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Deridia #1
Mercy
Dishonourable.
Unwanted.
Outsider.
Such are the slurs cast upon Rykkon, however undeserved. As the only village healer, his people cannot cast him out entirely, but there is little comfort in such a life when he has long known that no mate from his clan would willingly join with him. It is a lonely fate, but one Rykkon has learned to accept. That is, until one tense exchange between his people and the humans brings him an offer he simply cannot ignore.
The humans are not their slaves. Nor their property. Nor of any great concern. But neither are they free. It is by the provisions of the Arterians they scrape out a sorry existence in the Wastes, and by their goodwill alone that they continue to survive. Scavenging for hasart beetles under the two suns is the only life the desperate colonists have known since their ancestors first landed on the desolate planet. It was all they knew. It was all they hoped for.
Until one day, a young female dares to ask for more.
---
“Wait.”
The entire group stilled, staring at him as he continued to regard the female.
She glanced up sharply, her brow furrowed and her gaze cautious. As right it should be.
“I will take you for a mate.”
Unwanted.
Outsider.
Such are the slurs cast upon Rykkon, however undeserved. As the only village healer, his people cannot cast him out entirely, but there is little comfort in such a life when he has long known that no mate from his clan would willingly join with him. It is a lonely fate, but one Rykkon has learned to accept. That is, until one tense exchange between his people and the humans brings him an offer he simply cannot ignore.
The humans are not their slaves. Nor their property. Nor of any great concern. But neither are they free. It is by the provisions of the Arterians they scrape out a sorry existence in the Wastes, and by their goodwill alone that they continue to survive. Scavenging for hasart beetles under the two suns is the only life the desperate colonists have known since their ancestors first landed on the desolate planet. It was all they knew. It was all they hoped for.
Until one day, a young female dares to ask for more.
---
“Wait.”
The entire group stilled, staring at him as he continued to regard the female.
She glanced up sharply, her brow furrowed and her gaze cautious. As right it should be.
“I will take you for a mate.”
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2016
281 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Miller
25 books125 followersI am an American by birth and situation, whose heart forever remains in Great Britain. I derive much inspiration from my holidays abroad, and my writing is heavily influenced by the delights of the English and Scottish countryside. My author's journey began in several reimaginings of The Phantom of the Opera where I explore happier endings for our beloved Erik-- hopefully aided by my degrees in psychology. I have a love for fantasy and paranormal romance, as well as the pleasure of a thrilling murder mystery... each of which have begun to creep into my writerly pursuits. When I am not consumed with a novel, I enjoy lavishing affection on my two cats, and working in historical costume design.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 9, 2023
Was I bored because I was disinterested or was the book uninteresting? I’m honestly not sure.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Rykkon (~30) | Prim (?)
FEATURES
∘ alien-human romance
∘ slowburn
∘ marriage contract (between main characters, not their groups)
∘ mmc hated by everyone
∘ fmc hated by everyone
∘ dual virgins
REVIEW
This book was…fine. I usually love slowburns, especially in sci-if romances, and I especially love when different cultures and customs makes for awkward missteps and subsequent communication. Mercy had those qualities, but it was just missing something.
Nothing happened. The village hated her. That’s it. That’s all that came of it. Rykkon tried to leave breadcrumbs of intrigue regarding his parents and past, but it wasn’t enough.
It had its sweet moments, but it was just too long for what it was.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — no epilogue but the couple felt mostly settled
POV singular (MMC) / third person
SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Rykkon (~30) | Prim (?)
FEATURES
∘ alien-human romance
∘ slowburn
∘ marriage contract (between main characters, not their groups)
∘ mmc hated by everyone
∘ fmc hated by everyone
∘ dual virgins
REVIEW
This book was…fine. I usually love slowburns, especially in sci-if romances, and I especially love when different cultures and customs makes for awkward missteps and subsequent communication. Mercy had those qualities, but it was just missing something.
Nothing happened. The village hated her. That’s it. That’s all that came of it. Rykkon tried to leave breadcrumbs of intrigue regarding his parents and past, but it wasn’t enough.
It had its sweet moments, but it was just too long for what it was.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — no epilogue but the couple felt mostly settled
POV singular (MMC) / third person
SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
August 16, 2016
Moody and atmospheric are the adjectives I settled on for this book. There was a gentleness and placidity that pervaded the story, which went with the repressed outlook and extreme caution that dictated the actions of both main characters Rykkon and Prim. With just two exceptions, both Prim and Rykkon were passive, living with the unfortunate hand dealt to them by their respective people. It is the first aberration that brings Prim to live with the Arterian lizard-like people and become Rykkon's mate.
Desperate to escape an unhappy life with the other stranded colonists on a strange planet, Prim bravely offers herself as a mate. She is accepted by Rykkon, the only Arterian familiar with the human language. Although a healer, Rykkon is an outcast among his own people, so he is happy to have any mate. The bulk of the book consists of the developing relationship between Rykkon and Prim. It is a gentle story of two lonely people with the greatest respect and dignity for the other. Fitting with the aura of this book, their lovemaking is tentative and bashful, and felt entirely natural for two loners of different species and cultures.
Rykkon is wise and patient. Romance readers would classify him as a "beta hero." Prim is broken and unsure, but her character undergoes a beautiful metamorphosis as she embraces her new life.
Though not much happens in this book, it had a muted timbre that was like a flowing stream. One incident leads to another to build a layered novel. I enjoyed it and would read more by this author. There are clearly more stories to tell in the Deridia series. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Desperate to escape an unhappy life with the other stranded colonists on a strange planet, Prim bravely offers herself as a mate. She is accepted by Rykkon, the only Arterian familiar with the human language. Although a healer, Rykkon is an outcast among his own people, so he is happy to have any mate. The bulk of the book consists of the developing relationship between Rykkon and Prim. It is a gentle story of two lonely people with the greatest respect and dignity for the other. Fitting with the aura of this book, their lovemaking is tentative and bashful, and felt entirely natural for two loners of different species and cultures.
Rykkon is wise and patient. Romance readers would classify him as a "beta hero." Prim is broken and unsure, but her character undergoes a beautiful metamorphosis as she embraces her new life.
Though not much happens in this book, it had a muted timbre that was like a flowing stream. One incident leads to another to build a layered novel. I enjoyed it and would read more by this author. There are clearly more stories to tell in the Deridia series. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
September 11, 2022
Good story.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No other man/woman drama.
No cheating.
HEA.
Just reread this.
It's a sweet story.
Good world building.
Human and alien marriage.
Events that led to the humans being on the planet are revealed throughout the story.
Each book in this series has a similar premise, the women do not expect much and although the cultures are very different in each book, each couple must adjust to completely different views on things.
Both Hero and heroine have issues in this story but they find their way together.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
Each book in the series is a separate couple but there is some sort of connection to the original story of the humans crash landing on the wrong planet.
Interesting cultural differences.
In this book although the heroine's story is away from the human colony she visits at the end to give them some information, book 3 then shows the results of those events.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No other man/woman drama.
No cheating.
HEA.
Just reread this.
It's a sweet story.
Good world building.
Human and alien marriage.
Events that led to the humans being on the planet are revealed throughout the story.
Each book in this series has a similar premise, the women do not expect much and although the cultures are very different in each book, each couple must adjust to completely different views on things.
Both Hero and heroine have issues in this story but they find their way together.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
Each book in the series is a separate couple but there is some sort of connection to the original story of the humans crash landing on the wrong planet.
Interesting cultural differences.
In this book although the heroine's story is away from the human colony she visits at the end to give them some information, book 3 then shows the results of those events.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2017
Very nice alien/human romance. Humans have crash landed on the hero's planet and are not allowed to integrate. Pretty good world building with one caveat The story is told entirely in the hero's POV which I liked. Good characterization and slow moving plot as the two of them got to know each other. I really enjoyed it and hope to read more in this series.
June 18, 2019
I could not finish this book. I understand that the author was focusing on the building of the relationship but it was just so boring. I was so annoyed with the male character for his constant questioning and second guessing and his needing reassurance. Yes, we want our men to be emotionally available and to care but damn... We still want them to be a man. Nothing happens in this book. It is just so dull. I got up to 70 % but when i realized I was looking for something to do besides read with free time I decided to just give up.
July 26, 2016
4.75 stars (so close to a perfect read of me) I loved this one, another different very interesting engaging, really engrossing book. I was literally hooked right away with this one. This author does an amazing job creating this world and building these characters. Even when nothing big was happening I was still hooked wanting to read what would happened next. I love that I have never read a book like this before. I think this author is an amazing story teller, her talent is just amazing. I have a feeling this is the only book and that this won't be a serious which on one had I agree with but the greedy little B.E. Love is very upset that there won't get more(oh goodness did I just refer to myself in the 3rd person) from this world because I want more plain and simple.
I would have marked this book 5 stars but I do wish the hero had stood up for himself more, and I get why he didn't. I mean really if jerk parents brought a sick baby to you would you say no your a jerk I'm gonna beat you up now...... no but maybe he could have beat the crap out of the little baby's dad and theeeeeen helped that baby, or pregnant mother or fill in the blank. And yes I am the first to admit I am vengeful in my books but I do get why he did what he did.
I will say the hero is one of the most loving heroes ever. I don't need to say more because he truly was, the heroine is a survivor, and when you see what this poor young woman has endured you find a new found respect for her, and then watching her come into her own just made me love her even more. I didn't want this book to end, as I said before but this is one of those books that you get so into that it could keep going on several hundred more pages and you would be entertained and even happier just because you don't want to leave the world the author has created.
I can't wait to look into other books by Catherine Miller, and see what she comes up with next. She is truly talented and has a way with words. I can't recommend this book enough, if your in a slump this one is so different and good it will get you right out of it. If you just want a really good book this one fits the bill there as well. This is one of those hidden gems that you don't think you would have ever found on your own but when you do find it you couldn't be happier.
I would have marked this book 5 stars but I do wish the hero had stood up for himself more, and I get why he didn't. I mean really if jerk parents brought a sick baby to you would you say no your a jerk I'm gonna beat you up now...... no but maybe he could have beat the crap out of the little baby's dad and theeeeeen helped that baby, or pregnant mother or fill in the blank. And yes I am the first to admit I am vengeful in my books but I do get why he did what he did.
I will say the hero is one of the most loving heroes ever. I don't need to say more because he truly was, the heroine is a survivor, and when you see what this poor young woman has endured you find a new found respect for her, and then watching her come into her own just made me love her even more. I didn't want this book to end, as I said before but this is one of those books that you get so into that it could keep going on several hundred more pages and you would be entertained and even happier just because you don't want to leave the world the author has created.
I can't wait to look into other books by Catherine Miller, and see what she comes up with next. She is truly talented and has a way with words. I can't recommend this book enough, if your in a slump this one is so different and good it will get you right out of it. If you just want a really good book this one fits the bill there as well. This is one of those hidden gems that you don't think you would have ever found on your own but when you do find it you couldn't be happier.
November 5, 2022
Spoilers ahead, 3.5*
Human colonists set out to settle into a new planet but crashed before arriving at their destination. They're found by natives and a pact is made where they're sectioned into a little community called Mercy. There they Begin a new and very hard life.
Our h is second generation in this colony and after the death of her mother she's had a very hard life with her abusive dad. When the natives arrive to trade she's finally had enough and in a desperate bid to better her circumstances she offers herself as mate
Our H is the healer of his people, he's shunned because his father mated a human and he's regarded as less to his people. He's built a solitary life for himself and lives quietly, until the h makes her plea and he takes her as his wife
Now this H was pure sugar! I loved him, so patient and sweet with the h. While there are many cultural differences from language to appearance he's had some experience because of his mom so he's able to at least communicate with her. He absolutely made this book for me, especially as it was in his POV
I struggled with the h a bit honestly, I had to frequently remind myself that she's been through a lot and to cut her some slack.
All in all a sweet read with good word building and enough conflict to make it interesting
No cheating
Both virgins I believe
Human colonists set out to settle into a new planet but crashed before arriving at their destination. They're found by natives and a pact is made where they're sectioned into a little community called Mercy. There they Begin a new and very hard life.
Our h is second generation in this colony and after the death of her mother she's had a very hard life with her abusive dad. When the natives arrive to trade she's finally had enough and in a desperate bid to better her circumstances she offers herself as mate
Our H is the healer of his people, he's shunned because his father mated a human and he's regarded as less to his people. He's built a solitary life for himself and lives quietly, until the h makes her plea and he takes her as his wife
Now this H was pure sugar! I loved him, so patient and sweet with the h. While there are many cultural differences from language to appearance he's had some experience because of his mom so he's able to at least communicate with her. He absolutely made this book for me, especially as it was in his POV
I struggled with the h a bit honestly, I had to frequently remind myself that she's been through a lot and to cut her some slack.
All in all a sweet read with good word building and enough conflict to make it interesting
No cheating
Both virgins I believe
April 28, 2021
This kind of storytelling is exactly what I’ve been searching for in my alien stories. A story about two very different souls (and species), who bond over time while slowly learning about each other. As much as I loved this story, it did feel like there was something missing. It reminded me a little bit of Cottonwood, but without the intense violence.
I understood why Rykkon was so passive. He was a healer, and abused by his tribe since birth for being different. Prim was fearful because of her violent upbringing and basically living with almost starvation her entire life. It was a beautiful moment when they started to trust each other. I don’t know that I’d read this again, but I’m certainly thankful I found this story.
I understood why Rykkon was so passive. He was a healer, and abused by his tribe since birth for being different. Prim was fearful because of her violent upbringing and basically living with almost starvation her entire life. It was a beautiful moment when they started to trust each other. I don’t know that I’d read this again, but I’m certainly thankful I found this story.
August 7, 2016
A very thin plot spread along 400 never ending pages. Terribly boring. Overly descriptive prose, a story all developed in the feeble minds of the 2 MC. No, I'm unfair, but I couldn't really relate to the characters. So they were coherent, but not for me.
I skim-read most of it starting 40% when I realized the story wasn't going anywhere.
September 25, 2016
Great story. Well written but the author does the readers a great disservice by not providing the heroine's pov. How could she think that wouldn't be important? The heroine is on a planet that is not earth, how is the reader supposed to understand and appreciate the differences that the heroine is viewing and experiencing if we are not given her pov. It was so frustrating trying to figure out what her alien husband looked like. His description was given in bits and pieces throughout the story and the reader had to remember those pieces and put them together to finally figure out that he is some type of reptilian species.
This could have easily been a 5 star read if the heroine's pov was given. Since it was not, minus 2 stars!
This could have easily been a 5 star read if the heroine's pov was given. Since it was not, minus 2 stars!
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April 8, 2020I liked Mercy, though I have to agree with some of the other reviewers - it was a little slow and the hero lacked a back bone. I don't like that he allowed those of his village to treat him the way they did and continue to endure it. There was little action...not much at all really. However, the writing was great, the story enjoyable, and the world building was wonderful. I just wished there was a bit...more because some parts dragged a bit, especially when we're expecting something to happen and it doesn't. And of course, that the hero had been a bit more defiant. Still a good read.
April 7, 2019
Did anyone else get the "Stranded on an island" sort of vibe?
A survivalist theme mixed with tribal alien drama. I don't know if that even made sense...
Oh well, let's start the review in a more serious tone before I start babbling more nonsense.
So this story was a very good start for a series. Let me sum up the facts.
Humans crash on a planet. The ones who are left are a starving community who barely survives in this hazardous part of the planet. The Arterians, Lizard-like aliens trade on occasion but keep to themselves and don't directly assist the human colony. Humans are pretty much on their own.
Prym isn't willing to continue living that way anymore.
So when the Arterians arrive, she offers herself as a bride.
Lucky for her, Rykkon has no hope of finding a mate among his people and he really wants one.
This was a slow paced read. The author takes her time to build up the relationship between these two. Its an extreme slow burner of two really lonely people with very personal struggles. It might seem flat at the beginning and a little frustrating, but little by little you start to understand them more. The two of them are working out the obstacles to live together and eventually end up enjoying each others company. Love isn't a big factor at first and the evolution of their relationship is very natural and sweet.
They grew on me and I was fascinated by how they handled their differences.
Another thing I liked was the world building. The fact that other aliens aside from the Arterians live in this planet, its hinted and addressed in future books in the series. This is not a spoiler... Not technically.
The author does a pretty good job of illustrating the culture of theses lizard aliens in particular. Although in this case, Humans are the aliens. Anywho...
A soft romance with a few sci-fi elements, but still enjoyable. Very satisfying.
Miyagi seems to approve. And I feel like this read is a 3.5 star. Recommendable in the alien romance genre and a bit different from most SFR.
A survivalist theme mixed with tribal alien drama. I don't know if that even made sense...
Oh well, let's start the review in a more serious tone before I start babbling more nonsense.
So this story was a very good start for a series. Let me sum up the facts.
Humans crash on a planet. The ones who are left are a starving community who barely survives in this hazardous part of the planet. The Arterians, Lizard-like aliens trade on occasion but keep to themselves and don't directly assist the human colony. Humans are pretty much on their own.
Prym isn't willing to continue living that way anymore.
So when the Arterians arrive, she offers herself as a bride.
Lucky for her, Rykkon has no hope of finding a mate among his people and he really wants one.
This was a slow paced read. The author takes her time to build up the relationship between these two. Its an extreme slow burner of two really lonely people with very personal struggles. It might seem flat at the beginning and a little frustrating, but little by little you start to understand them more. The two of them are working out the obstacles to live together and eventually end up enjoying each others company. Love isn't a big factor at first and the evolution of their relationship is very natural and sweet.
They grew on me and I was fascinated by how they handled their differences.
Another thing I liked was the world building. The fact that other aliens aside from the Arterians live in this planet, its hinted and addressed in future books in the series. This is not a spoiler... Not technically.
The author does a pretty good job of illustrating the culture of theses lizard aliens in particular. Although in this case, Humans are the aliens. Anywho...
A soft romance with a few sci-fi elements, but still enjoyable. Very satisfying.
Miyagi seems to approve. And I feel like this read is a 3.5 star. Recommendable in the alien romance genre and a bit different from most SFR.
March 2, 2023
Pros:
Very nice slow burn. They developed genuine affection for each other. They made each other's lives infinitely more meaningful and fulfilling. No Big Misunderstanding. They did have secrets, but they were kept secret for legitimate reasons.
Cons:
Several typos. Overuse of masculine pronouns made it hard to follow. And for the love of Pete if I had to read about either of them shrugging their shoulders one more time, I was going to gouge my eyes out.
I don't know that I've ever read a book solely from the MMC's POV. I don't think I liked it. I must self-insert because petulant thoughts from the FMC don't bother me. But his diminished my goodwill toward him. I didn't get the feeling that Prim was resentful for much or took easy offense to many comments. But Rykkon kept thinking of her in terms of his own species and how they behave. And this isn't a slam on the writing at all. Just my personal opinion on the character.
Overall, I liked this book quite a bit.
Very nice slow burn. They developed genuine affection for each other. They made each other's lives infinitely more meaningful and fulfilling. No Big Misunderstanding. They did have secrets, but they were kept secret for legitimate reasons.
Cons:
Several typos. Overuse of masculine pronouns made it hard to follow. And for the love of Pete if I had to read about either of them shrugging their shoulders one more time, I was going to gouge my eyes out.
I don't know that I've ever read a book solely from the MMC's POV. I don't think I liked it. I must self-insert because petulant thoughts from the FMC don't bother me. But his diminished my goodwill toward him. I didn't get the feeling that Prim was resentful for much or took easy offense to many comments. But Rykkon kept thinking of her in terms of his own species and how they behave. And this isn't a slam on the writing at all. Just my personal opinion on the character.
Overall, I liked this book quite a bit.
December 25, 2016
Rykkon is in the Group of warriors who go to the human encampment. About 20 years ago the strange aliens crashed on their planet and was rounded up
He is surprised when a battered Young woman rushes out and asks to go with them back to where they live in Exchange for becoming mate to one of them. The other warriors scoffs at it but Rykkon accepts as he knows he will most likely not get Another chance to take a mate. Despite holding an important Place among his people as their only healer he is tolerated only for that.
This book is not awful but it isnt very good either. The story just gets very dull and repetitive after a while. To make it even harder there is really not much Chemistry between the couple and the story drags on a bit too long.
After the prologue I pretty much guessed what was Rykkons BIG secret.
He is surprised when a battered Young woman rushes out and asks to go with them back to where they live in Exchange for becoming mate to one of them. The other warriors scoffs at it but Rykkon accepts as he knows he will most likely not get Another chance to take a mate. Despite holding an important Place among his people as their only healer he is tolerated only for that.
This book is not awful but it isnt very good either. The story just gets very dull and repetitive after a while. To make it even harder there is really not much Chemistry between the couple and the story drags on a bit too long.
After the prologue I pretty much guessed what was Rykkons BIG secret.
June 18, 2017
Well written, character driven and emotional. A man with great honor and a woman who needs someone to act with honor towards her. While these two characters are very strong, they are better together. I got a kick out of some reviews saying H was "beta" not "alpha" and that they wished the heroine would have been more "feisty". I do not like those terms, it usually translates to the woman being a witch and the man screaming "mine" strung together with a bunch of sex scenes. If you want a tale of two people learning how to live with each other, accept their pasts and trying to forge a future with people who have not treated them with respect and within that framework, falling in love with each other, this is for you. Definitely worth your time. I read the second book first accidentally because for some reason GR doesn't have it listed correctly, I found it on Amazon.
February 11, 2025
3.5-4*
I wanted some low stakes but enjoyable story to get my mind to rest a little bit and thankfully I found this book. I cannot believe I had never heard of it before, since I adore sci-fi romance with intriguing aliens. It is quite a few years old and it feels like I should have known about it sooner.
What I loved the most was the story being told by the hero’s perspective the entire time. The main characters were interesting and kept me engaged in the story even when not a lot happened. I adore learning about different worlds and other alien cultures, it gives a sense of newness that’s seems unmatched. This was not a love at first sight story, but about companionship and learning about each other.
My first book by Catherine Miller was quite a great experience. Her writing felt slightly weird for me in the beginning, but I got used to it rather quickly and it didn’t take away from the enjoyment. I’m extremely curious about the rest of this world and how everything else is. We only get a small glimpse in this first installment and I think there is a lot more to be explored. I have already started the second book and I’m hoping it’s even better than the first.
I wanted some low stakes but enjoyable story to get my mind to rest a little bit and thankfully I found this book. I cannot believe I had never heard of it before, since I adore sci-fi romance with intriguing aliens. It is quite a few years old and it feels like I should have known about it sooner.
What I loved the most was the story being told by the hero’s perspective the entire time. The main characters were interesting and kept me engaged in the story even when not a lot happened. I adore learning about different worlds and other alien cultures, it gives a sense of newness that’s seems unmatched. This was not a love at first sight story, but about companionship and learning about each other.
My first book by Catherine Miller was quite a great experience. Her writing felt slightly weird for me in the beginning, but I got used to it rather quickly and it didn’t take away from the enjoyment. I’m extremely curious about the rest of this world and how everything else is. We only get a small glimpse in this first installment and I think there is a lot more to be explored. I have already started the second book and I’m hoping it’s even better than the first.
October 26, 2017
I loved this. It was a random find when I was searching for shunned main characters and OMG am I so happy I found it.
It had everything I loved - a pairing of convenience that slowly turns into something more, alien romance and a strong emotional bond between our two main characters.
Definitely recommend to those who like alien romance or survivor romance stories.
It had everything I loved - a pairing of convenience that slowly turns into something more, alien romance and a strong emotional bond between our two main characters.
Definitely recommend to those who like alien romance or survivor romance stories.
July 30, 2016
Pleasant dystopian, 3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this novel, devouring the first 60% in bed, fighting sleep to try and finish it. I didn't finish it before I fell asleep, but the next day.
The good:
-Likable female protagonist. She wasn't overly weepy or hardened. She felt like a real person.
-It wasn't super predictable. The meek male protagonist didn't suddenly morph into a brave warrior. I kind of liked that he wasn't really the hero. You can't expect people to radically change over the course of a few weeks.
The ehhh:
-I don't think much actually happened. Was there a climax? I know what was *supposed* to be the climax, but it was kind of boring.
-SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. I don't want to mention them because of the spoilers, but wow!
I think there's a sequel. I'll probably read it, I hope some of my questions get answered.
I enjoyed reading this novel, devouring the first 60% in bed, fighting sleep to try and finish it. I didn't finish it before I fell asleep, but the next day.
The good:
-Likable female protagonist. She wasn't overly weepy or hardened. She felt like a real person.
-It wasn't super predictable. The meek male protagonist didn't suddenly morph into a brave warrior. I kind of liked that he wasn't really the hero. You can't expect people to radically change over the course of a few weeks.
The ehhh:
-I don't think much actually happened. Was there a climax? I know what was *supposed* to be the climax, but it was kind of boring.
-SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. I don't want to mention them because of the spoilers, but wow!
I think there's a sequel. I'll probably read it, I hope some of my questions get answered.
July 11, 2017
Mercy was excellent! Told entirely from Rykkon's point of view, we see the joys and frustrations as he and Prim get to know each other and build a life together. (Did I find myself wishing we had a little of Prim's pov, yes, but I realised my frustration was Rykkon's and it made the story more interesting. Plus being a woman it wasn't too hard to figure out what Prim was thinking :) It was very enjoyable to read an "alien" story where the characters weren't at the top of the food chain (ie not Kings and Commanders) and how they dealt with the challenges of everyday life. There were some grammar/editing mistakes but I'm not one who's bothered by them if I can figure out where the missing "the" should go :) The story is complete and I'm happy with the ending, however for once I am looking forward to book two (if there should be one) to explore this world more.
November 9, 2021
3.5 stars
3.5 stars this was a good story but it has a lot of internal monologue. This book isn’t spicy at all but still good.
It good to see a book talk about how you have to respect yourself to get respect. Prim took in all she could and learned what it was to be a mate and how to help bridge the gap between her and her mates people. Does it come at a cost yes but they are safe.
I wish Rykkon had learned that he had to demand respect not just get it. He is real passive and it only hurts him in the long run.
3.5 stars this was a good story but it has a lot of internal monologue. This book isn’t spicy at all but still good.
It good to see a book talk about how you have to respect yourself to get respect. Prim took in all she could and learned what it was to be a mate and how to help bridge the gap between her and her mates people. Does it come at a cost yes but they are safe.
I wish Rykkon had learned that he had to demand respect not just get it. He is real passive and it only hurts him in the long run.
February 17, 2021
This was a great read. It was unusually told all from the H's point of view but there was so much description it made clear what the h was thinking as well. An interesting premise.
January 13, 2022
Did not finish at 57%. This was great but I just am ready (finally) for a break. So good about consent. Really enjoyed that. Maybe someday I’ll finish.
September 30, 2017
This book was one of the best discoveries I made all year. I adored it, and have snatched up her entire backlist, even her Phantom of the Opera fanfic, just on the strength of the one book.
The story features several of my favorite things: marriages of convenience, culture clashes, beta heroes, and interesting world building. It's also a bit of a "you and me against the world" scenario.
Rykkon is the healer for his tribe of people, who are some sortof lizard-like aliens. Prim is a human colonist whose mother is dead and whose father is drunk. When Rykkon's people come to hers to trade, she asks to go with them, and Rykkon takes her as his wife. He's been basically shunned by his people, although they certainly still make use of his healer training, so he wants a chance to become less lonely. Prim, who is used to tiptoeing around an unreasonably angry father, is both timid and painfully practical. And Rykkon, who hungers for the connection of other people, wants to be a good mate to her, since they are both now outcast from their respective peoples. Most of the romance comes from the two of them learning to talk to each other. In many ways, it's a quiet, gentle story, which is a rare enough find in sci-fi romance. I have to admit that "I'm just trying not to upset you but I keep doing it anyway" worked quite well as a constant source of strife, because these two are essentially strangers.
The story is told almost completely from Rykkon's point of view, and he's delightfully beta, which makes him a rare unicorn in SFR. I loved that in many ways he's the gentle nurturing one to Prim's fighter spirit, and I absolutely adored their burgeoning friendship and romance.
Not much actually happens, plotwise. Both Prim and Rykkon tend to be acted upon rather than moving the action forward on their own. But since I loved the quiet development of their characters, I didn't much mind.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and would highly recommend this one.
The story features several of my favorite things: marriages of convenience, culture clashes, beta heroes, and interesting world building. It's also a bit of a "you and me against the world" scenario.
Rykkon is the healer for his tribe of people, who are some sortof lizard-like aliens. Prim is a human colonist whose mother is dead and whose father is drunk. When Rykkon's people come to hers to trade, she asks to go with them, and Rykkon takes her as his wife. He's been basically shunned by his people, although they certainly still make use of his healer training, so he wants a chance to become less lonely. Prim, who is used to tiptoeing around an unreasonably angry father, is both timid and painfully practical. And Rykkon, who hungers for the connection of other people, wants to be a good mate to her, since they are both now outcast from their respective peoples. Most of the romance comes from the two of them learning to talk to each other. In many ways, it's a quiet, gentle story, which is a rare enough find in sci-fi romance. I have to admit that "I'm just trying not to upset you but I keep doing it anyway" worked quite well as a constant source of strife, because these two are essentially strangers.
The story is told almost completely from Rykkon's point of view, and he's delightfully beta, which makes him a rare unicorn in SFR. I loved that in many ways he's the gentle nurturing one to Prim's fighter spirit, and I absolutely adored their burgeoning friendship and romance.
Not much actually happens, plotwise. Both Prim and Rykkon tend to be acted upon rather than moving the action forward on their own. But since I loved the quiet development of their characters, I didn't much mind.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and would highly recommend this one.
October 2, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised with
. It was a KU read. Human colonists were heading to the fourth planet but crash landed on the third. It was already inhabited by several different races. Prim is from a group of humans who have been granted a small oasis in the middle of a desert wasteland by the Arterians. Prim has been physically abused by her father for most of her life while the other humans turn their backs. When the Arterians arrive to trade Prim asks to go with them to their village as one of their wives. Rykkon is the Arterian's healer and accepts Prim as his wife but he has secrets of his own. The two very different people have to compromise and learn each other's ways. It isn't easy when they get no support from the humans or Arterians.
. It was a KU read. Human colonists were heading to the fourth planet but crash landed on the third. It was already inhabited by several different races. Prim is from a group of humans who have been granted a small oasis in the middle of a desert wasteland by the Arterians. Prim has been physically abused by her father for most of her life while the other humans turn their backs. When the Arterians arrive to trade Prim asks to go with them to their village as one of their wives. Rykkon is the Arterian's healer and accepts Prim as his wife but he has secrets of his own. The two very different people have to compromise and learn each other's ways. It isn't easy when they get no support from the humans or Arterians.
May 30, 2017
This is the story of how two people from completely different background thrown together make their marriage work through mutual respect and understanding. The romance builds slowly and is soothing, like a nice warm blanket.
I loved the beginning of the book. Rykkon is very considerate, even though he is puzzled most of the time. The second quarter was frustrating because Rykkon feared offending and kept apologizing for everything. The book picked up again in the third and fourth quarters with more action. All in all a very enjoyable read.
I loved the beginning of the book. Rykkon is very considerate, even though he is puzzled most of the time. The second quarter was frustrating because Rykkon feared offending and kept apologizing for everything. The book picked up again in the third and fourth quarters with more action. All in all a very enjoyable read.
May 11, 2021
words like...
BORING!! Hokey, soft, suffocating, romantic, unrealistic , weird. Some of the words to describe this over narrative story. it’s a DNF for me do to my skimming I guess.
It’s a ONE ⭐️! However, I gave it 3 stars because I know there are readers out there who sci fi alien thing is this guy Rakkon,
not this chic!
Rakkon is an outcast by his people even though he is the only “healer” in town. Hard to believe he would be so kind and not recognize it wasn’t working, in fact it made things worse. If you just read the quotes and skip all the exasperated narration it has some interesting story bits and the book will be only 100 pages!
Man, was I disappointed in this book! sucked in by the cover.
I don’t remember Rakkon ever being described except for little bits of a shaved head, tall and ridged nose. Maybe i skimmed past the description, who knows. i skimmed at 30% in and didn’t stop.
BORING!! Hokey, soft, suffocating, romantic, unrealistic , weird. Some of the words to describe this over narrative story. it’s a DNF for me do to my skimming I guess.
It’s a ONE ⭐️! However, I gave it 3 stars because I know there are readers out there who sci fi alien thing is this guy Rakkon,
not this chic!
Rakkon is an outcast by his people even though he is the only “healer” in town. Hard to believe he would be so kind and not recognize it wasn’t working, in fact it made things worse. If you just read the quotes and skip all the exasperated narration it has some interesting story bits and the book will be only 100 pages!
Man, was I disappointed in this book! sucked in by the cover.
I don’t remember Rakkon ever being described except for little bits of a shaved head, tall and ridged nose. Maybe i skimmed past the description, who knows. i skimmed at 30% in and didn’t stop.
November 10, 2021
1.5, very tentatively on the 2 side
RTC
RTC
August 22, 2022
This was actually soooo sexy slay. I kinda wish it had been dual pov but at the same time I loved having just the MMCs thoughts. He was sooo sweet. Loved their dynamic.
September 23, 2022
I tried so hard but in the end I didn't like all that much.
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