Danth, Plain and Tall: Planet WLN269 Needs Women

Planet WLN269 Needs Women

by Dakota Cockaday, Anastasia Novikova (Illustrator)

Planet WLN269 Needs Women is a new shared world series that imagines what it would be like if human woman decided to leave behind one male loneliness epidemic to solve another on a planet in the Andromeda Galaxy. All stories feature low-stakes alien-human romance stories, lots of steam, and a guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 12, 2026

About the author

Dakota Cockaday is the pen name of the most unexciting woman in the world. Dakota loves paranormal and true crime podcasts, romance books about aliens, and chicken tamales. She always wants to pet your dog or see pictures of your cat. Dakota hoards blank notebooks like it’s her job. She has no spare time, so she writes when she really should be cleaning the house. You can reach her at dakota.cockaday@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Racheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautiful and heartwarming in so many ways. From reading the author's note in the beginning, I feel like I was able to know Dakota Cockaday a little better through Esmer (whose traits reflect Dakota's background growing up per the authors note). I loved how this book loosely references Sarah Plain and Tall between the letters and Danth's character. While I loved Danth, his bulk arms, kind patience and soup making vows, I actually found Esmer to be the character that I resonated with more. She had so many fears going into her marriage and Danth reassured her at every turn. I loved how he helped her confidence grow and blossom into something she could be proud of. Overall, this was such a sweet and heartwarming read that I'd 10 out of 10 recommend!

I want to thank Dakota Cockaday and the rest of the authors for the opportunity to read this early as part of the WLN269 ARC Team. Go Team Squibbles!

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Arc Team Review✨️
✨️Team Squibbleeeee✨️

I'm literally so obsessed with this Danth is so sweet and also had me laughing out loud 😭😍

I'm going to type up a better review later tonight when my family is not 2 minutes away from eating dinner -

[Mia Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danth has my heart! I want to move to WLN269 to be his mate, I don’t even care if he is an insect-like alien. He is a dreamboat. If you’ve seen my reviews before, you’ll know I don’t often give 5 stars, but this book is sheer perfection. It’s sweet, laugh out loud and romantic. It’s not as spicy as my usual reads but it doesn’t need to be. A brilliantly heartfelt monster love story that I could happily re-read again and again. I was captivated with every moment and I’m totally dumbfounded on how I fell in love with a fictional alien insect but that is the magic of this authors works. Love love love love love 💜💜💜

Get it when it comes out on 12th February 2026. Thank you Dakota Cockaday and team for the eARC. My thoughts are my own and true to me.

[Sarah-Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start by thanking Dakota Cockaday and the Planet WLN269 Arc team for allowing me the chance to read this ARC. All of the thoughts and opinions shared are my own!

Let me start by saying I would burn the world down for Danth, he deserves everything and more because he IS that man(tis)!! If you can find someone who makes you soup, and learns how to make you comfortable and look out for you then bag him. Because Danth is setting the bar for how men should be.

You might think woah an alien book, I bet there's spice! And there is spice, but that's not all that's there. This is a story about love and trust and finding your person. Especially when you consider that our fmc has to come into her own sexually, the concept of sex is handled so well.

This was such a soft and beautiful book, and I highly recommend it if you want to consider dipping your toe into the alien romance genre.

[Escapist Romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**
I read the prequel, so I came into this book liking Danth already and he definitely did not disappoint. It was also great having Iela and Ret show up in the story. I absolutely loved Danth and how kind, sweet, patient, and loving he was to Esmer. Their relationship development through text and their relationship dynamics in person we’re great, and nearly everything I could wish for. And Esmer! She is such a lovable, relatable, and well written character. I know she loves her family, but OMG they make me so angry. Such unfair treatment of her as the eldest. And don’t even get me started on the issues they caused her to have with her own body/sexual enjoyment. She deserves so much better, and she deserves all the love Danth has to give her. I would love another epilogue to check in with these two a little further in the future, or maybe a cameo in Chelsea‘s story? Please tell me we’ll get an update on Chelsea!!!

[Nicole B West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I stay away from alien romance books because I just can't wrap my head around them. When Dakota told me to trust her and that I would enjoy it, I did. She was right. While the author and I grew up in very different cultures, we both lived a very repressed life. I have yet to find a romance book that covers the shame you feel as a virgin bride having grown up in a very religious community that links sex and shame together, but also absolutely refuses to talk about anything revolving sex or even reproductive organs. This story isn't your traditional love story, but that's what we love about Dakota as an author. She doesn't write what's expected, instead giving us the thing we didn't even know we were looking for. I loved the journey and I'm hoping she writes more in this series. Also, I love the squibbles.

[The Hateful Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your monster romances soft, sincere, and surprisingly thoughtful, this one fits the bill.

I’m a big fan of Ice Planet Barbarians, so this immediately caught my attention. Books in this subgenre can easily veer into one-note or over-the-top territory, but Danth, Plain & Tall avoids both.

This is a surprisingly sweet monster romance with more depth than expected, exploring the FMC’s sexual insecurity and generational trauma. It’s a quick read, less steamy than Ice Planet Barbarians, but still fun and engaging.

Just a quick aside: I’m old enough to catch the title reference and it is perfection.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ecem · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I read Danth, Plain and Tall: Planet WLN269 Needs Women as an ARC, and it was a fun, quick read. The story is short, and it does exactly what it promises without trying to be anything more.

I had already read another book from this series, so I had a pretty good sense of the setting and the overall vibe going in. Because of that, I can say it met my expectations nicely. The alien setting felt familiar in a comforting way, and the romance was easy to enjoy without unnecessary complications.

If you are looking for a short romance set in an alien world and want something entertaining that you can breeze through, this is a solid choice.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella for those of us who like our MMCs nonhuman but the most gentlemanly of gentlemen. Danth is positively dreamy with the thoughtful way he treats Esmer, his forearms, and he cooks. So what if his species resembles a praying mantis? He’s a soft (metaphorically speaking because he’s def hard in the right places) place to land for Esmer who is looking for a fresh start away from a toxic family environment. We get a lot of their dating app convo so there’s also a great epistolary element. This story is swoony in the best way!

**I received an eARC as part of the ARC team for Planet WLN269 but am voluntarily leaving an honest review. **

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esmer comes from a family where she is the oldest daughter and has certain expectations put on her. One being that no man seems good enough for her it seemed. So she signs up for H.E.L.P. If she can’t find a human one why not go for an alien. Turns out her parents and sisters couldn’t be happier for her.
Danth is one of the oldest of his people and considers their leader. He doesn’t think he should get a mate since he is older. His people have some understandings that cause some problems for him with Esmer. But nothing that can’t be figured out. And he cooks too.
I love the insect aliens so I absolutely loved this read. It was so yummy I would have loved more.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Danth, Plain and Tall was such a satisfying read! The story does a wonderful job tackling meaningful topics like communication issues and generational trauma while still delivering a sweet, steamy alien romance. I really appreciated the virgin FMC representation and how thoughtfully her journey was handled. Danth was endlessly charming, the adorable alien pet completely stole my heart, and the world itself was easy to sink into. I was genuinely sad when it ended—I could have happily read so much more from this couple and this planet. A fantastic addition to the Planet WLN269 series!

[Robyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest!
Danth and Esmer was literally perfect for each other!
Both was a little reluctant to sign up for the programme for different reasons but found what they needed in each other.
Esmer was the eldest daughter that come with it's own set of responsibilities and sacrifices but she found she was doing everything for everyone but nothing for herself, she wasn't expecting much from the alien dating site when she come across Danth.
Danth was the sweetest, he understood what he needed to do and he was so patient with Esmer when she arrived and helped her through her past difficulties.
These Planet WLN269 books are addictive and so easy to love!

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 👽

Sick of me yet? You won’t be sick of the @planetwln269 series because there’s something for everyone!

DANTH, PLAIN AND TALL ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Danth is so INCREDIBLY patient and kind when it comes to helping Esmer to feel safe and confident in her own skin and in the bedroom. The religious trauma she experienced growing up has lead to shameful thoughts surrounding her body and s*x. Danth is willing to do anything to help, including drawing diagrams 😂

This story includes:
Religious trauma
Awkward sexting
Virgin FMC
Voyeurism
He builds her a library 💕

Releasing 2/12 but you CAN pre order now!!

[Katie Welder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esmer comes from a very religious background and high expectations for the eldest daughter. She was pouring from an empty cup and they still expected more from her. Much to her friend Chelsea's insistence, Esmer fills out a profile on H.E.L.P. Seemed like there was no chance as per usual until Danth comes into the picture......

I LOVED Danth so freaking much. That man has the patience of a saint and respect we should all aspire to find in our partners. There was a lovely miscommunication that I found more hilarious than anything (the only acceptable kind). We get to watch Esmer blossom and their relationship grow.

Now I'm just looking forward to Chelsea's story.....

[HollyJane · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Cinnamon roll alien husband energy

This was adorable. I’m a sucker for arranged alien marriages and this one hit the sweet spot—with a golden retriever MMC who cooks, nurtures, and absolutely dotes on his human bride. Our FMC, raised in a deeply religious Mexican family, is tired of the pressure to settle down and takes a leap—joining an intergalactic dating app that lands her on Planet WLN269. What she finds is a cinnamon roll alien who’s everything her heart needs: gentle, supportive, and ready to build a home. The premise is one of my favorite, and the execution? So charming. Low-stakes, high-swoon, and full of cozy domestic vibes. A guaranteed HEA with steam and softness.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Team Squibble ARC Review of ‘Danth, Plain and Tall’ by Dakota Cockaday.

In this second book we follow Esmer and Danth.
Esmer was brought up in a strict Christian/Catholic home and is expected to be the good obedient housewife.
But she dreams of more. So she signa up to find an alien husband.
Danth is looking for that special one whom he can dote on, protect and nourish.
Their chemistry is instant, it is a slow build up between them, but their love for each other is so sweet.
As for her BFF Chelsea, pls let there be a book for her too!!!
A lovely short read.

4/5⭐️

[volatilisanguis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet story that packed a lot of punch. The FMC, Esmer, struggles with being the Elder Daughter in a family that treats Elder Daughters as primary carers. After encouragement from a friend, she meets Danth, who really is too good to be true. I appreciate how Dakota can write complex characters that criticize/bring light to social issues while still retaining the cozy HEA that we crave. Also, I really have no idea how she managed to make insect arms... attractive?

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont usually choose alien romance when considering what to read, but if Dakota writes it, I will read it. This was excellent and has totally opened my mind to trying other alien romances, definitely the rest of this series.
Super cute, slow burn romance. A relationship built over an intergalactic dating app where they find a way to fall for each other before the ever meet. Mild miscommunication troupe, but otherwise low angst no stress read with a cute happily ever after.

[Candace Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little alien novella stole my heart. Well Danth did! I loved how caring and considerate he was with Esmer after finding out her upbringing caused some trauma. This was all handled very well by the author. All-in-all this was a very good read with great world building and the sweetest of spice. It wasn't rough or rushed, it held true to the fmcs background and the pacing for growth was spot on. I loved it.

⭐️ 5/5 🌶 2/5

[Kitm0nster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so this was precious. Danthe is like the best husband and partner. He's so patient and understanding with what Esmer is going through. I also really loved how romance books played such a heavy part in the pair learning some things. Shout out to Chelsea with all the recs!

Yes if: You think preying mantis are cuties

No if: Family pressure to get married gives you the ick

🪲 Cook x Teacher
📝 Sexting
🪲 He looks like a bug
📝 Sexy arms
🪲 😂😂😂😂😂
📝 Wedding ceremony

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You give me a Dakota Cockaday book, I read it and I love it. That's it. That's the review. I'll read whatever she writes. For real though, I love me a mars needs women trope and this one was done so wonderfully. A tall, handsome, green male and a woman with lots of childhood trauma. A match made in heaven if you ask me.

[Queerbookdad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danth the gentleman that looks like an earth insect. He is literally the sweetest man and he is head over heels for Esmer who is coming from a difficult family life and has a small secret that she doesn’t share with Danth before heading to Planet WLN269, he’s the perfect husband about it, after getting past a big misunderstanding

[Bordelinedino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Danth! Everyone needs a Danth.

This was such a nice short story and the relationship between Danth and Esmer is so sweet and caring.

I can only imagine how hard it is for people like Esmer to overcome something as hard as religious brainwashing but Danth was so positive and helpful.

Plus, using a fictional book from earth to help was a great touch

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in this series! Quick read, slow burn, miscommunication trope. Danth is patient and kind, always wanting what is best for his mate. Esmer is shy and working through some generational trauma but Danth is the perfect alien for her. Loved it!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review for Team Screaming Earth Cat

This book was not at all what I expected! Danth is such a solid MMC, with big grown “man” energy! He’s responsible, caring, and super considerate! I love that the FMC is also so real and relatable. Dakota knocked it wayyy out of the park as per usual!

The spicy scenes were so intimate and soft, and I love how truthfully a new relationship like this was described. Such a sweet and fun way for me to kick off this series!

[tessa richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok so I was skeptical about this bc I really dont like anything with aliens... however this author has never disappointed me ever.. absolutely loved this cute story. Danth is the perfect husband ever... do bad he's not real 😂

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so sweet! I loved Danth and the rest of the characters in his settlement. Danth the soup alien lol. Esmer was super relatable and a well-written FMC. I loved how they both really took the time to get to know each other and understand their comfort levels.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hit a bit too close to home with the religious trauma eldest daughter bit… I mean SPOT ON. Danth is the sweetest most precious patient man in the world and he makes yummy soup what more could a girl want??

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite in the series so far.

Danth is so sweet and devoted. There are struggles and misunderstandings but their relationship is so pure.


I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Danth *swoons* what a perfect alien man. Danth is so patient and understanding with Esmer and really goes the extra step for her. I would 100% move to an alien planet if I knew Danth is what awaited me.

I also loved the pet squibble, I would have a whole pet squibble army if I were her