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Deridia #2
Trade
Gullible. Foolish. Weak. She had always done as she was told. She dug in the sands until her fingers bled so that her people could have something to barter. She packed up her sparse belongings without complaint when it was time to flee the Wastes, leaving behind the only home she’d ever known, and the site of the bittersweet memories she carried of her lost family. It was easier that way, to obey and not to question, knowing her own judgement to be faulty. But when her people learn that the exchange for living on alien land and securing their safety is the price of one of their unclaimed women, the limits of her compliance are tested, as she is given in marriage to a man she does not want from a species and clan she does not know. Only to discover that he feels precisely the same about their ill-begotten trade. --- She was a Marzon now. And she had no idea what that meant, other than giving up her clothes, her home, her people, all for a man who like to scowl and grunt and sigh. “By what name shall she be called?” Sladec asked, and she eyed him with confusion. She opened her mouth to answer, to finally inform them both that she most certainly had a name and it was important, no matter what Machrus had said, but the voice that gave answer was not her own. But came from her husband instead. “Renna. Now wife of Machrus of Krahl.” --- (Please note that this is the second in the Deridia Series. While reading them in order is suggested, each novel can stand alone.)
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2017
114 people are currently reading
215 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 68 reviews
April 8, 2017
I love Catherine Miller's character driven Science Fiction with a long slow burn.
The world building is very good and the ache of grief and loss is this book is compelling.
The hero and heroine are both so wounded it hard to like them at first because they hold so much of themselves as private but as they heal and come to love each other, we come to love and know them too.
If you liked Mercy, the first book in this series, you should like this one as well. It has similar troupes of an arranged marriage and culture adjustment,. It also has some of the same drawbacks of not getting the hero's point of view and some information held back too long to enjoy a full rich HEA. I would have loved a lush epilogue.
I would be very happy to read another romance in this world.
The world building is very good and the ache of grief and loss is this book is compelling.
The hero and heroine are both so wounded it hard to like them at first because they hold so much of themselves as private but as they heal and come to love each other, we come to love and know them too.
If you liked Mercy, the first book in this series, you should like this one as well. It has similar troupes of an arranged marriage and culture adjustment,. It also has some of the same drawbacks of not getting the hero's point of view and some information held back too long to enjoy a full rich HEA. I would have loved a lush epilogue.
I would be very happy to read another romance in this world.
May 15, 2017
I enjoyed the world-building in this book, but was always hopeful for a little more detail regarding the world and the physiology of the Deridian natives. The cultural aspect is well developed and has interesting concepts and originality. This is an extremely personal book of two solitary people finding each other through a less than ideal situation. This is more a contemplative book of emotions rather than action-adventure. I do enjoy this author's writing style; it flows seamlessly and despite the quiet nature of the story it was a compelling read. Although this book is the second in a series, it is only tangentially related to book one and it is not necessary to read the first book. I will look for more from this author.
3.5 rounded to four stars simply because I felt the plot was too.....tame. I expected more drama and action out of a science fiction romance story. Plus, the heroine was placid, but at least she recognized it. Also, the viewpoint is only from the heroine, and I would have loved to hear the internal thoughts of Machrus.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription
3.5 rounded to four stars simply because I felt the plot was too.....tame. I expected more drama and action out of a science fiction romance story. Plus, the heroine was placid, but at least she recognized it. Also, the viewpoint is only from the heroine, and I would have loved to hear the internal thoughts of Machrus.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription
October 18, 2017
Great sci fi romance. I really felt like both the hero and heroine where fully realized characters. Told totally in the POV of the heroine who had to figure out what was going on as the story went on. I loved both of them. There is some willing suspension of disbelief as you have to buy in to the fact that there are so many different sentient races on this one planet but once over that hump it's a great story.
November 6, 2019
2.75
I didn't enjoy this one as much.
Both characters were rather frustrating, and I didn't really think their romance was especially...well...romantic.
Also, I just kept thinking 'Just talk you idiots!!
I didn't enjoy this one as much.
Both characters were rather frustrating, and I didn't really think their romance was especially...well...romantic.
Also, I just kept thinking 'Just talk you idiots!!
September 11, 2022
This is an unusual story but it is really good.
The colonists that acted on the warning of the slavers coming of book 1 have fled and this is the story of them settling in a new place.
In order to be safe on a parcel of land to build a life on, they form an alliance with a local race through marriage, offering up the heroine, who basically feels she has to agree as the whole colony future rests on her accepting.
