What do you think?
Rate this book
Starbound
Kira of Eshara has spent twenty-three years being the one her family loves but doesn't need. Not the heir. Not the prodigy. The middle child, steady and quiet and forgettable. So when her planet needs a treaty bride for the most feared warlord in contested space, she's the one who volunteers. She is the one they can afford to lose.
Morak is prepared for a political match. A name on a treaty. Someone who would fulfill the terms and nothing more. But when Kira steps onto his ship, something in his careful plans comes undone, and the bond that takes hold between them is as old as his species and just as permanent.
Because when Morak looks at her, he doesn't see someone replaceable. He sees someone he would give up everything to keep.
Morak is prepared for a political match. A name on a treaty. Someone who would fulfill the terms and nothing more. But when Kira steps onto his ship, something in his careful plans comes undone, and the bond that takes hold between them is as old as his species and just as permanent.
Because when Morak looks at her, he doesn't see someone replaceable. He sees someone he would give up everything to keep.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
40 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 27, 2026
the FMC Kira was BOLD, okay? I mean, if I volunteered to be the political bride for an alien warlord, might as well do what I want with him. I mean, he’s mine & I’m his, right? I love the elements of deep, telepathic connection & unwavering possessiveness that I find in many of Blue’s stories. ugh, swoon
March 3, 2026
Kira is not unloved or forgotten by her family, but she feels like the disappointing child/sibling who doesn't quite fit. She's not brilliant or needed. She's not flashy and she doesn't make waves when she enters a room. She supports her family in every way she can, but she doesn't feel like anything she does is quite enough. She also doesn't feel like anything is hers.
Until Morak. He might be a powerful warlord who is physically intimidating and VERY unlike a human, but she chose this path that led to him and she's determined to stick with it.
Morak is gobsmacked by Kira. You know, as much as a feared warlord can be gobsmacked. He was expecting nothing more than a political match, but he gets hit in the feels the first time he lays eyes on his treaty bride. She's soft and gentle and his and he likes that. A lot.
A sex-ay alien encounter, a warlord who wants his little human to want him, and a lady who didn't know what she was looking for until she laid eyes on the big warlord. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Until Morak. He might be a powerful warlord who is physically intimidating and VERY unlike a human, but she chose this path that led to him and she's determined to stick with it.
Morak is gobsmacked by Kira. You know, as much as a feared warlord can be gobsmacked. He was expecting nothing more than a political match, but he gets hit in the feels the first time he lays eyes on his treaty bride. She's soft and gentle and his and he likes that. A lot.
A sex-ay alien encounter, a warlord who wants his little human to want him, and a lady who didn't know what she was looking for until she laid eyes on the big warlord. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 8, 2026
Five 🌟's for Starbound🔥💖🌟
Short sweet with just a enough spice. Two beings from two different worlds that find acceptance, belonging and love. Well worth the read and a perfect t bedtime story🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🌟💖🌶
Short sweet with just a enough spice. Two beings from two different worlds that find acceptance, belonging and love. Well worth the read and a perfect t bedtime story🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🌟💖🌶
March 5, 2026
Pretty Moment
I have read several of Adrian Blue's short works, this is the first I've written a review for. All of Blue's shorts are structured about the same, female thrust upon monster (or alien as is the case here) and a moment happens. The moment between Kira and Morak was so beautifully written and sweet and gave more than a snippit of monster smut. Its hard to have such a short story feel complete but Starbound managed to do that.
I have read several of Adrian Blue's short works, this is the first I've written a review for. All of Blue's shorts are structured about the same, female thrust upon monster (or alien as is the case here) and a moment happens. The moment between Kira and Morak was so beautifully written and sweet and gave more than a snippit of monster smut. Its hard to have such a short story feel complete but Starbound managed to do that.
March 14, 2026
A beautiful story of what the L word truly represents.
A beautiful story of what the L word truly represents. I did not expect this. It was well written and not overdone. I will read and reread this story and dream of such acceptance, caring, and deep understanding that can only take shape in books, of fairytales and fantasies. Maybe one day it will escape into reality. Thank you ❤️
A beautiful story of what the L word truly represents. I did not expect this. It was well written and not overdone. I will read and reread this story and dream of such acceptance, caring, and deep understanding that can only take shape in books, of fairytales and fantasies. Maybe one day it will escape into reality. Thank you ❤️
February 26, 2026
Starbound
Princess Kira volunteered to be the bride of the Kethari warlord Morak, living on his warship the Vashkara. A treaty between their two species with their marriage.
They both expected a political union but when they meet, they both feel the connection between them.
Very quick bond between them. Book ends with their completed bond HEA.
Princess Kira volunteered to be the bride of the Kethari warlord Morak, living on his warship the Vashkara. A treaty between their two species with their marriage.
They both expected a political union but when they meet, they both feel the connection between them.
Very quick bond between them. Book ends with their completed bond HEA.
March 14, 2026
Unexpected
I love the way this was written. It's beautiful and poetic for such a short, insta-love novella. But the writing... the story unfurls.
"But it doesn't feel like nerves. It feels like leaning forward. "
I so hope this author has longer stories written with the same deftness.
I love the way this was written. It's beautiful and poetic for such a short, insta-love novella. But the writing... the story unfurls.
"But it doesn't feel like nerves. It feels like leaning forward. "
I so hope this author has longer stories written with the same deftness.
February 27, 2026
Short, simple, and better than expected
From the moment Kira told her story, I understood her point of view about her family to her being a tribute.
This is what you look for in a story... a true connection of love.
From the moment Kira told her story, I understood her point of view about her family to her being a tribute.
This is what you look for in a story... a true connection of love.
March 1, 2026
So Sweet
This is such a sweet read. Love the characters and the spicy scenes. Love even more the sweet interactions our leads have with each other. Would have loved to read more, but the short read was well worth it. Would definitely recommend!
This is such a sweet read. Love the characters and the spicy scenes. Love even more the sweet interactions our leads have with each other. Would have loved to read more, but the short read was well worth it. Would definitely recommend!
March 1, 2026
Surprizing!
Although way too short, it was well done . as a novella or full length stor any, much better! Try again.
Although way too short, it was well done . as a novella or full length stor any, much better! Try again.
March 2, 2026
just wow…so sweet
I don’t usually rate books but I had to on this one. Just the right amount of suspense, sex, and…words. Great read.
I don’t usually rate books but I had to on this one. Just the right amount of suspense, sex, and…words. Great read.
March 9, 2026
5/5 Stars ⭐️
2/5 Spice 🌶️
This book just made itself onto my list of top books by this author. I’m so sad it’s a short one because it was perfect and I’m desperately craving more.
2/5 Spice 🌶️
This book just made itself onto my list of top books by this author. I’m so sad it’s a short one because it was perfect and I’m desperately craving more.
March 10, 2026
I wish this were longer!
This is a wonderful book. Probably the best I have read by this author. I wish it was a full novel.
This is a wonderful book. Probably the best I have read by this author. I wish it was a full novel.
March 12, 2026
I didn’t get past the first few chapters; I wasn't intrigued enough to continue reading this book. Nothing unique or interesting, same plot as many other books.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews