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First Contact #1
Starcrossed
Candy has never claimed to make great life choices. So when her boyfriend of five years cheats on her, packing up and moving to an entirely different galaxy feels on brand. For a while, the fresh start seems like it's going to work--until she ends up in bed with a gorgeous alien in a Phantom of the Opera mask at her roommate's costume party.
Votra lives by rules. Structured, focused, and married to her career, she doesn't do distractions--especially distractions that involve one-night stands. But when the beautiful human she hooked up with shows up the next morning as her new employee, Votra's ordered world starts to unravel.
Together, Candy and Votra must navigate their burgeoning sexual tension, the messy business of learning to trust again, and the possibility that maybe, their accidental hookup was written in the stars.
Votra lives by rules. Structured, focused, and married to her career, she doesn't do distractions--especially distractions that involve one-night stands. But when the beautiful human she hooked up with shows up the next morning as her new employee, Votra's ordered world starts to unravel.
Together, Candy and Votra must navigate their burgeoning sexual tension, the messy business of learning to trust again, and the possibility that maybe, their accidental hookup was written in the stars.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2025
About the author
K.C. De la Rosa
3 books11 followersKC De la Rosa (he/him) is an author of alien and monster romance that is always queer and sometimes spicy. Sometimes he writes messy rom-com level romances, sometimes he writes high-octane sci-fi romances about bounty hunters. But you can always count on there being a happily ever after. He lives in Georgia with his author spouse and two dogs, Chai and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 11, 2026
This was such a spicy sapphic romance with all the cozy vibes. Votra was a buttoned up (metaphorically) neurodivergent workaholic. Candy was her chaotic sunshiny counterpart. They both had some past relationship trauma that informed how they approached things, but they still talked stuff out when needed. Can I, like, adopt them/marry them? The story was all romcom and low stakes that came with a hefty dose of accepting and loving your partner’s neurodivergence. Very cute
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: unsupportive estranged parents, past partner cheating, mild burn injury from hot liquid, references to sibling bounty hunting, alcohol consumption, struggle with alcohol overuse by side character, emesis (side character, off page), mention of phaser injury of side character
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: unsupportive estranged parents, past partner cheating, mild burn injury from hot liquid, references to sibling bounty hunting, alcohol consumption, struggle with alcohol overuse by side character, emesis (side character, off page), mention of phaser injury of side character
February 8, 2026
A great spicy alien romance novel!
I am honored to have received an ARC of the book. I am recent member of a discord that he (the author) is in. But I wanted to do this objectively and going into this I knew nothing of the story other than the name and main characters.
I am a huge fan of alien books and anything with lots of detail and world building. I can tell that KC has dedicated a lot to the intricacies of the universe and it is very well demonstrated in the book. The characters were relatable and I want to get to know all of those mentioned (except for two who I won’t name cause spoilers but they are on the list of I would get in a fight with them if I saw them). Also I loved how the side characters were important to the story and the main characters I loved every interaction I read with the non mc’s they were so fun!
The chemistry between the main characters is so palpable and the sex scenes were so descriptive and hot. And the storyline is so heartwarming. Candy and Votra are such sweethearts and some of the best sapphic romance I have had the pleasure of reading. I melted with how cute they are.
I also love how there is a pronunciation guide, and description of things so you have a reference for unfamiliar terms! The universe that KC created is one I hope to see more of as it is so intriguing and isn’t filled with all of the darker tropes some of the other alien books I’ve read have which is so refreshing.
All in all this was a great read and I think it got me out of my book slump that I’ve been in for months. Thank you so much for writing this novel, can’t wait for more people to read and enjoy it and to have a physical copy on my shelf! And I so appreciate reading a sapphic couple that is so charming from someone who isn’t female it’s very refreshing. And having it not be focused on the negatives of space like a lot of alien books are these days.
I am honored to have received an ARC of the book. I am recent member of a discord that he (the author) is in. But I wanted to do this objectively and going into this I knew nothing of the story other than the name and main characters.
I am a huge fan of alien books and anything with lots of detail and world building. I can tell that KC has dedicated a lot to the intricacies of the universe and it is very well demonstrated in the book. The characters were relatable and I want to get to know all of those mentioned (except for two who I won’t name cause spoilers but they are on the list of I would get in a fight with them if I saw them). Also I loved how the side characters were important to the story and the main characters I loved every interaction I read with the non mc’s they were so fun!
The chemistry between the main characters is so palpable and the sex scenes were so descriptive and hot. And the storyline is so heartwarming. Candy and Votra are such sweethearts and some of the best sapphic romance I have had the pleasure of reading. I melted with how cute they are.
I also love how there is a pronunciation guide, and description of things so you have a reference for unfamiliar terms! The universe that KC created is one I hope to see more of as it is so intriguing and isn’t filled with all of the darker tropes some of the other alien books I’ve read have which is so refreshing.
All in all this was a great read and I think it got me out of my book slump that I’ve been in for months. Thank you so much for writing this novel, can’t wait for more people to read and enjoy it and to have a physical copy on my shelf! And I so appreciate reading a sapphic couple that is so charming from someone who isn’t female it’s very refreshing. And having it not be focused on the negatives of space like a lot of alien books are these days.
March 31, 2026
Very Spicy
I was not prepared for all the spice! This story is very character focused with multiple interactions between Candy and Votra in every chapter. I like how detailed the world building is. There's also a big cast of characters, some of which I think will appear in the next book!
I was not prepared for all the spice! This story is very character focused with multiple interactions between Candy and Votra in every chapter. I like how detailed the world building is. There's also a big cast of characters, some of which I think will appear in the next book!
December 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book but I couldn't finish it due to the 3rd person narrative and the CONSTANT use of their names. I will never forget the names Candy and Votra.
October 8, 2025
As a disclaimer, I received a free arc copy in exchange for a review, and I do know the author through an online community. However, neither of these things impacted my reading of this book or how I will be reviewing it. I went into it knowing very little.
Starcrossed is a romance between two women that have both been scorned by past loves and have to work to overcome the insecurities created in them from those relationships in order to come together in a beautifully romantic story. This is what it is at its core, but it adds a delightful flavor in its worldbuilding by placing the story in space and having one of the two MCs be an alien whose species all share the same ahem body structure, regardless of gender. Having a whole society built around the separation of body and gender was a quietly nice touch.
I adored all the small details K.C. added about this space hub of a planet with the various types of food and drinks from the other planets in the Kratos galaxy to the com system and the shuttles transport. Each of these things gave the world life. The only thing I wish I could have seen more of was the app that the two characters develop together. I recognize that the story was about their relationship overall and it was very wonderfully done, but as the title of the book and the thing that keeps them together, personally I just wanted a bit more detail into it.
In general, Starcrossed was a cozy, spicy read with low stakes and lovable characters. Votra and Candy had chemistry and a spark right from the first moment they met all the way through to the end. There was never any doubt that they would fall into place; it was only a matter of when. Watching them push each other up and tear down those walls was so satisfying. I loved how even when they were trying to keep their distance, something would evidently pull them back together again.
I would fully recommend this book and I can't wait to read the sequels to get to know some of the side characters in better detail.
Starcrossed is a romance between two women that have both been scorned by past loves and have to work to overcome the insecurities created in them from those relationships in order to come together in a beautifully romantic story. This is what it is at its core, but it adds a delightful flavor in its worldbuilding by placing the story in space and having one of the two MCs be an alien whose species all share the same ahem body structure, regardless of gender. Having a whole society built around the separation of body and gender was a quietly nice touch.
I adored all the small details K.C. added about this space hub of a planet with the various types of food and drinks from the other planets in the Kratos galaxy to the com system and the shuttles transport. Each of these things gave the world life. The only thing I wish I could have seen more of was the app that the two characters develop together. I recognize that the story was about their relationship overall and it was very wonderfully done, but as the title of the book and the thing that keeps them together, personally I just wanted a bit more detail into it.
In general, Starcrossed was a cozy, spicy read with low stakes and lovable characters. Votra and Candy had chemistry and a spark right from the first moment they met all the way through to the end. There was never any doubt that they would fall into place; it was only a matter of when. Watching them push each other up and tear down those walls was so satisfying. I loved how even when they were trying to keep their distance, something would evidently pull them back together again.
I would fully recommend this book and I can't wait to read the sequels to get to know some of the side characters in better detail.
October 21, 2025
**Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy from the author and know them through an online writer discord.**
What a breath of fresh air!
As someone who regularly reads romances set in space, I absolutely adored this book. Starcrossed is set in a futuristic world where human Candy and alien Votra are both dealing with their own heartbreaks and insecurities when fate has them colliding at a costume party. That sets them on a series of events that turn both their worlds upside down and introduce us to a host of lovable and interesting characters.
I enjoyed the world-building that K.C. put in place, from the vehicles to the technology; it all feels very lived-in and real. This is a very character-driven story, and he really accomplished fleshing out both of the MCs. Candy is so vibrant and unafraid to go after what she wants, which is something I wish I could be in my own life! Votra, on the other hand, is more reserved, more prone to be glued to her work and focused on her own tasks for better or for worse. The chemistry between them was electric, and the sex scenes were GIVING! The side characters were fantastic and set up to be the next MCs in future books, which I cannot wait to check out.
If I had any complaints/comments, it would be that I wish we had seen a little more of the actual app Starcrossed as well as what Candy specifically did on it. It was mentioned early on that she did web design, but we never actually got a sense of what she contributed to the app. Also, I wanted a little more backstory on Votra and her parents falling out, but I'm hoping we get more insight in Qaed's book.
Overall, a fantastic and very fun read! I can't wait to check out the next in the series.
What a breath of fresh air!
As someone who regularly reads romances set in space, I absolutely adored this book. Starcrossed is set in a futuristic world where human Candy and alien Votra are both dealing with their own heartbreaks and insecurities when fate has them colliding at a costume party. That sets them on a series of events that turn both their worlds upside down and introduce us to a host of lovable and interesting characters.
I enjoyed the world-building that K.C. put in place, from the vehicles to the technology; it all feels very lived-in and real. This is a very character-driven story, and he really accomplished fleshing out both of the MCs. Candy is so vibrant and unafraid to go after what she wants, which is something I wish I could be in my own life! Votra, on the other hand, is more reserved, more prone to be glued to her work and focused on her own tasks for better or for worse. The chemistry between them was electric, and the sex scenes were GIVING! The side characters were fantastic and set up to be the next MCs in future books, which I cannot wait to check out.
If I had any complaints/comments, it would be that I wish we had seen a little more of the actual app Starcrossed as well as what Candy specifically did on it. It was mentioned early on that she did web design, but we never actually got a sense of what she contributed to the app. Also, I wanted a little more backstory on Votra and her parents falling out, but I'm hoping we get more insight in Qaed's book.
Overall, a fantastic and very fun read! I can't wait to check out the next in the series.
October 15, 2025
** ARC Review **
How far would you go to get away from an ex? For Candy, the answer is to a totally new planet.
After leaving a crappy relationship, all Candy wants to do is start over, so she moves to Veterok III to try something new. However, she's definitely not prepared for the blue hottie who shows up at a party on her first night there and rescues her from a never-ending tv show lore conversation.
Votra has also recently exited a toxic relationship, but instead of moving across galaxies, she decides to bury herself in her work on her dating app Starcrossed.
But the least expected thing of all? Candy goes into a job interview and finds out that said hottie is the one hiring. Even worse? The job contract has a 'no relationships at work' clause.
Starcrossed is an adorable, queer workplace romance with neurodivergent rep. Candy and Votra are the cutest little cinnamon rolls, and I was so happy when they finally got together after their crummy past relationship experiences.
I recommend Starcrossed to anyone looking for a super fluffy alien romance with lovable characters and a good amount of spice.
How far would you go to get away from an ex? For Candy, the answer is to a totally new planet.
After leaving a crappy relationship, all Candy wants to do is start over, so she moves to Veterok III to try something new. However, she's definitely not prepared for the blue hottie who shows up at a party on her first night there and rescues her from a never-ending tv show lore conversation.
Votra has also recently exited a toxic relationship, but instead of moving across galaxies, she decides to bury herself in her work on her dating app Starcrossed.
But the least expected thing of all? Candy goes into a job interview and finds out that said hottie is the one hiring. Even worse? The job contract has a 'no relationships at work' clause.
Starcrossed is an adorable, queer workplace romance with neurodivergent rep. Candy and Votra are the cutest little cinnamon rolls, and I was so happy when they finally got together after their crummy past relationship experiences.
I recommend Starcrossed to anyone looking for a super fluffy alien romance with lovable characters and a good amount of spice.
October 11, 2025
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect once I got the ARC for this book. I would like to say thank you to KC though for sending me the ARC!
I am a sucker for human plus either monster/alien romances so this was definitely in my field.
I started this book today and finished today it was that good! I fell in love with Votra and Candy. I could relate to both characters greatly. The way their love blossomed was so amazing and their communication became so healthy and I just love them so much!!!!
I will say, I do love that there is a little guide at the beginning of the book to help with pronunciations of the names and to understand the meaning of certain words. I love the world, I love that KC was able to bring her world and characters to life!
Now I want more of them and this world!
I am a sucker for human plus either monster/alien romances so this was definitely in my field.
I started this book today and finished today it was that good! I fell in love with Votra and Candy. I could relate to both characters greatly. The way their love blossomed was so amazing and their communication became so healthy and I just love them so much!!!!
I will say, I do love that there is a little guide at the beginning of the book to help with pronunciations of the names and to understand the meaning of certain words. I love the world, I love that KC was able to bring her world and characters to life!
Now I want more of them and this world!
August 1, 2026
Finally!!
I am SO happy that I found this book during stuff your kindle day!! I have always said there is a an appalling shortage of queer monster romance, and what is out there is usually pretty disappointing quality wise. This was absolutely precious, with well developed characters, well written and represented queer spicy romance, and an easy to follow universe. I will be reading more of this author's books in the future.
My only complaint is that sometimes the pronoun switch between he and she on the same character, like Volta's younger sibling is very confusing. It makes it incredibly hard to follow while reading.
I am SO happy that I found this book during stuff your kindle day!! I have always said there is a an appalling shortage of queer monster romance, and what is out there is usually pretty disappointing quality wise. This was absolutely precious, with well developed characters, well written and represented queer spicy romance, and an easy to follow universe. I will be reading more of this author's books in the future.
My only complaint is that sometimes the pronoun switch between he and she on the same character, like Volta's younger sibling is very confusing. It makes it incredibly hard to follow while reading.
November 6, 2025
so amazing!
This book became one of my favourites by half way through. It was so good! The world building was so good (focusing a lot on the different types of aliens living in that galaxy). The complete normalcy of queerness throughout it made my heart so warm. The loving and supportive friendships that we actually got to see in action was so wholesome. The budding relationship between the two FMC’s was so genuine and sweet. And the spice… the spice!! Soooo good. 12/10 please read this.
This book became one of my favourites by half way through. It was so good! The world building was so good (focusing a lot on the different types of aliens living in that galaxy). The complete normalcy of queerness throughout it made my heart so warm. The loving and supportive friendships that we actually got to see in action was so wholesome. The budding relationship between the two FMC’s was so genuine and sweet. And the spice… the spice!! Soooo good. 12/10 please read this.
November 30, 2025
This was a super cute alien romance with a good bit of spice! I will note for Sapphic readers that while this book is FF, it is also peen and vageene- so if that's not your jam, you may want to skip the spicy bits.
It did take me a bit to get oriented sometimes, with the POV not being first person (but that's always the case for same sex non-first person books and my brain) but overall it was a really fun story!
It did take me a bit to get oriented sometimes, with the POV not being first person (but that's always the case for same sex non-first person books and my brain) but overall it was a really fun story!
June 14, 2026
The literal sweetest most precious cozy sapphic alien x human read ever 🥹💕 But also SPICY. So divinely spicy and heart warming and soft 💕 Votra is so relatable and such a secretly (or not so secretly) giant lover girl and Candy is her perfect match in every way. Spectacular opposites attract, workplace romance. And the way Candy interacts with Votra in the bedroom……😮💨 Candy the woman that you are 👏🏻
July 31, 2026
This book is so cute and low stakes! Votra is capital O Oblivious to how much Candy likes her and I love the teasing and begging that insues to make it up to her. Candy is freshly moved to space and Votra does a great job helping her acclimate, and giving her a job!
Yes if: Workaholic finds balance with a curvy human
No if: Both of them being freshly broken up /rebound isn't for you
Human x Alien
Office Romance
Just moved to space
Queer Romance
Sexting
Friend of a friend
Yes if: Workaholic finds balance with a curvy human
No if: Both of them being freshly broken up /rebound isn't for you
Human x Alien
Office Romance
Just moved to space
Queer Romance
Sexting
Friend of a friend
July 13, 2026
cute and spicy
This is a cute and spicy story. My biggest complaint that there was a chapter where the pronouns for a character were He/she and it got confusing. Also the main character alien is female presenting but with a pen*s and some of the spice seemed like it was written by a man.
This is a cute and spicy story. My biggest complaint that there was a chapter where the pronouns for a character were He/she and it got confusing. Also the main character alien is female presenting but with a pen*s and some of the spice seemed like it was written by a man.
March 16, 2026
Brb going off into space to find a hot alien women to boss around.
This was so fun, sexy and cute all at once. The romance was well developed and Candy and Votra worked so well together. It was a quick read that I’d definitely recommend if you are looking for a good sapphic alien romance.
This was so fun, sexy and cute all at once. The romance was well developed and Candy and Votra worked so well together. It was a quick read that I’d definitely recommend if you are looking for a good sapphic alien romance.
March 22, 2026
A cute inter-galactic & inter-species romance
This was a fun read. I liked the way Candy & Votra gave into how much they wanted each other. They both have their flaws but were such cutie pies.
4 ⭐'s
3 🌶️'s
This was a fun read. I liked the way Candy & Votra gave into how much they wanted each other. They both have their flaws but were such cutie pies.
4 ⭐'s
3 🌶️'s
Want to Read
October 30, 2025OV AuDHD FMCs
November 17, 2025
I loved this book soooo much and devoured it as quickly as I could - I can’t wait for more books by the author!!!!
March 7, 2026
Great read!
Starcrossed is so spicy! I’m so happy I picked it up. It was so much fun to read. I recommend it to fans of alien romance that are sweet and spicy!
Starcrossed is so spicy! I’m so happy I picked it up. It was so much fun to read. I recommend it to fans of alien romance that are sweet and spicy!
April 28, 2026
3.5 stars - cute but was missing something (and needed a little editing)
May 17, 2026
turns out signing a /no relations/ contract makes you hotter to your boss. can confirm it’s true.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews