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Praesidio Corp #1
Mating Spark
So...Earth was invaded by Aliens. That happened. I’m not joking. Fortunately for us, Humans developed latent abilities that enabled us to defend and protect our planet. We call ourselves the Praesidio. Six years later the world is not the same. We know we are not alone in the universe. There are dangerous things lingering in the darkness.
Alexa
The Laren delegation is coming to her colony. A race of super-advanced Aliens that remind her of sexy elves. Silver skinned, pointy ears, swirling eyes and all. As Chancellor it is her responsibility to ensure everything goes well. Not everyone wants Alien visitors and tensions are high. Of course, things don’t get off to a great start. Somehow, she ends up Mated to an Alien. Yeah...things only get worse from there. Quarantine. Riots and Space Pirates. How did this happen again?
Warning: This book is a science-fiction alien romance. It contains swearing, violence, sensual sex scenes. It's definitely recommended for readers aged 18 and over.
Alexa
The Laren delegation is coming to her colony. A race of super-advanced Aliens that remind her of sexy elves. Silver skinned, pointy ears, swirling eyes and all. As Chancellor it is her responsibility to ensure everything goes well. Not everyone wants Alien visitors and tensions are high. Of course, things don’t get off to a great start. Somehow, she ends up Mated to an Alien. Yeah...things only get worse from there. Quarantine. Riots and Space Pirates. How did this happen again?
Warning: This book is a science-fiction alien romance. It contains swearing, violence, sensual sex scenes. It's definitely recommended for readers aged 18 and over.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2017
118 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 24, 2017
Overall the book was just ok. I think some more explanation was needed in the beginning because after the prologue a lot was thrown at me and I was lost. More details would have prepared me better. I also disliked how the Hero reacted initially to being "mated"...he was an ass and insulted her frequently but she never called him out on it. Finally...at about 75% I became bored and had to force myself to continue.
July 30, 2017
***** GREAT SCI-FI ROMANCE!
FIVE STARS! Strong Female Lead and Sexy Romance.
I really enjoyed this sci-fi romance. The lead (Alexa) was strong and relatable. I liked how she lead and how she reacted to the circumstances she was faced with. I thought her response to being mated to be realistic. This was not insta-love (I am not a fan of insta-love) and the sexy-times built up slow but WOW - they were hot! Ryhs was at first arrogant but you see a change in him too and though we only get brief glimpses into his psyche I liked him and wanted more.
** Spoilers Below**
We start off with Earth being invaded by vicious aliens and Alexa is only like 21 at the time and finds herself suddenly going through a transformation (This was pretty cool, I liked how the powers developed) She ends up with the ability of telekinesis, others get different powers and a war takes place with the alien invaders. Earth wins by the skin of their teeth but is left with almost totally destruction. The transformed people take over and form a new global government. We jump ahead - 6 years and Alexa is now the Chancellor of Mars and the first visit from friendly aliens is coming up. Of course things go all wrong. The Laren (the friendly aliens) have a biological mating system and Alexa mates with one with a handshake. (Unlike other books in this genre I found it refreshing to see a woman not instantly be okay with this - she was pretty pissed and resisted the mating like a normal person would) From there the story moves at a good pace, besides the relationship building there are other things going on and it makes for a good read.
FIVE STARS! Strong Female Lead and Sexy Romance.
I really enjoyed this sci-fi romance. The lead (Alexa) was strong and relatable. I liked how she lead and how she reacted to the circumstances she was faced with. I thought her response to being mated to be realistic. This was not insta-love (I am not a fan of insta-love) and the sexy-times built up slow but WOW - they were hot! Ryhs was at first arrogant but you see a change in him too and though we only get brief glimpses into his psyche I liked him and wanted more.
** Spoilers Below**
We start off with Earth being invaded by vicious aliens and Alexa is only like 21 at the time and finds herself suddenly going through a transformation (This was pretty cool, I liked how the powers developed) She ends up with the ability of telekinesis, others get different powers and a war takes place with the alien invaders. Earth wins by the skin of their teeth but is left with almost totally destruction. The transformed people take over and form a new global government. We jump ahead - 6 years and Alexa is now the Chancellor of Mars and the first visit from friendly aliens is coming up. Of course things go all wrong. The Laren (the friendly aliens) have a biological mating system and Alexa mates with one with a handshake. (Unlike other books in this genre I found it refreshing to see a woman not instantly be okay with this - she was pretty pissed and resisted the mating like a normal person would) From there the story moves at a good pace, besides the relationship building there are other things going on and it makes for a good read.
November 4, 2018
Don't get me started... I hate it when I cannot finish something!
I don't enjoy DNF-ing an author. I really am frustrated with the story and the path it led me to.
When I'm ready, I'll deliver a proper feedback.
I don't enjoy DNF-ing an author. I really am frustrated with the story and the path it led me to.
When I'm ready, I'll deliver a proper feedback.
August 3, 2017
Loved!
I loved this book! Not your typical alien romance, it has dialogue and interaction but does have a couple steamy scenes. I can't wait to read book two!
I loved this book! Not your typical alien romance, it has dialogue and interaction but does have a couple steamy scenes. I can't wait to read book two!
November 23, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book pulled me right out of my book slump. The story was new and very refreshing. I enjoyed it immensely. I can't wait to continue this series.
This book pulled me right out of my book slump. The story was new and very refreshing. I enjoyed it immensely. I can't wait to continue this series.
July 25, 2017
Spark
Earth has survived Aliens and new gifts have emerged. But with that new aliens come with new mating practice s. A great new book with a mating spark.
Earth has survived Aliens and new gifts have emerged. But with that new aliens come with new mating practice s. A great new book with a mating spark.
July 13, 2017
Loved it
What a fantastic new story from an author that's always an automatic read for me! Fan storyline and loved the characters ... Can't wait for the next book
What a fantastic new story from an author that's always an automatic read for me! Fan storyline and loved the characters ... Can't wait for the next book
February 14, 2021
Shaka, when the walls fell
When the Kraith came it set off a reaction in some humans. Watching the devastation of their cities and people, just to steal resources, triggered what previous scientists had called "junk DNA" in many and their brains expanded in new ways. Abilities surfaced that allowed them to be able to fight back. Because primitive weapons and their frail bodies (compared to the aliens), weren't cutting it. Alexa was one of those, her telekinesis allowed her to pull ships from the sky, shred Kraith bodies and defend New York. But that was 6 years ago now, and a new delegation of aliens, the Laren, are due to arrive. Their goal is to work together to defend themselves, and others, from the Kraith and those like them. But humans are understandably nervous, and these abilities tend to flare with strong emotions. It's a recipe for disaster. And, wouldn't you know, during introductions, a handshake creates a Spark. Now, along with a base of tense humans ready to explode, trying to prove that humans aren't animals controlled by emotions, and all the tension that comes from debating an alliance, she has to deal with some alien genetic thing deciding she's got a mate. Joy.
Spoilers ahead.
This both moves fast and slow. The Spark, the delegation, the decions made, they all seem to rush by. The slow part is because, even though all this is being moved along, it's through memories of conversations, week long skips that we don't witness except as a sentence or paragraph summary. Without those bonding moments, living it with them, it slows down the emotional attachment to the characters. The premise of the story is interesting. I like the "junk DNA", the shifters freaking out, the culture clashes and merges. And the absolute adoration over ice cream was hilarious. I've read this (and Knights) before- when they first came out, but never reviewed it. I see that Ryker has a novella, her sister has a book, and there's a 3rd one, too. I'm hoping that the others don't skip ahead so quickly, because some of the characters are great and I'd like a little more time getting to know them.
Also, editing is a little off. Errors such as vibrate instead of vibrant, tenses are all over the place, some odd words dropped here and there, and sentences that do not end with the correct punctuation.
When the Kraith came it set off a reaction in some humans. Watching the devastation of their cities and people, just to steal resources, triggered what previous scientists had called "junk DNA" in many and their brains expanded in new ways. Abilities surfaced that allowed them to be able to fight back. Because primitive weapons and their frail bodies (compared to the aliens), weren't cutting it. Alexa was one of those, her telekinesis allowed her to pull ships from the sky, shred Kraith bodies and defend New York. But that was 6 years ago now, and a new delegation of aliens, the Laren, are due to arrive. Their goal is to work together to defend themselves, and others, from the Kraith and those like them. But humans are understandably nervous, and these abilities tend to flare with strong emotions. It's a recipe for disaster. And, wouldn't you know, during introductions, a handshake creates a Spark. Now, along with a base of tense humans ready to explode, trying to prove that humans aren't animals controlled by emotions, and all the tension that comes from debating an alliance, she has to deal with some alien genetic thing deciding she's got a mate. Joy.
Spoilers ahead.
This both moves fast and slow. The Spark, the delegation, the decions made, they all seem to rush by. The slow part is because, even though all this is being moved along, it's through memories of conversations, week long skips that we don't witness except as a sentence or paragraph summary. Without those bonding moments, living it with them, it slows down the emotional attachment to the characters. The premise of the story is interesting. I like the "junk DNA", the shifters freaking out, the culture clashes and merges. And the absolute adoration over ice cream was hilarious. I've read this (and Knights) before- when they first came out, but never reviewed it. I see that Ryker has a novella, her sister has a book, and there's a 3rd one, too. I'm hoping that the others don't skip ahead so quickly, because some of the characters are great and I'd like a little more time getting to know them.
Also, editing is a little off. Errors such as vibrate instead of vibrant, tenses are all over the place, some odd words dropped here and there, and sentences that do not end with the correct punctuation.
May 3, 2021
The initial concept of the Praesidio and what happened during the first invasion was fascinating... I could imagine an Avengers movie scene unfolding in my mind with the battle raging on, and I wish that moment and the aftermath was its own book.
I liked the FL's character and sense of responsibility. The ML felt a bit flat and one-dimensional. We don't really get to know him at all and he behaves like a little kid at several times. I had my own mama's boy as an ex, really didn't need to read about another one (in this case, daddy's boy).
Like others mentioned the grammar can be pretty bad at times. It reads like a story the author self-published without going through an editorial process. There's also a lot of "telling", instead of "showing", so events are mostly described in single paragraphs without any dialogue and it progresses too fast. The world building was so rich, it could have easily been a full-length book (or books) rather than a novella.
I'll be skipping ahead to Book #3 to read about the other badass FL.
I liked the FL's character and sense of responsibility. The ML felt a bit flat and one-dimensional. We don't really get to know him at all and he behaves like a little kid at several times. I had my own mama's boy as an ex, really didn't need to read about another one (in this case, daddy's boy).
Like others mentioned the grammar can be pretty bad at times. It reads like a story the author self-published without going through an editorial process. There's also a lot of "telling", instead of "showing", so events are mostly described in single paragraphs without any dialogue and it progresses too fast. The world building was so rich, it could have easily been a full-length book (or books) rather than a novella.
I'll be skipping ahead to Book #3 to read about the other badass FL.
March 15, 2019
This book had zero editing done to it and it shows. The main storyline has potential, but the writing and grammar are some of the worst I’ve ever seen in a book. Punctuation, spelling issues, incorrect word usage, terrible sentence structure... I would have gotten a very low score if I’d turned something like this in during school. It’s truly atrocious.
The dialogue and inter-personal drama is pretty flat and “on the nose”, and there’s a lot of “telling not showing” and lazy comparisons used for descriptions of people and races. At one point the author ends a sentence with, “and so on and so on.” That’s just lazy. Don’t do it.
I had a really hard time connecting with the characters, partly because of the flat dialogue, but also because none of them felt consistently written. Add to that the constant grammatical errors pulling me out of the story and this was not the pleasurable read I thought it would be.
Sadly, I would not recommend this.
The dialogue and inter-personal drama is pretty flat and “on the nose”, and there’s a lot of “telling not showing” and lazy comparisons used for descriptions of people and races. At one point the author ends a sentence with, “and so on and so on.” That’s just lazy. Don’t do it.
I had a really hard time connecting with the characters, partly because of the flat dialogue, but also because none of them felt consistently written. Add to that the constant grammatical errors pulling me out of the story and this was not the pleasurable read I thought it would be.
Sadly, I would not recommend this.
January 18, 2022
i really didn’t like this one! which is disappointing, because i feel like it had a lot of potential. it just wasn’t drawn out enough to really make any sort of emotional impact. i needed more scenes of alexa interacting with the colony on mars, acting as the leader she is. i needed more of her and rhys both being frustrated by the fact that they can’t leave each other alone. i needed more annabel! i needed more of rhys pov, and i needed LESS space politics. i could have been fine with the space politics had it not been for how rushed everything felt.
this book felt like.
oh, they meet, and they are fated mates.
bad thing/drama happens
bad thing/drama happens
they have sex
bad thing/drama happens
and none of it ever really makes an impact.
also alexa’s character felt very flimsy and i felt like she was like 3 different people in one, without ever having one concrete personality that’s multidimensional.
this book felt like.
oh, they meet, and they are fated mates.
bad thing/drama happens
bad thing/drama happens
they have sex
bad thing/drama happens
and none of it ever really makes an impact.
also alexa’s character felt very flimsy and i felt like she was like 3 different people in one, without ever having one concrete personality that’s multidimensional.
May 31, 2025
2.5 stars
While there were many scenes in this book that had potential to be really interesting, they had 2 main problems. Firstly, the problem/drama to be solved was over very quickly and without much effort. No tension built, so no investment was made by the reader. Secondly, the FMC Alexa solved very single problem, and did it in the same way each time. No matter the problem or who was present or involved, she would use an impressive show of her telekinesis and then some sort of speech to show how much better she was than others. Even when attempting to show her working in a team, it is still her efforts that win the battle. I’m all for powerful female characters, but there needs to be a variety of ways to solve a problem, not just brute force every time. She doesn’t need to be the hero in every situation.
While there were many scenes in this book that had potential to be really interesting, they had 2 main problems. Firstly, the problem/drama to be solved was over very quickly and without much effort. No tension built, so no investment was made by the reader. Secondly, the FMC Alexa solved very single problem, and did it in the same way each time. No matter the problem or who was present or involved, she would use an impressive show of her telekinesis and then some sort of speech to show how much better she was than others. Even when attempting to show her working in a team, it is still her efforts that win the battle. I’m all for powerful female characters, but there needs to be a variety of ways to solve a problem, not just brute force every time. She doesn’t need to be the hero in every situation.
March 13, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book! It has a strong female lead and hit several of my favorite tropes. Instant mates, but not instant love, which gives a bit of enemies to lovers vibe without the MMC being too much of a jerk. I’ll admit I was kinda confused when a chapter started from the dad of the MMC’s POV, but I think it’s just because I’m not used to it. I think I just really liked how relatable Alexis was, where she was strong because she had to be. I also enjoyed the action scenes, especially since the FMC played a bigger part in it than most romances I’ve read. Don’t get me wrong- I love a good alpha defender. But it just hits different when it’s the female who is super powerful and fights off the baddies. Overall, I highly recommend!
August 20, 2017
Liked the story but Alexa got in my last nerve..
Liked the story but Alexa got in my last nerve, Rhys started off as a bit of dominant jerk but quickly seemed to grow and change unlike Alexa who seemed soo slow to grow and change and accept things almost seemed resistant to it...
I like Rhys once he started to grow and change and get a clue and while even though they were 'fated mates', I was ok that they didn't rush things between them but at the same time Alexa's stubbornness and lack of self awareness that took almost the whole book to get a clue and finally follow her feelings was insanely and deeply frustratingly slow, I wanted to give her a few shakes or a slap to the head more than once.....
And while I'm Rhys was willing to take things slow and get to know her, he let her set the pace to such a degree at times in their relationship, it felt like a female lead relationship, which even I'm a woman w/very strong and often dominate personality , I don't want to lead my relationship with a man and with the exception of the occasional BDSM themed books w/a female Domme and a male sub., I don't want to read a female lead relationship either...
Even w/the female D/s books I only want her to lead things at times, I love the idea of a strong alpha male who is strong enough in who he is and is not, to be able to give over control at times...
It takes a strong man to bend,or woman, sorry I know I digress ..
Now in the series w/the Knight consorts it made sense for the strong female lead to almost always be in charge, but this wasn't quite the same and while being patient was a good thing I still would have like to see Rhys fight more for what he wanted instead of being lead around by the nose when for over 75% of the book almost the book the poor guy was doing good to just get a kiss...
But Thank you very much...
I can't wait for more..
Liked the story but Alexa got in my last nerve, Rhys started off as a bit of dominant jerk but quickly seemed to grow and change unlike Alexa who seemed soo slow to grow and change and accept things almost seemed resistant to it...
I like Rhys once he started to grow and change and get a clue and while even though they were 'fated mates', I was ok that they didn't rush things between them but at the same time Alexa's stubbornness and lack of self awareness that took almost the whole book to get a clue and finally follow her feelings was insanely and deeply frustratingly slow, I wanted to give her a few shakes or a slap to the head more than once.....
And while I'm Rhys was willing to take things slow and get to know her, he let her set the pace to such a degree at times in their relationship, it felt like a female lead relationship, which even I'm a woman w/very strong and often dominate personality , I don't want to lead my relationship with a man and with the exception of the occasional BDSM themed books w/a female Domme and a male sub., I don't want to read a female lead relationship either...
Even w/the female D/s books I only want her to lead things at times, I love the idea of a strong alpha male who is strong enough in who he is and is not, to be able to give over control at times...
It takes a strong man to bend,or woman, sorry I know I digress ..
Now in the series w/the Knight consorts it made sense for the strong female lead to almost always be in charge, but this wasn't quite the same and while being patient was a good thing I still would have like to see Rhys fight more for what he wanted instead of being lead around by the nose when for over 75% of the book almost the book the poor guy was doing good to just get a kiss...
But Thank you very much...
I can't wait for more..
January 10, 2020
An absolute MUST READ for SciFi romance fans!
Excellent intro to what I am sure is going to be a great series. From the beginning the reader is plunged into a fresh storyline that manages to successfully blend SciFi, romance and even Fantasy. If you like strong characters, hot romance, and action, you’ll love this. Style and storyline similar to Anna Hackett, Grace Goodwin, Anna Carven, and Zoey Draven. Going back online to get the next book right now!
Excellent intro to what I am sure is going to be a great series. From the beginning the reader is plunged into a fresh storyline that manages to successfully blend SciFi, romance and even Fantasy. If you like strong characters, hot romance, and action, you’ll love this. Style and storyline similar to Anna Hackett, Grace Goodwin, Anna Carven, and Zoey Draven. Going back online to get the next book right now!
August 11, 2017
Good read
This book took another perspective of syfy that resulted in a great story. All character reactions and behaviors seemed very realistic for the situations. Nothing seemed forced or fake. I look forward to the next book. The author did a fantastic job with this new take on a paranormal syfy. It was engaging, exciting and we'll written.
This book took another perspective of syfy that resulted in a great story. All character reactions and behaviors seemed very realistic for the situations. Nothing seemed forced or fake. I look forward to the next book. The author did a fantastic job with this new take on a paranormal syfy. It was engaging, exciting and we'll written.
June 3, 2018
I would've liked a longer prologue, to know more about the rise of Praesidio. During my reading, I was more interested by the backstory than the romance between Alexa and her Laren lover, who was more a secondary character, it seems. But, interesting story (not for the romance, though), enough that I read the second book.
November 16, 2023
Lots of world building, competent characters and a good story overall. I wish the coming on of gifts had more history or past behind it but that's about it. This is a slow burn with sexy elf aliens and a super power fmc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
La premisa es muy buena, pero la ejecución no me terminó de convencer. La autora aborda tanto en tan pocas páginas que se siente muy superficial, como un pegoteo de muchas situaciones y sin cierre para algunas de ellas, casi como si no hubiesen sucedido.
October 1, 2017
I expected this to just be a fun, short romance read, but I actually really enjoyed the plot and characters!
May 5, 2018
Mating Spark
Good book in a new series. I read book two first and loved it. Then went back to read book one
Good book in a new series. I read book two first and loved it. Then went back to read book one
May 17, 2018
I liked this - it was an easy read and the characters were likable.
September 24, 2018
3.5 stars!
Read
February 17, 2021DNF @ 59%
June 1, 2021
This was a good M/F romance novel with some steamy action.
April 30, 2023
lovely
I love this book I was in a reading dry spell, nothing look good nothing was getting my attention. But these story really did. Going to read the next one now
I love this book I was in a reading dry spell, nothing look good nothing was getting my attention. But these story really did. Going to read the next one now
July 28, 2025
Excellent new series. Well written, fast paced and great story. World building was great and loved the characters. Couldn’t put it down and eagerly bought the remaining books.
sampled-dnf
October 22, 2025DNF @ 8% due to poor character writing
August 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this one and am extremely happy i found it. Only bad thing is that i should have checked how much of the series was out before i started it. I swear cliffhangers will one day be the death of me, but it was still so worth reading! It's a bit sparse on the info that we get, but i was completely fine with that! I'm a lazy reader that doesn't much care for detailed writing since i love being able to freely use my imagination. I adored the two main characters and pretty much all of the secondary characters that we meet. I'm REALLY hoping that the next full book in the series will stick with the same two characters since we still have lots of unanswered questions and i absolutely love it when a series sticks with the same couple. I tend to never want to say goodbye to a couple i like, but no matter what i can't wait to read the next one!
Read
January 14, 2022Could not get any interest going for this story or the characters.
So many books so little time... dnf
So many books so little time... dnf
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews