What do you think?
Rate this book
The Primrose Files #1
Aliens, Smith and Jones
In a world of secrets and aliens, who can you trust with your heart?
Working for a secret organisation specialising in alien cover-ups, Connor Smith has seen it all. His love life is as boring as his work life is thrilling… until a blind date introduces him to a man who seems to tick all the right boxes. Connor’s happiness is short-lived, however, when he becomes the target of an alien stalker.
Noah Jones has been stuck on Earth since 1648, leading an unremarkable, solitary existence as a bookshop owner. He has only experienced a profound connection with a human once… until he encounters Connor. Driven by an irresistible pull, he finds himself drawn into Connor’s orbit, despite his employer and that he’s involved with someone else.
Among vanishing alien artefacts and lurking shadowy collectors, Noah’s constant presence stirs a swirl of emotions Connor struggles to decipher. But when Noah goes missing, and doubts arise around his perfect boyfriend, Connor’s orderly world shatters.
As the lines between the personal and the extra-terrestrial blur, Connor and Noah must navigate a maze of betrayal and hidden identities in this thrilling sci-fi romance.
___________________________
wordcount: 73,900 - Novel
Honourable Mention in the Best Gay Sci-Fi / Fantasy category of the Rainbow Awards 2012
NOTE: This is the second revised/re-edited edition. It was previously published by Storm Moon Press.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2012
38 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Blaine D. Arden
30 books145 followersBlaine D. Arden is an EPIC Award-winning author of Romantic Speculative Fiction. Non-binary and proud, ey sings eir way through life in platform boots and delights in creating magical worlds for queer heroes to bump into the loves of their lives at just the wrong—or right—moment. Ey believes in celebrating the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of life, and that our unique experiences and perspectives are what make us strong: “Our Difference is Our Strength.”
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent eir youth immersed in books, daydreaming, and making up stories. Quite content in entertaining emself, ey evolved from telling stories to eir favourite doll, to acting them out with eir Barbies, and finally, putting pen to paper.
When not writing, Blaine enjoys singing, sewing, and indulging in building LEGO botanical sets. Ey lives in the Netherlands with eir supportive partner of over thirty years. Despite their differences—Blaine craves shade and doesn’t drink the beers he brews, he doesn’t read romance and loves soaking up the sun—they enjoy watching quiz shows during dinner and playing cooperative games.
From the award-winning Oren’s Right to Aliens, Smith and Jones, Blaine’s books offer readers a safe and enchanting escape into richly imagined worlds with a unique blend of adventure, emotional depth, and belonging.
______________________
Non-Binary / Asexual
ey/em/eir | she/her | Mx.
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, Blaine spent eir youth immersed in books, daydreaming, and making up stories. Quite content in entertaining emself, ey evolved from telling stories to eir favourite doll, to acting them out with eir Barbies, and finally, putting pen to paper.
When not writing, Blaine enjoys singing, sewing, and indulging in building LEGO botanical sets. Ey lives in the Netherlands with eir supportive partner of over thirty years. Despite their differences—Blaine craves shade and doesn’t drink the beers he brews, he doesn’t read romance and loves soaking up the sun—they enjoy watching quiz shows during dinner and playing cooperative games.
From the award-winning Oren’s Right to Aliens, Smith and Jones, Blaine’s books offer readers a safe and enchanting escape into richly imagined worlds with a unique blend of adventure, emotional depth, and belonging.
______________________
Non-Binary / Asexual
ey/em/eir | she/her | Mx.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Read
September 24, 2018annoyances started piling up, and then it was just a matter of time before i grew too irritated to continue.
it's a pity. some good elements here, but i have a vile temper and zero tolerance for books who posit that a hundred year old men-in-black style agency would employ a man dumb enough to suspect that an alien disguised as a bookseller and living peacefully on our planet since the 17th century was the vanguard of a super-crafty invasion.
because, you know, after nearly four hundred years, e.t. has lulled us into a false sense of security.
he's got us right where he wants us.
it's a pity. some good elements here, but i have a vile temper and zero tolerance for books who posit that a hundred year old men-in-black style agency would employ a man dumb enough to suspect that an alien disguised as a bookseller and living peacefully on our planet since the 17th century was the vanguard of a super-crafty invasion.
because, you know, after nearly four hundred years, e.t. has lulled us into a false sense of security.
he's got us right where he wants us.
May 12, 2023
2.5
“He had gotten used to being human, had come to like it, and had found a place amongst them”.
Esta novela me la he leído de casualidad a causa de un error. Me explico, una compañera de estas redes me recomendó una novela, yo la apunté, pero se dan cuenta que en Goodreads a la derecha (en el ordenador) te recomiendan libros parecidos, pues al mismo tiempo le eché vistazo y encontré esta novela. Mi mente sin quererlo ni beberlo empecé este libro pensando que era el que me había comentado esta chica. Imagínense mi sorpresa cuando fui a comentar el libro con ella y me dijo que ella nunca me lo había recomendado. En fin, solo a mi me pasan estas cosas. Sin embargo, ha sido un buen “error” por así decirlo.
“I miss my skin, but I fell in love with Earth, fell in love with your books, yours stories. If I return, if they can change me, I will never be able to hold a book again”.
Ahora, habiendo leído esta novela y las que me recomendaron, he desbloqueado nuevo nivel de romance de fantasía. Creo que ya puedo tachar de mi lista los romances alienígenas humanoides versión Men In Black. En realidad, mi miedo es que el interés amoroso fuera como esas cucarachas de la película y tuvieran una funda humana, ahí si que desistía, pero no. Menos mal.
La historia como la idea de la novela es sencilla y entretenida. Además, es del todo predecible y e ve a leguas los giros de guion. A pesar de todo como digo siempre en este tipo de novelas, me lo he pasado bien y lo considero un buen libro para pasar el rato de noche y desconectar.
“He had gotten used to being human, had come to like it, and had found a place amongst them”.
Esta novela me la he leído de casualidad a causa de un error. Me explico, una compañera de estas redes me recomendó una novela, yo la apunté, pero se dan cuenta que en Goodreads a la derecha (en el ordenador) te recomiendan libros parecidos, pues al mismo tiempo le eché vistazo y encontré esta novela. Mi mente sin quererlo ni beberlo empecé este libro pensando que era el que me había comentado esta chica. Imagínense mi sorpresa cuando fui a comentar el libro con ella y me dijo que ella nunca me lo había recomendado. En fin, solo a mi me pasan estas cosas. Sin embargo, ha sido un buen “error” por así decirlo.
“I miss my skin, but I fell in love with Earth, fell in love with your books, yours stories. If I return, if they can change me, I will never be able to hold a book again”.
Ahora, habiendo leído esta novela y las que me recomendaron, he desbloqueado nuevo nivel de romance de fantasía. Creo que ya puedo tachar de mi lista los romances alienígenas humanoides versión Men In Black. En realidad, mi miedo es que el interés amoroso fuera como esas cucarachas de la película y tuvieran una funda humana, ahí si que desistía, pero no. Menos mal.
