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Stardusted: a scifi romcom
A slow-burn sci-fi rom-com about secrets, sparks, and a galaxy’s worth of trouble.
It’s definitely not aliens.
At least, Raven Barrister’s pretty sure it isn’t.
Between double shifts, looming exams, and an embarrassingly intense crush on her way-too-attractive bartender coworker, Sky, she doesn’t have time for alien nonsense, anyway.
But everything changes the night she crashes into a UFO. Suddenly there’s a glowing artifact, a robot that isn’t from around here, unexplained lights in the sky…and Raven’s starting to think maybe it is time to put the extra in extraterrestrial.
Marked with strange symbols and haunted by memories no one else has, she doesn’t know what to believe. The only person with answers may be the one guy she’s no longer sure she can Sky.
He’s hiding something. Something big.
Too bad nobody gave her the study guide for cosmic chemistry, galaxy-sized problems, or…you know, what to do when your crush might not be from this planet.
It’s definitely not aliens.
…But what if it is?
For fans of The X-Files and Roswell, Stardusted is the first book in a voicey, high-stakes sci-fi romcom series packed with banter, slow-burn tension, alien tech, and found-family chaos. It’s not a traditional romance since there's no tidy ending yet, but the chemistry’s undeniable and the stardust hasn’t settled!
Buckle up for glowing mysteries, eventual open-door spice, and alien adventures that just keep getting hotter.
It’s definitely not aliens.
At least, Raven Barrister’s pretty sure it isn’t.
Between double shifts, looming exams, and an embarrassingly intense crush on her way-too-attractive bartender coworker, Sky, she doesn’t have time for alien nonsense, anyway.
But everything changes the night she crashes into a UFO. Suddenly there’s a glowing artifact, a robot that isn’t from around here, unexplained lights in the sky…and Raven’s starting to think maybe it is time to put the extra in extraterrestrial.
Marked with strange symbols and haunted by memories no one else has, she doesn’t know what to believe. The only person with answers may be the one guy she’s no longer sure she can Sky.
He’s hiding something. Something big.
Too bad nobody gave her the study guide for cosmic chemistry, galaxy-sized problems, or…you know, what to do when your crush might not be from this planet.
It’s definitely not aliens.
…But what if it is?
For fans of The X-Files and Roswell, Stardusted is the first book in a voicey, high-stakes sci-fi romcom series packed with banter, slow-burn tension, alien tech, and found-family chaos. It’s not a traditional romance since there's no tidy ending yet, but the chemistry’s undeniable and the stardust hasn’t settled!
Buckle up for glowing mysteries, eventual open-door spice, and alien adventures that just keep getting hotter.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
15 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Elle DeYesso
2 books21 followersElle DeYesso writes slow burn sci-fi and fantasy romance and has a soft spot for sarcasm, found families, and complicated characters who banter their way through problems.
Her stories blend romance, action, and out-of-this-world adventure.
An avid lover of all things sci-fi and fantasy, Elle lives in the Midwest with her family and is powered by iced coffee and binge-reading. When her nose isn’t buried in a book, she enjoys video games, cooking, hiking, and convincing herself she can keep a house plant alive..
You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and she absolutely wants to hear from readers.
Her stories blend romance, action, and out-of-this-world adventure.
An avid lover of all things sci-fi and fantasy, Elle lives in the Midwest with her family and is powered by iced coffee and binge-reading. When her nose isn’t buried in a book, she enjoys video games, cooking, hiking, and convincing herself she can keep a house plant alive..
You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and she absolutely wants to hear from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 17, 2025
Tropes & Themes
* Alien X non-believer
* Broody MMC
* Coworkers
* Forbidden romance
* Multiple alien species
* Protective MMC
* Robots
* Secret crush
* Slow-burn
Raven is just trying to get through her education, while working at a local restaurant to pay her way. Suddenly strange things start happening in her small town that everyone wants to blame on aliens, but Raven doesn’t believe it. Then one night she’s run off the road by a mysterious floating orb of light. And who better to come to the rescue than her hot bartender coworker, Sky, that she has a huge crush on? Before long, Raven is thrown into a confusing sci-fi adventure and Sky just might be the only one with answers. The tension quickly grows between the two as they end up on an epic adventure with intergalactic consequences.
The chapter titles are hilarious, and so is the banter between the two MCs. I really enjoyed reading this story, and I’m so grateful I got to be on the ARC team. However, some of the scene descriptions were confusing and hard to follow. The ending answered several questions while leaving several more left unanswered, perfectly setting the story up for the next book. I highly recommend this read and I’m very excited for the next one to land in our solar system!
🫑
* Alien X non-believer
* Broody MMC
* Coworkers
* Forbidden romance
* Multiple alien species
* Protective MMC
* Robots
* Secret crush
* Slow-burn
Raven is just trying to get through her education, while working at a local restaurant to pay her way. Suddenly strange things start happening in her small town that everyone wants to blame on aliens, but Raven doesn’t believe it. Then one night she’s run off the road by a mysterious floating orb of light. And who better to come to the rescue than her hot bartender coworker, Sky, that she has a huge crush on? Before long, Raven is thrown into a confusing sci-fi adventure and Sky just might be the only one with answers. The tension quickly grows between the two as they end up on an epic adventure with intergalactic consequences.
The chapter titles are hilarious, and so is the banter between the two MCs. I really enjoyed reading this story, and I’m so grateful I got to be on the ARC team. However, some of the scene descriptions were confusing and hard to follow. The ending answered several questions while leaving several more left unanswered, perfectly setting the story up for the next book. I highly recommend this read and I’m very excited for the next one to land in our solar system!
🫑
September 29, 2025
Okay.. I loved this so much 👽 absolutely hilarious!!
Spoiler-free Synopsis: Raven Barrister is keeping her head down as the world around her is abuzz with increasingly-severe symptoms of an intense solar flare and rumors of strange lights in the sky. But whatever, her coworkers and the people online can yap about how "it's aliens!" all they want, she's just trying to get through her waitressing shifts, her college anthro finals, and her massive crush on her hunky coworker, Sky.. plus, she knows, it's definitely not aliens . When she stumbles onto something in her college's anthropology department that she shouldn't have, she gets caught up in conspiracies, Sky, and something a whole lot bigger than she could ever imagine. Raven and Sky must stick together while they figure out how to save her.. and maybe a whole lot more.
I grew up being absolutely smitten with with Max from Roswell and Clark from Smallville, so when I saw that the author said this was shades of Roswell, with a hott alien love interest.. yeah.. I was in. I was lucky enough to beta-read this and I loved every page.
The story itself is fast paced, the plot flows smoothly, definitely has an "un-put-downable" quality to it (seriously I had like 2 nights of "I'll just read one more pag-- oh crap it's 2am." As a reader, you get caught up in Raven's world immediately. The prose is great, quite cleverly written.. The author is a genuine wordsmith and it shows. It's descriptive enough without being too much.. there's an ambience in the page that you can't help but feel, sometimes scary, sometimes comical, and sometimes mysterious. The action pieces are well written and make a clear picture in your head (the antagonists of said action pieces are super original, something quite unique- I especially loved them.)
Raven (Rae) is a wonderful MC. She's clever and quick witted and spunky (without falling into the trap that a lot of "strong female MCs" do - which is just being a snarky bitch-) she's kind, but she isn't a pushover.. tough but she isn't a jerk. She develops well throughout the novel. The reader spends quite a lot of time in her head, which was an outstanding choice by the author, because it gives the book its excellent comical quality. Rae's witty inner thoughts are often hilarious (but again, without being too much, it doesn't reach Marvel levels of quippy.)
