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Office Aliens #4
The Guy Next Door
Kez is a Teissian refugee living in San Diego in the year 2267, working at the Department of Extra-Terrestrial Immigration, and he doesn't like much. He doesn't like Earth, he doesn't like humans, he doesn't like his job, and he definitely doesn't like his bubbly next-door neighbour, Bia, who is convinced they are meant to be together. She's too young for him, their personalities are completely incompatable, and back on Teiss, her people kept his as slaves. No matter what Bia says, it's obvious to him they couldn't be more wrong for each other.
Because Kez is keeping secrets. On Earth, he's been able to redefine himself, and escape the difficult life he was forced to lead on Teiss. He is hiding the fact that he is mixed-race, and that he hasn't been able to shake a nasty habit of taking other people's things no matter how hard he tries. And letting Bia into his life would risk exposing all of that.
But despite how she was born, Bia was raised by Kez's own people. She isn't like the others, and as he gets to know her, he uncovers a lonely and lost female just trying to find a place to belong, a place he can give her, if he dares. When Bia needs his help, he can't say no. He just has to make sure that their first time is also their last, because he won't risk everything on the chance of a mate, and he won't let her throw her future away on a male like him.
Because Kez is keeping secrets. On Earth, he's been able to redefine himself, and escape the difficult life he was forced to lead on Teiss. He is hiding the fact that he is mixed-race, and that he hasn't been able to shake a nasty habit of taking other people's things no matter how hard he tries. And letting Bia into his life would risk exposing all of that.
But despite how she was born, Bia was raised by Kez's own people. She isn't like the others, and as he gets to know her, he uncovers a lonely and lost female just trying to find a place to belong, a place he can give her, if he dares. When Bia needs his help, he can't say no. He just has to make sure that their first time is also their last, because he won't risk everything on the chance of a mate, and he won't let her throw her future away on a male like him.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2018
69 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 6, 2019
I was prepared to dislike this book because both the heroine and hero were aliens - and alien/alien romance just sounded boring. However, I was delightfully surprised to find I loved Bia the purple alien heroine. She was sweet and peppy, never really fit in anywhere and didn't really know her own cultures so she became obsessed with human culture. That was cute.
She was willing to try new things, excited to make new friends and find work, and was absolutely positive her next-door neighbour was "the one" - her true perfect match.
The hero however, who I thought I would've loved, is a mopey whiny little bitch. Marilyn Manson with green scales and feathers. Everything is an issue for him. He's so immature and depressing. Boohoo his female neighbour likes him, she's too young, she's a different alien species, she's too happy, no-one likes him, he steals too much, he hates humans, his best friend mated with a human, his claws hurt, he hates filing them, a human made fun of his donut penis...
Then I read the author's note and it all made sense. VC Lancaster was trying too hard, in my opinion, to make the biracial (aka half alien A x half alien B) hero an emotional depressing blob to reflect biracial social issues. I never picked up on this during the book because they're *aliens*. It'd be like my grandma moaning that she was Irish and grandpa was English and having kids during the troubles, and it's like shutup grandma, you're both European, calm down.
But anyway, she apologises in the Author's Note for not "staying in my lane" for about 6 pages regarding the hero but never apologises for making him a boring emo. Stop being woke, and start writing about dick-morphing-to-different-vagina-shapes aliens again.
She was willing to try new things, excited to make new friends and find work, and was absolutely positive her next-door neighbour was "the one" - her true perfect match.
The hero however, who I thought I would've loved, is a mopey whiny little bitch. Marilyn Manson with green scales and feathers. Everything is an issue for him. He's so immature and depressing. Boohoo his female neighbour likes him, she's too young, she's a different alien species, she's too happy, no-one likes him, he steals too much, he hates humans, his best friend mated with a human, his claws hurt, he hates filing them, a human made fun of his donut penis...
Then I read the author's note and it all made sense. VC Lancaster was trying too hard, in my opinion, to make the biracial (aka half alien A x half alien B) hero an emotional depressing blob to reflect biracial social issues. I never picked up on this during the book because they're *aliens*. It'd be like my grandma moaning that she was Irish and grandpa was English and having kids during the troubles, and it's like shutup grandma, you're both European, calm down.
But anyway, she apologises in the Author's Note for not "staying in my lane" for about 6 pages regarding the hero but never apologises for making him a boring emo. Stop being woke, and start writing about dick-morphing-to-different-vagina-shapes aliens again.
August 26, 2019
I put off reading this one because they were both aliens and I prefer it when one is a human. So glad I finally read it. The hero was a surly ass in a previous book but the author did a really good job with his motivations and all here. I love a complicated imperfect hero and he was wonderfully imperfect. But deep down he was a good guy. The hero and the heroine both had problems stemming from their lives on the old planet. They both grew and changed although the hero especially didn't become perfect. He still had problems but he was getting them under control by the end. The heroine was wonderful and sweet. She just stood by him no matter what.
I love this series and I hope there are plenty more books to come.
I love this series and I hope there are plenty more books to come.
December 23, 2018
This was such a treat. I've been waiting for Kez's story after he appeared in the New Guy because he was just so grumpy with Maggie and protective of Ro that I wanted to see how the author would make him into a sympathetic hero. The answer is that Kez is painfully insecure about himself - his race, what he has to offer, his place in the new world his people have settled in. He thinks it's easier to keep to himself than to try and form connections because he's always been shunned and ignored by others and he's afraid of getting hurt. But his next door neighbour Bia isn't afraid of getting in his face to try and make him connect with her because she's convinced they belong together, which is where the story begins.