The alien race has a different language so little is explained of their customs and what the heroine's new life will be like.
They also have a custom that it is best to let the new couple sort through this and not have interference from others in the tribe.
The Hero is a grumpy and the heroine is trying to be happy with whatever life she can make for herself.
The Hero is kind in his own way but their lack of communication, lead to a few misunderstandings and he is very closed off so limited in what he feels he can offer.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Spoiler below to their past relationships, neither are virgins.
It gives a few details of the new race of the Hero, this comes up again in a later book, which I was pleased about as there are some interesting things referred to in this book.
I would advise going in blind as the story reveals these details slowly and it affects who the Hero and heroine have become, but spoilers below for those who need safetyinfo. ...
Spoilers.
Heroine, is implied was not raped as such, but felt pressured into having sex with a man from the original colony.
The man, Max, is briefly in the next book, which shows the outcome of the colonists who refused to flee.
There are no details of it but she feels guilty as though she did not want it, she kissed him so gave him the green light.
She was then pregnant and after a brief life her baby died of a sickness.
The heroine is plagued with the loss and feels guilt over not being able to keep the babe alive.
There are not huge details but things are referred to.
The Hero was married before, he loved his wife, she died of sickness that many of her race suffered from, he was very closed off after she died and reluctant to become involved with anyone else.
So no present other woman/man drama but their past experiences are discussed, eventually and hang between them as their own demons as not all is revealed early on.
The Hero has huge sorrow and regret about not helping his new wife fit in better once he gets over his issues and although still grumpy in nature is more reserved than grumpy.
HEA.
The colonists that acted on the warning of the slavers coming of book 1 have fled and this is the story of them settling in a new place.
In order to be safe on a parcel of land to build a life on, they form an alliance with a local race through marriage, offering up the heroine, who basically feels she has to agree as the whole colony future rests on her accepting.
The alien race has a different language so little is explained of their customs and what the heroine's new life will be like.
They also have a custom that it is best to let the new couple sort through this and not have interference from others in the tribe.
The Hero is a grumpy and the heroine is trying to be happy with whatever life she can make for herself.
The Hero is kind in his own way but their lack of communication, lead to a few misunderstandings and he is very closed off so limited in what he feels he can offer.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Spoiler below to their past relationships, neither are virgins.
It gives a few details of the new race of the Hero, this comes up again in a later book, which I was pleased about as there are some interesting things referred to in this book.
I would advise going in blind as the story reveals these details slowly and it affects who the Hero and heroine have become, but spoilers below for those who need safetyinfo. ...
Spoilers.
Heroine, is implied was not raped as such, but felt pressured into having sex with a man from the original colony.
The man, Max, is briefly in the next book, which shows the outcome of the colonists who refused to flee.
There are no details of it but she feels guilty as though she did not want it, she kissed him so gave him the green light.
She was then pregnant and after a brief life her baby died of a sickness.
The heroine is plagued with the loss and feels guilt over not being able to keep the babe alive.
There are not huge details but things are referred to.
The Hero was married before, he loved his wife, she died of sickness that many of her race suffered from, he was very closed off after she died and reluctant to become involved with anyone else.
So no present other woman/man drama but their past experiences are discussed, eventually and hang between them as their own demons as not all is revealed early on.
The Hero has huge sorrow and regret about not helping his new wife fit in better once he gets over his issues and although still grumpy in nature is more reserved than grumpy.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2017
This book could be entitled "Debbie Downer Gets Married" and it'd be about right. The heroine is such a sad, low self-esteem having, self-doubting, fearful, tentative, passive and negative person that it was really painful and depressing to be inside her head. Her husband wasn't much better. They were unhappy for almost the entire book, and then things improved some close to the end when they realized they loved each other.
It was not fun to read. The heroine was raised in an abusive and dysfunctional environment and had had lots of heartache, which explained exactly why she was the way she was. While it explained her disposition and behavior, the book was still no fun to read. I'd really been looking forward to it, because I did like the first book in the series. Oh well. If there's another in the series, I'll at least look into it, but if it's another sad sack main character, I'll have to pass.
2.5 stars; not rounding up
It was not fun to read. The heroine was raised in an abusive and dysfunctional environment and had had lots of heartache, which explained exactly why she was the way she was. While it explained her disposition and behavior, the book was still no fun to read. I'd really been looking forward to it, because I did like the first book in the series. Oh well. If there's another in the series, I'll at least look into it, but if it's another sad sack main character, I'll have to pass.
