Mean Right Hook

The Fever Brothers #1

by Michele Mills

Leah’s first day at her new job is turning into a complete fiasco. She’s spilt coffee all over her work uniform, and then the elevator breaks down. Now she’s stuck in a tenuous mining cage with a silent, rugged miner with mighty fists, shocking fangs and a mean right hook—who keeps pulling her into his massive arms and inhaling her scent.

When the cage starts hurtling towards certain disaster she finds her bare hand accidentally clasped within his rough claw…and Leah’s about to discover the true meaning of the term, “mating compatible.”
But is she ready for this commitment, or is a human about to break an alien miner’s heart?

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Novella, Fantasy, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published February 24, 2020

About the author

Michele Mills lives in California and leads a life of quiet, G rated desperation with her husband and two sons. In an attempt at a fulfilling, R rated inner life that does not include Disney movies and Nickelodeon; Michele reads and writes filthy romance and, well...filthy romance. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

**Sign up for Michele Mills's newsletter and instantly receive Kroga's Bride for FREE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/re2d9uo4vg

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best alien romance I've read in awhile, I adored it. It was sweet and short, but oh so steamy. Saxon was a sweet hero and he really did try his best to make Leah feel better when they became trapped in the dark. I swooned when he turned on the charm towards her. And that mating ceremony, Best scene!

I loved this book and I will be reading more from this series.

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

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wished there was more of the "mean right hook"..

I've read a lot of alien romance, but I have to say that the alien customs in this one were more "out of this world" than most I've read. I do wish there was more explanation or demonstration as to why Saxon was called Hook instead of the one scene we get at the very end. I like some damsel in distress action in my books! Overall, an okay and steamy read ♡

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

WHAT THE HELL.

I wanted to read a nice alien romance novel. This story went from 0 to 50 to 300 in a blink of a page. I hate insta-love—they have no plot. No tension. No conflict. Just sex, sex, sex and more sex. This story was all about the sex scenes. Damn it! At least this was a KU.

To save you the trouble, here’s how the storyline went: human woman first day at her new job on a distant planet, same day gets trapped in an elevator with her supervisor, gets engaged to said supervisor while waiting for malfunction elevator to start moving.



It’s like a peekaboo game. h single when on elevator, engaged when out of elevator. Then the sex scene starts. Bullshit

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this was just too short to be successfully executed with what I believe the author's vision was. Mills had to explain a new species, planet, and interplanetary system, while also having to get two people to fall in love, mate, and have an hea.

I have read novellas this short before that I have really enjoyed, but I have never read a sci-fi/fantasy novella this short. I think the world building that needs to take place in a sci-fi/fantasy world is just too much for 50 pages. The amount Mills had to cram in made some parts of the story feel almost like a list. I did think certain parts of this story were cute but I wanted so much more...

I just want to end this review with asking if anyone has recommendations for either novellas/books containing an "elevator scene." I have read this, 11 Hours, and Hearts in Darkness, but the only one I have ever loved was the Wall of Winnipeg and Me. That set up is just everything but I have not found another perfect match. Thanks :).

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Video review available in Week 9 Feb 23 – 29 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Mika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um...what?

Girl meets boy, girl touches boy, girl is engaged, girl has hormonal explosion, girl is sedated wakes up and gets married via mating ceremony which involves being chased then fighting before being taken to pound town. That’s pretty much it. That’s the story. *sigh*

I can suspend belief for a lot of things. But I’m expected to accept that this sex scene is in any way realistic? Apparently he’s way bigger than her and she’s a virgin and he’s done zero prep or foreplay but I’m supposed to believe she’s not only able to enjoy sex but finish with no stimulation other than being violently slammed into by this giant alien man with his giant alien peen? Sure Jan.

And she falls asleep right after even though she JUST woke up? Whats up with that cliche? Why do they always fall asleep right after sex? That’s not a thing.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute!

Cute, smexy read. Exactly what I was expecting for a fated mates novella ❤.

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: fated mates
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Triggers: none

[Ｋａｔｅ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️’s : 🎧 Read Me Romance Podcast 🎧

Confession: I’ve only read one author’s take on alien romance...and when I say “read”, what I really mean is binged on, greedily inhaled and have become completely obsessed with.

Soooooo, I suspect I’ve been ruined for others.

Unfair to compare? Yes - so please keep this admission in mind with this review.

I found the world building ok, lots of high level snippets that (I’m guessing) will be developed as the series progresses (not sure if this world exists in a previous series - fans would be more in the know).

In the end I think there were two things that stopped me from absolutely loving this short. 1) I couldn’t decide if the heroine annoyed me or not, and, 2) whether the “mating ceremonies and rituals” were an overtly misogynistic violent backslide against feminism...OR...if they were alpha-beastly hawwwt!?!?

My mind and my lady business are still confused, lol, go figure. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!

Read Me Romance FREE Audiobooks ➝ https://bit.ly/2PzD65g

Listen for FREE here:
iTunes ➝ http://geni.us/A888vRA
Google Play ➝ http://geni.us/7lB4UBK
Stitcher ➝ https://bit.ly/2yX2zeH

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/28/2021)! 🎁

[Zero · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is very instalove-y and very short. There isn't enough of a story to connect with and there isn't enough buildup between the main characters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way to short

Want more! (Whining voice)
Great quick story. It is because I was sucked in and enjoyed characters and the premise that I wanted them to have a longer story.

[Angi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 stars (something in between, I can’t decide)

On her first day on her dream internship, Leah gets stuck in an elevator together with her non-human boss Hook. When the elevator suddenly stops and the lights turn of she starts to get a panic attack luckily her very hot boss, tries everything to calm her down.

This was really good in the first half. I like that this alien species mates through touching their hands and therefor if they are unmated they have to wear gloves. I felt that was kinde unique and really like the idea.

I also really liked the characters in the beginning. It was so sweet how he tried to calm her down and was honestly worried for her. As for Leah, I did like that she seemed so very respectful and open to the new culture and the plante she is staying on for the moment.

What I did not like is that everything happens so fast. Yes he suddenly realizes that she is his mate and that basically seals their future together but I wish the author would have left them a little more time. Like maybe at least a few days.

It would have been great for them to get to know each other more first and I would have enjoyed to see them both being confused about why they are so extremely drawn to each other. And then finally them realizing that they are mates. That would have been great.

I think the whole smell thing ruined the mating with touching thing. This way, why are there people trying to mate through touching at all, when all they have to do is sniffing if it’s the right person. I really didn’t not like this whole smelling and felt it was just a means to get over with the story faster.

I was also not so happy about the end with his brothers. We don’t really get any information and while we get told they have such strong family bounds it felt like they were more annoyed by each other.

Also in the second half I just didn’t like Hook that much anymore. All his sweetness was gone and I don’t know he just wasn’t that great anymore.

There are few more points that bugged me a little bit. Overall the first half was great but I didn’t really enjoy the second part. I think this could have been so much better.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, easy read (which is much appreciated right now) with two strangers trapped in a mining elevator. I have a special place in my heart for people being trapped and forced to rely on one another under trying circumstances (throw in a snowy backdrop where they have to share body heat to survive and I will BLISS OUT, my friends), so this kinda hit the spot.

Leah's having a weird first day. Besides being the only human around, she's kind of left on her own when an emergency calls her guide away. Then she meets Saxon, gets hits with with the instalust bug, and gets trapped in an elevator with the big, handsome Xylan.

The good news is that Saxon's line is one that can scent their mate (he's related to Daxon and scenting his mate worked out nicely for him!), so he's pretty certain Leah's the one for him not long after he has to comfort her after they're trapped. Leah doesn't share that certainty, but her wild attraction can't be contained and THINGS HAPPEN.

Then they get to spend some sexy time together but those things that happened led to a compatible match and sexy things tend to follow matching things.

Like I said, fun and easy with a nice side of Saxon's hulking brothers. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline was very descriptive and amazing...

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

[Julie Guay-de la ronde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of insta love but the way the author did was well done. The H could smell she was his mate and the accidental touch... The scene where he has to chase her for tradition was pretty hot as well as the sex scenes.

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

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

For want of a missing piece

It felt like I was in a universe that was already established without me. Given that this is book 1 in a series, I shouldn't feel lost walking into the book, but exploring it with the characters. I also found it odd that once the "thing" happened that they alluded to the entire story, it was the heroine who lost control, not the hero. I love this author, but not this story.

[Nike · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story is short and sweet, uncomplicated and with no drama, will recommend as a quick read, or filler.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a time in the best way possible

[Lindsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 1 out of 5]

New alien smut, what can go wrong?



not impressed.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened on RMR. I get that this is just a setup for the series but it was seriously boring. It had promise in the beginning. I seriously though her glove would fall off and they’d accidentally touch and the H would have no choice but to mate with her in the elevator and there would be some fall-out for not following the mating rituals or something. They made a big deal that she was worried she’d be in trouble and when the H tells the people that rescue them from the elevator that they accidentally completed the ritual in the elevator it was like “eh, no problem we’ll get you out of there”. Seriously there was no plot to speak of and it was BORING. I expect at least some heat on RMR but that was tame too unless you find the ritual of running from and fighting your mate consensually as being hot? BORING!!!

[Mira · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author can't even keep her characters names right.
One brother is named Gorzan, then it's Gorzon, another is Bayzon, then it's Zayzon. Like how stupid do you need to be to fuck up your own character names. LOL

It's also really stupid and makes no sense. Don't bother. It's pretty lame.

[Ruth Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I absolutely loved reading this one and I can't wait to read more in this series. A fantastic sci-fi romance with some hot hot hot scenes.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously I'm your what....
by and1515

Leah didn't expect to be wearing her cup of Joe but she didn't have time to do anything but keep going she'd so hoped to have a better start then this.
Sunlinda had reminded her of her appointments with Intake an Medical.
Then she'd be meeting her new partner.
But then Sunlinda's sister was suffering a medical emergency so Leah said the only thing that really made sense.
She stepped in the lift that Sunlinda had graciously programmed for her before she left to be with her sister.
Leah hadn't been prepared for the lift to stop when it did or the male who'd
quickly stepped in.
His hands were covered so she knew
what this meant.
Saxon his name was Saxon of nine and honestly she wanted to watch him he was a very striking male.
There lift came to a screech stop then
the lights went out.
Saxon immediately noticed a change in the female there present situation was seriously stressing her out.
Being trapped in a lift didn't even make the top ten of her to-do list in fact this was absolutely the worst feeling ever.
Saxon wasn't sure exactly how to comfort a weeping female but he was willing to do anything to comfort her.
He knew his family would tease him to no end if they ever saw him holding her.
Saxon felt like he'd been hit by lightning out of the clear blue sky.. He'd found his one this human female was his.
Leah tried to grasp what he'd said to her but all her mind could think was she'd be fired for this and she didn't wanted to lose her new job.
Saxon could understand wanting to be independent however he wasn't letting her go either.
He may have accidentally found her in the lift but he had absolutely no intentions sealing their bond here.
No once they were rescued he'd make sure everything was set up perfectly because Leah was going to run for him and he would give her a fair head start.
However he had every intention of catching her. And once he did
all bets were off.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing and editing of this novel was clean, with few typos that I caught in the ARC version of this manuscript. The world building of the mining planet and company was vibrant and interesting, especially considering how short this story was. The characterization was done with a deft, light touch, which was appropriate for such a short story. The development of the romantic relationship was of the Fated Mates insta-love variety, which was again very appropriate for the short length. The plot and pacing was good, with plenty of excitement to keep me quickly turning the pages. There was low angst in this story and fairly high stakes. This story used the Forced Proximity trope, of the much beloved stuck in an elevator together variety, and the Fated Mates trope common to the novels featuring the Xylan aliens. I hope the next story in this series is longer, because this story was delightful but much too short. I wanted more! The world building, plot, and pacing was four stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship was also four stars. The combined score for this story was therefore four stars. This story ended on a Happy Ever After instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a big plus to this story. I recommend this story to fans of sci-fi romance who want a delightful, trope heavy, short sci-fi romance to read in the bathtub. I do not pan to buy myself a keeper copy of this story, even though I enjoyed it quite a bit, because of the very short length.

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

[KittyLuvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Mean Right Hook' is a short, very fast alien romance with attraction that starts as sensual curiosity & rapidly explodes into sizzling steam.
Leah (human heroine) is starting a temporary job on a mining planet, one she is estatic to have & at which she is determined to succeed no matter what. She's read up on all the cultural do's & don't's for the Xylan entities to ensure she doesn't make any mistakes that might endanger her status on their planet.
The Xylan's are polite, thoughtful & the males are huge muscled males with claws & fangs.
The overriding most important caveat? Under NO NO NO circumstances is she to touch (skin to skin) the hand of an unmated Xylan. And to that end, all unmated Xylan's wear gloves & so too does Leah.
But then the mining elevator Leah is in with a huge HOT Xylan male named Saxon (alien Hero) gets stuck. It's pitch black. Leah's terrified & Saxon wants to soothe the panicking human female. But how? And what could happen if he does?
I liked this one. It IS a very fast read & the romance/attraction moves at warp speed but Ms Mills knows how to pack a solid punch her novella. The writing is deft, smooth & the reader rockets along with Saxon & Leah on their journey to love. I loved the world building of this one & believe it or not the author does a marvelous job communicating information about the Xylans.
This one is a fun, sexy, intriguing romance between an eager upbeat curvy human female & a calm friendly huge Xylan male. A very pleasant way to spend some time away from reality.

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

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read and a great introduction💖

Timbur is a mining planet and Leah is there for a job that will help her complete her internship and get her degree. She practically been alone all her life. Her mother died when she was born and her father as taken by an alien race and never returned. She's taken care of her self for a long time and secretly longs for a family of her own. She wants to make a good impression and keep her job. She has to follow the rules of the Xylan people no touching the unmated! This is how they find their mates by touch and sometimes scent. Leah is up for the challenge to do things right and show everyone that she is the best fit for the job. As her new adventure begins she on her way into the mind and the elevator stop and picks up a new passenger. They minute Leah sees him she struck with his handsome he is and how ridiculously attracted she is to him. She's never felt this way before and it truly takes her by surprise. Saxon is a Xylan minor who almost missed the elevator going down into the mines. When he climbs aboard he's not alone a human woman is on board and he's instantly interested. They start talking and he realizes he's going too be the one training her while they are talking the power goes out and all help breaks loose. It's awesome secrets are revealed and passions burn bright. This .ight be a short introduction to this series but it's fun, passionate and has great characters and the beginnings of real good world building. I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully a book about the oldest brother mentioned who also has a human bride. 💖💖💖💖

[Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update...there is a series that precedes this one...just figured that out. So I’ll round up. But I’m still giving it a 4.75.

Between a 4 or 5. The story is just too short to be the first book. It needs to be in the series as a half between two full-length novels like 1.5 or something. I say that because the majority of the story occurs in an elevator over about a day. Not much world building, character info, or much about the supporting characters...actually it didn’t feel too sci fi. BUT, it was excellent and fun. I loved that it was lean in prose. Thankfully the author did Not jump on any political or social platform (Although I often see that more in political or military thrillers) nor write endlessly about the world (I’ve read too many Alien romances that delve so far into world building that I lose track of the main plot...that world needs to feel real and enhance the story not be the story). Anyway, it wasn’t as focused on sci fic or having an alien hero as some other books are but it didn’t bother me but it may for some. I do recommend especially if you just want a quick read.

[Phaedra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short but sloppy.

In a short romance you know they are going to get together quickly. It's a short romance. But it shouldn't be obvious that the author is skipping whole scenes.
*Spoilers ahead*
One minute she's in his lap. Her back to his chest and her legs stretched out on top of his crossed ones. And the next minute shes able to put her hands on his shoulders. Huh?
One minute he watching her naked body upon their bed and the next minute he is watching the blanket fall to her lap to expose the body he was already looking at. What?
This ruins the mental picture I build for the characters interactions. This sloppy, jarring and lazy.
The over use of everything being a "delight" and constantly referring the the male leads hand as a "claw" broke up the flow for me.
Never "the claws of his hand" or "He curved his claws around . . ." But " he held on the her waist with his claw" or "he held her face with his claw." It was nuts. And had me stopping to reread the sentences. If someone grabs you with a claw shouldn't you scream or flinch or jump away?
The same claws that cut away her clothes later in the story. Nuts.