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Cosmic Fairy Tales
Contaminated
The people of my planet are under a devastating genetic curse. To treat the disease’s effects, we’ve turned to cultivating a rare flower. That’s my occupation: raising and studying this flower. That’s precisely what I’m doing the daycycle that an alien drops into our research plot, approaches our plant… And cuts my flower’s head off, stealing the bloom.
**Note: This 37K, standalone story is intended for readers 18+ due to romantic elements. There is no cheating. There is a Happily Ever After, because this is a sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast--you have to have an HEA. (There is, however, no singing cutlery.)
***Important Note II: No unicorns were harmed in the making of this story.
----------------------
Cosmic Fairy Tales is a collaboration in which several authors are retelling beloved tales with a science fiction romance twist. Each book is a standalone, containing its own Happily Ever After, and they can be read in any order.
**Note: This 37K, standalone story is intended for readers 18+ due to romantic elements. There is no cheating. There is a Happily Ever After, because this is a sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast--you have to have an HEA. (There is, however, no singing cutlery.)
***Important Note II: No unicorns were harmed in the making of this story.
----------------------
Cosmic Fairy Tales is a collaboration in which several authors are retelling beloved tales with a science fiction romance twist. Each book is a standalone, containing its own Happily Ever After, and they can be read in any order.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2019
738 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
March 13, 2023
This was beyond cute and weird and quirky and wonderful. What a great little story of Erreck, a Gennekt, and Nancy (Skynan) the human. Told entirely from the hero’s POV, I laughed out loud at many of his observations and his manner of describing things relating to humans. This was such a great balance of sci-fi and romance. You can really geek out to this one and swoon at all the sweetness of this cinnamon roll, exoskeletoned book boyfriend. A short read of under 35k words it had a bit of an abrupt ending but it included an epilogue and an extended epilogue right in the book - no need to join a mailing list. I highly recommend this one as a palate cleanser and mood booster.
Read
October 17, 2019I’m a little afraid to tell you where the idea for this story came from…
But let’s do it anyway, because trivia is fun.
(***Psst, Jo! Totally thinking of you right here.)
Especially the weird behind-the-scenes stuff!
(I just hope you still think so once you’ve peeked behind the scenes…)
This all started because of Kelsey Nicole Price & her husband Matt introducing me to ThinkGeek.com (RIP, ThinkGeek)
where I came across this super cute spoof of a children’s picture book, AN ALIEN NEXT DOOR: IN SPACE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU CLEAN by Joey Spiotto.
Seriously. You have to see this! It’s so cute ;D
But yeah, Pretty solid fact: We were all traumatized by a certain ALIEN movie franchise.
Therefore, I just know I’m going to lose some of you right here.
Because… okay, yes: a xenomorph-like creature was the inspiry for our hero and his people.
But Waaait! XD Hear me out—isn't this like the ultimate Beauty and the Beast?
It totally fits the morale of the fairy tale!If you can fall in love with a creature like that then you can accept any kind of ugly. Erm, if you can see past the scary beast to the heart of gold beneath, then go you, you get yourself a sweet monster!
(I’m pretty sure that’s how the fairy tale goes.
If not, let’s only retell it in fun ways.)
ANYway, so this book, this children’s! picture! book! features a creature from our nightmares who suddenly becomes this humorous, relatable clean freak who keeps houseplants and walks his little facehugger and showers affection on his yellow tabby cat. It’s frickin’ adorable
(even if, admittedly, it’s pretty damn twisted at the same time).
And so, *clears throat, tugs at collar* I was thinking: what if this terrifying-looking race of aliens was cultured, and super refined, and rigid, and borderline OCD about everything, and absolutely nonthreatening? What if they are terrified of us? And what if we look like freaky little beasts to these giant hulking monsters—yet one of these monsters is captivated by the alien, just as the hideous self-skinning beast is enchanted by our hero too?
Sheer morbid curiosity compelled me to see where the story would go. At first, my face was doing this in preparation: O_O
But it was really, really fun!
All my favorite geeks were inspiry. Niles and Frasier Crane,
Phil and Lem,
Monk,
and Sherlock and Watson!
