What do you think?
The Alien's Mate
Can a predator fall for his prey?
For ambitious research assistant Calliope Wright, the opportunity to study an alien life-form is a dream come true. When the head scientist sends her into the dangerous monster’s cell, it feels like an opportunity to prove she can be more than just a notetaker and glorified coffee maker.
As it turns out, the scientist has a more important role for her in mind, too: He intends for her to be the hungry extraterrestrial’s next meal.
Trapped inside the cell, Calliope will do anything to survive, including seducing an alien who sees her as potential food. But the more she learns about the fierce and protective Subject X-11—a.k.a. X— the less certain she is that her affection for him is an act. And with every day he refuses to eat her, X is dying of starvation.
When an opportunity for escape comes, Calliope will have to make a choice: Will she leave X to the mercy of the scientists and return to her lonely normal existence, or risk her life to save his?
For ambitious research assistant Calliope Wright, the opportunity to study an alien life-form is a dream come true. When the head scientist sends her into the dangerous monster’s cell, it feels like an opportunity to prove she can be more than just a notetaker and glorified coffee maker.
As it turns out, the scientist has a more important role for her in mind, too: He intends for her to be the hungry extraterrestrial’s next meal.
Trapped inside the cell, Calliope will do anything to survive, including seducing an alien who sees her as potential food. But the more she learns about the fierce and protective Subject X-11—a.k.a. X— the less certain she is that her affection for him is an act. And with every day he refuses to eat her, X is dying of starvation.
When an opportunity for escape comes, Calliope will have to make a choice: Will she leave X to the mercy of the scientists and return to her lonely normal existence, or risk her life to save his?
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 27, 2026
In the mood for more MONSTER ROMANCE 😈
Skyla has done it AGAIN 🙌🏽
After reading the Monster Research Facility series earlier this month, I was so excited to get my hands on the prequel and it did not disappoint! Since reading the first book - The Nightmare’s Kiss - I was curious to hear Dr. Calliope story…there was something mysterious and unexpected in her actions and I HAD to know what lead to such behaviour 👀
Welcome back (or to) the MRF, as Gray takes us back to the origin story of Calliope Wright and Subject X-11, aka Human x Alien…
Can a predator fall for his prey? 👽💘✨
Newly recruited Calliope Wright is an ambitious research assistant with a simple dream: a lab of her own, and work that can actually make a difference in this weird and wonderful world. So when the opportunity to study a dangerous alien - aka X - comes, she jumps at the chance. But she soon finds herself trapped in the monster’s cell, at the hands of another scientist. She is to be his next meal. In order to survive, she befriends the alien-life form. But as they spend more time together, she begins to uncover the truth behind X’s behaviour, leaving her questioning: who is the real monster in this experiment? And when the opportunity of escape comes, she will have to decide: save herself or risk her life to save X?
“What happens if you chase me?” I ask carefully, hoping I don’t sound like I’m scared out of my wits. He blinks at me like he thinks the answer should be obvious. “I will catch you,” he says. “And then…” He frowns. “If I am too hungry, I will eat you. And I am very hungry.” 😈
Who knew an alien x human connection could be so emotional?! 🥹 Although Calliope and X's relationship developed in such a short amount of time (150 pages), it felt fully fleshed out and genuine. Skyla made the most of every single page to convey exactly what was needed to immerse us in the story and have us completely won over by their connection. Despite the other researchers being incredibly cruel, Calliope was a solid foundation of care and respect from the beginning. She treated X has the intelligent being he was, giving him unwavering kindness and setting her own fears aside. It’s safe to say I loved this monster x human romance ❤️🔥 Sweet, tender, and passionate ✨
“Because you are taujak… You are…” He mumbles quietly in his own guttural language, and then says, “Mine.” 🥰
Overall, this was a fantastic prequel! I kind of wish I hadn’t read the series yet because I NEED MORE 🙇🏻♀️ My only complaint is that the book was so short. I definitely could have read a full length novel about this pair, however, the epilogue was VERY well done 👏🏽 I highly recommend this series! I never knew I could love a none human romance so much 🥲
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Skyla has done it AGAIN 🙌🏽
After reading the Monster Research Facility series earlier this month, I was so excited to get my hands on the prequel and it did not disappoint! Since reading the first book - The Nightmare’s Kiss - I was curious to hear Dr. Calliope story…there was something mysterious and unexpected in her actions and I HAD to know what lead to such behaviour 👀
Welcome back (or to) the MRF, as Gray takes us back to the origin story of Calliope Wright and Subject X-11, aka Human x Alien…
Can a predator fall for his prey? 👽💘✨
Newly recruited Calliope Wright is an ambitious research assistant with a simple dream: a lab of her own, and work that can actually make a difference in this weird and wonderful world. So when the opportunity to study a dangerous alien - aka X - comes, she jumps at the chance. But she soon finds herself trapped in the monster’s cell, at the hands of another scientist. She is to be his next meal. In order to survive, she befriends the alien-life form. But as they spend more time together, she begins to uncover the truth behind X’s behaviour, leaving her questioning: who is the real monster in this experiment? And when the opportunity of escape comes, she will have to decide: save herself or risk her life to save X?
“What happens if you chase me?” I ask carefully, hoping I don’t sound like I’m scared out of my wits. He blinks at me like he thinks the answer should be obvious. “I will catch you,” he says. “And then…” He frowns. “If I am too hungry, I will eat you. And I am very hungry.” 😈
Who knew an alien x human connection could be so emotional?! 🥹 Although Calliope and X's relationship developed in such a short amount of time (150 pages), it felt fully fleshed out and genuine. Skyla made the most of every single page to convey exactly what was needed to immerse us in the story and have us completely won over by their connection. Despite the other researchers being incredibly cruel, Calliope was a solid foundation of care and respect from the beginning. She treated X has the intelligent being he was, giving him unwavering kindness and setting her own fears aside. It’s safe to say I loved this monster x human romance ❤️🔥 Sweet, tender, and passionate ✨
“Because you are taujak… You are…” He mumbles quietly in his own guttural language, and then says, “Mine.” 🥰
Overall, this was a fantastic prequel! I kind of wish I hadn’t read the series yet because I NEED MORE 🙇🏻♀️ My only complaint is that the book was so short. I definitely could have read a full length novel about this pair, however, the epilogue was VERY well done 👏🏽 I highly recommend this series! I never knew I could love a none human romance so much 🥲
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 23, 2026
I have been waaaaaiiiitttttiiiiinnnngggg for this book! I loved getting to peek behind the curtain of Dr. Wright and X’s love story and seeing what made them into the people they were. She was so driven, intelligent. and independent, with endless love for X. He was protective and violent and I loved him so much. It was intense and vicious and dangerous, with the horrors of a “research” facility.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers, violence, gore, body horror, hunting animals and animal cruelty, monster MC eating humans, murder, starvation, confinement and experimentation, isolation, manslaughter, torture, sexism in professional environment
Spice: 3/5
Triggers, violence, gore, body horror, hunting animals and animal cruelty, monster MC eating humans, murder, starvation, confinement and experimentation, isolation, manslaughter, torture, sexism in professional environment
September 22, 2026
This is the first Monster Research Facility book I've read, and I definitely want to go back and read the others. This was the perfect mix of dark and sweet for me. X was scary, but he tried so hard to be kind to Calliope and keep her safe. I loved how their bond formed even with so much uncertainty about their future. There's just something about a sweet monster that could 💀 and eat you in seconds.
Loved the ending and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Loved the ending and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
September 9, 2026
Having read all the previous Monster Research Facility books, I was excited to read Calliope and X’s love/origin story, and it did not disappoint. It’s dark and gory, and of course the research facility scientists are cruel and unconscionable. However, the connection between Calli and X feels genuine as it plays out over several chapters where they discover not just their attraction to each other, but their true mutual affection and care.
Skyla Gray writes some of the most memorable paranormal romance stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and I look forward to whatever she cooks up next. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Skyla Gray writes some of the most memorable paranormal romance stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and I look forward to whatever she cooks up next. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
tysm for the arc!! i really enjoyed this read <333
as always, i cannot wait for more books 😆
as always, i cannot wait for more books 😆
September 20, 2026
This was a fantastic addition to the series! I’ve been so curious about the events prior to book 1, so loved that this gave us Calliope and X’s backstory/romance! The tension and buildup between them was fantastic, especially considering this is a novella. I’m always sucker for an inhuman alien hero, so the hero in this was right up my alley! And did I ever enjoy seeing bad men get their much-deserved comeuppance 😏
If you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend picking this one up!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend picking this one up!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2026
YAAAYYY!!! this was so good!
i freaking love this series so much!
it was so awesome to see some of the beginnings of MRF and get to know how Calliope became established there and finally getting to know him more after briefly meeting him in the first book!
i absolutely loved the tenderness between X-11 and our FCM. i about melted when they first met and she went to push him away and he instead leans in and says “warm” 🥺 that really spoke to the coldness and unkindness from the other scientists. there was a lot of tragedy and challenges that Dr. Wright had to face and overcome.
i loved their time together in his cell and watching their love for one another blossom was so sweet.
this had so many tropes i love, and i need more primal chase recs immediately!
i love this series soooo much! i know i’ve said this before but i hope Skyla never stops writing these 🖤
thank you so much to the author for an early copy! love love love!
i freaking love this series so much!
it was so awesome to see some of the beginnings of MRF and get to know how Calliope became established there and finally getting to know him more after briefly meeting him in the first book!
i absolutely loved the tenderness between X-11 and our FCM. i about melted when they first met and she went to push him away and he instead leans in and says “warm” 🥺 that really spoke to the coldness and unkindness from the other scientists. there was a lot of tragedy and challenges that Dr. Wright had to face and overcome.
i loved their time together in his cell and watching their love for one another blossom was so sweet.
this had so many tropes i love, and i need more primal chase recs immediately!
i love this series soooo much! i know i’ve said this before but i hope Skyla never stops writing these 🖤
thank you so much to the author for an early copy! love love love!
September 24, 2026
4.25 🌟
This was actually so cute????
This was actually so cute????
September 30, 2026
This was a test of kinds
X was captured for being an alien. That was his only crime. The humans in this story wanted to study him and find out how he works. He isnt interested in this and it is a crime against his people to be treated this way. So when he smells his taujak or his other half he is confused but he will hold onto her with all he has. He just needs her to know that he is controlled by his instincts and he needs her to control her responses since his captures aren't feeding him and his body will do what it does even if he doesnt want to hurt her.
Calli is only there to complete her schooling and this is the only place that would take her. She was part of a team until the lead locks her in with the alien. But as she spends time with him she comes to love him and will do anything to get both of them out of the cage they are in. She will do anything to have a life with him at the end too. Even when it means taking him back to the cage until he is healed.
X was captured for being an alien. That was his only crime. The humans in this story wanted to study him and find out how he works. He isnt interested in this and it is a crime against his people to be treated this way. So when he smells his taujak or his other half he is confused but he will hold onto her with all he has. He just needs her to know that he is controlled by his instincts and he needs her to control her responses since his captures aren't feeding him and his body will do what it does even if he doesnt want to hurt her.
Calli is only there to complete her schooling and this is the only place that would take her. She was part of a team until the lead locks her in with the alien. But as she spends time with him she comes to love him and will do anything to get both of them out of the cage they are in. She will do anything to have a life with him at the end too. Even when it means taking him back to the cage until he is healed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Crash out: 🤬🤬
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it’s the prequel to the series? All I know is that I’m happy to see how it started, and I need to go read the other books like now!
Calli and X are truly a match made. I didn’t know how this story was going to unfold, but I’m ashamed to say I doubted Calli in the beginning.💀🫣😅 She contributed to my little crash outs!🤣 She’s super smart and honestly, those other scientists couldn’t hold a candle to her. X-11 is a warrior through and through. He is an apex predator and I won’t lie, lowkey scary. He’s also super intelligent and I know he stayed making the scientists hot when he kept out witting them.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Alien’s Mate and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
*I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Crash out: 🤬🤬
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it’s the prequel to the series? All I know is that I’m happy to see how it started, and I need to go read the other books like now!
Calli and X are truly a match made. I didn’t know how this story was going to unfold, but I’m ashamed to say I doubted Calli in the beginning.💀🫣😅 She contributed to my little crash outs!🤣 She’s super smart and honestly, those other scientists couldn’t hold a candle to her. X-11 is a warrior through and through. He is an apex predator and I won’t lie, lowkey scary. He’s also super intelligent and I know he stayed making the scientists hot when he kept out witting them.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Alien’s Mate and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
*I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily leaving a review.*
October 3, 2026
She’s excited that she finally gets the chance to get first hand experience with the alien subjects. Now she finds herself locked in a cage and has to convince the alien man in front of her she’s more than just food.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2026
Skyla, I just love your books!!!
Technically a prequel, we are immersed into the story of Dr Calliope Wright and subject X-11.
As I was aware of these characters from the first book, it was great to get further insight into their story.
I just love this series and this author so much ❤️
Technically a prequel, we are immersed into the story of Dr Calliope Wright and subject X-11.
As I was aware of these characters from the first book, it was great to get further insight into their story.
I just love this series and this author so much ❤️
Review of advance copy
✨🖤This is an ARC review🖤✨
No.. No..! I refuse.. no, the book didn’t end, I didn’t just binge read this masterpiece in a day..! I stare into my Kindle again and keep tapping until I see the acknowledgments and the 100%, on the left lower corner of the page.. I feel devastated… I hope in a good way, I must be, but right now I have no idea how I feel. I had an idea of how it was going to end, because I’ve read the other books (which I loved and to anyone who loved this and hasn’t read the other books yet, you definitely should read them!) But, I am still not conformed at how emotionally this book hit me.
I must admit, as a reader of this genre, you all must guess what my first thoughts about the cover were like 🙄
I literally wrote on my notes, and quote “Idk but those tentacles 🦑 🤤 they look good.. muscular..” yeah, that.
And I’m not sure if I repent that. Because I wasn’t wrong, but OK, I’m rambling! Back to the review…
In the beginning of the book you’ll notice how easy it is to relate to Calliope, specially in case you’ve ever worked on any “men’s field”-ew the word..—Being a woman in a “field of men”, it’s.. terrible..
And it affected me even more because I’ve been in her shoes. It had me really caught up in the ambient—as always *snorts*—this Author’s books have that to them.
I felt like I was the character, I felt there, I felt scared and anxious when she did, the story was alive… (Just imagine going into Narnia’s wardrobe, that’s exactly how I felt getting into this).