La historia como la idea de la novela es sencilla y entretenida. Además, es del todo predecible y e ve a leguas los giros de guion. A pesar de todo como digo siempre en este tipo de novelas, me lo he pasado bien y lo considero un buen libro para pasar el rato de noche y desconectar.
October 1, 2018
I have yet to be disappointed by something Blaine has written. I loved her short stories so I was overjoyed when I found out about a full-length book. On the upside, I really enjoyed reading this book; on the downside, it frustrated the crap out of me.
Conner Smith is an agent at Primrose an organization that hunts and keeps track of Aliens or alien artefacts. Connor is a busy little bee with no time for a social/love life. That doesn’t mean his best-friend Isa isn’t always trying to hook him up, and she isn’t exactly good at it. Until there was Jason, finally Isa gets it right and sets Connor up with guy of his dreams. Jason is perfect, Jason is awesome, and I was waiting for Jason to start laying golden eggs. Connor now has both a successful career and relationship.
If only there wasn’t that niggling sensation of being stalked and as if someone is trying to get to the deepest part of his mind. To say that Connor has a lot on his plate is understatement. Noah is over 300 years old and he’s just found his source for energy but it’s a bummer cus he’s got a boyfriend, and works for an alien prevention/extraction organization. When Connor has had enough of the stalking and the mind exploring he takes the situation to the big boss and in no time their reigning Noah in. Noah makes a choice to come clean and lay all his cards on table, it’s up to the agents at Primrose to believe him or not.
The story then becomes so obvious that it was driving me crazy. There is some crazy involving Noah, the evidence was just staringeveryone Connor in the face, and his lust-filled brain just could not see it. I wasn’t sure about him being good at his job, when he couldn’t see the simple things. I am epically frustrated by the small amount of page time that Connor and Noah shared, and when they were together, I wanted to reach into the pages and kick the crap out of Connor. He frustrates me.
I am in love with the writing, Ms Arden is one of the few authors able to grip me and have me reading at 3 in the morning cursing and throwing a tantrum like a 2 year old, (you should have seen in it). I don’t want to say the book reminds me of the Men In Black but it seriously does. Even the very common last names of the main characters in their extraordinary lives ring true of the MIB. It’s a fast-paced novel, with a plot, I did not necessarily enjoy but it came together brilliantly.
This would make a fantastic series filled with awesomeness, and I would love to read about Connor and Noah again. Connor has some redeeming to do because I still at this very moment would like to go all Bruce Lee on his ass. Due to the lack of a romantic relationship between Noah and Connor my ire for him is strong, he remained that guy who went on about how perfect Jason was (I am not down with that). He comes off as naïve and I can’t believe in his integrity on the job, I just wasn’t buying the serious agent role.
Overall, I liked the book, the world building is quite good, and there are some fascinating characters. I love the whole alien hunters, and I really liked Noah. I am just being all pouty face cus I wanna tell Connor to ‘Suck It!’
Conner Smith is an agent at Primrose an organization that hunts and keeps track of Aliens or alien artefacts. Connor is a busy little bee with no time for a social/love life. That doesn’t mean his best-friend Isa isn’t always trying to hook him up, and she isn’t exactly good at it. Until there was Jason, finally Isa gets it right and sets Connor up with guy of his dreams. Jason is perfect, Jason is awesome, and I was waiting for Jason to start laying golden eggs. Connor now has both a successful career and relationship.
If only there wasn’t that niggling sensation of being stalked and as if someone is trying to get to the deepest part of his mind. To say that Connor has a lot on his plate is understatement. Noah is over 300 years old and he’s just found his source for energy but it’s a bummer cus he’s got a boyfriend, and works for an alien prevention/extraction organization. When Connor has had enough of the stalking and the mind exploring he takes the situation to the big boss and in no time their reigning Noah in. Noah makes a choice to come clean and lay all his cards on table, it’s up to the agents at Primrose to believe him or not.
The story then becomes so obvious that it was driving me crazy. There is some crazy involving Noah, the evidence was just staring
I am in love with the writing, Ms Arden is one of the few authors able to grip me and have me reading at 3 in the morning cursing and throwing a tantrum like a 2 year old, (you should have seen in it). I don’t want to say the book reminds me of the Men In Black but it seriously does. Even the very common last names of the main characters in their extraordinary lives ring true of the MIB. It’s a fast-paced novel, with a plot, I did not necessarily enjoy but it came together brilliantly.
This would make a fantastic series filled with awesomeness, and I would love to read about Connor and Noah again. Connor has some redeeming to do because I still at this very moment would like to go all Bruce Lee on his ass. Due to the lack of a romantic relationship between Noah and Connor my ire for him is strong, he remained that guy who went on about how perfect Jason was (I am not down with that). He comes off as naïve and I can’t believe in his integrity on the job, I just wasn’t buying the serious agent role.
Overall, I liked the book, the world building is quite good, and there are some fascinating characters. I love the whole alien hunters, and I really liked Noah. I am just being all pouty face cus I wanna tell Connor to ‘Suck It!’
April 20, 2021
I have rather mixed feelings. I think the general idea is very good. But its execution not much.
I couldn't get into this story. The beginning did not really intrigue me and I was not entirely sure if I wanted to continue. Then it got a little better, but for such an original idea, this book is pretty plain. There were also some things that I don't like about my books.
Noah and Connor get to know each other quickly and deeply using the exchange of memories and feelings through their bond. Unfortunately, I couldn't find these feelings between them. I mean, they were a good start to a relationship, but they are described in the book as much deeper. I haven't seen this connection between the main characters. It also mattered that Connor was in a relationship with someone else at the time. By the way, this other relationship of his didn't seem real to me either.
On top, this second relationship irritated me. It's more a matter of personal preference, since I really don't like when the main character has sex in the book with another person than the one with whom s/he ends up in the end. And here the plot of Janson and Connor's romance is very extensive. In fact, Janson and Connor spend more time with each other than Connor and Noah. There is a terrible imbalance in this. I wish it had been written somehow differently.
This is the first book in the series. Though it doesn't seem like more are planned for now. But I don't think I will continue this series. The idea was good, but I didn't get attached to these characters and I don't think the style of writing work me.
I couldn't get into this story. The beginning did not really intrigue me and I was not entirely sure if I wanted to continue. Then it got a little better, but for such an original idea, this book is pretty plain. There were also some things that I don't like about my books.
Noah and Connor get to know each other quickly and deeply using the exchange of memories and feelings through their bond. Unfortunately, I couldn't find these feelings between them. I mean, they were a good start to a relationship, but they are described in the book as much deeper. I haven't seen this connection between the main characters. It also mattered that Connor was in a relationship with someone else at the time. By the way, this other relationship of his didn't seem real to me either.
On top, this second relationship irritated me. It's more a matter of personal preference, since I really don't like when the main character has sex in the book with another person than the one with whom s/he ends up in the end. And here the plot of Janson and Connor's romance is very extensive. In fact, Janson and Connor spend more time with each other than Connor and Noah. There is a terrible imbalance in this. I wish it had been written somehow differently.
This is the first book in the series. Though it doesn't seem like more are planned for now. But I don't think I will continue this series. The idea was good, but I didn't get attached to these characters and I don't think the style of writing work me.
May 1, 2021
2018: DNF 25%
I was ready to throw in the towel at 19% but decided to give it a bit more of a chance. By 25% it was obvious this book was not going to work for me. Soft on the sci-fi, dry, boring, and a clumsy bad guy reveal. Not my cuppa.
2021: 3 stars
I have no idea why I picked this back up. I will say whoever wrote this is clueless about police procedure, which blew any chance of making it believable. Lots of potential, clumsy execution.
I was ready to throw in the towel at 19% but decided to give it a bit more of a chance. By 25% it was obvious this book was not going to work for me. Soft on the sci-fi, dry, boring, and a clumsy bad guy reveal. Not my cuppa.
2021: 3 stars
I have no idea why I picked this back up. I will say whoever wrote this is clueless about police procedure, which blew any chance of making it believable. Lots of potential, clumsy execution.
March 17, 2015
What a great book! Very well paced story with good action scenes and then more sedate, life-will-go-on episodes where we get to see the MCs in their everyday lives. Makes the story line that much more believable, when there is actually time where investigation takes place so that we have a reason for the next action scene. It all unfolds without a hurry and even has some setbacks so not everything is given on a golden plate. I do appreciate it when the MCs' have to actually do something in order to get to apprehend the bad guys.
The romance between Connor and Noah is very slow burning and we get to know them both pretty well, which I like. It's not a match without complications and they both has to get used to the bond that is forming between them. There is also the problem of Jason, Connor's boyfriend, to consider and it was handled pretty well. Not too much hemming and hawing which would have made Connor look bad, but the situation was given due consideration.
For those who have already read the book:
I have to share my favourite scene. It's just that hilarious!
The romance between Connor and Noah is very slow burning and we get to know them both pretty well, which I like. It's not a match without complications and they both has to get used to the bond that is forming between them. There is also the problem of Jason, Connor's boyfriend, to consider and it was handled pretty well. Not too much hemming and hawing which would have made Connor look bad, but the situation was given due consideration.
For those who have already read the book:
I have to share my favourite scene. It's just that hilarious!
January 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this story of Connor, an agent working for Primrose (an intelligence agency created to investigate and control all things alien) and Noah, a long-stranded alien whose life energy connects unwittingly to Connor's. While this is only the second book I have read from this author, it is obvious that her writing has matured with time. The story is evenly paced and the characters are, for the most part well-rounded. While it was glaringly obvious who one of the "bad guys" was - and I admit, it seemed out of character for Connor to overlook the obvious signs, particularly as he seemed otherwise very switched-on in all other investigations - the rest of the investigation, as well as the interactions between the various investigators - intrigued me. I think that if the "bad guy" hadn't been painted so clearly, this may well have nudged up into the 5 star category for me.
September 3, 2020
It started out slowly, but ended well. I almost wish I hadn't read the precis though -- too much given away, and I figured out most of the big reveals WAY before they happened. Still, overall, not a bad story.
June 23, 2013
I can't say I didn't like this book. I read it in a day and it went along quickly, but I never connected with it that much. The sex scenes, relatively infrequent, were pretty good, but not great. The plot line was well developed with interesting characters, although I found the ending a little overly sad given the light tone of the book. The idea of the aliens and Primrose was interesting, but not really original or well-developed... it wasn't a world that caught my attention. I found Connor Smith to be perhaps a bit flat and overly slow to figure things out and Jason was too obvious. Noah and Isa were the good characters. I liked it more than I expected, but it didn't really excite me at the end.
October 14, 2018
2.5
I suppose this was ok. It was just painfully predictable, with basic, unexciting writing. The characters were cute, but one of the main characters spent half the book in a relationship with someone else and I barely felt any spark between him and the second main character. Further, there was just too much assuming and non-communicating going on. In fact, a lot of the book is predicated on it and it didn't make any sense to me. All in all, I found the whole thing uninspiring, even if not quite bad.
I suppose this was ok. It was just painfully predictable, with basic, unexciting writing. The characters were cute, but one of the main characters spent half the book in a relationship with someone else and I barely felt any spark between him and the second main character. Further, there was just too much assuming and non-communicating going on. In fact, a lot of the book is predicated on it and it didn't make any sense to me. All in all, I found the whole thing uninspiring, even if not quite bad.
July 27, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
3.75 stars
Connor is an agent of Primrose and the PA of a well-known lieutenant within the organization. He's worked hard at his job, doing detective work in the office and field finding aliens and alien artifacts, and the fact that he was handpicked for his job and works well with his very picky boss shows how well regarded he is by his colleagues. He works strange hours, just like regular detectives, which leaves little time for a love life. His best friend Isa, also a Primrose agent under a different team, is constantly trying to set him up… if only Isa was a good judge of character, or even a relatively competent matchmaker.
Connor is surprised and pleased when Isa sets him up with the perfect guy, Jason. Their relationship is steadily progressing as Connor's work duties pile up. The whole organization has been working tirelessly for months trying to figure out why their search for alien artifacts has been recently returning empty handed, and where some of the aliens are disappearing to. On top of his dating life with Jason and the work that is always on his mind, Connor starts to feel as if he's being stalked. He's almost certain of it when he starts to feel a strange sensation of another being entering his mind.
For the most part, this was a thoroughly satisfying read. Though the situations thrust upon Connor are quite serious and the danger often very high, the tone of the story is light, and combined with the subject matter, somewhat reminiscent of the movie MIB (Men in Black). The story is quite different, however, not limited to the addition of the romance in this story. In addition, the case that Primrose is trying to solve, with Connor thrust into the middle, is engaging. There are really two cases at the heart of the story, the wider investigation by Primrose into the missing aliens and artifacts and the case of the man stalking Connor. It is easy to guess from the beginning that they're somehow connected, and while the overall outcome was no real surprise to me, the details of it were satisfying enough for me to become increasingly engaged with the progression of the case. Added together, it made the story very easy to become involved in, without an overly intricate plot.
An important part of the progression of the story is the link between the characters and the cases, and I was happy to see that play out with little previous information about how they're all connected. So, I don't really want to get into a character analysis, lest I give anything away. Without getting into that, this is the part of the story that I had wished had gone in a bit of a different direction, because I found myself wishing that the central couple would have gotten more on page time to spend together. The time they do have together is often used to explore their psychic connection, which by nature is best shown while they're apart. I would have liked to see them spend more time together in addition to that. Much of the second half of the book seemed devoted to the resolution to the cases, rather than exploring their relationship while together. The story doesn't take this to the extreme, or ignore their relationship, but I still wished that they had more time to get to know one another (there's a reason for this in the story, but I wasn't quite sure that the idea of it translated through words to it's best benefit).
This doesn't seem to be a planned series, but the world created and the resolution of the story seem perfect for a sequel. I'd like to see one, because I enjoyed this story and world so much, and I would like to get to know some of the characters even better. This is the first story I've read by this author, and it won't be the last. This author made some choices in the plot and the writing that I didn't expect but had impact and intrigued me to read more of her work. I have been looking forward to reading this book for the last few months, and I have to say that I feel it mostly lived up to my expectations. Sometimes the greatest part about being a reader is when a book is so easy to just fall into to pass the time, and the tone of this story in combination with the world allowed me to do that. So I'm pleased :)
3.75 stars
Connor is an agent of Primrose and the PA of a well-known lieutenant within the organization. He's worked hard at his job, doing detective work in the office and field finding aliens and alien artifacts, and the fact that he was handpicked for his job and works well with his very picky boss shows how well regarded he is by his colleagues. He works strange hours, just like regular detectives, which leaves little time for a love life. His best friend Isa, also a Primrose agent under a different team, is constantly trying to set him up… if only Isa was a good judge of character, or even a relatively competent matchmaker.
Connor is surprised and pleased when Isa sets him up with the perfect guy, Jason. Their relationship is steadily progressing as Connor's work duties pile up. The whole organization has been working tirelessly for months trying to figure out why their search for alien artifacts has been recently returning empty handed, and where some of the aliens are disappearing to. On top of his dating life with Jason and the work that is always on his mind, Connor starts to feel as if he's being stalked. He's almost certain of it when he starts to feel a strange sensation of another being entering his mind.
For the most part, this was a thoroughly satisfying read. Though the situations thrust upon Connor are quite serious and the danger often very high, the tone of the story is light, and combined with the subject matter, somewhat reminiscent of the movie MIB (Men in Black). The story is quite different, however, not limited to the addition of the romance in this story. In addition, the case that Primrose is trying to solve, with Connor thrust into the middle, is engaging. There are really two cases at the heart of the story, the wider investigation by Primrose into the missing aliens and artifacts and the case of the man stalking Connor. It is easy to guess from the beginning that they're somehow connected, and while the overall outcome was no real surprise to me, the details of it were satisfying enough for me to become increasingly engaged with the progression of the case. Added together, it made the story very easy to become involved in, without an overly intricate plot.
An important part of the progression of the story is the link between the characters and the cases, and I was happy to see that play out with little previous information about how they're all connected. So, I don't really want to get into a character analysis, lest I give anything away. Without getting into that, this is the part of the story that I had wished had gone in a bit of a different direction, because I found myself wishing that the central couple would have gotten more on page time to spend together. The time they do have together is often used to explore their psychic connection, which by nature is best shown while they're apart. I would have liked to see them spend more time together in addition to that. Much of the second half of the book seemed devoted to the resolution to the cases, rather than exploring their relationship while together. The story doesn't take this to the extreme, or ignore their relationship, but I still wished that they had more time to get to know one another (there's a reason for this in the story, but I wasn't quite sure that the idea of it translated through words to it's best benefit).
This doesn't seem to be a planned series, but the world created and the resolution of the story seem perfect for a sequel. I'd like to see one, because I enjoyed this story and world so much, and I would like to get to know some of the characters even better. This is the first story I've read by this author, and it won't be the last. This author made some choices in the plot and the writing that I didn't expect but had impact and intrigued me to read more of her work. I have been looking forward to reading this book for the last few months, and I have to say that I feel it mostly lived up to my expectations. Sometimes the greatest part about being a reader is when a book is so easy to just fall into to pass the time, and the tone of this story in combination with the world allowed me to do that. So I'm pleased :)
September 24, 2012
Not very original, predictable, and some what loosely written. With that said, I would have given the story three stars, except for the science Noah used when he completed his transformation to human.
First, dermis is a term first use in the 19th century, which is several hundred years later than when Noah did his transformation. Next, Van Leeuwenhoek did not publish his work with the microscope until 1673(c). At that time merely discussing the size & shape of the body's cells was a big deal. Very little was known about the actual function of the body's organs or how they worked.
The four humors of Hippocratic medicine, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm,and blood, would dominate Western & Middle Eastern medicine until the advent of modern medicine in the 19th century. Finding books to help him in his transformation would have been impossible.
I did complete the book and generally liked the characters, Connor & Noah, but the poor research put me off the story. I would not make a recommendation to read this novel.
First, dermis is a term first use in the 19th century, which is several hundred years later than when Noah did his transformation. Next, Van Leeuwenhoek did not publish his work with the microscope until 1673(c). At that time merely discussing the size & shape of the body's cells was a big deal. Very little was known about the actual function of the body's organs or how they worked.
The four humors of Hippocratic medicine, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm,and blood, would dominate Western & Middle Eastern medicine until the advent of modern medicine in the 19th century. Finding books to help him in his transformation would have been impossible.
I did complete the book and generally liked the characters, Connor & Noah, but the poor research put me off the story. I would not make a recommendation to read this novel.
September 16, 2012
Totally predictable and very juvenile. Not really recommended for anyone over 12 or 14. Disappointing.
May 2, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/09/14/...
Rating: 2.5 Stars - far from hate but not quite a like
Rating: 2.5 Stars - far from hate but not quite a like
September 21, 2018
I liked this book. It had a lot of original ideas for aliens.
Noah being a Rei from another planet that is basically all energy based and not a "fleshy" life form, gets stranded on Earth. He's beyond the normal amount of time, and must sacrifice his original form to become "human". He has lived on this planet now for 300 + years and has only felt one "energy" connection with one other...until Conner.
Conner works for Primrose, which is an undercover agency to protect stranded aliens from humans and humans from aggressive aliens. He's an assist and to Lt. Tallis, but don't let his paper pusher status fool you, he's also a highly trained agent.
Conner's best friend and colleague, Isa, is constantly trying to get him back in the dating field. Bless her heart, she tries, and they're usually the "wrong" type. This time though, she seems to have nailed it. It's almost too perfect...
This is kind of where things got a little confusing for me, but also a little predictable on other ways. The introduction to Conner and Noah made me a little confused. I wasn't quite sure was happening...but then I guess, neither did Noah. Now Conner believes he has a stalker on his hands and things go a little belly up for Noah. In the meantime, Conner and Jason's relationship seems to be going really well.
This story contains a lot of the weird connection between Conner and Noah and figuring out (on Conner's end) what it all means and trying to retrieve alien artifacts and finding a group of "collectors" who are stealing said alien items. So it offers romance, aliens and mystery.
For me, having felt the story was a bit predictable, at times I thought it was a little "boring". I struggled to read through parts, while flying through others. I am also very upset about the outcome of my favorite character, so that lost some points in my book. Otherwise I did enjoy Conner's and Noah's unique journey.
Noah being a Rei from another planet that is basically all energy based and not a "fleshy" life form, gets stranded on Earth. He's beyond the normal amount of time, and must sacrifice his original form to become "human". He has lived on this planet now for 300 + years and has only felt one "energy" connection with one other...until Conner.
Conner works for Primrose, which is an undercover agency to protect stranded aliens from humans and humans from aggressive aliens. He's an assist and to Lt. Tallis, but don't let his paper pusher status fool you, he's also a highly trained agent.
Conner's best friend and colleague, Isa, is constantly trying to get him back in the dating field. Bless her heart, she tries, and they're usually the "wrong" type. This time though, she seems to have nailed it. It's almost too perfect...
This is kind of where things got a little confusing for me, but also a little predictable on other ways. The introduction to Conner and Noah made me a little confused. I wasn't quite sure was happening...but then I guess, neither did Noah. Now Conner believes he has a stalker on his hands and things go a little belly up for Noah. In the meantime, Conner and Jason's relationship seems to be going really well.
This story contains a lot of the weird connection between Conner and Noah and figuring out (on Conner's end) what it all means and trying to retrieve alien artifacts and finding a group of "collectors" who are stealing said alien items. So it offers romance, aliens and mystery.
For me, having felt the story was a bit predictable, at times I thought it was a little "boring". I struggled to read through parts, while flying through others. I am also very upset about the outcome of my favorite character, so that lost some points in my book. Otherwise I did enjoy Conner's and Noah's unique journey.
October 1, 2018
A secret government agency à la James Bond. A mission to discover, neutralize, or fight aliens on Earth with a distinct Men-in-Black flavor. And a set of characters in a pretty unique world with lots of surprises, special features, and a touching interspecies romance with more than one obstacle. All of these ingredients and more are part of an exciting action/adventure that had me leaning back to enjoy this futuristic story with all its twists and turns. Based on this first book, I think that ‘The Primrose Files’ – see an explanation of how this agency came to exist – is a very promising series for anyone who likes tongue-in-cheek science fiction with a healthy dose of mystery and suspense.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 22, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Conner works for a company that secretly investigates anything alien, making sure alien artifacts don’t fall into the wrong hands. But, just recently somebody is getting to the artifacts before they can. On top of that worry, Conner seems to have gained a stalker who he has a very strange connection with, is it friend or foe? Noah has managed to stay under Primrose’s radar since the company came into being, but now he has inadvertently connected to one of its workers, Conner. Noah tries to keep clear, but it’s not long before Primrose comes for him. Will the connection between Noah and Conner work for them or against them?
This is a great alien story that has a wealth of detail, great characters and an intriguing plot. Noah has been stranded on Earth for hundreds of years, living a quite unassuming life and not drawing attention to himself. Inadvertently he makes a connection that he hasn’t felt in 270 years, he has high hopes, but then finds out Conner has a boyfriend. And that isn’t the least of his problems when he receives a visit from Primrose. Conner is shocked when something strange happens to him, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he starts dating a new man. Unfortunately, things become confusing for him when he discovers he has a connection to an alien and then he comes under suspicion when alien artifacts disappear from his work place and then Noah disappears as well.
Aliens, Smith and Jones is far from the typical alien story. Noah Jones might have been found by Primrose, but they never experimented on him, okay so he went through a lot of tests but he wasn’t treated badly. I really liked the way that Primrose is portrayed in this book, although they do hunt aliens and alien artifacts it is more for the safety of the world, but without the need to experiment. I really was puzzled by Conner’s boyfriends’ role at first, but it soon began to come clear and it added a really good twist. I liked how we were drawn into the workings of Primrose and what they actually do, so we didn’t see them as the enemy.
What happens between Noah and Conner because of their connection I won’t say much about, but let’s just say that it saves both of them on more than one occasion. The action is well written and I liked how the mystery was done. there is some betrayal and a really horrific time in store for Noah at the hands of unscrupulous characters. The sex in this book is really hot and it is intense when Noah and Conner finally get it together. Their connection is something that is quite beautiful. There are some times when anguish and fear shine through and the descriptions are impressive and you can imagine just how emotionally painful it is.
I am going to recommend this one to those who like clandestine agencies, aliens, secret agendas, alien loving, a great storyline and a happy ending.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Conner works for a company that secretly investigates anything alien, making sure alien artifacts don’t fall into the wrong hands. But, just recently somebody is getting to the artifacts before they can. On top of that worry, Conner seems to have gained a stalker who he has a very strange connection with, is it friend or foe? Noah has managed to stay under Primrose’s radar since the company came into being, but now he has inadvertently connected to one of its workers, Conner. Noah tries to keep clear, but it’s not long before Primrose comes for him. Will the connection between Noah and Conner work for them or against them?
This is a great alien story that has a wealth of detail, great characters and an intriguing plot. Noah has been stranded on Earth for hundreds of years, living a quite unassuming life and not drawing attention to himself. Inadvertently he makes a connection that he hasn’t felt in 270 years, he has high hopes, but then finds out Conner has a boyfriend. And that isn’t the least of his problems when he receives a visit from Primrose. Conner is shocked when something strange happens to him, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he starts dating a new man. Unfortunately, things become confusing for him when he discovers he has a connection to an alien and then he comes under suspicion when alien artifacts disappear from his work place and then Noah disappears as well.
Aliens, Smith and Jones is far from the typical alien story. Noah Jones might have been found by Primrose, but they never experimented on him, okay so he went through a lot of tests but he wasn’t treated badly. I really liked the way that Primrose is portrayed in this book, although they do hunt aliens and alien artifacts it is more for the safety of the world, but without the need to experiment. I really was puzzled by Conner’s boyfriends’ role at first, but it soon began to come clear and it added a really good twist. I liked how we were drawn into the workings of Primrose and what they actually do, so we didn’t see them as the enemy.
What happens between Noah and Conner because of their connection I won’t say much about, but let’s just say that it saves both of them on more than one occasion. The action is well written and I liked how the mystery was done. there is some betrayal and a really horrific time in store for Noah at the hands of unscrupulous characters. The sex in this book is really hot and it is intense when Noah and Conner finally get it together. Their connection is something that is quite beautiful. There are some times when anguish and fear shine through and the descriptions are impressive and you can imagine just how emotionally painful it is.
I am going to recommend this one to those who like clandestine agencies, aliens, secret agendas, alien loving, a great storyline and a happy ending.
May 23, 2013
3.5 Stars
Connor is an agent with Primrose. A secret agency in charge of all things aliens. He’s currently trying to find out who keeps stealing alien artifacts. Those things in the wrong hands are incredibly scary. His job doesn’t allow for time for any real relationships to develop. So his best friend tricks him into a meeting guy named Jason. Jason is gorgeous and funny. Connor is a little surprised someone like Jason is so interested in him. Especially after all the cancellations he has to make because of his job.
A routine trip home leads to an mental attack on him. From that point on he’s always got the feeling he’s being watched. In fact he feels tingles when the presence is near. After a few more occurrences he’s convinced he needs to tell his boss. Primrose quickly finds the “stalker”, Noah, but he’s nothing like anybody expected.
This was a pretty good book. I thought the bad guy was fairly obvious which I think in this instance did take away from the book. Noah was pretty fascinating but his story was sad. The story had some ups and downs as far as pacing went. I wasn’t overly invested in the relationships. Maybe because it all got started so late in the books? I don’t know. It’s just not one of those books I feel the need to rave about but worth the read.
Whit's review is also posted at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
Connor is an agent with Primrose. A secret agency in charge of all things aliens. He’s currently trying to find out who keeps stealing alien artifacts. Those things in the wrong hands are incredibly scary. His job doesn’t allow for time for any real relationships to develop. So his best friend tricks him into a meeting guy named Jason. Jason is gorgeous and funny. Connor is a little surprised someone like Jason is so interested in him. Especially after all the cancellations he has to make because of his job.
A routine trip home leads to an mental attack on him. From that point on he’s always got the feeling he’s being watched. In fact he feels tingles when the presence is near. After a few more occurrences he’s convinced he needs to tell his boss. Primrose quickly finds the “stalker”, Noah, but he’s nothing like anybody expected.
This was a pretty good book. I thought the bad guy was fairly obvious which I think in this instance did take away from the book. Noah was pretty fascinating but his story was sad. The story had some ups and downs as far as pacing went. I wasn’t overly invested in the relationships. Maybe because it all got started so late in the books? I don’t know. It’s just not one of those books I feel the need to rave about but worth the read.
Whit's review is also posted at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
March 18, 2013
3.75 Stars but I had enough fun with it to round it up to 4.
OK. I have *no* idea why this is on the Lesser Known list, because it's; a pretty good book! The characters are likable, the plot is engrossing, there's suspense and action and a very sweet relationship at the core. It really needs to be more widely read! I've read books that were no where NEAR as good yet have tons of ratings. So read this! Get it better known! :)
Anyway. The book. It's a bit like a sprinkle of Torchwood, another sprinkle of Warehouse 13, a smidge of Men in Black plus a romance. And it worked for me. It took a chapter or so for me to get into it, but once I did it was off to the races. I did pick out the major "thing" that the characters did not, but that only added to the suspense. You know, when you're shouting at the TV yelling "DON'T DO THAT!/GO THERE/ETC!"
Anyway, if you like the kind of Sci-fi shows I mentioned above, I do recommend this book. It was surprisingly engaging and more emotion-provoking then I was expecting.
OK. I have *no* idea why this is on the Lesser Known list, because it's; a pretty good book! The characters are likable, the plot is engrossing, there's suspense and action and a very sweet relationship at the core. It really needs to be more widely read! I've read books that were no where NEAR as good yet have tons of ratings. So read this! Get it better known! :)
Anyway. The book. It's a bit like a sprinkle of Torchwood, another sprinkle of Warehouse 13, a smidge of Men in Black plus a romance. And it worked for me. It took a chapter or so for me to get into it, but once I did it was off to the races. I did pick out the major "thing" that the characters did not, but that only added to the suspense. You know, when you're shouting at the TV yelling "DON'T DO THAT!/GO THERE/ETC!"
Anyway, if you like the kind of Sci-fi shows I mentioned above, I do recommend this book. It was surprisingly engaging and more emotion-provoking then I was expecting.
June 27, 2013
If I had to be an alien, I would want to be like Noah - he is truly immortal, able to travel the universe, visiting planets and taking on any shape or form he desires, and he has the ability to record all his experiences.
This is a clever, but at times frustrating, MM romance between Noah (the alien) and Connor, a personal assistant and field operative for an agency that manages alien activity on earth.
At the beginning of the book, several significant events took place and because these Events were presented without any lead in, I was left wondering what was going on.
The story is from both POVs - which I really appreciate. However, the way the story is constructed, the MCs do not meet each other for quite a while, so the reader knows more about what was going on than either of the MCs….which was incredibly frustrating. Particularly as this was a fairly convoluted story…I guess I am not very good with suspense :'(
This is a clever, but at times frustrating, MM romance between Noah (the alien) and Connor, a personal assistant and field operative for an agency that manages alien activity on earth.
At the beginning of the book, several significant events took place and because these Events were presented without any lead in, I was left wondering what was going on.
The story is from both POVs - which I really appreciate. However, the way the story is constructed, the MCs do not meet each other for quite a while, so the reader knows more about what was going on than either of the MCs….which was incredibly frustrating. Particularly as this was a fairly convoluted story…I guess I am not very good with suspense :'(
October 17, 2016
This was a fun romance.
A lot of holes in logic in the sci-fi mystery portion of the story, but I didn't mind because Noah and Connor make a lovely couple. The relationship developed slowly but I liked that they took the time to get to know each other.
A lot of holes in logic in the sci-fi mystery portion of the story, but I didn't mind because Noah and Connor make a lovely couple. The relationship developed slowly but I liked that they took the time to get to know each other.
October 20, 2016
This was a fun read with a few VERY sad and emotional moments... which is fine... but, I was not prepared for one scene and frankly I didn't like it and not sure that it was even needed... grrr
I believe this is my first book by this author and I look forward to finding more!
I believe this is my first book by this author and I look forward to finding more!
October 26, 2015
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
July 9, 2013
It's not you it's me...No really! I like "Hard" science fiction much more.
February 11, 2015
This was actually pretty fun! Engaging. Lovely cast! I'd totally read more about Smith & Jones :)
October 12, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I thought the writing was solid, the story had a distinctive plot with interesting characters, and it definitely held my attention the whole way through the book. It did seem that while starting out that you’re just set down in the middle of a situation and not really given any background up front behind what Primrose is, and how Connor came to work there. This information eventually gets revealed, but at the beginning of the story I did feel just a bit lost—though I did wind up working out everything without impacting my enjoyment of the story.
There are quite a few characters here, the majority of whom are members of the various teams at Primrose including one of the main characters, Connor. His title might be Personal Assistant, but he’s really a whole lot more than that. It was easy for me to relate to his character, and I warmed up to him right away. Noah is a much more complex character thanks to his ex-alien status, and I thought that the alien elements that contributed to his complexity were unique and made for a fascinating character. His character was one with whom I could sympathize given the circumstances that led to him being stranded on Earth, and that he continues to have to live with for many, many, many years. The connection between Connor and Noah lends itself toward a soul mates bond, but one that develops slowly over time.
Much of the story focuses on the sci-fi and alien elements, and a ring of dealers and buyers who trade in alien artefacts—as well as aliens themselves—and there is plenty of action and suspense to be found in the cases which Primrose handles. There is definitely an element of romance as things develop between Connor and Noah, but it doesn’t overtake the story. There’s also the fact that Connor has just started seeing someone else (Jason) shortly after the start of the book, and that plays a part in the overall story as well as when it comes to Connor and Noah.
Aliens, Smith and Jones was an intriguing story that will keep you on your toes as you read. You can expect more on the case solving side of things than the romance side, though I’m hoping that there might be more books to come that would give more insight into Connor and Noah’s relationship. They didn’t seem to get as much page time devoted to the evolution of their relationship, something I would have expected given the connection they have between them. There is also a bit of a plot hole regarding Jason, which did confuse me as I was reading since I couldn’t understand why Connor stayed with him as long as he did.
Overall, my rating for this book is hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars, mostly because I can’t decide how much that plot hole should affect the rating. If that could be cleared up, I’d definitely go up to a 4.5. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, some violence/torture, and a bit of sexual content.
There are quite a few characters here, the majority of whom are members of the various teams at Primrose including one of the main characters, Connor. His title might be Personal Assistant, but he’s really a whole lot more than that. It was easy for me to relate to his character, and I warmed up to him right away. Noah is a much more complex character thanks to his ex-alien status, and I thought that the alien elements that contributed to his complexity were unique and made for a fascinating character. His character was one with whom I could sympathize given the circumstances that led to him being stranded on Earth, and that he continues to have to live with for many, many, many years. The connection between Connor and Noah lends itself toward a soul mates bond, but one that develops slowly over time.
Much of the story focuses on the sci-fi and alien elements, and a ring of dealers and buyers who trade in alien artefacts—as well as aliens themselves—and there is plenty of action and suspense to be found in the cases which Primrose handles. There is definitely an element of romance as things develop between Connor and Noah, but it doesn’t overtake the story. There’s also the fact that Connor has just started seeing someone else (Jason) shortly after the start of the book, and that plays a part in the overall story as well as when it comes to Connor and Noah.
Aliens, Smith and Jones was an intriguing story that will keep you on your toes as you read. You can expect more on the case solving side of things than the romance side, though I’m hoping that there might be more books to come that would give more insight into Connor and Noah’s relationship. They didn’t seem to get as much page time devoted to the evolution of their relationship, something I would have expected given the connection they have between them. There is also a bit of a plot hole regarding Jason, which did confuse me as I was reading since I couldn’t understand why Connor stayed with him as long as he did.
Overall, my rating for this book is hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars, mostly because I can’t decide how much that plot hole should affect the rating. If that could be cleared up, I’d definitely go up to a 4.5. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, some violence/torture, and a bit of sexual content.
September 6, 2021
Connor Smith travaille comme assistant personnel de Natalie Tallis, chef de la sécurité chez Primrose UK. Enfin, ça c'est la version officielle.
La version officieuse c'est que Primrose cache une organisation gouvernementale chargé de surveiller les activités extraterrestres et de les dissimuler au public. Connor Smith n'est donc pas que l'assistant de la cheffe de la sécurité, il est aussi un agent de terrain entrainé à chasser et à traquer les entités et les artefacts extraterrestres afin de les dissimuler aux yeux de la population. C'est aussi un jeune homme célibataire à qui sa collègue et meilleure amie, Isa, organise régulièrement des rendez-vous avec l'homme idéal selon elle, plans foireux selon lui...
Jusqu'à Jason Powell : grand, blond, beau, sexy, sympathique, agréable, antiquaire, sportif, et visiblement très intéressé par Connor.
Les deux hommes commencent alors à sortir ensemble, bien que Jason soit très pris par son boulot, disparaissant régulièrement quelques jours à l'étranger. Et Connor est aussi assez occupé : plusieurs enquêtes en cours et en plus, il est semble-t'il victime d'une sorte d'attaque psychique, quelqu'un essaie de pénétrer son esprit...
Noé Jones sent la connexion entre lui et Jason avant même d’apercevoir le jeune homme. Après plusieurs centaines d'années de solitude, voilà enfin qu'il trouve un humain avec qui il ressent cette osmose propre à son espèce, nécessaire à son équilibre. De plus, le jeune homme semble très réceptif à ce lien et il est, de plus, plutôt attirant, ce qui ne gâche rien... sauf qu'il est en couple avec ce grand blond.
Quand Noé est arrêté par Primrose et emmené au Q.G. pour être interrogé sur ses intentions, c'est toute une organisation criminelle qui va alors se retrouver sur le devant de la scène, déclenchant une série d'évènements où la vie des deux hommes va être mise en danger.
Je ne connaissais pas du tout cet auteur et j'ai trouvé sa plume agréable et fluide.Au vu du résumé et de la couverture, je m'attendais à une romance plutôt cocasse, ou l'extraterrestre poursuit le pauvre terrien de ses assiduités. Et bien, pas du tout : Noé est très touchant et Connor plutôt sympathique, bien que passant rapidement de très naïf au début du roman à un guerrier super entrainé à la fin. J'aurais sans doute par contre aimé un peu plus d'explications sur Noé, son monde, ses origines, ses pouvoirs, j'ai trouvé que c'était un peu survolé, de même que l'univers dans lequel évoluent les personnages. Un épilogue un peu plus dense en ce qui concerne les suites judiciaires aurait été bienvenu aussi.
Mais j'ai passé un super moment avec ce roman et l'univers proposé par l'auteur est plutôt original et intéressant. Une agréable surprise.
La version officieuse c'est que Primrose cache une organisation gouvernementale chargé de surveiller les activités extraterrestres et de les dissimuler au public. Connor Smith n'est donc pas que l'assistant de la cheffe de la sécurité, il est aussi un agent de terrain entrainé à chasser et à traquer les entités et les artefacts extraterrestres afin de les dissimuler aux yeux de la population. C'est aussi un jeune homme célibataire à qui sa collègue et meilleure amie, Isa, organise régulièrement des rendez-vous avec l'homme idéal selon elle, plans foireux selon lui...
Jusqu'à Jason Powell : grand, blond, beau, sexy, sympathique, agréable, antiquaire, sportif, et visiblement très intéressé par Connor.
Les deux hommes commencent alors à sortir ensemble, bien que Jason soit très pris par son boulot, disparaissant régulièrement quelques jours à l'étranger. Et Connor est aussi assez occupé : plusieurs enquêtes en cours et en plus, il est semble-t'il victime d'une sorte d'attaque psychique, quelqu'un essaie de pénétrer son esprit...
Noé Jones sent la connexion entre lui et Jason avant même d’apercevoir le jeune homme. Après plusieurs centaines d'années de solitude, voilà enfin qu'il trouve un humain avec qui il ressent cette osmose propre à son espèce, nécessaire à son équilibre. De plus, le jeune homme semble très réceptif à ce lien et il est, de plus, plutôt attirant, ce qui ne gâche rien... sauf qu'il est en couple avec ce grand blond.
Quand Noé est arrêté par Primrose et emmené au Q.G. pour être interrogé sur ses intentions, c'est toute une organisation criminelle qui va alors se retrouver sur le devant de la scène, déclenchant une série d'évènements où la vie des deux hommes va être mise en danger.
Je ne connaissais pas du tout cet auteur et j'ai trouvé sa plume agréable et fluide.Au vu du résumé et de la couverture, je m'attendais à une romance plutôt cocasse, ou l'extraterrestre poursuit le pauvre terrien de ses assiduités. Et bien, pas du tout : Noé est très touchant et Connor plutôt sympathique, bien que passant rapidement de très naïf au début du roman à un guerrier super entrainé à la fin. J'aurais sans doute par contre aimé un peu plus d'explications sur Noé, son monde, ses origines, ses pouvoirs, j'ai trouvé que c'était un peu survolé, de même que l'univers dans lequel évoluent les personnages. Un épilogue un peu plus dense en ce qui concerne les suites judiciaires aurait été bienvenu aussi.
Mais j'ai passé un super moment avec ce roman et l'univers proposé par l'auteur est plutôt original et intéressant. Une agréable surprise.
October 12, 2018
Connor Smith works for a secret agency that specializes in alien coverups. He has understandably seen lots of unusual things that are often abnormal and quite dangerous. He wishes his love life could be as exciting. Then his best friend hooks him up Jason and Connor feels as if he has found the perfect man for him. Jason is understanding and willing to date Connor on his erratic schedule. In short, he is the perfect boyfriend.
Noah Jones was stranded on earth in 1648. He has spent his time converting into a human and recording everything he sees. He owns a used book store but is alone. He has only connected with one human until now. His connection to Connor is something he should not explore. He knows Connor has a boyfriend but Noah cannot resist. His following of Connor leads him to believe he has stalker. Connor's life starts to fall apart as he realizes that Noah is amazing and then he disappears. He also begins to learn that Jason may not be what he says he is.
Noah was a unique individual. He sensed he could form a bond with Connor. He had been alone for so long and knew he should resist but simply could not. Connor felt drawn to Noah and when he disappeared, he knew he had to find him. As Connor and Noah are drawn to each, so, too, are we drawn to them. They are realistic and loveable and stay with us long after the book is done.
Blaine D. Arden created an intriguing world for Aliens, Smith and Jones (amazing title). The plot was captivating, showing how pervasive greed can be. There were more than a few twists and turns to keep our interest. This is book one in The Primrose Files and we will all be anxiously awaiting the next.
Noah Jones was stranded on earth in 1648. He has spent his time converting into a human and recording everything he sees. He owns a used book store but is alone. He has only connected with one human until now. His connection to Connor is something he should not explore. He knows Connor has a boyfriend but Noah cannot resist. His following of Connor leads him to believe he has stalker. Connor's life starts to fall apart as he realizes that Noah is amazing and then he disappears. He also begins to learn that Jason may not be what he says he is.
Noah was a unique individual. He sensed he could form a bond with Connor. He had been alone for so long and knew he should resist but simply could not. Connor felt drawn to Noah and when he disappeared, he knew he had to find him. As Connor and Noah are drawn to each, so, too, are we drawn to them. They are realistic and loveable and stay with us long after the book is done.
Blaine D. Arden created an intriguing world for Aliens, Smith and Jones (amazing title). The plot was captivating, showing how pervasive greed can be. There were more than a few twists and turns to keep our interest. This is book one in The Primrose Files and we will all be anxiously awaiting the next.
April 20, 2025
This novel features two very different persons. One is Connor Smith who works for a very special investigation group in the UK. Apparently, there are beings from other planets that manage to land on Earth. Some of them are dangerous and some are innocent and have just landed here in error or because of their own reasons of exploration and aren't able to go home.
One such being is Noel Jones who arrived on Earth in 1648 and has been stuck here every since. He has had to change his form so that he could operate as though he were human and use other parts of his being to create a method of remembering his history and that of other beings like himself. He had to pretty much change his whole makeup. But in association with those changes, he has achieved a middle point where he can interact and build relationships while still holding on to a large part of who he was.
Except now there is a gang that has started capturing the aliens and lock them and even perhaps experiment on them. While might be dangerous, others are really innocent and are lost and scared and are victims of the humans that have imprisoned them. Connor thinks he has found his mate, only there is something odd about the man, even before he meets Noel and gets involved with him.
This was actually one of the first mysteries I have ever read where I found myself figuring out part of the story behind the scene before the end of the book, which made me kind of proud of myself. It was still suspenseful and full of twists, however, and a great novel.
I suggest this book to anyone who likes a combination of m-m-romance with alien life involved and a plethora of mystery and adventure.
One such being is Noel Jones who arrived on Earth in 1648 and has been stuck here every since. He has had to change his form so that he could operate as though he were human and use other parts of his being to create a method of remembering his history and that of other beings like himself. He had to pretty much change his whole makeup. But in association with those changes, he has achieved a middle point where he can interact and build relationships while still holding on to a large part of who he was.
Except now there is a gang that has started capturing the aliens and lock them and even perhaps experiment on them. While might be dangerous, others are really innocent and are lost and scared and are victims of the humans that have imprisoned them. Connor thinks he has found his mate, only there is something odd about the man, even before he meets Noel and gets involved with him.
This was actually one of the first mysteries I have ever read where I found myself figuring out part of the story behind the scene before the end of the book, which made me kind of proud of myself. It was still suspenseful and full of twists, however, and a great novel.
I suggest this book to anyone who likes a combination of m-m-romance with alien life involved and a plethora of mystery and adventure.
March 18, 2024
Interesting premise but a bit clumsy in the execution. I always enjoy the idea of secret organizations, whether they're tracking supernatural but Earth-bound creatures or, as in this case, space aliens. One would think Connor's job would be pretty exciting but it is presented more as a humdrum bureaucratic existence broken up occasionally by chasing down (mostly) false alien sightings. His love life, however, picks up when he is set up on a blind date with the seemingly perfect man. Things are going great until Noah enters the picture. Noah is an alien, long stranded on our planet, and is of a species that form intense connections with their own kind but only rarely with a human. When it turns out that Connor is one of those humans, complications ensue.
I thought there was a lot of imagination on display here but the "twist" in the plot was telegraphed from almost the first introduction of one of the characters, which left Connor looking pretty dimwitted not to catch on to it sooner. I was also uncomfortable with the idea that Connor had very little control or say in the connection that forms with Noah, and in fact is presented as the victim of stalking at the beginning of their relationship, which is a problematic foundation for any love affair. Questions of consent kept sneaking into my brain but that may just be a me thing. Overall, loved the ideas, felt like the plotting and characters could have used more development.
I thought there was a lot of imagination on display here but the "twist" in the plot was telegraphed from almost the first introduction of one of the characters, which left Connor looking pretty dimwitted not to catch on to it sooner. I was also uncomfortable with the idea that Connor had very little control or say in the connection that forms with Noah, and in fact is presented as the victim of stalking at the beginning of their relationship, which is a problematic foundation for any love affair. Questions of consent kept sneaking into my brain but that may just be a me thing. Overall, loved the ideas, felt like the plotting and characters could have used more development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews