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“Jesus.” The horrified whisper of the woman, Karen, who is gathering the uniform I am meant to wear while employed at this large shopping center, doesn’t faze me.
At one point, many years ago, when I was still a youngling, having someone look at me and feel compelled to call upon their personal deity may have bothered me, but I long lost any sense of caring. At least when it comes to how I look. And I know what I look like.
Not only am I keenly aware of every jagged etch and groove in my skin. I can remember, like it was only a turn ago, how they were made with claws and teeth, sometimes broken metal and stone. The blunt points were the worst, poking and prodding until they finally breached the flesh.
But the memory of that pain is nothing compared to the rage I feel at my lehti, Ivy, the one responsible for my suffering. It's a rage I doubt she knows exists.
But she will soon.
At one point, many years ago, when I was still a youngling, having someone look at me and feel compelled to call upon their personal deity may have bothered me, but I long lost any sense of caring. At least when it comes to how I look. And I know what I look like.
Not only am I keenly aware of every jagged etch and groove in my skin. I can remember, like it was only a turn ago, how they were made with claws and teeth, sometimes broken metal and stone. The blunt points were the worst, poking and prodding until they finally breached the flesh.
But the memory of that pain is nothing compared to the rage I feel at my lehti, Ivy, the one responsible for my suffering. It's a rage I doubt she knows exists.
But she will soon.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2025
60 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Clarke
38 books190 followersNikki Clarke is a poet and writer who’s always loved a good love story in books and on film. Her favorite on screen love declarations in no particular order are: Darius and Nina under the viaduct, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in the field (Knightley and MacFadden version), and Dwayne and Whitley at the wedding. Nikki doesn’t mind a little weird (or raunch) mixed in with her romance and hopes to contribute to more happily ever afters of all shades and styles.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 9, 2025
Had to Process This One
I really enjoyed this story once I took some time away after finishing it, to really think on the themes and scenes of the book. I had to process it.
The book heavily features a lot of toxic, unhealthy sex. Dubious consent, since they both aren't in the healthy state of mind for most of it. The relationship is mentally, emotionally, and sexually abusive in nature when they reconnect. She's in a vulnerable state, plagued by guilt, so she lets Ba'ir treat her terribly. Ba'ir truly believes she's committed a great evil against him so he repeatedly treats her cruelly.
They both suffered constant traumatic events separately over 20 years. Thinking about crucial plot points, everything did make sense. CPTSD for both of them manifested different ways. Even at the end of the book, I felt they still had so much to heal from. The happy ending didn't quite feel earned, but the negative behaviors one picks up from being harmed themselves is real.
The thing that I love the most about it, were the raw feelings from both of the main characters. Reading their thought patterns, it's easy to see how they struggle to cope with what happened in the past. And how they struggled with each other during the present. Especially when the twist happens. I wasn't surprised by the twist of what happened, but I did enjoy the mechanics of how and why.
The world lore is intriguing. It was nice to see how much time passed in the universe. As other characters are referenced, and new characters will probably pop up again. Which I'm looking forward to because I love this entire universe and all related titles. I deeply enjoyed the themes of Black woman trying their best and the cost that comes with it.
I love Ba'ir's fathers. It's nice to see some queer representation in this series. I loved how deeply they cared for Ivy during those long 20 years and support during the rough reconnection. There's a third character who felt real. Too many people forget how deeply trauma can travel in families and this character wasn't forgotten.
The writing had a few typos and missing punctuation, along with some pacing issues. The reconciliation could have been expanded, beyond the last act threat. I can't see it as a happy ending, but a cautiously happy beginning. 🖤
I really enjoyed this story once I took some time away after finishing it, to really think on the themes and scenes of the book. I had to process it.
The book heavily features a lot of toxic, unhealthy sex. Dubious consent, since they both aren't in the healthy state of mind for most of it. The relationship is mentally, emotionally, and sexually abusive in nature when they reconnect. She's in a vulnerable state, plagued by guilt, so she lets Ba'ir treat her terribly. Ba'ir truly believes she's committed a great evil against him so he repeatedly treats her cruelly.
They both suffered constant traumatic events separately over 20 years. Thinking about crucial plot points, everything did make sense. CPTSD for both of them manifested different ways. Even at the end of the book, I felt they still had so much to heal from. The happy ending didn't quite feel earned, but the negative behaviors one picks up from being harmed themselves is real.
The thing that I love the most about it, were the raw feelings from both of the main characters. Reading their thought patterns, it's easy to see how they struggle to cope with what happened in the past. And how they struggled with each other during the present. Especially when the twist happens. I wasn't surprised by the twist of what happened, but I did enjoy the mechanics of how and why.
The world lore is intriguing. It was nice to see how much time passed in the universe. As other characters are referenced, and new characters will probably pop up again. Which I'm looking forward to because I love this entire universe and all related titles. I deeply enjoyed the themes of Black woman trying their best and the cost that comes with it.
I love Ba'ir's fathers. It's nice to see some queer representation in this series. I loved how deeply they cared for Ivy during those long 20 years and support during the rough reconnection. There's a third character who felt real. Too many people forget how deeply trauma can travel in families and this character wasn't forgotten.
The writing had a few typos and missing punctuation, along with some pacing issues. The reconciliation could have been expanded, beyond the last act threat. I can't see it as a happy ending, but a cautiously happy beginning. 🖤
January 19, 2026
This book was phenomenal, taking me through a wide range of emotions. It is, without a doubt, the best second chance romance I have ever read! The author, Nikki Clarke, truly excels, and you can feel her passion in this story. After finishing it, I needed some time to process my feelings before writing this review. I read this book as part of a "buddy read," and I'm really grateful for that because the emotional support was needed. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if you're a fan of the Lyqa series, you definitely need to read this book! The main characters, Ba'ir and Ivy, deserve the universe and more. Their journey to their happily ever after was an incredible ride that they fought hard to achieve. Whew, the 'Leht' is strong!
December 6, 2025
Never disappointed
Every book in this series is worth reading. I love me a good sci-fi romance especially with black women (no shade) but I like picturing a representation of myself and other black women. Unfortunately african american sci-fi romance is not in abundance, but whenever I catch a good read by black authors I latch on and don't let go rather it's worthy of one star or five. This one gave a little more depth into love, suffering, endurance, and a testament of true love.
Every book in this series is worth reading. I love me a good sci-fi romance especially with black women (no shade) but I like picturing a representation of myself and other black women. Unfortunately african american sci-fi romance is not in abundance, but whenever I catch a good read by black authors I latch on and don't let go rather it's worthy of one star or five. This one gave a little more depth into love, suffering, endurance, and a testament of true love.
December 2, 2025
😭😭😭
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 This was so beautiful! I loved Ba’ir, I loved Ivy, I loved BJ, I loved it all! It was so worth the coffee I needed to drink to stay awake at work after reading too long lol. Nikki, you never miss! The Lyqa’s will forever be my favorite aliens and the girls will forever be favorite black girls off world!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 This was so beautiful! I loved Ba’ir, I loved Ivy, I loved BJ, I loved it all! It was so worth the coffee I needed to drink to stay awake at work after reading too long lol. Nikki, you never miss! The Lyqa’s will forever be my favorite aliens and the girls will forever be favorite black girls off world!
December 15, 2025
Good read
I enjoyed reading Bair and Ivy's 2nd chance romance. Bair was determined to make Ivy pay for his imprisonment. But fate has a way of throwing a wrench in his plans.
His realization that it wasn't Ivy's fault and that she never gave up on him has him singing a different song. Through the hurt they become stronger.
Good storyline and characters.
I enjoyed reading Bair and Ivy's 2nd chance romance. Bair was determined to make Ivy pay for his imprisonment. But fate has a way of throwing a wrench in his plans.
His realization that it wasn't Ivy's fault and that she never gave up on him has him singing a different song. Through the hurt they become stronger.
Good storyline and characters.
December 31, 2025
Ba’ir is another one of Nikki’s alien MMCs that have stolen my heart. I was so angry at Ivy in the beginning because WHAT DO YOU MEAN BA’IR HAS BEEN HELD CAPTIVE FOR 20 YEARS?! Again, Nikki has had me all in the feels regarding everything this alien man has gone through in this book. And I had a feeling that a particular scene in the book was going to happen but I was still emotional when it did. Ba’ir missed so much and was still struggling to put his life back together once he was able t come back home.
Also, can we talk about the cover?! FIRE! Another one I will be adding to my bookshelf.
Also, can we talk about the cover?! FIRE! Another one I will be adding to my bookshelf.
January 2, 2026
3.5 I initially hated Ba’ir attitude but I understood the need to show the results of 20 years in captivity but once he received treatment I was fully committed. Everyone’s ability to work through and grow their relationships.
December 6, 2025
Worth the wait
Recommend. I didn't know what to expect from the synopsis of this story. A peaceful Lyqa seeking revenge against his lover. The surprise plot was worth the wait.
Recommend. I didn't know what to expect from the synopsis of this story. A peaceful Lyqa seeking revenge against his lover. The surprise plot was worth the wait.
January 3, 2026
Loved!
Great story (as always)! Really enjoyed the way this story unraveled. Loved seeing the thrasher triplets. Can't wait to read more!
Great story (as always)! Really enjoyed the way this story unraveled. Loved seeing the thrasher triplets. Can't wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews