survive this place, I’ll have to trust him.
And if I want to keep my heart intact?
I’ll have to stop pretending I don’t want to be his.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
838 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
June 23, 2025
3.25/5
This is the first book to a new series by this author. Had I known the 2nd book was not out yet, I probably would not have read this one. This is also the 2nd book that I have read by AG Wilde. What can I say? Mmm.. This author is definitely a slow and slower burn writer. Things that I personally despise in a storyteller. Especially when the payoff of all that frustration, does not quite hit the mark for appeasing me when it's all over..
Walk with me for a moment....
Now, I will say that Rok (Our Alien) and his species the Drakar, is quite interesting. Something that I haven't quite read before in this genre. And that's saying something, considering what a sci-fi romance nut that I am.. But, when it came to all things regarding Rok and Justine, I felt that these things dragged on for far too long when it came to giving me the clarity and answers that I wanted.
We are stuck with these two for the whole of this story and there are some scary reveals here that do keep your interest to a point, but when you are stuck with two characters, in their heads for extensive periods, and nothing is progressing with them; that is a HUGE ANNOYANCE for me.. This story and its reveals where Rok and Justine are concerned, seriously do not get moving in any real direction, until the 73% mark (BTW) of this book. As I suspected it would, once these things got moving and the plot finally got underway, it's now time for the story to end. So all things felt incomplete for me. And the passion and intensity that the author was hoping to convey here, wound up feeling non-existent, or fleeting at best. Like the flickers that we witness beneath Rok's skin..
I struggled with this book. I can't lie about that. I went back and forth between intrigue and annoyance. Not a good thing for me.... I like a book to have a full plot and plight for our MCs yes, it makes for a more passionate and intense journey. But I also need the map to be laid out faster than what was given here, so that I can actually enjoy the journey with these characters. So that by the time we reach the end, I feel like not only do I truly know and understand them, but I was enthralled in their journey and did not want to leave their company.
This book, unfortunately, does not give you that. There were things here that should have been revealed way sooner than they were. Too much time was spent here on the set up. A set up that does not give you the full scope of your answers until the the very last possible moments of the story. Then it's rushing to lay the ground work for the next book in the hopes of bringing you back to this world, while kinda leaving the MCs completion here, in the dust-No pun intended..
There was also way too much time spent with all the women, at the very beginning, once they land on this desert planet.. I mean it's not until chapter 7, that Justine actually goes off on her own to explore and possibly find them some help. I felt that their predicament/set up, was well mapped out in the first 4-5 chapters of the story..
It didn't need to drag on the way that it did before she goes off and meets Rok.. Only to then drag out even further with their own set up alongside the world building..
I need and prefer for my stories to grab me quickly. Hook me and keep me there. Not to drag me through the Sloth Olympic hurdle events..
The stars of this story is Rok and his clan. It would have been nice to have more of his POV than Justine's, though we do get both of their POVs here.. I would say the best parts of this story comes around the 73-75% mark of this book. Which is what brought it to 3.25 stars for me. Initially I was just going to rate this 3 stars or a little less... But again, the last 30% or so, all feels rushed and slightly incomplete, because there was too much time with the development and progress of Justine and Rok/this world combined. It boasted more questions than answers for majority of this story.
So yes, the pacing and how things moved along and progressed was a big issue for me here.
The Epilogue is also just an intro of sorts for the 2nd book. You don't even get a little more with Rok and Justine to help their story feel more complete where they are concerned. I felt they deserved that, but didn't get it..
I did enjoy Rok, his clan, and the scary close calls that Rok and Justine encountered. But the whole of the story is where my gripe is, and it just was not done to my hope or satisfaction. This book definitely suffers from what I like to call: 1st book Syndrome~ Diagnosis=Where the author gets extremely lost in the character set up and world building. To the point of the story suffering as a whole.
Since the 2nd book apparently won't be out until Sept 2025, I most likely will forget about this series, considering my feelings with this story overall, plus how many books I tend to read. I may at some point in the distant future try the 2nd book.. IDK, we'll see..
Would I recommend? ...... (O.o)
The premise? Good- 3 stars
The heat factor? 2.5 stars (But it's few (technically 4 encounters & only 2 of these ends with them sealing the deal) and these encounters are very far in between in the story)
#LoveRok
#UncertainReturn
This is the first book to a new series by this author. Had I known the 2nd book was not out yet, I probably would not have read this one. This is also the 2nd book that I have read by AG Wilde. What can I say? Mmm.. This author is definitely a slow and slower burn writer. Things that I personally despise in a storyteller. Especially when the payoff of all that frustration, does not quite hit the mark for appeasing me when it's all over..
Walk with me for a moment....
Now, I will say that Rok (Our Alien) and his species the Drakar, is quite interesting. Something that I haven't quite read before in this genre. And that's saying something, considering what a sci-fi romance nut that I am.. But, when it came to all things regarding Rok and Justine, I felt that these things dragged on for far too long when it came to giving me the clarity and answers that I wanted.
We are stuck with these two for the whole of this story and there are some scary reveals here that do keep your interest to a point, but when you are stuck with two characters, in their heads for extensive periods, and nothing is progressing with them; that is a HUGE ANNOYANCE for me.. This story and its reveals where Rok and Justine are concerned, seriously do not get moving in any real direction, until the 73% mark (BTW) of this book. As I suspected it would, once these things got moving and the plot finally got underway, it's now time for the story to end. So all things felt incomplete for me. And the passion and intensity that the author was hoping to convey here, wound up feeling non-existent, or fleeting at best. Like the flickers that we witness beneath Rok's skin..
I struggled with this book. I can't lie about that. I went back and forth between intrigue and annoyance. Not a good thing for me.... I like a book to have a full plot and plight for our MCs yes, it makes for a more passionate and intense journey. But I also need the map to be laid out faster than what was given here, so that I can actually enjoy the journey with these characters. So that by the time we reach the end, I feel like not only do I truly know and understand them, but I was enthralled in their journey and did not want to leave their company.
This book, unfortunately, does not give you that. There were things here that should have been revealed way sooner than they were. Too much time was spent here on the set up. A set up that does not give you the full scope of your answers until the the very last possible moments of the story. Then it's rushing to lay the ground work for the next book in the hopes of bringing you back to this world, while kinda leaving the MCs completion here, in the dust-No pun intended..
There was also way too much time spent with all the women, at the very beginning, once they land on this desert planet.. I mean it's not until chapter 7, that Justine actually goes off on her own to explore and possibly find them some help. I felt that their predicament/set up, was well mapped out in the first 4-5 chapters of the story..
It didn't need to drag on the way that it did before she goes off and meets Rok.. Only to then drag out even further with their own set up alongside the world building..
I need and prefer for my stories to grab me quickly. Hook me and keep me there. Not to drag me through the Sloth Olympic hurdle events..
The stars of this story is Rok and his clan. It would have been nice to have more of his POV than Justine's, though we do get both of their POVs here.. I would say the best parts of this story comes around the 73-75% mark of this book. Which is what brought it to 3.25 stars for me. Initially I was just going to rate this 3 stars or a little less... But again, the last 30% or so, all feels rushed and slightly incomplete, because there was too much time with the development and progress of Justine and Rok/this world combined. It boasted more questions than answers for majority of this story.
So yes, the pacing and how things moved along and progressed was a big issue for me here.
The Epilogue is also just an intro of sorts for the 2nd book. You don't even get a little more with Rok and Justine to help their story feel more complete where they are concerned. I felt they deserved that, but didn't get it..
I did enjoy Rok, his clan, and the scary close calls that Rok and Justine encountered. But the whole of the story is where my gripe is, and it just was not done to my hope or satisfaction. This book definitely suffers from what I like to call: 1st book Syndrome~ Diagnosis=Where the author gets extremely lost in the character set up and world building. To the point of the story suffering as a whole.
Since the 2nd book apparently won't be out until Sept 2025, I most likely will forget about this series, considering my feelings with this story overall, plus how many books I tend to read. I may at some point in the distant future try the 2nd book.. IDK, we'll see..
Would I recommend? ...... (O.o)
The premise? Good- 3 stars
The heat factor? 2.5 stars (But it's few (technically 4 encounters & only 2 of these ends with them sealing the deal) and these encounters are very far in between in the story)
#LoveRok
#UncertainReturn
May 11, 2025
The crash landing in this book was like ice planet barbarians in reverse: desert planet with dangerous heat. Justine was desperate but resourceful in an impossible situation and willing to do literally anything to save her sister and the other women. Rok was stoic and grouchy, but willing to protect Justine at all costs. She gave him affection that was new and they stumbled their way through a romance complicated by a language and cultural barrier. It’ll be interesting to see more background on Rok’s people in future books.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: abduction, vehicular crash, heat stroke, severe dehydration, inappropriate sniffing, animal attack, violence, blood, suffocation/buried alive, hunting (vague details), poverty, grief from death of parent, concussions and other injuries of side characters, kidnapping and captivity
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: abduction, vehicular crash, heat stroke, severe dehydration, inappropriate sniffing, animal attack, violence, blood, suffocation/buried alive, hunting (vague details), poverty, grief from death of parent, concussions and other injuries of side characters, kidnapping and captivity
June 13, 2025
(Spoilers below...)
3.5 ⭐
Ngl, it was painfully slow. 🫠 Not much really happened in the first half. They can't freaking communicate. She's frustrated, he's frustrated, and I AM frustrated. 🤣😭 It was so not funny how much hair I ended up pulling. I was that frustrated in the beginning. Thankfully, it got better. 😌
The majority of this book was them trekking the desert and Rok protecting Justine. I'm just glad that she wasn't stubborn and was accepting of Rok's sort of leadership. I mean, let's be honest, between these two, he knows this world better than her.
I feel like this book was the longest foreplay I've ever come across this year. There's something in the dust and sand that makes them hornier each passing day, but they couldn't act on it. Because again, they can't freaking communicate. They finally started to non-talk talk around the 70% mark (I think), and man, that was so late for me.
When they finally embrace the attraction and hormones. I almost scream hallelujah because, God, now we can finally move on to other things—like going to his clan and saving the other stranded women. Eventually this happened around the last 10% mark, I think, and I wasn't satisfied with it. The ending was rushed, and I wanted more, more of what? I don't know. I just feel like the story actually started when Rok and Justine were finally able to mind-talk, and the first 70% was just a giant filler. 🤷♀️
Maybe it's because this is the first book, so there's a bit of world-building and background info about this planet and Rok's people. But tbh, I feel like these details could've been wrapped up in just a few chapters.
Anyway, the last 20% saved this story for me, as that's when the entertaining part started to happen. This story feels similar to IPB, but instead of a cold planet, it's set on a hot one. I'm interested to see more of these alien men and how they're going to interact with the humans. I wish the next installment isn't as long as this one, though. This story feels pretty straightforward to me, and I don’t think there’s any need to drag out certain parts. Having less of that inner monologue would definitely be helpful too. 🤷♀️
Book info:
- Alien x Human
- Fated mates
- Slooowburn
- Open door scenes
- Violence (🤏 alien vs alien)
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- V MMC, Non V FMC
- HEA (they're together, so...)
3.5 ⭐
Ngl, it was painfully slow. 🫠 Not much really happened in the first half. They can't freaking communicate. She's frustrated, he's frustrated, and I AM frustrated. 🤣😭 It was so not funny how much hair I ended up pulling. I was that frustrated in the beginning. Thankfully, it got better. 😌
The majority of this book was them trekking the desert and Rok protecting Justine. I'm just glad that she wasn't stubborn and was accepting of Rok's sort of leadership. I mean, let's be honest, between these two, he knows this world better than her.
I feel like this book was the longest foreplay I've ever come across this year. There's something in the dust and sand that makes them hornier each passing day, but they couldn't act on it. Because again, they can't freaking communicate. They finally started to non-talk talk around the 70% mark (I think), and man, that was so late for me.
When they finally embrace the attraction and hormones. I almost scream hallelujah because, God, now we can finally move on to other things—like going to his clan and saving the other stranded women. Eventually this happened around the last 10% mark, I think, and I wasn't satisfied with it. The ending was rushed, and I wanted more, more of what? I don't know. I just feel like the story actually started when Rok and Justine were finally able to mind-talk, and the first 70% was just a giant filler. 🤷♀️
Maybe it's because this is the first book, so there's a bit of world-building and background info about this planet and Rok's people. But tbh, I feel like these details could've been wrapped up in just a few chapters.
Anyway, the last 20% saved this story for me, as that's when the entertaining part started to happen. This story feels similar to IPB, but instead of a cold planet, it's set on a hot one. I'm interested to see more of these alien men and how they're going to interact with the humans. I wish the next installment isn't as long as this one, though. This story feels pretty straightforward to me, and I don’t think there’s any need to drag out certain parts. Having less of that inner monologue would definitely be helpful too. 🤷♀️
Book info:
- Alien x Human
- Fated mates
- Slooowburn
- Open door scenes
- Violence (🤏 alien vs alien)
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- V MMC, Non V FMC
- HEA (they're together, so...)
May 30, 2025
this book was so good but if I landed on that desert planet, please know I'd die in the first 24 hours.
July 17, 2025
I’m literally just a girl 🤷🏼♀️ one with KU.
Basically, think Ice Planet Barbarians but hot (temperature wise) and golden (color wise). Honestly, bonus half star for making me emotional while feeling my hormones (it happens).
If you like a random, alien KU romance I’d say go for it. Otherwise, it may not be for you.
Side note: don’t trust alien buses.
Basically, think Ice Planet Barbarians but hot (temperature wise) and golden (color wise). Honestly, bonus half star for making me emotional while feeling my hormones (it happens).
If you like a random, alien KU romance I’d say go for it. Otherwise, it may not be for you.
Side note: don’t trust alien buses.
May 25, 2025
Nothing groundbreaking here except a weird magic school bus beginning? Authors other works look more promising.
May 30, 2025
2.5 🌟 rounded down
An okay read with a lot of potential, but it ultimately missed the mark for me.
Like 50% or more of this was just chapters and chapters of them both having horny dreams in caves but doing NOTHING about it… and the mains don’t even meet until after 15% in.
Justine (h) and her sister are desperate for cash. Desperate enough to sign up for a dodgy human research trial run by a group of high tech aliens. After crash landing on a random desert planet, Justine takes it upon herself to venture out and survey the area. This is how she meets Rok (H), a hunky, golden alien who abducts her (don’t worry it’s just a misunderstanding).
I really wanted to like these two, but the lack of communication was a massive hinderance to the romantic development. Rok communicates primarily through mind speak (yes like telepathy) and for a large chunk of the book Justine is not able to hear him. As they can’t really talk, and they spend a good amount of time confused by their attraction to each other and therefore avoiding being around each other… I just don’t really get how they fell in love.
It did get much better once they could communicate and I liked their dynamic in the last quarter or so, but it was too little too late for me. I am interested in Justine’s sister’s story and how that progresses, so I think I will give that a go.
Safety:
- h is not a v
- H is a v (there are only males on his planet)
- No ow or om drama.
An okay read with a lot of potential, but it ultimately missed the mark for me.
Like 50% or more of this was just chapters and chapters of them both having horny dreams in caves but doing NOTHING about it… and the mains don’t even meet until after 15% in.
Justine (h) and her sister are desperate for cash. Desperate enough to sign up for a dodgy human research trial run by a group of high tech aliens. After crash landing on a random desert planet, Justine takes it upon herself to venture out and survey the area. This is how she meets Rok (H), a hunky, golden alien who abducts her (don’t worry it’s just a misunderstanding).
I really wanted to like these two, but the lack of communication was a massive hinderance to the romantic development. Rok communicates primarily through mind speak (yes like telepathy) and for a large chunk of the book Justine is not able to hear him. As they can’t really talk, and they spend a good amount of time confused by their attraction to each other and therefore avoiding being around each other… I just don’t really get how they fell in love.
It did get much better once they could communicate and I liked their dynamic in the last quarter or so, but it was too little too late for me. I am interested in Justine’s sister’s story and how that progresses, so I think I will give that a go.
Safety:
- h is not a v
- H is a v (there are only males on his planet)
- No ow or om drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
DNF @ 52%
Crash landing on a desert-like planet and when she goes off to look for life and or water brings her handbag with nonfunctioning cellphone and money in it. Like???? Why????
I'm usually a fan of the unable to communicate trope. And yes they try charades which fail. I just need SOME communication or understanding when we get to the halfway point. At this point they seem to be traveling together to somewhere that neither Justine nor I know of and I'm not even sure Rok knows where he is taking her. Their only connection is that they've both protected or tried helping the other survive.
Traveling, no dialogue, no building relationship... I'm so bored.
Then she bathes in the pool of their drinking water. I'm sure it is fine, but also gross? Is jumping into your (thus far) only source of drinking water really the best choice here? I'm 90% sure the character did this so the author could force the intimate times sure to come. Which again is grossing me out because this is the only drinking water she knows of.
Usually A.G. Wilde is a win for me, but alas not this one.
Crash landing on a desert-like planet and when she goes off to look for life and or water brings her handbag with nonfunctioning cellphone and money in it. Like???? Why????
I'm usually a fan of the unable to communicate trope. And yes they try charades which fail. I just need SOME communication or understanding when we get to the halfway point. At this point they seem to be traveling together to somewhere that neither Justine nor I know of and I'm not even sure Rok knows where he is taking her. Their only connection is that they've both protected or tried helping the other survive.
Traveling, no dialogue, no building relationship... I'm so bored.
Then she bathes in the pool of their drinking water. I'm sure it is fine, but also gross? Is jumping into your (thus far) only source of drinking water really the best choice here? I'm 90% sure the character did this so the author could force the intimate times sure to come. Which again is grossing me out because this is the only drinking water she knows of.
Usually A.G. Wilde is a win for me, but alas not this one.
May 25, 2025
This was so cute! It reminded me so much of Ruby Dixons writing style, who I LOVE! The beginning was a little slow and I will say some of these lines were a little ridiculous but I can’t wait to read the next book.
September 7, 2025
me 🤝 alien smut
November 4, 2025
4 stars
Rok's Captive is the first sci-fi book in the fun Barbarians of the Dust series by AG Wilde. What they signed up for was not what they got. Kidnapped by alien creatures, only to find themselves abandoned on an alien planet. Before their time is up, she strikes out to find help. Finding a golden alien one she can't communicate with is when the fun begins. Together, they find something they thought would never be possible, and that is a connection with each other in the face of uncertainty and danger.
This romance tale has a little tension, drama, angst, danger, suspense, a bit of wit, and a lot of spice. It had me laughing at times and enjoying the ride. Rok's Captive is an enjoyable read and a series that should not be missed.
Rok's Captive is the first sci-fi book in the fun Barbarians of the Dust series by AG Wilde. What they signed up for was not what they got. Kidnapped by alien creatures, only to find themselves abandoned on an alien planet. Before their time is up, she strikes out to find help. Finding a golden alien one she can't communicate with is when the fun begins. Together, they find something they thought would never be possible, and that is a connection with each other in the face of uncertainty and danger.
This romance tale has a little tension, drama, angst, danger, suspense, a bit of wit, and a lot of spice. It had me laughing at times and enjoying the ride. Rok's Captive is an enjoyable read and a series that should not be missed.
December 19, 2025
I loved Wilde’s Captured Earth series. Sadly the Barbarians of Dust just ain’t holding up to muster.
September 6, 2025
3.7 rounded up. Pretty good if you’re fine that it’s basically Ice Planet Barbarians in the desert. The second in the series didn’t hold up and was less enjoyable. I normally like Wilde’s romances, so don’t let these 2 stop you from her other series.
August 14, 2025
Pros:
1) The FMC has clear motivations and connections outside of the MMC.
2) The premise is really cool. An alternate Earth reality where aliens took all our jobs so women must resort to alien focus groups and breeding programs? Actually really unique and fun!
3) The relationship between MCs was slow to develop and actually meaningful.
Cons:
1) His name is Rok.
2) I didn't like how disgusted the FMC was with the MMC's culture and people. I can't really put my finger on it, but it left me feeling a little strange? I know they're aliens, but I feel like someone who actively engages with other alien species on Earth should be more accepting of cultural differences from Rok & his people. This was ultimately why I left 3 stars instead of 4.
Overall, I would recommend this book to really anyone that likes alien / sci fi romance! Solid book.
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1) The FMC has clear motivations and connections outside of the MMC.
2) The premise is really cool. An alternate Earth reality where aliens took all our jobs so women must resort to alien focus groups and breeding programs? Actually really unique and fun!
3) The relationship between MCs was slow to develop and actually meaningful.
Cons:
1) His name is Rok.
2) I didn't like how disgusted the FMC was with the MMC's culture and people. I can't really put my finger on it, but it left me feeling a little strange? I know they're aliens, but I feel like someone who actively engages with other alien species on Earth should be more accepting of cultural differences from Rok & his people. This was ultimately why I left 3 stars instead of 4.
Overall, I would recommend this book to really anyone that likes alien / sci fi romance! Solid book.
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May 24, 2025
Left for dead with plot holes and sunstroke
I’ve read every single A.G. Wilde book out there. That’s not an exaggeration (what are there like 30 titles?), I devoured them all like I was getting paid . The sweet ones, the wild ones and all the ones in between. When I say the last one I read of yours, "Outlaw", was one of my top alien romances in the last six months, I mean it. But this latest one? This one had me throwing my Kindle across the room and muttering, “Did your editor die in the desert too?"
**Spoilers below**:
I rather enjoyed the weird space abduction. I was not expecting a magic school bus adventure. I accept.
MOVING ON TO MY COMPLAINTS : first, we’re dropped into a hostile desert landscape with 20 women, and you’re telling me not a single one of them suggests gathering water or food? ALL of them are just totally cool to just sit and wait around, using up their resources with no future planning? For days??? These aren’t Victorian debutantes. They’re survivors. We already know they've all been struggling. These are smart women. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
And don’t even get me started on the moons. You say there are three of them, but the FMC decides to walk in the daytime? Excuse me? We haven't seen any predators at this point. Why wouldn't she choose to go at night ? With THREE moons, justine would have had enough light to walk at night, when it’s cooler, maybe less deadly, and—oh I don’t know—makes basic f*cking sense. Even if Justine didn't think of that , one of the TWENTY other women would have. That alone would have fueled the plot along and she would have met some cool nighttime monsters. WASTED OPPORTUNITY FOR AN ACTION SCENE OF NEAR DEATH OR BAD ASS-ERY.
What pissed me off most, though? The characters are treated like idiots. These women wouldn’t just sit around and let one of them traipse off into the desert sun with zero planning. No swapping of shoes (heels? You're saying NOBODY had a size 7 pair of sneakers)? No layering for protection (not JUST a space blankie). No prepping of any kind? Contingency plans?
Instead of desperate, resourceful survivors, you reduced these women to plot furniture. I expected better.
Now. The xyma translator. I made it exactly 31% in before screaming at the book. Yes, an actual honest to god :scream: into my pillow. Justine is just sitting there, with a removable translator the whole time, and it never occurs to her to stick it in ROKS ear? Not even once? At least he could have freaked out and THEN broke it bc some mystery voice spoke to him.
The POV issue is also a massive technical fail. We’re in Rok’s head half the time, right? So why the heck are we getting full English sentences from the FMC wHeN He CaN’t UnDerStaNd HeR? That’s not deep POV. That’s lazy storytelling. It yanked me out of the immersion so hard I got whiplash.
Then there’s the decision-making: she thinks she might’ve been away from the other women too long, sick or kidnapped—but instead of heading back immediately, she doubles down and goes further? Make it make sense.
By the time I hit 51%, I was trying to go with it, honest I was, but everything from there on out felt stiff. The paragraphs dragged. The pacing was off. No intimacy, no natural flow. It read like a dry draft.
I say this with all the rage and love of a long-time fan: you can do better, Wilde. You have done better. This one felt phoned-in, unpolished, and honestly, a little insulting to readers who know damn well these characters deserved more logic and love.
I’m not mad you missed. I just want better.
I’ve read every single A.G. Wilde book out there. That’s not an exaggeration (what are there like 30 titles?), I devoured them all like I was getting paid . The sweet ones, the wild ones and all the ones in between. When I say the last one I read of yours, "Outlaw", was one of my top alien romances in the last six months, I mean it. But this latest one? This one had me throwing my Kindle across the room and muttering, “Did your editor die in the desert too?"
**Spoilers below**:
I rather enjoyed the weird space abduction. I was not expecting a magic school bus adventure. I accept.
MOVING ON TO MY COMPLAINTS : first, we’re dropped into a hostile desert landscape with 20 women, and you’re telling me not a single one of them suggests gathering water or food? ALL of them are just totally cool to just sit and wait around, using up their resources with no future planning? For days??? These aren’t Victorian debutantes. They’re survivors. We already know they've all been struggling. These are smart women. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
And don’t even get me started on the moons. You say there are three of them, but the FMC decides to walk in the daytime? Excuse me? We haven't seen any predators at this point. Why wouldn't she choose to go at night ? With THREE moons, justine would have had enough light to walk at night, when it’s cooler, maybe less deadly, and—oh I don’t know—makes basic f*cking sense. Even if Justine didn't think of that , one of the TWENTY other women would have. That alone would have fueled the plot along and she would have met some cool nighttime monsters. WASTED OPPORTUNITY FOR AN ACTION SCENE OF NEAR DEATH OR BAD ASS-ERY.
What pissed me off most, though? The characters are treated like idiots. These women wouldn’t just sit around and let one of them traipse off into the desert sun with zero planning. No swapping of shoes (heels? You're saying NOBODY had a size 7 pair of sneakers)? No layering for protection (not JUST a space blankie). No prepping of any kind? Contingency plans?
Instead of desperate, resourceful survivors, you reduced these women to plot furniture. I expected better.
Now. The xyma translator. I made it exactly 31% in before screaming at the book. Yes, an actual honest to god :scream: into my pillow. Justine is just sitting there, with a removable translator the whole time, and it never occurs to her to stick it in ROKS ear? Not even once? At least he could have freaked out and THEN broke it bc some mystery voice spoke to him.
The POV issue is also a massive technical fail. We’re in Rok’s head half the time, right? So why the heck are we getting full English sentences from the FMC wHeN He CaN’t UnDerStaNd HeR? That’s not deep POV. That’s lazy storytelling. It yanked me out of the immersion so hard I got whiplash.
Then there’s the decision-making: she thinks she might’ve been away from the other women too long, sick or kidnapped—but instead of heading back immediately, she doubles down and goes further? Make it make sense.
By the time I hit 51%, I was trying to go with it, honest I was, but everything from there on out felt stiff. The paragraphs dragged. The pacing was off. No intimacy, no natural flow. It read like a dry draft.
I say this with all the rage and love of a long-time fan: you can do better, Wilde. You have done better. This one felt phoned-in, unpolished, and honestly, a little insulting to readers who know damn well these characters deserved more logic and love.
I’m not mad you missed. I just want better.
Read
July 11, 2025DNF around 40% and skim to the end. This is very ice planet barbarians but on a desert planet? I just did not enjoy being in this FMC’s head. She talks and thinks incessantly, like narrates every waking moment out loud or internally. And yet zero communication with the Hero because he only use telepathy? It just dragged on and I didn’t feel any chemistry. Also all of the women are making questionable and non rational choices. If you’re stranded in the desert, with limit rations and shelter… you have to make some decisions as a group that will enable you to survive. They’re all just sitting around waiting to be rescued. What choices our FMC does manage to make are a little TSTL, just to set her up to be rescued by the golden Alien Man. I’m bored.
July 16, 2025
Not what I was expecting
A lot of the writing is very juvenile and repetitive. I read the phrase "f*cked in a$$ . Zero lube" three times within ten chapters. The world building doesn't seem very well put together if Im honest. The main character Justine talks like a kid who just graduated high school. I couldn't relate to her at all and her dialogue was so off putting
A lot of the writing is very juvenile and repetitive. I read the phrase "f*cked in a$$ . Zero lube" three times within ten chapters. The world building doesn't seem very well put together if Im honest. The main character Justine talks like a kid who just graduated high school. I couldn't relate to her at all and her dialogue was so off putting
June 5, 2025
If you’re an IPB girlie, this one is for you for sure! I thought I couldn’t survive on an ice planet but I now see a dessert planet is actually worse😬 I do think this was longer than it needed to be and some of the writing was repetitive, also didn’t love the ending (*minor spoiler* you really don’t have time to give them a quick run down? You have to wait until you’re back? Ok….but also I get it, that’s good for the future books) and I really wish we got more of the MMC’s backstory..but overall it was fun and I had multiple moments where I couldn’t put it down and it scratched that alien itch I had! Back to mafia I go lol
May 25, 2025
I DNFd this at 27%. No story, just too stupid to live women not bothering to help themselves. Why are you wandering the deserted desert in the full sun and not in the much cooler night? These aren’t stupid women, or they weren’t initially (hello at least one nurse and one trainee doctor), so did they get a lobotomy during their abduction, does that explain their idiocy?
July 7, 2025
Dang, this author can write. Fans of Ursa Dax and Ruby Dixon: this series is your next obsession. Keep ‘em coming doll!!
November 1, 2025
This is waaaay too in-depth but here we are.
Very ice-planet barbarians and I’m not totally mad about it. Human women crash landing in the middle of nowhere on an alien planet with extremely harsh conditions that will easily kill them with almost no supplies. One brave soul who journeys alone to learn what she can about where they are. Said brave soul runs into a solitary alien dude and they forge a weirdly intense mate bond. Magic joo-joo happens to help the humans survive, miracles happen to allow communication, and a new era begins. Alllllll very ice-planet barbarians. Interesting new take that the entire planet has no females and the dudes somehow just self-spawn or something.
There were some major plot holes that just bothered me though.
1. You’re telling me this lady walked through the desert for days on end and WORE HER HEELED SANDALS ON HER EFFING FEET THAT WHOLE TIME?!? Eff that. Literally the worst shoe I can imagine for this.
2. They calculated that their water would last the group 9 days max before Justine left to scout out the desert. She apparently took “most of the water” with her (which was three tiny little pouches of water that would barely last her 3 days of major rationing), and yet these women somehow ended up surviving THREE WEEKS?!?
3. Brings us to the next point: Justine was gone for THREE WEEKS. WTAF. I’m sorry, how did she not make a point to get back there WAY sooner knowing her sister was going to die of dehydration around day 10??? Oooooookay. Right. Totally fine and good. Zero issues with her returning on day 21 and completely assuming they’re all alive still. Makes sense.
4. I can’t remember if Jaqs left to find Justine a week after Justine left, or a week before Justine returned, but either way, that would have meant that this completely dehydrated and starving girl (either on day 7 or day 14 after Justine left when they supposedly had 9 days max of water for the group) was able to actually get up and walk into the desert to look for her sister? Uhmmmm no. And in all that time she only made it as far as Justine made it in like a day?? And somehow is still alive? I’ll have to read Jaq’s book to see if it’s as ridiculously implausible as it seems, for science, obviously.
5. The mind-speak thing was a cool concept at first but then it’s like the author forgot about it? The thoughts started out in italics then went to quotes. Dialogue was “projected” at first and then things were being “said” with no distinction between thoughts and voice. He went from not being able to understand her voice to seeming to understand what she was SAYING (not thinking) with no explanation except he got images of her thoughts with the verbal language that helped him understand what she was saying… but then even that is forgotten about and he just responds to what she’s saying out loud by thinking back to her. It was annoying. Either mind-speak or speak-speak but at least be clear about it since the mind-speak is important to the story.
lol why tf am I taking this alien romance this seriously?? I’m invested now.
Very ice-planet barbarians and I’m not totally mad about it. Human women crash landing in the middle of nowhere on an alien planet with extremely harsh conditions that will easily kill them with almost no supplies. One brave soul who journeys alone to learn what she can about where they are. Said brave soul runs into a solitary alien dude and they forge a weirdly intense mate bond. Magic joo-joo happens to help the humans survive, miracles happen to allow communication, and a new era begins. Alllllll very ice-planet barbarians. Interesting new take that the entire planet has no females and the dudes somehow just self-spawn or something.
There were some major plot holes that just bothered me though.
1. You’re telling me this lady walked through the desert for days on end and WORE HER HEELED SANDALS ON HER EFFING FEET THAT WHOLE TIME?!? Eff that. Literally the worst shoe I can imagine for this.
2. They calculated that their water would last the group 9 days max before Justine left to scout out the desert. She apparently took “most of the water” with her (which was three tiny little pouches of water that would barely last her 3 days of major rationing), and yet these women somehow ended up surviving THREE WEEKS?!?
3. Brings us to the next point: Justine was gone for THREE WEEKS. WTAF. I’m sorry, how did she not make a point to get back there WAY sooner knowing her sister was going to die of dehydration around day 10??? Oooooookay. Right. Totally fine and good. Zero issues with her returning on day 21 and completely assuming they’re all alive still. Makes sense.
4. I can’t remember if Jaqs left to find Justine a week after Justine left, or a week before Justine returned, but either way, that would have meant that this completely dehydrated and starving girl (either on day 7 or day 14 after Justine left when they supposedly had 9 days max of water for the group) was able to actually get up and walk into the desert to look for her sister? Uhmmmm no. And in all that time she only made it as far as Justine made it in like a day?? And somehow is still alive? I’ll have to read Jaq’s book to see if it’s as ridiculously implausible as it seems, for science, obviously.
5. The mind-speak thing was a cool concept at first but then it’s like the author forgot about it? The thoughts started out in italics then went to quotes. Dialogue was “projected” at first and then things were being “said” with no distinction between thoughts and voice. He went from not being able to understand her voice to seeming to understand what she was SAYING (not thinking) with no explanation except he got images of her thoughts with the verbal language that helped him understand what she was saying… but then even that is forgotten about and he just responds to what she’s saying out loud by thinking back to her. It was annoying. Either mind-speak or speak-speak but at least be clear about it since the mind-speak is important to the story.
lol why tf am I taking this alien romance this seriously?? I’m invested now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
4&1\2 🌟's for Rok's Captive 🌟💖🔥
A new series by A. G. Wilde sign me up! This first book is all about setting the stage for A new intense story. The world building has started off strong with Earth having met and been Influenced by A new alien species that helped us with new technology and changed life on earth forever. These changes brought about less jobs for many people because technology replaced them. Justine and he sister Jacqui decided to accept a job offer spear headed by this new alien species and when they arrived at the bus many other women were there as well. No one thought anything of it until the AI voice said ready for take off and everyone on that '
"bus" spaceship life was changed forever. The driver disappears and the ship malfunctions and the crashes on a desert planet with little water and a sun that wants to roast you alive. The planet has predators and sand traps that want to kill you and a native species that wants to worship you! Enter Rok he and his clan born from the rocks and dust only know the harsh realities of life in the desert. Rival clans fight over resources and water so when he notices a small soft male entering his territory unannounced he investigates so he can decided to eliminate the danger or help. What he finds changes his being forever. He finds a female the first in possibly hundreds or thousands of years. The language barrier is real and frustrating for both of them but the more time they spend together the planet starts to alter both of them allowing for stilted communication and lots of attraction. This book is about survival, finding helping and discover love along the way. There is so much story to tell and this book sets the reader up with just enough world building to hook you and keep you coming back for more. I can't wait for book 2 Justine's sister Jacqui stars in the next and I know its going to be good. The chemistry between the characters is excellent and on point, the storyline is well written and I the first book give the reader just enough to hook and bring you back for more . While leaving so many question unanswered that the mysteries will keep you coming back for more. If you like A. G. Wilde I highly recommend you give this new series a chance . I can't wait for book 2 💖🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟
A new series by A. G. Wilde sign me up! This first book is all about setting the stage for A new intense story. The world building has started off strong with Earth having met and been Influenced by A new alien species that helped us with new technology and changed life on earth forever. These changes brought about less jobs for many people because technology replaced them. Justine and he sister Jacqui decided to accept a job offer spear headed by this new alien species and when they arrived at the bus many other women were there as well. No one thought anything of it until the AI voice said ready for take off and everyone on that '
"bus" spaceship life was changed forever. The driver disappears and the ship malfunctions and the crashes on a desert planet with little water and a sun that wants to roast you alive. The planet has predators and sand traps that want to kill you and a native species that wants to worship you! Enter Rok he and his clan born from the rocks and dust only know the harsh realities of life in the desert. Rival clans fight over resources and water so when he notices a small soft male entering his territory unannounced he investigates so he can decided to eliminate the danger or help. What he finds changes his being forever. He finds a female the first in possibly hundreds or thousands of years. The language barrier is real and frustrating for both of them but the more time they spend together the planet starts to alter both of them allowing for stilted communication and lots of attraction. This book is about survival, finding helping and discover love along the way. There is so much story to tell and this book sets the reader up with just enough world building to hook you and keep you coming back for more. I can't wait for book 2 Justine's sister Jacqui stars in the next and I know its going to be good. The chemistry between the characters is excellent and on point, the storyline is well written and I the first book give the reader just enough to hook and bring you back for more . While leaving so many question unanswered that the mysteries will keep you coming back for more. If you like A. G. Wilde I highly recommend you give this new series a chance . I can't wait for book 2 💖🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟
June 9, 2025
Wow, what a ride!!!😍😍😍
This book was something else! I'm sooo glad I took a chance on it! I was hoping it would be more than a framework for some alien spice, lol, hopefully more than just all "P in V", like some I've read- and this one did not disappoint! Very slooow burn, and I would consider this a TRUE romance novel- as in it's actually about the love that develops between the 2 main characters! I was pretty surprised at the depth of the love story, honestly, you don't get a lot of alien romance that are this deep and emotional- I got a little teary a couple times, they had a seriously beautiful connection🩷 He was possibly the most unique MMC I've ever read- wow! I can't say too much without giving stuff away, but he will be one I will never forget🩷 I liked her too, just thought she maybe should have given a little more thought to a couple things that happened, but she had good intentions, lol, and her mental commentary was hilarious😂😍 The 2 things I had an issue with was the time line and the translator. The water rations were very specific and I was feeling kinda panicked as the story progressed and went beyond that time line, then it was explained away in one sentence- I thought it deserved a little more than that after making us worry for like 350 pages!! And I was mad about the translator, although I understood why the author did that. I also was a little disappointed that the ending seemed a little rushed- I mean, Justine didn't even bother to introduce them all or explain about the telepathy/translator situation, which would have been pretty important! Anyway! It was a fantastic story and I'm just sorry that I have to wait 3 months to read the next one! I hope it's as good as this one! ( And maybe the author will explain what the heck they are using for tp out there in the desert, because that was driving me nuts through the whole book, wondering!😂😂😍).
This book was something else! I'm sooo glad I took a chance on it! I was hoping it would be more than a framework for some alien spice, lol, hopefully more than just all "P in V", like some I've read- and this one did not disappoint! Very slooow burn, and I would consider this a TRUE romance novel- as in it's actually about the love that develops between the 2 main characters! I was pretty surprised at the depth of the love story, honestly, you don't get a lot of alien romance that are this deep and emotional- I got a little teary a couple times, they had a seriously beautiful connection🩷 He was possibly the most unique MMC I've ever read- wow! I can't say too much without giving stuff away, but he will be one I will never forget🩷 I liked her too, just thought she maybe should have given a little more thought to a couple things that happened, but she had good intentions, lol, and her mental commentary was hilarious😂😍 The 2 things I had an issue with was the time line and the translator. The water rations were very specific and I was feeling kinda panicked as the story progressed and went beyond that time line, then it was explained away in one sentence- I thought it deserved a little more than that after making us worry for like 350 pages!! And I was mad about the translator, although I understood why the author did that. I also was a little disappointed that the ending seemed a little rushed- I mean, Justine didn't even bother to introduce them all or explain about the telepathy/translator situation, which would have been pretty important! Anyway! It was a fantastic story and I'm just sorry that I have to wait 3 months to read the next one! I hope it's as good as this one! ( And maybe the author will explain what the heck they are using for tp out there in the desert, because that was driving me nuts through the whole book, wondering!😂😂😍).
August 9, 2025
Not for me!!! this is a really slow burn!
H: Rok (alien)
h: Justine Parker (Human)
We have Justine living on earth with her sister who both of them are unemployed and are about to get evicted if they don't pay their rent. Justine sees this post in Linkedout where it pays $10 grand for an environmental research adaption program. So they both decide to apply, they go to the location and get in a bus where they thought they were being transported to another state like Arizona instead they were launched out of space, where they experience technical problems causing them to emergency land on an alien planet. The group of females who applied for this job landed on this planet that is pretty much a desert. They were there for apprx 4 days when they decided to send one of them towards some boulders to see if they could see or find something that might help them. The lucky winner was Justine. She got to the big mountain of a rock where she meets Rok. Rok thought Justine was a male but soon discovers she is female and he decided to keep her and protect her. This went on and on and on where neither of them can communicate with each other.
It is 50% of the book (pg: 204 of 411) and both the Female and male are not able to communicate with each other. I was hoping that by 50% we should somehow see both main characters as a way of communicating. But no, the story just keeps repeating itself page after page, chapter after chapter. One thing that I just don't understand and it really disconnects me from the story is Rok's POV which in his head Justine speaks English (full sentences) but then he says he can't understand her. I honestly couldn't really get into this story and I got tired of it and really didn't care what actually happened to either one of them.
I stopped at chapter 22, pg 220 of 411 (54%)
H: Rok (alien)
h: Justine Parker (Human)
We have Justine living on earth with her sister who both of them are unemployed and are about to get evicted if they don't pay their rent. Justine sees this post in Linkedout where it pays $10 grand for an environmental research adaption program. So they both decide to apply, they go to the location and get in a bus where they thought they were being transported to another state like Arizona instead they were launched out of space, where they experience technical problems causing them to emergency land on an alien planet. The group of females who applied for this job landed on this planet that is pretty much a desert. They were there for apprx 4 days when they decided to send one of them towards some boulders to see if they could see or find something that might help them. The lucky winner was Justine. She got to the big mountain of a rock where she meets Rok. Rok thought Justine was a male but soon discovers she is female and he decided to keep her and protect her. This went on and on and on where neither of them can communicate with each other.
It is 50% of the book (pg: 204 of 411) and both the Female and male are not able to communicate with each other. I was hoping that by 50% we should somehow see both main characters as a way of communicating. But no, the story just keeps repeating itself page after page, chapter after chapter. One thing that I just don't understand and it really disconnects me from the story is Rok's POV which in his head Justine speaks English (full sentences) but then he says he can't understand her. I honestly couldn't really get into this story and I got tired of it and really didn't care what actually happened to either one of them.
I stopped at chapter 22, pg 220 of 411 (54%)
October 4, 2025
3.5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a very slow story with a slow burn romance, maybe too slow. It drags in places that could have been trimmed down. I expected the pace to pick up after the characters’ near-death experience or especially when Rok’s body underwent a change, but it didn’t.
I usually enjoy stories that take their time to build the world and develop the characters, especially their relationship, because most books in this genre either skip that entirely or rush through it. While I appreciate the effort here, it was just too slow for me. A slow burn should make the characters’ connection feel more believable and satisfying when they finally get together and express their love. Instead of feeling excited, I found myself bored and frustrated because it dragged on for too long. And it wasn’t the lack of communication that bothered me—I actually found that part interesting. This is the first book I’ve read where the characters aren’t just
That said, there are areas that could have been improved beyond the slowness and pacing. I wish the characters, especially the women, had used more critical thinking to assess their situation and plan accordingly. They started off well, but I began to lose patience when they made choices that didn’t make sense. For example,
This is a very slow story with a slow burn romance, maybe too slow. It drags in places that could have been trimmed down. I expected the pace to pick up after the characters’ near-death experience or especially when Rok’s body underwent a change, but it didn’t.
I usually enjoy stories that take their time to build the world and develop the characters, especially their relationship, because most books in this genre either skip that entirely or rush through it. While I appreciate the effort here, it was just too slow for me. A slow burn should make the characters’ connection feel more believable and satisfying when they finally get together and express their love. Instead of feeling excited, I found myself bored and frustrated because it dragged on for too long. And it wasn’t the lack of communication that bothered me—I actually found that part interesting. This is the first book I’ve read where the characters aren’t just
That said, there are areas that could have been improved beyond the slowness and pacing. I wish the characters, especially the women, had used more critical thinking to assess their situation and plan accordingly. They started off well, but I began to lose patience when they made choices that didn’t make sense. For example,
December 15, 2025
Interesting how even on a new planet offering the opportunity for humans to reinvent themselves, they still lean into their colonial tendencies. These mostly-white American women feel empathy and weariness for these alien creatures; instead of them teaching their way of life, Rok is the one to change and adapt to better understand, communicate, and protect Justine. Rok learns Justine's English instead of her making efforts to learn his culture and customs. Even when they do breach the communication barrier, the rapport is still unequal.
While I fully believe that this is an unconscious literary choice, I think it more broadly reflects our subconscious: the Western tendency to echo our past, what we have been taught at school. The white Western neocolonial theme shaped our collective memory of modernity and now continues to shape our projects of expansion in the universe.
Even near the end of the series, the assigned roles and values associated with the "women" vs the "men", as well as the internal group dynamics, illustrate a subconscious bias. Even in a world hostile to any earth-born life, the humans are not the ones to adapt but the aliens, in their way of life. No matter how strange the "New World" is to the human women, the aliens are the ones to bend, to slow down their pace to match the women's walk.
Finally, the idea that the humans come in to introduce the concepts of clothing and privacy to the aliens. They present the concept of shame, reframing their nakedness into something primitive and uncivilised that needs to be altered to fit the humans' vision of an alien-human society. The aliens' body transformation, morphs from something that was previously innocent and inoffensive, a simple physical evolution, is now a rite of passage into manhood that must be concealed and remain behind a wall of taboo.
While I fully believe that this is an unconscious literary choice, I think it more broadly reflects our subconscious: the Western tendency to echo our past, what we have been taught at school. The white Western neocolonial theme shaped our collective memory of modernity and now continues to shape our projects of expansion in the universe.
Even near the end of the series, the assigned roles and values associated with the "women" vs the "men", as well as the internal group dynamics, illustrate a subconscious bias. Even in a world hostile to any earth-born life, the humans are not the ones to adapt but the aliens, in their way of life. No matter how strange the "New World" is to the human women, the aliens are the ones to bend, to slow down their pace to match the women's walk.
Finally, the idea that the humans come in to introduce the concepts of clothing and privacy to the aliens. They present the concept of shame, reframing their nakedness into something primitive and uncivilised that needs to be altered to fit the humans' vision of an alien-human society. The aliens' body transformation, morphs from something that was previously innocent and inoffensive, a simple physical evolution, is now a rite of passage into manhood that must be concealed and remain behind a wall of taboo.
June 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - soooo good!!
Rok's Captive is pure, adrenaline-laced sci-fi romance with just the right amount of danger, desire, and emotional depth. Justine is a relatable heroine: scrappy, desperate, and unexpectedly brave as she’s flung into an alien hellscape with nothing but her wits and survival instincts. The premise is gripping right from the start: a desperate gamble for fast cash leads to abduction, crash-landing, and one very intense alien with golden skin and an equally golden fixation on her.
Rok is exactly the kind of protective, possessive, growly hero that alien romance fans love, but A.G. Wilde gives him nuance. He’s not just brawn and primal instincts, He’s loyal, curious, and slowly but surely softens without ever losing that predatory edge. The dynamic between Justine and Rok simmers with chemistry and tension, balancing primal heat with moments of tenderness and vulnerability that feel earned.
What elevates the story is its world-building and stakes. The desert planet is vicious and unforgiving, a constant threat that mirrors the emotional danger of falling for someone so alien, so other. Add in rival clans, creepy terrain like the Silent Valley, and a missing sister mission, and you’ve got a plot that charges forward without dragging.
Rok's Captive delivers on everything it promises: high heat, high stakes, and a fated bond that goes beyond biology. It's sexy, dangerous, and surprisingly heartfelt—a survival story that wraps around a slow-burn obsession and never lets go.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!
Rok's Captive is pure, adrenaline-laced sci-fi romance with just the right amount of danger, desire, and emotional depth. Justine is a relatable heroine: scrappy, desperate, and unexpectedly brave as she’s flung into an alien hellscape with nothing but her wits and survival instincts. The premise is gripping right from the start: a desperate gamble for fast cash leads to abduction, crash-landing, and one very intense alien with golden skin and an equally golden fixation on her.
Rok is exactly the kind of protective, possessive, growly hero that alien romance fans love, but A.G. Wilde gives him nuance. He’s not just brawn and primal instincts, He’s loyal, curious, and slowly but surely softens without ever losing that predatory edge. The dynamic between Justine and Rok simmers with chemistry and tension, balancing primal heat with moments of tenderness and vulnerability that feel earned.
What elevates the story is its world-building and stakes. The desert planet is vicious and unforgiving, a constant threat that mirrors the emotional danger of falling for someone so alien, so other. Add in rival clans, creepy terrain like the Silent Valley, and a missing sister mission, and you’ve got a plot that charges forward without dragging.
Rok's Captive delivers on everything it promises: high heat, high stakes, and a fated bond that goes beyond biology. It's sexy, dangerous, and surprisingly heartfelt—a survival story that wraps around a slow-burn obsession and never lets go.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!
December 5, 2025
I am a sucker for alien romance books that take place on the aliens planet. I love reading about impossible things, like glowing aliens wondering a massive desert caring for the sweet little creature he found in the sand.
I loved the setting of this book. I’ve read plenty of alien romances that take place in planets similar to earth with what is practically a jungle. The desert is a nice spin on things.
I wished we had learned more about the aliens and the planet in this book. Is the whole world a desert or just where the MCs are living? If the aliens have no women, where do they come from? What is the evolutionary advantage of having glowing skin? The rest of the alien features I understand from a biological standpoint as they evolved in a desert, but glowing skin? That’s something I would expect to find in a nocturnal creature , a cave dweller, or on an alien whose planet is always dark. Am I thinking too much into what is supposed to be a smutty alien quark? Absolutely.
(-0.5 stars )
I always hate when books pull the “shock value” card and try to grab a readers attention with lewd words. This author didn’t even switch up what she was using for shock value. The phrase “I am fucked in the ass with zero lube” is used at least half a dozen times in the first five chapters. I don’t do shock value phrases, they just cheapen books.
(-1 star )
There were several plot holes that did not make scene in the slightest. I am no mathematician, but having only 8-9ish days of water supply and somehow surviving 3+ WEEKS without any real water source is laughable.
(-1 star )
I loved the setting of this book. I’ve read plenty of alien romances that take place in planets similar to earth with what is practically a jungle. The desert is a nice spin on things.
I wished we had learned more about the aliens and the planet in this book. Is the whole world a desert or just where the MCs are living? If the aliens have no women, where do they come from? What is the evolutionary advantage of having glowing skin? The rest of the alien features I understand from a biological standpoint as they evolved in a desert, but glowing skin? That’s something I would expect to find in a nocturnal creature , a cave dweller, or on an alien whose planet is always dark. Am I thinking too much into what is supposed to be a smutty alien quark? Absolutely.
(-0.5 stars )
I always hate when books pull the “shock value” card and try to grab a readers attention with lewd words. This author didn’t even switch up what she was using for shock value. The phrase “I am fucked in the ass with zero lube” is used at least half a dozen times in the first five chapters. I don’t do shock value phrases, they just cheapen books.
(-1 star )
There were several plot holes that did not make scene in the slightest. I am no mathematician, but having only 8-9ish days of water supply and somehow surviving 3+ WEEKS without any real water source is laughable.
(-1 star )
June 21, 2025
Fantastic
I was hooked instantly. This book seriously drew me in and I really had to struggle to put it down whenever the need arose. I have to say, I love survival games as well as stories, and ones with romance? Even better. Despite the girls having translators, they are useless. These hot alien dudes don't speak, not in the usual sense, so there's a huge language barrier. The only thing that drove me nuts was that one girl said they probably only had about 8 days of water, and I swear she was gone for like 12 and at the end of that her sister 3 days prior, however, when she speaks to the other girls near the end, they say she's only been gone a week, but her sister has been gone for nearly a week. So, the story telling was great (tho the author never mentioned how she was going to the bathroom when there seemed to be absolutely no privacy).
The romance was fantastic. I can't say it was a 5 star spicy scene but it was good, if a little rushed at first. I also had trouble imagining the... width of his *ehem* "weapon" because at one scene she describes it as small and the rest he's bigger, yet he can just... good right in. Aside from those lil bouts of confusion, I really enjoyed it. They were always in danger in one way or another, their miscommunications were sometimes hilarious, and I can't wait to see what happens when she gets pregnant because that is truly gonna be comical.
I was hooked instantly. This book seriously drew me in and I really had to struggle to put it down whenever the need arose. I have to say, I love survival games as well as stories, and ones with romance? Even better. Despite the girls having translators, they are useless. These hot alien dudes don't speak, not in the usual sense, so there's a huge language barrier. The only thing that drove me nuts was that one girl said they probably only had about 8 days of water, and I swear she was gone for like 12 and at the end of that her sister 3 days prior, however, when she speaks to the other girls near the end, they say she's only been gone a week, but her sister has been gone for nearly a week. So, the story telling was great (tho the author never mentioned how she was going to the bathroom when there seemed to be absolutely no privacy).
The romance was fantastic. I can't say it was a 5 star spicy scene but it was good, if a little rushed at first. I also had trouble imagining the... width of his *ehem* "weapon" because at one scene she describes it as small and the rest he's bigger, yet he can just... good right in. Aside from those lil bouts of confusion, I really enjoyed it. They were always in danger in one way or another, their miscommunications were sometimes hilarious, and I can't wait to see what happens when she gets pregnant because that is truly gonna be comical.
July 21, 2025
Loved it!
The Drakav are a primitive alien species that live on a desert planet. A few days after the human females crashed onto the planet, the decide one of the women (FMC) will go to a distant rock formation in hopes of finding a food or water source.... anything that could help them. She comes across Rok (MMC) who takes her and saves her life. The Drakav are virtually a non vocal species. They CAN speak, but rarely do so. They speak through the mind. One reviewer said when it was Rok's POV and he heard what the FMC was saying in English, it took her out of the immersion. I disagree. We all have heard people speak in other languages around us. We can hear the words they're saying, but that doesn't mean we understand what the words mean. This is no different. The development of the relationship was believable, the FMC wasn't annoying and the MMC was protective. Solid start to a new fated mates alien series. It's looking like each book will have a new couple and they will be interconnected. Onto the next book!
• Fated Mates
• Scenting
• "Mine"
• Primitive
• Language/communication barrier
• Forced Proximity
• Virgin MMC
The Drakav are a primitive alien species that live on a desert planet. A few days after the human females crashed onto the planet, the decide one of the women (FMC) will go to a distant rock formation in hopes of finding a food or water source.... anything that could help them. She comes across Rok (MMC) who takes her and saves her life. The Drakav are virtually a non vocal species. They CAN speak, but rarely do so. They speak through the mind. One reviewer said when it was Rok's POV and he heard what the FMC was saying in English, it took her out of the immersion. I disagree. We all have heard people speak in other languages around us. We can hear the words they're saying, but that doesn't mean we understand what the words mean. This is no different. The development of the relationship was believable, the FMC wasn't annoying and the MMC was protective. Solid start to a new fated mates alien series. It's looking like each book will have a new couple and they will be interconnected. Onto the next book!
• Fated Mates
• Scenting
• "Mine"
• Primitive
• Language/communication barrier
• Forced Proximity
• Virgin MMC
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