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Starkissed Mates #1
Tempting Cargo
When Shohari agreed to transport human refugees, she expected routine cargo—but found a love that could tear her apart.
Captain Shohari’s spines are crushed under the force of her family’s impossible demands. If she doesn’t meet her quota, she’ll be forced to marry a stranger, and lose the trading ship and crew she loves. To free herself from her parents’ machinations, she'll take any extra shipment she can, even alien refugees. The last thing she needs is a distraction.
He’s dangerous cargo.
The moody and monstrous captain is Garrison’s ticket to safety, but once he gets a taste of her, he can’t get enough. Everything he's been searching for is right here: the home he needs, the love he wants, and the chance to be her hero. He’d give her the stars, if she’d give them a chance.
With the threat of her arranged marriage looming, a forbidden mate bond would spell lifelong agony for Shohari. She needs to leave him behind—no matter how much she wants him to stay.
Captain Shohari’s spines are crushed under the force of her family’s impossible demands. If she doesn’t meet her quota, she’ll be forced to marry a stranger, and lose the trading ship and crew she loves. To free herself from her parents’ machinations, she'll take any extra shipment she can, even alien refugees. The last thing she needs is a distraction.
He’s dangerous cargo.
The moody and monstrous captain is Garrison’s ticket to safety, but once he gets a taste of her, he can’t get enough. Everything he's been searching for is right here: the home he needs, the love he wants, and the chance to be her hero. He’d give her the stars, if she’d give them a chance.
With the threat of her arranged marriage looming, a forbidden mate bond would spell lifelong agony for Shohari. She needs to leave him behind—no matter how much she wants him to stay.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
About the author
Lyra Strake
3 books13 followersLyra Strake loves strong men who moan and craves more of them in sci-fi romance. They're also obsessed with confident heroines and emotionally intelligent heroes—so they're filling their starkissed galaxy with all of these, one book at a time.
Lyra thrives on tea, metalcore, and Star Wars re-runs. They live in a distant nebula but return to the UK to see their family, their small zoo of pets, and to catch up on crochet projects.
Want updates on new releases, exclusive short stories, and early sneak peeks? Subscribe to my newsletter via my website or social media.
Lyra thrives on tea, metalcore, and Star Wars re-runs. They live in a distant nebula but return to the UK to see their family, their small zoo of pets, and to catch up on crochet projects.
Want updates on new releases, exclusive short stories, and early sneak peeks? Subscribe to my newsletter via my website or social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 4, 2025
If you like bisexual aliens w/ creative anatomy, black cat/golden retriever energy, and spicy but cute romance, go check it out. Original review below:
This was a great palate cleanser after longer, plot-heavier reads. You get what's on the tin: alien romance with a female alien and male human, copious spice with creative anatomy, mating bonds and all that usual goodness, colourful cast of side characters I expect many of which we'll see in the future installments, lovable main characters and underlying plot that supports the romance development.
I liked there was no typical 3rd act breakup and the reasons mcs were resistant to commit to the relationship believable (fmc is pressured by her family into an arranged marriage with someone else, mmc is stranded in the galaxy and unsure will the fmc want to keep him around). I also liked that while Garrison, our mmc, was tall and muscular, in comparison to aliens he was "just a guy" (reminds me of people asking for the Barbie trope "she was everything, he was just Ken"), he was also giving big golden retriever energy, being protective but more in a caring than possessive way, and he felt responsible for helping the rest of his stranded human group find new homes. He's a kind and good guy, just lost in an unfamiliar situation, but he's great at making friends, from the ship's crew to later-met side characters.
Shohari, the fmc, is the grumpy black cat to Garrison's golden retriever energy, which I feel is common in the role reversal books I pick, but I appreciate Shohari was shown to present a facade of cold and tough captain, but it wasn't her whole personality and she was sensible and friendly to her crew and trusted people. I don't like when authors use gender role reversal to make the fmc an intolerable jerk, I know why this happens - we're reversing the stories where men are allowed to be jerks and bullies and get away with it - but I'm not a fan of either. So I was happy neither of the characters here were unlikeable or caricatural.
We've gotten lots of typical alien romance tropes like translator implants, easy space travel that "just works", different kinds of aliens (I hope that Ydouir gal is getting her own book at some point, giant magical winged demon? sign me up!), alien words (mostly for drinks and swearwords, interestingly), mating bonds, creative anatomy... I loved the extra attention to the concept, both discussing "can our species even crossbreed?" and using sex toys to bridge anatomical differences. We seriously need more sex toys in spicy romances.
One thing I was wondering, if I'd drew a Venn diagram of "gender role reversal", "femdom" and "bisexual romance" the result wouldn't be a circle... but there's a significant overlap. I keep asking myself why. But also, I tend to enjoy all 3 and this book is all 3. Shohari is revealed as bi pretty early on, Garrison is revealed as most likely demisexual or demiromantic (he doesn't like sex without emotional attachment and casual "situationships") and later on as bi as well. The emotional attachment develops pretty fast here, which is common in this genre, but also when someone's stranded and lonely it's much easier to latch onto anybody who seems to be a good fit.
The femdom is pretty light in this one, it's explained that fmc's culture likes primal play and fighting for dominance during sex, but fmc enjoys both chasing and being chased, both pinning and being wrestled down, so I wouldn't classify this as femdom, and it's pretty light (there aren't extended primal play scenes, they're all brief). She also likes to order mmc around, but also likes when he acts proactive or possessive. There's also a pegging scene, which I find extremely common in bisexual romance and somewhat common in femdom romance, but I disagree that pegging is inherently femdom-y, it's a stereotype rooted in the idea that being penetrated is submission, which is somewhat sexist and heteronormative. However, Shohari does order Garrison around, so that qualifies for light femdom.
The dynamics they have is much more balanced though than in many other femdom books I've read, but I think this will make it easier to recommend this book to readers who want to dip toes into a dynamic with a more dominant fmc but without falling into overdone tropes. I swear half my femdom TBR is either "mmc hires fmc as his kink dispenser domme" or "fmc gets mmc as a (sex) slave" and I'm begging for something different. This book IS something different. No sex worker/mail order bride fmc, no slave mmc, the relationship is consensual, no heavy protocol bdsm, I really enjoyed how the undertones were there and it was kinky (again, loved the sex toys scenes), but it wasn't heavy dom/sub scenario.
The book is well edited, I wasn't stumbling into typos and the flow of the plot and scenes was clear. It takes a moment to get used to all the alien terminology, but there's a helpful glossary at the end. Still wondering what's an Ulth, except some animal to use as an insult (in a similar way as you'd call someone a donkey or an ape).
Anyway, this was an extremely competent debut, with lovable cast of characters, creative alien species, easy to read writing style and satisfying spice (my biggest complaint usually towards high-spice reads is that the sex is boring and repetitive, not here though!).
If you like:
- female aliens / non-humans
- bisexual romance
- reverse grumpy/sunshine aka black cat/golden retriever
- light femdom
- light gender role reversal / non-heteronormative gender roles in MF
...then you should read this book! (publishes November 13)
P.S. Does anybody else think fmc's alien race was inspired by the Predator franchise?
I've signed up for the ARC through Lyra Strake's instagram open call. I'm leaving my honest opinion as a voluntary review.
This was a great palate cleanser after longer, plot-heavier reads. You get what's on the tin: alien romance with a female alien and male human, copious spice with creative anatomy, mating bonds and all that usual goodness, colourful cast of side characters I expect many of which we'll see in the future installments, lovable main characters and underlying plot that supports the romance development.
I liked there was no typical 3rd act breakup and the reasons mcs were resistant to commit to the relationship believable (fmc is pressured by her family into an arranged marriage with someone else, mmc is stranded in the galaxy and unsure will the fmc want to keep him around). I also liked that while Garrison, our mmc, was tall and muscular, in comparison to aliens he was "just a guy" (reminds me of people asking for the Barbie trope "she was everything, he was just Ken"), he was also giving big golden retriever energy, being protective but more in a caring than possessive way, and he felt responsible for helping the rest of his stranded human group find new homes. He's a kind and good guy, just lost in an unfamiliar situation, but he's great at making friends, from the ship's crew to later-met side characters.
Shohari, the fmc, is the grumpy black cat to Garrison's golden retriever energy, which I feel is common in the role reversal books I pick, but I appreciate Shohari was shown to present a facade of cold and tough captain, but it wasn't her whole personality and she was sensible and friendly to her crew and trusted people. I don't like when authors use gender role reversal to make the fmc an intolerable jerk, I know why this happens - we're reversing the stories where men are allowed to be jerks and bullies and get away with it - but I'm not a fan of either. So I was happy neither of the characters here were unlikeable or caricatural.
We've gotten lots of typical alien romance tropes like translator implants, easy space travel that "just works", different kinds of aliens (I hope that Ydouir gal is getting her own book at some point, giant magical winged demon? sign me up!), alien words (mostly for drinks and swearwords, interestingly), mating bonds, creative anatomy... I loved the extra attention to the concept, both discussing "can our species even crossbreed?" and using sex toys to bridge anatomical differences. We seriously need more sex toys in spicy romances.
One thing I was wondering, if I'd drew a Venn diagram of "gender role reversal", "femdom" and "bisexual romance" the result wouldn't be a circle... but there's a significant overlap. I keep asking myself why. But also, I tend to enjoy all 3 and this book is all 3. Shohari is revealed as bi pretty early on, Garrison is revealed as most likely demisexual or demiromantic (he doesn't like sex without emotional attachment and casual "situationships") and later on as bi as well. The emotional attachment develops pretty fast here, which is common in this genre, but also when someone's stranded and lonely it's much easier to latch onto anybody who seems to be a good fit.
The femdom is pretty light in this one, it's explained that fmc's culture likes primal play and fighting for dominance during sex, but fmc enjoys both chasing and being chased, both pinning and being wrestled down, so I wouldn't classify this as femdom, and it's pretty light (there aren't extended primal play scenes, they're all brief). She also likes to order mmc around, but also likes when he acts proactive or possessive. There's also a pegging scene, which I find extremely common in bisexual romance and somewhat common in femdom romance, but I disagree that pegging is inherently femdom-y, it's a stereotype rooted in the idea that being penetrated is submission, which is somewhat sexist and heteronormative. However, Shohari does order Garrison around, so that qualifies for light femdom.
The dynamics they have is much more balanced though than in many other femdom books I've read, but I think this will make it easier to recommend this book to readers who want to dip toes into a dynamic with a more dominant fmc but without falling into overdone tropes. I swear half my femdom TBR is either "mmc hires fmc as his kink dispenser domme" or "fmc gets mmc as a (sex) slave" and I'm begging for something different. This book IS something different. No sex worker/mail order bride fmc, no slave mmc, the relationship is consensual, no heavy protocol bdsm, I really enjoyed how the undertones were there and it was kinky (again, loved the sex toys scenes), but it wasn't heavy dom/sub scenario.
The book is well edited, I wasn't stumbling into typos and the flow of the plot and scenes was clear. It takes a moment to get used to all the alien terminology, but there's a helpful glossary at the end. Still wondering what's an Ulth, except some animal to use as an insult (in a similar way as you'd call someone a donkey or an ape).
Anyway, this was an extremely competent debut, with lovable cast of characters, creative alien species, easy to read writing style and satisfying spice (my biggest complaint usually towards high-spice reads is that the sex is boring and repetitive, not here though!).
If you like:
- female aliens / non-humans
- bisexual romance
- reverse grumpy/sunshine aka black cat/golden retriever
- light femdom
- light gender role reversal / non-heteronormative gender roles in MF
...then you should read this book! (publishes November 13)
P.S. Does anybody else think fmc's alien race was inspired by the Predator franchise?
I've signed up for the ARC through Lyra Strake's instagram open call. I'm leaving my honest opinion as a voluntary review.
February 11, 2026
Garrison in the golden retriever everyone needs in their lives. He had all the emotional intelligence and sweetness. Shohari was all black cat and tried to take on everything herself. She was cautious and grumpy, but wanted Garrison anyway. He was a safe place for her. I wanted to smack her sometimes, but her decisions made sense given the consequences of pursuing a full relationship with Garrison before doing what she needed to do. It was sweet and spicy with a hot muscly alien woman, which is a bonus.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: confinement, xenophobia, humans are refugees, parental abuse, coercive control, anxiety, brief violence, threats with guns, mild self harm ideation, medical abuse (side character), sexual harassment (side character), failed SA attempt (side character), riot and military conflict (off page), ableism, segregation of outcasts, mentions of slavery and SA (not involving on page characters)
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: confinement, xenophobia, humans are refugees, parental abuse, coercive control, anxiety, brief violence, threats with guns, mild self harm ideation, medical abuse (side character), sexual harassment (side character), failed SA attempt (side character), riot and military conflict (off page), ableism, segregation of outcasts, mentions of slavery and SA (not involving on page characters)
December 19, 2025
I can safely say that I do not have enough big muscled Alien Mommies on my TBR pile - this was so different and so good! It really has everything you need in a great Sci-Fi Romance: Space Adventure, various Alien races, misplaced Human refugees, lots of heart and a surprising amount of humor. Overall a great start to a series I'm very much looking forward to, with the found family vibe from an amazing crew of aliens.
Shohari is a badass female captain that decides take on some human 'cargo' and help them find a place to live. She becomes intrigued by the large human male, even though she knows better because she already has so much on her plate that she's already dealing with. Garrison, the big almost Himbo is just adorable. Super sweet, very flirty and very much attracted the muscle mommy with the thicc thighs that can literally kick his ass.
This was casually Bi fo Bi, with past relationships mentioned and not a big deal, but it made the unique inter-species sex a little less.... intimidating (?) for Garrison. The spice was really well thought out and unique with lots of consent and each being very thoughtful in adapting to their partner. Hard to explain without spoiling, but well WELL worth the read.
Sci-Fi Romance
Alien(F)/Human(M)
Strong, Stoic FMC
Sweet & Flirty MMC
Found Family
Creative Anatomy
Pegging, Lite FemDom
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Shohari is a badass female captain that decides take on some human 'cargo' and help them find a place to live. She becomes intrigued by the large human male, even though she knows better because she already has so much on her plate that she's already dealing with. Garrison, the big almost Himbo is just adorable. Super sweet, very flirty and very much attracted the muscle mommy with the thicc thighs that can literally kick his ass.
This was casually Bi fo Bi, with past relationships mentioned and not a big deal, but it made the unique inter-species sex a little less.... intimidating (?) for Garrison. The spice was really well thought out and unique with lots of consent and each being very thoughtful in adapting to their partner. Hard to explain without spoiling, but well WELL worth the read.
Sci-Fi Romance
Alien(F)/Human(M)
Strong, Stoic FMC
Sweet & Flirty MMC
Found Family
Creative Anatomy
Pegging, Lite FemDom
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 13, 2025
“It’s as you can imagine. Boy meets girl, boy fights girl, girl pins boy, they end up kissing”
Okay so I’m not a big fan of sci-fi, just never really been able to get behind it but this sci-fi romance was everything I could want! It was funny and spicy and had a really good plot that pulls you in and has you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so easy to fall in love with and to watch Shohari bloom throughout the book is so sweet!
Muzati is hilarious, love her and old pirate pants Paiata has a bunch of quips that make him a good snarky crew member. The Dorimisa herself and Garrisons little connection is super cute and then just Garrison himself well he’s a big ole teddy bear!
This book had me on the edge of my seat for a bunch of it and the other times I was fanning myself (you’ve never experienced pegging like this)
Okay so I’m not a big fan of sci-fi, just never really been able to get behind it but this sci-fi romance was everything I could want! It was funny and spicy and had a really good plot that pulls you in and has you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so easy to fall in love with and to watch Shohari bloom throughout the book is so sweet!
Muzati is hilarious, love her and old pirate pants Paiata has a bunch of quips that make him a good snarky crew member. The Dorimisa herself and Garrisons little connection is super cute and then just Garrison himself well he’s a big ole teddy bear!
This book had me on the edge of my seat for a bunch of it and the other times I was fanning myself (you’ve never experienced pegging like this)
November 5, 2025
There’s not enough Fem Monsters/Aliens and I was so happy to get one in this read!! Shohari was everything I could ask for and so much more! Duty bound and resigned to a fate she desperately didn’t want until our big, soft, caring to the millionth degree human MMC comes careening into her life. Shohari and Garrison were simultaneously precious and SO smokin hot together. Watching them grow and open up to each other was magical!
October 14, 2025
I do love an alien FMC and Human MMC moment!
The first book I've read by this and it definitely won't be the last!
I need to go back and read the little prequel novella but I really enjoyed the whole premise!
Shohari is the captain of her ship doing everything to avoid going home and dealing with her mother and wanting to do everything to help her brother when she comes across Garrison.
Garrison is in abit of a tight spot when he meets Shohari and the attraction is almost instant.
I love that Shohari wasn't a small meek alien and her strange anatomy that gave Garrison abit of a shock.
I read this in a day because I just had to know what was going to happen next!
The first book I've read by this and it definitely won't be the last!
I need to go back and read the little prequel novella but I really enjoyed the whole premise!
Shohari is the captain of her ship doing everything to avoid going home and dealing with her mother and wanting to do everything to help her brother when she comes across Garrison.
Garrison is in abit of a tight spot when he meets Shohari and the attraction is almost instant.
I love that Shohari wasn't a small meek alien and her strange anatomy that gave Garrison abit of a shock.
I read this in a day because I just had to know what was going to happen next!
February 19, 2026
Freaking awesome read! I loved ever second of this story. A grump FMC and a cinnamon roll MMC, YES PLEASE! The FMC while grumpy has a gentle side and a side only our MMC sees and it is everything. The chemistry was top notch, and the spice was SPICE-ING. The worldbuilding was deep along with the rescue plot of the story.
Garrison is a GOLD TIER book boyfriend!
FULL STOP
Garrison is a GOLD TIER book boyfriend!
FULL STOP
December 20, 2025
Shohari is a buff, outwardly grumpy alien gal but a secret cinnamon roll. Her horrible and manipulative parents have dictated her life from the very beginning and she is scheming to escape them and free her brother from their control as well. Her life is on an orderly course until she encounters a bakers dozen of human refugees and the biggest member of the group Garrison.
Secret softie that she is, Shohari grants the humans passage and delivers them to various destinations where such a rare species might be able to settle. What she didn’t plan on? Fall head over curl for Garrison.
This story was a lot of fun! There was a lot of development given to the different alien species and their cultures and anatomy. The spicy scenes felt both intimate and alien, you as a reader never forget Shohari isn’t human but can totally understand why Garrison is into it.
The ending of the story had an exciting rescue mission and satisfying double crossing, where all the main characters had a chance to shine.
I didn’t feel like I got to know the other human characters very well, but the author stated they’d get their own books so I expect they’ll be developed more. I really wanted to know more about Ellie and her reptilian boss—a human diplomat and the ferocious alien archon who’s seemingly interested? Sign me up!
Secret softie that she is, Shohari grants the humans passage and delivers them to various destinations where such a rare species might be able to settle. What she didn’t plan on? Fall head over curl for Garrison.
This story was a lot of fun! There was a lot of development given to the different alien species and their cultures and anatomy. The spicy scenes felt both intimate and alien, you as a reader never forget Shohari isn’t human but can totally understand why Garrison is into it.
The ending of the story had an exciting rescue mission and satisfying double crossing, where all the main characters had a chance to shine.
I didn’t feel like I got to know the other human characters very well, but the author stated they’d get their own books so I expect they’ll be developed more. I really wanted to know more about Ellie and her reptilian boss—a human diplomat and the ferocious alien archon who’s seemingly interested? Sign me up!
November 11, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and throughly enjoyed it. It was so refreshing to have a male human mc and female alien, haven’t encountered many of those in the alien romances I’ve read.
The world building is so intriguing I absolutely look forward to reading the next books! Loved the titles for chapters some of them made me crack up.
CW a little dark in some places, including an almost bad time for a side character and very smutty, I enjoyed the new take on alien sex although some of the details reminded me of tentacle stuff descriptors so if that’s not your thing I would avoid this. Also some very creative smut terms which definitely work for alien sex but may take you briefly out of the moment of reading!
The whole book I was so intrigued by what would happen next and the chemistry between the love interests and the camaraderie of the captain and her crew and then the humans with each other was delightful to read. I also enjoyed that though there was some miscommunication it got cleared up quickly and there wasn’t any jealousy with their relationships with other people.
Excited to read some more queer rep down the line and I love all the different personalities! Thanks so much for writing this and letting me read it before release!
The world building is so intriguing I absolutely look forward to reading the next books! Loved the titles for chapters some of them made me crack up.
CW a little dark in some places, including an almost bad time for a side character and very smutty, I enjoyed the new take on alien sex although some of the details reminded me of tentacle stuff descriptors so if that’s not your thing I would avoid this. Also some very creative smut terms which definitely work for alien sex but may take you briefly out of the moment of reading!
The whole book I was so intrigued by what would happen next and the chemistry between the love interests and the camaraderie of the captain and her crew and then the humans with each other was delightful to read. I also enjoyed that though there was some miscommunication it got cleared up quickly and there wasn’t any jealousy with their relationships with other people.
Excited to read some more queer rep down the line and I love all the different personalities! Thanks so much for writing this and letting me read it before release!
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cutie muscle mommy alien? Yk what, hell yeah!!
Shohari is such a wonderful FMC. She’s strong, capable, and an incredibly independent woman. She’s the captain of a trading vessel and is already established when she comes across her “cargo”. Garrison is a very sweet, giant himbo who finds himself in close proximity of a very attractive alien lady and manages to get the hots for her (honestly who wouldn’t?! I LOVE SHO). He’s a bit protective, which I’m not usually a fan of, but somehow it works for me in this book since Shohari doesn’t really need physical protection. She just needs him near, which is sweet.
When I started reading, it felt like a ton of information at first, but it was very easy to get immersed in their galaxy. I’m thankful there’s a little glossary at the end to help remember things since I don’t often read long books. I also wished there was more action in the story, but I had to remind myself that they’re a trading vessel and not a war ship 🤪.
I really enjoyed the vast exploration of the book and I can’t wait to see the stories for future characters! I especially am curious if there’s going to be any about Paiata… I love him 🥲. I also love Muzati!!
This book was a great space story to scratch my Mass Effect romance withdrawal itch, and I can’t wait for the lizard alien book… for obvious reasons (I miss Garrus). I’m praying there’s a book with space fights and action hehe.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC! Thank you so much for considering me 😭💕 I’m just an everyday chronically ill woman who dreams about loving aliens.
Shohari is such a wonderful FMC. She’s strong, capable, and an incredibly independent woman. She’s the captain of a trading vessel and is already established when she comes across her “cargo”. Garrison is a very sweet, giant himbo who finds himself in close proximity of a very attractive alien lady and manages to get the hots for her (honestly who wouldn’t?! I LOVE SHO). He’s a bit protective, which I’m not usually a fan of, but somehow it works for me in this book since Shohari doesn’t really need physical protection. She just needs him near, which is sweet.
When I started reading, it felt like a ton of information at first, but it was very easy to get immersed in their galaxy. I’m thankful there’s a little glossary at the end to help remember things since I don’t often read long books. I also wished there was more action in the story, but I had to remind myself that they’re a trading vessel and not a war ship 🤪.
I really enjoyed the vast exploration of the book and I can’t wait to see the stories for future characters! I especially am curious if there’s going to be any about Paiata… I love him 🥲. I also love Muzati!!
This book was a great space story to scratch my Mass Effect romance withdrawal itch, and I can’t wait for the lizard alien book… for obvious reasons (I miss Garrus). I’m praying there’s a book with space fights and action hehe.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC! Thank you so much for considering me 😭💕 I’m just an everyday chronically ill woman who dreams about loving aliens.
December 3, 2025
***Heads up I am over on Pagebound.co app/website more often talking about books and stuff. Honestly I like the app way better and discussing books is easier and more social there so check it out especially if you are unhappy with GR like me! I'll still post star reviews here for authors.***
This was a really great intro to this alien space world. I love love love an alien FMC who is a space captain and a bona fide badass. Enter the protective but new to the the whole bigger alien world at large human man looking for a new start in this new to him world.
The alien sexual functions and stuff was very imaginative and cool! I really appreciate when an author uses some imagination in this situation and they even both went to an interspecies sex toy store for help and direction! That was fun.
The secondary side story of rescuing her brother and finding out the secret that centers around his whole captivity situation had me really invested and interested more in the fallout from those revelations in future books.
Great found family vibes with the alien crew and the humans mix.
This was a really great intro to this alien space world. I love love love an alien FMC who is a space captain and a bona fide badass. Enter the protective but new to the the whole bigger alien world at large human man looking for a new start in this new to him world.
The alien sexual functions and stuff was very imaginative and cool! I really appreciate when an author uses some imagination in this situation and they even both went to an interspecies sex toy store for help and direction! That was fun.
The secondary side story of rescuing her brother and finding out the secret that centers around his whole captivity situation had me really invested and interested more in the fallout from those revelations in future books.
Great found family vibes with the alien crew and the humans mix.
November 23, 2025
So sci-fi isn’t normally my thing, but dang I loved this book!
It took me a minute to get my head around names and species and stuff, but it was worth it to get to the good stuff!
I’m a sucker for a bi boy and Garrison was just perfection. So sweet and caring. Total soft boi vibes.
The confusion the first time they had shenanigans was classic and I laughed so hard! Really just a fun read for me. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author.
It took me a minute to get my head around names and species and stuff, but it was worth it to get to the good stuff!
I’m a sucker for a bi boy and Garrison was just perfection. So sweet and caring. Total soft boi vibes.
The confusion the first time they had shenanigans was classic and I laughed so hard! Really just a fun read for me. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author.
October 17, 2025
Tempting Cargo is the perfect introduction to the series, along with its companion novella, Rescued By My Alien Ex (which I also highly recommend).
I enjoyed the lush prose, the trope inversion, and the wildly creative alien anatomy.
My only suggestion is that the primal chase scenes could’ve been longer, with more emphasis on the pursuit itself, but that’s just a personal preference.
Huge thanks to the author for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed the lush prose, the trope inversion, and the wildly creative alien anatomy.
My only suggestion is that the primal chase scenes could’ve been longer, with more emphasis on the pursuit itself, but that’s just a personal preference.
Huge thanks to the author for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 14, 2026
“ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ ɪꜰ ɪ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴘʀᴇᴘᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴅɪᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ?”
— 𝕲𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖔𝖓
💚 She's a grumpy alien trader
💚 He's a stranded golden retriever human
💚 Firstperson dual POV
💚 He shops for toys for her
💚 Forbidden mate bond
💚 Rescue mission
💚 Lots of creative bedroom sports
If I had to be an alien and pick a color, green would be my first choice, but purple would be a very close second.
Behold our purple alien FMC, Shohari!! 💜
I could count the number of scifi books I've read on one hand, let alone alien romances. This genre always made me think of the same stereotype: a human gets stranded on Planet X, meets some colorful aliens, and then gets bred bcs for some reason, all the alien females are extinct. Ewwww. Hard pass 🤢
But another book made me realize maybe this genre isn't so bad ... If the roles are reversed 😳
What can I say? I love variety 🙂🤌
Tempting Cargo had me a little worried at first because of the way the MMC talked about Shohari's species. I was biting my nails, afraid this was going to turn into another enemies to lovers story. Thankfully, it didn't!! Garrison fell first, hard, and never recovered.
"𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨’ 𝙨𝙖𝙠𝙚. 𝙃𝙖𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖?"
He literally fell in love with a woman who called him an "impertinent weakling" And then growled at him. Ah yes, we love a fearless king 👑😩
As much as I adored Garrison, I do wish his initial dislike had lasted a little longer to build more tension. The instalove caught me off guard. Their relationship developed a bit too quickly, especially considering they'd only known each other for a very short time.
"𝘽𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙤𝙧, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄’𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙧𝙞’𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙮; 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚."
Still ... I'll take instalove over a grumpy hero who's unnecessarily cruel to the FMC any day 🤧 So yes, Garrison passed my little test *𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒃𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕* Mwehehe 😈
“𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙝, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙠, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙨.”
Also Garrison: *𝑨𝒍𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒐𝒏*
The writing was especially good considering this is the author's debut. Sure, I got confused a couple of times (that's on my brain, not the author 😭), but it was easy to get into, and that's a lot considering I've DNFed books even with my favorite tropes before.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛-𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙥 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧."
The forbidden love aspect was handled really well, with just the right amount of angst, and I liked the twist on the mate bond. Which, speaking of ... It felt very OV coded it's delicious 🤤
Shohari gave off major female alpha energy, while Garrison felt much more like ughh a beta? 🤔 She even had a "lock"!! It made their first time together both awkward and hilarious I forget that I'm not a fan of virgin FMCs. Well done!!! I love it when an FMC's virginity isn't treated like the most important thing about her 😍
But nothing was funnier than Chapter 23 😭
I made the terrible mistake of reading it while I was with my family. I had to keep a straight face like 😐 while I was internally dying from laughter 😂
“𝘿𝙪𝙙𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨’ 𝙟𝙪𝙣𝙠.”
“𝙊𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚! 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
This unintentional (?) comedy even carried into the climax, because I burst out laughing again when Shohari's father showed up looking like a confused potato in the middle of a serious situation while his entire family was in chaos?? 😭
“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩… 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙣.”
That line is comedy gold ✋😩
In the end, this was one of those books that left me smiling after I closed it. I'll definitely be sticking around in this universe. I can't wait to continue with the next couple. Now now I'm just hoping the author accepts my ARC request, because wdym the next book has a POC FMC paired with a male omega coded MMC (who's hopefully not a grumpy)??? Yes plz 🤤
“𝙒𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙬𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣.”
— 𝕲𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖔𝖓
💚 She's a grumpy alien trader
💚 He's a stranded golden retriever human
💚 Firstperson dual POV
💚 He shops for toys for her
💚 Forbidden mate bond
💚 Rescue mission
💚 Lots of creative bedroom sports
If I had to be an alien and pick a color, green would be my first choice, but purple would be a very close second.
Behold our purple alien FMC, Shohari!! 💜
I could count the number of scifi books I've read on one hand, let alone alien romances. This genre always made me think of the same stereotype: a human gets stranded on Planet X, meets some colorful aliens, and then gets bred bcs for some reason, all the alien females are extinct. Ewwww. Hard pass 🤢
But another book made me realize maybe this genre isn't so bad ... If the roles are reversed 😳
What can I say? I love variety 🙂🤌
Tempting Cargo had me a little worried at first because of the way the MMC talked about Shohari's species. I was biting my nails, afraid this was going to turn into another enemies to lovers story. Thankfully, it didn't!! Garrison fell first, hard, and never recovered.
"𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨’ 𝙨𝙖𝙠𝙚. 𝙃𝙖𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖?"
He literally fell in love with a woman who called him an "impertinent weakling" And then growled at him. Ah yes, we love a fearless king 👑😩
As much as I adored Garrison, I do wish his initial dislike had lasted a little longer to build more tension. The instalove caught me off guard. Their relationship developed a bit too quickly, especially considering they'd only known each other for a very short time.
"𝘽𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙤𝙧, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄’𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙧𝙞’𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙮; 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙚."
Still ... I'll take instalove over a grumpy hero who's unnecessarily cruel to the FMC any day 🤧 So yes, Garrison passed my little test *𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒃𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕* Mwehehe 😈
“𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙝, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙠, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙨.”
Also Garrison: *𝑨𝒍𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒐𝒏*
The writing was especially good considering this is the author's debut. Sure, I got confused a couple of times (that's on my brain, not the author 😭), but it was easy to get into, and that's a lot considering I've DNFed books even with my favorite tropes before.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛-𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙥 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧."
The forbidden love aspect was handled really well, with just the right amount of angst, and I liked the twist on the mate bond. Which, speaking of ... It felt very OV coded it's delicious 🤤
Shohari gave off major female alpha energy, while Garrison felt much more like ughh a beta? 🤔 She even had a "lock"!! It made their first time together both awkward and hilarious I forget that I'm not a fan of virgin FMCs. Well done!!! I love it when an FMC's virginity isn't treated like the most important thing about her 😍
But nothing was funnier than Chapter 23 😭
I made the terrible mistake of reading it while I was with my family. I had to keep a straight face like 😐 while I was internally dying from laughter 😂
“𝘿𝙪𝙙𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨’ 𝙟𝙪𝙣𝙠.”
“𝙊𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚! 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
This unintentional (?) comedy even carried into the climax, because I burst out laughing again when Shohari's father showed up looking like a confused potato in the middle of a serious situation while his entire family was in chaos?? 😭
“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩… 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙣.”
That line is comedy gold ✋😩
In the end, this was one of those books that left me smiling after I closed it. I'll definitely be sticking around in this universe. I can't wait to continue with the next couple. Now now I'm just hoping the author accepts my ARC request, because wdym the next book has a POC FMC paired with a male omega coded MMC (who's hopefully not a grumpy)??? Yes plz 🤤
“𝙒𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙄 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙬𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣.”
November 12, 2025
When I saw the cover for this alien romance story, I knew I had to sign up asap. I love me some female monsters/aliens and they are drastically underrepresented. And the big, hunky human softy next to her - Garrison? Ugh, I love him too.
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Shohari is our ship captain, she’s tall, badass, and has some interesting… let’s call it equipment. I really enjoyed watching her grow attracted to Garrison - what alien could resist afterall? And her family dynamics really fleshed out the person she wanted to be despite the pressures of her parents. As for Garrison, he may have a large, gruff exterior, but he’s a heart forward character and reading his insecurities and him wanting to do his best to consensually please Shohari had me rooting for him from the start. And of course, booty shorts.
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I had such a great time in the world that Strake created, with layered characters, conflicting and parallel drives. The world building isn’t too expansive since we spend the majority of the book on the cargo ship, however, I think this is a good thing for the first book in a series. Not to mention that there are already characters Strake introduces in this book that I would love to see get their stories already.
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I most definitely want to continue with this hot and sweet series - I can’t wait to see where Lyra Strake takes us next!
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PS - several of the chapter headings actually made me laugh out loud and my favourite is without question “Just another d!ck in the wall” - and you’ll be happy to know it means exactly what it says on the tin and it’s a hilarious scene that I really hope gets call backs further on in the series lol
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Hisses & Kisses 🐍
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*I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.*
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Shohari is our ship captain, she’s tall, badass, and has some interesting… let’s call it equipment. I really enjoyed watching her grow attracted to Garrison - what alien could resist afterall? And her family dynamics really fleshed out the person she wanted to be despite the pressures of her parents. As for Garrison, he may have a large, gruff exterior, but he’s a heart forward character and reading his insecurities and him wanting to do his best to consensually please Shohari had me rooting for him from the start. And of course, booty shorts.
.
I had such a great time in the world that Strake created, with layered characters, conflicting and parallel drives. The world building isn’t too expansive since we spend the majority of the book on the cargo ship, however, I think this is a good thing for the first book in a series. Not to mention that there are already characters Strake introduces in this book that I would love to see get their stories already.
.
I most definitely want to continue with this hot and sweet series - I can’t wait to see where Lyra Strake takes us next!
.
PS - several of the chapter headings actually made me laugh out loud and my favourite is without question “Just another d!ck in the wall” - and you’ll be happy to know it means exactly what it says on the tin and it’s a hilarious scene that I really hope gets call backs further on in the series lol
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
.
*I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.*
November 13, 2025
Swept up into events far beyond his control, Garrison finds himself part of a small group of humans adrift in the wider galaxy. When stern and mysterious ship captain Shohari agrees to take them on as cargo, he’s instantly captivated by her. She’s an enigmatic alien woman searching for freedom from the chains binding her to her home world—and Garrison, in turn, is trying to find where he belongs in a universe that feels vast and uncertain.
I have to say right away—I loved this book! Garrison is such a great MMC: protective, grounded, and quietly stubborn in all the right ways. He’s the perfect match for Shohari, whose strength and vulnerability make her a fascinating, layered FMC. I especially loved that the alien is the female lead and the human is the male—we need more of that dynamic! The author made it shine, and the unique anatomy/equipment element added a creative, spicy twist that fit the story perfectly and had me wanting more. Their chemistry—whether in intimate moments or while navigating the complex universe together—was fantastic.
The worldbuilding was captivating, with Shohari’s culture and the structure of her society giving the story real depth. I am always a fan of a world filled with alien races and new cultures. The universe felt expansive and full of potential without overwhelming the romance element.
I was completely swept up in Garrison and Shohari’s story—their growth, their love, and their shared fight for freedom and belonging. It’s a lovely romance set against a great sci-fi backdrop, full of heart, heat, and adventure. I felt satisfied at the end, but wanted more of this world and these characters.
I have to say right away—I loved this book! Garrison is such a great MMC: protective, grounded, and quietly stubborn in all the right ways. He’s the perfect match for Shohari, whose strength and vulnerability make her a fascinating, layered FMC. I especially loved that the alien is the female lead and the human is the male—we need more of that dynamic! The author made it shine, and the unique anatomy/equipment element added a creative, spicy twist that fit the story perfectly and had me wanting more. Their chemistry—whether in intimate moments or while navigating the complex universe together—was fantastic.
The worldbuilding was captivating, with Shohari’s culture and the structure of her society giving the story real depth. I am always a fan of a world filled with alien races and new cultures. The universe felt expansive and full of potential without overwhelming the romance element.
I was completely swept up in Garrison and Shohari’s story—their growth, their love, and their shared fight for freedom and belonging. It’s a lovely romance set against a great sci-fi backdrop, full of heart, heat, and adventure. I felt satisfied at the end, but wanted more of this world and these characters.
November 17, 2025
Please see that this is an ARC review and I was so kindly given the book for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Captain Shohari, under the weight of her parents ridiculous expectations runs a goods transport ship. And her next shipment? Possibly a bunch of human refugees. Which includes Garrison.
Garrison is big and handsome, sweet and caring. He helps others any and every way he can, even sometimes if it means a sacrifice to himself.
Shohari is grumpy and rough. She has a tough outter shell in order to protect herself from the life she thinks is waiting for her, and from getting too close to others.
These 2 had the perfect chemistry. I absolutely loved the push and pull between them. Sweet Garrison really was her rock through the entire book and I really think that was what Shohari needed. She need someone who wouldn't give up on her and that wanted her for more than just what she could provide to them. Although I won't say Shohari just took his kindness, because she most definitely didn't. She's a tough cookie but I LOVED that about her. Strong female leads are probably my favorite ever.
This book was also deliciously spicy and our girl had some interesting anatomy which I appreciated 🫣
My concluding thoughts? If you like alien romance with a splash of action and romantic tension then you will just die for this book. As soon as I was able to I ordered the paperback so I could read it over again 🤣🩷
Captain Shohari, under the weight of her parents ridiculous expectations runs a goods transport ship. And her next shipment? Possibly a bunch of human refugees. Which includes Garrison.
Garrison is big and handsome, sweet and caring. He helps others any and every way he can, even sometimes if it means a sacrifice to himself.
Shohari is grumpy and rough. She has a tough outter shell in order to protect herself from the life she thinks is waiting for her, and from getting too close to others.
These 2 had the perfect chemistry. I absolutely loved the push and pull between them. Sweet Garrison really was her rock through the entire book and I really think that was what Shohari needed. She need someone who wouldn't give up on her and that wanted her for more than just what she could provide to them. Although I won't say Shohari just took his kindness, because she most definitely didn't. She's a tough cookie but I LOVED that about her. Strong female leads are probably my favorite ever.
This book was also deliciously spicy and our girl had some interesting anatomy which I appreciated 🫣
My concluding thoughts? If you like alien romance with a splash of action and romantic tension then you will just die for this book. As soon as I was able to I ordered the paperback so I could read it over again 🤣🩷
December 17, 2025
This is the first sci-fi, spicy romance book I have ever read and I loved it! Shohari is a total bad ass alien who captains the dorimisa with her crew who have great banter and care for one another. Her path is crossed by humans who need safe travel to their respective locations and Shohari agree’s to get them there. Incoming Garrison, a muscled, broad, tall and insanely hot human who quickly becomes enamoured with Shohari. The two embark on an explorative journey of learning one another’s anatomy’s through raunchy, lust fuelled romps in the sheets! But as feelings intensify so does Shohari’s doubts. Closely monitored under the strict and unreasonable eye of her mother, Shohari faces many challenges. Eventually embarking on a rescue mission that sees her put her faith into unknown species.
I loved the alien swear words and found the relationships and banter between characters so relatable.
I loved the alien swear words and found the relationships and banter between characters so relatable.
May 22, 2026
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, fated mates, sci fi romance between Shohari, the grumpy female spaceship captain/trader lead, and Garrison, the male human lead who is part of a refugee group after being abducted in error. I enjoyed Shohari’s compassion balanced by her familial obligations. I enjoyed Garrison’s sense of responsibility and care for the other humans with him. I enjoyed the instant mutual attraction between lead characters and understood why they attempted to ignore it. I enjoyed that Shohari was alien, older, stronger, and better positioned in the world than Garrison - unusual in any romance genre. I enjoyed the steamy, physically engaging, female driven intimate scenes, and the cultural differences that the characters learned to appreciate, as well as the hysterically funny initial interaction around anatomy differences! I enjoyed Garrison’s physical persistence and his work to ensure that he had the skills to be an active part of Shohari’s life. I empathised with and enjoyed the non-romance plot, and the exploration of sensitive themes. I adored the ending and am looking forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
April 28, 2026
Your Alien Queen Arrives
Humans ending up in space isnt new, but this is a vivd galaxy full of unexpected species, and its not all fun and Games.
Shohari ends up with some humans including Garrison, taking them on a trip. The ridged, and spiked muscle mummy and the buff soldier boy catch each others attention immediately.
Its a big heat adventure with unique lady parts that ensure both parties are satisfied every time.
The light, fresh voice of this story leaps off the page, characters full of life as they travel around the galaxy.
I was entranced by the novel approach to trade and family circumstances.
I jumped for joy at the HEA.
I am so hyped for the next book in the series!
Humans ending up in space isnt new, but this is a vivd galaxy full of unexpected species, and its not all fun and Games.
Shohari ends up with some humans including Garrison, taking them on a trip. The ridged, and spiked muscle mummy and the buff soldier boy catch each others attention immediately.
Its a big heat adventure with unique lady parts that ensure both parties are satisfied every time.
The light, fresh voice of this story leaps off the page, characters full of life as they travel around the galaxy.
I was entranced by the novel approach to trade and family circumstances.
I jumped for joy at the HEA.
I am so hyped for the next book in the series!
March 9, 2026
Shohari was reluctant to take on human refugees onto her ship, she had a mission and they were a distraction...especially the tall, strong one named Garrison. But she needed the credits, and so here they were aboard her ship. As she and Garrison grow closer, the chemistry between them is undeniable. But she can't let herself fall for him. Not when his time aboard her ship is limited. Not when her parents have already promised her to another...
This book grabbed my attention from beginning to end - the plot was a unique take on the usual alien/human romance, and the characters were complex, well-written, and so loveable. I can't wait for the next book!
What to expect:
- Creative anatomy
- black cat FMC
- Cinnamon roll MMC
- Competent heroine
- found family
- reverse gender roles
This book grabbed my attention from beginning to end - the plot was a unique take on the usual alien/human romance, and the characters were complex, well-written, and so loveable. I can't wait for the next book!
What to expect:
- Creative anatomy
- black cat FMC
- Cinnamon roll MMC
- Competent heroine
- found family
- reverse gender roles
December 4, 2025
"I didn't know what the beginnings of a soulbond felt like, but I could imagine they started like this" 😍
Such a unique take on an alien romance! It shouldn't be so rare to find a female alien with a male human now a days! It was a rollercoaster of both soft and smuttfly moments contrasted with high stakes, which I really enjoyed!
Yes if: Humans already in space, needing transport to other planets meet cute
No if: Hot and Cold relationship dynamics aren't for you
Such a unique take on an alien romance! It shouldn't be so rare to find a female alien with a male human now a days! It was a rollercoaster of both soft and smuttfly moments contrasted with high stakes, which I really enjoyed!
Yes if: Humans already in space, needing transport to other planets meet cute
No if: Hot and Cold relationship dynamics aren't for you
November 11, 2025
An absolute delight to read. I love strong female leads (alien, monster, or human) that give as good as they get.
May 23, 2026
Enjoyed this book! It was really interesting to see the FMC as the alien and the MMC as the human, and I definitely want to look for more now 👀 The world building was well done and interesting, the characters were likeable and well fleshed, and the plot was kept interesting alongside the romance!! I also really like how alien the FMC was with her features 😌 The spicy scenes were imaginative and good but I'll have to say I think some of the things weren't so much for me but that's more of a personal me problem! Overall I'd definitely recommend, especially if you're looking for an original alien romance 👽❤️
May 16, 2026
Garrison and Shohari have my whole heart (and anything else they want).
This was my first brush with alien romance and it was spicy and wholesome and fun with a strong plot. As a big Mass Effect fan, this book had all the vibes of the games if you just focused on the romance aspect (which I definitely do).
If you’ve not yet dabbled in alien romance then this is a great first timer book. I loved that we had a badass, massive, muscular FMC. Shohari is strong and kind and wonderfully feminine while still being a huge, intimidating alien.
Be prepared to learn lots of new words and names for a true scifi experience.
This was my first brush with alien romance and it was spicy and wholesome and fun with a strong plot. As a big Mass Effect fan, this book had all the vibes of the games if you just focused on the romance aspect (which I definitely do).
If you’ve not yet dabbled in alien romance then this is a great first timer book. I loved that we had a badass, massive, muscular FMC. Shohari is strong and kind and wonderfully feminine while still being a huge, intimidating alien.
Be prepared to learn lots of new words and names for a true scifi experience.
February 25, 2026
I really loved this story! I'm not really sure what I was expecting going in, but this was absolutely awesome. The world building is so rich, and all of the characters were so loveable (aside from Sho's mom, but she was supposed to serve c*nt, so good job there 🤣).
The spice was filled with special genitals, small refractory periods, and dirty sheets.
This is an impressive story, even more so because it's a debut?! What?! Fantastic, no notes. Can't wait to read the next one!
The spice was filled with special genitals, small refractory periods, and dirty sheets.
This is an impressive story, even more so because it's a debut?! What?! Fantastic, no notes. Can't wait to read the next one!
May 3, 2026
Incredibly beautiful and Incredibly hot!
I loved this book so much! I couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and you truly end up caring for them.
The romance was sweet and sexy and heartbreaking at times.
The spicy bits were... delicious.
I can't wait to read more of Lyra Strake's books because this one was everything I want in my romance novels.
I loved this book so much! I couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and you truly end up caring for them.
The romance was sweet and sexy and heartbreaking at times.
The spicy bits were... delicious.
I can't wait to read more of Lyra Strake's books because this one was everything I want in my romance novels.
June 18, 2026
I wanted to like this one more than I did. The writing was pretty good and I liked the characters and story for the most part, yet I struggled to want to pick it up or keep reading.
I think it comes down to the balance of plot vs spice. This one is heavy spice—which is great, I often like that. But I think there may have been too much plot for the amount of focus that was on the romance.
With all the attention paid to the romance, it felt like the plot that was there wasn't given its due. It had potential, but just fell short.
And the pacing felt off between the two as well. I noticed the last half had a lot more plot than the first half, which made it feel more exciting in a way, but it still couldn't keep my attention for very long.
Shohari's character was awesome initially but got a bit exhausting. I don't love reading about someone who constantly runs away from things. I want them to confront the stuff!
Garrison had good bones, but felt a little floppy. I wanted him to have a little more personality. I still liked him, but wanted more.
Some of the worldbuilding was there but not consistently. Sometimes I couldn't clearly picture the scene, but other times I could see it all happening.
Bummer, this was a cool idea. I'd give the world another shot, though. The writing was good and the creativity commendable.
I think it comes down to the balance of plot vs spice. This one is heavy spice—which is great, I often like that. But I think there may have been too much plot for the amount of focus that was on the romance.
With all the attention paid to the romance, it felt like the plot that was there wasn't given its due. It had potential, but just fell short.
And the pacing felt off between the two as well. I noticed the last half had a lot more plot than the first half, which made it feel more exciting in a way, but it still couldn't keep my attention for very long.
Shohari's character was awesome initially but got a bit exhausting. I don't love reading about someone who constantly runs away from things. I want them to confront the stuff!
Garrison had good bones, but felt a little floppy. I wanted him to have a little more personality. I still liked him, but wanted more.
Some of the worldbuilding was there but not consistently. Sometimes I couldn't clearly picture the scene, but other times I could see it all happening.
Bummer, this was a cool idea. I'd give the world another shot, though. The writing was good and the creativity commendable.
November 9, 2025
This was a pretty fun read, I always love a sci-fi monster romance. Plus, we had a lady monster, which I can always appreciate! Shohari was gruff and strong, with a hidden femininity that Garrison started to pull out of her. I loved seeing both sides of her, the strong determined Captain who longs for a life of freedom alongside her brother and the shy, loving woman who realized maybe it’s nice to have someone take care of her as well. Garrison was also a treat, he was strong and caring, worried about everyone and eager to please both in and out of the bedroom. I loved that he didn’t try and fight Shohari for dominance every time, that he submitted to her as well as overtook her.
The spice was also interesting, I loved all the special equipment Shohari had and the use of toys was fun. I wish it was explained a bit better cause I was definitely confused at some points tho. Like an in depth description would have definitely helped me out. I was confused during other bits as well, I found the all the names, places, species and story hard to follow sometimes. But I still enjoyed it, the couple dynamic was fun and different and the spice was definitely hot and worth the read. There were some sweet moments in there as well that really pick it up for me. I liked it!
The spice was also interesting, I loved all the special equipment Shohari had and the use of toys was fun. I wish it was explained a bit better cause I was definitely confused at some points tho. Like an in depth description would have definitely helped me out. I was confused during other bits as well, I found the all the names, places, species and story hard to follow sometimes. But I still enjoyed it, the couple dynamic was fun and different and the spice was definitely hot and worth the read. There were some sweet moments in there as well that really pick it up for me. I liked it!
February 13, 2026
Sometimes a book, unlike any other you have read before, comes your way. And this one has been sneakily making its way up my TBR list ever since I saw that gorgeous cover. The more I saw about it, the more I wanted to read it. And let me tell you - I am so happy I did.
Tempting Cargo has a great romance-to-plot ratio. There is some really interesting world-building that really pulls you into the story. And the chemistry between teh two characters is outstanding. They are also both really cool and really likable. Shohari is more emotionally withdrawn, and we watch her knock down some of those walls she's been building. She's also totally badass. And Garrison is kind, caring, and emotionally intelligent. I love how Lyra flipped the gender stereotypes on their head and delivered us a fresh love story like that. Oh, and the spice? Smoking hot. It's creative anatomy that really deserves its name.
Tempting Cargo has a great romance-to-plot ratio. There is some really interesting world-building that really pulls you into the story. And the chemistry between teh two characters is outstanding. They are also both really cool and really likable. Shohari is more emotionally withdrawn, and we watch her knock down some of those walls she's been building. She's also totally badass. And Garrison is kind, caring, and emotionally intelligent. I love how Lyra flipped the gender stereotypes on their head and delivered us a fresh love story like that. Oh, and the spice? Smoking hot. It's creative anatomy that really deserves its name.
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