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Saving Askara #2
Chasing Earth
Part II/conclusion of Saving Askara
*Revision published Nov 2018*
Tori knows Aderus sees dealing with Earth as necessary to an unlikely, but last-ditch effort to save his world; as she tries to bridge the gap between two vastly different species while proving she’s more than just some unimpressive human. But her fascination and his frustration have led to an attraction she’s unprepared to handle. Or more precisely, the consequences of acting on it. Which not only involve changes to her body, but struggling with what the fierce Askari inspires...and what’s actually possible between them.
***
Aderus never imagined a creature like Tori would be what he has come to crave, even over his own kind. The sentiments she provokes perturb as much as they entice him and understanding her proves a separate challenge. But when his actions result in an unintended threat to the balance of power in an alliance between their two races, he is forced to weigh his trust in her against the only thing that matters to him. Or so he thought.
*WARNING* Not intended for readers under 18. Contains explicit sexual content.
*Revision published Nov 2018*
Tori knows Aderus sees dealing with Earth as necessary to an unlikely, but last-ditch effort to save his world; as she tries to bridge the gap between two vastly different species while proving she’s more than just some unimpressive human. But her fascination and his frustration have led to an attraction she’s unprepared to handle. Or more precisely, the consequences of acting on it. Which not only involve changes to her body, but struggling with what the fierce Askari inspires...and what’s actually possible between them.
***
Aderus never imagined a creature like Tori would be what he has come to crave, even over his own kind. The sentiments she provokes perturb as much as they entice him and understanding her proves a separate challenge. But when his actions result in an unintended threat to the balance of power in an alliance between their two races, he is forced to weigh his trust in her against the only thing that matters to him. Or so he thought.
*WARNING* Not intended for readers under 18. Contains explicit sexual content.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2018
265 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Link
6 books368 followersJM is a part-time writer, full-time dreamer, who was raised in rural upstate New York where she still resides with her wonderful husband, their son and two four-legged fur children. She loves anything to do with space and relishes in the search for the perfect chai latte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
October 29, 2023
I actually liked the relationship dynamics between hero and heroine much better in the second installment of this duology. They are on more even ground, both trying to make steps towards understanding each other.
But unfortunately, though the romance got better, the rest got worse.
About the plot—ha! What plot, I ask you? Besides the relationship development, nothing happened in this book. The ending was not so much open-ended as non-existent. The words just stopped at a certain point, seemingly in the middle of the story.
I get the sense that when the author sat down to write this series, they didn’t have a story in mind, more like a snapshot of a dynamic and some vibes… and then rather than fill in the gaps to make a full story with plot and worldbuilding, they just got to writing and never bothered with the rest.
So that’s left me pretty ambiguous on this series. Maybe I’ll read the third book, it is short, after all. Maybe not.
But unfortunately, though the romance got better, the rest got worse.
About the plot—ha! What plot, I ask you? Besides the relationship development, nothing happened in this book. The ending was not so much open-ended as non-existent. The words just stopped at a certain point, seemingly in the middle of the story.
I get the sense that when the author sat down to write this series, they didn’t have a story in mind, more like a snapshot of a dynamic and some vibes… and then rather than fill in the gaps to make a full story with plot and worldbuilding, they just got to writing and never bothered with the rest.
So that’s left me pretty ambiguous on this series. Maybe I’ll read the third book, it is short, after all. Maybe not.
February 14, 2024
This is the second part of the Tori & Aderus duet and here we concentrate more on the developing relationship and feelings between our two new lovers.
I personally think the two would have been better as one whole complete novel all-though I still enjoyed this a lot I do think the flow would have worked out much better than actually breaking it into two separate parts.
Also for me, the first book has a slight edge over this one.
So for me, the main appeal here was how different this is to what is currently on offer out there.
This really stands itself out from the crowd with its originality.
I will definitely be reading more from this series and will be very interested on where this is heading.
Fantastically imaginative and unique sci-fi read that I enjoyed a great deal.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://zwww.facebook.com/beckiebookw...
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 22, 2021
Audio 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
September 24, 2018
Chasing Earth is the conclusion to the story that was started in Saving Askara. So, if you haven't read Saving Askara you absolutely need to read that first otherwise this book will make no sense. In this book we discover why Tori's eyes have suddenly changed to be like an Askari and we get our HEA, we also get hint at the next could J.M Link is going to hook up...hopefully.To say I loved Saving Askara is a massive understatement. I adored it, it is one of my favourites this year. Link introduced us to the Askari and species of alien who in looks are reminiscent of Predator with their dreadlocks and build (but don't worry, no mouth mandibles!), and are known in the universe to be fierce fighters, but highly independent even from one another. Tori, a doctor, becomes humanity's ambassador to the Askari and is finds herself becoming fascinated and attracted to Aderus, the Askari's ambassador.
In Saving Earth I was really hoping for a deepening of the relationship between Tori and Aderus. In Saving Askara they were just learning to understand and communicate with one another, yet in Chasing Earth it all seemed to take a step backwards. The connection between Tori and Aderus had mysteriously disappeared and never really made a come back. And, because of this the HEA between them wasn't very satisfying and instead just seemed odd as all chemistry had gone.
Another aspect of the story that seemed to have gone was also the story itself. The Askari has a huge extinction level threat aimed at them, yet that urgency was no longer there. Then there was the mystery of why Tori's eyes had morphed and the conclusion to which was underwhelming and I failed to see the point of adding this extra aspect to the story.
I actually feel guilty writing this review; I desperately wanted to like this book, but the magic that was present in Saving Askara just wasn't here. In someways I believe it would have been better to have just made Saving Askara longer and concluded the romance in one book rather than trying to stretch it out over two. But, I may be in the minority in this opinion as when I have looked at reviews for this book they are overwhelmingly positive.
Although I found this book disappointing it doesn't take away from how fantastic the first book was. I fully plan on reading whatever Link brings out next as although this book wasn't great I do love the idea behind it.
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 27, 2020
★ 3 Stars ★
“Your sun is too bright. And hot,” he finally rumbled. “When it sets...that is when your world shows its beauty.”
Well I finally finished up Tori and Aderus' story, GO ME! ✨I feel accomplished✨. Now I have to say. . .this follow up was, nice. I think it really helped that it has been a while since I read Saving Askara because if I had read this book immediately after reading Saving Askara I would've been a bit disappointed. While this wasn't bad by any means it definitely felt like nothing really. . .well happened. There just wasn't much plot happening, or if there was I just wasn't that interested in it so it flew over my head.
Essentially I can sum up this book in two words:
👾✨ A L I E N ✨👾 S E X 👾✨
Which I mean isn't a bad thing. Total honesty time, half the enjoyment I get out of reading "alien romances" is from reading the interesting ways the human and alien protagonist go to pound-town, if you will. I always find the various descriptions of alien peens HIGHLY entertaining.
But, what did disappoint me is that Tori and Aderus's relationship. It didn't really seem to progress much, nor did they communicate all that much? For a book that was billed as "more romantic", the romance felt sorely lacking. If anything it felt like Aderus spoke/emoted LESS in this book than he did in the previous book. In addition, the "mysterious reveal" about what was happening to Tori was a bit, well. . . 🚀✨ l a m e 🚀✨ . It didn't warrant a cliffhanger in my humble opinion, and the reveal felt very anti-climatic. I was hoping the "mysterious virus" was going to lead to some creepy alien birthing scene or something.
I mean is it bad that I wanted something like this to happen for the climax of the book -
this gif. might be a bit disturbing so click at your own risk. . .personally i think the alien looks kinda cute ;)
I mean who says we can't have body horror and romance in the same book? Come on people Breaking Dawn did it!
*disappointed sigh*
Overall, Chasing Earth had its moments. I still enjoyed all the interactions between Aderus and Tori, I liked getting some new information on Asarka, and am really looking forward to reading Spanning Worlds . However, I will say this book didn't quite inspire the same excitement that I felt when I finished reading its predecessor. All in all, I still think if you like the "alien romance" genre this is a good series to check out. It definitely stands out as different amongst its contemporaries.
Pondering instead on how when he looked at Tori now, he saw a desirable female—not her otherness—and a strange awareness gripped him at the idea that followed.
“Your sun is too bright. And hot,” he finally rumbled. “When it sets...that is when your world shows its beauty.”
Well I finally finished up Tori and Aderus' story, GO ME! ✨I feel accomplished✨. Now I have to say. . .this follow up was, nice. I think it really helped that it has been a while since I read Saving Askara because if I had read this book immediately after reading Saving Askara I would've been a bit disappointed. While this wasn't bad by any means it definitely felt like nothing really. . .well happened. There just wasn't much plot happening, or if there was I just wasn't that interested in it so it flew over my head.
Essentially I can sum up this book in two words:
👾✨ A L I E N ✨👾 S E X 👾✨
Which I mean isn't a bad thing. Total honesty time, half the enjoyment I get out of reading "alien romances" is from reading the interesting ways the human and alien protagonist go to pound-town, if you will. I always find the various descriptions of alien peens HIGHLY entertaining.
But, what did disappoint me is that Tori and Aderus's relationship. It didn't really seem to progress much, nor did they communicate all that much? For a book that was billed as "more romantic", the romance felt sorely lacking. If anything it felt like Aderus spoke/emoted LESS in this book than he did in the previous book. In addition, the "mysterious reveal" about what was happening to Tori was a bit, well. . . 🚀✨ l a m e 🚀✨ . It didn't warrant a cliffhanger in my humble opinion, and the reveal felt very anti-climatic. I was hoping the "mysterious virus" was going to lead to some creepy alien birthing scene or something.
I mean is it bad that I wanted something like this to happen for the climax of the book -
this gif. might be a bit disturbing so click at your own risk. . .personally i think the alien looks kinda cute ;)
I mean who says we can't have body horror and romance in the same book? Come on people Breaking Dawn did it!
*disappointed sigh*
Overall, Chasing Earth had its moments. I still enjoyed all the interactions between Aderus and Tori, I liked getting some new information on Asarka, and am really looking forward to reading Spanning Worlds . However, I will say this book didn't quite inspire the same excitement that I felt when I finished reading its predecessor. All in all, I still think if you like the "alien romance" genre this is a good series to check out. It definitely stands out as different amongst its contemporaries.
Pondering instead on how when he looked at Tori now, he saw a desirable female—not her otherness—and a strange awareness gripped him at the idea that followed.
September 20, 2018
Less intense than Saving Askara but it’s a good ending for Tori’s and Aderus’s story.
Not exactly HEA, more like HFN because this world is continuing, only the stories will be told by different couples.
So I guess, we will see more of this couple from other H/h POV:)
I don’t mind! ❤️❤️❤️
Not exactly HEA, more like HFN because this world is continuing, only the stories will be told by different couples.
So I guess, we will see more of this couple from other H/h POV:)
I don’t mind! ❤️❤️❤️
November 12, 2018
This series is great addition to my beloved alien-alien romance. I loved the first book and enjoyed this one almost just as much. It's not perfect, but it's short, engaging, and I really do like the H and h. I'm glad they are finding a way to come together, even with all of their cultural differences. I am definitely looking forward to experiencing the other's stories as well. Bring on some more weird Askarian lovin'!
April 22, 2021
4 stars audio
3.75 stars story
3.75 stars story
November 4, 2020
It’s funny. I finished Saving Askara with high hopes; pleasantly surprised by the amount of thought and effort put into it. I began researching the sequel before I was even done, and was initially surprised and upset by the stunningly low number of pages in it when compared to its predecessor. I appreciated though, the fact that Link was careful to include an author’s note explaining the publishing restrictions causing her to split a complete story into two pieces. Therefore I was primed and excited to continue on. I started reading February 10th. I finished March 5th. It took me almost a month for finish 174 pages. Chasing Earth is everything Savings Askara isn’t. It’s repetitive, inane, and decidedly unromantic. At the end I finished it just to say I could, and even that was a struggle.
I’m not going to lie, I disliked the direction from the get go. Having Tori develop changes in her genes post capitulation of their relationship is the world’s biggest cop-out, and goes against everything Link previously established. I lauded her ability to meld two completely different species together. Their initial interactions where they learn to communicate and cohabitate is well constructed. Although they are opposite in every way – Askara females are ruthlessly dominant, and love doesn’t even have a comparable word in their language, Tori and Aderus are well on their way at least developing a mutual regard by proximity. Having Tori morph into some kind of hybrid between the species negates any kind of feeling Aderus might have developed in spite of her ‘negative’ traits. Now he is enticed by her scent because it reminds him of home, and her Havet, previously gifted earlier, lends her convenient strength comparable to if he were to be with one of his own kind. La-Ame!
And strangely enough, even with the actual directionality being altered in the worst possible way, it’s not my biggest complaint. That follows solely on the shoulder of our heroine Tori. I chose not to comment on her as a character previously, reserving judgement once I had the full picture. Well I’ve got the full picture, and I don’t like what I’m seeing. I have tirelessly stated that in the case of romance novels, the female character’s characterization matters much less than the male. Not because they don’t matter, but because we’re all here to read about how decidedly sexy the male is, and how he cares for the blank canvas that is the heroine whom we can project ourselves onto to better relate to the story. Therefore minimally speaking, all Tori has to do is be slightly courageous, slightly sassy, and not stupid. Somehow however, Tori manages to fail at all three.
Let’s start with the courageous aspect and go from there. She is a contradiction of personalities, changing by the page, each one more add odds with the previous one than ever before. This is the same woman who is asked to be ambassador (for ambiguous reasons) to an alien species, a species she has spent 400 pages acclimating to their aggressive behaviors. You might remember her from such instances like ‘daring to attack Aderus in front of his own people with no defense’ or simply just ‘daring to enter and alien spaceship without back up or knowledge of what they might be hiding’. Well, by the beginning of Chasing Earth that characterization is completely out the window, traded in for a newer model –one that jumps when a moth flies by her head, screaming when Aderus chooses to eat one, and once she gains the ability to stand toe to toe with the Askara, vacillates constantly between using her new found power to gain respect and being even more frightened of them than ever before.
So her characterization is wishy-washy, but the crux of her crime is her ability to do her actual job. In case anyone has forgotten Tori IS A DOCTOR. Link do you even remember this? She is chosen as ambassador because they have wounded on board and she is a specialist in that area. Now however, she develops a strange illness and is suddenly unable to do anything ‘doctorly’ to research the cause. Sure they suspect it’s a virus, and thus they bring in a virologist, but let’s get real, that’s just a thinly veiled ploy to introduce the next female character for future sequels. There is no reason why Tori can’t draw her own blood samples or perhaps run a PCR. Tori instead spends the majority of this overly long 174 pages quarantined in her room without any ability to research her own symptoms and develop a plan for her own care. Why?!?! I cannot describe my shear level of annoyance with her inability to take control of her own fate. A doctor that can’t doctor… enough said.
And how have I gotten this far without touching on the romantic portion of this book. By Saving Askara’s end, although Tori and Aderus have a connection, it’s more physical than anything, and I was really looking forward to watching Link meld the two cultures together into a realistic relationship. Well that doesn’t happen. Truly, I think the attempt was doomed from the start. Humans and Askara are simply too different. The Askara are devoid of relationships; they have no family units, nor desire to cohabitate. They do not raise young together or have any societal structure. They do not even have a word or notion for the word love. How then is it believable for an Askara to fall in love with a human? Tori is not the aggressor in their relationship as Aderus would want. She cannot hunt. And she spends every waking moment trying to attribute human notions to him even knowing what she does about him. She is the one who initially learns about their culture – appropriate since she is our newly raised alien ambassador, so why is she obsessed with making him spend the night with her, sleep on a bed, use the food generators, something they have no need of nor interest in. I found myself simply thinking – ‘leave him alone! he’s not human.’ I really can’t see what Aderus sees in her, and the longer it went, the more disabused I became with their relationship, if it can even be called that. In fact, I would be hard pressed to even say that Aderus and Tori were ever in love at all.
The overarching plot is also a problem, but in comparison to the problems listed above, is the least of my worries. But I will briefly say, what’s the point of creating this entire cultural exchange of information if there is no climax and resolution? By book’s end, we have half a hybrid ship built, we have never travelled to Askara, and Earth and Askara barely have a working relationship. The entire thing is pointless, but truthfully, had the rest of the book worked, it would have been minimally problematic – I don’t come to romance novels for a complex plot. But as it stands now, yet another failure on top of a crumbling tower of troubles, it’s probably my final straw. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained by Saving Askara. I am the complete opposite with Chasing Earth. The only thing I’m happy about at this point is the fact that it’s over. ***1 dismal star***
I’m not going to lie, I disliked the direction from the get go. Having Tori develop changes in her genes post capitulation of their relationship is the world’s biggest cop-out, and goes against everything Link previously established. I lauded her ability to meld two completely different species together. Their initial interactions where they learn to communicate and cohabitate is well constructed. Although they are opposite in every way – Askara females are ruthlessly dominant, and love doesn’t even have a comparable word in their language, Tori and Aderus are well on their way at least developing a mutual regard by proximity. Having Tori morph into some kind of hybrid between the species negates any kind of feeling Aderus might have developed in spite of her ‘negative’ traits. Now he is enticed by her scent because it reminds him of home, and her Havet, previously gifted earlier, lends her convenient strength comparable to if he were to be with one of his own kind. La-Ame!
And strangely enough, even with the actual directionality being altered in the worst possible way, it’s not my biggest complaint. That follows solely on the shoulder of our heroine Tori. I chose not to comment on her as a character previously, reserving judgement once I had the full picture. Well I’ve got the full picture, and I don’t like what I’m seeing. I have tirelessly stated that in the case of romance novels, the female character’s characterization matters much less than the male. Not because they don’t matter, but because we’re all here to read about how decidedly sexy the male is, and how he cares for the blank canvas that is the heroine whom we can project ourselves onto to better relate to the story. Therefore minimally speaking, all Tori has to do is be slightly courageous, slightly sassy, and not stupid. Somehow however, Tori manages to fail at all three.
Let’s start with the courageous aspect and go from there. She is a contradiction of personalities, changing by the page, each one more add odds with the previous one than ever before. This is the same woman who is asked to be ambassador (for ambiguous reasons) to an alien species, a species she has spent 400 pages acclimating to their aggressive behaviors. You might remember her from such instances like ‘daring to attack Aderus in front of his own people with no defense’ or simply just ‘daring to enter and alien spaceship without back up or knowledge of what they might be hiding’. Well, by the beginning of Chasing Earth that characterization is completely out the window, traded in for a newer model –one that jumps when a moth flies by her head, screaming when Aderus chooses to eat one, and once she gains the ability to stand toe to toe with the Askara, vacillates constantly between using her new found power to gain respect and being even more frightened of them than ever before.
So her characterization is wishy-washy, but the crux of her crime is her ability to do her actual job. In case anyone has forgotten Tori IS A DOCTOR. Link do you even remember this? She is chosen as ambassador because they have wounded on board and she is a specialist in that area. Now however, she develops a strange illness and is suddenly unable to do anything ‘doctorly’ to research the cause. Sure they suspect it’s a virus, and thus they bring in a virologist, but let’s get real, that’s just a thinly veiled ploy to introduce the next female character for future sequels. There is no reason why Tori can’t draw her own blood samples or perhaps run a PCR. Tori instead spends the majority of this overly long 174 pages quarantined in her room without any ability to research her own symptoms and develop a plan for her own care. Why?!?! I cannot describe my shear level of annoyance with her inability to take control of her own fate. A doctor that can’t doctor… enough said.
And how have I gotten this far without touching on the romantic portion of this book. By Saving Askara’s end, although Tori and Aderus have a connection, it’s more physical than anything, and I was really looking forward to watching Link meld the two cultures together into a realistic relationship. Well that doesn’t happen. Truly, I think the attempt was doomed from the start. Humans and Askara are simply too different. The Askara are devoid of relationships; they have no family units, nor desire to cohabitate. They do not raise young together or have any societal structure. They do not even have a word or notion for the word love. How then is it believable for an Askara to fall in love with a human? Tori is not the aggressor in their relationship as Aderus would want. She cannot hunt. And she spends every waking moment trying to attribute human notions to him even knowing what she does about him. She is the one who initially learns about their culture – appropriate since she is our newly raised alien ambassador, so why is she obsessed with making him spend the night with her, sleep on a bed, use the food generators, something they have no need of nor interest in. I found myself simply thinking – ‘leave him alone! he’s not human.’ I really can’t see what Aderus sees in her, and the longer it went, the more disabused I became with their relationship, if it can even be called that. In fact, I would be hard pressed to even say that Aderus and Tori were ever in love at all.
The overarching plot is also a problem, but in comparison to the problems listed above, is the least of my worries. But I will briefly say, what’s the point of creating this entire cultural exchange of information if there is no climax and resolution? By book’s end, we have half a hybrid ship built, we have never travelled to Askara, and Earth and Askara barely have a working relationship. The entire thing is pointless, but truthfully, had the rest of the book worked, it would have been minimally problematic – I don’t come to romance novels for a complex plot. But as it stands now, yet another failure on top of a crumbling tower of troubles, it’s probably my final straw. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained by Saving Askara. I am the complete opposite with Chasing Earth. The only thing I’m happy about at this point is the fact that it’s over. ***1 dismal star***
September 21, 2018
So the conclusion of Tori and Aderus’s story i found honestly not so satisfying.
This is going to be a series, where each book is to be about a different couple but we will see small appearances from Tori and Aderus throughout the rest of the series.
I wanted to see Tori on Askara, her urge to survive in a strange environment and maybe her interaction with other Askara females.
I found the second part tamed, especially with regard to Aderus. In comparison with the first part he was much calmer and tamer, in my opinion. I understand that it could be a kind of spiritual growth, but it happened too quickly for me.
In my opinion it was to much sugary coated just to wrap it up and give it a happy ending. A small missed opportunity.
That said, I must honestly say it was a uniqe and fascinating story with action, romance and sci fi elements. Recommended.
This is going to be a series, where each book is to be about a different couple but we will see small appearances from Tori and Aderus throughout the rest of the series.
I wanted to see Tori on Askara, her urge to survive in a strange environment and maybe her interaction with other Askara females.
I found the second part tamed, especially with regard to Aderus. In comparison with the first part he was much calmer and tamer, in my opinion. I understand that it could be a kind of spiritual growth, but it happened too quickly for me.
In my opinion it was to much sugary coated just to wrap it up and give it a happy ending. A small missed opportunity.
That said, I must honestly say it was a uniqe and fascinating story with action, romance and sci fi elements. Recommended.
April 28, 2024
Couple are slowly accepting their cultural differences and while h is in love with her alien, his capacity for love is unclear but she's all he can see. I like her accepting him as he is, understanding when he can't compromise. The writing is outstanding, all show no tell. Loved it.
August 5, 2020
3.5
re-read
I like where that story is going and how the alien/human alliance is shaping up- as well as the continued romance and co-habitation that is going for our main couple. Yay more personal growth and schmexy times!
But I will say-- the way the sex scenes were written had me kind of confused on what was going on...I mean obviously I understood they were getting down with the get down- but bodily positions and flow of how the scene was written was a little disjointed in some way. Like I was having a hard time picturing it in my mind if that makes sense.
Also, I am disappointed that this is the end to Aderus and Tori's story??
I mean I want to see how she progresses with Henry, her growing stronger, their relationship advancing, how to two deal with going into space and Tori discovering Aderus' homeworld- and the two fighting against the elusive baddies.....
So while I will probably read the new book coming out with the other doc...Mina?...I'll be honest in saying I wish I was getting a continuation of the main couples story.
re-read
I like where that story is going and how the alien/human alliance is shaping up- as well as the continued romance and co-habitation that is going for our main couple. Yay more personal growth and schmexy times!
But I will say-- the way the sex scenes were written had me kind of confused on what was going on...I mean obviously I understood they were getting down with the get down- but bodily positions and flow of how the scene was written was a little disjointed in some way. Like I was having a hard time picturing it in my mind if that makes sense.
Also, I am disappointed that this is the end to Aderus and Tori's story??
I mean I want to see how she progresses with Henry, her growing stronger, their relationship advancing, how to two deal with going into space and Tori discovering Aderus' homeworld- and the two fighting against the elusive baddies.....
So while I will probably read the new book coming out with the other doc...Mina?...I'll be honest in saying I wish I was getting a continuation of the main couples story.
October 2, 2018
I’m disappointed This was not a story. There was no real protagonist. Why does every story make humans into bad guys? At the ending of the last book, I was so excited to know what happened when her eyes changed. It was just Henry... That’s it? The was too short. I got bored several times while reading it. I hate to say something negative but I had liked reading about Earth people that helped the aliens. This was listed as a alien romance but it wasn’t really. This story revolves around Henry. What happened to the alien that was the outcast? Why introduce him but do nothing with him in the story. Then it ends on Mina asking for advice. just annoyed. That was not really a conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
I was super pumped about this book.
I really enjoyed the first one and couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
However, this book fell short with me.
I just could not get into it at all.
I ended up stopping at like 55%, read the last chapter, and then just didn't go back.
I'm really sad to have not liked this one.
Maybe it was just me though.
I really enjoyed the first one and couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
However, this book fell short with me.
I just could not get into it at all.
I ended up stopping at like 55%, read the last chapter, and then just didn't go back.
I'm really sad to have not liked this one.
Maybe it was just me though.
September 19, 2018
Chasing Earth is the conclusion to the story that was started in Saving Askara. So, if you haven't read Saving Askara you absolutely need to read that first otherwise this book will make no sense. In this book we discover why Tori's eyes have suddenly changed to be like an Askari and we get our HEA, we also get hint at the next could J.M Link is going to hook up...hopefully.
To say I loved Saving Askara is a massive understatement. I adored it, it is one of my favourites this year. Link introduced us to the Askari and species of alien who in looks are reminiscent of Predator with their dreadlocks and build (but don't worry, no mouth mandibles!), and are known in the universe to be fierce fighters, but highly independent even from one another. Tori, a doctor, becomes humanity's ambassador to the Askari and is finds herself becoming fascinated and attracted to Aderus, the Askari's ambassador.
In Chasing Earth I was really hoping for a deepening of the relationship between Tori and Aderus. In Saving Askara they were just learning to understand and communicate with one another, yet in Chasing Earth it all seemed to take a step backwards. The connection between Tori and Aderus had mysteriously disappeared and never really made a come back. And, because of this the HEA between them wasn't very satisfying and instead just seemed odd as all chemistry had gone.
Another aspect of the story that seemed to have gone was also the story itself. The Askari has a huge extinction level threat aimed at them, yet that urgency was no longer there. Then there was the mystery of why Tori's eyes had morphed and the conclusion to which was underwhelming and I failed to see the point of adding this extra aspect to the story.
I actually feel guilty writing this review; I desperately wanted to like this book, but the magic that was present in Saving Askara just wasn't here. In someways I believe it would have been better to have just made Saving Askara longer and concluded the romance in one book rather than trying to stretch it out over two. But, I may be in the minority in this opinion as when I have looked at reviews for this book they are overwhelmingly positive.
Although I found this book disappointing it doesn't take away from how fantastic the first book was. I fully plan on reading whatever Link brings out next as although this book wasn't great I do love the idea behind it.
To say I loved Saving Askara is a massive understatement. I adored it, it is one of my favourites this year. Link introduced us to the Askari and species of alien who in looks are reminiscent of Predator with their dreadlocks and build (but don't worry, no mouth mandibles!), and are known in the universe to be fierce fighters, but highly independent even from one another. Tori, a doctor, becomes humanity's ambassador to the Askari and is finds herself becoming fascinated and attracted to Aderus, the Askari's ambassador.
In Chasing Earth I was really hoping for a deepening of the relationship between Tori and Aderus. In Saving Askara they were just learning to understand and communicate with one another, yet in Chasing Earth it all seemed to take a step backwards. The connection between Tori and Aderus had mysteriously disappeared and never really made a come back. And, because of this the HEA between them wasn't very satisfying and instead just seemed odd as all chemistry had gone.
Another aspect of the story that seemed to have gone was also the story itself. The Askari has a huge extinction level threat aimed at them, yet that urgency was no longer there. Then there was the mystery of why Tori's eyes had morphed and the conclusion to which was underwhelming and I failed to see the point of adding this extra aspect to the story.
I actually feel guilty writing this review; I desperately wanted to like this book, but the magic that was present in Saving Askara just wasn't here. In someways I believe it would have been better to have just made Saving Askara longer and concluded the romance in one book rather than trying to stretch it out over two. But, I may be in the minority in this opinion as when I have looked at reviews for this book they are overwhelmingly positive.
Although I found this book disappointing it doesn't take away from how fantastic the first book was. I fully plan on reading whatever Link brings out next as although this book wasn't great I do love the idea behind it.
January 29, 2021
3.5. ...with some disgruntled Askaran chittering.
After enjoying the first book in this series, I was hoping for more forward movement with the overall plot. Unfortunately, my wishes didn’t come true, and instead the author languished in a lot of pointless back and forth between the H and h. Nothing. Happened. At. All. Even her Super Mario suit didn’t make her very super.
Why?!? Why the eff didn’t the author make there be explosions and space battles and tense, heart in your throat, last minute realizations about feelings and trust and all that emo stuff ? Why didn’t Tori betray earth and steal a “hybrid” space ship to go save Askara? Hell, I would have taken an alien pregnancy.
Instead, they wandered around an arboretum...a lot. And had a lot of sex. And...I dunno. Talked about smells?
So many missed opportunities here. 20,000 more words of awesome and plot and I would have been hooked for book three, but instead we ended with a contented sigh and a soft focus space sunset as if anything about these characters’ relationship had satisfyingly concluded.
After enjoying the first book in this series, I was hoping for more forward movement with the overall plot. Unfortunately, my wishes didn’t come true, and instead the author languished in a lot of pointless back and forth between the H and h. Nothing. Happened. At. All. Even her Super Mario suit didn’t make her very super.
Why?!? Why the eff didn’t the author make there be explosions and space battles and tense, heart in your throat, last minute realizations about feelings and trust and all that emo stuff ? Why didn’t Tori betray earth and steal a “hybrid” space ship to go save Askara? Hell, I would have taken an alien pregnancy.
Instead, they wandered around an arboretum...a lot. And had a lot of sex. And...I dunno. Talked about smells?
So many missed opportunities here. 20,000 more words of awesome and plot and I would have been hooked for book three, but instead we ended with a contented sigh and a soft focus space sunset as if anything about these characters’ relationship had satisfyingly concluded.
August 5, 2020
The continuation of Tori and Aderus' story, and their relationship continues to evolve. The Askari remind me of the Kordolians from
. Very predatory, strong and strange aliens.
Earth's alliance with the Askari continues to balance precariously as they get to know each other. Aderus finally starts to let Tori in and they take some cautious steps forward.
Still loving the series and now waiting for book 3.
. Very predatory, strong and strange aliens.Earth's alliance with the Askari continues to balance precariously as they get to know each other. Aderus finally starts to let Tori in and they take some cautious steps forward.
Still loving the series and now waiting for book 3.
September 26, 2018
It felt too much like the author was trying to chase what worked in the last book and accidentally went overboard. The aliens started acting like gross, demanding and unintelligent assholes in her attempt to keep them different and alien. Like, serious assholes. Like to the point that I was completely on the side of all the people that hated them and wanted to fight them.
Also the central relationship was just... Not a relationship. Again, in the author's need to maintain cultural differences, she sacrificed the plot and made the central characters antagonistic for no real good reason and Teri just seemed kinda stupid and doe eyed.
Meh. I'm good on this series.
Also the central relationship was just... Not a relationship. Again, in the author's need to maintain cultural differences, she sacrificed the plot and made the central characters antagonistic for no real good reason and Teri just seemed kinda stupid and doe eyed.
Meh. I'm good on this series.
November 30, 2021
2 stars generously
This is was as exciting as watching paint dry. For having had 2 books this story was beyond subpar
This is was as exciting as watching paint dry. For having had 2 books this story was beyond subpar
April 10, 2024
I ended up surprised with how much I liked the first instalment. I was hoping for a continuation if not a ramp up of plot here and didn’t really get it.
I saw the authors note discussing how she wrote with the perspective that relationships never really end they culminate and it’s better left open ended. I can totally understand that. However this couple had two books. Two books is enough time to lay out the story and the romance.
It’s a alien/human romance I get the HFN ending. However abrupt.. whatever..
But she should’ve got to a more solid point by the end of this book. I felt it explored more their sexual relationship than anything else. The delivery was off for this one.
I saw the authors note discussing how she wrote with the perspective that relationships never really end they culminate and it’s better left open ended. I can totally understand that. However this couple had two books. Two books is enough time to lay out the story and the romance.
It’s a alien/human romance I get the HFN ending. However abrupt.. whatever..
But she should’ve got to a more solid point by the end of this book. I felt it explored more their sexual relationship than anything else. The delivery was off for this one.
September 24, 2018
Love doesn't always look like love
Tori is under the microscope. Ironic, as she's the physician. But Wells and the other humans are determined to figure out what Henry can do, especially after a few new tricks are revealed, and watching her may get them their answers. Aderus, keen to know when he's being watched, has discovered how to avoid such observations. He doesn't understand the humans' need to be so close. Their kind just don't bond like that. This war has forced them to rely on human assistance, and to become somewhat closer as a species, as there are so few of them left. That doesn't make it any easier to accept Tori's need for touch. It doesn't mean he doesn't like it, though, either. As Tori and Aderus work through their relationship, so do the humans and Askarians. Miscommunications still abound, the dietary issues are still a huge problem and then there's these strange energy fluctuations going on with the alloy delivery. With so many differences, can they actually make things work between the 2 species?
Spoilers ahead-
This is not a "happily ever after" as most romances go. This is a blending of 2 very different cultures and things are as unusual as the 2 beings involved. Aderus doesn't just suddenly capitulate to human standards. Tori doesn't suddenly become an Askarian battle queen. They learn to function within their differences and make things work for them both. I still have so many questions, though. Why is the pale one still lurking about? Can Wells' people really be trusted with their own versions of Henry? Will this be the last insight into Tori and Aderus's relationship? Because this doesn't really feel like the end of it, especially with the hormonal upheaval she's been going through. Will Jadar, as a healer, be a slightly softer version, or just as fierce as any other Askarian? Will we get to meet the female Askarians? And, oh please let this happen, will they decide to try to claim a human male? I see so much fun in that. Will Askarians include an arboretum in their new ships? Because they really seem to like them. Why do the Askarians no longer need the synthetic blood? Is it because they are all mostly healed now? And why does "drinking from the tap" seem to have a narcotic effect? I have so many more things I want to know and the wait for the next is going to be so hard.
Tori is under the microscope. Ironic, as she's the physician. But Wells and the other humans are determined to figure out what Henry can do, especially after a few new tricks are revealed, and watching her may get them their answers. Aderus, keen to know when he's being watched, has discovered how to avoid such observations. He doesn't understand the humans' need to be so close. Their kind just don't bond like that. This war has forced them to rely on human assistance, and to become somewhat closer as a species, as there are so few of them left. That doesn't make it any easier to accept Tori's need for touch. It doesn't mean he doesn't like it, though, either. As Tori and Aderus work through their relationship, so do the humans and Askarians. Miscommunications still abound, the dietary issues are still a huge problem and then there's these strange energy fluctuations going on with the alloy delivery. With so many differences, can they actually make things work between the 2 species?
Spoilers ahead-
This is not a "happily ever after" as most romances go. This is a blending of 2 very different cultures and things are as unusual as the 2 beings involved. Aderus doesn't just suddenly capitulate to human standards. Tori doesn't suddenly become an Askarian battle queen. They learn to function within their differences and make things work for them both. I still have so many questions, though. Why is the pale one still lurking about? Can Wells' people really be trusted with their own versions of Henry? Will this be the last insight into Tori and Aderus's relationship? Because this doesn't really feel like the end of it, especially with the hormonal upheaval she's been going through. Will Jadar, as a healer, be a slightly softer version, or just as fierce as any other Askarian? Will we get to meet the female Askarians? And, oh please let this happen, will they decide to try to claim a human male? I see so much fun in that. Will Askarians include an arboretum in their new ships? Because they really seem to like them. Why do the Askarians no longer need the synthetic blood? Is it because they are all mostly healed now? And why does "drinking from the tap" seem to have a narcotic effect? I have so many more things I want to know and the wait for the next is going to be so hard.
October 19, 2020
I loved it omg!!!
A friend of mine recommended me this series and I gave it a try.... and WOOW!
I read both books in a day an a half! xD Such a good surprise!
Generally, this gender does not have a slow burn romance, or many racial differences between H and h, but these two did and it was amaaaazing!
I cannot remark enough how good the interactions between the main two characters were!! Their one sided conversations that didn't feel like that AT ALL, how they perceived their physical differences at the beginning and slooooowly started to see themselves differently, !!!!the steamy scenes!!!!, how slowly but surely they connected in an emotional level even when they were so dissimilar because YES, THEY ARE FROM DIFFERENT PLANETS PEOPLE!
It really is not that good when characters in this type of books have sex at the first encounters, I mean really! And these books proved how good and hot and sexy the sex scenes can still be even when the author makes us wait for them a little! xD
And if we pair a good plot with convincing, RATIONAL characters? Ugh, I am so done for other types of books.
Can I just add HOW AMAZING the heroine is? I mean... she was feeling fear, and all human emotions BUT SHE COULD STILL BE RATIONAL AND BRAVE AND A KICK ASS!
No, seriously... in how many series of this kind can you see that the h is not a dramatic damsel in distress who forgives every single thing that the H does to her?! *rolls eyes
And the hero... well, I'm in love. IN LOVE. Is there anything else to say?
I cannot wait for the third book coming out this late October!!!!!
A friend of mine recommended me this series and I gave it a try.... and WOOW!
I read both books in a day an a half! xD Such a good surprise!
Generally, this gender does not have a slow burn romance, or many racial differences between H and h, but these two did and it was amaaaazing!
I cannot remark enough how good the interactions between the main two characters were!! Their one sided conversations that didn't feel like that AT ALL, how they perceived their physical differences at the beginning and slooooowly started to see themselves differently, !!!!the steamy scenes!!!!, how slowly but surely they connected in an emotional level even when they were so dissimilar because YES, THEY ARE FROM DIFFERENT PLANETS PEOPLE!
It really is not that good when characters in this type of books have sex at the first encounters, I mean really! And these books proved how good and hot and sexy the sex scenes can still be even when the author makes us wait for them a little! xD
And if we pair a good plot with convincing, RATIONAL characters? Ugh, I am so done for other types of books.
Can I just add HOW AMAZING the heroine is? I mean... she was feeling fear, and all human emotions BUT SHE COULD STILL BE RATIONAL AND BRAVE AND A KICK ASS!
No, seriously... in how many series of this kind can you see that the h is not a dramatic damsel in distress who forgives every single thing that the H does to her?! *rolls eyes
And the hero... well, I'm in love. IN LOVE. Is there anything else to say?
I cannot wait for the third book coming out this late October!!!!!
November 21, 2018
Book 1 was better. There I said it.
J.M., you liar!!
You said no more cliff-hangers!!
Okay, "technically" this wasn't a cliff-hanger but I have to wait till fall of next year for the "cover" of the next book to be released.
I am not satisfied. These books were too short. I have too many questions.
Help. Me.
December 25, 2018
It's like the main heroine from Saving Askara was abducted and replaced by lovesick fool... waiting for a tiniest scraps of affection... I loved first part and am sooo disappointed in that 'conclusion'. Aderus makes no effort to get to now her and her habits but Tori just begs and begs and begs and spends whole book looking for him or searching for any deeper meaning in his behavior... meh
Read
April 12, 2020Enjoyable read
This book was great, however, for some reason the sex scenes confused me sometimes but that may be because I was speed reading. I will definitely follow this series, it has great potential. It got me out of my reading hangover!
This book was great, however, for some reason the sex scenes confused me sometimes but that may be because I was speed reading. I will definitely follow this series, it has great potential. It got me out of my reading hangover!
October 9, 2018
I really wish this book was alot longer or she wrote more books!!!!
Totally loved this book can't wait for the next one!!!
And she ended with cliff hanger again which I'm not happy 😢
Totally loved this book can't wait for the next one!!!
And she ended with cliff hanger again which I'm not happy 😢
July 9, 2024
DNF @ P10 (7% - Ch.2)
BR with Helen 2.0
March 10, 2025
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5🌶🌶
The next chapter of Aderus and Tori’s journey is fantastic.
I really appreciate how this sci-fi romance between a human and an alien feels so genuine when it comes to their relationship across species.
The way they learn about each other and their unique customs is beautifully portrayed. This book focuses heavily on their connection and emotions as they get to know one another.
I can understand why some readers were upset that Aderus didn’t say "I love you" back to Tori... BUT He mentions that they don’t have a word for love, but he shows his feelings through music. Tori figures out that they express deep emotions through those sounds, realizing that’s his way of saying he loves her too.😊😊
The ending of this two-part series is quite satisfying. There’s a nice mix of them getting to know each other physically, which is well done and enjoyable, and the couple ends up with a solid HFN conclusion. The author also sets up the joint human-Askari mission to rescue Askara, setting the stage for more adventures .
There isn’t a ton of action in the plot itself. Clearly, the larger story arc will unfold throughout the series.
So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced story, this might not hit the mark. But I really loved the romance in this book; it has such a sweet vibe.
Tori loves Aderus but knows she’ll have to be understanding and give more, even if he can’t meet all her needs. She’s not a pushover, just realistic about their challenges. He struggles to compromise on his cultural values for her, which is a real issue that many couples face—a delicate balance of mutual respect and understanding without judgment, but we can definitely see the strides he has made.
⭐️⭐️ Highlights ⭐️⭐️
“Your leaders like games and illusions of power? I will play chess.”
She was just afraid of getting her heart broken. And not through any intentional misdoing on his part, but because he legitimately didn’t know how.
If you want to be with someone not of Earth, then you have to let go of Earthly expectations,
And she wanted to believe he’d felt something too. Because the second time had left her reeling—his urgency, the way he covered her. It seemed deliberate. Not to mention the initiative he’d shown. It went a long way to assuaging her greatest fear, Tori considered. And that was the thought Aderus may not be able to love her.
Did she want him to stop her? Grab her by the arm with a hissed growl and carry her into the suite for crazy alien sex, followed by some actual intimacy? Of course, she did! But not as a result of forcing him to be something he wasn’t. And Tori didn’t expect any less for herself.
There was no word for what Tori described, but his kind sometimes communicated profound feeling with sound, or what Earthers would call song.
Tori knew Askari didn’t have the same requirements for words and affection as humans did. It merely made the times they did share those things more special, and Tori liked to think she was drawing out some long-dormant part of him. As if the potential was there, they just had to discover it.
The little Earther pushed him—changed him in ways he was still grasping to understand, and would continue to do so, he was sure. But he no longer thought of a reality where they hadn’t jumped through into this world, because he didn’t want to imagine one without her...
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5🌶🌶
The next chapter of Aderus and Tori’s journey is fantastic.
I really appreciate how this sci-fi romance between a human and an alien feels so genuine when it comes to their relationship across species.
The way they learn about each other and their unique customs is beautifully portrayed. This book focuses heavily on their connection and emotions as they get to know one another.
I can understand why some readers were upset that Aderus didn’t say "I love you" back to Tori... BUT He mentions that they don’t have a word for love, but he shows his feelings through music. Tori figures out that they express deep emotions through those sounds, realizing that’s his way of saying he loves her too.😊😊
The ending of this two-part series is quite satisfying. There’s a nice mix of them getting to know each other physically, which is well done and enjoyable, and the couple ends up with a solid HFN conclusion. The author also sets up the joint human-Askari mission to rescue Askara, setting the stage for more adventures .
There isn’t a ton of action in the plot itself. Clearly, the larger story arc will unfold throughout the series.
So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced story, this might not hit the mark. But I really loved the romance in this book; it has such a sweet vibe.
Tori loves Aderus but knows she’ll have to be understanding and give more, even if he can’t meet all her needs. She’s not a pushover, just realistic about their challenges. He struggles to compromise on his cultural values for her, which is a real issue that many couples face—a delicate balance of mutual respect and understanding without judgment, but we can definitely see the strides he has made.
⭐️⭐️ Highlights ⭐️⭐️
“Your leaders like games and illusions of power? I will play chess.”
She was just afraid of getting her heart broken. And not through any intentional misdoing on his part, but because he legitimately didn’t know how.
If you want to be with someone not of Earth, then you have to let go of Earthly expectations,
And she wanted to believe he’d felt something too. Because the second time had left her reeling—his urgency, the way he covered her. It seemed deliberate. Not to mention the initiative he’d shown. It went a long way to assuaging her greatest fear, Tori considered. And that was the thought Aderus may not be able to love her.
Did she want him to stop her? Grab her by the arm with a hissed growl and carry her into the suite for crazy alien sex, followed by some actual intimacy? Of course, she did! But not as a result of forcing him to be something he wasn’t. And Tori didn’t expect any less for herself.
There was no word for what Tori described, but his kind sometimes communicated profound feeling with sound, or what Earthers would call song.
Tori knew Askari didn’t have the same requirements for words and affection as humans did. It merely made the times they did share those things more special, and Tori liked to think she was drawing out some long-dormant part of him. As if the potential was there, they just had to discover it.
The little Earther pushed him—changed him in ways he was still grasping to understand, and would continue to do so, he was sure. But he no longer thought of a reality where they hadn’t jumped through into this world, because he didn’t want to imagine one without her...
June 19, 2020
I genuinely think that this could have been combined with the first book into one, because frankly, nothing happened here. I kept waiting for the plot to develop, but aside from the protagonist getting supersuit powers to even out the power imbalance between their species... nothing. The sheer lack of substance in this book (it's 180 pages, compared to the 300+ pages of its predecessor) irks me, but alas.
I suspect that a lot of the potential plot developments got trimmed out so that the next book will have something to work with. Speaking of, I don't know how to feel about Mina Perez, the virologist introduced in this book who will end up being the protagonist of book 3. She's alright, but I don't have much investment in where her story with Jadar goes. I lowkey would like to see the albino alien find love but I'm... not necessarily interested enough to keep going with the series.
This is just a personal thing, and it's not necessarily like any of the other books in this genre do it, but they should really use safe words. Some of the sex gets wild, and we get a slight dubious consent issue given that "token resistance" is a turn-on in the alien culture. Apparently, females are expected to put up a fight, and only submit to a stronger male alien to ensure good genes. This particular cultural difference was never addressed that well and I was always a little afraid that Aderus would go too far. I mean, the dude keeps going even after Tori is too tired to reciprocate. There's a point where she says that she can't take any more, but he keeps going. Like yes, he reads that she "doesn't really mean it" but the consent issues are... iffy, to say the least. I guess it adds to his "alpha" qualities...
Kudos for kinky alien sex, I guess?
I suspect that a lot of the potential plot developments got trimmed out so that the next book will have something to work with. Speaking of, I don't know how to feel about Mina Perez, the virologist introduced in this book who will end up being the protagonist of book 3. She's alright, but I don't have much investment in where her story with Jadar goes. I lowkey would like to see the albino alien find love but I'm... not necessarily interested enough to keep going with the series.
This is just a personal thing, and it's not necessarily like any of the other books in this genre do it, but they should really use safe words. Some of the sex gets wild, and we get a slight dubious consent issue given that "token resistance" is a turn-on in the alien culture. Apparently, females are expected to put up a fight, and only submit to a stronger male alien to ensure good genes. This particular cultural difference was never addressed that well and I was always a little afraid that Aderus would go too far. I mean, the dude keeps going even after Tori is too tired to reciprocate. There's a point where she says that she can't take any more, but he keeps going. Like yes, he reads that she "doesn't really mean it" but the consent issues are... iffy, to say the least. I guess it adds to his "alpha" qualities...
Kudos for kinky alien sex, I guess?
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