2.5 stars; not rounding up
October 26, 2017
Whew, this author is on a roll with this series. I loved the first, and this one just about measures up!
October 5, 2017
Trade was just as good as the first book. The humans were able to leave Mercy just before the slavers arrived. They think they've found a new home and a race of people that are wiling to give them land. There is a catch. All treaties with the Marzon must be through a marriage. Neither Heather or Machrus want to be married but they do it for their people. I liked that there wasn't any insta-lust. Both Heather / Renna and Machrus had issues to overcome.
I liked both the main characters. This was a good read.
4 ****
I liked both the main characters. This was a good read.
4 ****
November 16, 2021
Ah
Book One in this series was spot on for the reader in me that day, the reader who had an intense need for the inner life, emotions, and feelings of two people ill used by their people of origin.
As there, little plot or world building here in book 2 except as a foil for their struggles. The only reason this rating is 4 stars instead of 5 is that I'm not as appreciative of the flaws each carry. Angst and lack of agency in her; grumpiness and closed off empathy in him.
I've already purchased the next in the series.
Could be read as a stand alone. I think the couple's joining is safe for prudes but their mileage may vary.
Book One in this series was spot on for the reader in me that day, the reader who had an intense need for the inner life, emotions, and feelings of two people ill used by their people of origin.
As there, little plot or world building here in book 2 except as a foil for their struggles. The only reason this rating is 4 stars instead of 5 is that I'm not as appreciative of the flaws each carry. Angst and lack of agency in her; grumpiness and closed off empathy in him.
I've already purchased the next in the series.
Could be read as a stand alone. I think the couple's joining is safe for prudes but their mileage may vary.
August 22, 2022
This book was AMAZING. Made me sob. Literally so good. Was superrrr slow burn though. Talking Mariana Zapata level stuff.
January 9, 2022
This wasn't a bad book and probably deserves more than 2 stars, if it wasn't so problematic. One of my main issues in the story is how the main character's name is dealt with. Her name is Heather, but when she marries the MC, he gives her a new name. IMO, this is dealt with so badly that I couldn't in good conscience give this book more than 3 stars.
When she marries into his tribe, her identity is literally taken from her, down to her name, they take every thing she owns and are going to destroy it, they are going to force her to assimilate to their tribe, despite the fact that their tribe marries women from other tribes to get their knowledge. So at the same time they are trying to gain new knowledge they are forcing these women to give up their culture, every keepsake, every memento, even their name. This is some sick shit if you ask me.
As the book goes on, he doesn't make her assimilate. He immediately forces her to sleep outside because "that's the way of her people." Then he gives her back her clothes and things because he realizes those have value to her. She then asks him to call her by her real name. When she's sick and out of her head with fever, she doesn't recognize her new name, because her name is Heather. THEN, at the very end she goes back to old village and tells them her name isn't Heather anymore, that her name is now Renna. I get that the author is using her accepting her new name as a way of accepting him, but this is so deeply problematic that it's disgusting. The narrator never calls her Heather, she's called nothing until chapter 3 or 4 when he names her and suddenly the narrator is calling her Renna.
At a basic story level, this just doesn't work. Everything in her life as been taken from her and in its place she's left with a grumpy man who ignores her and nothing else. Her casual acceptance of her identity being ripped away doesn't work. In books when characters get new names because they earned them in some way, that's great and always a great journey to go on, but here it's not about her growing or her earning anything, it's about her losing herself. There is some BS reason about why she gets a new name, but if HE doesn't also get a new name, if HE doesn't give up ANYTHING, if HE doesn't have to deal with a tenth of what she has to deal with, then this is just deeply problematic sexism at its finest.
There was a lot of interesting things about this book, but I just couldn't get over the fact that the author disrespects her main character so much. I'm not sure if I would try another book by this author because of this. If what I'm complaining about isn't an issue for you, then you might like this book.
When she marries into his tribe, her identity is literally taken from her, down to her name, they take every thing she owns and are going to destroy it, they are going to force her to assimilate to their tribe, despite the fact that their tribe marries women from other tribes to get their knowledge. So at the same time they are trying to gain new knowledge they are forcing these women to give up their culture, every keepsake, every memento, even their name. This is some sick shit if you ask me.
As the book goes on, he doesn't make her assimilate. He immediately forces her to sleep outside because "that's the way of her people." Then he gives her back her clothes and things because he realizes those have value to her. She then asks him to call her by her real name. When she's sick and out of her head with fever, she doesn't recognize her new name, because her name is Heather. THEN, at the very end she goes back to old village and tells them her name isn't Heather anymore, that her name is now Renna. I get that the author is using her accepting her new name as a way of accepting him, but this is so deeply problematic that it's disgusting. The narrator never calls her Heather, she's called nothing until chapter 3 or 4 when he names her and suddenly the narrator is calling her Renna.
At a basic story level, this just doesn't work. Everything in her life as been taken from her and in its place she's left with a grumpy man who ignores her and nothing else. Her casual acceptance of her identity being ripped away doesn't work. In books when characters get new names because they earned them in some way, that's great and always a great journey to go on, but here it's not about her growing or her earning anything, it's about her losing herself. There is some BS reason about why she gets a new name, but if HE doesn't also get a new name, if HE doesn't give up ANYTHING, if HE doesn't have to deal with a tenth of what she has to deal with, then this is just deeply problematic sexism at its finest.
There was a lot of interesting things about this book, but I just couldn't get over the fact that the author disrespects her main character so much. I'm not sure if I would try another book by this author because of this. If what I'm complaining about isn't an issue for you, then you might like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2017
If you get frustrated when the main characters don't talk to each other, make assumptions that are wrong and don't talk to each other, get upset with the other person and don't talk to each other (you get where I'm going with this) then don't read this book. I had such high hopes after book one Mercy and this did not live up to them. I started off the book disliking Heather (Renna). She stuck her head in the sand, didn't want to listen, ask questions or find out what was happening. Then she got upset after awhile that her new husband hadn't told her anything. What??? I didn't like Marchus (spelling?) much either (dead first wife so no love for any other). At the end they get a little better and so the 3* rating but it's not one I'd re-read.
March 3, 2025
Girl gives up a life digging up worms in the desert for a spontaneous marriage. However, things start of rocky because neither of them are remotely interested in spending time with anyone else, let alone a new spouse. Through the power of time, tiny green sheep and thick socks, they grow to love each other in a way that's just wonderful.
Plot
I love a forced marriage plot, especially when both parties won't acknowledge that they're developing feelings for each other. The development of these two is really wonderful and I enjoyed learning about their histories and how this justified their actions and decisions.
The world building is also fantastic. I loved learning about their new world and the Marzon's little civilisation.
Characters
FMC
I liked the FMC, but she was a tad annoying at times. Most of this was explained away by her past, but I think this would have been further improved if she had known about the MMC's previous relationship. I did like that she tried to find her way in this new culture, even if it meant nagging her husband a lot, and how she started to enjoy herself as time went on.
MMC
I think I actually liked the MMC more than his wife - while he's cantankerous, he's also loyal and generous, almost to a fault. I liked his attempts to make the FMC comfortable, but completely misunderstanding what she wants, such as the bed situation early on.
I also enjoyed his interactions with his very extended family and how they're individual inputs helped with the marriage.
The Rest
The bulk of the cast is made of up the MMC's enormous family, all of which are sweet and loving, embracing the FMC immediately.
Chemistry
The chemistry between these two was pretty good. It started slow, but build quite quickly when they finally started working together.
The Good
The plot and world building.
The Bad
The FMC, about 10% of the time.
The Ugly
No uglies
The Wrap Up
If you like a slow burn with great world building, Miller's series is an excellent choice.
Plot
I love a forced marriage plot, especially when both parties won't acknowledge that they're developing feelings for each other. The development of these two is really wonderful and I enjoyed learning about their histories and how this justified their actions and decisions.
The world building is also fantastic. I loved learning about their new world and the Marzon's little civilisation.
Characters
FMC
I liked the FMC, but she was a tad annoying at times. Most of this was explained away by her past, but I think this would have been further improved if she had known about the MMC's previous relationship. I did like that she tried to find her way in this new culture, even if it meant nagging her husband a lot, and how she started to enjoy herself as time went on.
MMC
I think I actually liked the MMC more than his wife - while he's cantankerous, he's also loyal and generous, almost to a fault. I liked his attempts to make the FMC comfortable, but completely misunderstanding what she wants, such as the bed situation early on.
I also enjoyed his interactions with his very extended family and how they're individual inputs helped with the marriage.
The Rest
The bulk of the cast is made of up the MMC's enormous family, all of which are sweet and loving, embracing the FMC immediately.
Chemistry
The chemistry between these two was pretty good. It started slow, but build quite quickly when they finally started working together.
The Good
The plot and world building.
The Bad
The FMC, about 10% of the time.
The Ugly
No uglies
The Wrap Up
If you like a slow burn with great world building, Miller's series is an excellent choice.
April 15, 2021
I liked this quite a bit more than I thought I would.
It’s largely character driven, with a few key conflicts to keep the story moving. Well-written, not much detail given about the world/universe in which the story is set, but enough to make it interesting.
Mostly, just so so so lovely to have a story in which trauma is given time, and patience, and support. There’s no instalove, no apologies, no pity, no trite statements about time healing the fucking wound. In fact, at one point she explicitly states that she’ll never fully heal from the loss of her child—this is clearly the voice of an author who sadly knows something about that trauma, whether the loss was hers or that of a loved one, and that experience is powerful because it is both authentic but also accepting of whatever is needed to get through the moment, the memory, or the day.
The other beautiful thing was that when a sincere apology was offered, the acceptance and forgiveness were eventually given, but without ever erasing the harmful action. No saying “it’s okay” or “I’m fine” or “let’s just forget about it”. Because even after you’ve forgiven someone for hurting you, the fact that they did hurt you is still true, and it sucks that we gaslight ourselves when accepting apologies. We should be able to forgive (or not) without then pretending those hurtful or harmful actions are forever forgotten and/or erased.
All praise healthy relationships and (eventual) healthy communication.
It’s largely character driven, with a few key conflicts to keep the story moving. Well-written, not much detail given about the world/universe in which the story is set, but enough to make it interesting.
Mostly, just so so so lovely to have a story in which trauma is given time, and patience, and support. There’s no instalove, no apologies, no pity, no trite statements about time healing the fucking wound. In fact, at one point she explicitly states that she’ll never fully heal from the loss of her child—this is clearly the voice of an author who sadly knows something about that trauma, whether the loss was hers or that of a loved one, and that experience is powerful because it is both authentic but also accepting of whatever is needed to get through the moment, the memory, or the day.
The other beautiful thing was that when a sincere apology was offered, the acceptance and forgiveness were eventually given, but without ever erasing the harmful action. No saying “it’s okay” or “I’m fine” or “let’s just forget about it”. Because even after you’ve forgiven someone for hurting you, the fact that they did hurt you is still true, and it sucks that we gaslight ourselves when accepting apologies. We should be able to forgive (or not) without then pretending those hurtful or harmful actions are forever forgotten and/or erased.
All praise healthy relationships and (eventual) healthy communication.
May 8, 2024
Slow start, but beautiful ending
I think this took too long to get started. The conflict was worth exploration. There were a great many themes to explore. I think the writing was repetitive at times though. I felt like I read repeated sentences and dialogue. Where this book really shone was the very tasteful intimate scenes. Catherine Miller is fantastic at those. She makes it very clear she’s all about consent and nothing is described in exaggerated details. Everything happens at a very realistic pace. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I appreciate when things are more vague instead of explicitly smut. Sci-fi romance has too much of insta love smut scenes and this was a welcomed change. This story was very character driven and told entirely from Renna’s perspective. Perhaps that was to its detriment. Renna was a great character don’t get me wrong but I felt that I wanted to benefit from the Marchus pov as well. Had a pov character switch been an option, and there had been bit more action—even if the conflict had come from flashbacks of Renna fighting back against her abuser, or her reaction to what happened to her—that would have added another layer to the story that I’d have loved to see. As it stands it’s a solid 3 stars though.
I think this took too long to get started. The conflict was worth exploration. There were a great many themes to explore. I think the writing was repetitive at times though. I felt like I read repeated sentences and dialogue. Where this book really shone was the very tasteful intimate scenes. Catherine Miller is fantastic at those. She makes it very clear she’s all about consent and nothing is described in exaggerated details. Everything happens at a very realistic pace. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I appreciate when things are more vague instead of explicitly smut. Sci-fi romance has too much of insta love smut scenes and this was a welcomed change. This story was very character driven and told entirely from Renna’s perspective. Perhaps that was to its detriment. Renna was a great character don’t get me wrong but I felt that I wanted to benefit from the Marchus pov as well. Had a pov character switch been an option, and there had been bit more action—even if the conflict had come from flashbacks of Renna fighting back against her abuser, or her reaction to what happened to her—that would have added another layer to the story that I’d have loved to see. As it stands it’s a solid 3 stars though.
February 12, 2025
3.5*
I liked some aspects of this book better than the first one, but overall I think I enjoyed the other more. This one was told by the heroine perspective and on the bright side it had more interesting and entertaining side characters. However, I didn’t like the hero that much. He was only actually ok for me after he apologized and in my opinion he should have groveled.
The main characters had both difficult pasts, but the heroine clearly came from a much harsher reality. She honestly deserved something easier. The hero was understandably in his way, but he took too long to actually open up and even then it didn’t feel as great as it should have. They were sweat together, mostly because of how gracious the heroine was.
I will be honest and say I was mildly disappointed in this book. I was hoping for something even better than the first and despite really loving the side characters and their lovable reception of the heroine, the romance was pretty lacking. The world build was good, but we again only got glimpses of what could be much bigger. I’m not sure I will continue the series, but time will tell.
I liked some aspects of this book better than the first one, but overall I think I enjoyed the other more. This one was told by the heroine perspective and on the bright side it had more interesting and entertaining side characters. However, I didn’t like the hero that much. He was only actually ok for me after he apologized and in my opinion he should have groveled.
The main characters had both difficult pasts, but the heroine clearly came from a much harsher reality. She honestly deserved something easier. The hero was understandably in his way, but he took too long to actually open up and even then it didn’t feel as great as it should have. They were sweat together, mostly because of how gracious the heroine was.
I will be honest and say I was mildly disappointed in this book. I was hoping for something even better than the first and despite really loving the side characters and their lovable reception of the heroine, the romance was pretty lacking. The world build was good, but we again only got glimpses of what could be much bigger. I’m not sure I will continue the series, but time will tell.
June 13, 2025
Didn’t grab me as much as the first book. Saw plot points coming a mile away and the miscommunication trope was heavy.
FMC is a loner in her group, so the head honcho sends her off to get married to a local alien prince to secure peace between their groups. She’s got nothing else going on for her, so she agrees.
This aliens are able to communicate with her via touch. Her husband is the only one who can touch her until they mental bond, but he mainly refrains from talking to her unless necessary cus he’s grumpy. She just wants to feel useful but she’s bored. His family sometimes comes to visit and they’re overwhelmingly nice.
Eventually, they bond and it’s revealed that she has a baby who died and he had a previous wife that died. So they’re both traumatized and broken and whatever. A lot of the book would’ve moved faster if they just told each other this information lol there were like no external factors preventing them from being happy - it was all on them.
FMC is a loner in her group, so the head honcho sends her off to get married to a local alien prince to secure peace between their groups. She’s got nothing else going on for her, so she agrees.
This aliens are able to communicate with her via touch. Her husband is the only one who can touch her until they mental bond, but he mainly refrains from talking to her unless necessary cus he’s grumpy. She just wants to feel useful but she’s bored. His family sometimes comes to visit and they’re overwhelmingly nice.
Eventually, they bond and it’s revealed that she has a baby who died and he had a previous wife that died. So they’re both traumatized and broken and whatever. A lot of the book would’ve moved faster if they just told each other this information lol there were like no external factors preventing them from being happy - it was all on them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2021
Winning streak
This writer is so descriptive and detailed, but somehow keeps it simple and poetic almost. Her use of language is incredible, and I never feel tired of the first person point of view. It's always so lush, and rich, but never too much.
I loved that in this book the heroine had a distinct character to the one in the first book, but still kept the same background. It's incredible that the same scenario of arranged marriage/almost enemies to lovers keeps being played out so uniquely in each book.
I loved this pair, even if I sometimes got frustrated with the male lead. But it was clear when he started warming up to her and opening himself up. Such blissful slow burn done so tastefully
This writer is so descriptive and detailed, but somehow keeps it simple and poetic almost. Her use of language is incredible, and I never feel tired of the first person point of view. It's always so lush, and rich, but never too much.
I loved that in this book the heroine had a distinct character to the one in the first book, but still kept the same background. It's incredible that the same scenario of arranged marriage/almost enemies to lovers keeps being played out so uniquely in each book.
I loved this pair, even if I sometimes got frustrated with the male lead. But it was clear when he started warming up to her and opening himself up. Such blissful slow burn done so tastefully
December 24, 2020
Bored
Couldn't finish . Slow so slow I got sleepy reading it . good if I want to go to bed and need help but not if I am wanting to enjoy a book. The self esteem was low,the constant thinking ,no talking.And not explaining anything to some one new ,an alien to your people and all just kept repeating " you'll learn" pffft just how was she to learn ? Nobody said anything just expected it to come? Not even the something she is scared he'll learn and throw the peace out could keep me on hook. Pity with more action these plots could have been good . Instead it was boring. Last ill try even tho third sounded interesting. So did first and second ,but still bored me.🤷
Couldn't finish . Slow so slow I got sleepy reading it . good if I want to go to bed and need help but not if I am wanting to enjoy a book. The self esteem was low,the constant thinking ,no talking.And not explaining anything to some one new ,an alien to your people and all just kept repeating " you'll learn" pffft just how was she to learn ? Nobody said anything just expected it to come? Not even the something she is scared he'll learn and throw the peace out could keep me on hook. Pity with more action these plots could have been good . Instead it was boring. Last ill try even tho third sounded interesting. So did first and second ,but still bored me.🤷
February 19, 2021
I hesitated to read this book after reading a few less than flattering reviews but I had really enjoyed the first book and so decided to give it a go.
Now, in all honesty I can understand why some reviews said it was depressing and slow...but I would counter that it was a gentle slow burn read, a love story between two lonely and sad individuals. The world building was great, the writing style was beautiful (though could use a final edit).
Do not read if you want passion and sexy times. The H is very gruff and distant, though cold to the h for a lot of the book he was never deliberately cruel. This was not a book that I thought I would read let alone complete but I am glad that I did.
Now, in all honesty I can understand why some reviews said it was depressing and slow...but I would counter that it was a gentle slow burn read, a love story between two lonely and sad individuals. The world building was great, the writing style was beautiful (though could use a final edit).
Do not read if you want passion and sexy times. The H is very gruff and distant, though cold to the h for a lot of the book he was never deliberately cruel. This was not a book that I thought I would read let alone complete but I am glad that I did.
May 14, 2024
Simple, lovely stories
This is the second in the series , in both the characters derived from a crashed colony ship. The FMC and MMC are written with all the fears and foibles of normal people. Ok yeah, they are aliens but you know. My only criticism is the lack of descriptive sentences. You're given hints at different times, of their appearance ,but no true realistic descriptions of the aliens. I just couldn't picture them. The emotional aspect was well written but not the character's themselves. I will continue the series because I like the Realism ...not the insta-lust and everyone is sooo beautiful alien stories that are prominent in ebook .
This is the second in the series , in both the characters derived from a crashed colony ship. The FMC and MMC are written with all the fears and foibles of normal people. Ok yeah, they are aliens but you know. My only criticism is the lack of descriptive sentences. You're given hints at different times, of their appearance ,but no true realistic descriptions of the aliens. I just couldn't picture them. The emotional aspect was well written but not the character's themselves. I will continue the series because I like the Realism ...not the insta-lust and everyone is sooo beautiful alien stories that are prominent in ebook .
July 6, 2017
Loved it even more than the first!
This was a very lovely story of two people from very different walks of life coming together for duty but finding love! It is realistic and raw! I like how the reader is able to move through the emotions of the characters with ease. I did not want to rush ahead to the conclusion not did I get bored with the steps they needed to talk to meet each other through their hurt past! At times I really felt like crying for the things they went through and the bond really intensified the emotions plus enjoyment of the reader. A very enjoyable book!
This was a very lovely story of two people from very different walks of life coming together for duty but finding love! It is realistic and raw! I like how the reader is able to move through the emotions of the characters with ease. I did not want to rush ahead to the conclusion not did I get bored with the steps they needed to talk to meet each other through their hurt past! At times I really felt like crying for the things they went through and the bond really intensified the emotions plus enjoyment of the reader. A very enjoyable book!
February 1, 2018
Love this series
This series actually made me read the authors other works. I mean, I've never even watched phantom of the opera and here I was reading fanfic. Her writing is that good. These stories are cute slow burn SciFi romances. I've read all three multiple times and would recommend. Miller writes strong but emotionally wounded heroines and steady, patient beta males. If you are looking for a pushy alpha type hero this isn't the series for you. There is some delicate subject matter but is handled and written very well.
This series actually made me read the authors other works. I mean, I've never even watched phantom of the opera and here I was reading fanfic. Her writing is that good. These stories are cute slow burn SciFi romances. I've read all three multiple times and would recommend. Miller writes strong but emotionally wounded heroines and steady, patient beta males. If you are looking for a pushy alpha type hero this isn't the series for you. There is some delicate subject matter but is handled and written very well.
March 29, 2021
What a great story
This is a great story by Miss Catherine Miller. It's a story of hope, loss, unfilled longing, and eventuality love.
Renna was the sacrifice her people needed to service their new reality. She would have to hope she could be all they needed but fear and loss make her days long. Marhrus was a lonely man. He had his own losses and his brother was demanding much from him. To be mated to a stranger he didn't want or thought he needed. I
These to must find their way to each other before it's to late for both.
I will be reading more from This author.
This is a great story by Miss Catherine Miller. It's a story of hope, loss, unfilled longing, and eventuality love.
Renna was the sacrifice her people needed to service their new reality. She would have to hope she could be all they needed but fear and loss make her days long. Marhrus was a lonely man. He had his own losses and his brother was demanding much from him. To be mated to a stranger he didn't want or thought he needed. I
These to must find their way to each other before it's to late for both.
I will be reading more from This author.
July 4, 2022
ah, I don't know what to say about this book other than I was just kinda bored by the end. It's written well enough (better than I expected), and it has everything I usually enjoy in a romance but, it just wasn't captivating to me. I didn't feel emotional for the characters and their plights. I give this more of a 2.5 star but I don't think it was poorly done beyond just not being gripping, and that honestly might be on me.
So would I recommend? If you like mild sci-fi, and arranged marriage trope, and don't mind lost of a loved one (several times over) then I guess give it a go.
So would I recommend? If you like mild sci-fi, and arranged marriage trope, and don't mind lost of a loved one (several times over) then I guess give it a go.
August 11, 2022
A lot of grammatical errors in this novel, but it didn’t bother me that much because I really love this author’s writing style. It’s lovely. I like this series of books because, so far, they’re sci fi romances that aren’t too erotic/explicit. Though to clarify, it is NOT YA. More like NA.
If you’re in the mood for slow burn, sci fi, alien romance that isn’t too shockingly in the romance department, but more poetic and sweet this is a good read. EXTREMELY hard qualities to find in this sub-genre. Love Catherine Miller!
If you’re in the mood for slow burn, sci fi, alien romance that isn’t too shockingly in the romance department, but more poetic and sweet this is a good read. EXTREMELY hard qualities to find in this sub-genre. Love Catherine Miller!
January 27, 2024
I've read the first book in this series in 2020. I couldn't believe it when I checked my notes. It felt like a few months ago so recent felt the memories of the story and the authors writing. So now I will try to read this series as a whole experience.
Book 2 was incredible. I cried through almost all chapters. The writing was wonderful. A few typos, but the style was so warm, so cherished are the characters by their author. I loved every page. Renna and Machrus are so lovely. I can whole heartedly recommend this story.
Book 2 was incredible. I cried through almost all chapters. The writing was wonderful. A few typos, but the style was so warm, so cherished are the characters by their author. I loved every page. Renna and Machrus are so lovely. I can whole heartedly recommend this story.
May 17, 2017
This was a unique sci-fi alien romance. The character depth was well executed. I really enjoyed the heroine. One of my few complaints was the hero. I quickly tired of him "sighing" and "grunting" instead of conversing. That seemed to be all that he did. After awhile it became tiresome. It did make for a slow burning and developing romance. This was the first book I've read by this writer, but I will certainly check out more of her work.
October 13, 2017
Oh wow! I thought I caught all the feels in book 1...nope. There were more to catch here in this one. This one is in the same world as the first book, Mercy, but takes place in a different area/community group. Again, not an insta-love, and I have to give the author mad props for all the emoting I did reading this. Many tears, many smiles, many many different emotions all over the place. So good!
October 29, 2021
long descriptive read
If you love a novel read with no humour or fun or short descriptions and fast paced? this is a book for you!
it is too long and boring has heck!
describing the writing style are , quiet, soft, gentle, boring.
I was tired of the neck or sleeve tattoo, bad man, knuckle dragging H ! However, the pendulum swung way to far the other way in Catherine Miller characters
If you love a novel read with no humour or fun or short descriptions and fast paced? this is a book for you!
it is too long and boring has heck!
describing the writing style are , quiet, soft, gentle, boring.
I was tired of the neck or sleeve tattoo, bad man, knuckle dragging H ! However, the pendulum swung way to far the other way in Catherine Miller characters
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