So… after the initial anger from the lesser human males—we finally get into the good part, the reason we’re here, right? Where we find our smegxy alien 😎
The clouds gather and we fall prey to Skyla’s terrific writing! … The way she sets the mood, the pacing, the way she keeps you on high alert. It will make you wonder if you’re into some sort of sadomasochist stuff or something, because I was scared of this hottie but wanted more??!! #kinky
Could it have been kinkier? I hope so? Please feel free to made the next guy even scarier 🤤
“This is scary, but I want to keep reading, I want to know what happens… I want to know him better” Those were my thoughts reading… For some reason this series is called Monster Research Facility, and the monster part IS felt. For anyone wondering if this is just a monster romance where the monster part is just in name, no. This is A Monster. The monster. And IT’S HOT. Very. Could be hotter? You know? In my opinion I think it’s pretty close to what you can get to the burning stratosphere of the definition of hot, wherever that is.
But if you like sweet things? Yeah we got that too hehe, because Skyla here keeps an amazing balance between fear, hot, and cute, and it’ll keep you craving more of it. This couple is so fitting that you’ll be crying your eyes in envy for not having a smegxy alien like Calliope. At least I did 🙄
I literally cried over my dinner
I am a very sensitive person, I’m an INFP after all. So it was no surprise when I started crying over my dinner as I reached the ending of this book. “Why is it ending so soon??? This is so precious!! I need more pleaaaseee!! 😭” Yeah, I didn’t need to put salt on my salad after all, tears are the best seasoning.
But your salad is not the only thing that’ll get drenched...
so don’t worry! Or maybe you should, depends on what you’re doing after reading this, hopefully not going to church, tho maybe you should?? JK, get over that hangover and go read the next book!💪 You need to keep up with your TBR list! Me too... 🙈
I’m not sure I can do that tho. Because my newly found addiction for this book is already making me want to re-read it! I can’t control my instincts!—I tap on my kindle to the beginning of the ebook, as my TBR list side eyes me—I really can’t… stop… just one more time…—I say to my TBR list, I’m not sure she believes me of if she thinks I’m just being dramatic, as usual.
At this point this book is feeling like
Because my BTR list has seen a lot, it know I’ve read Wuthering Heights more than 6 times in the same year, after discovering it in 7th grade. It knows I have 4 copies of that one.. Because they were “different covers, and because a hardcover “looks fancy and expensive” (they are), and because “having the book in the original language is super important!!”…
Yeah… we’ve all been there… 🤦🏻♀️
And this book is one of those. So, Skyla Gray, if you make a hardcover for this, I’m already slapping my card on Amazon as if my life depends on it. Which does, obviously.
And I’ll be doing this right after thinking about just buying a ticket to America only to get the signed copies, maybe go to that monster convention too, and go to Orlando (Harry Potter’s themed park)… Which the Author sells on Etsy (the signed copies, not Orlando…).
if you live in America—unlike me🙄—just buy them and make me even more jealous for all I care Bast-*clears throat* enjoy them... obviously 😀✨
I hope I’m able to keep getting this opportunity to review her ARC’s in the future because I’ve became a big fan of Skyla Gray many books ago and am itching too read the next ones (before everyone else *evil laugh*)🖤
Yeah, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily yada yada, OF COURSE! I would rather throw my kindle out the window than lie on a book review about a book being good when it's not, You know how hard it is to even read a book you don't enjoy?? I would rather DNF it, so I choose my books carefully, I hate not finishing a book…
And no, I couldn't even read or lie about it, even if a hot villain forced me into it
I'm really picky about books, the writing, characters, etc. I believe it says so on my profile analysis u.u *feeling cute*
Review of advance copy received from Author
🐙Series prequel
💙Monster romance
🐙Alien x human
💙Predator x prey
🐙Forced proximity
💙Forbidden love
🐙Tentacles
💙"What is kiss?"
🐙Interconnected standalone
♥️♥️Thank you to Skyla Gray for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
Young Calliope, a new recruit at the Melsbach Research Facility, is trapped in the chamber of Subject X-11 or an alien simply known as X, who has previously devoured a researcher. After X refuses to eat for days, Calliope’s superiors deliberately lock her inside the chamber as its next meal. But as Calliope spends more time with X, she begins to uncover the truth behind the creature’s behavior and the cruel experiments inflicted upon it by the researchers.
Another beautiful story from Skyla Gray! :''))) this author continues to keep her readers completely enthralled with the Monster Research Facility series and this book is no exception!✨ ever since reading the first book, The Nightmare's Kiss, I’d been curious about whether the alien and Dr. Calliope would get their own story? and yay! we finally got it! and I absolutely loved it🥰 I love this story so much, it was perfect, I was completely hooked from the very beginning :')) when I read the Nightmare’s Kiss I had a feeling that Calliope and X’s story would be a sad one, and sure enough... the road to their happy ending was anything but easy😢
although Calliope and X’s relationship developed in such a short amount of time and the circumstances could almost make it feel like a hint of Stockholm syndrome, considering Dr. Calliope was trapped in X’s chamber by her superiors as bait to be eaten or as part of an experiment...I loved watching her slowly fall for him... their relationship may have developed quickly, but the foundation of care and respect was there from the start. even when Calliope first entered his chamber, X treated her with such gentleness, and Calliope treated him with kindness and compassion, she gave him warmth and even shared her food with him. she knew how cruelly his superiors had treated him, including starving him for days😢
my only complaint is: why is this book so short?!😫 Why did it have to end so quickly??😫 I felt the same way when I read The Imaginary Friend's Obsession(Book 2) I just can’t get enough of these characters and their stories, I always end up wanting mooore seriously guys this series is addicting, I’m looking forward to reading any future books in this series!!🤩
trust me, read this series now...you’ll have no regrets and will just find yourself wishing for more!
💙Monster romance
🐙Alien x human
💙Predator x prey
🐙Forced proximity
💙Forbidden love
🐙Tentacles
💙"What is kiss?"
🐙Interconnected standalone
♥️♥️Thank you to Skyla Gray for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
Young Calliope, a new recruit at the Melsbach Research Facility, is trapped in the chamber of Subject X-11 or an alien simply known as X, who has previously devoured a researcher. After X refuses to eat for days, Calliope’s superiors deliberately lock her inside the chamber as its next meal. But as Calliope spends more time with X, she begins to uncover the truth behind the creature’s behavior and the cruel experiments inflicted upon it by the researchers.
"Because you are taujak. I do not know it in your language."
"I'm young? Harmless? Friendly?"
He shakes his head. "No. You are..." He mumbles quietly in his own guttural language, and then says, "Mine."
Another beautiful story from Skyla Gray! :''))) this author continues to keep her readers completely enthralled with the Monster Research Facility series and this book is no exception!✨ ever since reading the first book, The Nightmare's Kiss, I’d been curious about whether the alien and Dr. Calliope would get their own story? and yay! we finally got it! and I absolutely loved it🥰 I love this story so much, it was perfect, I was completely hooked from the very beginning :')) when I read the Nightmare’s Kiss I had a feeling that Calliope and X’s story would be a sad one, and sure enough... the road to their happy ending was anything but easy😢
"My kind have a word. Dhoj. It means all things are as they must be. There is no other way but that one, and life will always find a way back to it, no matter how often the path turns away."
although Calliope and X’s relationship developed in such a short amount of time and the circumstances could almost make it feel like a hint of Stockholm syndrome, considering Dr. Calliope was trapped in X’s chamber by her superiors as bait to be eaten or as part of an experiment...I loved watching her slowly fall for him... their relationship may have developed quickly, but the foundation of care and respect was there from the start. even when Calliope first entered his chamber, X treated her with such gentleness, and Calliope treated him with kindness and compassion, she gave him warmth and even shared her food with him. she knew how cruelly his superiors had treated him, including starving him for days😢
my only complaint is: why is this book so short?!😫 Why did it have to end so quickly??😫 I felt the same way when I read The Imaginary Friend's Obsession(Book 2) I just can’t get enough of these characters and their stories, I always end up wanting mooore seriously guys this series is addicting, I’m looking forward to reading any future books in this series!!🤩
trust me, read this series now...you’ll have no regrets and will just find yourself wishing for more!
September 14, 2026
He was meant to devour her. Instead, he starves himself to keep her safe.
Calliope enters a secret research facility determined to prove herself, only to be assigned to X, a captured alien predator with deadly instincts and far more intelligence than his handlers admit. When a calculated betrayal locks her inside his cell, curiosity becomes survival.
X is starving, territorial, and strong enough to kill her in seconds. Calliope studies him as carefully as he studies her, learning his boundaries while teaching him hers. What begins as strategy shifts when he listens, protects, and touches her with a care that clashes with everything she’s been told about him.
The longer they’re trapped together, the harder it is to separate survival from desire. X recognizes something in Calliope that feels instinctive and absolute, while she’s drawn to the alien beneath the borrowed human face. Trust grows through scent, touch, vulnerability, and the realization that he may be the safest person in the room.
But hunger makes even devotion dangerous. As the scientists push them toward breaking points, Calliope has to decide whether she’s only staying alive or whether she truly wants the possessive, protective being willing to deny his deepest instincts for her. Freedom soon means choosing who is worth the risk.
Calliope moves from using intimacy as survival to choosing X with emotional and sexual agency. X learns that devotion means more than instinct or possession, meeting her boundaries with restraint and fierce care. Together, predator and prey become equal partners in a bond built on consent, vulnerability, desire, and mutual choice.
An ultra-steamy alien-human, forced proximity, predator and prey, fated mates romance about survival, trust, power, instinct, freedom, and belonging. It’s about discovering who the real monsters are, choosing love over control, and finding freedom in someone who sees you as more than something to study, use, or consume.
The Elevator Pitch: An ambitious researcher enters a starving alien predator’s cell expecting to become his next meal, only to discover an intelligence, tenderness, and fierce devotion no one else believes exists. Survival forces Calliope and X into dangerous intimacy, where hunger, trust, desire, and instinct blur until neither can pretend their bond is merely a means of escape. What begins as predator and prey becomes a dark, passionate collision of two outsiders choosing each other against the people determined to keep them apart.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Calliope enters a secret research facility determined to prove herself, only to be assigned to X, a captured alien predator with deadly instincts and far more intelligence than his handlers admit. When a calculated betrayal locks her inside his cell, curiosity becomes survival.
X is starving, territorial, and strong enough to kill her in seconds. Calliope studies him as carefully as he studies her, learning his boundaries while teaching him hers. What begins as strategy shifts when he listens, protects, and touches her with a care that clashes with everything she’s been told about him.
The longer they’re trapped together, the harder it is to separate survival from desire. X recognizes something in Calliope that feels instinctive and absolute, while she’s drawn to the alien beneath the borrowed human face. Trust grows through scent, touch, vulnerability, and the realization that he may be the safest person in the room.
But hunger makes even devotion dangerous. As the scientists push them toward breaking points, Calliope has to decide whether she’s only staying alive or whether she truly wants the possessive, protective being willing to deny his deepest instincts for her. Freedom soon means choosing who is worth the risk.
Calliope moves from using intimacy as survival to choosing X with emotional and sexual agency. X learns that devotion means more than instinct or possession, meeting her boundaries with restraint and fierce care. Together, predator and prey become equal partners in a bond built on consent, vulnerability, desire, and mutual choice.
An ultra-steamy alien-human, forced proximity, predator and prey, fated mates romance about survival, trust, power, instinct, freedom, and belonging. It’s about discovering who the real monsters are, choosing love over control, and finding freedom in someone who sees you as more than something to study, use, or consume.
The Elevator Pitch: An ambitious researcher enters a starving alien predator’s cell expecting to become his next meal, only to discover an intelligence, tenderness, and fierce devotion no one else believes exists. Survival forces Calliope and X into dangerous intimacy, where hunger, trust, desire, and instinct blur until neither can pretend their bond is merely a means of escape. What begins as predator and prey becomes a dark, passionate collision of two outsiders choosing each other against the people determined to keep them apart.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
How's That New Job Working Out? . . .
Recent college graduate, Calliope Wright ("Calli"), is driving through the unbearably hot desert to find the facility in Arizona that offered her a job as a research assistant. She finally spotted The Melsbach Research Facility, a boxy metal building on the outskirts of Ash Valley, sterile and imposing, entirely windowless, surrounded by fences topped with barbed wire and manned guard towers. That seems like lots of security! Their research must be well-funded and the work important! Hopefully they are not trying to hide something here... they would have told her, right? So thinking that even if the work here is dull, it will still provide her valuable field experience and allow her to move on to bigger and better things. She will give them her best!
Dr. Allen Ramsey greets her and says they will be working together under Dr. Akimov; then he takes her to Observation Room 11. She's impressed with the high-tech equipment. She is introduced and Dr. Tabs checks out her chest. Windows are covered with mettle shutters, but she doesn't ask about it, hoping to avoid more attention. Dr. Akimov asks if she has any interest in space. His lips curl as if mocking her, and Dr. Tabs again chuckles as they all watch her. It feels like a trap of some kind. Then they want to know whether or not she believes in extraterrestrial life. She says it is unlikely we are the only life in the universe, so Akimov replies, “This will be easier, then.” Tabs chuckles while Ramsey smirks. A man stands beside a bed in the small room and they introduce her to Subject X-11, the first discovered alien life form. His expression is blank, his eyes are alert. They corrected her to call him "it". X-11 can't see the through the one-way glass, but can probably hear them. Tabs says the alien looks like Mulford, their last lab assistant who they claim was injured and chose not to come back. Akimov asks questions of the creature but gets no answers. Calliope is still not sure what to believe of the whole thing going on in front of her... and she should have probably run while she could. Because she is to be offered as food for the starving alien! To everyone's surprise, X-11 instead turns protective, willing to die rather than harm her. Now Calliope will have her own decision to make before the merciless scientists make it for her... can she and X-11 escape, or is it too late now?
Recent college graduate, Calliope Wright ("Calli"), is driving through the unbearably hot desert to find the facility in Arizona that offered her a job as a research assistant. She finally spotted The Melsbach Research Facility, a boxy metal building on the outskirts of Ash Valley, sterile and imposing, entirely windowless, surrounded by fences topped with barbed wire and manned guard towers. That seems like lots of security! Their research must be well-funded and the work important! Hopefully they are not trying to hide something here... they would have told her, right? So thinking that even if the work here is dull, it will still provide her valuable field experience and allow her to move on to bigger and better things. She will give them her best!
Dr. Allen Ramsey greets her and says they will be working together under Dr. Akimov; then he takes her to Observation Room 11. She's impressed with the high-tech equipment. She is introduced and Dr. Tabs checks out her chest. Windows are covered with mettle shutters, but she doesn't ask about it, hoping to avoid more attention. Dr. Akimov asks if she has any interest in space. His lips curl as if mocking her, and Dr. Tabs again chuckles as they all watch her. It feels like a trap of some kind. Then they want to know whether or not she believes in extraterrestrial life. She says it is unlikely we are the only life in the universe, so Akimov replies, “This will be easier, then.” Tabs chuckles while Ramsey smirks. A man stands beside a bed in the small room and they introduce her to Subject X-11, the first discovered alien life form. His expression is blank, his eyes are alert. They corrected her to call him "it". X-11 can't see the through the one-way glass, but can probably hear them. Tabs says the alien looks like Mulford, their last lab assistant who they claim was injured and chose not to come back. Akimov asks questions of the creature but gets no answers. Calliope is still not sure what to believe of the whole thing going on in front of her... and she should have probably run while she could. Because she is to be offered as food for the starving alien! To everyone's surprise, X-11 instead turns protective, willing to die rather than harm her. Now Calliope will have her own decision to make before the merciless scientists make it for her... can she and X-11 escape, or is it too late now?
Review of advance copy
Calliope Wright is as driven scientist determined to break through the boy's club atmosphere of her new work. When she's given a task that is more than collecting coffee orders or taking notes, she sees it as an opportunity to show her worth. Unfortunately, the head researcher sees her as a disposable tool to manipulate their dangerous alien subject, and traps her in X-11's enclosure. If X-11 ends up eating her, so much the better. But Calliope isn't afraid to do what she must to survive.
I have always liked Dr. Wright in the other Monster Research Facility books, and I couldn't wait to read her story. Her quiet determination and drive coupled by her pragmatic logic make her an excellent scientist. Being the only woman in the room, she has had to learn how to work the system from within with the future in mind. As she realizes how strong and truthful X-11's feelings are for her, she starts to feel somewhat guilty for her emphasis on survival. But that doesn't keep her from making the hard, necessary decisions to keep herself and X-11 alive.
In comparison, while X-11 is a carnivorous, shape shifting alien that is ruled quite strongly by his predatory instincts, he's more emotionally available. He knows that Calliope is extremely special, and he tries to protect her while still maintaining his own personal sense of honor. He continually puts Calliope's needs above his own, allowing Calliope to gradually learn to trust him.
The Alien's Mate explores the relationship between Dr. Wright and X-11 seen in other Monster Research Facility stories. It is a truly satisfactory read with continued exploration of relationships developed under trapped, research settings. An excellent prequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have always liked Dr. Wright in the other Monster Research Facility books, and I couldn't wait to read her story. Her quiet determination and drive coupled by her pragmatic logic make her an excellent scientist. Being the only woman in the room, she has had to learn how to work the system from within with the future in mind. As she realizes how strong and truthful X-11's feelings are for her, she starts to feel somewhat guilty for her emphasis on survival. But that doesn't keep her from making the hard, necessary decisions to keep herself and X-11 alive.
In comparison, while X-11 is a carnivorous, shape shifting alien that is ruled quite strongly by his predatory instincts, he's more emotionally available. He knows that Calliope is extremely special, and he tries to protect her while still maintaining his own personal sense of honor. He continually puts Calliope's needs above his own, allowing Calliope to gradually learn to trust him.
The Alien's Mate explores the relationship between Dr. Wright and X-11 seen in other Monster Research Facility stories. It is a truly satisfactory read with continued exploration of relationships developed under trapped, research settings. An excellent prequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2026
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the prequel to the Monster Research Facility series, and has been released AFTER books 1-3. It can be read out of order, but as someone who read 1 and 3 (I somehow missed book 2!) I'd recommend you read this one before you start the series. Callie and X pop up during book 1, and there is a little overlap between this and that book.
I liked this, because we get how Callie become director of this facility. I wanted her, and X's story after reading book 1, and it really doesn't disappoint.
It's a bit darker, I thought, than 1 and 3. The current director of the facility is a nasty piece of work. Sending Callie in with X-11 to test his predator tendencies was dangerous at least, murderous at worst. But X surprises both Callie and the director. He really is intelligent and adapts wonderfully to having his taujak by his side. When the director makes a decision that could kill them both, Callie makes her own decision, that costs her and X a long time.
I was surprised just how long. I know Callie thought it might be a long time, but I wasn't expecting just how long. Although, X just wakes up like it was yesterday. I loved that was that all played out.
We do meet Mara and X-13, they are the catalyst for Callie's decision. You will only get a bit of a spoiler to their ending, in the book.
As with all these books, only Callie gets a say. I know this will be the norm for these books, but I still want the monsters, cos I'm greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedy like that! :-)
But now, I have a question. What happened to X-12?? X-11, -13, -14 and -15 have books, but where is X-12?? Will that being get a book?
4 very good, excellent addition and very much needed, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the prequel to the Monster Research Facility series, and has been released AFTER books 1-3. It can be read out of order, but as someone who read 1 and 3 (I somehow missed book 2!) I'd recommend you read this one before you start the series. Callie and X pop up during book 1, and there is a little overlap between this and that book.
I liked this, because we get how Callie become director of this facility. I wanted her, and X's story after reading book 1, and it really doesn't disappoint.
It's a bit darker, I thought, than 1 and 3. The current director of the facility is a nasty piece of work. Sending Callie in with X-11 to test his predator tendencies was dangerous at least, murderous at worst. But X surprises both Callie and the director. He really is intelligent and adapts wonderfully to having his taujak by his side. When the director makes a decision that could kill them both, Callie makes her own decision, that costs her and X a long time.
I was surprised just how long. I know Callie thought it might be a long time, but I wasn't expecting just how long. Although, X just wakes up like it was yesterday. I loved that was that all played out.
We do meet Mara and X-13, they are the catalyst for Callie's decision. You will only get a bit of a spoiler to their ending, in the book.
As with all these books, only Callie gets a say. I know this will be the norm for these books, but I still want the monsters, cos I'm greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedy like that! :-)
But now, I have a question. What happened to X-12?? X-11, -13, -14 and -15 have books, but where is X-12?? Will that being get a book?
4 very good, excellent addition and very much needed, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
October 2, 2026
1,000/5 STARS. ⭐️
Skyla, Skyla, Skyla 📣 girl, do you need a personal cheerleader? Because PUT ME IN, COACH. I’M READY FOR THE JOB. 🫡
This book just solidified what I said in my previous review: this is OFFICIALLY my favorite book series. Ever.
There is just something about these monsters that checks every single one of my boxes. I don't even know how Skyla keeps doing it, but apparently she has cracked the monster romance code. 😂
I’ve been curious about Calliope and X ever since we first found out about them, so I absolutely adored finally getting to experience their love story. And oh my god… it was beautiful and depressing all at the same time. 🥺
Their connection was just… everything.
“But he is my monster, and my salvation.”
I was literally CRYING while reading the ending. I’m not going to spoil anything, but that shit BROKE MY HEART.
They do ultimately get their HEA, which made me so freaking happy because NO ONE DESERVED IT MORE THAN THEM. 😭
“Taujak,” X says, and lifts his head to press his forehead against mine as he holds me to his chest. “It could be one thousand lifetimes, and I would never forget you, Calli.”
ONE THOUSAND LIFETIMES?! 😭
Yeah, just go ahead and bury me with a copy of this book.
Also, getting to really see what the MRF was like for Calliope made me even happier knowing she’s out here now girl-bossing the hell out of everything. 😤
SCREW THOSE MEN. Truly.
And I know I say this every single time, but now X just might be my favorite monster. 😏
Skyla, girl… whatever you’re doing, KEEP DOING IT. I will be here. You’ve found a lifelong fan in me!
1,000/5 stars. ⭐️
Skyla, Skyla, Skyla 📣 girl, do you need a personal cheerleader? Because PUT ME IN, COACH. I’M READY FOR THE JOB. 🫡
This book just solidified what I said in my previous review: this is OFFICIALLY my favorite book series. Ever.
There is just something about these monsters that checks every single one of my boxes. I don't even know how Skyla keeps doing it, but apparently she has cracked the monster romance code. 😂
I’ve been curious about Calliope and X ever since we first found out about them, so I absolutely adored finally getting to experience their love story. And oh my god… it was beautiful and depressing all at the same time. 🥺
Their connection was just… everything.
“But he is my monster, and my salvation.”
I was literally CRYING while reading the ending. I’m not going to spoil anything, but that shit BROKE MY HEART.
They do ultimately get their HEA, which made me so freaking happy because NO ONE DESERVED IT MORE THAN THEM. 😭
“Taujak,” X says, and lifts his head to press his forehead against mine as he holds me to his chest. “It could be one thousand lifetimes, and I would never forget you, Calli.”
ONE THOUSAND LIFETIMES?! 😭
Yeah, just go ahead and bury me with a copy of this book.
Also, getting to really see what the MRF was like for Calliope made me even happier knowing she’s out here now girl-bossing the hell out of everything. 😤
SCREW THOSE MEN. Truly.
And I know I say this every single time, but now X just might be my favorite monster. 😏
Skyla, girl… whatever you’re doing, KEEP DOING IT. I will be here. You’ve found a lifelong fan in me!
1,000/5 stars. ⭐️
Review of advance copy
I'll be honest, when I signed up to read this I was expecting a simple, cosy, alien romance. What I got was a story that put my heart through the wringer, and left me emotionally wrecked in places, but still wanting more. This was fast-paced, and I pretty much devoured it, but sadly it was over too soon.
Calliope, our FMC, is a research assistant with a freshly achieved ecology degree. She is surprised to receive an offer from The Melsbach Research Facility, who are located deep in the desert. Unfortunately when she reaches the lab she's set to work in, it's a small, all male team, and she quickly feels uncomfortable. She's introduced to X-11, an extra-terrestrial life-form who is currently taking the form of the previous lab assistant. The team hasn't been kind to X-11, and they are currently starving, but the lead scientist has a plan to feed X-11 and get valuable data.
I don't want to risk spoiling the story for anyone, but I'm not surprised that X turned out to be the better person when compared to the men on the team (what is it with aliens having more humanity than humans??) Seeing Calli and X's relationship grow was so dang sweet, even with the danger aspect.
A little warning, the scientists try enticing X-11 with rabbits to try to get them to eat. As someone who has had bunnies as pets, that part was a little uncomfortable to read, even knowing that rabbits are prey animals, so it made sense for them to be in the story in this way. I figured I'd mention it in case it's a sensitive subject for some.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, via BookSirens, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Calliope, our FMC, is a research assistant with a freshly achieved ecology degree. She is surprised to receive an offer from The Melsbach Research Facility, who are located deep in the desert. Unfortunately when she reaches the lab she's set to work in, it's a small, all male team, and she quickly feels uncomfortable. She's introduced to X-11, an extra-terrestrial life-form who is currently taking the form of the previous lab assistant. The team hasn't been kind to X-11, and they are currently starving, but the lead scientist has a plan to feed X-11 and get valuable data.
I don't want to risk spoiling the story for anyone, but I'm not surprised that X turned out to be the better person when compared to the men on the team (what is it with aliens having more humanity than humans??) Seeing Calli and X's relationship grow was so dang sweet, even with the danger aspect.
A little warning, the scientists try enticing X-11 with rabbits to try to get them to eat. As someone who has had bunnies as pets, that part was a little uncomfortable to read, even knowing that rabbits are prey animals, so it made sense for them to be in the story in this way. I figured I'd mention it in case it's a sensitive subject for some.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, via BookSirens, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
👽 The Alien’s Mate - Skyla Gray (Monster Research Facility: Book 0) 🛸
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW’s: 😳
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I started reading the MRF books, I was intrigued by just how the facility got started. Who was there, how did the structure come about, what happened to cause all the security we see - especially in book one. Skyla, the author, was able to honestly fill in every question I had and do so without incorporating alternative plot holes. All of this to say, I really enjoyed the book! I would however read these in publication order to get the best impact and understanding of why X and Calli’s journey is so important.
Speaking of X and Calli? Phew! I’m a sucker for the predator x prey micro-trope and I was here for these two. Intelligent. Emotional. Beyond trauma bonds and female rage, the two of them are lovers woven together by the stars. I love it when two characters come from completely different cultures and find themselves drawn to each other despite it all.
Calli and X both let everyone underestimate them until it’s time to play their hand. Patience is a virtue, or so the phrase goes and if that’s the case Calli is a fucking saint.
I could not recommend the series higher! For the kind of reader who loves an us against the world romance, language and cultural differences, and of course the slow sharpening of a knife known as revenge. This one is absolutely for you
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW’s: 😳
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I started reading the MRF books, I was intrigued by just how the facility got started. Who was there, how did the structure come about, what happened to cause all the security we see - especially in book one. Skyla, the author, was able to honestly fill in every question I had and do so without incorporating alternative plot holes. All of this to say, I really enjoyed the book! I would however read these in publication order to get the best impact and understanding of why X and Calli’s journey is so important.
Speaking of X and Calli? Phew! I’m a sucker for the predator x prey micro-trope and I was here for these two. Intelligent. Emotional. Beyond trauma bonds and female rage, the two of them are lovers woven together by the stars. I love it when two characters come from completely different cultures and find themselves drawn to each other despite it all.
Calli and X both let everyone underestimate them until it’s time to play their hand. Patience is a virtue, or so the phrase goes and if that’s the case Calli is a fucking saint.
I could not recommend the series higher! For the kind of reader who loves an us against the world romance, language and cultural differences, and of course the slow sharpening of a knife known as revenge. This one is absolutely for you
September 4, 2026
This is a review of an ARC copy provided by the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first book from Skyla Gray and I absolutely LOVE it! The Alien's Mate is a forced proximity romance with a very satisfying HEA. I devoured this book and will definitely be reading the other entries to this series. It's a short and sweet book but it is an absolute pleasure to read, I couldn't put it down.
The FMC Callie is mid to late 20s and is hired as a research assistant at MRF where things gradually start to escalate due to the less than ethical scientists studying subject X-11, the MMC who is an alien of unknown origin. Eventually the team of male scientists get tired of the lackluster response from X-11 and trick Callie into being locked in the same enclosure as their subject. What starts as a desire for Callie to survive her dire situation evolves into a satisfying "touch her and die" style love story. The way the author builds the relationship between the Callie and the X (X-11) felt absolutely natural even though their environment was anything but. This book is a bit of a slow burn in terms of the romance but absolutely is worth every bit of the wait. I also appreciated the way the author wraps up the conflict between the antagonists, it lead to a very satisfying ending leaving no cliff hanger or unfinished story line.
If you're an alien romance lover you should definitely add The Alien's Mate to your TBR!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first book from Skyla Gray and I absolutely LOVE it! The Alien's Mate is a forced proximity romance with a very satisfying HEA. I devoured this book and will definitely be reading the other entries to this series. It's a short and sweet book but it is an absolute pleasure to read, I couldn't put it down.
The FMC Callie is mid to late 20s and is hired as a research assistant at MRF where things gradually start to escalate due to the less than ethical scientists studying subject X-11, the MMC who is an alien of unknown origin. Eventually the team of male scientists get tired of the lackluster response from X-11 and trick Callie into being locked in the same enclosure as their subject. What starts as a desire for Callie to survive her dire situation evolves into a satisfying "touch her and die" style love story. The way the author builds the relationship between the Callie and the X (X-11) felt absolutely natural even though their environment was anything but. This book is a bit of a slow burn in terms of the romance but absolutely is worth every bit of the wait. I also appreciated the way the author wraps up the conflict between the antagonists, it lead to a very satisfying ending leaving no cliff hanger or unfinished story line.
If you're an alien romance lover you should definitely add The Alien's Mate to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
The Alien's Mate by Skyla Gray
Publication date: September 22nd 2026
Thoughts
First and foremost I think Skyla Gray has become an auto-read author for me because I went into this without reading anything about it and little did I know a Alien x human trope could tug at my heartstrings the way this book did! Despite this being a short read ( under 200 pages ) I quite literally couldn't book the book down ; well my kindle -- I was so invested; genuinely convinced Skyla puts crack in her books I was immersed into the story from the getgo or I may have an obsession with anything non human x human trope -- either way I'm glad this genre exists 🫠 and again the only fault is it's too short 💔
Read if you enjoy
▪︎ Alien x human
▪︎ predator x prey dynamic
▪︎ Forced proximity
▪︎ What is kiss
Plot Summary
Calliope, an ambitious research assistant, gets the chance to study a dangerous alien known as X. When she is deliberately locked inside his cell as his intended meal, she must find a way to survive. As X refuses to harm her and begins protecting her instead, Calliope develops genuine feelings for him. When a chance to escape finally appears, she must choose between saving herself or risking everything to save X from the scientists.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC
The Alien's Mate by Skyla Gray
Publication date: September 22nd 2026
Thoughts
First and foremost I think Skyla Gray has become an auto-read author for me because I went into this without reading anything about it and little did I know a Alien x human trope could tug at my heartstrings the way this book did! Despite this being a short read ( under 200 pages ) I quite literally couldn't book the book down ; well my kindle -- I was so invested; genuinely convinced Skyla puts crack in her books I was immersed into the story from the getgo or I may have an obsession with anything non human x human trope -- either way I'm glad this genre exists 🫠 and again the only fault is it's too short 💔
Read if you enjoy
▪︎ Alien x human
▪︎ predator x prey dynamic
▪︎ Forced proximity
▪︎ What is kiss
Plot Summary
Calliope, an ambitious research assistant, gets the chance to study a dangerous alien known as X. When she is deliberately locked inside his cell as his intended meal, she must find a way to survive. As X refuses to harm her and begins protecting her instead, Calliope develops genuine feelings for him. When a chance to escape finally appears, she must choose between saving herself or risking everything to save X from the scientists.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a great read!! I just want to thank the author for the chance to arc read this wonderful story!! This series has been on my tbr for a while and I really should have started with the first one before diving into this but I digress 🤭🤭. My next read will be the first book of this series!!
Can I just say how much I love X?! Because I do and I love how when he was trying to say Calliope's name he had to sound it out first. ""My name is Calliope.” “Cuh-lai-uh-pee,” he enunciates carefully, eyebrows drawn together. “Calliope. Calliope.”"
Right from the start I kind of figured he felt bad about what he did to Dr. Mulford if only because the other doctors said that he responded well to him, well as well as he could. It broke my heart to hear his side of the story 💔 but I'm glad he was able to semi-control it around Calliope.
And Calliope is amazing!! I love that she tried to make herself small if only because of what she had to go through before. And I love how she never quite trusted any of the other doctors and how she did everything she could to get out. Including getting X to like her.
Absolutely loved X and Calliope's interactions throughout the whole book, but it gutted me that she had to go back to that facility to save him. I love how even after 15 years had past they still loved each other. Overall I loved this story and I can't wait for more!!
Can I just say how much I love X?! Because I do and I love how when he was trying to say Calliope's name he had to sound it out first. ""My name is Calliope.” “Cuh-lai-uh-pee,” he enunciates carefully, eyebrows drawn together. “Calliope. Calliope.”"
Right from the start I kind of figured he felt bad about what he did to Dr. Mulford if only because the other doctors said that he responded well to him, well as well as he could. It broke my heart to hear his side of the story 💔 but I'm glad he was able to semi-control it around Calliope.
And Calliope is amazing!! I love that she tried to make herself small if only because of what she had to go through before. And I love how she never quite trusted any of the other doctors and how she did everything she could to get out. Including getting X to like her.
Absolutely loved X and Calliope's interactions throughout the whole book, but it gutted me that she had to go back to that facility to save him. I love how even after 15 years had past they still loved each other. Overall I loved this story and I can't wait for more!!
Read
September 21, 2026Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would like to start by saying I have read the entire Monster Research Facility series to date before reading this prequel so I knew how this was going to end before it got there, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the ride. This book did a great job of filling in information gaps and is a nice snippet of the universe if you're a first-timer to the series. There are spoilers for the first official book in here and there are spoilers for this in that book so it's your choice which info you want to know, but I'd recommend reading this one after The Nightmare's Kiss. Knowing what I do of how they end up, I enjoyed seeing how these characters met and got involved in the first place. I would have liked to see more of the story in the intervening years, but I understand why the author chose to go the direction they did. The characters feel real for the time period (oh the misogyny of it all) so be aware of that going into this and review the trigger warnings if gendered workplace abuse is on your personal bingo card.
TLDR: If you liked The Nightmare's Kiss and want to know where that one guy came from like a deus ex machina, give this one a whirl. If you're new to the series you can start here, but reader beware: here be spoilers.
I would like to start by saying I have read the entire Monster Research Facility series to date before reading this prequel so I knew how this was going to end before it got there, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the ride. This book did a great job of filling in information gaps and is a nice snippet of the universe if you're a first-timer to the series. There are spoilers for the first official book in here and there are spoilers for this in that book so it's your choice which info you want to know, but I'd recommend reading this one after The Nightmare's Kiss. Knowing what I do of how they end up, I enjoyed seeing how these characters met and got involved in the first place. I would have liked to see more of the story in the intervening years, but I understand why the author chose to go the direction they did. The characters feel real for the time period (oh the misogyny of it all) so be aware of that going into this and review the trigger warnings if gendered workplace abuse is on your personal bingo card.
TLDR: If you liked The Nightmare's Kiss and want to know where that one guy came from like a deus ex machina, give this one a whirl. If you're new to the series you can start here, but reader beware: here be spoilers.
September 24, 2026
I devoured this book in one sitting. I simply could not put it down. I was completely obsessed with Calli and X's story.
Calli is an interesting character because you can totally see her intelligence and spark throughout the story, but unfortunately, because she is in a male-dominated field, she constantly has to minimize herself and stifle her instincts. Then, to top it all off, she is betrayed by her colleagues, and you can see that they truly view her as less than. Well, look who's laughing now. It's Calli, because she has X on her side!
X is a warrior, and he is in a really bad situation. I knew right from the start I was going to like him. He's sweet and honorable, but protective and not afraid to keep his loved ones safe!
The story had a great blend of spice and plot. I enjoyed the sci-fi-forward elements and felt they balanced out the romance in a way that kept it entertaining and engaging without just being a fluffy, fated-mates alien romance (not that there is anything wrong with that; in fact, I love those too!).
I really enjoyed this! I've read a few other books in this series and can honestly say I've enjoyed them all. I am so grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book, and, as such, I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are entirely my own.
Calli is an interesting character because you can totally see her intelligence and spark throughout the story, but unfortunately, because she is in a male-dominated field, she constantly has to minimize herself and stifle her instincts. Then, to top it all off, she is betrayed by her colleagues, and you can see that they truly view her as less than. Well, look who's laughing now. It's Calli, because she has X on her side!
X is a warrior, and he is in a really bad situation. I knew right from the start I was going to like him. He's sweet and honorable, but protective and not afraid to keep his loved ones safe!
The story had a great blend of spice and plot. I enjoyed the sci-fi-forward elements and felt they balanced out the romance in a way that kept it entertaining and engaging without just being a fluffy, fated-mates alien romance (not that there is anything wrong with that; in fact, I love those too!).
I really enjoyed this! I've read a few other books in this series and can honestly say I've enjoyed them all. I am so grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book, and, as such, I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are entirely my own.
September 24, 2026
I was accepted for this ARC as someone new to the world of The Monster Research Facility. So I went and read The Nightmare's Kiss first. I wanted to get a feel for the world, I also wanted to see if once I read this prequel it felt like it belonged or if it felt like a random addition decided on long after, as sometimes prequels feel. My honest opinion? If you told me she wrote this first, I would believe you. Only one thing felt disconnected and it was because it wasn't how something went in my head, not that it wasn't how it was written. I loved every second of this novella. I do enjoy when MC's fall fast and fall hard, and we get that in spades here. Was I disappointed in decisions Calli made? Yes. But also, they were realistic decisions and made for a story that felt whole despite the shortness. The will he eat her or will he "eat her" aspect was perfection. "What is kiss" done in quite a lovely way. X easily became a favorite MMC and I want more of him quite desperately. I have already read books 2 and 3 before feeling ready to write this review and am 25% into book 4. If monster romance is your thing I cannot recommend this book and this series more. 4.5 Stars, one of my favorite books of August 2026. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am in love again 😭💕 I have been waiting for this story for YEARS, and I honestly couldn’t be happier that we finally got their story!
Ever since the very first book, we’ve been introduced to this MMC and FMC, and getting to finally see their journey unfold was EVERYTHING. 🥹✨ Every time I read a book in this series, I’m left with this overwhelming feeling of happiness because I absolutely LOVE how a situation born from deprivation and captivity can slowly transform into a relationship that helps both people heal.
And if I already HATED the other researchers before… well, let’s just say I hate them EVEN MORE now!
I really, REALLY hope we get to explore more of this world soon because every single character has such a wonderful and unique personality. I’m completely obsessed with all of them!
My only complaint about this entire series is that I NEED at least one POV from the creatures. PLEASE, AUTHOr Getting inside that creature’s head would make this already amazing world even better!
Thank you SO much to the author for considering me part of your ARC team and for allowing me to experience this story early. It truly means so much to me! 🥹💕
And YES, this book is a FULL five star recommendation from me!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ever since the very first book, we’ve been introduced to this MMC and FMC, and getting to finally see their journey unfold was EVERYTHING. 🥹✨ Every time I read a book in this series, I’m left with this overwhelming feeling of happiness because I absolutely LOVE how a situation born from deprivation and captivity can slowly transform into a relationship that helps both people heal.
And if I already HATED the other researchers before… well, let’s just say I hate them EVEN MORE now!
I really, REALLY hope we get to explore more of this world soon because every single character has such a wonderful and unique personality. I’m completely obsessed with all of them!
My only complaint about this entire series is that I NEED at least one POV from the creatures. PLEASE, AUTHOr Getting inside that creature’s head would make this already amazing world even better!
Thank you SO much to the author for considering me part of your ARC team and for allowing me to experience this story early. It truly means so much to me! 🥹💕
And YES, this book is a FULL five star recommendation from me!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 18, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by this! I usually go into novellas with only medium hopes, as they tend to feel incomplete, but The Alien’s Mate delivered solid characters and a full story that provides a satisfying conclusion and left no significant loose ends. Calliope and X were both good MCs and I appreciated that Calliope’s attraction to X grew a bit more naturally when it could’ve easily been an instalove/lust situation. Especially considering that it’s a novella. Would definitely recommend as a quick lightly spicy alien romance.
Rating: 4 stars
Spice: 2 alien chili peppers
What I loved:
-I find instalove/lust irritating, but especially in monster or alien romances as it is just so baffling that a human would immediately be like “yeah I’d totally bang that never before seen creature despite its monstrous appearance”. So I appreciate that there was an actual development to the romance.
-I haven’t read the rest of the series but this seems like a good prequel and I didn’t feel like I needed to read any other books in order to enjoy this one
What didn’t work so well for me:
-Honestly there really wasn’t anything that I didn’t enjoy!
Thank you to the author, Skyla Gray for my ARC ✨ this review is entirely my own opinion
Rating: 4 stars
Spice: 2 alien chili peppers
What I loved:
-I find instalove/lust irritating, but especially in monster or alien romances as it is just so baffling that a human would immediately be like “yeah I’d totally bang that never before seen creature despite its monstrous appearance”. So I appreciate that there was an actual development to the romance.
-I haven’t read the rest of the series but this seems like a good prequel and I didn’t feel like I needed to read any other books in order to enjoy this one
What didn’t work so well for me:
-Honestly there really wasn’t anything that I didn’t enjoy!
Thank you to the author, Skyla Gray for my ARC ✨ this review is entirely my own opinion
September 29, 2026
Just like other Skyla books this book is short but somehow fits so much story in!
I love how her monsters are always unabashedly vicious but still the perfect fit for their mates.
Calliope is a young research assistant that wants to make her mark on the world eventually running her own research facility. She takes a job at a remote facility and is surprised by the research subject. While her fellow researchers underestimate her and take her for granted you can tell that she is smart and full of grit and survival.
X is the alien being held captive and studied in the lab that Calliope has been assigned to. Wearing a human facade and refusing to give in to the researchers the scientists get desperate and that's when things get interesting.
I loved how caring and gentle X could be while also not afraid to get absolutely bloody when needed. I loved Calliope's intelligence and genuine caring. There entire relationship was so sweet and unbelievably sexy at the same time.
If you enjoy
Forced proximity
Alien Romance
Science research
Vengeance
Fated Mates
I would give my life for you vibes
then this book is for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love how her monsters are always unabashedly vicious but still the perfect fit for their mates.
Calliope is a young research assistant that wants to make her mark on the world eventually running her own research facility. She takes a job at a remote facility and is surprised by the research subject. While her fellow researchers underestimate her and take her for granted you can tell that she is smart and full of grit and survival.
X is the alien being held captive and studied in the lab that Calliope has been assigned to. Wearing a human facade and refusing to give in to the researchers the scientists get desperate and that's when things get interesting.
I loved how caring and gentle X could be while also not afraid to get absolutely bloody when needed. I loved Calliope's intelligence and genuine caring. There entire relationship was so sweet and unbelievably sexy at the same time.
If you enjoy
Forced proximity
Alien Romance
Science research
Vengeance
Fated Mates
I would give my life for you vibes
then this book is for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews