First Contact

The Mate Index #0.5

by S.J. Sanders

Before humanity met the Budo, before humans were sold for breeding compatibility experimentation to the Agraak, there was a crash landing on an unknown world—Earth.

If a male wasn’t born into the upper tiers of Forad society, he would never know the comfort of his own mate. Ehmhy was not such a fortunate male, he was a trader of a long line of traders. Resigned to his lot in life, he never expects to be stranded on an isolated primitive planet with his nephew whom he’d recently become guardian of. Separated in the crash, Ehmhy is desperate to find his nephew and get back home. What he doesn’t expect is to meet a local female who does what no offworld female ever has done before—make him yearn to make her his mate.

Gerry works in the French Quarter and while her life isn’t glamorous, she enjoys her simple lifestyle. Things become complicated quick when she helps a stranger during Mardi Gras wearing a complicated cat-man costume who’d become separated from his nephew. When he is revealed to be a stranded alien in need of help, she couldn’t, in good conscience, retract her offer. Without the government on their trail and a Forad boy in need of rescuing they become closer as passions stir and something more blooms. But they have no future—or maybe they do.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Aliens, Science Fiction Romance

118 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2019

About the author

S.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.

She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...

And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story where it all began it’s a longish novella featuring Ehmhy a large feline alien who crash lands on earth with his teenage nephew. Separated and needing to locate him swiftly Ehmhy is lucky enough to gain the assistance of a local woman called Gerry.

Gerry initially assumes that Ehmhy is in costume after all it is New Orleans and Mardi Gras time when she realises he is in fact an alien her initial uncertainty swiftly changes to fascination and a blossoming attraction felt by both. As the two join forces in their rescue mission, they will encounter danger but also find a sense of belonging together.

This was a sweet love story it was an easy read that was well written I found it enjoyable and it sets the scene for the series and the human race's eventual discovery by the Budo.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The H is wonderfully alien with interesting 'bits' although his thoughts and family connections were very human. I prefer aliens who are more alien in their thoughts and beliefs. The h is quite a character, saucy and kind. But it didn't work for me, as it felt rushed and too many convenient plot devices. I'm not a fan of 'mad cap' tropes.

[Chappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet. Instead of a human being abducted and stranded on an alien planet, it's the other way around.
Ehmhy and his nephew crash land on Earth and must survive long enough for help to arrive. Gerry helps out a costumed stranger on Mardi Gras and freaks out when she realizes that he's not exactly human.
Great characters with a nice ending.

[Nike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has become one of my favorites, to the point that whenever I see her name I buy the book, I don’t even have to read the blurb, I know it is going to be good.
This book if a prequel of Mate Index, it outlines how the aliens discovered the earth and hint at the first contact. The only thing I would have loved is to have a more extended epilogue and to know where are Ehmhy and Gerry now. Hopefully, they will show up in a future Mate Index book

[Iron Tribe 75 Mari Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and fun

I know with a S.J Sanders book i will have fun with a bit of drama.
She writes with a easy pace and comfortable familiarity.

And never Boring.

[Kathryn A. Cardona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

A very cute, entertaining story. The characters are delightful and fun. There is a very loose plot that keeps the book moving. A light fun read

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crash landing on primitive planets isn’t ideal. Being separated from family is just rubbing it in, especially when they are captured. Ehmhy’s already worried about his nephew, but he can’t help but find himself strangely attracted to the human female offering her help.

THE BLURB

Ehmhy’s only recently become the guardian to his nephew. Returning home, he doesn’t expect to become stranded on an alien primitive planet. When his space ship crash lands he is separated from his nephew. He has one goal, to reunite with the boy and then activate the emergency beacon for rescue. Soon a simple meetup turns to a rescue mission as his nephew is captured, and Ehmhy’s finding himself lost among the primitives that call themselves human.

Living in New Orleans, Gerry is getting a bit tired of the Mardi Gras celebrations. On a day off from work she stumbles across a man in a wonderful cat-like costume. He’s appearing a bit overwhelmed so she offers to help him find his missing nephew. It doesn’t take too long to discover this man isn’t wearing a costume.

TONE OF THE BOOK

First Contact is relatively light hearted. There are a few jokes spread through out the novel, and the tension level is written to be a fun adventure. There are a few moments of tension, introducing some sensitive topics, however they are short lived and written as a means of moving the story forward.

SENSITIVE TOPICS

This novel is aimed at mature readers. It features erotica scenes.

There are also a few scenes of physical abuse and violence against the characters, although somewhat mild.

SERIES SYNOPSIS

First Contact is the first novella in The Mate Index series. It precedes the first full novel The VaDorok as a quick means to introduce the universe prior to the events of the first novel.

First Contact is only 118 pages long, making it a much shorter read than the standard full-length romance novels (at 300 pages average).

Each novel in the series follows a different couple. The characters and events of this novella are briefly mentioned in the A Mate for Oigr, which is set between the fifth and sixth book in the series, although prior knowledge is not necessary. You can read more about the series on The Mate Index Series Review page.

REVIEW

First Contact is set prior to the events of the first novel in The Mate Index series. It gives a very brief view to the universe that Sanders has created, leading it to be seen more as a complementary novella rather than a thorough introduction. It’s almost a shame that the novella was so short as the plot has plenty of action, drama and tension to keep you hooked. You’ll finish the story fast since its a novella, and find yourself wishing for more.

I enjoyed the characters. Gerry is a kind-hearted female that strives to help others. She doesn’t anger quickly, and so often sees the good in others. It’s refreshing to read of a character that has a calmer approach to situations as many authors tend to write strong-willed women that are quick to anger and argue.

FINAL WORD

First Contact is an excellent, albeit brief, introduction to The Mate Index series. It’s filled with fun adventure and action that keeps you hooked, and will leave you wishing for more.

[Ann Hupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the Budo "discovers" Earth and make their offer to take a.hundred men and a hundred women away for "cultural" experimentation, there is a first contact of a different sort. Ehmhy and his nephew Ferikal, natives of Forad, crash-land on Earth. Ehmhy, a Forad trader, spends most of his Earth time tracking down his nephew when the two are separated during the crash. Ferikal ends up being captured by Cajun rednecks who intend to sell him for gobs of cash while Ehmhy literally bumps into Gerry, a cashier of a voodoo shop down in the French Quarters. Together, Ehmhy and Gerry hunt down Ferikal as well as discover mateship compatibility between the two of them. Now to avoid the "men in black" who are chasing them as well.

It's a fun, cute, little story that gives me a better understanding of the Forad and their way of life. It's helpful though I really would have enjoyed a story on how Borax and Nadar (a female Forad) got together. Now that would be a lot of a fun for a novella!

I enjoyed the action/adventure involved. It's realistic in how things ravel and unravel. Unfortunately, it begs for an editor's touch. As much as I enjoyed the storyline, I cringed at all the errors (much more so than in her later works). I know she has gone through and cleaned up other books, but she's now so busy with all of her works in progress now that I doubt she'll ever find time to give this little ebook a little love it needs. Even if it's just for grammar, misspelling, and correctly spelled words but used wrongly.

For the devoted reader, this is a needed book in your S.J. Sanders library. If I was a first-time reader, I would avoid this one and jump to Mate Index #1 The VaDorok as your first read. Come back to this one later when it will make better sense.

[Adrianell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, but Gerry was weird sometimes ;)
Our heroine, Gerry, was a very kind person that couldn't leave a lost looking, clearly foreign cosplayer in full fursuit when she stumbled upon him during Mardi Gras. When he said that his teenage nephew was missing she had to help him. That I could believe, but when a few hours later she left him in her home and went to a store at night...who does shit like that? Then she was scared enough, when he killed a guy that was trying to rob her, to faint, but she was willing to fuck him really quickly after that ;) Oh, and after that they were pretty much in a full blown sexual relationship when he had to kill people again(in self defense, they had a rifle trained on him) and she got terrified of him again. If I wasn't a weakling I would help kill the assholes in a situation like that, not be scared of a guy saving us from being shot.
Ehmhy was a sweet guy, he was a cute cat-man alien that wasn't very experienced with women. He was adorably awkward when drunk chicks pawed at him during the parade and very devoted to Gerry pretty much as soon as she showed interest in helping him. He was grateful and was drawn both to her kindness and her looks. He found her beautiful regardless of their differences, and wanted to make her his mate.
With both the length of the story and the plot of having them hurry to poor Ferikal's aid it made sense for it to feel rushed, but with Gerry's strong reactions to her lover's (justified) violence it was a bit weird that she proclaimed she loved him. But I still loved the ending, Aunt Bea was great!

[Hélène · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get around to reading this one because I had started with the VaDorok and continued. It felt odd to jump back in time, for some silly reason.

I really liked the storyline: simple but it works. An alien cat-like hot guy stranded on Earth meets a sweet and strong lady in New Orleans. They go on a quest to retrieve his even-more-stranded nephew. Slow burn romance ensues. Not too slow though, just right, at least in my opinion.

Just as in other books of the series, death is given a bit too leisurely for my taste even if it's too people who did need killing. It doesn't take anything away from the story though so I guess it works.

I didn't check when the story was published relative to the other books in the same series but I assume it wasn't the first story published because of the #0.5 and because the editing is better than in books #1 and #2. It's not perfect but it's way better and for me, it's enough.

Favourite quote:

"Gerry didn’t give two fucks; her garden of fucks was barren and set on fire."

[Laura Quevedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice introduction to a series.

Everything happens really fast, but it has a really well written plot..
I loved both main leads, Gerry was a really kind and strong woman, who decided to risk everything to help a stranger in need. And Ehmhy was such a sweetheart, so worried about his nephew but still not comfortable with risking Gerry...
I liked how the story covered their search and rescue of said nephew, and that ending was something else...
I can't wait to find out what will happen to earth now.

It was a fast paced sweet love story with action and adventure. It covered all bases for me and the author wrote it in a way that made the story flow seamlessly....

POV: multiple
Tropes: crash landing on earth, fast burn romance, alien/human, FMC of color, prequel novella
Spice: medium low ( short, superficially detailed scenes, alien peen)
CW: violence, gruesome deaths, kidnapping, physical abuse of a minor (not described with much detail).

[lisyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and cool little adventure for our heroine, Gerry. We basically watch her and Ehmhy travel all over New Orleans for his nephew, while simultaneously getting to know one another quite well physically. *wink wink*
Down sides: sense it’s a short read, the emotional build up was slightly rushed, and as such, we don’t really get to see either character become emotionally vulnerable. It’s more along the lines of—...’hey! Pretty nice human lady! So nice, and pretty...mate!’ And that’s it.
So not a bad read, especially for how short it is, just wish we had more vulnerability and actual issues of Gerry really wondering if this is what she wants her life to be like now.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geree was not believable. She meets Ehmhy and can't tell he's an alien? She assumed he was wearing a costume. Right after meeting him, she takes him home and leaves him there so she can run to the store. Who leaves a stranger in their home? She is then attacked and Ehmhy rips out the assailant's throat with his teeth. A normal person would freak out. She just accepts everything. Also, in the beginning, why wasn't she concerned at the fact Ehmhy told her his nephew was taken? Meh. Overall, I liked the hero and the pace was pretty good. This is the first time I have read a book from this author. I liked it enough to give the next book in the series a try.

[Randy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien meets Mardi Gras

So I've jumped all over this series in no particular order, but before I read about his little brother I figured I should read about the first Forad(kitty cat alien) to catch a mate. I read it in one sitting, captivating me from the first chapter. I've enjoyed all the books thus far and their interesting erotica scenes with aliens equipped with non human genitals. Anyways it's a definite must read.

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

First contact

Ehmhy and his nephew crash landed in New Orleans and his nephew in another area with his part of the vessel. His nephew got caught by unscrupulous people who caged him. Ehmhy came upon Geree who became his helper in his search and Ehmhy smelled Geree as his mate. Romance and running from "men in bkack" ensued.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

S.J. Sanders writes fun stories. Creative, kinda kinky in weird, awkward, uncomfortable ways. But still fun stories to read. This one is no exception.

I had to deduct a bit for the copy editing, though. It really is atrocious, but I have so much fun reading her crazy stories that I forgive her for it. LOL

[Brandy Roseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvellous

What a wonderful shorter story. The story showed S.J. Sanders art with the pen. Just a marvellous sweet romance, with tension, and action. Moments of tenderness and passion. A story of love and family. Definitely a treat.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great book. I hadn't realized it was the first in the mate index series or else I would read it before the others. Thank you S.J. Sanders for another great book.

[Leyns · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little strange.

Well. Thought I’d give this book a try and I don’t regret it, much. 😆 It was okay but I wouldn’t recommend it. I might try one of the books from later in the series.

[Rebecca Willsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To short!

I don’t read prequels, ever , but I love this authors writing so I’d thought to give it a try. Really glad I did. It’s way to short but the story moves fast and doesn’t end so quick your shocked that it’s done.

[Ara Pysell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read 4.5*

It got a little slow toward the end but an overall good read. There were moments where I wondered if the h was running around naked because the sexy times didn't involve unclothing at all lol. Not the best in this series but definitely not the worst!

[Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon } · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many, many plot holes.
Very little is believable.

Good dialogue, but not enough world building, or character development. Too much emphasis on sex, not enough on story development.

Author does so much better in latter works.
Doubt I will look at anything earlier.

[martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted good read

I laughed and totaly enjoied this story. I read it through in one sitting and hated that it ended. Love it

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world and the aliens! All the tech? Yes! 👍 lol! So looking forward to reading more. Romance and aliens in space, what more could you want? 😘

[alice brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Contact: A Mate Index Alien Romance

Omg you are Amazing writer,I just love all of you books 📚I have read epically this series.thanks so much.keep UP the good work.

[Edit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

* Hero(s) - 3/5
* Heroine(s) - 3/5
* Secondary Characters - 3/5

* Plot - 3/5
* Romance/Steam - 3/5
* Drama/Conflict/Angst - 3/5

* Writing Style - 3/5

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I put this book down for some reason and completely forgot about it. Zero desire to finish it.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gerry & Ehmhy

[Evelyn Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thundercats

Oh my I’m in love. Imagine having Lion- O or Tygra as a lover? Liked how the book never dragged. Looking forward to the rest.

[Elena Esh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had promise

Well, I wanted to like this book, and I did overall.
The storyline was promising, the main characters had potential and where quite flashed out. I’ve read the intro and was thinking wow going good, buying the book!
What bothered me then? It all went downhill as soon as the story stopped being believable. I know, aliens and all that are a part of fiction already, but when human reactions and emotions don’t make sense, then you start questioning the storyline as a whole. For instance (minor spoilers) bad guys jump a girl, the alien hero eviscerates them brutally and she doesn’t bat an eye. Other girls parents are murdered and she is “well, ok, I like you anyway, dear alien”... what? No.
After that I simply left it.