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Crashed on an unexplored planet, with only an alien warrior and a holographic cat for company… what’s a girl to do?

Tamara expected the trip to Arcadia Colony to be safe and boring. And it is — until an impossibly hot alien warrior crashes into the ship, bringing a warning that only Tamara believes. Helping the rugged alien means mutiny… but the threat he’s warning about is worse.

Auric turned his back on the Silver Band when they abandoned honor in favor of piracy. Drawn by the riches of the colony ship, the Band are on their way — and once they arrive, the humans are doomed. Now that he’s met Tamara, Auric knows he can't let anything happen to her. She's the woman fate has chosen for him, the woman he would give his life to save.

When the humans and their alien attackers are stranded on a forbidden planet, Auric and Tamara are flung together on a journey to find other survivors. Will fate be enough to keep Auric and Tamara together? Or will the dangers of the planet tear them apart?

Auric is book one of the Crashland Colony Romances. Each book is a complete science fiction romance story with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happy ending guaranteed.

294 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2019

370 people are currently reading
279 people want to read

About the author

Leslie Chase

58 books125 followers

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5 stars
245 (39%)
4 stars
212 (33%)
3 stars
125 (19%)
2 stars
33 (5%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews172 followers
April 4, 2020
2.5 Meh Stars

I liked the hero in this - Auric is honourable and strong and Tamara is strong and yet neither have left much of an impression on me. Plus, there was a level of intimacy and heat missing between them, so much seemed to being happening around them all the time, and their relationship development didn't really seem to occur.

For some reason I never found myself truly sinking in to this read, and I'm not sure why, since it has tropes that I usually really enjoy. Bummed that it's just left me shrugging my shoulders.

Acquired via KU.
Profile Image for Liz.
455 reviews25 followers
dnf
July 11, 2020
DNF at 65%

This was a pretty good story, but the first sex scene turned me off so much that I no longer wish to finish the story. The ending is fairly obvious so I wasn't reading it because I wanted to see what would happen next; in these alien romances, you can pretty much image the whole story. No, I was reading because I was enjoying Tamara's journey amongst a universe of misogynistic, pigheaded men. And then, she let me down, or the story let me down - either way, I feel let down.

Auric is an alpha-commander among his people, but he turns against them to protect the humans and uphold his honor. His actions are noble and commendable, up until he meets the humans, and Tamara, specifically. Then he's just annoying stubborn and closed-minded. He's all "Tamara, stay here," "Tamara, don't move," "Tamara, run when I say," etc. But here's the thing: Auric only THINKS he's in charge. Because, every time he gets way in over his head and bites off more than he can chew, it's Tamara who saves his ass. This was all fine and great. You see, this book is full of men who dismiss and ignore our heroine (even our hero), but she's brilliant and you can't help but feel sorry for those poor bastards with their egos and muscles and tiny brains.

Auric at one point thinks, "thank whatever gods watch over fools" when the heroine risks her life to save him. And, yeah, you should thank the gods, because you're a damn fool! He's pessimistic, childish and constantly bossing around Tamara, who has great instincts, survival skills and is even more tech brilliant than this alien that comes from an "advanced" people.

So when did my patience end? In the first sex scene.

There is NO chemistry between these two characters. Auric has not changed ONE BIT when they suddenly decide to get naked. Sure, Tamara finds him sexy, but his opinions and feelings have not changed. He is still that same arrogant and bullheaded man that demands and expects to be obeyed. During this sex scene the heroine even thinks, "I'll get what I wanted when he decided. I knew there was no arguing with that." Come on, Tamara! You deserve so much better!

The hero killed this for me. The heroine was perfect, she didn't need to change, the hero did. And it doesn't look like he does, so I'm not setting myself up for disappointment by reading any more.
Profile Image for Nike.
304 reviews
March 30, 2019
I got this book as a kindles recommendation, the cover called my attention, and the blurb did the rest.
Now… (deep sigh) I’m extremely frustrated. I love action pack, romance; I really do but, I’m 58% into the book, and the MC’s haven’t had a moment to breathe, for real. Something is going on at every turn; they haven’t exchanged more than a handful of conversations and none regarding themselves, no kiss, no chemistry, no intimacy moments, no nothing. and it started to get repetitive and boring.
I’m wondering if this book is a romance at all. I’m adding this one to my DNF list for now.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
February 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was a great start to this series. The sci-fi romance storyline is engaging and offers a entertaining blend of drama, action, danger, adventure, heart and passion. I liked both Tamara and Auric. I was pulled in by their chemistry and captivated by the emotional turmoil they were struggling with. A really good read that left me eager for the next book. This is my voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
February 6, 2019
Tamara💃💋 and Her Deep Blue🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 Love💘

Alpha Alien Male Sci-fi 🚀Adventure and Adult Romance💞.
Tamara💃💋 is one of five crew aboard the gigantic Arcadia Colony Ship, The Wandering Star🚀, when it is attacked by space pirates called the Silver Band. The old, rented, unarmed colony ship🚀 is no match for The pirates.

Auric🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 is is an Alpha Captain with his own fighter🚀 in The Silver Band, the remnants of the Prytheen race. Their planet was destroyed in a war leaving only the warriors. Now they seek revenge, plunder, and mates. Auric🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 just wants a mate!💞

Auric🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 splits from his fellow warriors and joins the humans aboard the Wandering Star🚀. The language gap is keeping him from getting the captain to realize the dire circumstances that the ship and the thousands of colonists in stasis are in.
Auric🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 realizes at once, Tamara💃💋 is his fated mate, but getting the Wandering Star🚀 away from the plundering Silver Band is his top priority.

ARC Received from Prolific Works📚
I also got the book with KU.

What a great book! Sci-fi Adult Romance is my favorite genre, especially when the book is mostly about a well written, fun, and exciting space adventure!
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books21 followers
April 27, 2019
An awesome adventure! What a fascinating mix of everyday work blahs and a dystopian theme! Tamara was the coolest person on the five-man crew, and then Auric literally crashed into her life. I loved the tension in the story, the language barrier, and the pompous douchbags that thing they can rule the world...or universe....whatever, lol. There is a large chunk of the book that is full of action, fighting, crashing, surviving, almost dying, and a sweet love story too. It was an exciting story but had a few parts where they were too much in their heads, but they were easy to skim over, just a few spots, so it didn't detract from the story at all, just bugged my twitchy mind, because in person, I do walk away when people get to talking too much and I've lost interest. It didn't happen here, I read it right to the end, and was engaged in the story 9/10s of the time, which is a good average for me.
Profile Image for Dru.
606 reviews43 followers
November 26, 2023
This was just OK.

When I read any type of alien book, I honestly expect the alien to, I don’t know, look alien? This book is basically a human that is blue and has a bumpy 🍆.

The reason it’s getting two stars is because I do like the plot and it was unique on how it all developed. Tamara was an engineer of a spaceship that was rejected to be a colonization on a foreign planet. Something that was unique about the book is the humans weren’t automatically given a translator chip. So Tamara was focusing on learning the common language of space. This allowed for an interesting development, where she was forced to learn a different dialect, and you get to see that progression of her learning the language.

Auric is part of an alien group that is strictly spaceship bound, with no real home planet. They were running out of resources and were debating on conquering the human ship to be able to steal their resources and enslave the humans “because they are a weaker race.” He was the only honorable one ‘ abiding by the code’, and did not want to become a pirate who would attack the human spaceship. So he tries to go ahead and warn them before the other aliens in his tribe attack to take over the ship. Unfortunately, he was too late, and the other tribes not only attack the ship, but everyone ends up, crashing into a planet, where they’re all forced to find their way to survive.

The relationship between Tamara and Auric, I would say, was almost underdeveloped. She was his faded mate, but there wasn’t enough 🔥🔥🔥 as I would’ve expected between them. Though they both were wanting, it didn’t feel like it was an extreme which usually is a theme in any alien book.

The spice (🌶️.5/5 and only two scenes) was OK, but wasn’t anything to write home about. I would say this was an easy read, and it didn’t make you think all that much which you could probably just read in less than four hours. There are definitely some notable parts but honestly, it’s going to be a completely forgetful book for me. I am not going to think back on this book at all and I’ll probably forget everything which, is why I’m writing the review to remind myself why I rated this only a two star.

I would say if you’re like me and definitely love a good alien book, this one you can probably skip.
Profile Image for Gena.
650 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2019
This was a fun, quick read without too much depth (something to read when you want to relax after a tough day in the office :). Tamara and Auric have instant chemistry and a fairly uncomplicated relationship. The plot device is external - bad guys from Auric's people. Wrapped up fairly cleanly so I'm not sure what could be covered in future books in this series.
Profile Image for Leslie Chase.
Author 58 books125 followers
Read
September 5, 2020
Hi folks!

Until the end of September, as part of the Author Up campaign, I'm donating part of the proceeds of all sales and pagereads of Auric to the American Red Cross. This is a rough year, and I want to do something to help!

If you want to see the other novels involved, check out the Author Up website.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
384 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2024
2.5 dnf 65 % I really liked the MC and her cat. And the tension of the plot was good if a little derivative. But ultimately the romance fell flat. I liked that it seemed to be holding back at first, letting them get to know one another, but then it randomly threw them together with no build up. Liked them as characters but found their relationship kinda boring.
Profile Image for Courtney.
901 reviews43 followers
August 28, 2019
This was kind of a hard one for me.

Was it an interesting idea? Yes
Was it well-written? Yes.
Was it a romance? Eh, not so much.

Honestly, it felt more like the author really wanted to write a sci-fi book, but they thought a romance would sell better, so they threw in a sex scene at a random time and made the MCs call each 'beloved'. It just didn't work for me.

The first third of the book was great and had a lot of potential, but then things kind of went flat. There's no real relationship building between the MCs. Every once in a while they'll mention something in their internal dialog about finding the other person attractive, and that's about it. And then randomly, they have sex. There's no buildup, no nothing. Tamara is talking about something, and suddenly Auric is banging her up against a tree. And then they're mates, with no explanation. And then they're calling each other 'beloved' or 'my love' after knowing each other for two days. And then they're crying about possibly watching the other one die. It was just a bit much too fast. I didn't feel it. Honestly, I skipped the second sex scene altogether because the whole thing felt awkward.

I wouldn't say this is a bad book, but it wasn't what I expected. Probably better for those who really like action-adventure books over romances.
67 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2019
I read this book because it was free and the book blurb seemed interesting. Tamara, the heroine, is working on a huge colony ship as the engineer. There are only five crew awake on the trip to what will soon be their new home planet. All the other colonists are in stasis. Auric, big hunky alien, turned his back on his fellow warriors when they decided to attack the human ship and take it and the humans for their own. Leaving to warn the humans of the upcoming attack, Auric crash lands on the colony ship and tries to communicate what is going to happen if they don't leave right away! As Tamara is the only human who can speak (mostly) a language they can both understand, she is the one who grasps the threat and takes it seriously when the Captain doesn't. Soon both the humans and their alien attackers have crash landed on a forbidden planet.

I would love to tell you what happens but that would be too easy. You're just gonna have to read it. LOL It's so good and would be excellent as a series.
117 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2019
I had a really hard time connecting with the characters in this story and almost DNF but I pushed through. My issues with the story was that the love scenes felt abrupt and shoe-horned in. The fetishizing of the male character’s body (“his vibrating alien dick”) didn’t lend itself to making me feel like these characters connected on a deeper level. The premise of the story was interesting, but for some reason it just didn’t hold my attention like I thought it would.

I’m bummed I didn’t like it more than I did. :/
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,848 reviews12 followers
February 14, 2021
"Victory isn’t worth dishonor."

Auric is guided by his people's Code, but more than that this Alpha has the strongest, purest sense of honor guiding him. A strong, capable man, with no desire to die, and every reason to live, he would die to protect the vulnerable, defenseless or weak. What I loved is how, time and again, we are shown the strength of his convictions.

Tamara may be low woman on the totem pole aboard the colony ship, but this engineer doesn't see it as just a job, or paycheck, she cares about getting the colonists, safely, to their destination... even if that means going off script and dealing with challenging situations.

This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read was surprisingly fun given it was an adventure focused on pirates crashing a colony ship... as far from a pity poor me story as you can get, this was focused on opportunities, using your brain, thinking your way through problems, and recognizing the easy way and the right way are often different paths for a reason.
Profile Image for Judy Munoz.
320 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2019
I have read my fair share of alien romance books, some good and some not so good. This one - is fantastic! This is one of the best I have read in awhile. The story is a fast paced adventure - full of action, danger and a lot of steamy romance. The heroin, Tamara, is a strong, independent and smart woman - an engineer with more courage than she realizes. The hero, Auric, is an alien - a ruggedly handsome, resilient, and extremely honourable warrior. Circumstances throw the two together and the adventure begins. The plot was well thought out and intriguing and full of drama and suspense. The action was nonstop and entertaining. And the romance between Tamara and Auric sizzled. I was addicted from the very first chapter- I could barely put it down. Fantastic read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Nastasio.
2,661 reviews19 followers
February 11, 2019
What a fabulous story about two people coming together from different races and learning to understand one another. Tamara Joyce is the ships engineer and must keep it running so that the earths colonialists can make a new home on Arcadia but that’s all about to change when a very hot alien Auric crashes on the deck of her ship trying to warn them that they where all in danger from his people the Silver Band. They need a new home and there ship is perfect for them so by taking them down because they are weaker race they get what they want but there plans don’t go so well and they crash land on a unknown planet can everyone survive and can Auric and Tamara save everyone else from the evil that landed with them. Get this book it is amazing. I voluntarily read an arc copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,456 reviews49 followers
February 7, 2019
This is a fantastic start to a new series and this is the story of Auric and Tamara. A Pirate crashes against the ship that Tamara is on and when she meets Auric he tells her that they are in danger but they don’t understand him. Auric still goes by his honour code not like his crew mates but when he meets Tamara he knows that she is his Kharra and he needs to help his mate and all of the other humans on board this ship they need to get away from the pirate ship that he was the captain of. There’s action, adventure, danger, suspense, passion and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. A fantastic story and I can’t wait to see what this author brings out next and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
February 14, 2019
This is a book about humans exploring space and other planets when they are attacked by aliens. One of the aliens had tried to warn them of the impending attack and he realizes that one of the humans is his fated mate. As with all alphas once they recognize their mate, they shall do whatever it takes to ensure their safety, this alpha is no different. This plot has drama, conflict, action, honor, fear and romance all thrown in that kept me entertained and wanting to continue reading the book. It’s a great story and well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Booklass Garrahan.
908 reviews16 followers
March 7, 2019
Adventure story with some romance

I am not sure that I would call this a romance, really. I think I would call it a sci fi adventure with some romance. The heroine in the story is really good. She is likeable and resourceful. I liked that she did a lot of the cool stuff to save the day. The hero is okay but kind of an Eeyore. He had some Debbie Downer moments, and I am not sure how into the heroine he really is. There is not a lot of real chemistry between them. The idea of colonizing a planet interests me, so I might read more in the story, but I hope the other characters show more warmth and feeling.
Profile Image for Virginia Daugherty.
189 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2019
Alien pirates and human survivors

This book starts slow but quickly picks up the pace. Well written it offers Alien pirates that desire to try and capture a human colony ship on its way to a new home world. A human woman named Tamara meets up with an alien warrior named Auric who was raised to fight only other warriors and enemies not humans who have never fought Pembroke treaty with his people. He flies to the rescue but while trying to save the humans loose the battle to an unseen for and everyone crashlands on a new world that proves very deadly. The outcome surprises all readers. Excellent cut off to the next book.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
July 16, 2021
Good

Auric is a warrior that lives by the Prytheen code, and that means he has to warn the humans about the plan to attack their colony ship.
When things go awry, he crashes onto a planet with the ship’s engineer Tamara by his side.
There the two of them have to survive both an alien world, and the possibility of attack by the code-less warriors…

An enjoyable sci-fi romance, set in a distant future, and featuring a colony stranded on the wrong world.
There is lots of action, plenty of adventure, an an amusing holographic cat-companion!

Recommended for those who enjoy sci-fi romance.
508 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2023
This was a fun start to this series! The author did a good job building the story and the world.
Auric is a good, loyal man with a good heart. He is very protective of his lady.
Tamara is strong in her own right. I wish we could have seen more of her engineering skills used in the book. I really enjoyed their relationship and the lack of angst between them. There was plenty going on trying to keep them apart without them having their own issues.
If you're looking for a lot of heat this may not be what you're looking for. There were only 2 scenes but their relationship is sweet and I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Ann Holden.
1,190 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
This is my first book from this author and I am looking forward to more. In addition to the action and steam, there are some lessons in this story if you are looking for them and a little humor as well. Tamara and Auric are a great couple. Even though they don’t speak the same language they understand each other in a special way. The characters have depth and the writing left me cheering them on, concerned for the outcome. I’m sure I will be checking out the author’s other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,264 reviews33 followers
February 17, 2019
I really loved this story!! Auric's sense of honor runs deep, Tamara was great definitely a tough cookie. I like that she was able to handle her own she even at one point rescues Auric. Talk about survival!! Plenty of action, intrigue, and of course steamy romance to keep you hooked from beginning to end. Overall enjoyable and entertaining and a great start for a new series. Looking forward to seeing what else is in store for this series. I received a free copy via Booksprout I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ceeri Jay.
513 reviews51 followers
April 21, 2019
the first on this series.
actually read book 2 first and was so drawn to the world building I got this story

A great way to start a new survival sci if story that feels like it almost could happen like this in our lifetimes

Auric is an honourable warrior alien who chooses the higher path rather than follow his egomaniacal leader to enslave a vulnerable shop of humans recharging in space.

great story Wint very detailed fight and killing scenes.

would read more in spite of the latter as the stories draw you in!
Profile Image for Brielle S.
216 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2025
Fun and engaging

This book was a pleasant surprise that was on my turn for quite a while 😅
I really, truly enjoyed this book. It was fun, adventurous, and suspenseful with just a lil touch of spice. While I normally like my books a bit more spicy than this, and some of the scenes were a bit confusing like "Wait... how can she..? If he's...?" LOL, so yeah, there was that. But honestly I was more invested in the story before that point so it didn't bother me too much. And this is the first book, so it might get spicier as things progress in the story.
1,262 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2019
I just adored this fantastic story. I loved the characters, I thought Tamara was a great, brave, fabulous character, and I also loved alien Auric’s character. I thought it was fabulous when Tamara rescues Auric. I found the story was engaging and very imaginative. It held my interest, and I couldn’t put it down once I started it. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
26 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
Great book

Fun fast read that held my interest from beginning to end . Medium burn with world and character building along the way. Lots of story with a couple hot scenes mixed in. Can’t wait for book 2. Not sure if it will have a new couple or continue with this one . Would love to see it continue with this couple since it feels like they are just getting started. Totally worth your time !
Profile Image for Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez.
1,184 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2019
I ended this book with a huge smile on my face. That in itself, is a good review.
I was amazed by the story.
So much detail but not too much it got boring. Action and Romance with a side of naughty moments.
It had a perfect balance.
I am hooked, line and sinker.
So excited for the next book, because thete has just GOT to be another book.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
132 reviews
February 8, 2019
OMG! Talk about survival, wow Tamara is one tough cookie to say nicely, and Auric’s sense of honor runs deep! Loved this story how they worked together and listened to figure their survival skills out, only problem was the book ended! Loved the epilogue and I need more, do they... okay no spoilers, needless to say, yes I recommend this book and it definitely has a great HEA....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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