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Starborn #1
The Wildborn
To walk the path of a morazir, I will exist in three states of being:
Untouched.
Untaken.
Unconquered.
Airik, a battle-scarred warrior serving the cruel intergalactic empire of the Veynari, craves silence from the nightmares tormenting his mind. But while on post to decommission a failed experiment of a planet, a rogue human spacecraft crashes, and a reckless decision leaves him stranded—entangled with a woman he never should have saved.
Nora wakes light-years from Earth, broken in body and spirit, at the mercy of an alien soldier who refuses to let her die. Devastatingly beautiful, terrifyingly competent, and bound by a warrior’s oath that permits touch only to destroy, he’s the reluctant guardian angel she neither wants nor believes she deserves.
Nora wakes light-years from Earth, broken in body and spirit, at the mercy of an alien soldier who refuses to let her die. Devastatingly beautiful, terrifyingly competent, and bound by a warrior’s oath that permits touch only to destroy, he’s the reluctant guardian angel she neither wants nor believes she deserves.
Trapped together, they’re forced to navigate a brutal landscape, vicious beasts, and the deadly remnants of an abandoned world. Duty demands Airik’s cold indifference. Yet Nora sparks something deliciously alive—and entirely forbidden—within him. What begins as necessity ignites a primal hunger: scorching, consuming, and impossible to resist.
But even if they survive, the Veynari—ever present and ruthless—won’t allow its warriors weakness like love. For Airik and Nora to be together, they must risk everything.
The Wildborn is a steamy, high-stakes sci-fi romance featuring forced proximity with an emotionally repressed alien protector who falls hard. Perfect for fans of Zoey Draven’s immersive world-building, the dark emotional complexities of Victoria Aveline’s Ruling Sikthand, and the lyrical storytelling of Grace Draven.
Note from the author: This novel contains emotionally intense themes, including grief and trauma. A full list of content considerations is available on the author’s website.
606 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2026
About the author
Perri Torani
1 book140 followersPerri Torani writes soul-aching sci-fi and paranormal romance. Her favorite kind of suffering to write about involves tormented heroes and the lovers who bring them to their knees. She doesn’t know how to tell a love story that doesn’t hurt—but don’t worry, she’ll heal the pain by the end. She loves her characters too much to let them suffer past the final page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews
July 25, 2026
"She felt crushed to learn that this kind of grief occurred among the stars she used to wish upon in hopes of making things different."
OOF 😭 This book was so beautiful and had so much depth for an alien romance. If you're looking for a man who YEARNS with his whole being??? Look no further.
This would have been 5 stars, but I was a teensy-tiny bit annoyed with the pacing. The first 50% of the book was very steady, and then some stuff happened, and then in the last 20% like a MILLION things happened. It was like watching tennis left, right, left, right, left, right!!
Nora, our FMC, is written in such a beautiful and relatable way. Both MCs are coming from a past of trauma, and I thought that her development over the course of the book was truly beautiful. Comparatively, Airik could have given me a little more depth and development. He was so sexyyy, though, that I really can't be THAT mad at him.
ALSO, WARNING: this is nooott a true stand-alone!! I think it's going to be an interconnected stand-alone series, and I think I know who the next book is going to center around. 🤫 But maaaann, I have so many open questions and FEELINGS!
Sorry for the chaotic review!!!!
OOF 😭 This book was so beautiful and had so much depth for an alien romance. If you're looking for a man who YEARNS with his whole being??? Look no further.
This would have been 5 stars, but I was a teensy-tiny bit annoyed with the pacing. The first 50% of the book was very steady, and then some stuff happened, and then in the last 20% like a MILLION things happened. It was like watching tennis left, right, left, right, left, right!!
Nora, our FMC, is written in such a beautiful and relatable way. Both MCs are coming from a past of trauma, and I thought that her development over the course of the book was truly beautiful. Comparatively, Airik could have given me a little more depth and development. He was so sexyyy, though, that I really can't be THAT mad at him.
ALSO, WARNING: this is nooott a true stand-alone!! I think it's going to be an interconnected stand-alone series, and I think I know who the next book is going to center around. 🤫 But maaaann, I have so many open questions and FEELINGS!
Sorry for the chaotic review!!!!
Currently Reading
June 14, 2026pre:read
one of my most anticipated ARCs this year just hit the kindle, BRB while I dive right in
one of my most anticipated ARCs this year just hit the kindle, BRB while I dive right in
June 19, 2026
WHAT A BOOK !!!
well that was fucking incredible ???
Cauthorperritorani I adore you & your brain for giving us Airik and Nora, their story is heartbreakingly beautiful & romantic.
Genuinely one of my favourite reads of the year, deliciously spicy, funny, full of healing. I just adore these two tortured souls so much
"For the rest of this life, you're mine. If there's an eternity after, you're mine for all of it. If there are more universes than this one, I'll find you everywhere -and you'll be mine in all of them."
I AM UNWELL
well that was fucking incredible ???
Cauthorperritorani I adore you & your brain for giving us Airik and Nora, their story is heartbreakingly beautiful & romantic.
Genuinely one of my favourite reads of the year, deliciously spicy, funny, full of healing. I just adore these two tortured souls so much
"For the rest of this life, you're mine. If there's an eternity after, you're mine for all of it. If there are more universes than this one, I'll find you everywhere -and you'll be mine in all of them."
I AM UNWELL
Review of advance copy received from Author
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖 - even though this book was long for me (I am a novella queen right now!) I wanted to read it every minute. Every part was so good and I was totally enthralled!
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋 - I cried. Over and over and over (joys of luteal phase) – then I was a bit less emotional towards the end of the book but oh it still tugged on my heart so hard!
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 - the character depth was great
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞💞 I found it soooooooooo utterly romantic. So many romantic things were said. Done. Thought.
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (some were a bit shorter)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? a good mix but probably character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium – some might think it feels slow? The book is long and much of it is them stranded on a planet together – but it didn’t feel slow to me – I was eager to read it and I thought it kept moving along at a good place!
When mains are first on page together: takes a bit – chapter 9 (of 86) or about 16%
Cliffhanger: this ends with a happy for now – the plot feels like there’s more coming (book 2 I am sure) to answer some questions
Epilogue: there are two chapters at the end – a few hours later and three months later that give a bit of a wrap up
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form (thank you so, so much!)
Why I chose this book: the cover. The art. Porani’s funny newsletters. The tropes and snippets presented. I needed it!
Mains: Airik and Nora Shaw – this is a M/F relationship between an alien hero and human heroine
Audiobook available (as of posting)? No
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is Torani’s debut and fine alone.
Basic plot:
Nora was meant to go to Mars after a chaotic and dangerous takeover of her space station – instead she was sent to an empty planet and found by the alien sent there to destroy it
Give this a try if you want:
- science fiction romance
- this is a futuristic setting – they are in the beginnings of space travel (a colony on Mars, space stations)
- alien hero / human heroine
- an immersive alien setting and culture – no cardboard backdrops here – this feels lush and breathtakingly real (in a totally alien way of course 😂 )
- he’s a warrior
- size difference - she’s 5’2”, he’s near 7’ and when he holds them face to face, her feet touch his knees
- language barrier – he does speak English but it’s a bit broken and there’s some pronunciation and translation issues early on
- makes her shoes by judging how her foot had fit in his palm 🥹
- pets – the heroine gets an ooshi (a cat / dog / fox-like creature) that imprints on her
- care-taking – for both
- never been kissed hero
- lots of close proximity on a deserted planet
- survival themes - they are stranded on a dangerous planet without many resources
- well-endowed hero
- SO MUCH YEARNING! SO MUCH ROMANCE!
- mid to higher steam (it’s a long book and slower burn) – at least 7 full scenes (I combined some that were close together)
Ages:
- she’s ‘over 30’, he’s had 26 revolutions of life – at the end it’s mentioned he’s 5 years younger
First lines:
To walk the path of a morazir, I will exist in three states of being:
Untouched. My touch is destruction.
Untaken. It is I who demands surrender.
Unconquered. Both in battle and in heart.
My thoughts:
Me...reading the prologue and getting acclimated to the alien word. Gets my heart ripped out.
Me...getting to know Nora in the space station near earth for the first 3 chapters. Gets my heart ripped out again.
Ugh – some books just make my heart pound, make me care SO much about these characters and it’s so, so special when I find it. And – I’ll admit – after the edging Torani gave us on instagram with the amazing art, the snippets, the build up – I was just sure I was going to be disappointed. I was scared to read this! How could it live up to my expectations? Live up to them? It has surpassed, exceeded, transcended…
I adored their first meeting so much. And the moments after as they learn each other and assess their survival strategies. I wanted to highlight even more than I did – I was lingering over almost every line. Rereading, my heart aching, tears rolling down my face in some (okay many) moments.
This book includes one of the strongest representations of romantic yearning I have ever read. And this is something I am constantly chasing in romance. This gave me – EXACTLY – what I wanted. In every aspect – I just could not get over how perfect this book was. It gripped my heart so hard and just squeezed it repeatedly. Nora and Airik pull at each other but resist and it created the most amazing tension through the novel. The forbidden aspect felt so real and dangerous. And I felt the wanting more keenly because of it.
I saw it advertised as sad boy x sad girl in one post. And I wasn’t sure if I would get into that. But now I see exactly what she meant. Both of these mains are so...burdened. And they are so perfect for each other. The character depth in this novel was so amazing and I just felt their emotions so deeply.
This book gutted me in the absolute best way. And put me back together, wrapping me in everything I adore about romance. Even though the book was long (I haven’t voluntarily read a book this long in….years!) I loved the whole thing. My interest didn’t wane. I had to know what was going to happen. The tension just kept going, building. The romance just kept getting stronger. The anxiety over how it was going to work out fueled me. I loved Torani’s writing so, so much. The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The conversations were so sweet. The longing for each other, the spicy scenes...I mean the thing was freaking perfect. I am just so impressed. And so happy I read it.
My only complaint is even with the 700 pages, I need to know more 😂. I am assuming the remaining questions will be answered as the series unfolds. I can’t wait to see what book 2 is like. I am sold – I am a lifelong follower of Torani’s releases for all of my days.
World Building / Alien Stats:
- okay this world building is so good, detailed and immersive. So I’m not going to note all the details because Torani has designed so much alien technology, species, plants, foods, medical things, etc. I would have to write a whole book to just give you a feel for the cultures, societies, and new planet. It’s amazing!
- know that both our human heroine and alien hero come from higher tech worlds, though the hero’s is much more advanced – the heroine from a futuristic Earth and works on a space station circling Earth and there’s a Mars settlement, and our hero is from another planet with higher technology. They both crash on planet Ed’un so I will focus my details there.
- Ed’un is a planet that has an environment perfect for their species but has been ravaged and the wildlife is still prowling with mutations. It has 2 suns, oceans, purple grass…
- Ed’un was terraformed for the hero’s people (and similar) to be able to live – but an element called kudra has poisoned the planet and started to alter things. It’s a very toxic thing that can affect robots and living things and will take over and kill humans / similar species
- As for Airik, his skin is gray, he has fangs, black fingernails, blue-green glowing eyes, white hair...
Cock stats:
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one
Endearments
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdowns mean, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖 - even though this book was long for me (I am a novella queen right now!) I wanted to read it every minute. Every part was so good and I was totally enthralled!
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋 - I cried. Over and over and over (joys of luteal phase) – then I was a bit less emotional towards the end of the book but oh it still tugged on my heart so hard!
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 - the character depth was great
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞💞 I found it soooooooooo utterly romantic. So many romantic things were said. Done. Thought.
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (some were a bit shorter)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? a good mix but probably character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium – some might think it feels slow? The book is long and much of it is them stranded on a planet together – but it didn’t feel slow to me – I was eager to read it and I thought it kept moving along at a good place!
When mains are first on page together: takes a bit – chapter 9 (of 86) or about 16%
Cliffhanger: this ends with a happy for now – the plot feels like there’s more coming (book 2 I am sure) to answer some questions
Epilogue: there are two chapters at the end – a few hours later and three months later that give a bit of a wrap up
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form (thank you so, so much!)
Why I chose this book: the cover. The art. Porani’s funny newsletters. The tropes and snippets presented. I needed it!
Mains: Airik and Nora Shaw – this is a M/F relationship between an alien hero and human heroine
Audiobook available (as of posting)? No
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is Torani’s debut and fine alone.
Basic plot:
Nora was meant to go to Mars after a chaotic and dangerous takeover of her space station – instead she was sent to an empty planet and found by the alien sent there to destroy it
Give this a try if you want:
- science fiction romance
- this is a futuristic setting – they are in the beginnings of space travel (a colony on Mars, space stations)
- alien hero / human heroine
- an immersive alien setting and culture – no cardboard backdrops here – this feels lush and breathtakingly real (in a totally alien way of course 😂 )
- he’s a warrior
- size difference - she’s 5’2”, he’s near 7’ and when he holds them face to face, her feet touch his knees
- language barrier – he does speak English but it’s a bit broken and there’s some pronunciation and translation issues early on
- makes her shoes by judging how her foot had fit in his palm 🥹
- pets – the heroine gets an ooshi (a cat / dog / fox-like creature) that imprints on her
- care-taking – for both
- never been kissed hero
- lots of close proximity on a deserted planet
- survival themes - they are stranded on a dangerous planet without many resources
- well-endowed hero
- SO MUCH YEARNING! SO MUCH ROMANCE!
- mid to higher steam (it’s a long book and slower burn) – at least 7 full scenes (I combined some that were close together)
Ages:
- she’s ‘over 30’, he’s had 26 revolutions of life – at the end it’s mentioned he’s 5 years younger
First lines:
To walk the path of a morazir, I will exist in three states of being:
Untouched. My touch is destruction.
Untaken. It is I who demands surrender.
Unconquered. Both in battle and in heart.
My thoughts:
Me...reading the prologue and getting acclimated to the alien word. Gets my heart ripped out.
Me...getting to know Nora in the space station near earth for the first 3 chapters. Gets my heart ripped out again.
Ugh – some books just make my heart pound, make me care SO much about these characters and it’s so, so special when I find it. And – I’ll admit – after the edging Torani gave us on instagram with the amazing art, the snippets, the build up – I was just sure I was going to be disappointed. I was scared to read this! How could it live up to my expectations? Live up to them? It has surpassed, exceeded, transcended…
I adored their first meeting so much. And the moments after as they learn each other and assess their survival strategies. I wanted to highlight even more than I did – I was lingering over almost every line. Rereading, my heart aching, tears rolling down my face in some (okay many) moments.
This book includes one of the strongest representations of romantic yearning I have ever read. And this is something I am constantly chasing in romance. This gave me – EXACTLY – what I wanted. In every aspect – I just could not get over how perfect this book was. It gripped my heart so hard and just squeezed it repeatedly. Nora and Airik pull at each other but resist and it created the most amazing tension through the novel. The forbidden aspect felt so real and dangerous. And I felt the wanting more keenly because of it.
I saw it advertised as sad boy x sad girl in one post. And I wasn’t sure if I would get into that. But now I see exactly what she meant. Both of these mains are so...burdened. And they are so perfect for each other. The character depth in this novel was so amazing and I just felt their emotions so deeply.
This book gutted me in the absolute best way. And put me back together, wrapping me in everything I adore about romance. Even though the book was long (I haven’t voluntarily read a book this long in….years!) I loved the whole thing. My interest didn’t wane. I had to know what was going to happen. The tension just kept going, building. The romance just kept getting stronger. The anxiety over how it was going to work out fueled me. I loved Torani’s writing so, so much. The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The conversations were so sweet. The longing for each other, the spicy scenes...I mean the thing was freaking perfect. I am just so impressed. And so happy I read it.
My only complaint is even with the 700 pages, I need to know more 😂. I am assuming the remaining questions will be answered as the series unfolds. I can’t wait to see what book 2 is like. I am sold – I am a lifelong follower of Torani’s releases for all of my days.
World Building / Alien Stats:
- okay this world building is so good, detailed and immersive. So I’m not going to note all the details because Torani has designed so much alien technology, species, plants, foods, medical things, etc. I would have to write a whole book to just give you a feel for the cultures, societies, and new planet. It’s amazing!
- know that both our human heroine and alien hero come from higher tech worlds, though the hero’s is much more advanced – the heroine from a futuristic Earth and works on a space station circling Earth and there’s a Mars settlement, and our hero is from another planet with higher technology. They both crash on planet Ed’un so I will focus my details there.
- Ed’un is a planet that has an environment perfect for their species but has been ravaged and the wildlife is still prowling with mutations. It has 2 suns, oceans, purple grass…
- Ed’un was terraformed for the hero’s people (and similar) to be able to live – but an element called kudra has poisoned the planet and started to alter things. It’s a very toxic thing that can affect robots and living things and will take over and kill humans / similar species
- As for Airik, his skin is gray, he has fangs, black fingernails, blue-green glowing eyes, white hair...
Cock stats:
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one
Endearments
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdowns mean, where to find me, and book clubs
July 21, 2026
After stumbling over the Instagram of the author with all the wonderful character artwork, the plot about an alien oathbound morazir warrior who is supposed to be untouched, untaken and unconquered and the other tropes immediately pulled me in and made this a highly anticipated read for me. Add a hot virgin alien and I´m in for the ride. I was a bit taken aback of how many pages this book has, but normally this is not necessarily a negative thing if the book has me hooked. Well...
First of all, the book started with so much overwhelming world building and info dump that I started to get lost. For the whole start I did not know what was going on. Reading words on a page and not being able to visualize them in my head is something that doesn´t happen often but here it does and that took me out immediately. Too many places, alien races, names, planets etc. But I have to say the writing is great and the concept is well thought-out and very creative. One reason why I´m so dissapointed that I did not love it.
As soon as our protagonists finally meet a lot of the story is easier to get through. There´s a lot of spice but it´s a lot more interesting than the start of the book anyway. I loved Airik but I have to admit… and I´m really sorry for everyone who loved her but I hated Nora. Even writing this her name slips my mind, lol. Like Airik, she has a tragic backstory and a reason for why she is who she is and I´m sure a lot of people will be able to identify with her. But she is like plain cardboard. Boring, defenseless, whiny, self-loathing and weak. I do not understand how Airik can be interested in her, beyond her looks. Probably only because she is the first human woman he meets. She has to be saved constantly and doesn´t contribute much herself, other than giving Airik a reason to live but almost dying all the time doing that. I loved the little alien companion Lucky, though.
The book dragged. I´m not sure if the story warrants almost 600 pages when most is about them being stranded on this planet where not a lot happens but them fucking. It´s like wading through sludge. I´m not saying what happens is bad or the plot sucks, but it became a bit repetitive and some of the scenes could´ve been cut (some of the spice scenes at least, and I´m saying this as a spice-lover). I read a whole other book inbetween, because I kept losing interest and did not have the desire to keep reading at times. And that is never a good sign while reading. Normally I can finish a story like this in two days if I have the time and if it hooks me, but it took me a lot longer.
There is a little more action towards the end but it did not really help making me like it more. The whole morazir concept is also weird, because the oaths don´t seem to mean shit. Except Airik, who really adheres to the oath, there are definitely ways around it, which is made apparent with Airiks "brother" Torren, who regularly visits pleasure workers. He might be a MMC in the future, so I´m not sure if this whole thing is for me.
I expected a suspenseful, sexy, romantic and action laden space adventure, with a little fun thrown in, but the story was a lot darker and more somber than I thought it would be, very character focused, depressing and dystopian. Maybe I expected differently because most alien romances I´ve read have been rather light hearted without taking themselves too seriously and the FMCs were a lot more badass. So if a darker read is what you want this book will be perfect for you. But if I´m not having fun reading a book, it´s probably not for me because I want to be taken away from reality and not be depressed while reading. Maybe I should´ve taken the "dark" in the tropes more seriously, lol. There´s a HFN, since this will be a series of interconnected standalones, but I´m not sure if I will continue this series. I´m a bit unsatisfied that I´m forced to keep reading if I want to actually see a HEA for the protagonists when they won´t be the main characters.
Also, from now on I hate the word "okay" - you will know why.
First of all, the book started with so much overwhelming world building and info dump that I started to get lost. For the whole start I did not know what was going on. Reading words on a page and not being able to visualize them in my head is something that doesn´t happen often but here it does and that took me out immediately. Too many places, alien races, names, planets etc. But I have to say the writing is great and the concept is well thought-out and very creative. One reason why I´m so dissapointed that I did not love it.
As soon as our protagonists finally meet a lot of the story is easier to get through. There´s a lot of spice but it´s a lot more interesting than the start of the book anyway. I loved Airik but I have to admit… and I´m really sorry for everyone who loved her but I hated Nora. Even writing this her name slips my mind, lol. Like Airik, she has a tragic backstory and a reason for why she is who she is and I´m sure a lot of people will be able to identify with her. But she is like plain cardboard. Boring, defenseless, whiny, self-loathing and weak. I do not understand how Airik can be interested in her, beyond her looks. Probably only because she is the first human woman he meets. She has to be saved constantly and doesn´t contribute much herself, other than giving Airik a reason to live but almost dying all the time doing that. I loved the little alien companion Lucky, though.
The book dragged. I´m not sure if the story warrants almost 600 pages when most is about them being stranded on this planet where not a lot happens but them fucking. It´s like wading through sludge. I´m not saying what happens is bad or the plot sucks, but it became a bit repetitive and some of the scenes could´ve been cut (some of the spice scenes at least, and I´m saying this as a spice-lover). I read a whole other book inbetween, because I kept losing interest and did not have the desire to keep reading at times. And that is never a good sign while reading. Normally I can finish a story like this in two days if I have the time and if it hooks me, but it took me a lot longer.
There is a little more action towards the end but it did not really help making me like it more. The whole morazir concept is also weird, because the oaths don´t seem to mean shit. Except Airik, who really adheres to the oath, there are definitely ways around it, which is made apparent with Airiks "brother" Torren, who regularly visits pleasure workers. He might be a MMC in the future, so I´m not sure if this whole thing is for me.
I expected a suspenseful, sexy, romantic and action laden space adventure, with a little fun thrown in, but the story was a lot darker and more somber than I thought it would be, very character focused, depressing and dystopian. Maybe I expected differently because most alien romances I´ve read have been rather light hearted without taking themselves too seriously and the FMCs were a lot more badass. So if a darker read is what you want this book will be perfect for you. But if I´m not having fun reading a book, it´s probably not for me because I want to be taken away from reality and not be depressed while reading. Maybe I should´ve taken the "dark" in the tropes more seriously, lol. There´s a HFN, since this will be a series of interconnected standalones, but I´m not sure if I will continue this series. I´m a bit unsatisfied that I´m forced to keep reading if I want to actually see a HEA for the protagonists when they won´t be the main characters.
Also, from now on I hate the word "okay" - you will know why.
July 8, 2026
✨ ARC Book Review✨
Rating~ 4.5 rounded up
I’m totally obsessed with Airik!
The first 15% of this book sets the tone and establishes the cultural expectations of Airik’s people. They’re all about duty and don’t have time for personal connections, so overall pretty hardcore. When Airik and Nora are both stranded on a hostile planet together, they are forced to depend on each other to survive and get to the next base.
The minute Airik met Nora, I was hooked! They have such a fun connection that kept my attention from the very beginning.
If I ever get lost in space, I want to be found by Airik. He starts off a little rough around the edges, but once he starts to truly see Nora in a different light, OMG, it was pure gold! He has these subtle mannerisms that absolutely killed me, like constantly pulling her braids or silently chanting his people’s mantra to stop himself from giving in. The slow burn was giving sis! Once he was all in… my God. Possessive and attentive in the best way! I absolutely loved him.
Nora is fun and sweet. I loved how she just rolled with the flow. I mean, if a hardcore 6’ plus gray blue alien tells you what to do while pulling your braids, I’d listen too 👏🏻 I definitely would have trusted Airik, I just would have complained more 😅 She’s a real one!
I felt like Torani did an amazing job of balancing the romance with survival scenarios and emotional character growth. The conflict at the end had me on the edge of my seat! I thought it was logical and really well done. I’m definitely going to have a book hangover after this one!
Rating~ 4.5 rounded up
I’m totally obsessed with Airik!
The first 15% of this book sets the tone and establishes the cultural expectations of Airik’s people. They’re all about duty and don’t have time for personal connections, so overall pretty hardcore. When Airik and Nora are both stranded on a hostile planet together, they are forced to depend on each other to survive and get to the next base.
The minute Airik met Nora, I was hooked! They have such a fun connection that kept my attention from the very beginning.
If I ever get lost in space, I want to be found by Airik. He starts off a little rough around the edges, but once he starts to truly see Nora in a different light, OMG, it was pure gold! He has these subtle mannerisms that absolutely killed me, like constantly pulling her braids or silently chanting his people’s mantra to stop himself from giving in. The slow burn was giving sis! Once he was all in… my God. Possessive and attentive in the best way! I absolutely loved him.
Nora is fun and sweet. I loved how she just rolled with the flow. I mean, if a hardcore 6’ plus gray blue alien tells you what to do while pulling your braids, I’d listen too 👏🏻 I definitely would have trusted Airik, I just would have complained more 😅 She’s a real one!
I felt like Torani did an amazing job of balancing the romance with survival scenarios and emotional character growth. The conflict at the end had me on the edge of my seat! I thought it was logical and really well done. I’m definitely going to have a book hangover after this one!
July 18, 2026
My goodness! What a debut for Perri Torani! If you love sci-fi romance this one is unskippable. The plot is layered beautifully, the characters are all amazing in their rolls, and the spice is 🔥. This is a long book for the genre but by the end you will likely wish you had more.
Airik is a conflicted, sad, grumpy, lonely emo alien who's been forged into one of the greatest weapons in the universe. There's so much going on here that I fear we only get the base layer to this overarching plot. Then we have Nora who's our sad, defeated FMC with a tragic past who's hanging on by a thread. In a twist of fate they are both stranded on a planet filled with danger and an unknown timetable for rescue.
This book is exactly what you think it is but it's also so much more. The relationship that grows between these two characters is just stunning honestly. There are a few silly things that pop up every now and again but it lightened the mood of the story so much. There's also a ton of story left to explore even though we get a HFN in this one. I hope we get POVs from Airik and Nora in book 2 as well as the new couple. I honestly can't wait!
Airik is a conflicted, sad, grumpy, lonely emo alien who's been forged into one of the greatest weapons in the universe. There's so much going on here that I fear we only get the base layer to this overarching plot. Then we have Nora who's our sad, defeated FMC with a tragic past who's hanging on by a thread. In a twist of fate they are both stranded on a planet filled with danger and an unknown timetable for rescue.
This book is exactly what you think it is but it's also so much more. The relationship that grows between these two characters is just stunning honestly. There are a few silly things that pop up every now and again but it lightened the mood of the story so much. There's also a ton of story left to explore even though we get a HFN in this one. I hope we get POVs from Airik and Nora in book 2 as well as the new couple. I honestly can't wait!
July 24, 2026
This isn’t a call out to get the author in trouble. I just feel like I am going INSANE because this is CLEARLY AI written/directed. It doesn’t mean it’s not good or entertaining, but I feel crazy with all of you eating it up and no one mentioning this elephant in the room. And it’s not merely “AI-ish” in a vague sense, it has several very specific habits ChatGPT and its AI friends.
For me, it's okay if it's AI if someone talented has written/directed a decent story. But I do feel GASLIT that no one else is talking about this. So let me take you through my observations…
From the beginning the carefully balanced contrasts were a bit too repetitive to be human: “untouched, untaken, unconquered”; “beautiful yet terrifying”; laboratory-designed versus “born wild.”
Emotions translated into grand abstractions, “a weight pressing against his throat with its enormity” rather than giving the reader the sensation or behavior. And the full phrase, “a beautiful yet terrifying weight pressing against his throat with its enormity” oh my… every word sounds profound, BUT the text hasn't built up to that kind of greatness and these grand abstractions exist too often and they make me exhausted to read, like I can’t breathe.
And of course, the overly recognizable sentence construction AI LOVES: “For the first time in his life, X…” followed shortly afterwards by another “for the first time in his life…”
Humans don't write like this page after page.... “Always a little too close. Forever behind her.” Pairs of balanced sentence fragments; emotionally resonant, syntactically parallel mini-sentences intended to make an ordinary observation FEEL profound.
“The swell had risen too quickly, powered by an ever-warming planet that bred unpredictability.” This is nails down a chalkboard for me... In the middle of a child’s traumatic sensory memory, the narration suddenly becomes a climate-policy synopsis.
“His face faltered into something striking and tragic—a statue of a hero abandoned in an ancient temple, frozen in eternal torment.” This is extraordinarily ChatGPT-ish. It stacks several prestige-drama signals—striking, tragic, hero, abandoned, ancient temple, eternal torment—without forming one precise image.
“His eyes flickered, like stars—he didn’t believe her.” The simile and its alleged meaning don't connect. Eyes flickering “like stars” does not communicate disbelief and of course any author should be allowed to use the word "flicker" however it has become a tainted word with AI use and this author used it 22 times. That’s a lot of flickering….
And then one of the most conspicuous passages:
“His gaze bathed her in bright shine, and there was hope that under his brilliant regard, she might become something better.”
UMMM, say what? “Bathed her in bright shine” is not a natural English collocation. “Bright shine” is redundant and visually undefined. His gaze shines, then his regard is brilliant??
“His breath was hard” — people breathe hard; their breath is usually heavy, ragged, or labored. “He was breathing hard”... is usually how people say that.
“Thinking I’d lost your life” — unnatural phrasing; normally- thinking I’d lost you or thinking you had died. This may be deliberately alien diction.
I am not going to be like Frankie Shelf and rip this apart... like she did to Shy Girl because I don’t care if it's AI if someone talented has written a story. But let's open this space to allow authors to be transparent about AI and not gaslight people who are like me who say, “It’s okay to LOVE a book that was directed/written with AI.” And for all of you saying, “You can’t prove it’s AI.” Ha. No you’re 100% correct, I can’t PROVE it’s AI with another AI, but I have eyes, a thinking mind, and I have been reading for decades so just like any other adult who has been doing something for a while, I know what I know. And this I know.
For me, it's okay if it's AI if someone talented has written/directed a decent story. But I do feel GASLIT that no one else is talking about this. So let me take you through my observations…
From the beginning the carefully balanced contrasts were a bit too repetitive to be human: “untouched, untaken, unconquered”; “beautiful yet terrifying”; laboratory-designed versus “born wild.”
Emotions translated into grand abstractions, “a weight pressing against his throat with its enormity” rather than giving the reader the sensation or behavior. And the full phrase, “a beautiful yet terrifying weight pressing against his throat with its enormity” oh my… every word sounds profound, BUT the text hasn't built up to that kind of greatness and these grand abstractions exist too often and they make me exhausted to read, like I can’t breathe.
And of course, the overly recognizable sentence construction AI LOVES: “For the first time in his life, X…” followed shortly afterwards by another “for the first time in his life…”
Humans don't write like this page after page.... “Always a little too close. Forever behind her.” Pairs of balanced sentence fragments; emotionally resonant, syntactically parallel mini-sentences intended to make an ordinary observation FEEL profound.
“The swell had risen too quickly, powered by an ever-warming planet that bred unpredictability.” This is nails down a chalkboard for me... In the middle of a child’s traumatic sensory memory, the narration suddenly becomes a climate-policy synopsis.
“His face faltered into something striking and tragic—a statue of a hero abandoned in an ancient temple, frozen in eternal torment.” This is extraordinarily ChatGPT-ish. It stacks several prestige-drama signals—striking, tragic, hero, abandoned, ancient temple, eternal torment—without forming one precise image.
“His eyes flickered, like stars—he didn’t believe her.” The simile and its alleged meaning don't connect. Eyes flickering “like stars” does not communicate disbelief and of course any author should be allowed to use the word "flicker" however it has become a tainted word with AI use and this author used it 22 times. That’s a lot of flickering….
And then one of the most conspicuous passages:
“His gaze bathed her in bright shine, and there was hope that under his brilliant regard, she might become something better.”
UMMM, say what? “Bathed her in bright shine” is not a natural English collocation. “Bright shine” is redundant and visually undefined. His gaze shines, then his regard is brilliant??
“His breath was hard” — people breathe hard; their breath is usually heavy, ragged, or labored. “He was breathing hard”... is usually how people say that.
“Thinking I’d lost your life” — unnatural phrasing; normally- thinking I’d lost you or thinking you had died. This may be deliberately alien diction.
I am not going to be like Frankie Shelf and rip this apart... like she did to Shy Girl because I don’t care if it's AI if someone talented has written a story. But let's open this space to allow authors to be transparent about AI and not gaslight people who are like me who say, “It’s okay to LOVE a book that was directed/written with AI.” And for all of you saying, “You can’t prove it’s AI.” Ha. No you’re 100% correct, I can’t PROVE it’s AI with another AI, but I have eyes, a thinking mind, and I have been reading for decades so just like any other adult who has been doing something for a while, I know what I know. And this I know.
July 29, 2026
Mesmerizing
4.5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Dual/third person POV
Book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones
Format: paperback
Check the triggers!!!
Spoiler free
I’m a sucker for an alien romance so I had to read this debut by an indie author & I am honestly shocked just how well this delivered. Now, I was iffy when I came across the slight spice in the prologue. The author doesn’t shy away from the fact that this is a spicy book BUT turns out, it’s so, so much more than aliens & smut.
Straight away, how is this a debut??! The writing is mature, immersive, real & raw. The imagination of this author fascinates me; she was able to create such a complex & intricate world that actually makes “make believe” sense in this blend of aliens/sci-fi/fantasy/dystopian/futuristic all revolving around a romance. This requires your full attention because the world building is elaborate with a vast scope that can at times feel messy but by the end, I got into the swing of the lore.
This recipe is scrumptious: a human lands on an empty planet housing a hot AF alien….Whatever will they do😏😏😏😏😏 But in all seriousness, considering this book is almost 600 pages, the spice ratio isn’t as high as I anticipated. Yes, this is what I consider a fast burn (the spice starts at 50%) but it makes sense within their circumstances. Which comes in the form of the best tension filled forced proximity.
When we meet the FMC, her mental health keeps her in a daze. & when we meet the MMC, he’s incredibly hardened almost jaded. I love how their meeting isn’t lusty or vulgar. Both of the MC’s are so painfully broken & getting to see how they help each other come out of the tragedy that is their lives is beautiful. You’d think an alien dude would be one dimensional; not the case. These individuals may be touched starved physically but they’re also starved for life & what it could actually offer them. The vulnerability they develop with each other made me emotional a few times. The spice is very closely linked to the plot. Which IMO the romance is the plot here even though there’s clearly an overarching plot that’ll carry over. I adore how their language barrier helped facilitate their entertaining dialogue.
The themes here are on the darker side but approached well. Considering how much needs to go into a standalone, the pacing & the plot progression was great. The ending was sad & viscous & cathartic but could have also ran a bit longer instead of making the rest of the book way too long in certain parts.
Listen, will you encounter some ridiculousness along the way? Oh yea😅it’s aliens so expect some farfetched nonsense 🤷♀️but none of the little imperfections take away from the overall delivery of this story. I’m looking forward to the next couple’s book!
4.5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Dual/third person POV
Book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones
Format: paperback
Check the triggers!!!
Spoiler free
I’m a sucker for an alien romance so I had to read this debut by an indie author & I am honestly shocked just how well this delivered. Now, I was iffy when I came across the slight spice in the prologue. The author doesn’t shy away from the fact that this is a spicy book BUT turns out, it’s so, so much more than aliens & smut.
Straight away, how is this a debut??! The writing is mature, immersive, real & raw. The imagination of this author fascinates me; she was able to create such a complex & intricate world that actually makes “make believe” sense in this blend of aliens/sci-fi/fantasy/dystopian/futuristic all revolving around a romance. This requires your full attention because the world building is elaborate with a vast scope that can at times feel messy but by the end, I got into the swing of the lore.
This recipe is scrumptious: a human lands on an empty planet housing a hot AF alien….Whatever will they do😏😏😏😏😏 But in all seriousness, considering this book is almost 600 pages, the spice ratio isn’t as high as I anticipated. Yes, this is what I consider a fast burn (the spice starts at 50%) but it makes sense within their circumstances. Which comes in the form of the best tension filled forced proximity.
When we meet the FMC, her mental health keeps her in a daze. & when we meet the MMC, he’s incredibly hardened almost jaded. I love how their meeting isn’t lusty or vulgar. Both of the MC’s are so painfully broken & getting to see how they help each other come out of the tragedy that is their lives is beautiful. You’d think an alien dude would be one dimensional; not the case. These individuals may be touched starved physically but they’re also starved for life & what it could actually offer them. The vulnerability they develop with each other made me emotional a few times. The spice is very closely linked to the plot. Which IMO the romance is the plot here even though there’s clearly an overarching plot that’ll carry over. I adore how their language barrier helped facilitate their entertaining dialogue.
The themes here are on the darker side but approached well. Considering how much needs to go into a standalone, the pacing & the plot progression was great. The ending was sad & viscous & cathartic but could have also ran a bit longer instead of making the rest of the book way too long in certain parts.
Listen, will you encounter some ridiculousness along the way? Oh yea😅it’s aliens so expect some farfetched nonsense 🤷♀️but none of the little imperfections take away from the overall delivery of this story. I’m looking forward to the next couple’s book!
July 26, 2026
‘Arezai. Love. A forbidden word in the ancient Voraki language. Erased and never replaced in the common language.’
Wildborn is stunning poetic heart-aching sci fi romance perfection.
This really is a sad boi sad girl romance. They’re starved for love, touch, and reassurance. Airik is not only the yearner of the century, and Nora is so relatable in her desperate brokenness, but holy shit Perri Torani is a wizard with words. This book was about 600 pages long but I’d read 100,000 more. It was so overwhelming to the senses; I wasn’t just reading, I was feeling.
‘He wanted to climb into the chamber with Nora so that when he died, their limbs would be twisted together and decay with one another. When the suns would swallow this planet billions of years from now, all that would be left of their bodies would burn together, and finally there would be no him without her.’
‘Nora didn’t believe in anything. Not God or gods. Not a coherent force that bound all life on Earth—or in the universe, now that she knew better—together in some shared consciousness. But she knew, as well as she knew her own name, that he had been what pulled her through the stars. Their hearts might have even broken at the same time, before either had known the other existed. Airik had called her to him. An explosive love that had drawn her out of a sleep she had once wanted to die in.’
Wildborn is stunning poetic heart-aching sci fi romance perfection.
This really is a sad boi sad girl romance. They’re starved for love, touch, and reassurance. Airik is not only the yearner of the century, and Nora is so relatable in her desperate brokenness, but holy shit Perri Torani is a wizard with words. This book was about 600 pages long but I’d read 100,000 more. It was so overwhelming to the senses; I wasn’t just reading, I was feeling.
‘He wanted to climb into the chamber with Nora so that when he died, their limbs would be twisted together and decay with one another. When the suns would swallow this planet billions of years from now, all that would be left of their bodies would burn together, and finally there would be no him without her.’
‘Nora didn’t believe in anything. Not God or gods. Not a coherent force that bound all life on Earth—or in the universe, now that she knew better—together in some shared consciousness. But she knew, as well as she knew her own name, that he had been what pulled her through the stars. Their hearts might have even broken at the same time, before either had known the other existed. Airik had called her to him. An explosive love that had drawn her out of a sleep she had once wanted to die in.’
July 26, 2026
Ugh… I am so disappointed and feel like I am the only one who absolutely did not like this.
First the over-explaining of literally everything. The beginning was one big information dump I did not care for and I didn’t understand half of it… and tbh I wouldnt have needed it to get the story.
Also the writing… it felt off. It didn’t pull me in and I wanted to dnf way before I did.
Airik is the only reason I kept reading. He’s hot and I like a touchstarved alien who doesn’t know how to kiss… but this whole „Untouched. Untaken. Unconquered.“… it was going on my nerves okay?! I got it after the tenth time I didn’t need to read it in every other sentence.
And Nora?! Listen, I am not a very confident Person… Just like her… but this girl was so annoying with her constant whining… you get a lot of cock and that cum makes you high please stop crying for once.
So First there is a lot of worldbuilding and after that there is just spice. A loooooot of spice and I am a smut lover but there was absolutely no plot and I didn’t care to go on Reading.
I expected more cause everyone and their grandma is hyping this up.
First the over-explaining of literally everything. The beginning was one big information dump I did not care for and I didn’t understand half of it… and tbh I wouldnt have needed it to get the story.
Also the writing… it felt off. It didn’t pull me in and I wanted to dnf way before I did.
Airik is the only reason I kept reading. He’s hot and I like a touchstarved alien who doesn’t know how to kiss… but this whole „Untouched. Untaken. Unconquered.“… it was going on my nerves okay?! I got it after the tenth time I didn’t need to read it in every other sentence.
And Nora?! Listen, I am not a very confident Person… Just like her… but this girl was so annoying with her constant whining… you get a lot of cock and that cum makes you high please stop crying for once.
So First there is a lot of worldbuilding and after that there is just spice. A loooooot of spice and I am a smut lover but there was absolutely no plot and I didn’t care to go on Reading.
I expected more cause everyone and their grandma is hyping this up.
Read
July 23, 2026DNF @ 63%.
i absolutely snailed my way through this. it took me 6 days to get to 63%. that's... a lot of days for me.
i think this was a lot darker, more depressing, and more dystopian (in a hopeless kind of way) than i'd expected. so it was tough to get through and i found myself hesitant to pick the book back up again after putting it down.
the world the author has created is simply not an enjoyable one for me to dive into, because it's so hopeless, cold, and cruel. both the heroine's home planet (earth), and the hero's.
and this worldbuilding really didn't mesh with the fact that the story is ultimately about two people falling in love.
the H and h falling for each other was actually pretty lighthearted, except for aaaallll the times we were reminded that all odds are against them.
the hero thinks about how his government is going to want to forcibly breed the heroine over and over, and the heroine thinks about how she deserves death, etc.
it was... a lot.
and then they have sex a whole lot and the hero's seed makes the heroine high.
this book was just SUCH a wild mix of cute fantasy romcom + dark dystopic + OTT erotica. and unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
i absolutely snailed my way through this. it took me 6 days to get to 63%. that's... a lot of days for me.
i think this was a lot darker, more depressing, and more dystopian (in a hopeless kind of way) than i'd expected. so it was tough to get through and i found myself hesitant to pick the book back up again after putting it down.
the world the author has created is simply not an enjoyable one for me to dive into, because it's so hopeless, cold, and cruel. both the heroine's home planet (earth), and the hero's.
and this worldbuilding really didn't mesh with the fact that the story is ultimately about two people falling in love.
the H and h falling for each other was actually pretty lighthearted, except for aaaallll the times we were reminded that all odds are against them.
the hero thinks about how his government is going to want to forcibly breed the heroine over and over, and the heroine thinks about how she deserves death, etc.
it was... a lot.
and then they have sex a whole lot and the hero's seed makes the heroine high.
this book was just SUCH a wild mix of cute fantasy romcom + dark dystopic + OTT erotica. and unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
Hands down one of the best Alien Romance I’ve ever read!
One day I randomly saw a reel and decided to sign up for the ARC. Thank god, I did!
From the prologue itself I was completely hooked. I enjoyed everything about this book.
It’s medium paced, well written and steamy with the most amazing protagonists.
When Airik and Nora meet for the first time, they were two completely broken people who were just floating through life. I would say this is their story of healing, redemption and slowly letting past go and love each other.
Airik was one of the best hero and I’m not saying it only because he’s tortured, tall, gorgeous and blonde! He has the softest heart inside that hard exterior. I enjoyed how obsessed he was. That man lived and breathed for Nora.
Nora was such a sweetheart. My heart broke for her, every time Theo came up. So glad she met Airik and hot her HEA.
Lucky was amazing. I loved that beautiful pup.
This one is completely safe with a V hero. It also has HFN ending with more to come.
Can’t wait to read more.
-Sci-Fi romance.
-Stranded together.
-Forbidden romance.
-Human x Alien
-Touch starved, grumpy, yearner hero.
-Dual POV
-Safe, TW, recommended and KU.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
P.s check the author’s IG to see the stunning artworks.
One day I randomly saw a reel and decided to sign up for the ARC. Thank god, I did!
From the prologue itself I was completely hooked. I enjoyed everything about this book.
It’s medium paced, well written and steamy with the most amazing protagonists.
When Airik and Nora meet for the first time, they were two completely broken people who were just floating through life. I would say this is their story of healing, redemption and slowly letting past go and love each other.
Airik was one of the best hero and I’m not saying it only because he’s tortured, tall, gorgeous and blonde! He has the softest heart inside that hard exterior. I enjoyed how obsessed he was. That man lived and breathed for Nora.
Nora was such a sweetheart. My heart broke for her, every time Theo came up. So glad she met Airik and hot her HEA.
Lucky was amazing. I loved that beautiful pup.
This one is completely safe with a V hero. It also has HFN ending with more to come.
Can’t wait to read more.
-Sci-Fi romance.
-Stranded together.
-Forbidden romance.
-Human x Alien
-Touch starved, grumpy, yearner hero.
-Dual POV
-Safe, TW, recommended and KU.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
P.s check the author’s IG to see the stunning artworks.
July 17, 2026
Thank you to Perri for this advanced copy! This was my first sci-fi romance and I’m now a convert, a believer, OBSESSED!
I feel a void in my soul now that I’m done with Airik and Nora’s story. This book had everything I wanted and it completely consumed me for 48 hours. I just finished and I feel every single emotion.
Nora and Airik’s meet-cute was so fun and entertaining. They were both cautious but curious about each other. Airik was very grumpy and was annoyed by everything Nora did. They both had a lot of trauma that influenced the way they acted toward each other and they bonded and connected on such a deep level. Airik’s language skills and phrasing was my favorite part. He was so endearing and I feel like I highlighted so many of his lines in this book. The yearning was on another level and Airik and Nora together was the sweetest most wholesome thing. The spice was amazing as well (Airik loves to eat and is a fast learner 🥵).
The last 20ish % was super stressful and I started to doubt that there would be a happy ending. The last few chapters healed me. Airik is so sweet and his love for Nora is so pure.
I just finished and my brain is mush and I’m trying not to cry so this review probably sounds very chaotic. Maybe I’ll come back later and edit it, maybe I won’t. Either way, please go read this. It’s amazing, sweet, perfect, and addicting. Airik and Nora have now claimed a spot as one of my favorite book couples and Airik is a top tier MMC.
I feel a void in my soul now that I’m done with Airik and Nora’s story. This book had everything I wanted and it completely consumed me for 48 hours. I just finished and I feel every single emotion.
Nora and Airik’s meet-cute was so fun and entertaining. They were both cautious but curious about each other. Airik was very grumpy and was annoyed by everything Nora did. They both had a lot of trauma that influenced the way they acted toward each other and they bonded and connected on such a deep level. Airik’s language skills and phrasing was my favorite part. He was so endearing and I feel like I highlighted so many of his lines in this book. The yearning was on another level and Airik and Nora together was the sweetest most wholesome thing. The spice was amazing as well (Airik loves to eat and is a fast learner 🥵).
The last 20ish % was super stressful and I started to doubt that there would be a happy ending. The last few chapters healed me. Airik is so sweet and his love for Nora is so pure.
I just finished and my brain is mush and I’m trying not to cry so this review probably sounds very chaotic. Maybe I’ll come back later and edit it, maybe I won’t. Either way, please go read this. It’s amazing, sweet, perfect, and addicting. Airik and Nora have now claimed a spot as one of my favorite book couples and Airik is a top tier MMC.
August 4, 2026
I thought I was getting a spicy alien romance. Yup I got that - I was ready for that 🔥 What I was not expecting was on top of super hot spice was to meet a king of yearning and a story that was so romantic and heart wrenching and filled with surprise emotional damage. This book is soooo good and was able to accomplish so much. The found family was also incredible and I am so invested in more interconnected future books. I loved this 💕
July 26, 2026
DNF 76%
July 20, 2026
Color me genuinely impressed.
I don't usually reach for alien romance because I haven't previously read one that really resonated that strongly with me, but this one completely changed my expectations for what the genre can do.
The world-building is fascinating and layered in a way I wasn't expecting, with fantasy-type elements sprinkled through the science fiction that give the alien history and culture so much depth. The characters are complex and their backstories are dark and deeply felt, which honestly isn't something I'm used to getting from this genre. If all alien romance was written like this, I would be first in line for every single one.
These two are just so sad and so lost that watching them find each other despite being literally from different worlds is genuinely beautiful. Nora's grief due to her childhood loss hit me personally in a way I wasn't prepared for. Airik as a child soldier who had everything taken from him and was treated as other is just as quietly devastating. My heart ached for both of them throughout. I cried more than once.
Nora is fairly passive for a good stretch, but it makes sense given everything she's carrying and watching her grow and overcome her past is really satisfying. And I really think the ending opens us up for seeing her strength grow even more.
Don't worry though, this is plenty fun alongside all the darkness. And that ending sets up something altogether new and exciting with several threads I cannot wait to follow.
Cannot wait for the next one.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
I don't usually reach for alien romance because I haven't previously read one that really resonated that strongly with me, but this one completely changed my expectations for what the genre can do.
The world-building is fascinating and layered in a way I wasn't expecting, with fantasy-type elements sprinkled through the science fiction that give the alien history and culture so much depth. The characters are complex and their backstories are dark and deeply felt, which honestly isn't something I'm used to getting from this genre. If all alien romance was written like this, I would be first in line for every single one.
These two are just so sad and so lost that watching them find each other despite being literally from different worlds is genuinely beautiful. Nora's grief due to her childhood loss hit me personally in a way I wasn't prepared for. Airik as a child soldier who had everything taken from him and was treated as other is just as quietly devastating. My heart ached for both of them throughout. I cried more than once.
Nora is fairly passive for a good stretch, but it makes sense given everything she's carrying and watching her grow and overcome her past is really satisfying. And I really think the ending opens us up for seeing her strength grow even more.
Don't worry though, this is plenty fun alongside all the darkness. And that ending sets up something altogether new and exciting with several threads I cannot wait to follow.
Cannot wait for the next one.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
August 4, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first sci-fi alien romance, and oh boy did it not disappoint! I’m actually impressed that this was the first book published by this author. It was really well done.
Our FMC Nora is human who has a traumatic past. The MMC Airik is an Alien warrior who is called Wildborn because he is a little different from the other alien warriors. His backstory is also sad 😭. The FMC and MMC both end up stranded on a desolated planet (that the MMC is supposed to destroy), and they work together to find a way out.
A trope I LOVED was learning their language. The MMC only knew a little bit of English, so he had to learn quickly in order to understand Nora. Guys the MMC is perfection. He’s actually a cinnamon roll (even though he is a 7 foot tall alien warrior). He is OBSESSED with her braid and AND he made her shoes ❤️❤️
Oh and he asks her what a kiss is 👀❤️. I liked that our FMC is 30 years old. The first half is basically them wandering the planet together trying to find a way out. Some may think this will be slow and boring, but to me I loved it (hello forced proximity)
Anyways please go read this and you might shed some tears 😭
What to expect:
✨Sci-fi alien romance
✨7 foot tall alien warrior
✨30 year old FMC
✨MMC hasn’t been touched before 😏
✨Cute sidekick animal
✨Magical c*m that kind of acts as an aphrodisiac 🤣
✨Emotional
✨Interconnected standalone
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first sci-fi alien romance, and oh boy did it not disappoint! I’m actually impressed that this was the first book published by this author. It was really well done.
Our FMC Nora is human who has a traumatic past. The MMC Airik is an Alien warrior who is called Wildborn because he is a little different from the other alien warriors. His backstory is also sad 😭. The FMC and MMC both end up stranded on a desolated planet (that the MMC is supposed to destroy), and they work together to find a way out.
A trope I LOVED was learning their language. The MMC only knew a little bit of English, so he had to learn quickly in order to understand Nora. Guys the MMC is perfection. He’s actually a cinnamon roll (even though he is a 7 foot tall alien warrior). He is OBSESSED with her braid and AND he made her shoes ❤️❤️
Oh and he asks her what a kiss is 👀❤️. I liked that our FMC is 30 years old. The first half is basically them wandering the planet together trying to find a way out. Some may think this will be slow and boring, but to me I loved it (hello forced proximity)
Anyways please go read this and you might shed some tears 😭
What to expect:
✨Sci-fi alien romance
✨7 foot tall alien warrior
✨30 year old FMC
✨MMC hasn’t been touched before 😏
✨Cute sidekick animal
✨Magical c*m that kind of acts as an aphrodisiac 🤣
✨Emotional
✨Interconnected standalone
July 30, 2026
i would tear my chest open with my bare hands for airik.
July 18, 2026
Oh, this book. The characters, the themes, everything has my heart in my throat and I am sitting here wishing I could protect everyone in this story from everything. I'll just have to settle in and wait for the next book to be released (there will be another one right? Because that ending has made my heart ache). The cover drew me in and the synopsis cemented that I needed to read this book but it was the inner turmoil, the yearning for something more, the driving need to find somewhere to belong that has made this one beautiful book and everything I never knew I needed from one of my most anticipated July reads.
The Wildborn follows Airik, brought up to be a morazir, a warrior forced to serve the Veynari, who have made it a point to conquer civilizations. Airik must live with the oaths of a morazir, specifically to remain untouched, untaken and unconquered. When Airik is given the task of decommissioning a planet, he sees a rogue spacecraft heading towards the planet and he pursues it in time to see it crash. Rather than follow the rules that he should, he decides to rescue the occupant within, a young woman named Nora. This book also follows Nora, a young woman who had been living on a space station until her uncle forces her to flee from an unknown threat. Now Nora is at the mercy of an alien soldier who is determined to keep her alive but is bound by his oaths that mean his touch is only meant to destroy. Now forced to stick together, they go on foot in search of something to send word back for a rescue to come to their aid. Airik is determined to keep to his oaths but there is something enticing about Nora that makes him remember things he thought he'd lost in his childhood and their connection begins an irresistible pull between them that Airik is set on keeping once they leave the planet. As time passes and the pair grow closer, Airik has to consider the truth that the Veynari won't allow one of their soldiers to be weakened by something like love. In order to keep what he has found with Nora, Airik will have to find a way to keep her safe from the world he came from after finding a way to rescue her from a planet they are both stranded on.
The world in this book is in a way, terrifying to behold. The idea of this empire in space that has made it a point of taking over different civilizations and the various experiments that they commission is horrible enough but then we're given the details about how the morazir are chosen in childhood and the fact that only so many of these kids survive to adulthood and it just all serves to highlight exactly what kind of force is at work here. Torani gave the readers an interesting start to the book, showing Airik's parents and then parts of his childhood to add emphasis to the fact that Airik is considered a "wildborn". His parents truly loved each other and rather than allow for him to be modified in the womb, his parents chose to keep him as he was naturally meant to be. The fact that this kind of thing is controlled is chilling to think about and then add that to the fact that the Veynari take from everything, and this force driving Airik is like the boogeyman, always in the background, something that adds a hint of threat to every moment. It's something that Airik has been unable to escape and yet, once Nora enters the picture, readers are able to understand exactly what is at stake when Airik begins to consider a different future.
I thought the fact that Torani made this book a dual-narrative really helped to highlight the differences between how the two leads were raised and yet how they are able to connect through their losses, proving that personal struggles transcend the conflict of aliens versus humanity. The detail given to the planet that Airik and Nora are stranded on also served to emphasize what the Veynari would commission and how quickly they would be to get rid of something they have no use for. The planet is contaminated by a contagion that they are determined to get rid of and this threat is something that Airik is personally familiar with. Seeing the effects of it on the plants and wildlife give the book a threat that they can deal with in the present moment but it also can have lasting effects on the whole of the universe if it is left the way that it is currently. There is also the threat of whatever forced Nora's uncle to evacuate his niece from the space station. Altogether, the world of this story is a threatening place and our leads will be forced to contend with many different obstacles over the course of not only this book but several more installments, to say the least.
As for the characters, I can't rave enough about Airik and Nora and Lucky and Torren. Each of these characters worked their way into my heart and I have not been able to let them go yet. I think these people will be living in my head and my heart for the foreseeable future, I just can't let them go yet. I felt so much sorrow for Airik and the losses he had and I rooted for him from the start to let himself fall for Nora because he deserved something more for his life, something his parents had and which he deserved to have as well. As for Nora, I wanted to help this poor girl to find peace. I wished I could have helped her more for the losses she had in childhood and I really admire the way Torani handled the themes of grief and destructive thoughts with Nora. It felt realistic in the sense that while Nora had received therapy, she still felt the things she did because of her environment and the adult influences she had in her formative years. I was so grateful that these two characters found each other and were able to if not move on, at least find a common ground that would help them find ways to process their trauma in a healthier way and fall in love.
I want a Lucky for myself, I LOVED this little animal companion, quickly taken in by Nora to become a formidable animal companion for the rest of the book. I loved how Lucky became a member of their family, how Airik trusted Lucky to take care of Nora and how Nora trusted Lucky to find Airik when she needed him. All books need an animal companion and Lucky is one of the best ones I've seen in any book. As for Torren, I loved how he was the one piece of Airik's childhood that was determined to stick around. Torren literally calls himself Airik's "brother" and is happy to repeat that to anyone, especially when he knows that Airik is denying it. Their relationship was heart-warming and each time he came back into the story, I knew I was in for some heartwarming scenes between the two morazir. I can't wait to see what comes next for each of these characters in future installments.
As for the plot and themes, Torani has made something beautiful here with the careful handling of Nora and Airik and their trauma. Nora broke my heart with her belief that she wasn't worth love and when the truth was revealed, I wanted to swoop in and rescue her alongside Airik. Torani worked the themes of grief with a careful attention to the way grief has a way of changing the mindset of the individual, showing Nora and her disregard for her safety until Airik starts to make it his point to keep her safe. I also appreciated the fact that Torani didn't have Nora and Airik automatically healed by their new relationship. The foundation is there to make changes for the future but the healing will take time to truly take effect, if there is ever a way to completely heal from trauma. There are no easy solutions to the issues in this book and I love that.
The journey to get off the planet is only the start of the many plot threads in this book that have been planted here to expand into future stories. There is also the issue of the substance on the planet that Airik is meant to decommission, a substance that could kill everyone that inhales it. Alongside the threat of the Veynari, both of these threats will be major players in the future that will force Airik, Nora, Lucky and Torren into new trials that I can't wait to read. It also bears mentioning that the spicy scenes in this book felt like a natural progression to the relationship between the characters. This wasn't done to be gratuitous, the spice was added to enhance the connection already building between the leads and it felt like a necessary part of their new love. I adore when books take their time with the spicy scenes because when done right, they feel earned and the new level to the relationship feels important with the physical added in with the mental connection that already existed between the characters. There is spice because all new love stories have spice eventually and it was not added in to hide the fact that the leads don't understand each other as individuals or cared about each other before the physical became a component of their relationship.
In the end, I LOVED and ADORED this book. It was everything I was expecting and everything I didn't know I needed from my new read. Read it for the alien romance but be amazed by the blossoming of young love and a found family I can't wait to see more of in the future.
Rating on my Scale: 10 Stars. Seriously, this book is a solid 600+ pages and I still would have been able to read twice that amount just to stay in this world with these people a little longer. I can't wait for my special edition to arrive so I can read it all over again.
The Wildborn follows Airik, brought up to be a morazir, a warrior forced to serve the Veynari, who have made it a point to conquer civilizations. Airik must live with the oaths of a morazir, specifically to remain untouched, untaken and unconquered. When Airik is given the task of decommissioning a planet, he sees a rogue spacecraft heading towards the planet and he pursues it in time to see it crash. Rather than follow the rules that he should, he decides to rescue the occupant within, a young woman named Nora. This book also follows Nora, a young woman who had been living on a space station until her uncle forces her to flee from an unknown threat. Now Nora is at the mercy of an alien soldier who is determined to keep her alive but is bound by his oaths that mean his touch is only meant to destroy. Now forced to stick together, they go on foot in search of something to send word back for a rescue to come to their aid. Airik is determined to keep to his oaths but there is something enticing about Nora that makes him remember things he thought he'd lost in his childhood and their connection begins an irresistible pull between them that Airik is set on keeping once they leave the planet. As time passes and the pair grow closer, Airik has to consider the truth that the Veynari won't allow one of their soldiers to be weakened by something like love. In order to keep what he has found with Nora, Airik will have to find a way to keep her safe from the world he came from after finding a way to rescue her from a planet they are both stranded on.
The world in this book is in a way, terrifying to behold. The idea of this empire in space that has made it a point of taking over different civilizations and the various experiments that they commission is horrible enough but then we're given the details about how the morazir are chosen in childhood and the fact that only so many of these kids survive to adulthood and it just all serves to highlight exactly what kind of force is at work here. Torani gave the readers an interesting start to the book, showing Airik's parents and then parts of his childhood to add emphasis to the fact that Airik is considered a "wildborn". His parents truly loved each other and rather than allow for him to be modified in the womb, his parents chose to keep him as he was naturally meant to be. The fact that this kind of thing is controlled is chilling to think about and then add that to the fact that the Veynari take from everything, and this force driving Airik is like the boogeyman, always in the background, something that adds a hint of threat to every moment. It's something that Airik has been unable to escape and yet, once Nora enters the picture, readers are able to understand exactly what is at stake when Airik begins to consider a different future.
I thought the fact that Torani made this book a dual-narrative really helped to highlight the differences between how the two leads were raised and yet how they are able to connect through their losses, proving that personal struggles transcend the conflict of aliens versus humanity. The detail given to the planet that Airik and Nora are stranded on also served to emphasize what the Veynari would commission and how quickly they would be to get rid of something they have no use for. The planet is contaminated by a contagion that they are determined to get rid of and this threat is something that Airik is personally familiar with. Seeing the effects of it on the plants and wildlife give the book a threat that they can deal with in the present moment but it also can have lasting effects on the whole of the universe if it is left the way that it is currently. There is also the threat of whatever forced Nora's uncle to evacuate his niece from the space station. Altogether, the world of this story is a threatening place and our leads will be forced to contend with many different obstacles over the course of not only this book but several more installments, to say the least.
As for the characters, I can't rave enough about Airik and Nora and Lucky and Torren. Each of these characters worked their way into my heart and I have not been able to let them go yet. I think these people will be living in my head and my heart for the foreseeable future, I just can't let them go yet. I felt so much sorrow for Airik and the losses he had and I rooted for him from the start to let himself fall for Nora because he deserved something more for his life, something his parents had and which he deserved to have as well. As for Nora, I wanted to help this poor girl to find peace. I wished I could have helped her more for the losses she had in childhood and I really admire the way Torani handled the themes of grief and destructive thoughts with Nora. It felt realistic in the sense that while Nora had received therapy, she still felt the things she did because of her environment and the adult influences she had in her formative years. I was so grateful that these two characters found each other and were able to if not move on, at least find a common ground that would help them find ways to process their trauma in a healthier way and fall in love.
I want a Lucky for myself, I LOVED this little animal companion, quickly taken in by Nora to become a formidable animal companion for the rest of the book. I loved how Lucky became a member of their family, how Airik trusted Lucky to take care of Nora and how Nora trusted Lucky to find Airik when she needed him. All books need an animal companion and Lucky is one of the best ones I've seen in any book. As for Torren, I loved how he was the one piece of Airik's childhood that was determined to stick around. Torren literally calls himself Airik's "brother" and is happy to repeat that to anyone, especially when he knows that Airik is denying it. Their relationship was heart-warming and each time he came back into the story, I knew I was in for some heartwarming scenes between the two morazir. I can't wait to see what comes next for each of these characters in future installments.
As for the plot and themes, Torani has made something beautiful here with the careful handling of Nora and Airik and their trauma. Nora broke my heart with her belief that she wasn't worth love and when the truth was revealed, I wanted to swoop in and rescue her alongside Airik. Torani worked the themes of grief with a careful attention to the way grief has a way of changing the mindset of the individual, showing Nora and her disregard for her safety until Airik starts to make it his point to keep her safe. I also appreciated the fact that Torani didn't have Nora and Airik automatically healed by their new relationship. The foundation is there to make changes for the future but the healing will take time to truly take effect, if there is ever a way to completely heal from trauma. There are no easy solutions to the issues in this book and I love that.
The journey to get off the planet is only the start of the many plot threads in this book that have been planted here to expand into future stories. There is also the issue of the substance on the planet that Airik is meant to decommission, a substance that could kill everyone that inhales it. Alongside the threat of the Veynari, both of these threats will be major players in the future that will force Airik, Nora, Lucky and Torren into new trials that I can't wait to read. It also bears mentioning that the spicy scenes in this book felt like a natural progression to the relationship between the characters. This wasn't done to be gratuitous, the spice was added to enhance the connection already building between the leads and it felt like a necessary part of their new love. I adore when books take their time with the spicy scenes because when done right, they feel earned and the new level to the relationship feels important with the physical added in with the mental connection that already existed between the characters. There is spice because all new love stories have spice eventually and it was not added in to hide the fact that the leads don't understand each other as individuals or cared about each other before the physical became a component of their relationship.
In the end, I LOVED and ADORED this book. It was everything I was expecting and everything I didn't know I needed from my new read. Read it for the alien romance but be amazed by the blossoming of young love and a found family I can't wait to see more of in the future.
Rating on my Scale: 10 Stars. Seriously, this book is a solid 600+ pages and I still would have been able to read twice that amount just to stay in this world with these people a little longer. I can't wait for my special edition to arrive so I can read it all over again.
June 23, 2026
The Wildborn
Perri Torani
Wow, this was SO good. I was expecting something a little more superficial and smutty, but what I got was an emotional story with fantastic mental health representation for both the FMC and MMC, immaculate world-building, incredible character development, and spice that hit exactly right.
I loved this story and I can already see this world expanding. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
The moment I saw the artwork on Perri’s page, I knew I had to read this book, and it did not disappoint in the slightest. The characters are so beautifully flawed, and because of that the yearning, tension, and chemistry between them felt absolutely undeniable.
Our FMC and MMC both carry so much pain, loneliness, and trauma, and watching them slowly find understanding, comfort, and connection in each other was everything. The hurt/comfort, forced proximity, forbidden love, and touch-starved yearning were done so incredibly well. And don't even get me started on our tormented alien warrior MMC because that man had my whole heart.
Honestly, I think I highlighted half the book. Every time I thought I had found my favorite quote, another one came along and proved me wrong.
A few that absolutely wrecked me:
“Was that…a kiss?” He touched his lip, dazed. “Is there more?”
“Do not be sorry for this feeling that we’ve found. I’m not. Please…tell me that you’re not sorry.”
“You have broken me, demon eyes. And I love it—I know that word. I love what you’ve done to me. I will break every oath, every day, over and over to keep you. Do you understand?”
If you love emotionally complex characters, yearning, fantasy romance, and beautiful character growth, definitely put this one on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫4.75 stars story
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 chilis
Thank you so much Perri Torani for this review copy, all opinions are my own.
Perri Torani
Wow, this was SO good. I was expecting something a little more superficial and smutty, but what I got was an emotional story with fantastic mental health representation for both the FMC and MMC, immaculate world-building, incredible character development, and spice that hit exactly right.
I loved this story and I can already see this world expanding. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
The moment I saw the artwork on Perri’s page, I knew I had to read this book, and it did not disappoint in the slightest. The characters are so beautifully flawed, and because of that the yearning, tension, and chemistry between them felt absolutely undeniable.
Our FMC and MMC both carry so much pain, loneliness, and trauma, and watching them slowly find understanding, comfort, and connection in each other was everything. The hurt/comfort, forced proximity, forbidden love, and touch-starved yearning were done so incredibly well. And don't even get me started on our tormented alien warrior MMC because that man had my whole heart.
Honestly, I think I highlighted half the book. Every time I thought I had found my favorite quote, another one came along and proved me wrong.
A few that absolutely wrecked me:
“Was that…a kiss?” He touched his lip, dazed. “Is there more?”
“Do not be sorry for this feeling that we’ve found. I’m not. Please…tell me that you’re not sorry.”
“You have broken me, demon eyes. And I love it—I know that word. I love what you’ve done to me. I will break every oath, every day, over and over to keep you. Do you understand?”
If you love emotionally complex characters, yearning, fantasy romance, and beautiful character growth, definitely put this one on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫4.75 stars story
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 chilis
Thank you so much Perri Torani for this review copy, all opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
👽 forbidden love
🛸 forced proximity
👽 size difference
🛸 ”What is kiss?”
👽 sad girl FMC
🛸 alien warrior MMC
👽 touch starved MCs
🛸 all the spice🌶️
𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝. 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧. 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝.
Airik is scarred, an oath bound warrior, touch starved, misunderstood and…wild! In a world where love is against the rules and a distraction warriors like him cant afford.
He’s lost and broken until…
Nora, certified sad girl, has a broken heart and was supposed to land on Mars at the Valhalla base but because of some crazy accident or…fate👀, she crash lands on Ed’un (a sick and dangerous planet Airik supposed to…break👀) and VIOLENTLY, might I add, into Airik’s heart and soul!
Yes, this is a slow burn but fret not my angels there is GENUINE infinite yearning from both of them and the wait is so worth it when they finally give in! My legendary lovers.🥹
He tries to fight it at first, to stay true to his oath, to the Veynari but the temptation is too much! Her light is too much for him to resist.
What was only supposed to be a quick decommission of a dangerous planet slowly, oh so slowly, turned into days and nights spent together, learning about each other’s secrets, thoughts and bodies!
The YEARNING! THE WHIMPERING! The INTENSE slow burn and the most incredibly adorable yet badass MMC, a FMC who just wants to be loved even if she doesn’t believe she deserves it. The world building, character development and the most delicious, steamiest of spice I literally could not put this book down! I was either kicking my feet and blushing, UGLY crying my eyes out OR BOTH! At the same time! Kicking my feet, blushing and UGLY CRYING! OH and who could forget the best boy EVER, Lucky! Such a good ooshi! :’)
I don’t think I’ll ever truly be able to articulate how beautiful and intense this book is. When I read alien/monster romance I’m not usually expecting a book that will completely rip my heart out and then carefully put it back nicely with love but that’s what Perri has done to me! And while I know I will be emotionally ruined forever I thank her for this!
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year with only one other making me feel what The Wildborn—Airik, Nora and Lucky have made me feel!
Everything is going to be okay.
Thank you Perri, for sharing this masterpiece with me early! I was LUCKY 👀enough to receive an ARC of The Wildborn and have completely devoured it! I will forever be grateful for this opportunity!🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
👽 forbidden love
🛸 forced proximity
👽 size difference
🛸 ”What is kiss?”
👽 sad girl FMC
🛸 alien warrior MMC
👽 touch starved MCs
🛸 all the spice🌶️
𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝. 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧. 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝.
Airik is scarred, an oath bound warrior, touch starved, misunderstood and…wild! In a world where love is against the rules and a distraction warriors like him cant afford.
He’s lost and broken until…
Nora, certified sad girl, has a broken heart and was supposed to land on Mars at the Valhalla base but because of some crazy accident or…fate👀, she crash lands on Ed’un (a sick and dangerous planet Airik supposed to…break👀) and VIOLENTLY, might I add, into Airik’s heart and soul!
Yes, this is a slow burn but fret not my angels there is GENUINE infinite yearning from both of them and the wait is so worth it when they finally give in! My legendary lovers.🥹
He tries to fight it at first, to stay true to his oath, to the Veynari but the temptation is too much! Her light is too much for him to resist.
What was only supposed to be a quick decommission of a dangerous planet slowly, oh so slowly, turned into days and nights spent together, learning about each other’s secrets, thoughts and bodies!
The YEARNING! THE WHIMPERING! The INTENSE slow burn and the most incredibly adorable yet badass MMC, a FMC who just wants to be loved even if she doesn’t believe she deserves it. The world building, character development and the most delicious, steamiest of spice I literally could not put this book down! I was either kicking my feet and blushing, UGLY crying my eyes out OR BOTH! At the same time! Kicking my feet, blushing and UGLY CRYING! OH and who could forget the best boy EVER, Lucky! Such a good ooshi! :’)
I don’t think I’ll ever truly be able to articulate how beautiful and intense this book is. When I read alien/monster romance I’m not usually expecting a book that will completely rip my heart out and then carefully put it back nicely with love but that’s what Perri has done to me! And while I know I will be emotionally ruined forever I thank her for this!
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year with only one other making me feel what The Wildborn—Airik, Nora and Lucky have made me feel!
Everything is going to be okay.
Thank you Perri, for sharing this masterpiece with me early! I was LUCKY 👀enough to receive an ARC of The Wildborn and have completely devoured it! I will forever be grateful for this opportunity!🖤
July 22, 2026
I STRUGGLED putting together this review because this book put me through it! Seriously, the prologue had me tearing up. The author wasn’t kidding that this is sad boy x sad girl, these two have TRAUMA and it’s sad. I never would have guessed the word caterpillar would be making me cry so much but here we are.
I loved the take on the miscommunication trope in this book, which was the MMC knowing broken English but would learn new words from the FMC. Him learning to cuss was so funny but when he learned “good girl”….. “Is that what you are? A good girl?” STOP IM DECEASED 🫠🥵
The tension and the slow burn had me literally going crazy, I was physically uncomfortable in the best way and I NEEDED them to get together. And the YEARNING, Airik is the king of it. He was falling in love but thought he was dying.
Outside of the incredible love story, the world is so cool. This book was definitely a bit heavy on the world building in the beginning but it is such a unique world and I loved the animal companion in this book so much! I was definitely a bit distraught by the ending, it was definitely more of a bittersweet HEA to me. So even though this is a connected standalone, I’m hoping for more HEA vibes for them in book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved the take on the miscommunication trope in this book, which was the MMC knowing broken English but would learn new words from the FMC. Him learning to cuss was so funny but when he learned “good girl”….. “Is that what you are? A good girl?” STOP IM DECEASED 🫠🥵
The tension and the slow burn had me literally going crazy, I was physically uncomfortable in the best way and I NEEDED them to get together. And the YEARNING, Airik is the king of it. He was falling in love but thought he was dying.
Outside of the incredible love story, the world is so cool. This book was definitely a bit heavy on the world building in the beginning but it is such a unique world and I loved the animal companion in this book so much! I was definitely a bit distraught by the ending, it was definitely more of a bittersweet HEA to me. So even though this is a connected standalone, I’m hoping for more HEA vibes for them in book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 1, 2026
A huge massive thank you to Perri for the eARC. I’ve been so excited to read this story & the fact that the moment is finally here is just the best. All opinions are my own.
6⭐️
GIRLLLLLLLLLLL. This is a debut??????? Coulda had me fooled that this came from a well seasoned author with how freaking GOOD this was.
Don’t let the page count scare you away. This book is worth every page. The world building is well detailed, but easy to follow. One thing I love is that we don’t actually have all of the info we need on key parts because it leaves room to explore and discover in the next books. I’m invested & looking forward to seeing the overarching plot play out.
Now to our MCs. Nora & Airik are saddies personified and honestly, might just be one of my new favourite character types (within reason though). Sounds mildly unhinged I realise, but I love the room it leaves for connection, reflection & personal growth of the characters as they work to find their way through it (without necessarily “fixing” the sad). Each of them had super valid reasons for feeling the way they did (although it wouldn’t matter if they perhaps didn’t) & watching them find a safe space in the other person to open up about it was just so gratifying. Throw in Lucky as an animal companion and the dynamic was just 😩
I’m an absolute sucker for alien romances that feature a “what is kiss” moment & Perri delivers well and truly. I loooooooved watching Nora & Airik explore each other & their feelings whilst navigating the somewhat precarious position they’d found themselves in. This book does indeed have spice, but it’s so well written & is never overpowering (trust me, this book features PLENTY of plot) so it felt almost like a little treat each time it happened. There’s a lot of proverbial kicks to the shin (aka this book will hurt your feelings before giving you a little smooch on the forehead), so you truly learn to appreciate the good moments when they happen. I shed plenty of tears, but would happily put myself through the pain again just to read about this world and these characters once more.
Absolutely no spoilers will be shed because this book deserves the full experience being read blind (TW/CWs taken into consideration of course). I cannot WAIT for the next book (although I will because Perri deserves the time and space to cook), but I am also petrified for my tear ducts.
I will continue to scream about this book from the rooftops.
6⭐️
GIRLLLLLLLLLLL. This is a debut??????? Coulda had me fooled that this came from a well seasoned author with how freaking GOOD this was.
Don’t let the page count scare you away. This book is worth every page. The world building is well detailed, but easy to follow. One thing I love is that we don’t actually have all of the info we need on key parts because it leaves room to explore and discover in the next books. I’m invested & looking forward to seeing the overarching plot play out.
Now to our MCs. Nora & Airik are saddies personified and honestly, might just be one of my new favourite character types (within reason though). Sounds mildly unhinged I realise, but I love the room it leaves for connection, reflection & personal growth of the characters as they work to find their way through it (without necessarily “fixing” the sad). Each of them had super valid reasons for feeling the way they did (although it wouldn’t matter if they perhaps didn’t) & watching them find a safe space in the other person to open up about it was just so gratifying. Throw in Lucky as an animal companion and the dynamic was just 😩
I’m an absolute sucker for alien romances that feature a “what is kiss” moment & Perri delivers well and truly. I loooooooved watching Nora & Airik explore each other & their feelings whilst navigating the somewhat precarious position they’d found themselves in. This book does indeed have spice, but it’s so well written & is never overpowering (trust me, this book features PLENTY of plot) so it felt almost like a little treat each time it happened. There’s a lot of proverbial kicks to the shin (aka this book will hurt your feelings before giving you a little smooch on the forehead), so you truly learn to appreciate the good moments when they happen. I shed plenty of tears, but would happily put myself through the pain again just to read about this world and these characters once more.
Absolutely no spoilers will be shed because this book deserves the full experience being read blind (TW/CWs taken into consideration of course). I cannot WAIT for the next book (although I will because Perri deserves the time and space to cook), but I am also petrified for my tear ducts.
I will continue to scream about this book from the rooftops.
July 28, 2026
07/16/2026-07/23/2026
Ahhh tysm NerdFam for the gifted digital proof of The Wildborn by Perri Torani 👽
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(OUT NOW)
This one was insane?!
The last 15% was a dang 🎢
What happened to Nora 😩
This was one of those books where every time I tried to guess what was going to happen next I was wrong 🤯
I really just need to know what happened on Earth but also I’m left with a million other questions involving Airik and the Veynari and Nora and what happened on her space station 😭
Ahhh tysm NerdFam for the gifted digital proof of The Wildborn by Perri Torani 👽
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(OUT NOW)
This one was insane?!
The last 15% was a dang 🎢
What happened to Nora 😩
This was one of those books where every time I tried to guess what was going to happen next I was wrong 🤯
I really just need to know what happened on Earth but also I’m left with a million other questions involving Airik and the Veynari and Nora and what happened on her space station 😭
July 29, 2026
Everything I ever could have wanted and more.
When I tell you this is on track to be my BOTY I’m being SO serious. This one is truly for the sad people.
Airik and Nora’s bond was so tender and Perri told it so so so well. I found the pacing, world building and characterisations to be perfectly executed and this contained SO MANY good tropes.
If you love a good size difference, look no further. Fan of Touch her and die? Airik is your man. Fan of strong but sad FMCs? Nora’s got you sorted.
I wish Airik would choke me like he chokes Nora 😮💨
There is so much more to be explored in this universe and I am so so excited to see where Perri goes next.
When I tell you this is on track to be my BOTY I’m being SO serious. This one is truly for the sad people.
Airik and Nora’s bond was so tender and Perri told it so so so well. I found the pacing, world building and characterisations to be perfectly executed and this contained SO MANY good tropes.
If you love a good size difference, look no further. Fan of Touch her and die? Airik is your man. Fan of strong but sad FMCs? Nora’s got you sorted.
I wish Airik would choke me like he chokes Nora 😮💨
There is so much more to be explored in this universe and I am so so excited to see where Perri goes next.
July 19, 2026
This was an ARC read
This is a spicy alien romance or for those who read scifi a spicy Romantasci story. Those who read monster romance who also read alien romances will enjoy this story. Don’t worry, there’s fancy 💦in this one. Anyways, make sure you know what all that means before reading.
This is also a third person omniscient POV story. Make sure you know what that is and what that means for the story before reading.
There is also an animal side character that we get in the second act of the story. His name is Lucky and we love him. He’s the galaxy and the most beautiful creature. He has bonded himself to Nora and also seems to know English and how to fight, so mysterious that will need to be solved at some point.
Lucky is kind of around at certain points of the story and not in other points. He never dies in the story, so don’t worry about that. However, he does kind of suffer and so the end of the story for Lucky is like a happily ever after for now sort of thing. Though, he’s kind of lost a sense of who his people are. That could be sad for some people. Make sure to check TW before reading.
Please also note this is a 600 plus page book with story. It’s broken into sections and has character development and world building. If you’re a fantasy reader trying out the scifi genre or wanting to try it out this may be the story for you to try that with.
Pacing goes from medium to slow to fast. We feel medium pacing is the prologue and the first few chapters before contact. In the slow pace section, which we are grateful for because that’s the spicy romance section, there is walking and exploring of a planet. This means some light world building as well as character building. The fast pacing occurring in the third act where the battle sequences are and the space traveling.
This story starts in the past. We are dropped into a world of aliens who have a very strict and colonial type government controlling them. There is spicy within these first few pages. Readers are introduced to two characters who you will fall in love with, and then you’ll be so fucking sad about it. You’ll understand the MMC because of it.
The MMC is Airik and he is the alien. Gods we love that alien man so much. He has lives such a rough life and poor guy really just needs someone to love him. We get the sense there is something special about him other than him being wild born and a prince…maybe.
Airik starts off kind of aloof, but it’s clear that is an act and we can see he falls fast for Nora, the human FMC. He goes through a quick character shift of “I am tough guy” to “ I will destroy his planets for you” quickly. We totally love this and are now searching for our own Airik. Let us know if you find where they are.
Nora is the human FMC and she’s also in her 30’s, single, and also has a pretty rough life. Hers however is rough because I guess humanity still sucks, but like we go to space now. How fun. Nora carries with her a bunch of grief. People in her family have died and her mom blames Nora for everything. This has clearly fucked Nora up. Her uncle is the only one who tells her it isn’t her fault and is looking out for her.
As you can see both characters have so much baggage, but don’t worry. They are also each other’s salves for a better life. This is the romance part, clearly. Lots of spice; it’s beautiful. They love each other and by the end you just want them to have a family and go off into the sunset together.
The plot of the story not centered on romance is very addictive. There are several types of aliens and beast like aliens as well as humans introduced to the story. They don’t have much backstory, but we get enough of some of these characters that you’ll be itching for more stories from this world.
The government or the galactic high council will also leave you wanting to know more about each of the six and just how this very corrupt government operates etc. Really, the way that the world around the two main characters is written. Even the ship, you’ll want to know lore. You’ll crave those novellas and stories.
Let’s talk about that romance once last time. The last maybe 15% - 20% you will maybe cry a little bit. It’s not sad tears, but an overwhelming joy/romantic love tears. Airik says the best shit and you will crave his type of love. Gods it really is a swoon worthy romantic story
This is a spicy alien romance or for those who read scifi a spicy Romantasci story. Those who read monster romance who also read alien romances will enjoy this story. Don’t worry, there’s fancy 💦in this one. Anyways, make sure you know what all that means before reading.
This is also a third person omniscient POV story. Make sure you know what that is and what that means for the story before reading.
There is also an animal side character that we get in the second act of the story. His name is Lucky and we love him. He’s the galaxy and the most beautiful creature. He has bonded himself to Nora and also seems to know English and how to fight, so mysterious that will need to be solved at some point.
Lucky is kind of around at certain points of the story and not in other points. He never dies in the story, so don’t worry about that. However, he does kind of suffer and so the end of the story for Lucky is like a happily ever after for now sort of thing. Though, he’s kind of lost a sense of who his people are. That could be sad for some people. Make sure to check TW before reading.
Please also note this is a 600 plus page book with story. It’s broken into sections and has character development and world building. If you’re a fantasy reader trying out the scifi genre or wanting to try it out this may be the story for you to try that with.
Pacing goes from medium to slow to fast. We feel medium pacing is the prologue and the first few chapters before contact. In the slow pace section, which we are grateful for because that’s the spicy romance section, there is walking and exploring of a planet. This means some light world building as well as character building. The fast pacing occurring in the third act where the battle sequences are and the space traveling.
This story starts in the past. We are dropped into a world of aliens who have a very strict and colonial type government controlling them. There is spicy within these first few pages. Readers are introduced to two characters who you will fall in love with, and then you’ll be so fucking sad about it. You’ll understand the MMC because of it.
The MMC is Airik and he is the alien. Gods we love that alien man so much. He has lives such a rough life and poor guy really just needs someone to love him. We get the sense there is something special about him other than him being wild born and a prince…maybe.
Airik starts off kind of aloof, but it’s clear that is an act and we can see he falls fast for Nora, the human FMC. He goes through a quick character shift of “I am tough guy” to “ I will destroy his planets for you” quickly. We totally love this and are now searching for our own Airik. Let us know if you find where they are.
Nora is the human FMC and she’s also in her 30’s, single, and also has a pretty rough life. Hers however is rough because I guess humanity still sucks, but like we go to space now. How fun. Nora carries with her a bunch of grief. People in her family have died and her mom blames Nora for everything. This has clearly fucked Nora up. Her uncle is the only one who tells her it isn’t her fault and is looking out for her.
As you can see both characters have so much baggage, but don’t worry. They are also each other’s salves for a better life. This is the romance part, clearly. Lots of spice; it’s beautiful. They love each other and by the end you just want them to have a family and go off into the sunset together.
The plot of the story not centered on romance is very addictive. There are several types of aliens and beast like aliens as well as humans introduced to the story. They don’t have much backstory, but we get enough of some of these characters that you’ll be itching for more stories from this world.
The government or the galactic high council will also leave you wanting to know more about each of the six and just how this very corrupt government operates etc. Really, the way that the world around the two main characters is written. Even the ship, you’ll want to know lore. You’ll crave those novellas and stories.
Let’s talk about that romance once last time. The last maybe 15% - 20% you will maybe cry a little bit. It’s not sad tears, but an overwhelming joy/romantic love tears. Airik says the best shit and you will crave his type of love. Gods it really is a swoon worthy romantic story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
⭐️ 4.75 STARS!!!
I went into this expecting a fun alien romance. NOPE... better than that... I got one of the most emotionally devastating, beautifully written romances I've read this year. It literally blindsided me.
I don't know how Perri managed to make me become so deeply invested in an alien warrior and a human woman stranded on an unfamiliar planet, but YES, I was completely obsessed. My heart was constantly in my throat, and more than once I had to put the book down just to process what I was feeling...
Airik...
My sweet, fierce, utterly devoted wildborn.
I don't even know how to explain him other than to say he has officially joined the ranks of book boyfriends I'll be obsessing about for a very long time.
He's a warrior who has spent his entire life believing love is a weakness. A weapon that can be used against you. Yet watching this terrifying, oath-bound soldier slowly unravel because of one gentle human woman was absolutely everything!!! This out of nowhere protective instinct... Every confused act of tenderness... Every moment where he couldn't understand what he was feeling but knew he'd burn the galaxy down for her anyway...
And my girl Nora...
Her backstory absolutely shattered me. The grief she carries, the survivor's guilt, and seeing her completely feel unworthy and insecure... it made every small step toward healing feel incredibly BIG.
The worldbuilding was great without feeling like it was too much, the pacing kept me glued to the pages, and the emotional payoff was very rewarding.
And yes, I'll be throwing this recommendation at absolutely everyone I know who enjoys sci-fi romance with heart.
Quotes That Absolutely Destroyed Me
"You are with me."
"To Airik's great and utter distress, he found her beautiful."
"Norashaw, you are mine. You are safe."
"Close your eyes. Cover your ears. I don't want you to know what I will do to him."
"He touched her. Hurt her. He cannot exist in her space."
"My light. Cheranna. I don't care if this is a dream or death—let it last forever."
"Do I need to ask you twice?"
"It was she, with her kindness and bravery and softness, who had broken his rage and had saved him."
Tropes I Loved
✨ Alien romance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Language barrier
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Touch her and die
✨ "You are mine."
✨ Slow-burn
✨ Found family
✨ Healing from trauma
✨ Fierce but gentle hero
✨ Incredible worldbuilding
✨ Hope after unimaginable loss
If you want more than just an alien romance, more of a story about grief, healing, finding home in another person, and choosing love after a lifetime of believing it only ends in heartbreak.... Literally read this now!
Thank you to Perri Torani for the eARC. This one is going to live in my head for a very, very long time.
I went into this expecting a fun alien romance. NOPE... better than that... I got one of the most emotionally devastating, beautifully written romances I've read this year. It literally blindsided me.
I don't know how Perri managed to make me become so deeply invested in an alien warrior and a human woman stranded on an unfamiliar planet, but YES, I was completely obsessed. My heart was constantly in my throat, and more than once I had to put the book down just to process what I was feeling...
Airik...
My sweet, fierce, utterly devoted wildborn.
I don't even know how to explain him other than to say he has officially joined the ranks of book boyfriends I'll be obsessing about for a very long time.
He's a warrior who has spent his entire life believing love is a weakness. A weapon that can be used against you. Yet watching this terrifying, oath-bound soldier slowly unravel because of one gentle human woman was absolutely everything!!! This out of nowhere protective instinct... Every confused act of tenderness... Every moment where he couldn't understand what he was feeling but knew he'd burn the galaxy down for her anyway...
And my girl Nora...
Her backstory absolutely shattered me. The grief she carries, the survivor's guilt, and seeing her completely feel unworthy and insecure... it made every small step toward healing feel incredibly BIG.
The worldbuilding was great without feeling like it was too much, the pacing kept me glued to the pages, and the emotional payoff was very rewarding.
And yes, I'll be throwing this recommendation at absolutely everyone I know who enjoys sci-fi romance with heart.
Quotes That Absolutely Destroyed Me
"You are with me."
"To Airik's great and utter distress, he found her beautiful."
"Norashaw, you are mine. You are safe."
"Close your eyes. Cover your ears. I don't want you to know what I will do to him."
"He touched her. Hurt her. He cannot exist in her space."
"My light. Cheranna. I don't care if this is a dream or death—let it last forever."
"Do I need to ask you twice?"
"It was she, with her kindness and bravery and softness, who had broken his rage and had saved him."
Tropes I Loved
✨ Alien romance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Language barrier
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Touch her and die
✨ "You are mine."
✨ Slow-burn
✨ Found family
✨ Healing from trauma
✨ Fierce but gentle hero
✨ Incredible worldbuilding
✨ Hope after unimaginable loss
If you want more than just an alien romance, more of a story about grief, healing, finding home in another person, and choosing love after a lifetime of believing it only ends in heartbreak.... Literally read this now!
Thank you to Perri Torani for the eARC. This one is going to live in my head for a very, very long time.
July 22, 2026
DONE (me and the book) 😭🥰🫦🫠🤩🥲🤭😆😍 (ALL THE EMOTIONS!!) HOW did this smutty alien book hit me so hard in all the feels!?!?!? 😭😭
I went in expecting a fun, smutty palate cleanser after stumbling across... ahhhh... some NSFW character art. Instead, I got one of the sweetest, most heartfelt romances I've read all year and somehow found myself UGLY CRYING over a giant gray alien.
Airik and Nora absolutely stole my heart.
These are two incredibly broken people carrying so much grief and loneliness, and watching them slowly find healing, safety, and love in each other was honestly beautiful. Their relationship is built on survival,and learning how to communicate despite literally speaking different languages, and somehow that created one of the strongest examples of romantic yearning I've ever read.
I NEVER thought I'd say this...
...but this book made me enjoy a miscommunication trope.
Because it isn't miscommunication born from people refusing to have a conversation—it's a genuine language barrier. Airik's adorable "Tarzan speak" had me giggling and kicking my feet every other chapter, and watching him slowly learn to express himself was ridiculously endearing.
Then there's the forbidden touch aspect...
OH MY GOD.
The tension just keeps building and building until you're practically begging these two to catch a break. Every glance, every tiny moment of affection felt earned because the stakes were so high.
Airik starts off rough around the edges, but once he begins seeing Nora as not just a gross human but for who she is? Game over, he is a down bad baby girl. This man yearns in the most wholehearted way, and I was completely obsessed with him by the end.
I also loved how well Torani balanced everything. The romance is front and center, but there's also survival, action, emotional healing, genuine character growth woven in and then of course there was the smut I was expecting. I was just as invested in whether they'd survive as I was in whether they'd finally get their happily ever after.
And that ending...
It wraps up their story beautifully while opening the door to something so much bigger. I already need the next book!
Who knew a spicy alien romance would leave me sobbing into my blanket? Certainly not me!!
Huge thank you to the author for the complimentary copy! All opinions are of course my own unhinged thoughts!
I went in expecting a fun, smutty palate cleanser after stumbling across... ahhhh... some NSFW character art. Instead, I got one of the sweetest, most heartfelt romances I've read all year and somehow found myself UGLY CRYING over a giant gray alien.
Airik and Nora absolutely stole my heart.
These are two incredibly broken people carrying so much grief and loneliness, and watching them slowly find healing, safety, and love in each other was honestly beautiful. Their relationship is built on survival,and learning how to communicate despite literally speaking different languages, and somehow that created one of the strongest examples of romantic yearning I've ever read.
I NEVER thought I'd say this...
...but this book made me enjoy a miscommunication trope.
Because it isn't miscommunication born from people refusing to have a conversation—it's a genuine language barrier. Airik's adorable "Tarzan speak" had me giggling and kicking my feet every other chapter, and watching him slowly learn to express himself was ridiculously endearing.
Then there's the forbidden touch aspect...
OH MY GOD.
The tension just keeps building and building until you're practically begging these two to catch a break. Every glance, every tiny moment of affection felt earned because the stakes were so high.
Airik starts off rough around the edges, but once he begins seeing Nora as not just a gross human but for who she is? Game over, he is a down bad baby girl. This man yearns in the most wholehearted way, and I was completely obsessed with him by the end.
I also loved how well Torani balanced everything. The romance is front and center, but there's also survival, action, emotional healing, genuine character growth woven in and then of course there was the smut I was expecting. I was just as invested in whether they'd survive as I was in whether they'd finally get their happily ever after.
And that ending...
It wraps up their story beautifully while opening the door to something so much bigger. I already need the next book!
Who knew a spicy alien romance would leave me sobbing into my blanket? Certainly not me!!
Huge thank you to the author for the complimentary copy! All opinions are of course my own unhinged thoughts!
July 25, 2026
“Untouched. My touch is destruction.
Untaken. It is I who demands surrender. Unconquered. Both in battle and in heart.”
Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. If you’re new to alien romance then I HIGHLY suggest starting with this one.
We start off by diving into the world of our morazir warrior Airik, sad boy, touch starved and lonely. We learn of his grief and responsibilities to his people who look down on him for being different, for being WILD. But as he is sent to decommission the dying planet Ed’un a ship crash lands by accident carrying our girl Nora.
Now Nora, a sad human girl who is broken and also dealing with grief has been working at a space terminal away from earth. She gets sent out to reach another human settlement on Mars but by fate 👀 she ends up in Airiks orbit.
Now this is a delicious SLOWWW burn..
Airik try’s to fight his curiosity as he is oath bound to be untouched.
But Nora can’t help but be intrigued by her masked captor. Nora’s ship is broken and eventually Airiks runs out of resources and they are forced to spend days on a dangerous planet navigating their way to the city to call for help.
The tension is there from the start, they spend their days learning about eachother and YEARNING for touch. Both struggle with feeling undeserving of love and it was squeezing my heart to see them both have their moments but come back together. Oh and the spice? 🤭 yeah they are perfect.
Not to forget we also have our furry ooshi friend Lucky, who is a fierce protector of both! 🥹
We spend a lot of the book in our slow burn but then we get insane plot at the end that WILL rip your heart out. And teasers of more characters to come which I am SO excited for.
Honestly I wouldn’t expect to feel so emotionally connected to an alien romance but the way Perri explored grief, sadness and connection was perfect and I will never get over them!
Oh and did I mention he’s an acts of service man??
Thank you so much Perri for the ARC, I feel incredibly grateful to be apart of this street team. 🖤
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