Sky is an excellent love interest. He is developed well, as is the relationship between the two of them. They immediately have excellent electric chemistry on the page. It's a great slow-burn. No spice in this novel (that makeout scene though 🥵), but the blurb does say that book 2 will be.. spicy, so be prepared for that. I can't say too much about Sky without getting into spoiler territory, but he's also kind, a bit shy, a lot sexy, and 100% bonafide book boyfriend material.
This is usually the part of the review where I say what I wasn't a fan of... but.. I honestly can't think of anything negative to say about this. This was a perfect rom-com, and laid the groundwork for a really great series, imo. It was a really fun, funny, fast ride of a read from start to finish. It made my 12-year-old obsessed with Roswell self so happy. It also made my 35 year-old obsessed with dark, mysterious male love interests self happy.
Great characters, cinematic action scenes, really good slow burn developing love-story, swoony love interest, unique antagonists, cool world building, wonderful comedic elements.. I don't think I've ever read an actual SciFi Romance before..and if this is what they're like, then I'll certainly be looking for more to read! Including the sequel to this (which better come out fast.. please..😭)
5 out of 5 star(dust)s!
Spoiler-free Synopsis: Raven Barrister is keeping her head down as the world around her is abuzz with increasingly-severe symptoms of an intense solar flare and rumors of strange lights in the sky. But whatever, her coworkers and the people online can yap about how "it's aliens!" all they want, she's just trying to get through her waitressing shifts, her college anthro finals, and her massive crush on her hunky coworker, Sky.. plus, she knows, it's definitely not aliens . When she stumbles onto something in her college's anthropology department that she shouldn't have, she gets caught up in conspiracies, Sky, and something a whole lot bigger than she could ever imagine. Raven and Sky must stick together while they figure out how to save her.. and maybe a whole lot more.
I grew up being absolutely smitten with with Max from Roswell and Clark from Smallville, so when I saw that the author said this was shades of Roswell, with a hott alien love interest.. yeah.. I was in. I was lucky enough to beta-read this and I loved every page.
The story itself is fast paced, the plot flows smoothly, definitely has an "un-put-downable" quality to it (seriously I had like 2 nights of "I'll just read one more pag-- oh crap it's 2am." As a reader, you get caught up in Raven's world immediately. The prose is great, quite cleverly written.. The author is a genuine wordsmith and it shows. It's descriptive enough without being too much.. there's an ambience in the page that you can't help but feel, sometimes scary, sometimes comical, and sometimes mysterious. The action pieces are well written and make a clear picture in your head (the antagonists of said action pieces are super original, something quite unique- I especially loved them.)
Raven (Rae) is a wonderful MC. She's clever and quick witted and spunky (without falling into the trap that a lot of "strong female MCs" do - which is just being a snarky bitch-) she's kind, but she isn't a pushover.. tough but she isn't a jerk. She develops well throughout the novel. The reader spends quite a lot of time in her head, which was an outstanding choice by the author, because it gives the book its excellent comical quality. Rae's witty inner thoughts are often hilarious (but again, without being too much, it doesn't reach Marvel levels of quippy.)
Sky is an excellent love interest. He is developed well, as is the relationship between the two of them. They immediately have excellent electric chemistry on the page. It's a great slow-burn. No spice in this novel (that makeout scene though 🥵), but the blurb does say that book 2 will be.. spicy, so be prepared for that. I can't say too much about Sky without getting into spoiler territory, but he's also kind, a bit shy, a lot sexy, and 100% bonafide book boyfriend material.
This is usually the part of the review where I say what I wasn't a fan of... but.. I honestly can't think of anything negative to say about this. This was a perfect rom-com, and laid the groundwork for a really great series, imo. It was a really fun, funny, fast ride of a read from start to finish. It made my 12-year-old obsessed with Roswell self so happy. It also made my 35 year-old obsessed with dark, mysterious male love interests self happy.
Great characters, cinematic action scenes, really good slow burn developing love-story, swoony love interest, unique antagonists, cool world building, wonderful comedic elements.. I don't think I've ever read an actual SciFi Romance before..and if this is what they're like, then I'll certainly be looking for more to read! Including the sequel to this (which better come out fast.. please..😭)
5 out of 5 star(dust)s!
October 27, 2025
Wow, what an otherworldly (*get it?*) book! The overall writing of this story, the plot design, and the exciting world building are all so well done that I find it hard to believe it's actually a debut novel. Truth be told, this book may be my most favorite sci-fi romance other than Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series. The story follows Raven "Rae," a college student who works in a café where she has a major crush on her super hot bartender coworker, Sky, the broody guy who stays professional and polite the whole time both on and off work. Although Rae's convinced that there is absolutely NO alien in reality, after encountering several weird (and heart-gripping, literally) supernatural events, she starts to question herself or rather, her sanity. Thankfully, all the answers she's seeking seem to have the same source: Sky, and I promise it's not her way of trying to single him out and spend more time with him alone. *wink*
As for the romance, oh sweet baby aliens everywhere, the slow-burn is BURRRRNNNIINNNGGG, I'm telling you!! I mean, there are only about two kissing scenes and a whole lot of sexual tension between Sky and Rae, but that's all we get from this book. The romance between them blossoms so frustratingly slowly I can't even BUT miraculously, the sci-fi elements with all the alien talks, odd happenings on campus, and even more potential UFO sightings in the near future, totally blow me away and keep me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire time. In fact, I'm so captivated by them that I don't even notice the slow pace of the romance until I finish devouring the book, which is saying a lot considering how huge a romance reader I am.
In a nutshell, please do yourself a favor and pick this book up! You can thank me later. It's truly well-written and I cannot wait for more swoon-worthy moments between Sky and Rae in the sequel, coming out next February! HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
***Thanks to the author and the Author Agency for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
As for the romance, oh sweet baby aliens everywhere, the slow-burn is BURRRRNNNIINNNGGG, I'm telling you!! I mean, there are only about two kissing scenes and a whole lot of sexual tension between Sky and Rae, but that's all we get from this book. The romance between them blossoms so frustratingly slowly I can't even BUT miraculously, the sci-fi elements with all the alien talks, odd happenings on campus, and even more potential UFO sightings in the near future, totally blow me away and keep me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire time. In fact, I'm so captivated by them that I don't even notice the slow pace of the romance until I finish devouring the book, which is saying a lot considering how huge a romance reader I am.
The pulling sensation was strange, electric, and familiar. Familiar in a way I couldn't name, a mutter skating the edge of memory. Like a voice calling my name in a dream I couldn't quite recall.
In a nutshell, please do yourself a favor and pick this book up! You can thank me later. It's truly well-written and I cannot wait for more swoon-worthy moments between Sky and Rae in the sequel, coming out next February! HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
***Thanks to the author and the Author Agency for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
December 28, 2025
This was a really fun sci-fi romance that leaned into charm, banter, and action in a way that kept me engaged the whole time. The story blends small-town vibes with escalating sci-fi elements, and I loved how the mystery slowly builds while still keeping things light and entertaining.
The main character is easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching her perspective shift as the story unfolds. The romance is a true slow burn, which worked well here it added tension without taking over the plot. The banter and chemistry felt natural, and the action scenes helped keep the pacing moving when things could have slowed down.
While a few sections felt a bit more reflective than necessary, it didn’t pull me out of the story. Overall, this was a cute, enjoyable read with some great action moments and a satisfying blend of romance and sci-fi.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted sci-fi romance with humor, mystery, and just enough stakes to keep things interesting, this one is worth checking out.
The main character is easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching her perspective shift as the story unfolds. The romance is a true slow burn, which worked well here it added tension without taking over the plot. The banter and chemistry felt natural, and the action scenes helped keep the pacing moving when things could have slowed down.
While a few sections felt a bit more reflective than necessary, it didn’t pull me out of the story. Overall, this was a cute, enjoyable read with some great action moments and a satisfying blend of romance and sci-fi.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted sci-fi romance with humor, mystery, and just enough stakes to keep things interesting, this one is worth checking out.
October 14, 2025
If you’ve ever craved a fun, light-hearted alien invasion with a dash of romance and extraterrestrial activities then this is the book for you! Set in the small town of One Willow, readers get to follow anthropology student Rae through her outer-worldly encounters that may or may not involve a certain charismatic bartender…
The prose is fluid and fun, the characters are quirky and relatable, and I loved the author’s use of self-depreciating humour. The internal dialogue felt a bit long winded at times, but that didn’t take away from the creativity of Elle’s storytelling.
Overall, Stardusted is a great debut with an original plot and lots of moments that will have you laughing out loud.
Congratulations on the release, Elle. And thank you for the trust 💚
The prose is fluid and fun, the characters are quirky and relatable, and I loved the author’s use of self-depreciating humour. The internal dialogue felt a bit long winded at times, but that didn’t take away from the creativity of Elle’s storytelling.
Overall, Stardusted is a great debut with an original plot and lots of moments that will have you laughing out loud.
Congratulations on the release, Elle. And thank you for the trust 💚
October 28, 2025
Thank you to Elle DeYesso and the Author Agency for this ARC!
This is book one in her It’s Definitely (not) Aliens series. I enjoyed this book immensely! While the story focuses on aliens and invasions, it felt grounded the entire time, always staying very close to reality without ever feeling too outlandish. The world felt very believable, almost lived in, not into too much backstory or scientific jargon which often dissuades me from reading sci-fi.
I loved the way Rae and Sky's relationship developed over the course of the book. By the end they really felt like partners in crime, going from strangers to allies as the book progresses. There was a clear protectiveness from Sky and it shows throughout the book. He gives her the space to process while also helping her through this new unknown world that she had been dropped into.
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK! I am so curious to see what happens next! If you enjoy sci-fi books that read like all those 2000s rom-coms, definitely check this book out! You will not regret it!!
This is book one in her It’s Definitely (not) Aliens series. I enjoyed this book immensely! While the story focuses on aliens and invasions, it felt grounded the entire time, always staying very close to reality without ever feeling too outlandish. The world felt very believable, almost lived in, not into too much backstory or scientific jargon which often dissuades me from reading sci-fi.
I loved the way Rae and Sky's relationship developed over the course of the book. By the end they really felt like partners in crime, going from strangers to allies as the book progresses. There was a clear protectiveness from Sky and it shows throughout the book. He gives her the space to process while also helping her through this new unknown world that she had been dropped into.
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK! I am so curious to see what happens next! If you enjoy sci-fi books that read like all those 2000s rom-coms, definitely check this book out! You will not regret it!!
October 18, 2025
Disclaimer: I received this book free as an ARC to read and review honestly.
The only thing I don’t like about this book, is I have to wait until next year for book two.
This book was so good. It was my first Sci-fi Romcom, my first real sci-fi book in general and I need more. The book held my attention throughout every page. Raven and Sky’s banter is amazing. Even ravens sarcastic sassy thoughts were hilarious. The way Elle describes the different aliens you can see them in your head. I felt like I was in One Willow experiencing all of this chaos with Raven and Sky.
i CANNOT wait for book two. I want to meet Bast, read about more crazy alien battles and of course see what sparks between Raven and Sky.
The only thing I don’t like about this book, is I have to wait until next year for book two.
This book was so good. It was my first Sci-fi Romcom, my first real sci-fi book in general and I need more. The book held my attention throughout every page. Raven and Sky’s banter is amazing. Even ravens sarcastic sassy thoughts were hilarious. The way Elle describes the different aliens you can see them in your head. I felt like I was in One Willow experiencing all of this chaos with Raven and Sky.
i CANNOT wait for book two. I want to meet Bast, read about more crazy alien battles and of course see what sparks between Raven and Sky.
September 26, 2025
I was blessed to ARC read for Elle on her debut novel and I'm so happy I was!
This book is incredibly fun, intriguing, full of energy and just a touch of spice.
Am in obsessed with the hot alien bartender? Definitely! Am I impressed with the quirky heroine? Most definitely yes!
Elle brings all the things we look for in a great book to the table. Do I need book 2??? Yes please Elle, because I most definitely need to meet the next hot alien.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶 mild
This book is incredibly fun, intriguing, full of energy and just a touch of spice.
Am in obsessed with the hot alien bartender? Definitely! Am I impressed with the quirky heroine? Most definitely yes!
Elle brings all the things we look for in a great book to the table. Do I need book 2??? Yes please Elle, because I most definitely need to meet the next hot alien.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶 mild
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Stardusted was such an amazing and intense read! I loved watching Raven’s confidence grow throughout the story, and learning more about the mysterious bartender who kept surprising me in the best ways.
This book delivered so many of my favorite tropes, forced proximity, a morally gray MMC, and a beautifully done slow-burn romance. I’m especially hoping we get a one bed trope in book two 🫣 because the tension is already perfection.
This book had a perfect blend of action, suspense, mystery, and romance! And of course, aliens 👽
For a debut, Elle has absolutely knocked it out of the park. As the first installment in the It’s Definitely Not Aliens series, this feels like the beginning of something really special, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Stardusted was such an amazing and intense read! I loved watching Raven’s confidence grow throughout the story, and learning more about the mysterious bartender who kept surprising me in the best ways.
This book delivered so many of my favorite tropes, forced proximity, a morally gray MMC, and a beautifully done slow-burn romance. I’m especially hoping we get a one bed trope in book two 🫣 because the tension is already perfection.
This book had a perfect blend of action, suspense, mystery, and romance! And of course, aliens 👽
For a debut, Elle has absolutely knocked it out of the park. As the first installment in the It’s Definitely Not Aliens series, this feels like the beginning of something really special, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
October 28, 2025
**ARC READ***
This story pulled me in on the very first page. To say I'm obsessed is an understatement. The vibe is definitely a moody small town mixed with X-files, which I mean come on so amazing! The author really made it feel like you were right there with Raven and Sky. In all honesty I felt very pulled to Raven's character/story and cannot wait to follow her on her journey into the next book. I also wrote down several quotable lines from this book that just flat out made me laugh and/or swoon. Definitely a book you won't want to put down!
This story pulled me in on the very first page. To say I'm obsessed is an understatement. The vibe is definitely a moody small town mixed with X-files, which I mean come on so amazing! The author really made it feel like you were right there with Raven and Sky. In all honesty I felt very pulled to Raven's character/story and cannot wait to follow her on her journey into the next book. I also wrote down several quotable lines from this book that just flat out made me laugh and/or swoon. Definitely a book you won't want to put down!
October 28, 2025
Alien x nonbeliever
Broody MMC
Coworkers
Robots
Secret crush
Forbidden romance
Multiple alien species
Protective MMC
Slow burn
Found family chaos
Open door spice
Raven is just trying to get through her shift at a restaurant to pay her way and get her education as an anthropology student. But things start to occur in their small town and everyone in town jumps to aliens. It seems Rae doesn’t believe. Then one night she's run off the road by a mysterious floating orb of light. And who better to come to the rescue than her hot bartender coworker, Sky, that she has a huge crush on?
Such a fun, light-hearted alien invasion with a touch of romance and extraterrestrial activities!
the characters are quirky and relatable, and I loved the humour. And the banter lol
Overall, Stardusted is a great debut and I enjoyed this read! I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars.
A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?" Pointless, really..."Do the stars gaze back?" Now, that's a question.
You have to believe. Otherwise, it will never happen.
Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel.
Adventures are all very well in their place, but there's a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain.
He stared up at the stars: and it seemed to him then that they were dancers, stately and graceful, performing a dance almost infinite in its complexity. He imagined he could see the very faces of the stars; pale, they were, and smiling gently, as if they had spent so much time above the world, watching the scrambling and the joy and the pain of the people below them, that they could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.
You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine.
There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart’s Desire.
What do stars do? They shine
"Could it be that the heart that you seek is no longer my own? I have given my heart to another."…..
"Nonetheless, he has my heart. I hope your sisters will not be too hard on you, when you return to them without it.
For fans of The X-Files and Roswell, Stardusted is the first book in a voicey, high-stakes sci-fi romcom series packed with banter, slow-burn tension, alien tech, and found-family chaos. It's not a traditional romance since there's no tidy ending yet, but the chemistry's undeniable and the stardust hasn't settled! Buckle up for glowing mysteries, eventual open-door spice, and alien adventures that just keep getting hotter.
Broody MMC
Coworkers
Robots
Secret crush
Forbidden romance
Multiple alien species
Protective MMC
Slow burn
Found family chaos
Open door spice
Raven is just trying to get through her shift at a restaurant to pay her way and get her education as an anthropology student. But things start to occur in their small town and everyone in town jumps to aliens. It seems Rae doesn’t believe. Then one night she's run off the road by a mysterious floating orb of light. And who better to come to the rescue than her hot bartender coworker, Sky, that she has a huge crush on?
Such a fun, light-hearted alien invasion with a touch of romance and extraterrestrial activities!
the characters are quirky and relatable, and I loved the humour. And the banter lol
Overall, Stardusted is a great debut and I enjoyed this read! I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars.
A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?" Pointless, really..."Do the stars gaze back?" Now, that's a question.
You have to believe. Otherwise, it will never happen.
Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel.
Adventures are all very well in their place, but there's a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain.
He stared up at the stars: and it seemed to him then that they were dancers, stately and graceful, performing a dance almost infinite in its complexity. He imagined he could see the very faces of the stars; pale, they were, and smiling gently, as if they had spent so much time above the world, watching the scrambling and the joy and the pain of the people below them, that they could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.
You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine.
There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart’s Desire.
What do stars do? They shine
"Could it be that the heart that you seek is no longer my own? I have given my heart to another."…..
"Nonetheless, he has my heart. I hope your sisters will not be too hard on you, when you return to them without it.
For fans of The X-Files and Roswell, Stardusted is the first book in a voicey, high-stakes sci-fi romcom series packed with banter, slow-burn tension, alien tech, and found-family chaos. It's not a traditional romance since there's no tidy ending yet, but the chemistry's undeniable and the stardust hasn't settled! Buckle up for glowing mysteries, eventual open-door spice, and alien adventures that just keep getting hotter.
November 8, 2025
Girls evening plans are severely ruined by an impromptu alien invasion.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Plot
The story follows Raven, a perfectly normal girl living a perfectly normal life as a waitress come student. Her life is quite literally turned upside down by a teenie weenie alien invasion. Thankfully, her handsome barman who definitely isn't an alien himself comes to her rescue and they take it from there...
I really loved the premise of this story, especially the mix of two very different alien species and how they themselves are kinda connected. The little twists, especially in Sky's history were well crafted and definitely caught me by surprise.
Characters
FMC
I liked Raven - there's nothing that special about her and that is definitely not a bad thing. She is however a smart cookie and a brave one at that; the later she demonstrates time and again, especially towards the end of the story when she is weeeelll out of her depth.
MMC
Sky is a real sweetie. I really enjoyed learning about his background, especially as things unravelled towards the end. I also liked how caring he was, especially towards Raven.
The Rest
I didn't care for Raven's colleagues - they were pretty annoying most of the time, and I'm not sure if they were supposed to me. Maybe?
The Chemistry
Raven and Sky have great chemistry - what starts as a physical attraction builds as they keep getting forced together. The banter between them is excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn.
The Good
My favourite part of the entire story is the creativity around these two strikingly different aliens. Both were so well crafted and I loved all the tit bits we got as the story progressed, especially Sky's people.
The Bad
I did want even more physical romance, but looks like I'm gonna have to wait patiently for the next book.
The Ugly
Nothing ugly.
The Wrap Up
I would like the next one please, just to make sure it's definitely not aliens.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Others in the Series
It's' Definitely Not Aliens - Book Two: A scifi romcom
Find Me
Instagram
Storygraph
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Plot
The story follows Raven, a perfectly normal girl living a perfectly normal life as a waitress come student. Her life is quite literally turned upside down by a teenie weenie alien invasion. Thankfully, her handsome barman who definitely isn't an alien himself comes to her rescue and they take it from there...
I really loved the premise of this story, especially the mix of two very different alien species and how they themselves are kinda connected. The little twists, especially in Sky's history were well crafted and definitely caught me by surprise.
Characters
FMC
I liked Raven - there's nothing that special about her and that is definitely not a bad thing. She is however a smart cookie and a brave one at that; the later she demonstrates time and again, especially towards the end of the story when she is weeeelll out of her depth.
MMC
Sky is a real sweetie. I really enjoyed learning about his background, especially as things unravelled towards the end. I also liked how caring he was, especially towards Raven.
The Rest
I didn't care for Raven's colleagues - they were pretty annoying most of the time, and I'm not sure if they were supposed to me. Maybe?
The Chemistry
Raven and Sky have great chemistry - what starts as a physical attraction builds as they keep getting forced together. The banter between them is excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn.
The Good
My favourite part of the entire story is the creativity around these two strikingly different aliens. Both were so well crafted and I loved all the tit bits we got as the story progressed, especially Sky's people.
The Bad
I did want even more physical romance, but looks like I'm gonna have to wait patiently for the next book.
The Ugly
Nothing ugly.
The Wrap Up
I would like the next one please, just to make sure it's definitely not aliens.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Others in the Series
It's' Definitely Not Aliens - Book Two: A scifi romcom
Find Me
Storygraph
November 2, 2025
This book got me. Truly. I didn’t just read it, I inhaled it like a gremlin crouched over a treasure.
Raven (Rae) stole my heart from page one. She is an overthinking, anxious little tornado of intrusive thoughts and I have never felt so seen. Her inner monologue had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. She is peak relatable millennial brain and I can already feel the groundwork for a phenomenal character arc ahead. It's brimming with strong character character growth with a fit of giggles from her witty expressions.
And then there’s Sky. Ugh. The perfect amount of charming, flawed, and mysterious. He’s one of those male leads who feels real enough to date… which is exactly why I’m suspicious of him. If he turns out to be too good to be true, I’m not emotionally prepared.
I wish there were 400 more pages, because I devoured this story way too fast. I wanted to stay in this world longer just wrapped up in Rae’s head, unraveling whatever secrets are bubbling under the surface, and basking in every moment of banter, tension, and emotional chaos.
the sci-fi reveal? Chef’s kiss. It was done so smoothly that I felt the genre shift happening in my bones. You can tell this world is about to expand in a big way, and I am so ready to be launched deeper into it in Book Two.
Also, a standing ovation for the chapter subtitles. Truly. The humor, the charm, the tiny micro-bursts of joy they delivered before every chapter… I felt spoiled.
As for the romance: this slow burn fed my soul. I live for the delicious, aching tension and this book understood the assignment. Once characters get together too quickly, I will admittedly zone out with the romance, but this? This had me kicking my feet like a teenager. And I can tell we’re being set up for one heck of a payoff in the next installment.
In short: Book Two can’t come fast enough. I’m already refreshing the author’s page like a raccoon at 3AM looking for snacks. Looks like Feb 2026 is when I can snatch up my copy!
Raven (Rae) stole my heart from page one. She is an overthinking, anxious little tornado of intrusive thoughts and I have never felt so seen. Her inner monologue had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. She is peak relatable millennial brain and I can already feel the groundwork for a phenomenal character arc ahead. It's brimming with strong character character growth with a fit of giggles from her witty expressions.
And then there’s Sky. Ugh. The perfect amount of charming, flawed, and mysterious. He’s one of those male leads who feels real enough to date… which is exactly why I’m suspicious of him. If he turns out to be too good to be true, I’m not emotionally prepared.
I wish there were 400 more pages, because I devoured this story way too fast. I wanted to stay in this world longer just wrapped up in Rae’s head, unraveling whatever secrets are bubbling under the surface, and basking in every moment of banter, tension, and emotional chaos.
the sci-fi reveal? Chef’s kiss. It was done so smoothly that I felt the genre shift happening in my bones. You can tell this world is about to expand in a big way, and I am so ready to be launched deeper into it in Book Two.
Also, a standing ovation for the chapter subtitles. Truly. The humor, the charm, the tiny micro-bursts of joy they delivered before every chapter… I felt spoiled.
As for the romance: this slow burn fed my soul. I live for the delicious, aching tension and this book understood the assignment. Once characters get together too quickly, I will admittedly zone out with the romance, but this? This had me kicking my feet like a teenager. And I can tell we’re being set up for one heck of a payoff in the next installment.
In short: Book Two can’t come fast enough. I’m already refreshing the author’s page like a raccoon at 3AM looking for snacks. Looks like Feb 2026 is when I can snatch up my copy!
November 13, 2025
This book got me. Truly. I didn’t just read it, I inhaled it like a gremlin crouched over a treasure.
Raven (Rae) stole my heart from page one. She is an overthinking, anxious little tornado of intrusive thoughts and I have never felt so seen. Her inner monologue had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. She is peak relatable millennial brain and I can already feel the groundwork for a phenomenal character arc ahead. It's brimming with strong character character growth with a fit of giggles from her witty expressions.
And then there’s Sky. Ugh. The perfect amount of charming, flawed, and mysterious. He’s one of those male leads who feels real enough to date… which is exactly why I’m suspicious of him. If he turns out to be too good to be true, I’m not emotionally prepared.
I wish there were 400 more pages, because I devoured this story way too fast. I wanted to stay in this world longer just wrapped up in Rae’s head, unraveling whatever secrets are bubbling under the surface, and basking in every moment of banter, tension, and emotional chaos.
the sci-fi reveal? Chef’s kiss. It was done so smoothly that I felt the genre shift happening in my bones. You can tell this world is about to expand in a big way, and I am so ready to be launched deeper into it in Book Two.
Also, a standing ovation for the chapter subtitles. Truly. The humor, the charm, the tiny micro-bursts of joy they delivered before every chapter… I felt spoiled.
As for the romance: this slow burn fed my soul. I live for the delicious, aching tension and this book understood the assignment. Once characters get together too quickly, I will admittedly zone out with the romance, but this? This had me kicking my feet like a teenager. And I can tell we’re being set up for one heck of a payoff in the next installment.
In short: Book Two can’t come fast enough. I’m already refreshing the author’s page like a raccoon at 3AM looking for snacks. Looks like Feb 2026 is when I can snatch up my copy!
Raven (Rae) stole my heart from page one. She is an overthinking, anxious little tornado of intrusive thoughts and I have never felt so seen. Her inner monologue had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. She is peak relatable millennial brain and I can already feel the groundwork for a phenomenal character arc ahead. It's brimming with strong character character growth with a fit of giggles from her witty expressions.
And then there’s Sky. Ugh. The perfect amount of charming, flawed, and mysterious. He’s one of those male leads who feels real enough to date… which is exactly why I’m suspicious of him. If he turns out to be too good to be true, I’m not emotionally prepared.
I wish there were 400 more pages, because I devoured this story way too fast. I wanted to stay in this world longer just wrapped up in Rae’s head, unraveling whatever secrets are bubbling under the surface, and basking in every moment of banter, tension, and emotional chaos.
the sci-fi reveal? Chef’s kiss. It was done so smoothly that I felt the genre shift happening in my bones. You can tell this world is about to expand in a big way, and I am so ready to be launched deeper into it in Book Two.
Also, a standing ovation for the chapter subtitles. Truly. The humor, the charm, the tiny micro-bursts of joy they delivered before every chapter… I felt spoiled.
As for the romance: this slow burn fed my soul. I live for the delicious, aching tension and this book understood the assignment. Once characters get together too quickly, I will admittedly zone out with the romance, but this? This had me kicking my feet like a teenager. And I can tell we’re being set up for one heck of a payoff in the next installment.
In short: Book Two can’t come fast enough. I’m already refreshing the author’s page like a raccoon at 3AM looking for snacks. Looks like Feb 2026 is when I can snatch up my copy!
December 11, 2025
This was like Roswell meets Maximals. I don't read a lot of NA anymore because I don't relate to the characters like I used to, but when a slow burn alien romance comes my way, I make an exception.
I like that there's a clear vision in the writing and the author isn't afraid to stick to it. The FMC is super anxious and the overthinking definitely would have spoken to me once upon a time (at this age I just tend to inwardly sigh as the hunty in me gears up to impart some words of wisdom to a spiralling little wisp of a human before she implodes from the force of her own mind).
The prose is pop culture-y and perfectly captures that state of mind of a newly minted 20-something. This isn't as heavy on the alien clichés as Roswell and leans more towards small town adventure instead, just y'know, with alien robots tearing up the town instead of a stand-off at the town party planning committee.
This is a book that would have been perfect for a younger me, when a straight up action romance would have whispered to my soul of a good time. (This current iteration - soaked in espresso so dark it's infernal - needs more grit and darkness in her fiction to be truly happy.)
But don't let my cynicism distract you from the fact that this story still has world-ending stakes and a more box office style action-adventure take on intragalactic conflict that echoes our own global political climate.
It's an easy read, so don't let the length put you off, and the slow burn is appropriately slow without skipping ahead (tho keep in mind this is single POV and so leans more awkward angst than yearning).
I like that there's a clear vision in the writing and the author isn't afraid to stick to it. The FMC is super anxious and the overthinking definitely would have spoken to me once upon a time (at this age I just tend to inwardly sigh as the hunty in me gears up to impart some words of wisdom to a spiralling little wisp of a human before she implodes from the force of her own mind).
The prose is pop culture-y and perfectly captures that state of mind of a newly minted 20-something. This isn't as heavy on the alien clichés as Roswell and leans more towards small town adventure instead, just y'know, with alien robots tearing up the town instead of a stand-off at the town party planning committee.
This is a book that would have been perfect for a younger me, when a straight up action romance would have whispered to my soul of a good time. (This current iteration - soaked in espresso so dark it's infernal - needs more grit and darkness in her fiction to be truly happy.)
But don't let my cynicism distract you from the fact that this story still has world-ending stakes and a more box office style action-adventure take on intragalactic conflict that echoes our own global political climate.
It's an easy read, so don't let the length put you off, and the slow burn is appropriately slow without skipping ahead (tho keep in mind this is single POV and so leans more awkward angst than yearning).
October 29, 2025
👽 x nonbeliever
Broody MMC
Coworkers
Robots
Secret crush
Forbidden romance
Multiple 👽 species
Protective MMC
Slow burn
Raven is just trying to get through her shift at a restaurant to pay her way and get her education as an anthropology student. But things start to occur in their small town and everyone in town jumps to aliens. It seems Rae doesn’t believe. Then one night she's run off the road by a mysterious floating orb of light. And who better to come to the rescue than her hot bartender coworker, Sky, that she has a huge crush on?
Such a fun, light-hearted 👽 invasion with a touch of romance and extraterrestrial activities!
the characters are quirky and relatable, and I loved the humour. And the banter lol
Overall, Stardusted is a great read and I enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars.
A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?" Pointless, really..."Do the stars gaze back?" Now, that's a question.
His eyes had looked like theyd won first place in a Hollywood special effects competition. He'd sparkled.
And not like the vampire guy from that one book. He'd had silver skin.
I tore my gaze from his mouth when his small smile deepened, revealing that rogue dimple in his right cheek that shouldn't be wielded around small children.
I knew there was a reason not to do this.
An extraterrestrial reason.
But right now, it couldn't hurt to try it out. you kror...for science.
Nothing was as it seemed lately.
Not my life.
Not the truth about aliens.
Not even my hot bartender crush.
"It's complicated. But I also.." He exhaled a soft,
self-depreciating
laugh and shook his head, "I don't know. I like the way you're looking at me right now. Like you see me."
You have to believe. Otherwise, it will never happen.
Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel.
Adventures are all very well in their place, but there's a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain.
He stared up at the stars: and it seemed to him then that they were dancers, stately and graceful, performing a dance almost infinite in its complexity. He imagined he could see the very faces of the stars; pale, they were, and smiling gently, as if they had spent so much time above the world, watching the scrambling and the joy and the pain of the people below them, that they could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.
You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine.
There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart’s Desire.
What do stars do? They shine
"Could it be that the heart that you seek is no longer my own? I have given my heart to another."…..
"Nonetheless, he has my heart. I hope your sisters will not be too hard on you, when you return to them without it.
Broody MMC
Coworkers
Robots
Secret crush
Forbidden romance
Multiple 👽 species
Protective MMC
Slow burn
Raven is just trying to get through her shift at a restaurant to pay her way and get her education as an anthropology student. But things start to occur in their small town and everyone in town jumps to aliens. It seems Rae doesn’t believe. Then one night she's run off the road by a mysterious floating orb of light. And who better to come to the rescue than her hot bartender coworker, Sky, that she has a huge crush on?
Such a fun, light-hearted 👽 invasion with a touch of romance and extraterrestrial activities!
the characters are quirky and relatable, and I loved the humour. And the banter lol
Overall, Stardusted is a great read and I enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars.
A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?" Pointless, really..."Do the stars gaze back?" Now, that's a question.
His eyes had looked like theyd won first place in a Hollywood special effects competition. He'd sparkled.
And not like the vampire guy from that one book. He'd had silver skin.
I tore my gaze from his mouth when his small smile deepened, revealing that rogue dimple in his right cheek that shouldn't be wielded around small children.
I knew there was a reason not to do this.
An extraterrestrial reason.
But right now, it couldn't hurt to try it out. you kror...for science.
Nothing was as it seemed lately.
Not my life.
Not the truth about aliens.
Not even my hot bartender crush.
"It's complicated. But I also.." He exhaled a soft,
self-depreciating
laugh and shook his head, "I don't know. I like the way you're looking at me right now. Like you see me."
You have to believe. Otherwise, it will never happen.
Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel.
Adventures are all very well in their place, but there's a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain.
He stared up at the stars: and it seemed to him then that they were dancers, stately and graceful, performing a dance almost infinite in its complexity. He imagined he could see the very faces of the stars; pale, they were, and smiling gently, as if they had spent so much time above the world, watching the scrambling and the joy and the pain of the people below them, that they could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.
You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine.
There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart’s Desire.
What do stars do? They shine
"Could it be that the heart that you seek is no longer my own? I have given my heart to another."…..
"Nonetheless, he has my heart. I hope your sisters will not be too hard on you, when you return to them without it.
October 29, 2025
It might be the aliens. I really don't think we should discredit that idea just yet...
Okay, slow burn, banter, with a hell of a lot of s3xual tension? Elle DeYasso's Stardusted is the book you need to pick up especially if you're looking for a dash of alien invasion!
Her coworkers are convinced that all the solar flare activity and power outages are from alien activity, but Raven isn't convinced. She just wants to finish her waitress shift and continue on with her crush on the hot and enigmatic bartender, Sky. Before Raven knows it, she's wrapped up in a cosmic/intergalactic scheme. As much as Raven tries to justify and rationalize events, they're just too weird. And how does Sky keep popping up right when she needs him?
It's fun, it's out there, I was absolutely cackling throughout the book. Even with all of that, DeYasso is a master of keeping the characters and plot grounded and actual potential of what could happen. It never felt like a hard left into... wait, what?!
And that slow burn? Baby, it's a smoldering slooooooow burn that had me melting. It's truly just a touch of spice and DeYasso crafted it so perfectly.
So. When do I get to read book no. 2?
🛸Slow Burn
🔥Forbidden Romance: Alien × Human
🛸Broody × Sarcastic Pairing
🔥Forced Proximity
🛸Accidental chosen one
🔥Protective love interest
🛸Secret alien in disguise
🔥Government cover-up
Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy!
Okay, slow burn, banter, with a hell of a lot of s3xual tension? Elle DeYasso's Stardusted is the book you need to pick up especially if you're looking for a dash of alien invasion!
Her coworkers are convinced that all the solar flare activity and power outages are from alien activity, but Raven isn't convinced. She just wants to finish her waitress shift and continue on with her crush on the hot and enigmatic bartender, Sky. Before Raven knows it, she's wrapped up in a cosmic/intergalactic scheme. As much as Raven tries to justify and rationalize events, they're just too weird. And how does Sky keep popping up right when she needs him?
It's fun, it's out there, I was absolutely cackling throughout the book. Even with all of that, DeYasso is a master of keeping the characters and plot grounded and actual potential of what could happen. It never felt like a hard left into... wait, what?!
And that slow burn? Baby, it's a smoldering slooooooow burn that had me melting. It's truly just a touch of spice and DeYasso crafted it so perfectly.
So. When do I get to read book no. 2?
🛸Slow Burn
🔥Forbidden Romance: Alien × Human
🛸Broody × Sarcastic Pairing
🔥Forced Proximity
🛸Accidental chosen one
🔥Protective love interest
🛸Secret alien in disguise
🔥Government cover-up
Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy!
October 28, 2025
ARC Review ✨: Ever come across an author, read their posts, then read their debut novel and think...yeah, we could be friends? @elledeyesso is that author. 💕 Her debut novel, "Stardusted" has been the perfect mixture of originality and uniqueness with a touch of nostalgia. THIS is the book that reminded me why I love sci-fi, alien romance, and everything in between (and if you love Maria and Liz's banter in "Roswell High" by Melinda Metz, you will adore Raven and Kelly). "Stardusted" follows Raven, an anthropology student, who is an alien non-believer about to fall unexpectedly in love with the very thing she doesn't believe exists. Speaking of, Raven and Sky have delightful chemistry for having such an achingly SLOW burn ❤️🔥. Dialogue throughout this read is fluid and enjoyable. I did find Raven's internal dialogue a bit much at times, but because I do that myself, I found that although it slowed the story down, it made the character more relatable. If you're looking for an out-of-this-world sci-fi romance with excellent world building and character creation, this is the book for you! Out tomorrow (October 28th). Buy it now! You can thank me for it later. 👽 🛸
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🏷️Tags:
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgirly #bookish #booklover #bookworm #bibliophile #arcreader #arcreviews #scifi #scifiromance #alienromance #stardusted #elledeyesso
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🏷️Tags:
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgirly #bookish #booklover #bookworm #bibliophile #arcreader #arcreviews #scifi #scifiromance #alienromance #stardusted #elledeyesso
October 15, 2025
Everyone else moved like gravity still worked. Meanwhile, I was floating in orbit, watching my life spin out below. Watching my skepticism, my thoroughly vetted alternative explanation for all this chaos, dissolve just like the tablet had.
4 stars
This was a fun and mysterious alien rom-com! I really enjoyed the beginning of the story and how the mystery developed. Raven was firm in her beliefs, but with so many undeniable clues, she was forced to reevaluate what she thought she knew. Sky was the perfect brooding and secretive maybe-alien; he always happened to be in the right place at the right time to offer Raven help...and suss out exactly what she knew. My only complaint would be that Raven could be long-winded in her thoughts; there would be whole chapters of just her inner back-and-forth and no real action which slowed the plot down. Overall, I enjoyed this light and easy story and look forward to book two🖤
Tropes: alien rom-com, forbidden love, hero with a secret, heroine-in-denial, forced proximity, evil alien robots, mutual pining, slow burn, sweet romance🩷
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
September 26, 2025
I was given the opportunity to ARC read Stardusted, and this is my honest review.
If you want a sci-fi rom-com that's funny with an agonisingly slow burn (in the best way), then this is the story for you.
Stardusted is brilliantly written - from its beautiful imagery and prose to the dynamic and genuine characters, and the romance elements that leave you begging for more! Rae is a real, relatable, and so endearingly anxious - I think there's a little bit of Rae in all of us. And Sky! Well, isn't he just a bundle of secrets? This story will have you eager to unravel all of his mysteries!
But just because it's a romance, doesn't mean it isn't without it's drama! There's high stakes (we're talking, intergalactic-level stakes!) and fast-paced action scenes that'll have you whipping through this one! It truly has a bit of everything, and Book 2 is shaping up to be a hell of an adventure!
Elle has crafted a captivating tale filled with entertaining characters and moments to make you chuckle. If you want to escape your own anxieties and experience Rae's trials and tribulations, step into One Willow and read Stardusted ASAP.
If you want a sci-fi rom-com that's funny with an agonisingly slow burn (in the best way), then this is the story for you.
Stardusted is brilliantly written - from its beautiful imagery and prose to the dynamic and genuine characters, and the romance elements that leave you begging for more! Rae is a real, relatable, and so endearingly anxious - I think there's a little bit of Rae in all of us. And Sky! Well, isn't he just a bundle of secrets? This story will have you eager to unravel all of his mysteries!
But just because it's a romance, doesn't mean it isn't without it's drama! There's high stakes (we're talking, intergalactic-level stakes!) and fast-paced action scenes that'll have you whipping through this one! It truly has a bit of everything, and Book 2 is shaping up to be a hell of an adventure!
Elle has crafted a captivating tale filled with entertaining characters and moments to make you chuckle. If you want to escape your own anxieties and experience Rae's trials and tribulations, step into One Willow and read Stardusted ASAP.
October 21, 2025
Definitely an exciting alien/scifi romance for your TBR.
Our main protagonist, Raven, or Rae is a small-town waitress, who gives us a rolling, pretty much nonstop commentary on her life, that is ridiculously entertaining. Pretty early on we also meet Sky, our mysterious and super hot bartender, and the two get wrapped up into this electrifying galactic threat.
But it’s a fun ride. Between Raven’s sarcasm and one-liners, and her insane chemistry with Sky, the depth perception of the stakes are almost deceptive—until they’re not;) And the clubbing scene—OMG.
I’m personally comping this to Twilight meets Transformers, with aliens instead of vampires, and some crazy cool action sequences. There was something with the way Sky and Rae interacted with each other, even their cadences of conversation gave me total Edward/Bella vibes + the magical sarcasm that could only be Elle Deyesso tossed in there!
Also, I NEED to meet Bast. Have you ever been so excited about a character you’ve never met? I swear, he’s only mentioned like a handful of times, and never in huge detail, but I’m already sold.
An amazing read.
Because, aliens definitely don’t exist…
Our main protagonist, Raven, or Rae is a small-town waitress, who gives us a rolling, pretty much nonstop commentary on her life, that is ridiculously entertaining. Pretty early on we also meet Sky, our mysterious and super hot bartender, and the two get wrapped up into this electrifying galactic threat.
But it’s a fun ride. Between Raven’s sarcasm and one-liners, and her insane chemistry with Sky, the depth perception of the stakes are almost deceptive—until they’re not;) And the clubbing scene—OMG.
I’m personally comping this to Twilight meets Transformers, with aliens instead of vampires, and some crazy cool action sequences. There was something with the way Sky and Rae interacted with each other, even their cadences of conversation gave me total Edward/Bella vibes + the magical sarcasm that could only be Elle Deyesso tossed in there!
Also, I NEED to meet Bast. Have you ever been so excited about a character you’ve never met? I swear, he’s only mentioned like a handful of times, and never in huge detail, but I’m already sold.
An amazing read.
Because, aliens definitely don’t exist…
October 27, 2025
Stardusted is so much fun. Set in a college town near a military base, the protagonist, Rae, is an anthropology student who is getting increasingly frustrated with her coworker's insistence that little green men are buzzing the town.
Even when Rae has her own close encounter, her inner Scully has her rationalizing what she saw away as ball lightning. But what she can't rationalize away? Getting attacked in the anthropology lab by a freaky robot and getting zapped by a strange crystal that causes alstrange symbols to show up on her hand.
To add to the weirdness that's taking over her life Skye, the hot, but mysterious bartender from work is showing an unusual amount of interest in Rae's life.
I had so much fun advance reading Stardusted. The chapter titles (seriously, more books should have them) are hilarious. The banter between Rae and her coworkers and friends is great and Skye is such a sweetie under his aloof exterior. I can't wait for the next chapter in Rae & Skye's adventure!
Even when Rae has her own close encounter, her inner Scully has her rationalizing what she saw away as ball lightning. But what she can't rationalize away? Getting attacked in the anthropology lab by a freaky robot and getting zapped by a strange crystal that causes alstrange symbols to show up on her hand.
To add to the weirdness that's taking over her life Skye, the hot, but mysterious bartender from work is showing an unusual amount of interest in Rae's life.
I had so much fun advance reading Stardusted. The chapter titles (seriously, more books should have them) are hilarious. The banter between Rae and her coworkers and friends is great and Skye is such a sweetie under his aloof exterior. I can't wait for the next chapter in Rae & Skye's adventure!
November 1, 2025
Elle Deyesso absolutely nailed this one! The writing is so beautifully descriptive that it feels cinematic. Every setting, every emotional beat, every chaotic moment just jumps off the page. Rae’s inner monologue had me laughing out loud more times than I can count; her snarky thoughts and reactions give the story such a fun, relatable edge. (I cringed right along with her when she declined his phone number.)
And the slow burn romance? Chef’s kiss. It’s drawn out in the best possible way. Full of tension, longing, and little moments that make your heart race. (The kiss scene had me screaming.) Add in plenty of action and suspense to keep you on your toes, and you’ve got a book that’s impossible to put down. Which I couldn't do, the sleep deprivation was worth it.
If you love vivid writing, laugh-out-loud humor, and a romance that makes you ache in the best way, Stardusted is a must-read. I absolutely cannot wait until the next one to find out what else happens with Rae and Sky.
And the slow burn romance? Chef’s kiss. It’s drawn out in the best possible way. Full of tension, longing, and little moments that make your heart race. (The kiss scene had me screaming.) Add in plenty of action and suspense to keep you on your toes, and you’ve got a book that’s impossible to put down. Which I couldn't do, the sleep deprivation was worth it.
If you love vivid writing, laugh-out-loud humor, and a romance that makes you ache in the best way, Stardusted is a must-read. I absolutely cannot wait until the next one to find out what else happens with Rae and Sky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
***ARC review***
Raven keeps her cool when all her coworkers fall into a crazy alien conspiracy. There are just so many other possible explanations that aren't aliens. But soon the coincidences are quite impossible to ignore. And a certain little-bit-too-hot-and-mysterious bartender who somehow always saves her from trouble makes it to the top of her suspects list.
Okay, confession time. I've been a massive Doctor Who fan back in middle school, and this book just sent me back to all those feelings. A sexy alien guy? The funniest back-and-forth? Murderous robots from outer space? Check, check, check. I'm not kidding when I say I was giggling and kicking my feet whenever Sky and Raven interacted. I'm even smiling now. This guy....
Stardusted is a book you won't be able to put down. It's such a strong start to a series, and I can't wait to read more.
Raven keeps her cool when all her coworkers fall into a crazy alien conspiracy. There are just so many other possible explanations that aren't aliens. But soon the coincidences are quite impossible to ignore. And a certain little-bit-too-hot-and-mysterious bartender who somehow always saves her from trouble makes it to the top of her suspects list.
Okay, confession time. I've been a massive Doctor Who fan back in middle school, and this book just sent me back to all those feelings. A sexy alien guy? The funniest back-and-forth? Murderous robots from outer space? Check, check, check. I'm not kidding when I say I was giggling and kicking my feet whenever Sky and Raven interacted. I'm even smiling now. This guy....
Stardusted is a book you won't be able to put down. It's such a strong start to a series, and I can't wait to read more.
October 1, 2025
** ARC Review **
Raven doesn’t believe in aliens, despite what her pushy coworkers say. Sky also doesn’t believe in aliens because he doesn’t need to. He knows they’re real. When the two of them cosmically collide after an incident at Raven’s university, they’ll find themselves stuck together until they can figure out why she has suddenly become the target of an intergalactic evil.
Stardusted made me laugh out loud. The interactions between Raven and Sky were so outrageously funny. They do eventually get to the flirty banter thing, but this book had me snort laughing the whole time. I loved the characterization and the whole cast of this novel. Elle really did an awesome job making this world and the people in it feel real.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves slow burn romance, definitely not aliens, and snort laughing while they read.
Raven doesn’t believe in aliens, despite what her pushy coworkers say. Sky also doesn’t believe in aliens because he doesn’t need to. He knows they’re real. When the two of them cosmically collide after an incident at Raven’s university, they’ll find themselves stuck together until they can figure out why she has suddenly become the target of an intergalactic evil.
Stardusted made me laugh out loud. The interactions between Raven and Sky were so outrageously funny. They do eventually get to the flirty banter thing, but this book had me snort laughing the whole time. I loved the characterization and the whole cast of this novel. Elle really did an awesome job making this world and the people in it feel real.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves slow burn romance, definitely not aliens, and snort laughing while they read.
October 31, 2025
Raven is simply trying to live her life and study for a college exam when an alien almost kills her. Or does it? Everyone that was there seems to have a different story about what happened except for the hottie from the bar who is asking too many questions for him to not be involved.
My take: I wish there was more alien stuff in the book. I want space ships and technology and more weird things but it seems like the next book could introduce new characters and give us more out of this world experiences.
I enjoyed Raven more as she came out of her shy shell and became herself around Sky. I want to know why he was on his phone all the time. Let me see those messages lol
I will be picking up book 2!
Spice: 0
My take: I wish there was more alien stuff in the book. I want space ships and technology and more weird things but it seems like the next book could introduce new characters and give us more out of this world experiences.
I enjoyed Raven more as she came out of her shy shell and became herself around Sky. I want to know why he was on his phone all the time. Let me see those messages lol
I will be picking up book 2!
Spice: 0
December 21, 2025
Stardusted by Elle DeYesso is such a cool alien (I mean totally not alien) romance! Raven and Sky were super fun characters, the pacing was perfect, and I need the next book pronto!
When strange things start to happen due to solar flare activity, Raven encounters some of those strange phenomena up close. But she's not on board with all these alien conspiracy theories.
I loved how I could see it in my head like a movie (which I think it would be such a great movie in general)! The romantic tension was great (slow burn in the best way) and the stakes grew suprisenly high for a rom-com! I loved it and would absolutely recommend picking up this romance for a great read! Five stars easy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When strange things start to happen due to solar flare activity, Raven encounters some of those strange phenomena up close. But she's not on board with all these alien conspiracy theories.
I loved how I could see it in my head like a movie (which I think it would be such a great movie in general)! The romantic tension was great (slow burn in the best way) and the stakes grew suprisenly high for a rom-com! I loved it and would absolutely recommend picking up this romance for a great read! Five stars easy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 31, 2025
Listen, this is my first real sci fi romance, and since this is only book one there was no romance at all.. the slow burn is SLOW with a capital S. Anyways the story was good it was interesting and I enjoyed the FMC Rae, she’s super relatable.
I felt like the whole book was world building and I felt like it was dragging on, while I liked the story and I liked the way the book was going I just felt like it was a bit too much. I also didn’t like that this book is only 1 POV and it’s of Rae. I really needed Sky’s POV.
Do I recommend this book? Sure
Will I continue the series? Maybe, cause I am interested to find out more..
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I felt like the whole book was world building and I felt like it was dragging on, while I liked the story and I liked the way the book was going I just felt like it was a bit too much. I also didn’t like that this book is only 1 POV and it’s of Rae. I really needed Sky’s POV.
Do I recommend this book? Sure
Will I continue the series? Maybe, cause I am interested to find out more..
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
September 26, 2025
A true delight! I loved reading this un-put-downable start to the series and can't wait for the next one!
The characters quickly feel like your own friends. From goofy coworkers to aliens (maybe? definitely!) you will love the personalities and memorable interactions. And probably never think of chickens the same again!
Elle's writing style is intentional and impactful, with style, syntax, and tone shifting as the story unfolds to really draw readers in. Excellent first book - can't wait for more!
The characters quickly feel like your own friends. From goofy coworkers to aliens (maybe? definitely!) you will love the personalities and memorable interactions. And probably never think of chickens the same again!
Elle's writing style is intentional and impactful, with style, syntax, and tone shifting as the story unfolds to really draw readers in. Excellent first book - can't wait for more!
September 29, 2025
Advance Reader Review:
Stardusted had me CACKLING! I was laughing so hard at parts my husband had to check on me!
Rae (Raven) is so funny and relatable and Sky is a swoon-worthy MMC.
I was on the edge of my seat begging them to just FINALLY DO IT, the entire time!
Why do I get so tortured by slow-burns?!
This is such a fun book were an unsuspecting human has a crush on an alien in disguise and fights killer robots?! It checks all the boxes.
Stardusted had me CACKLING! I was laughing so hard at parts my husband had to check on me!
Rae (Raven) is so funny and relatable and Sky is a swoon-worthy MMC.
I was on the edge of my seat begging them to just FINALLY DO IT, the entire time!
Why do I get so tortured by slow-burns?!
This is such a fun book were an unsuspecting human has a crush on an alien in disguise and fights killer robots?! It checks all the boxes.
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