The Awakening: Anaya's Why Choose Alien Romance

The Prime Awakening Trilogy #1

by Lara Lorens

You'd think marrying a brilliant billionaire after only knowing him for three months would be the craziest thing I'd ever do.

You'd be wrong.

Turns out my husband isn't human. He's Rhuzhanian, and he's been looking for me on Earth for decades to seduce and take me back to his planet with him.

Now that he has me, he's sharing me with his alien friends and my body responds in ways I can't control—and I don't want it to stop.

I'm falling for them. All of them. Becoming one of them.

Then I find out he never loved me—he needed my genetics to save his dying species, and I hate him for it.

Alien romance, reverse harem, fated mates, breeding, why choose
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Trilogy

If you love Ruby Dixon or Tana Stone, you'll love Lara Lorens.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2026

Reviews

[Katarzyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Lara for an ARC!

This was a spicy fun time! We follow Anaya, a fencing instructor, who marries Vedin, a biotech researcher, not knowing that he is actually an alien from another planet who sought her out specifically for her DNA, a fact that he withholds from her for most of the book. When she accidentally travels through a portal to his planet, she gets thrown into a massive culture shock, especially given the carnal nature of his people. The story evolves into a why choose situation and is full of toe-curling spice. This was an insta-lust/insta-love situation, but I didn’t mind because I loved the spice that it brought and it suited the nature of Vedin‘s people. That cliffhanger ending has me needing book two ASAP!

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anaya is finally getting a turn of luck for the better. And she is about to learn that not everything is as it seems. Her husband is a special kind. He has a strong interest and isn't revealing everything. Even with a couple of minor drawbacks, she isn't ready to let her good thing go. That's when things get interesting. I enjoyed this spicy sci-fi reverse harem romance.

[Candee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very fast paced and had some really good spice. If you love alien books and all there glory this book is perfect for you. A billionaire husband that is absolutely obsessed with the main female character what is more to love, well except the fact he’s an alien. But I loved the love story the characters have and just so much love and caring between them. There are some elements definitely leaving you wondering what is wrong and what’s the real problem in the story. And the cliffhanger is amazing. I love books with cliffhangers and this one was definitely one that took my breath away.

[Tonika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal world building absolutely loved it! The plot excellent, the characters are dynamic and personable.

Alaya FMC fencing instructor
Vedin MMC alien scientist

Are you kidding this is how you end book one. You left me flustered and flabbergasted with so much hanging in the air OMG way to spike a ladies anxiety!

It was spectacular, I cannot absolutely do not want to wait for book 2 to see how this all plays out.

Key points in no particular order:
- sentient natural Ai alien planet
- infertility
- bonded mates
- manipulation
- MFM
- pulsing ridges
- portal travel
- fencing
- lies and deceit
- spicy 5/5

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance The Awakening is a love story with encompassing sensuality. But there’s so much more. Anaya, the fmc is strong and independent, attacking challenges head on. But even she has to pause sometimes. Make a choice. Hope it’s the right one. At the end there’s a cliffhanger! OMG readers, I dislike them totally but this cliffhanger is the bomb! I did not see that coming. Brilliant writing!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brooke Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a good short read. it is fantasy with advanced technology. a why choose story. has a little spice and ends on a cliffhanger.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun why choose read! I loved Anaya and the roller coaster she ends up going through in this book! Vedin is has his own secrets and stories. I can’t wait for what’s next!

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He seduced her to save his species. She gave him her heart before she knew who he really was.

Anaya thinks marrying a brilliant billionaire after three months is impulsive. Finding out he isn't human pushes her into a reality she never saw coming. Vedin has been watching Earth for years, waiting for her, because she's the only one who can change the future of his people. What starts as obsession turns into something he can’t control.

On Rhuzhan, nothing stays skin deep. The planet pulses with life, and every touch means something more. Vedin opens Anaya to new ways of feeling, of connecting, of being wanted. Nylsar’s steady strength and Theron’s raw hunger draw her in too, until she no longer wants to choose. She wants it all, and they want her just as much.

But even the deepest connection can't survive every secret. When Anaya uncovers what really brought her to Rhuzhan, everything shifts. Her body is changing. Her past was never fully hers. And the choice between escape and becoming something new might already be gone. She’ll have to decide what’s worth holding onto, and what she’s willing to become.

Anaya grows from guarded and grounded to powerful and painfully aware. Vedin starts out cold and strategic but becomes something real, breaking open under the weight of what he feels. Their bond burns hot but carries cracks beneath the surface, tested by truth, fear, and the struggle for control. It’s messy, raw, and unforgettable.

A steamy, high heat, alien–human, why choose romance with fated mates, secret identity, betrayal, body transformation, and forced proximity, exploring trust, autonomy, intimacy, identity, survival, power, and connection. It’s about falling for the ones who change you, craving the touch that undoes you, and choosing yourself when nothing is what it seemed.

Note: The first book in "The Prime Awakening Trilogy" - ends on a cliffhanger.

The Elevator Pitch: A high-heat alien romance where a woman is seduced into marriage, only to discover her husband is not human and her body holds the key to saving his dying species. As she’s drawn into a world of erotic ritual, deep emotional bonds, and irreversible transformation, trust fractures and desire becomes a battlefield. It’s dark, sensual, and emotionally charged with betrayal, autonomy, and connection at its core.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anaya and Vedin . . .

Anaya Raymond is apparently a very special female. She is lured by Vedin Ashcroft, a biotechnology researcher, whose plan is to officially meet Anaya, make her fall for him, then bond with her before she can figure out what is really going on. Then they will return to his planet to save his species. Anaya owns her own gym where she teaches fencing. So he hosts a fencing tournament at his huge estate to draw the fencing instructor into his life as she attends the event. He even provides a former Olympian to give her a worthy opponent when she steps forward to participate. Her body is 3 moves ahead as she anticipates what her opponent's moves will be. He manages to intrigue her and they marry after only a few short months... and she doesn't even suspect she just married a Rhuzhanian alien who wants to ultimately take her home to his planet! Apparently they need her DNA.

I loved Anaya's strong character. I was disappointed that Vedin wasn't completely honest with her from the start. Chances are that she would have gone along with him even knowing the truth, but not telling her at all felt cold and dishonest. How will she react when a portal sends her to his planet and her husband is willing to share her? Will she enjoy the experience, the acceptance, the feel of belonging in a family? Can she also accept what she finally discovers is happening to her physically... and why he doesn't seem "surprised"? Or will she figure that he has never really cared for her at all but just used her for her rare "Prime marker/compatible species" DNA? Or is the answer even stranger than that?

[Robert Bollinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and thoughtful romp thru an alien/human relationship and potential race saving consequences for the participants. Xanya-a human woman fencing instructor is introduced to Viden after a demonstration at a fundraiser. Rich and brilliant he quickly inserts himself into a whirlwind romance and marriage that seems to meet both their needs. After a quick honeymoon and the eventual return to their new shared domicile, things start to happen when she literally walks right thru a portal and is transported to another planet Rhuzhan. This circumstance leads to meeting some of her husband's scientific friends who happen to be purple and horned as is her husband to her eye- opening surprise. These events intertwined with a lot of hot erotica build to a densely detailed back story of intriguing world-building that drives this first part of an upcoming trilogy. The story is a quick opening dive into a thought provoking and sexy tale that is definitely worth the time. The author was kind enough to provide me with an ARC for honest review.

[Deziree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anaya meets Vedin, a brilliant scientist, and believes her luck has finally turned. She’s genuinely happy with how her life is unfolding. Their chance encounter at an event sparks an instant connection, and after just three months of knowing each other, they get married.
One day, while searching for her husband in their mansion, Anaya stumbles upon a portal that transports her to an entirely new planet. There, she finds Vedin—but not as she remembers him. He isn’t human at all; he is Rhuzhanian. Despite the shock, Anaya loves him deeply enough to accept his true form, along with his friends and his world.
However, dark secrets are being kept from her. When the truth finally comes to light, Anaya is left questioning whether she can continue her life with Vedin and everything that comes with him. The story ends on a gripping cliffhanger, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is dual POV, and an interesting sci fi romance serial beginning between Anaya, the female human ex-Olympic fencer lead, and Vedin, the male alien bio specialist lead -the story is advertised as why choose but seems more like relationship open for her. I enjoyed the non-romance plot and the intricacies of it; I am definitely curious to see where the author takes it through the remaining two books. I empathised with Anaya’s grief over her family of origin and enjoyed her willingness to take a risk on the safe bet that Vedin appeared to be. I empathised with Vedin’s concern for his people, and his need to balance that with his emotions for Anaya. I found the cliffhanger ending interesting, though I’m not typically a fan of cliffhangers, and I’m curious to see where the author takes the story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Susan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sci-fi romance centers on an MMC from another planet who is desperate to save his dying world—and believes he’s finally found the solution in a woman from Earth. Anaya, a world-class fencer and refreshingly strong FMC, is invited to an exhibition where she meets Vedin. Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage after just three months, all without Anaya knowing her new husband is actually an alien.

The story delivers plenty of sexy scenes while still offering a solid plot. The author does a great job with descriptive narration, especially when it comes to Vedin’s planet, and the characters feel believable despite the otherworldly premise. Anaya stands out as a confident, capable heroine, which I always appreciate.

If you’re into monster romance, don’t mind sharing, and enjoy strong female leads paired with a steamy storyline, this one is definitely worth checking out.

[HollyJane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always down for a spicy alien “why choose” romance, but this one didn’t quite deliver. It’s a super short read (about 90 minutes), and while fast pacing can work, this felt more like a sprint through plot points than a story with emotional depth.

Anaya, the FMC, just kind of goes along with everything — no questions, no resistance, no real personality. I wanted her to push back, to feel something, anything. The romance didn’t feel earned; it was all physical attraction with zero emotional connection. I didn’t buy into the “fated mates” vibe because the relationships didn’t feel romantic — just convenient.

It’s not a bad read, but I needed more tension, more heart, and a heroine who actually cares.

[Missgotty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slow build alien romance with lust but little romance. Unfortunately, the characters have no depth to their personalities and the couple don't really have any real chemistry. Anaya doesn't blink at the fact that her husband's an alien, she just accepts it and quickly moves on. There's spice, it's ok, but mostly you're just waiting for Vedin to tell his wife what's going on, and it's a long drawn out affair. Once the wife gets to the alien planet, the progress of the story stalls in place for a long time, only shifting right at the very end when revelations come to light. Then the book ends on a severe cliffhanger which I'm not a fan of.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is wonderfully written. The spice is pure steamy spice. The plot is wonderful. Loved all the characters. And especially enjoyed the planet Rhuzhan. Where Vedin comes from.
I could totally get very comfortable on their planet. It would be a total dream come true. Wink wink. LoL 🤗💜
With a cliffhanger that leaves you all twisted up inside wanting to scream. Noooo!
This is my first book by Lara and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I truly love how she writes her stories.
So all of you Alien Romance lovers, this is a must read.
And Lara please I need the next book asap. I have to know.
Enjoy everyone, happy reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus is Book 1 of The Prime Awakening Trilogy. And it starts things off with a bang! Look forward to more from this world.

'I'm falling for them. All of them. Becoming one of them.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It ❤️

Felt I'd better read this after seeing that the next book will be out soon. I will also say I hate cliff hangers, but in light on the next book coming, I can accept a short wait.
Loved all the characters, but felt for Anaya. To fall in love and find out all wasn't quite as it seemed. Loved Vedin, but despite his love for her, he should have been honest with her. His friends were lovely and enjoyed the 3some! So hot!! 🌶🌶😍😍 Now I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful book 1 in The Prime Awakening Trilogy Book Series has a Sci-Fi romance Story, a well-constructed world and interesting characters. These Characters have unique personalities, strong interactions and believable histories. The story has a dying Alien world, a female fencer, a secretive alien, a whirlwind romance, twists, turns, revelations, chemistry, and a CLIFF-HANGER. waiting for the next book.

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anaya is head over heals in love with her new husband. But is is to good to be true. He is keeping secrets and they are doozies. This is a quick read . It ends in a cliff hanger. I am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline NZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to the world and characters, builds up nicely for what's next.
The alien world was super intriguing and whimsical. Good ratio of plot and spice.
Looking forward to more adventures for Anaya and Vedin, saw the cliffhanger coming but I'm not mad about it ;).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute page-turner! The characters were so well-developed and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself completely immersed in Anaya's world, and I couldn't put it down until I finished. The author did a fantastic job of creating a captivating and emotional story that I will remember for a long time.

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really draws you in and does deliver on smut. I loved the world and character building for a shorter book. I am not into cliffhangers so that was unexpected. Also it has a bit too much manipulation and lies for most of the book for my liking where it's a turn off.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulsing
Vedin is so hot and pulsing. Pulsing veins, pulsing……..how could Anaya not be pulled to him. Plus he sees her, really sees her. But what will she do when she really sees him?! Sees what he really is!