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Claimed in the Clouds (The Fortusian Mates, Book 3): A Cozy Sci-Fi Romance
A stubborn human woman driven to prove herself, the grumpy alien dragon man who keeps getting in her way, and a wondrous planet that yearns for them to follow their hearts.
Human mycologist Dr. Elena Regis has fulfilled a lifelong dream and come to the conservation planet of Hyderia to study its unique fungi. On arrival at the remote Nova Cal research station, Elena meets its director of research, Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae, an atmospheric scientist who seems to despise her on sight. At least her work takes her away from the station and deep into Hyderia’s pristine and wild forests, where she can escape Ardruc’s disdain.
After fleeing a miserable early life on his home planet of Fortusia, Ardruc turned to science and solitude to find meaning, healing, and answers. For two years, he has lived contentedly at Nova Cal, studying phenomena in the planet’s upper atmosphere. His life’s work is abruptly thrown into chaos when Elena arrives. His body and soul recognize her as his true mate, though she is everything Ardruc is not, from her dreamy way of looking at Hyderia’s natural beauty and her more intuitive than scientific approach to research. She sets his sharp teeth on edge—and makes his hearts sing.
As Ardruc’s resolve slowly crumbles, a series of strange and near-deadly events forces him to reveal his secrets. Hyderia is even more full of wonders than Ardruc and Elena imagined—and it is under threat. When unexpected dangers close in, these rivals turned lovers must find a way to protect themselves, their future, and the extraordinary world they long to call home.
This fated mates sci-fi romance will appeal to readers of Sara Ivy Hill, January Bell, Ava Ross, and Ursa Dax.
Visit the author's website for content notes.
Human mycologist Dr. Elena Regis has fulfilled a lifelong dream and come to the conservation planet of Hyderia to study its unique fungi. On arrival at the remote Nova Cal research station, Elena meets its director of research, Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae, an atmospheric scientist who seems to despise her on sight. At least her work takes her away from the station and deep into Hyderia’s pristine and wild forests, where she can escape Ardruc’s disdain.
After fleeing a miserable early life on his home planet of Fortusia, Ardruc turned to science and solitude to find meaning, healing, and answers. For two years, he has lived contentedly at Nova Cal, studying phenomena in the planet’s upper atmosphere. His life’s work is abruptly thrown into chaos when Elena arrives. His body and soul recognize her as his true mate, though she is everything Ardruc is not, from her dreamy way of looking at Hyderia’s natural beauty and her more intuitive than scientific approach to research. She sets his sharp teeth on edge—and makes his hearts sing.
As Ardruc’s resolve slowly crumbles, a series of strange and near-deadly events forces him to reveal his secrets. Hyderia is even more full of wonders than Ardruc and Elena imagined—and it is under threat. When unexpected dangers close in, these rivals turned lovers must find a way to protect themselves, their future, and the extraordinary world they long to call home.
This fated mates sci-fi romance will appeal to readers of Sara Ivy Hill, January Bell, Ava Ross, and Ursa Dax.
Visit the author's website for content notes.
- GenresScience FictionDragons
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Edmonds
26 books827 followersLisa Edmonds was born and raised in Kansas. She studied English and forensic criminology at Wichita State University. After acquiring her Bachelor’s degree, she considered a career in law enforcement as a behavioral analyst before earning a Master's from Wichita State and then a Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University.
For ten years, she was an associate professor of English at a college in Texas, where she taught a variety of writing and literature courses.
Now a full-time author, she shares a cute little Victorian-style home called the Storybook House with her husband and their cats. She enjoys writing, reading, traveling, spoiling her niece and nephew, and singing karaoke.
For ten years, she was an associate professor of English at a college in Texas, where she taught a variety of writing and literature courses.
Now a full-time author, she shares a cute little Victorian-style home called the Storybook House with her husband and their cats. She enjoys writing, reading, traveling, spoiling her niece and nephew, and singing karaoke.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 2, 2025
Alright y'all, this one might’ve converted me into a full-time dragon mate 🤭🐉🔥
I was so into this book😭😂 like didn’t-expect-to-fall-in-love-but-here-we-are 🤷🏽♀️. it’s my first by Lisa Edmonds and now I’m officially hunting down everything she’s written🙃
Thank you Lisa Edmonds for the ARC!!!! Claimed in the Clouds releases on November 4th!
Review:
Ardruc is our grumpy, emotionally-constipated alien scientist... perfectionist too. he’s all logic, restraint and big giant walls... until Elena walks in. she’s human, passionate, curious, and the complete opposite of Ardruc in every way. they clash hard at first (like oil-and-water), but once they finally stop fighting... ohhhh my god. the chemistry. the heat. the SPICE WAS SPICING 🥵 and underneath all of it was this absolutely adorable tenderness that made my little heart melt🫠.
I was also so impressed with the Worldbuilding. It was so imaginative and detailed. I felt like I could picture everything! it was so vibrant!
fave quotes
“Nothing else mattered except that I was her home, her anchor, her partner, her mate, and she was all of those things to me and infinitely more.”
“My hearts are unshielded now. You could hurt me, break me beyond repair.”
“I wanted her to draw blood—to mark me all over, to stake her claim on me for all to see.”
I was so into this book😭😂 like didn’t-expect-to-fall-in-love-but-here-we-are 🤷🏽♀️. it’s my first by Lisa Edmonds and now I’m officially hunting down everything she’s written🙃
Thank you Lisa Edmonds for the ARC!!!! Claimed in the Clouds releases on November 4th!
Review:
Ardruc is our grumpy, emotionally-constipated alien scientist... perfectionist too. he’s all logic, restraint and big giant walls... until Elena walks in. she’s human, passionate, curious, and the complete opposite of Ardruc in every way. they clash hard at first (like oil-and-water), but once they finally stop fighting... ohhhh my god. the chemistry. the heat. the SPICE WAS SPICING 🥵 and underneath all of it was this absolutely adorable tenderness that made my little heart melt🫠.
I was also so impressed with the Worldbuilding. It was so imaginative and detailed. I felt like I could picture everything! it was so vibrant!
fave quotes
“Nothing else mattered except that I was her home, her anchor, her partner, her mate, and she was all of those things to me and infinitely more.”
“My hearts are unshielded now. You could hurt me, break me beyond repair.”
“I wanted her to draw blood—to mark me all over, to stake her claim on me for all to see.”
November 8, 2025
arc review ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
this has to be my favorite book in the series so far! It had everything that I enjoy in a good book
• grumpy scientist dragon alien mmc
• human scientist fmc
• a beautiful uninhabited planet (or is it? 👀)
• fated mates
• academic rivals to lovers
• ALL the forced proximity (they’re the only two people stationed there)
• cute and furry animal companion/side kick
• a great mystery
• all the scotching hot spice (he chases her 🤭)
Ardruc, our dragon mmc made me want to smack him upside the head for the first quarter of the book as he refuses to acknowledge the mate bond between him and his new associate Elena. Don’t worry though, Elena may be human but she can definitely handle Ardruc’s fire and spit it right back at him. Once he got his head out from behind his tail, the attraction was instant and beautiful. I could so easily picture how stunning this planet was and I loved the scenes on the rooftop with the mysterious dancing lights (you’ll have to read more to find out what they are hehe ⚡️)
the mystery aspect of this book was great and had me on the edge of my seat! it blended well with the romance plot! a throughly enjoyable book and once again can’t wait for what comes next with this series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
this has to be my favorite book in the series so far! It had everything that I enjoy in a good book
• grumpy scientist dragon alien mmc
• human scientist fmc
• a beautiful uninhabited planet (or is it? 👀)
• fated mates
• academic rivals to lovers
• ALL the forced proximity (they’re the only two people stationed there)
• cute and furry animal companion/side kick
• a great mystery
• all the scotching hot spice (he chases her 🤭)
Ardruc, our dragon mmc made me want to smack him upside the head for the first quarter of the book as he refuses to acknowledge the mate bond between him and his new associate Elena. Don’t worry though, Elena may be human but she can definitely handle Ardruc’s fire and spit it right back at him. Once he got his head out from behind his tail, the attraction was instant and beautiful. I could so easily picture how stunning this planet was and I loved the scenes on the rooftop with the mysterious dancing lights (you’ll have to read more to find out what they are hehe ⚡️)
the mystery aspect of this book was great and had me on the edge of my seat! it blended well with the romance plot! a throughly enjoyable book and once again can’t wait for what comes next with this series!
November 6, 2025
4.5 Stars
Okay, so how does one make contact with the aliens and get to come visit these beautiful planets? Asking for a friend...
Elena is a scientist who studies fungi, and she has dreamed of coming to Hyderia to study since she was a young girl. When she gets permission to go, she is super excited. Even if a grumpy, and sometimes rude dragon/Fortusian male is the head of research. Ardruc has always kept to his research, but when Elena lands on planet, everything changes when he discovers she is his true mate. Instead of falling to his knees and telling her right then, he brushes her off for months until she is gravely injured and he can't hide it any longer.
This was more on the slow burn side, but I was so here for it, because when things finally heated up, the heat was on high. For being a broody and quiet scientist, Ardruc isn't that quiet when it comes to what he wants, or giving his mate pleasure. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow after the icey beginning. This was a great rivals-to-lovers book, but I wish that we could have seen them butting heads for just a little longer - I live for the banter. It was also fun to have the slight mystery aspect with this book, I don’t often see things like this in monster books and I’m here for it! I have been really enjoying this series, and I hope that we get more in the future!
Okay, so how does one make contact with the aliens and get to come visit these beautiful planets? Asking for a friend...
Elena is a scientist who studies fungi, and she has dreamed of coming to Hyderia to study since she was a young girl. When she gets permission to go, she is super excited. Even if a grumpy, and sometimes rude dragon/Fortusian male is the head of research. Ardruc has always kept to his research, but when Elena lands on planet, everything changes when he discovers she is his true mate. Instead of falling to his knees and telling her right then, he brushes her off for months until she is gravely injured and he can't hide it any longer.
This was more on the slow burn side, but I was so here for it, because when things finally heated up, the heat was on high. For being a broody and quiet scientist, Ardruc isn't that quiet when it comes to what he wants, or giving his mate pleasure. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow after the icey beginning. This was a great rivals-to-lovers book, but I wish that we could have seen them butting heads for just a little longer - I live for the banter. It was also fun to have the slight mystery aspect with this book, I don’t often see things like this in monster books and I’m here for it! I have been really enjoying this series, and I hope that we get more in the future!
November 2, 2025
It happened again. I thought "surely the couple can't get better" and THEY DID!!!! I really don't understand how Lisa does it but I'm hooked and never leaving. She is able to blend the perfect level of smart, capable, badass female with dominating and nurturing male and I really can't get enough of it.
Before I jump in to this I read the first two books in the series to prepare for this ARC even though it was said to not be necessary and I'm really glad I did. The books truly are standalones, the little Easter eggs are fun when you notice them (like the ice planet) but they aren't necessary to ultimate understanding. So if you just want to read this one, go for it. But I do highly recommend the other two just because they were beautiful stories with amazing characters.
Ok, to this book! Dr. Elena Regis is a very well published mycologist working on various planets throughout the galaxy studying, discovering, and documenting different fungi. Since the age of 17 she's dreamed of working on a specific planet that is under conversation protection and when she's 30 she finally gets the grant to go. Even a near death experience doesn't have the ability keep her from her dream. When she arrives on Hyderia, with her furry arval companion in tow, she meets her new boss, Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae. Their introduction goes less than savory and he immediately suggests she leave. This dragon man and anyone else be damned, she will not be forced off the planet and away from the project she's always dreamed of experiencing.
Ardruc is an atmospheric scientist and the Director of Research at the only operating station on Hyderia. It's been 15 years since this Fortusian male has been on his home planet and he has spent that time buried in his studies. His hard work and dedication paid off immensely and he has been studying unique atmospheric phenomena called kora, or korae, on Hyderia for 2 years. He is known for being particular and uptight, not the easiest guy to work with. His assistants never last long. That reputation really gets put to the test when Elena steps off the transport and the wind carries her scent to Ardruc, revealing she is his true mate. Fighting every single instinct he has Ardruc refuses to give into the mate bond and then begins the longest four months either of them have ever experienced.
I don't ever go for bully stuff and while I wouldn't say this counts as such I definitely wanted to slap Ardruc a couple times because my guy, you didn't have to be so mean to her 😭😭 I understand, I acknowledge, I may even respect it now, but damn it did I wanna yell at him 😂 He was fighting it SO hard and I just know it was eating him up inside., but I can't blame him for refusing to allow a choice to be taken. Just like the FMCs that came before her, Elena was really relatable. I, too, shake my head like an etch-a-sketch when I'm trying to banish a thought. I see you Elena 😂 I really, really love when a book makes me swoon for the simple things, like hand holding. Oh my god when they hold hands for the first time I couldn't contain the giggle that came out anymore than these men want to control their coo! And of course he has a coo just for her 🥰
Hand holding had me giggling. The groveling had me hoping with everything in me. "A chance was more than I deserved. Anything more was as much of a miracle as sentient plasma" Then the first kiss?!?!? Ahhhhhhhhhhh, it was perfect. Just like the ones before it, this was top tier Hurt/Comfort, but I do think that these two had a uniquely special connection that really made it more raw. The marriage ritual on his home planet? Be still my heart. I cried so many times reading this book and it was always for the best reasons.
Surprise knot, waking up tied up, spicy flying, role reversal/switch, acting out fantasies, sensory deprivation, special 💦
My oh my 🥵🥵🥵
Before I jump in to this I read the first two books in the series to prepare for this ARC even though it was said to not be necessary and I'm really glad I did. The books truly are standalones, the little Easter eggs are fun when you notice them (like the ice planet) but they aren't necessary to ultimate understanding. So if you just want to read this one, go for it. But I do highly recommend the other two just because they were beautiful stories with amazing characters.
Ok, to this book! Dr. Elena Regis is a very well published mycologist working on various planets throughout the galaxy studying, discovering, and documenting different fungi. Since the age of 17 she's dreamed of working on a specific planet that is under conversation protection and when she's 30 she finally gets the grant to go. Even a near death experience doesn't have the ability keep her from her dream. When she arrives on Hyderia, with her furry arval companion in tow, she meets her new boss, Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae. Their introduction goes less than savory and he immediately suggests she leave. This dragon man and anyone else be damned, she will not be forced off the planet and away from the project she's always dreamed of experiencing.
Ardruc is an atmospheric scientist and the Director of Research at the only operating station on Hyderia. It's been 15 years since this Fortusian male has been on his home planet and he has spent that time buried in his studies. His hard work and dedication paid off immensely and he has been studying unique atmospheric phenomena called kora, or korae, on Hyderia for 2 years. He is known for being particular and uptight, not the easiest guy to work with. His assistants never last long. That reputation really gets put to the test when Elena steps off the transport and the wind carries her scent to Ardruc, revealing she is his true mate. Fighting every single instinct he has Ardruc refuses to give into the mate bond and then begins the longest four months either of them have ever experienced.
I don't ever go for bully stuff and while I wouldn't say this counts as such I definitely wanted to slap Ardruc a couple times because my guy, you didn't have to be so mean to her 😭😭 I understand, I acknowledge, I may even respect it now, but damn it did I wanna yell at him 😂 He was fighting it SO hard and I just know it was eating him up inside., but I can't blame him for refusing to allow a choice to be taken. Just like the FMCs that came before her, Elena was really relatable. I, too, shake my head like an etch-a-sketch when I'm trying to banish a thought. I see you Elena 😂 I really, really love when a book makes me swoon for the simple things, like hand holding. Oh my god when they hold hands for the first time I couldn't contain the giggle that came out anymore than these men want to control their coo! And of course he has a coo just for her 🥰
Hand holding had me giggling. The groveling had me hoping with everything in me. "A chance was more than I deserved. Anything more was as much of a miracle as sentient plasma" Then the first kiss?!?!? Ahhhhhhhhhhh, it was perfect. Just like the ones before it, this was top tier Hurt/Comfort, but I do think that these two had a uniquely special connection that really made it more raw. The marriage ritual on his home planet? Be still my heart. I cried so many times reading this book and it was always for the best reasons.
Surprise knot, waking up tied up, spicy flying, role reversal/switch, acting out fantasies, sensory deprivation, special 💦
My oh my 🥵🥵🥵
November 4, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Does Lisa Edmonds deliver, or does she deliver?! I cannot get over how perfect her cozy and spicy alien romances are! Claimed in the Clouds gives us two brilliant rival scientists whose methods for determining the validity of their hypotheses differ significantly, drops them on a sentient planet and then adds in fated mates to ruffle our stoic scientist’s feathers 🤭 Our Fortusian males love to kneel, but for Ardruc? He’s fighting his baser instincts due to past trauma where those who should have loved and protected him took his choices away…so when he realizes what life could be like with a true mate AND it’s his choice as much as hers? THE GROVEL. I was so far gone, basically looking up ways for interdimensional travel to get myself in the presence of a Fortusian male STAT!
🧡Cinnamon Roll MMC
✨FMC in STEM
🧡Beautiful Sentient Planet
✨Fated Mates
🧡Rivals to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
🧡He Falls First & King of Consent
✨Size Difference
🧡Flying Spicy Times
✨Biting, Knotting, Tail Play & Light D/S
🧡Hurt/Comfort
✨Touch Her & ☠️
🧡Cute Animal Sidekick
What happens when a stubborn human woman with the drive to prove herself comes face to face with the grumpy alien dragon man who purposefully gets in her way? Well, sparks fly…and initially, not the good kind.
Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae escaped his home planet of Fortusia and turned to science to give his life meaning. He’s worked at the remote research station for two years in peaceful solitude, only to have his life thrown into chaos with the arrival of Dr. Elena Regis. His hearts sing for his true mate, though she is his opposite in every way. But, when a series of strange and near-deadly events start occurring, Ardruc is forced to reveal his secrets. Will Ardruc and Elena be able to work together to get the answers they seek when the world they love and the life they are trying to build is threatened?
When Elena thinks, “Ardruc Husiorithae, have mercy on me.” SAME. Because when that grumpy alien dragon man reveals his truths, owns up to what he did wrong and sets his mind to making his mate happy while protecting her with all that he is? That’s a wrap. I didn’t stand a chance at not falling in love with him. Then add in some mating frenzy where our Fortusian male develops a knot and a br33d!ng k!nk ON TOP OF loving to chase his mate in the woods, restrain her (with consent) and taking her up in the clouds? WHEW! 🥵🥵🥵 And beyond the spice, when real emotions are laid bare on both sides? Elena and Ardruc are so dang sweet together and the comfort they bring one another is heartwarming. Working together to protect themselves, their future, and the world they want to call home turned these two into an unstoppable force and their HEA was so satisfying!
10/10, highly recommend!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Does Lisa Edmonds deliver, or does she deliver?! I cannot get over how perfect her cozy and spicy alien romances are! Claimed in the Clouds gives us two brilliant rival scientists whose methods for determining the validity of their hypotheses differ significantly, drops them on a sentient planet and then adds in fated mates to ruffle our stoic scientist’s feathers 🤭 Our Fortusian males love to kneel, but for Ardruc? He’s fighting his baser instincts due to past trauma where those who should have loved and protected him took his choices away…so when he realizes what life could be like with a true mate AND it’s his choice as much as hers? THE GROVEL. I was so far gone, basically looking up ways for interdimensional travel to get myself in the presence of a Fortusian male STAT!
🧡Cinnamon Roll MMC
✨FMC in STEM
🧡Beautiful Sentient Planet
✨Fated Mates
🧡Rivals to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
🧡He Falls First & King of Consent
✨Size Difference
🧡Flying Spicy Times
✨Biting, Knotting, Tail Play & Light D/S
🧡Hurt/Comfort
✨Touch Her & ☠️
🧡Cute Animal Sidekick
What happens when a stubborn human woman with the drive to prove herself comes face to face with the grumpy alien dragon man who purposefully gets in her way? Well, sparks fly…and initially, not the good kind.
Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae escaped his home planet of Fortusia and turned to science to give his life meaning. He’s worked at the remote research station for two years in peaceful solitude, only to have his life thrown into chaos with the arrival of Dr. Elena Regis. His hearts sing for his true mate, though she is his opposite in every way. But, when a series of strange and near-deadly events start occurring, Ardruc is forced to reveal his secrets. Will Ardruc and Elena be able to work together to get the answers they seek when the world they love and the life they are trying to build is threatened?
When Elena thinks, “Ardruc Husiorithae, have mercy on me.” SAME. Because when that grumpy alien dragon man reveals his truths, owns up to what he did wrong and sets his mind to making his mate happy while protecting her with all that he is? That’s a wrap. I didn’t stand a chance at not falling in love with him. Then add in some mating frenzy where our Fortusian male develops a knot and a br33d!ng k!nk ON TOP OF loving to chase his mate in the woods, restrain her (with consent) and taking her up in the clouds? WHEW! 🥵🥵🥵 And beyond the spice, when real emotions are laid bare on both sides? Elena and Ardruc are so dang sweet together and the comfort they bring one another is heartwarming. Working together to protect themselves, their future, and the world they want to call home turned these two into an unstoppable force and their HEA was so satisfying!
10/10, highly recommend!
October 20, 2025
This book was scorching 🔥 with our Dragon Fortusian finding his mate in Claimed in the Clouds, Book 3 in the Fortusian Mates series.
If you are a fan of a Cozy Sci-Fi Romance with FMC in STEM, Fated Mates, Rivals to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Grumpy x Sunshine, Consent King, Tail Play and so much more, this one is for you!
Elena had dreamed of studying the fungi on Hyderia and finally getting her chance with her arval, Forux, in tow she receives a not so welcoming to the planet.
Ardruc, wants to study Hyderia’s korae in peace and escape his past, notorious for being a bit hard to work with, the last thing he wants is his mate to stop off a ship into his life.
Oh but Ardruc gets so much more than he bargained for with Elena coming into his life and she does not back down from him one bit. When strange occurrences start happening on Hyderia it appears they might not be alone and when Elena gets put in danger Ardruc realizes maybe he was wrong to push her away.
Though Elena does not forgive and forget easily, Ardruc really has to earn her trust and her heart, though it is hard for her to deny her attraction and when these two finally come together they sizzle up pages and the sky - a little flying action if you catch my drift 😏
Ardruc and Elena have both been hurt in the past by those that are supposed to love them and it is beautiful to see them heal together and become a great partnership together.
I absolutely adore this series and can’t wait to see whose story comes next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
If you are a fan of a Cozy Sci-Fi Romance with FMC in STEM, Fated Mates, Rivals to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Grumpy x Sunshine, Consent King, Tail Play and so much more, this one is for you!
Elena had dreamed of studying the fungi on Hyderia and finally getting her chance with her arval, Forux, in tow she receives a not so welcoming to the planet.
Ardruc, wants to study Hyderia’s korae in peace and escape his past, notorious for being a bit hard to work with, the last thing he wants is his mate to stop off a ship into his life.
Oh but Ardruc gets so much more than he bargained for with Elena coming into his life and she does not back down from him one bit. When strange occurrences start happening on Hyderia it appears they might not be alone and when Elena gets put in danger Ardruc realizes maybe he was wrong to push her away.
Though Elena does not forgive and forget easily, Ardruc really has to earn her trust and her heart, though it is hard for her to deny her attraction and when these two finally come together they sizzle up pages and the sky - a little flying action if you catch my drift 😏
Ardruc and Elena have both been hurt in the past by those that are supposed to love them and it is beautiful to see them heal together and become a great partnership together.
I absolutely adore this series and can’t wait to see whose story comes next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
October 29, 2025
Claimed in the Clouds is the third book in the Fortusian Mates series, a collection of sci-fi alien romance standalones. You do not need to read these books in order. While this is primarily a cozy and (very) spicy fated mates story, there is a bit of violence on-page so please check content warnings. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Fated mates
✨Workplace romance
✨Frozen cinnamon roll MMC
✨FMC in STEM
✨Rivals to lovers
✨Knot and tail play
✨Animal sidekick
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Grumpy x sunshine
✨Forced proximity
✨Wing blankets
✨Dual first person POV
Rating: 4/5 Stars 4/5 Flames
Nicknames: My little mate, My dragon
The Lovely: I enjoyed the scientific angle of this story and how the MMC and FMC are both scientists but approach things differently. I also liked the complete backstories of the main characters and how those impact their current relationship.
The Mundane: The first half of this story felt slow to me and like it almost exclusively focused on the MCs’ relationship, versus the plot. I wouldn’t even say it’s romance focused in the first half as the MCs were still in their rivals era.
Recommendation: I’m always excited for the opportunity to get in some alien/monster/sci-fi romance and this book hit the spot. This is such a fun series and I can’t wait to see who the next couple will be. If you’re in the mood for a cozy-ish romance but with an orange scaly alien, and you like hurt/comfort vibes, I think you would like this book.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Fated mates
✨Workplace romance
✨Frozen cinnamon roll MMC
✨FMC in STEM
✨Rivals to lovers
✨Knot and tail play
✨Animal sidekick
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Grumpy x sunshine
✨Forced proximity
✨Wing blankets
✨Dual first person POV
Rating: 4/5 Stars 4/5 Flames
Nicknames: My little mate, My dragon
The Lovely: I enjoyed the scientific angle of this story and how the MMC and FMC are both scientists but approach things differently. I also liked the complete backstories of the main characters and how those impact their current relationship.
The Mundane: The first half of this story felt slow to me and like it almost exclusively focused on the MCs’ relationship, versus the plot. I wouldn’t even say it’s romance focused in the first half as the MCs were still in their rivals era.
Recommendation: I’m always excited for the opportunity to get in some alien/monster/sci-fi romance and this book hit the spot. This is such a fun series and I can’t wait to see who the next couple will be. If you’re in the mood for a cozy-ish romance but with an orange scaly alien, and you like hurt/comfort vibes, I think you would like this book.
October 12, 2025
“Instead, when her fingers closed on my hand, all the tumult washed away, leaving only peace in its wake. In all my years, on all the planets I had visited, I had not known such wonder as feeling utterly at peace in my soul.”
Lisa Edmonds, you brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT, author. Every single book of hers has just been immaculate. Claimed in the Clouds was no different.
This book follows our FMC, Dr. Elena Regis, as she gets a chance of a lifetime to go study mushrooms (mycologist) on the planet Hyderia. When she gets there, she is face-to-face with grumpy, surly, rude Fortusian male, Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae. Standoffish and rude, Ardruc makes the first few months of her stay unpleasant to say the least. It isn’t until a close call with her own life that she is finally told that she is his fated mate.
I LOVE when a book is dual POV, and this one was such a treat! Knowing right away what Ardruc felt or knew when he first saw and smelled Elena was so *unintelligible screaming* and when they FINALLY 🎆 🎇 I was gnawing on the iron bars of my enclosures.
The author has this impeccable talent to write some of the filthiest spice scenes and then follow it up with unparalleled plot twists. The plots of illegal mining on Hyderia to fortusian cults, I was SAT. Lisa Edmonds could write an encyclopedia and I’d buy it tbh.
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
Lisa Edmonds, you brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT, author. Every single book of hers has just been immaculate. Claimed in the Clouds was no different.
This book follows our FMC, Dr. Elena Regis, as she gets a chance of a lifetime to go study mushrooms (mycologist) on the planet Hyderia. When she gets there, she is face-to-face with grumpy, surly, rude Fortusian male, Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae. Standoffish and rude, Ardruc makes the first few months of her stay unpleasant to say the least. It isn’t until a close call with her own life that she is finally told that she is his fated mate.
I LOVE when a book is dual POV, and this one was such a treat! Knowing right away what Ardruc felt or knew when he first saw and smelled Elena was so *unintelligible screaming* and when they FINALLY 🎆 🎇 I was gnawing on the iron bars of my enclosures.
The author has this impeccable talent to write some of the filthiest spice scenes and then follow it up with unparalleled plot twists. The plots of illegal mining on Hyderia to fortusian cults, I was SAT. Lisa Edmonds could write an encyclopedia and I’d buy it tbh.
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
November 6, 2025
Is it possible for a series to get increasingly hotter (spicier) and for the world to become so much bigger? I don’t know how Lisa Edmonds does it but that’s how it felt while reading Elena and Ardruc’s story. Elena is a human scientist and Ardruc is a Fortusian scientist and while each has their specialties, when they start working together, that’s when things get really interesting.
Just when you think you’ve learned everything there is to know about Fortusians there’s something new and exciting. It’s one of the things I appreciate the most when it comes to the Fortusian Mate series - there’s always something new to explore not just about the characters and different races but also about the different worlds. With Claimed in the Clouds there’s something that feels a lot more tense because the story isn’t just about Elena and Ardruc, it’s also about the environment and world that they are in and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. And like I said, there’s definitely a lot more spice in this one, which has been fun to see the evolution of throughout the series.
Thank you so much to Lisa Edmonds for the gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.
Just when you think you’ve learned everything there is to know about Fortusians there’s something new and exciting. It’s one of the things I appreciate the most when it comes to the Fortusian Mate series - there’s always something new to explore not just about the characters and different races but also about the different worlds. With Claimed in the Clouds there’s something that feels a lot more tense because the story isn’t just about Elena and Ardruc, it’s also about the environment and world that they are in and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. And like I said, there’s definitely a lot more spice in this one, which has been fun to see the evolution of throughout the series.
Thank you so much to Lisa Edmonds for the gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2025
So apparently, I now have a thing for nerdy, scientist dragon alien men… go figure.
This series just keeps getting better with every book. I adored the first two couples, but Ardruc and Elena might just be my favorite pair yet. Ardruc definitely had me ready to kick him where it counts with the way he treated Elena early on, but credit where it’s due, he does redeem himself, and the groveling was top-tier.
Elena, though? She’s everything. Brilliant, capable, and not someone who forgives and forgets too easily. I love a heroine who knows her worth and makes them work for it.
The world-building continues to be phenomenal! It’s so rich and detailed without ever feeling heavy-handed. And I really loved the added emotional depth this time around. Both characters are carrying wounds from parents who failed them, and that shared pain gives their story so much heart. Oh, and the cult element? Totally fascinating twist.
Overall, this one hit all the right notes for me…emotional, spicy, and full of heart. Easily a solid 5-star!!
This series just keeps getting better with every book. I adored the first two couples, but Ardruc and Elena might just be my favorite pair yet. Ardruc definitely had me ready to kick him where it counts with the way he treated Elena early on, but credit where it’s due, he does redeem himself, and the groveling was top-tier.
Elena, though? She’s everything. Brilliant, capable, and not someone who forgives and forgets too easily. I love a heroine who knows her worth and makes them work for it.
The world-building continues to be phenomenal! It’s so rich and detailed without ever feeling heavy-handed. And I really loved the added emotional depth this time around. Both characters are carrying wounds from parents who failed them, and that shared pain gives their story so much heart. Oh, and the cult element? Totally fascinating twist.
Overall, this one hit all the right notes for me…emotional, spicy, and full of heart. Easily a solid 5-star!!
November 25, 2025
Loved this one! Elena & Ardruc’s banter as fellow scientists was everything. I adored how their minds always complemented each other - even when both with convinced they were polar opposites. Elena with her gut feelings and wild theories, and rigid, data-driven, Ardruc. Compared to the first two books this one felt the most plot-driven; in addition to the romance, there were mysteries to solve. And as always there is lots of (primal) spice…. Arduc pivoting from uptight research director to dom dragon with a filthy mouth was a duality I can get behind. Elena getting to play out fantasies she didn’t know she had. I also really liked how each of their personal traumas were woven in, different but similar in that both felt unwanted by their own parents. One thing that’s great in this series is our pairs of mates always heal each other - often literally, but also emotionally. Lots of honest communication and vulnerable conversations. Highly recommend this series for anyone who isn’t afraid of a lot of spice, but craves a true connection forming between mates ❤️
October 31, 2025
This was the nerdiest and sexiest book and I LOVED it! This is not my typical go to but I found Lisa through an arc for the second book in this series and was drawn into her unique world.
This particular book was a WILD ride with a dominant, grumpy dragon scientist and a feisty human scientist who studies fungi on the different planets. From chapter one I knew this was going to be a five star read for me because if you can make me not want to put a book down with this much scientific talk in it you have created magic. 😂 The amount of creativity and depth that went into building this story was unlike anything I have read before. How her mind created this world and everything that happened within this planet was insane. It’s was like being on psychedelics without actually being on them lol.
Super impressed and beyond grateful for the opportunity to arc this book as well. I’m officially a sucker for alien/ paranormal smut!!
This particular book was a WILD ride with a dominant, grumpy dragon scientist and a feisty human scientist who studies fungi on the different planets. From chapter one I knew this was going to be a five star read for me because if you can make me not want to put a book down with this much scientific talk in it you have created magic. 😂 The amount of creativity and depth that went into building this story was unlike anything I have read before. How her mind created this world and everything that happened within this planet was insane. It’s was like being on psychedelics without actually being on them lol.
Super impressed and beyond grateful for the opportunity to arc this book as well. I’m officially a sucker for alien/ paranormal smut!!
November 6, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
This is the third, and most spicy, book in the Fortusian Mates series, but it can also be read as a standalone!
We meet Dr. Elena Regis, a brilliant human mycologist who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to study fungi on the conservation planet Hyderia. That’s where she meets Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae. He is a Fortusian male, part dragon, part human, who instantly recognizes her as his mate. The only problem? His past and family has convinced him he’s better off alone.
Ardruc is a broody scientist. He is logical, guarded, and only listens to data. Elena, on the other hand, trusts her instincts as much as the numbers, and she’s not afraid to challenge him. Their banter is just amazing, and let’s just say… the spice level is very high in this book. He does have a tail and he uses it well (if you know what I mean)!
If you love rivals-to-lovers, grumpy x sunshine, and science-filled alien romance, this book is a must read and I couldn’t put it down!
This is the third, and most spicy, book in the Fortusian Mates series, but it can also be read as a standalone!
We meet Dr. Elena Regis, a brilliant human mycologist who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to study fungi on the conservation planet Hyderia. That’s where she meets Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae. He is a Fortusian male, part dragon, part human, who instantly recognizes her as his mate. The only problem? His past and family has convinced him he’s better off alone.
Ardruc is a broody scientist. He is logical, guarded, and only listens to data. Elena, on the other hand, trusts her instincts as much as the numbers, and she’s not afraid to challenge him. Their banter is just amazing, and let’s just say… the spice level is very high in this book. He does have a tail and he uses it well (if you know what I mean)!
If you love rivals-to-lovers, grumpy x sunshine, and science-filled alien romance, this book is a must read and I couldn’t put it down!
November 7, 2025
This book has been one of the most Whimsical books I have read in a while. It was absolutely wonderful to immerse myself in the scientific worlds of Dr. Elena Regis and Dr. Ardruc Husiorithae.
Just cause your related doesn’t mean you owe them anything. You have to make your own way and your own choices.
Elana is a scientist doing research about fungi and flora on different planets. Researches with a sense of whimsy and wonder.
Ardruc, MMC scientist, a fortusian male, Human DNA spliced with that of a dragon. His research is on a mysterious natural phenomenon on Hydra.
Tropes:
- Scientists
- Botanical & Nature Research
- fortusian mate
- Enemies to lovers
- He falls first but denies it
- Children
- Repairing Relationships
- Conservation efforts
- Protect and Conserve
-
Just cause your related doesn’t mean you owe them anything. You have to make your own way and your own choices.
Elana is a scientist doing research about fungi and flora on different planets. Researches with a sense of whimsy and wonder.
Ardruc, MMC scientist, a fortusian male, Human DNA spliced with that of a dragon. His research is on a mysterious natural phenomenon on Hydra.
Tropes:
- Scientists
- Botanical & Nature Research
- fortusian mate
- Enemies to lovers
- He falls first but denies it
- Children
- Repairing Relationships
- Conservation efforts
- Protect and Conserve
-
November 10, 2025
YAAAASSS!!!! I AM IN LOVE WITH ELENA AND ARDRUC!!! I think they may be my favourite couple so far and my favourite book! I love the world building with this one and the planet they are on and all the super sciency stuff! I would love to live on that planet! Absolutely beautiful!
HELLO MR DRAGON…..like holy fucking hot Batman. I really liked unleashed, unhinged Dr. Husiorithae. I want me a super smart Dragon Doctor after this! **fan’s self** The tension and build-up was just delectable and when our hot sexy dragon finally figured his shit out and they came together, new stars were born! 💥
Thank you Lisa for this wonderful story. The plot, the suspense, the mysteries, the spice 🫠, all of it was just absolutely amazing and I did not want to put the book down or leave our lovely couple! Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HELLO MR DRAGON…..like holy fucking hot Batman. I really liked unleashed, unhinged Dr. Husiorithae. I want me a super smart Dragon Doctor after this! **fan’s self** The tension and build-up was just delectable and when our hot sexy dragon finally figured his shit out and they came together, new stars were born! 💥
Thank you Lisa for this wonderful story. The plot, the suspense, the mysteries, the spice 🫠, all of it was just absolutely amazing and I did not want to put the book down or leave our lovely couple! Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 4, 2025
**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶
This is book 3 in the Fortusian Mates series, and it was FANTASTIC. This is about two rival scientists who discover something that should be impossible- all the while our MMC struggles to contain the mate bond he feels and what that could mean for his future. I thought that this one was a great balance of scientific research and rivals-to-lovers.
I think this may be my favorite one yet???? And boy is it spicccyyy 🥵 definitely add to your TBR if you like your alien romance with a good dose of plot and more science-y!!!
☆fated mates
☆he-falls-first
☆rivals-to-lovers
☆knots & tail-play
☆light d/s
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶
This is book 3 in the Fortusian Mates series, and it was FANTASTIC. This is about two rival scientists who discover something that should be impossible- all the while our MMC struggles to contain the mate bond he feels and what that could mean for his future. I thought that this one was a great balance of scientific research and rivals-to-lovers.
I think this may be my favorite one yet???? And boy is it spicccyyy 🥵 definitely add to your TBR if you like your alien romance with a good dose of plot and more science-y!!!
☆fated mates
☆he-falls-first
☆rivals-to-lovers
☆knots & tail-play
☆light d/s
November 30, 2025
I loved the research details and the Vorsa plot! (No, really, I did read this spicy book for the plot, lol) Hyderia sounded so beautiful and came vividly alive in my mind. Lisa Edmonds is fantastic at worldbuilding and at creating characters that feel alive, not just like a collection of tropes. One of my favorite subplots was Ardruc's past life in a cult and how he'd escaped. It was a unique backstory but also made him uniquely relatable, even though he was a bit assholey in the beginning.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough! It's one of my favorites in the alien romance genre ❤️
I cannot recommend this series highly enough! It's one of my favorites in the alien romance genre ❤️
October 4, 2025
The hero has wings, a tail, scales. He is sort of like a dragon guy. She is human. They are both scientists.
He knows the moment they meet that she is his mate. He smells her. He is very upset and does not want a mate. He tries to be very mean to her so she will quit her research and leave the planet. She doesn't know why he is being so mean.
They both work on research and avoid each other. Some things happen and now they have to work together.
I liked when he would hold her and they would fly together.
I enjoyed the spicy scenes. They also take turns being in charge.
He knows the moment they meet that she is his mate. He smells her. He is very upset and does not want a mate. He tries to be very mean to her so she will quit her research and leave the planet. She doesn't know why he is being so mean.
They both work on research and avoid each other. Some things happen and now they have to work together.
I liked when he would hold her and they would fly together.
I enjoyed the spicy scenes. They also take turns being in charge.
October 6, 2025
I feel homesick for an imaginary planet. Ardruc and Elena’s story is spicy and sweet in equal measure, the stuffy dragon and the fungi loving human have such chemistry and the spice level is high, read the warnings if you have any triggers! But along side that Lisa has once again created a world and characters that are just magical, such beautiful descriptions it felt so real and welcoming and by the time I finished the book I was already wishing I could go back.
October 9, 2025
10 stars. Science-y and smutty? Yes, yes, yes! Gorgeous writing, a beautifully paced slow burn, and I was sat. I am so obsessed with Ardruc and Elena's love story. He's buttoned-up and unavailable, and she is passionate about mushrooms (same, gurl), and the chemistry between them is palpable. I wanted to live in this world and study alongside them. I SWOONED. HARD. AND THE ENDING! AHHHHH! This is a automatic-buy author for me.
November 16, 2025
Book 3 of the Fortusian Mates series, Claimed in the Clouds by Lisa Edmonds, had a lot of promise and there were parts of it I enjoyed. I love how wholly the MMCs are devoted to their leading ladies and the worlds sound amazing! I really enjoyed books 1&2, but this one fell a bit flat for me. I couldn’t get past the constant wailing, it was very odd. I hope the next book by this author catches my attention like the others have!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
October 6, 2025
A long, slow-burn build-up to an explosive union. Long back-stories to make the characters live. The world and science building goes deep to create a fascinating setting for this novel, and the vision-building is better still - the playing with biological possibilities is gripping. 5-star spice for the entire second half of the book, including a generous dose of dominance play.
November 4, 2025
I am not sure how she does it, but Edmonds is able to take, what appears to be, a simple alien romance, and make it not only a corrolary to the times we are living in (environment), but an emotional journey as well. And oh yeah: it's hot af.🤣 This has probably been my favorite in the series so far. I may be partial to dragons.🫠
4.25🌟
4.25🌟
November 2, 2025
ARC review:
Loved everything about this! So well written. Alien plot on point. Spicy. Enemies to lovers, but really scent matched fated mates. And the knotting 🥵
Loved everything about this! So well written. Alien plot on point. Spicy. Enemies to lovers, but really scent matched fated mates. And the knotting 🥵
November 11, 2025
ARC RTC
November 23, 2025
Still hooked in this series and cannot get enough. Each book has such a unique dynamic all it's own. This one has forced proximity while one tries to deny the mate bond. An academic mystery, danger, secrets, and another adorable animal side kick. The spice is amazing when they finally come together. I can't wait to see what characters we get to meet next. Auto buy.
November 4, 2025
This story engaged me from the very first line. I was hooked and intrigued. The dynamic and chemistry between the MCs drew me in, and I loved their interactions. In addition, everything they had to endure and overcome pulled on those heartstrings. It has a great and engaging plot. I really enjoyed the read.
November 4, 2025
This might be my favorite from the Fortusian Mates series yet! I LOOOOOVE our growly dragon man and his dreamy eyed scientist mate. I really loved the setting on this one. The banter is witty, the stakes are high, the planet is speaking, and the spice is spicing 🫦🫠
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