Watching these two develop a real relationship was completely wonderful. Kez is so reluctant at first but due to a combination of circumstances he ends up enveloped in Bia's company, and once he starts really paying attention to her he sees all the things about her that there are to fall in love with - she's bubbly and sweet and kind even when people aren't kind to her, she's beautiful, and she sees good qualities in him that he can't see himself. Kez starts off thinking of their relationship as a kind of practice run where he's teaching her stuff about how to be a mate and how to live in the human world, but he ends up learning just as much from her. He's oblivious to his own feelings for so long (one of my favourite Emotionally Unavailable Hero traits) but it makes sense because his personality is based around his intense insecurities and the fact that he keeps them a secret from everyone, which encourages the belief that he doesn't deserve to be with someone good. He tries hard to believe that he doesn't want to be with Bia for her own sake and many of the book's funniest or sweetest moments stem from his inability to admit that he's falling in love with her. Watching him overcome the emotional obstacles that are stopping him from having that relationship is very satisfying.
Bia herself is a real sweetheart and I didn't get that thing that you sometimes get with single POV romances where you feel disconnected from the other central character, perhaps because Bia almost always says exactly what she's thinking, but also I think because Kez himself is always thinking about her and making observations about her, even when he thinks he's not interested (I'm telling you, it's dynamite).
As usual, the more I read of this series the more interested I am in the Teissian cultures of the different alien species - I particularly loved all the detail in this one about how much the Balor and Balin love colours and the almost hypnotic effect it has on them. I just thought that was so funny and cute. I have also lost track of how many times I've read The New Guy so I was DELIGHTED by every mention of Maggie and Ro, and there's one extended scene with them and Bia and Kez at dinner where I was just screenshotting every page and sending it to my friend because every character was on top form and I was rolling around with glee.
I respect VC Lancaster's candour in the afterword about her experience with getting a sensitivity reader on this book. I didn't really see the problems with Kez's biracial identity while I was reading the book but then again I am white and have not had that experience and ultimately was probably being a dope about it. I can see how the representation would come across as negative and Lancaster is very upfront about that issue in the afterword. All I can say is that I loved the book and I can't be sorry she published it; it's one of my favourites in this series so I recommend it on that basis.
Watching these two develop a real relationship was completely wonderful. Kez is so reluctant at first but due to a combination of circumstances he ends up enveloped in Bia's company, and once he starts really paying attention to her he sees all the things about her that there are to fall in love with - she's bubbly and sweet and kind even when people aren't kind to her, she's beautiful, and she sees good qualities in him that he can't see himself. Kez starts off thinking of their relationship as a kind of practice run where he's teaching her stuff about how to be a mate and how to live in the human world, but he ends up learning just as much from her. He's oblivious to his own feelings for so long (one of my favourite Emotionally Unavailable Hero traits) but it makes sense because his personality is based around his intense insecurities and the fact that he keeps them a secret from everyone, which encourages the belief that he doesn't deserve to be with someone good. He tries hard to believe that he doesn't want to be with Bia for her own sake and many of the book's funniest or sweetest moments stem from his inability to admit that he's falling in love with her. Watching him overcome the emotional obstacles that are stopping him from having that relationship is very satisfying.
Bia herself is a real sweetheart and I didn't get that thing that you sometimes get with single POV romances where you feel disconnected from the other central character, perhaps because Bia almost always says exactly what she's thinking, but also I think because Kez himself is always thinking about her and making observations about her, even when he thinks he's not interested (I'm telling you, it's dynamite).
As usual, the more I read of this series the more interested I am in the Teissian cultures of the different alien species - I particularly loved all the detail in this one about how much the Balor and Balin love colours and the almost hypnotic effect it has on them. I just thought that was so funny and cute. I have also lost track of how many times I've read The New Guy so I was DELIGHTED by every mention of Maggie and Ro, and there's one extended scene with them and Bia and Kez at dinner where I was just screenshotting every page and sending it to my friend because every character was on top form and I was rolling around with glee.
I respect VC Lancaster's candour in the afterword about her experience with getting a sensitivity reader on this book. I didn't really see the problems with Kez's biracial identity while I was reading the book but then again I am white and have not had that experience and ultimately was probably being a dope about it. I can see how the representation would come across as negative and Lancaster is very upfront about that issue in the afterword. All I can say is that I loved the book and I can't be sorry she published it; it's one of my favourites in this series so I recommend it on that basis.
June 5, 2019
Wow, this might be my favorite of the whole series. I liked that both Kez and Bia had flaws; this made them feel like 3-dimensional characters. Kez has a lot of traumatic and damaging baggage dragging him down. It takes a while for him to even believe that he deserves love.
Not sure if this is the end of the series...but I can always hope for more.
Thanks V.C.
Not sure if this is the end of the series...but I can always hope for more.
Thanks V.C.
February 1, 2019
I have fallen completely in love with the sci fi romance genre, especially when there are aliens involved. But, you don't often find romances where both the hero and heroine are aliens. V.C. Lancaster breaks the mould with The Guy Next Door as we see the love story of Kez and Bia. If you have read this series you will recognise Kez from The New Guy as the hero's grumpy best friend. Bia is Kez's bubbly and irritatingly cheerful next door neighbour who seems determined to befriend him.This was a tricky story to tell, it touches on issues of racism and cultural identity which you can easily be applied to the world today. Kez is a mixed race character, his father is from the Balor the race on Teiss that subjugated the Balin, his mother's race. As a bi-racial child he wasn't accepted by either culture and was forced to find his own way to survive. It has left him with a deep self-loathing of both sides of his cultural identity. He was not a happy chap, and as much as I understand and sympathise with his issues it was hard to see his constant self-sabotage and, if I'm honest, his woeful thoughts.
Bia is younger than Kez and although is Balor, she was raised by a Balin woman. However, she left Teiss when she was a child and has spent most of her life on Earth. Like Kez, she isn't accepted by either the Balor or Balin. Unlike Kez she's bursting with life and optimism and wants to enjoy everything Earth has to offer. I thought I would find her incessant cheer irritating, but whilst I was reading I found I really liked her. She was a great foil to Kez's doom and gloom. I couldn't quite understand why she was determined to win Kez over when she was continually, and rudely, rebuffed. But, I think it told a sad tale of how other Teissians were treating her.
Overall, this wasn't my favourite romance in this series. It did a great job of exploring both the Balor and Balin societies and how they have settled on to Earth and how the old prejudices had travelled with them. But, I think Kez and Bia's romance seemed a bit lacklustre in places and it was only towards the end that I started enjoying their relationship. I think this book may have benefited from seeing some scenes from Bia's point of view. It would have helped the reader's understanding of why she was so determined to have Kez. Plus, it would have added a vivacious spark of her personality, which would have been nice after spending so long in the Kez's head.
This is a great series, I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Lancaster has in store for us next in this series.
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
December 29, 2018
I freaking love this series. The clash and blending of alien and humans... so I was slightly bummed when I found out that this book was about two different/similar alien species...reminding myself that I love this authors originality and story telling skills I delved in.
The focus of this story is Bia and Kez. The light shiny young preppy Bia ( a Balor ) and her neighbour the mopey whiney dark old Kez ( a Balin ) after working for DETI since leaving his home planet. Kez is terrified of returning to the lifestyle of his past. Stealing and being treated like dirt. He goes to work, copes in his own way and avoids his young neighbour Bia, like the plague. Kez is sick of her and her attempts of gaining his interest. Knowing the only way he can get rid of her unwanted attention is by helping her adapt, get a job and find her a different male for her attentions. What follows is a interesting education/friendship and strange enemies to lovers romance ( of sorts )
I wanted to believe in the developing relationship between Bia and Kez but for me it just fell short. For the most part of this book Kez is complaining which made him very very hard to like.
Which made it that much harder to understand Bia’s attraction to Kez.. the author tries to explain and I accepted until Kez started whining again... I understand and feel for his past and treatment... but dayum.. there’s a part in this book... where Kez is trying to figure out what he wants... I lost count at the amount of internal questions he had and ( to be fair ) his internal monologue truly showed his conflict but my god man... SHHHHH!!!
I did like the story but it didn’t hit my book loving pleasure button.. in a way that this authors previous books have. I think if Kez was ‘less Kez’ then I might have enjoyed it more???
Blogger note...
With regard to the author’s note at the end of this book.. Which i wasn’t a fan of, it was excessive and a tad preachy... the authors note actually impacted on my initial reaction to this Book.
That the author was so negative and critical of her own work, tarnished my view of the story that I had just read. Obviously she felt the need to explain or clarify the story.
BUT.. My feelings are this, some stories need to be told, there are a lot of books out in the world that reflect society ( positively and negatively ) and that’s ok...it is what it is.. because despite this book being made up and fantasy, influences from the ‘real world’ will appear...( the rightful and the wrongful ) HOWEVER that doesn’t make them a bad story or a negative story...people are gonna get upset or be sensitive or triggered or offended no matter what you do or say or write about... parallels can and will be derived in thousands of books between fantasy and reality... all you can do is let the story stand for itself... that does not mean you should write a long winded apology for writing the aforementioned story. I’m kinda bummed that the author felt the need to do this.
The focus of this story is Bia and Kez. The light shiny young preppy Bia ( a Balor ) and her neighbour the mopey whiney dark old Kez ( a Balin ) after working for DETI since leaving his home planet. Kez is terrified of returning to the lifestyle of his past. Stealing and being treated like dirt. He goes to work, copes in his own way and avoids his young neighbour Bia, like the plague. Kez is sick of her and her attempts of gaining his interest. Knowing the only way he can get rid of her unwanted attention is by helping her adapt, get a job and find her a different male for her attentions. What follows is a interesting education/friendship and strange enemies to lovers romance ( of sorts )
I wanted to believe in the developing relationship between Bia and Kez but for me it just fell short. For the most part of this book Kez is complaining which made him very very hard to like.
Which made it that much harder to understand Bia’s attraction to Kez.. the author tries to explain and I accepted until Kez started whining again... I understand and feel for his past and treatment... but dayum.. there’s a part in this book... where Kez is trying to figure out what he wants... I lost count at the amount of internal questions he had and ( to be fair ) his internal monologue truly showed his conflict but my god man... SHHHHH!!!
I did like the story but it didn’t hit my book loving pleasure button.. in a way that this authors previous books have. I think if Kez was ‘less Kez’ then I might have enjoyed it more???
Blogger note...
With regard to the author’s note at the end of this book.. Which i wasn’t a fan of, it was excessive and a tad preachy... the authors note actually impacted on my initial reaction to this Book.
That the author was so negative and critical of her own work, tarnished my view of the story that I had just read. Obviously she felt the need to explain or clarify the story.
BUT.. My feelings are this, some stories need to be told, there are a lot of books out in the world that reflect society ( positively and negatively ) and that’s ok...it is what it is.. because despite this book being made up and fantasy, influences from the ‘real world’ will appear...( the rightful and the wrongful ) HOWEVER that doesn’t make them a bad story or a negative story...people are gonna get upset or be sensitive or triggered or offended no matter what you do or say or write about... parallels can and will be derived in thousands of books between fantasy and reality... all you can do is let the story stand for itself... that does not mean you should write a long winded apology for writing the aforementioned story. I’m kinda bummed that the author felt the need to do this.
not-interested-anymore
December 31, 2018Simply because I cannot read a full book solely from a male’s POV. I just couldn’t get into it. However, I appreciated the little author’s note at the end of the book. I don’t know why people had any issues with it though. I thought it was honest, and quite frankly I appreciated that the author tried her best to be respectful and sensitive.
January 6, 2019
Interesting reading
I enjoyed The Guy Next Door with Kez's interesting perspective. As someone who is not biracial, I didn't pick up on issues that might bother others. I appreciated the struggle Kez had trying to overcome his deeply ingrained need to steal so that he always had that "little cushion" against poverty. Well-written story.
I enjoyed The Guy Next Door with Kez's interesting perspective. As someone who is not biracial, I didn't pick up on issues that might bother others. I appreciated the struggle Kez had trying to overcome his deeply ingrained need to steal so that he always had that "little cushion" against poverty. Well-written story.
May 25, 2019
I liked this story. A romance between two aliens. Gave us a view on their alien courtship and blossoming romance. I loved Bia. Her sunshine personally made this book pop! I even liked grumpy Kez. And I liked the theme introduced in this reading, biracial stereotype. I’m not biracial but the few people who are in my life shared with me the discrimination they encounter and it is heartbreaking and quite frankly uncalled for. I despise people who can’t see pass skin color.
I appreciate V.C. Lancaster taking the time to include an author’s note and addressing biracial stereotypes and being sensitive and acknowledging that such matters are still an issue in today’s society.
I love Lancaster’s work but at the same time, I hope her next book in this series has more diversity.
I appreciate V.C. Lancaster taking the time to include an author’s note and addressing biracial stereotypes and being sensitive and acknowledging that such matters are still an issue in today’s society.
I love Lancaster’s work but at the same time, I hope her next book in this series has more diversity.
January 5, 2019
Grumpy Kez.
Kez's story and to be honest I wasnt very keen to read it but as it's the latest story in the series I didn't want to leave it out. I think what was putting me off was the fact that he was such a douche to Maggie in her and Ro's book. He was unpleasant and seemed to dislike humans intensely. After reading his story I may have changed my opinion of him but the story itself failed to win me over as I had a few issues with it. Firstly the story starts off with Kez literally hiding away from his next door neighbour Bia a Balor female who has a crush on him. He finds her to be immature, annoying and intrusive not to mention how much he seems to dislike her as her race used to keep his the Balin as slaves. The reason she gives for having this obsession with him was very unusual and unromantic but very spiritual in belief as if preordained by fate (which of course Kez's people do not believe in). I had trouble believing their feelings came from somewhere real I mean her original reason for crushing on him sounded shallow even if she later tells him that's not the only reason that she cares for him. Even Kez tells her the same thing and that how could she possibly want him when hes been nothing but grouchy, rude and unfriendly to her. Things between them start to pick up when he finds out shes gone into heat and wants no one but him. The female aliens anatomy is strange to say the least, with no clit they hardly feel any pleasure from oral or manual stimulation. They don't self lubricate (ouch) so they will only get release once the male has come inside lubricating them from within so they are then able to thrust and hit their pleasure button deep inside. Yeah let's just say the sexy times in this series was way hotter when you paired one of our aliens with a human woman. I also found myself wondering about Bia's appearance as nothing is mentioned about her head. I know the males have crests instead of hair anywhere on their bodies but does that mean the women are the same or are they bald? Nothing is mentioned. Not much happens along the way other than how Kez dealt with his problem on a daily basis, how he dealt with Bia, helped her find work and spent time with her. What we do see is how as they spend time together he gets to know her and unbeknownst to him appears to be developing feelings for her even if he does everything possible to try to deny it. The fact that he seemed not to know what he felt for her so long into the book made me feel so bad for Bia. Even after the confession she made to him about all she's done to win him he was STILL unsure of his feelings. God I've never wanted to knock someone out so much in my life! Thats why I had so much trouble believing this love story; because he took WAY TOO LONG to realise his feelings for her. Even Bia had me convinced during her speech and I just felt so sorry for her. After all she'd been through that she felt she had to fight for Kez's love like a dog didn't sit well with me and when he told her she deserved better than him he was absolutely right; she did. He hurt her because of his bi-racial insecurities only realizing what he'd done after she welcomed him with open arms, not a single trace of judgment and a heart full of love. And I hope that he spends the rest of his life making it up to her and proving to her that he is deserving of a woman as good, pure and kind as Bia.
Kez's story and to be honest I wasnt very keen to read it but as it's the latest story in the series I didn't want to leave it out. I think what was putting me off was the fact that he was such a douche to Maggie in her and Ro's book. He was unpleasant and seemed to dislike humans intensely. After reading his story I may have changed my opinion of him but the story itself failed to win me over as I had a few issues with it. Firstly the story starts off with Kez literally hiding away from his next door neighbour Bia a Balor female who has a crush on him. He finds her to be immature, annoying and intrusive not to mention how much he seems to dislike her as her race used to keep his the Balin as slaves. The reason she gives for having this obsession with him was very unusual and unromantic but very spiritual in belief as if preordained by fate (which of course Kez's people do not believe in). I had trouble believing their feelings came from somewhere real I mean her original reason for crushing on him sounded shallow even if she later tells him that's not the only reason that she cares for him. Even Kez tells her the same thing and that how could she possibly want him when hes been nothing but grouchy, rude and unfriendly to her. Things between them start to pick up when he finds out shes gone into heat and wants no one but him. The female aliens anatomy is strange to say the least, with no clit they hardly feel any pleasure from oral or manual stimulation. They don't self lubricate (ouch) so they will only get release once the male has come inside lubricating them from within so they are then able to thrust and hit their pleasure button deep inside. Yeah let's just say the sexy times in this series was way hotter when you paired one of our aliens with a human woman. I also found myself wondering about Bia's appearance as nothing is mentioned about her head. I know the males have crests instead of hair anywhere on their bodies but does that mean the women are the same or are they bald? Nothing is mentioned. Not much happens along the way other than how Kez dealt with his problem on a daily basis, how he dealt with Bia, helped her find work and spent time with her. What we do see is how as they spend time together he gets to know her and unbeknownst to him appears to be developing feelings for her even if he does everything possible to try to deny it. The fact that he seemed not to know what he felt for her so long into the book made me feel so bad for Bia. Even after the confession she made to him about all she's done to win him he was STILL unsure of his feelings. God I've never wanted to knock someone out so much in my life! Thats why I had so much trouble believing this love story; because he took WAY TOO LONG to realise his feelings for her. Even Bia had me convinced during her speech and I just felt so sorry for her. After all she'd been through that she felt she had to fight for Kez's love like a dog didn't sit well with me and when he told her she deserved better than him he was absolutely right; she did. He hurt her because of his bi-racial insecurities only realizing what he'd done after she welcomed him with open arms, not a single trace of judgment and a heart full of love. And I hope that he spends the rest of his life making it up to her and proving to her that he is deserving of a woman as good, pure and kind as Bia.
January 8, 2019
I've enjoyed the previous books in this series and was very excited to see a new one pop up. I like that this series shows the day-to-day working 'aliens' as opposed to many sci-fi romances that focus on these galactic mega-buff warriors. Aliens at the office - love it! I also like that the crises presented in these books is more to do with misunderstandings/differences between the humans and the different alien species rather than some (on the one hand) "have to save to the world" issue or (on the other hand) interpersonal drama/angst.
This book has all the positives I've listed of the series in general, however, it is not as light-hearted as the previous books. The issues of social class and slavery (between the aliens from their social structure back on their planet) are brought up in more detail. It's a bit uncomfortable and not something that can be easily resolved realistically. I think the book is still enjoyable. I'm glad the author conducted a sensitivity review and made changes based on the feedback.
Two cons specific to the book:
1. The way Bia was presented at the beginning of the book and through Kev's view point, I'm not sure why he fell in love with her. There was no romantic interest at all that I detected at first ... to the point that for a while (not having read the book description) I wondered who the love interest was supposed to be.
2. This species has heats - outside of those heats they are not aroused. I didn't like how the author sexualized the relationship unnecessarily outside of those heats. Nor do I understand why the characters would wish to trigger a heat (described as uncomfortable and painful at times ... plus a dangerous thing to do). It seems like the author was just trying to finish the romance in a way similar to a human romance (attraction at a physical level, closeness through kissing/making-out, sex representing the sealing of the relationship and the level of closeness between the characters). Obviously we are all human and the books are for humans, but the author does such a good job otherwise of presenting differences and similarities between the species in the book series that having the relationship between two non-humans progress [physically] in the same way as a human one stands out. May-be reading a few romances with an ACE character might give her better ideas of how to show the increasing affection and developing relationship between two characters not affected by lust.
This book has all the positives I've listed of the series in general, however, it is not as light-hearted as the previous books. The issues of social class and slavery (between the aliens from their social structure back on their planet) are brought up in more detail. It's a bit uncomfortable and not something that can be easily resolved realistically. I think the book is still enjoyable. I'm glad the author conducted a sensitivity review and made changes based on the feedback.
Two cons specific to the book:
1. The way Bia was presented at the beginning of the book and through Kev's view point, I'm not sure why he fell in love with her. There was no romantic interest at all that I detected at first ... to the point that for a while (not having read the book description) I wondered who the love interest was supposed to be.
2. This species has heats - outside of those heats they are not aroused. I didn't like how the author sexualized the relationship unnecessarily outside of those heats. Nor do I understand why the characters would wish to trigger a heat (described as uncomfortable and painful at times ... plus a dangerous thing to do). It seems like the author was just trying to finish the romance in a way similar to a human romance (attraction at a physical level, closeness through kissing/making-out, sex representing the sealing of the relationship and the level of closeness between the characters). Obviously we are all human and the books are for humans, but the author does such a good job otherwise of presenting differences and similarities between the species in the book series that having the relationship between two non-humans progress [physically] in the same way as a human one stands out. May-be reading a few romances with an ACE character might give her better ideas of how to show the increasing affection and developing relationship between two characters not affected by lust.
January 1, 2023
I'm torn about how to rate this.
I feel bad for giving this a low rating. The biggest reason for my displeasure with the book has to do with pure personal preference: I find age gaps, especially ones right around the ages in this book, to be off-putting. To be honest, I started skimming the book rather than reading and entirely skipped all of the spice scenes.
I enjoyed getting to see Kez's point of view since we saw him as a character in book 2, the New Guy, even though this book breaks from the mold by having the book from Kez's point of view as the male 'love interest' instead of from the female main character's point of view. It was interesting to get to see more about what makes Kez tick and be the way he is (I mean, he was kinda basically a drug dealer in book 2?) and why he's friends with Ro or why he disliked Maggie so much. I enjoyed seeing that private, hidden, dark side of his life.
Bia, the female main character, I liked her - on her own. I was happy to see her getting out, making friends, learning new things, seeing the world a bit (just one building apparently). She was a sweet kid but therein lies the problem - kid. She's described as being naive and innocent repeatedly, as having a childish excitement about her, of being immature and overly idealistic. Kez himself thinks she's way too young for him and Bia's current guardian acknowledges the age gap but thinks Bia needs a mentor (which, socially and culturally, she does). There's a big difference between a mentor and a romantic/sexual partner, though.
Bia was orphaned and taken in by an older Balin woman. On her 2 year journey to Earth, she was not classified as an adult yet. It's unclear how long she's been on Earth or Kez's neighbor but she's only just now getting her GED on Earth, so I'm going to guess her to be like 18-20ish in Earth time. (Kez himself gives a rough estimate of 21) That means she was an adolescent who went through the trauma of losing her family, being taken in by a race of people who hated her, losing her entire world (literally) and being evacuated to a different planet, and then hanging on every word of the much older man living next door who shows her the slightest kindness by not hating her.
Kez doesn't give his own age either but does say he feels too old and can't remember his own age. He mentally thinks of himself as an old man (though clearly not elderly). Bia's guardian says Kez isn't old enough to be Bia's father (which Kez also disliked as being the cutoff) so I'm guessing Kez is at least 10-15 years older, possibly more. To me, that age gap in particular is just not it. I can't do it for personal reasons and negative personal experiences. I can do them under some circumstances - like if the youngest is at least mid-20s or the age gap is less severe, or if they're both older then the age gap can also be larger and I wouldn't care (like 30s vs 60s or 23 vs 12,000 or whatever).
Bia clearly needs mentorship and more good role models in her life. She can absolutely use friends and some adults in her life to guide her. I'm not on board with an older man engaging in a romantic/sexual relationship with a barely legal young woman who is very impressionable, very isolated, and desperate for someone to accept and love her. I've been that young woman and it is not pretty.
There's also lines that just specifically gave me the ick. Like: "I’m growing up as fast as I can. I just want to be good enough for you now." Bia says to Kez. This is probably supposed to be romantic or sweet but this just made me grimace and shudder. She goes on to describe how she views Kez as this magical hero to her sad story, that sweeps her off of her feet, and makes everything better again. Again, I get the feeling it's supposed to be sweet but I can't shake the feeling it's more youthful hero worship and an idealistic fairytale, not a realistic foundation for a healthy, stable relationship.
If you want to be flip about it, you could say they both have daddy issues (Kez especially) so I guess this is how things worked out. To be fair, Kez does get some life lessons of his own along the way and has to learn to be a little vulnerable himself, but again, I personally don't feel like that has to be or completely appropriate as a romantic/sexual relationship with someone considerably younger.
My plan is to read the Christmas special that is Book 5, the whole reason I decided to read this series now, but I might end up skipping Bia and Kez's.
Anyway, I enjoyed Ro and Kez arguing about the Balin way to mimic flicking someone off since they only have 3 fingers instead of 5 and they can't agree on which finger counts as 'THE finger' to give. (pg 175 if you don't want to read the whole book) I enjoyed the very ending and epilogue. And finally, I appreciated the author's note about racism, representing the struggles of biracial identity, and owning up to failures as a writer.
I feel bad for giving this a low rating. The biggest reason for my displeasure with the book has to do with pure personal preference: I find age gaps, especially ones right around the ages in this book, to be off-putting. To be honest, I started skimming the book rather than reading and entirely skipped all of the spice scenes.
I enjoyed getting to see Kez's point of view since we saw him as a character in book 2, the New Guy, even though this book breaks from the mold by having the book from Kez's point of view as the male 'love interest' instead of from the female main character's point of view. It was interesting to get to see more about what makes Kez tick and be the way he is (I mean, he was kinda basically a drug dealer in book 2?) and why he's friends with Ro or why he disliked Maggie so much. I enjoyed seeing that private, hidden, dark side of his life.
Bia, the female main character, I liked her - on her own. I was happy to see her getting out, making friends, learning new things, seeing the world a bit (just one building apparently). She was a sweet kid but therein lies the problem - kid. She's described as being naive and innocent repeatedly, as having a childish excitement about her, of being immature and overly idealistic. Kez himself thinks she's way too young for him and Bia's current guardian acknowledges the age gap but thinks Bia needs a mentor (which, socially and culturally, she does). There's a big difference between a mentor and a romantic/sexual partner, though.
Bia was orphaned and taken in by an older Balin woman. On her 2 year journey to Earth, she was not classified as an adult yet. It's unclear how long she's been on Earth or Kez's neighbor but she's only just now getting her GED on Earth, so I'm going to guess her to be like 18-20ish in Earth time. (Kez himself gives a rough estimate of 21) That means she was an adolescent who went through the trauma of losing her family, being taken in by a race of people who hated her, losing her entire world (literally) and being evacuated to a different planet, and then hanging on every word of the much older man living next door who shows her the slightest kindness by not hating her.
Kez doesn't give his own age either but does say he feels too old and can't remember his own age. He mentally thinks of himself as an old man (though clearly not elderly). Bia's guardian says Kez isn't old enough to be Bia's father (which Kez also disliked as being the cutoff) so I'm guessing Kez is at least 10-15 years older, possibly more. To me, that age gap in particular is just not it. I can't do it for personal reasons and negative personal experiences. I can do them under some circumstances - like if the youngest is at least mid-20s or the age gap is less severe, or if they're both older then the age gap can also be larger and I wouldn't care (like 30s vs 60s or 23 vs 12,000 or whatever).
Bia clearly needs mentorship and more good role models in her life. She can absolutely use friends and some adults in her life to guide her. I'm not on board with an older man engaging in a romantic/sexual relationship with a barely legal young woman who is very impressionable, very isolated, and desperate for someone to accept and love her. I've been that young woman and it is not pretty.
There's also lines that just specifically gave me the ick. Like: "I’m growing up as fast as I can. I just want to be good enough for you now." Bia says to Kez. This is probably supposed to be romantic or sweet but this just made me grimace and shudder. She goes on to describe how she views Kez as this magical hero to her sad story, that sweeps her off of her feet, and makes everything better again. Again, I get the feeling it's supposed to be sweet but I can't shake the feeling it's more youthful hero worship and an idealistic fairytale, not a realistic foundation for a healthy, stable relationship.
If you want to be flip about it, you could say they both have daddy issues (Kez especially) so I guess this is how things worked out. To be fair, Kez does get some life lessons of his own along the way and has to learn to be a little vulnerable himself, but again, I personally don't feel like that has to be or completely appropriate as a romantic/sexual relationship with someone considerably younger.
My plan is to read the Christmas special that is Book 5, the whole reason I decided to read this series now, but I might end up skipping Bia and Kez's.
Anyway, I enjoyed Ro and Kez arguing about the Balin way to mimic flicking someone off since they only have 3 fingers instead of 5 and they can't agree on which finger counts as 'THE finger' to give. (pg 175 if you don't want to read the whole book) I enjoyed the very ending and epilogue. And finally, I appreciated the author's note about racism, representing the struggles of biracial identity, and owning up to failures as a writer.
December 2, 2019
Kez is a man of hidden facets. Or maybe I should say he's an alien of hidden facets. Either way, he's more than just the grumpy friend of Ro, supplier of mood enhancing chemicals, and procurer of small things. He's an alien trying to survive the only way he knows how on a strange new world and he's...well, he's sort of making a mess of things. But, like, a small mess. Nothing that can't be undone or fixed, just something that needs to be addressed.
He is sort of grumpy, though. Again, that's mostly because he's used to being standoffish due to his past and he's not sure what to make of the perky female next door who keeps sweetly inserting herself into his life.
Yeah, Bia is Kez's opposite. She's upbeat and cheerful and she loves loud colors and, well, Kez. Considering even Kez doesn't love himself (or like himself half the time), Bia's actions throw him for a loop. Bia, for all her youth and exuberance, is pretty darn sly about getting what she wants. Which is Kez. She wants him and she sets about showing him exactly how much she does until the grumpy guy has to admit to himself that she might be right about them being a good match.
Heh. I love it when the grumpy grouches fall.
A little theft, a little deviousness, and a shared heat or two. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
He is sort of grumpy, though. Again, that's mostly because he's used to being standoffish due to his past and he's not sure what to make of the perky female next door who keeps sweetly inserting herself into his life.
Yeah, Bia is Kez's opposite. She's upbeat and cheerful and she loves loud colors and, well, Kez. Considering even Kez doesn't love himself (or like himself half the time), Bia's actions throw him for a loop. Bia, for all her youth and exuberance, is pretty darn sly about getting what she wants. Which is Kez. She wants him and she sets about showing him exactly how much she does until the grumpy guy has to admit to himself that she might be right about them being a good match.
Heh. I love it when the grumpy grouches fall.
A little theft, a little deviousness, and a shared heat or two. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
February 19, 2021
This novel recounts a love affair between a hoarder with daddy issues and a kleptomaniac with a dick like a doughnut. In something of a break from tradition for Lancaster, BOTH of them are space dinosaurs who have taken refuge on Earth. No human women are fucked (on stage) by aliens during the course of this novel.
Our two lovers belong to different races of the same species, and back on the homeworld the kleptomaniac’s race were the slaves of the hoarder’s. There are some parallels to be drawn with U.S. race relations. On a symbolic level, the hoarder, Bia, represents the principle of integration and the kleptomaniac, Kez, that of segregation. Kez is a particularly interesting character because he’s so afflicted by internal conflict. This isn’t a spoiler, but he’s mixed race and passing, and having suffered so much racism in the past is, in a sense, trying to segregate himself from himself. This of course cannot be done. It’s as if the sociological conflicts of the novel are internalised in him. Rather a nice touch, I thought. Now it’s obvious which side of the integration/segregation the author falls on as you can divide yourself with about as much success a you can divide a people. And as in all her books, all you need is love.
Our two lovers belong to different races of the same species, and back on the homeworld the kleptomaniac’s race were the slaves of the hoarder’s. There are some parallels to be drawn with U.S. race relations. On a symbolic level, the hoarder, Bia, represents the principle of integration and the kleptomaniac, Kez, that of segregation. Kez is a particularly interesting character because he’s so afflicted by internal conflict. This isn’t a spoiler, but he’s mixed race and passing, and having suffered so much racism in the past is, in a sense, trying to segregate himself from himself. This of course cannot be done. It’s as if the sociological conflicts of the novel are internalised in him. Rather a nice touch, I thought. Now it’s obvious which side of the integration/segregation the author falls on as you can divide yourself with about as much success a you can divide a people. And as in all her books, all you need is love.
December 30, 2020
3.5 stars
I quite liked it. Grumpy heroes are a personal fav, and I liked his relationship with Bia. I liked that the story was about an h and H that were both ‘aliens’ this time. I also liked the conflicts, and how they were presented and explained. I liked that the hero’s voice felt unique and interesting.
I read the author comments at the end and was surprised by them. I think I can call myself bi-racial (NZ European and Polynesian) and I had a fair amount of issues with my identity growing up. I didn’t have any issues with how being bi-racial was portrayed here, and I didn’t find the book to be racist. However I don’t have slavery and the kind of oppression and abuse in my Polynesian ancestry as African Americans do, so I’m not as sensitive to those themes. Overall I liked it, and I’d read more in this series.
I quite liked it. Grumpy heroes are a personal fav, and I liked his relationship with Bia. I liked that the story was about an h and H that were both ‘aliens’ this time. I also liked the conflicts, and how they were presented and explained. I liked that the hero’s voice felt unique and interesting.
I read the author comments at the end and was surprised by them. I think I can call myself bi-racial (NZ European and Polynesian) and I had a fair amount of issues with my identity growing up. I didn’t have any issues with how being bi-racial was portrayed here, and I didn’t find the book to be racist. However I don’t have slavery and the kind of oppression and abuse in my Polynesian ancestry as African Americans do, so I’m not as sensitive to those themes. Overall I liked it, and I’d read more in this series.
October 1, 2023
DNF on this one.
Kez - what happened? I was so looking forward to his book but this just was not it. Super down and depressing character and his relationship with Bia gave me the ick big time with how their age gap was done.
In erotica I’m all for taboo romances but for a fluffy office romance read….it didn’t work for me.
There was a long authors note at the end of this one discussing how the author felt she had done a disservice by portraying Kez the way she did regarding his race/identity and that coupled with the fact that I don’t see anymore books makes me thing this is the last full novel this series will see.
Kez - what happened? I was so looking forward to his book but this just was not it. Super down and depressing character and his relationship with Bia gave me the ick big time with how their age gap was done.
In erotica I’m all for taboo romances but for a fluffy office romance read….it didn’t work for me.
There was a long authors note at the end of this one discussing how the author felt she had done a disservice by portraying Kez the way she did regarding his race/identity and that coupled with the fact that I don’t see anymore books makes me thing this is the last full novel this series will see.
January 9, 2019
A very good book
I expected a simple little fantasy romance, but this book has some unexpected layers. Kez, the hero of the story at first is not very likeable. He's gruff. He lies and he steals. But then the author reveals layer by layer the experiences that has shaped Kez's outlook on life. I started to feel compassion for Kez and at the end of the book I wanted him to have his happy ever after. I was glad that Kez had stop letting a bunch of ignorant racist define who he was. By doing that he let go of his own bigotry.
I expected a simple little fantasy romance, but this book has some unexpected layers. Kez, the hero of the story at first is not very likeable. He's gruff. He lies and he steals. But then the author reveals layer by layer the experiences that has shaped Kez's outlook on life. I started to feel compassion for Kez and at the end of the book I wanted him to have his happy ever after. I was glad that Kez had stop letting a bunch of ignorant racist define who he was. By doing that he let go of his own bigotry.
November 14, 2021
Not Quite My Cup
*****Spoilers*****
I didn't like this one as much as other titles by this author. There wasn't as much to relate to since both characters were aliens. Bia was persistent and got Kez in the end which was good since he wasn't interested at first and the story was kind of cringe worthy because of it at first. There was a lot of writing that wasn't interesting enough not to notice and it was boring at times because of that. Other books of this author I like though so it's more a one off I think.
*****Spoilers*****
I didn't like this one as much as other titles by this author. There wasn't as much to relate to since both characters were aliens. Bia was persistent and got Kez in the end which was good since he wasn't interested at first and the story was kind of cringe worthy because of it at first. There was a lot of writing that wasn't interesting enough not to notice and it was boring at times because of that. Other books of this author I like though so it's more a one off I think.
October 17, 2019
Different from the other books in the series
I enjoyed this more then I expected. I had put off reading it because I didn't like Kez much from Ro and Maggie's book. It wasn't as light hearted as the others in the series, but I really enjoyed getting to know Kez and Bia and the challenges they faced. There was just the right amount of romance to keep it balanced and enjoyable. I'm glad they got their happy ending.
I enjoyed this more then I expected. I had put off reading it because I didn't like Kez much from Ro and Maggie's book. It wasn't as light hearted as the others in the series, but I really enjoyed getting to know Kez and Bia and the challenges they faced. There was just the right amount of romance to keep it balanced and enjoyable. I'm glad they got their happy ending.
December 21, 2018
Unique and well written
I waited for this book! And yes I enjoyed it. Kez was the main character through out the book, yes we have Bia and her unconditional love for him but I felt her far away as far as maybe a second character not a lead.
This book was well written and I could feel Kez struggles.
Totally recommend it!
I waited for this book! And yes I enjoyed it. Kez was the main character through out the book, yes we have Bia and her unconditional love for him but I felt her far away as far as maybe a second character not a lead.
This book was well written and I could feel Kez struggles.
Totally recommend it!
May 27, 2019
I liked it. I have a soft spot for grumpy loner dudes who fall hard for their girl. I really enjoyed how unique this story was and was a little surprised that the author still managed to make it relatable and *hawt* even though it was about two aliens. I also really enjoyed that it was from a male POV this time.
December 22, 2018
Another great book in the series!
Another great book in the series! I liked that the author explored a sensitive issue, of being a biracial alien, and I feel like she did it well. Can't wait for the next book!
Another great book in the series! I liked that the author explored a sensitive issue, of being a biracial alien, and I feel like she did it well. Can't wait for the next book!
December 30, 2018
Self doubt
In loving eyes all is right, and in Bia's eyes Kez can do no wrong. She sees only good in him, while Kez's self esteem issues are all he sees. Bia is in it for the long term and will continue to make Kez see himself and her for what they could be together.
In loving eyes all is right, and in Bia's eyes Kez can do no wrong. She sees only good in him, while Kez's self esteem issues are all he sees. Bia is in it for the long term and will continue to make Kez see himself and her for what they could be together.
January 12, 2021
My favorite of the whole series
So far this is my favorite of the whole series. It does have some touchy parts with prejudice and a history of slavery. It also has a great story of love, friendships, and self acceptance. I loved Bia and Kez. Maybe the color wheel was right?
So far this is my favorite of the whole series. It does have some touchy parts with prejudice and a history of slavery. It also has a great story of love, friendships, and self acceptance. I loved Bia and Kez. Maybe the color wheel was right?
December 23, 2018
Two aliens
This was a unique but relatable story about age, race, and making a living from the perspective of an alien biracial male.
I love this series!
This was a unique but relatable story about age, race, and making a living from the perspective of an alien biracial male.
I love this series!
January 26, 2019
Ke-ez
Great story, love the depth she put into his character development, leaving a sense that there is probably more to the tess world to come.
Great story, love the depth she put into his character development, leaving a sense that there is probably more to the tess world to come.
February 9, 2019
No interest in characters, did not finish.
February 27, 2019
the guy who supplies everyone with contraband gets a story.
August 14, 2020
It's OK.
September 16, 2023
Not my jam
I've never been a fan of the childlike virgin woman pairing with the adult male. It makes me feel uncomfortable and icky.
I've never been a fan of the childlike virgin woman pairing with the adult male. It makes me feel uncomfortable and icky.
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