There was enchanted flower research.
There was an enchanted curse casting couch.
There was hero inspiry searches.
I had a really, really good time.
I hope you do too ;D
Happy reading/being squicked out!
But let’s do it anyway, because trivia is fun.
(***Psst, Jo! Totally thinking of you right here.)
Especially the weird behind-the-scenes stuff!
(I just hope you still think so once you’ve peeked behind the scenes…)
This all started because of Kelsey Nicole Price & her husband Matt introducing me to ThinkGeek.com (RIP, ThinkGeek)
where I came across this super cute spoof of a children’s picture book, AN ALIEN NEXT DOOR: IN SPACE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU CLEAN by Joey Spiotto.
Seriously. You have to see this! It’s so cute ;D
But yeah, Pretty solid fact: We were all traumatized by a certain ALIEN movie franchise.
Therefore, I just know I’m going to lose some of you right here.
Because… okay, yes: a xenomorph-like creature was the inspiry for our hero and his people.
But Waaait! XD Hear me out—isn't this like the ultimate Beauty and the Beast?
It totally fits the morale of the fairy tale!
(I’m pretty sure that’s how the fairy tale goes.
If not, let’s only retell it in fun ways.)
ANYway, so this book, this children’s! picture! book! features a creature from our nightmares who suddenly becomes this humorous, relatable clean freak who keeps houseplants and walks his little facehugger and showers affection on his yellow tabby cat. It’s frickin’ adorable
(even if, admittedly, it’s pretty damn twisted at the same time).
And so, *clears throat, tugs at collar* I was thinking: what if this terrifying-looking race of aliens was cultured, and super refined, and rigid, and borderline OCD about everything, and absolutely nonthreatening? What if they are terrified of us? And what if we look like freaky little beasts to these giant hulking monsters—yet one of these monsters is captivated by the alien, just as the hideous self-skinning beast is enchanted by our hero too?
Sheer morbid curiosity compelled me to see where the story would go. At first, my face was doing this in preparation: O_O
But it was really, really fun!
All my favorite geeks were inspiry. Niles and Frasier Crane,
Phil and Lem,
Monk,
and Sherlock and Watson!
There was enchanted flower research.
There was an enchanted curse casting couch.
There was hero inspiry searches.
I had a really, really good time.
I hope you do too ;D
Happy reading/being squicked out!
April 23, 2020
I love sci-fi romances that are told from aliens' perspective! And this book is a great example.
We, humans are weird. We have a totally irrational and strange behaviour for an alien scientist who just wants to do his job.
I laughed so hard with this book.
We, humans are weird. We have a totally irrational and strange behaviour for an alien scientist who just wants to do his job.
I laughed so hard with this book.
October 27, 2019
4 Endearingly Unique Stars
This story isodd. No, not odd. This story is endearingly unique.
Writing a review for a unique story is a bit of a challenge, but I will start by sharing author Amanda Milo's inspiration for the alien hero:
Alien Next Door by Joey Spiotto
Yes, yes that is *the* alien from the infamous scifi horror movie franchise.
Next, I want to share the author's delightful review for the story which details her journey and inspirational process.
Told entirely from the alien MC's point of view, this story tilts adorakably from humorous, heartfelt, to absolutely heartwarming. I was charmed.
Imagine if the legendary science fiction monster wasn't *really* a monster, but was actually a kind, sensitive, gentle giant with a frightening veneer. That is our MC in a nutshell.
Next, imagine if these legendary science fiction monsters were actually *frightened* by the alien nature and appearance of humans, and you have the set-up for this alien/human romance.
I am a big Amanda Milo fan, so it is no surprise that I enjoyed this story. What does surprise me is how she made me fall in love with a big alien-like creature. I was practically cooing at his fumbled attempts at seduction. And, don't get me started on his co-worker!! I can't wait to read about this grumbly alien who struggles with OCD, and is secretly a softie at heart, in the next book.
If you are looking for a unique alien romance, I would highly recommend you give this little gem a chance. I am still smiling a day after I finished.
This story is
Writing a review for a unique story is a bit of a challenge, but I will start by sharing author Amanda Milo's inspiration for the alien hero:
Alien Next Door by Joey Spiotto
Yes, yes that is *the* alien from the infamous scifi horror movie franchise.
Next, I want to share the author's delightful review for the story which details her journey and inspirational process.
Told entirely from the alien MC's point of view, this story tilts adorakably from humorous, heartfelt, to absolutely heartwarming. I was charmed.
Imagine if the legendary science fiction monster wasn't *really* a monster, but was actually a kind, sensitive, gentle giant with a frightening veneer. That is our MC in a nutshell.
Next, imagine if these legendary science fiction monsters were actually *frightened* by the alien nature and appearance of humans, and you have the set-up for this alien/human romance.
I am a big Amanda Milo fan, so it is no surprise that I enjoyed this story. What does surprise me is how she made me fall in love with a big alien-like creature. I was practically cooing at his fumbled attempts at seduction. And, don't get me started on his co-worker!! I can't wait to read about this grumbly alien who struggles with OCD, and is secretly a softie at heart, in the next book.
If you are looking for a unique alien romance, I would highly recommend you give this little gem a chance. I am still smiling a day after I finished.
August 25, 2021
This is a sci-fi romance told from the male alien’s POV. It’s adorable, funny, warm, steamy and intriguing. Two very alien looking *shiver*, scientists find a human woman scientist working on their planet. I had no idea how gross human bodies were until I heard about them from the alien’s perspective. We’re so ‘fleshy’.
“You’re so ugly that you’re beautiful," I feel compelled to tell her.I adored Erreck’s voice and sweet personality.
Sometimes I crave touch so badly, I hug myself with my own tail, just to feel the squeeze, to be able to pretend, even if for a somewhat unsatisfying moment, that I’m being touched by another person.I love a good sci-fi romance where the alien’s are actually alien looking. Although, I couldn’t picture the actual alien from the Alien movies that Milo based her character on because yuck.
December 26, 2022
5000/5 ⭐
I can't bring myself to articulate how this book made me feel (read: squeal) and while I attempt to gather all the particles of my heart that have scattered because I couldn't contain myself from all the cute I just experienced - just know that I rec this book SO hard, SO VERY HARD, that the earth just tilted slightly off it's axis just now.
RTC
I can't bring myself to articulate how this book made me feel (read: squeal) and while I attempt to gather all the particles of my heart that have scattered because I couldn't contain myself from all the cute I just experienced - just know that I rec this book SO hard, SO VERY HARD, that the earth just tilted slightly off it's axis just now.
RTC
December 5, 2022
Ridiculously cute and funny
I feel like that sums it up perfectly, but this book deserves more from me.
Simmi kept trying to steal the show, and I had to tell myself he gets his own book, chill Rae, focus on Erreck and Nancy/Skytorri/Skynan- they're cute af too.
The fact that this book was told entirely from the MMC's POV means we actually felt like Nancy (a human) was an alien (well, technically she was lol). I was like, huh, yeah, that is weird how they shed their skin like that...wait a second! 😂 He even thought she was a pet lmao. And treated her like one! Man, I loved this. If you need a feel good book for some laughs, this is the one.
This was just unbelievably funny and sweet. The romance between the MMC and FMC grew naturally and respectfully. You could tell Erreck was not attracted to her at first, but the more he understood and grew to know her, that changed, as did his warm, squishy heart-feels.
I cannot wait to read Simmi's book, Contagion. sigh 💓
I feel like that sums it up perfectly, but this book deserves more from me.
Simmi kept trying to steal the show, and I had to tell myself he gets his own book, chill Rae, focus on Erreck and Nancy/Skytorri/Skynan- they're cute af too.
The fact that this book was told entirely from the MMC's POV means we actually felt like Nancy (a human) was an alien (well, technically she was lol). I was like, huh, yeah, that is weird how they shed their skin like that...wait a second! 😂 He even thought she was a pet lmao. And treated her like one! Man, I loved this. If you need a feel good book for some laughs, this is the one.
This was just unbelievably funny and sweet. The romance between the MMC and FMC grew naturally and respectfully. You could tell Erreck was not attracted to her at first, but the more he understood and grew to know her, that changed, as did his warm, squishy heart-feels.
I cannot wait to read Simmi's book, Contagion. sigh 💓
July 12, 2022
4.5 stars
Such a fantastic story that had me laughing and all swoony over the H. This story is told solely from the H's POV in first person and I loved it. I wanted to know what was going on in the h's head, but at the same time, getting everything through his lens added something extra. The fact that both main characters are scientists for their respective planets was also a nice touch. The H's OCD co-worker was the voice of reason and additional comedy. It was also intriguing that this alien species used to be aggressive but aren't anymore, however the jealousy and possessiveness gloves come off when it comes to the h (even though the friend had less than zero interest in her romantically). The steaminess was nicely done and built on their relationship progression so naturally. Cute epilogue and then an even cuter extended peek after it, with a letter that had been cut out of the original story but the author included at the end and I'm thankful she did. No ow/om drama, no sexual history given but it seemed H would be a virgin and h didn't appear to be, bc discussed.
Such a fantastic story that had me laughing and all swoony over the H. This story is told solely from the H's POV in first person and I loved it. I wanted to know what was going on in the h's head, but at the same time, getting everything through his lens added something extra. The fact that both main characters are scientists for their respective planets was also a nice touch. The H's OCD co-worker was the voice of reason and additional comedy. It was also intriguing that this alien species used to be aggressive but aren't anymore, however the jealousy and possessiveness gloves come off when it comes to the h (even though the friend had less than zero interest in her romantically). The steaminess was nicely done and built on their relationship progression so naturally. Cute epilogue and then an even cuter extended peek after it, with a letter that had been cut out of the original story but the author included at the end and I'm thankful she did. No ow/om drama, no sexual history given but it seemed H would be a virgin and h didn't appear to be, bc discussed.
February 10, 2022
**4/5 stars**
I don't know if it's because I read the second installment Contagion before this one, but I think I slightly prefered it over Contaminated. I didn't think the development or pacing was necessarily lacking but I do believe it was better in the second short novel. The strong point here was the introduction of the Genneӝt and their society, the sort of hierarchy and priviledges granted based on genetics.
The story starts with Erreck, a Genneӝt scientist trying to find a cure to a genetically transmitted disease called Lʊʊnjaɠ (try to pronounce that) that is affecting a great majority of his people. With his lab partner, Simmi, they observe affected toddlers and try to soothe their symptoms by doing various tests and researches on a dangerous plant, extracting the necessary components from it to give to them. Being on a secluded planet, Erreck and Simmi aren't familiar with aliens and so, when they notice a strange alien near the plant outside their lab, they decide to capture her. It was not long that they realized it was a sentient species, just like them, and if Simmi was revolted by her appearance, Erreck on the other hand, was immensely curious about her...
You've probably guessed, the alien was actually a human woman, and her name was Nancy (but they named her Skynan). I really liked the fact that there was a language barrier. Obviously, she had a translator but it took some time for it to fully pickup the Genneӝt language. She was an astrobotanist, and so, her skills paired very well with Erreck's. She was very cheerful, understanding and patient. The only thing that disappointed me a little bit was that we don't get to know her on a deeper level, but I blame it on the fact that we don't have her POV. Other than that, she was very agreeable.
It was much easier to connect with Erreck, since we get to know him on a personal level. We get to understand his unfortunate status in the hierarchy; since he is a CARRIER (somewhere in his genes, he carries the Lʊʊnjaɠ disease), and he isn't allowed to mate. He is pretty much bound to live a lonely life. I found him super adorable and affectionate. His interest in Nancy was so genuine and sweet and he got attached so quickly. He was curious about her and never was revolted by their differences. I loooved how at first, he tried to convince himself that he wasn't attracted to her. The way he worded things in his thoughts and whatever he said was absolutely the cutest thing ever. He was also very protective of Nancy and even showed some jealousy and possessiveness at times. I believe he was a virgin due to his status.
I loved Erreck and Nancy together. They had a really cute chemistry. My favorite part was probably the middle of the story, where there was attraction and tension between them. It was also very comical with Simmi having to witness the evolution of their relationship, due to working in the same lab as them. Simmi being a germaphobe, it just caused funny situations.
✔️ HEA
✔️Short Novel
✔️Hero POV
✔️Protective H
✔️Sweet/Strong h
✔️No cheating
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No separation
🔥 Steam level: 3/5
Would I recommend this short novel? Yes! It's cute, it's fun. No angst, no drama.
I don't know if it's because I read the second installment Contagion before this one, but I think I slightly prefered it over Contaminated. I didn't think the development or pacing was necessarily lacking but I do believe it was better in the second short novel. The strong point here was the introduction of the Genneӝt and their society, the sort of hierarchy and priviledges granted based on genetics.
The story starts with Erreck, a Genneӝt scientist trying to find a cure to a genetically transmitted disease called Lʊʊnjaɠ (try to pronounce that) that is affecting a great majority of his people. With his lab partner, Simmi, they observe affected toddlers and try to soothe their symptoms by doing various tests and researches on a dangerous plant, extracting the necessary components from it to give to them. Being on a secluded planet, Erreck and Simmi aren't familiar with aliens and so, when they notice a strange alien near the plant outside their lab, they decide to capture her. It was not long that they realized it was a sentient species, just like them, and if Simmi was revolted by her appearance, Erreck on the other hand, was immensely curious about her...
“You’re so ugly that you’re beautiful.”-Erreck
You've probably guessed, the alien was actually a human woman, and her name was Nancy (but they named her Skynan). I really liked the fact that there was a language barrier. Obviously, she had a translator but it took some time for it to fully pickup the Genneӝt language. She was an astrobotanist, and so, her skills paired very well with Erreck's. She was very cheerful, understanding and patient. The only thing that disappointed me a little bit was that we don't get to know her on a deeper level, but I blame it on the fact that we don't have her POV. Other than that, she was very agreeable.
“Unlike some less tolerant individuals, I don’t find Skynan’s hairs cause for alarm, or concern. In fact… I rather like them. If I’m honest with myself, I’m attracted to her—erm, to them, on her—the way they look on her.”-Erreck
It was much easier to connect with Erreck, since we get to know him on a personal level. We get to understand his unfortunate status in the hierarchy; since he is a CARRIER (somewhere in his genes, he carries the Lʊʊnjaɠ disease), and he isn't allowed to mate. He is pretty much bound to live a lonely life. I found him super adorable and affectionate. His interest in Nancy was so genuine and sweet and he got attached so quickly. He was curious about her and never was revolted by their differences. I loooved how at first, he tried to convince himself that he wasn't attracted to her. The way he worded things in his thoughts and whatever he said was absolutely the cutest thing ever. He was also very protective of Nancy and even showed some jealousy and possessiveness at times. I believe he was a virgin due to his status.
“When I’m with you, I want something better for me too,” I tell her softly. “I want to join with you. I want to very much.”
-Erreck
I loved Erreck and Nancy together. They had a really cute chemistry. My favorite part was probably the middle of the story, where there was attraction and tension between them. It was also very comical with Simmi having to witness the evolution of their relationship, due to working in the same lab as them. Simmi being a germaphobe, it just caused funny situations.
✔️ HEA
✔️Short Novel
✔️Hero POV
✔️Protective H
✔️Sweet/Strong h
✔️No cheating
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No separation
🔥 Steam level: 3/5
Would I recommend this short novel? Yes! It's cute, it's fun. No angst, no drama.
November 21, 2019
ok now this book was so darn cute!
Its told from the 'aliens' perspective, and yeah- the hilarity of an alien imaging our backpack and clothes as removable parts of our bodies- and subsequently freaking out when we take them off- made me genuinely laugh out loud.
And the romance part of the story was just as adorable. Def interested in reading about Simmi's hypochondriac adventure in the next book!
Its told from the 'aliens' perspective, and yeah- the hilarity of an alien imaging our backpack and clothes as removable parts of our bodies- and subsequently freaking out when we take them off- made me genuinely laugh out loud.
And the romance part of the story was just as adorable. Def interested in reading about Simmi's hypochondriac adventure in the next book!
July 23, 2023
4 Stars for Contaminated: Cosmic Fairy Tales (ebook) by Amanda Milo.
This was a fun alien romance.
This was a fun alien romance.
May 1, 2024
It was a really cute story with super endearing characters.
June 7, 2020
This was really good and I definitely should have read this before
.
Here, we get much more back-story about Erreck's planet, their genetic disease and the research to help the symptoms.
Enter Nancy, human scientist, who just happens to steal a precious flower. This begins a cute and funny tale of how 2 very different beings fall in love.
.Here, we get much more back-story about Erreck's planet, their genetic disease and the research to help the symptoms.
Enter Nancy, human scientist, who just happens to steal a precious flower. This begins a cute and funny tale of how 2 very different beings fall in love.
November 28, 2021
4 to 4 1/2 stars
July 12, 2023
Read this and loved it in the past. But it's not working for a re-read.
September 30, 2024
4 stars
I didn’t get much ‘Beauty and the Beast’ from this alien romcom, but it was super cute!
Erreck (the MMC) is a scientist whose job is to cultivate a rare flower that can be used to treat a virus that has infected his people. Skynan/Nancy (the FMC) drops in one day and cuts off the flower’s head, to Erreck’s utter shock.
The whole story is told from Erreck’s POV, and there’s a lot of hilarity from the way he perceives Skynan and her alien (read: human) ways. I will say the sex scenes didn’t 100% work for me because of this storytelling technique, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book too much.
Oh, and Erreck has a germaphobe scientist partner (Simmi) who delivers comedic gold. I immediately went to check if Simmi has his own book, and I’m excited to see that he does!
I didn’t get much ‘Beauty and the Beast’ from this alien romcom, but it was super cute!
Erreck (the MMC) is a scientist whose job is to cultivate a rare flower that can be used to treat a virus that has infected his people. Skynan/Nancy (the FMC) drops in one day and cuts off the flower’s head, to Erreck’s utter shock.
The whole story is told from Erreck’s POV, and there’s a lot of hilarity from the way he perceives Skynan and her alien (read: human) ways. I will say the sex scenes didn’t 100% work for me because of this storytelling technique, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book too much.
Oh, and Erreck has a germaphobe scientist partner (Simmi) who delivers comedic gold. I immediately went to check if Simmi has his own book, and I’m excited to see that he does!
January 19, 2021
4 stars
A sci fi romance told entirely from the aliens pov? Heck yeah, I m in!!
This book had me laughing out loud too many times. Its hilarious , funny, sweet, steamy and we get 2 proper aliens scientists and lab partners. Erreck and Simmi are gonna crack you up with laughter. Clothes seen as skin peeling, backpacks seen as a part of our body getting detached , the hilarity of experiencing everything thru an aliens eyes is hilarious.
Truth to be told, I didn;t really wanted to imagine either Erreck nor Simmi cos as I said they are proper aliens, no human trait at all to them, but no mater I enjoyed this tremendiously.
Can't wait to read Simmi's book, the super germaphobic ,surly and OCD alien. I already smile thinking of his reactions.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A sci fi romance told entirely from the aliens pov? Heck yeah, I m in!!
This book had me laughing out loud too many times. Its hilarious , funny, sweet, steamy and we get 2 proper aliens scientists and lab partners. Erreck and Simmi are gonna crack you up with laughter. Clothes seen as skin peeling, backpacks seen as a part of our body getting detached , the hilarity of experiencing everything thru an aliens eyes is hilarious.
Truth to be told, I didn;t really wanted to imagine either Erreck nor Simmi cos as I said they are proper aliens, no human trait at all to them, but no mater I enjoyed this tremendiously.
Can't wait to read Simmi's book, the super germaphobic ,surly and OCD alien. I already smile thinking of his reactions.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
October 30, 2019
Ahh, man, where do I even begin?
This book blindsided me. I was expecting the usual greatness Amanda Milo provides, but leaping nebulae! This was a slam dunk for me. From world build to alien characters, I loved it and literally giggled or outright laughed for most of this book.
Now, I know this book wasn't about Simmi, but he was my favorite, hands down. I cannot wait to read about that germaphobe! I mean, (mild spoiler) his reaction to Nancy/Skynan explaining human copulation?
“That’s beastly!” Simmi sputters. Then he makes a flicking motion with his auxiliary fingers, urging her to continue. “Go on—what else?”
Or this one...
“Sometimes to scratch an itch.”
“Your reproductive equipment itches?” Simmi is positively beside himself with disrelish.
Still giggling! Or that time Simmi got one of Skynan's hairs in his mouth and guzzled sanitizer...
“You probably shouldn’t ingest that…” I warn him.
“Shove it down your tube, Erreck! You insisted we couldn’t shave her; this is all your fault!”
I'm f*cking wheezing!
Ahh god! There's so many highlights that I just loved to pieces, but I won't spoil them all. Despite my obsession with Simmi (he's mine—fight me) I really adored Erreck and Nancy/Skynan's relationship. It was sweet and funny and gave me all the gooey feels. sighs happily
Read. This. Book.
This book blindsided me. I was expecting the usual greatness Amanda Milo provides, but leaping nebulae! This was a slam dunk for me. From world build to alien characters, I loved it and literally giggled or outright laughed for most of this book.
Now, I know this book wasn't about Simmi, but he was my favorite, hands down. I cannot wait to read about that germaphobe! I mean, (mild spoiler) his reaction to Nancy/Skynan explaining human copulation?
“That’s beastly!” Simmi sputters. Then he makes a flicking motion with his auxiliary fingers, urging her to continue. “Go on—what else?”
Or this one...
“Sometimes to scratch an itch.”
“Your reproductive equipment itches?” Simmi is positively beside himself with disrelish.
Still giggling! Or that time Simmi got one of Skynan's hairs in his mouth and guzzled sanitizer...
“You probably shouldn’t ingest that…” I warn him.
“Shove it down your tube, Erreck! You insisted we couldn’t shave her; this is all your fault!”
I'm f*cking wheezing!
Ahh god! There's so many highlights that I just loved to pieces, but I won't spoil them all. Despite my obsession with Simmi (he's mine—fight me) I really adored Erreck and Nancy/Skynan's relationship. It was sweet and funny and gave me all the gooey feels. sighs happily
Read. This. Book.
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January 3, 2023
3.75⭐️ Who is really the alien here?
This book was a bit of a trip to read, because the entire thing is narrated in the MMC’s POV. And the MMC, Erreck is, in fact, an alien. Except he lives in his planet so he’s not really the alien there. But he’s not human, his customs are not human, and his anatomy is most definitely NOT HUMAN. And when Nancy crushes into his work experiment and he decides to capture her, he puts her into an animal habitat because SHE’S THE ALIEN!
In my opinion, the love story is a bit rushed, and I didn't see any real chemistry between Nancy and Erreck. I feel like they talked twice and boom, insta-love! But I feel like I learned a couple things. What I’ve gathered from this book is that:
a. The future - if we manage to really find and live peacefully amongst aliens - will be soooo cool!
b. Love can conquer and overlook any and all obstacles.
c. Human beings are squishy and weird – and I’m kind of surprised we find them as attractive and as comforting as we do.
d. In horniness we trust to make pleasure work… even if the participant’s anatomies are nowhere near similar to one another.
and…
e. B and D should go hand in hand, but I wanted to make them separate points because… you know… love and sex don’t necessarily go hand in hand. In this book, though, it does.
Overall, this book was cool. Alien, but entertaining. I'll definitely check out book #2.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️ / 5
This book was a bit of a trip to read, because the entire thing is narrated in the MMC’s POV. And the MMC, Erreck is, in fact, an alien. Except he lives in his planet so he’s not really the alien there. But he’s not human, his customs are not human, and his anatomy is most definitely NOT HUMAN. And when Nancy crushes into his work experiment and he decides to capture her, he puts her into an animal habitat because SHE’S THE ALIEN!
In my opinion, the love story is a bit rushed, and I didn't see any real chemistry between Nancy and Erreck. I feel like they talked twice and boom, insta-love! But I feel like I learned a couple things. What I’ve gathered from this book is that:
a. The future - if we manage to really find and live peacefully amongst aliens - will be soooo cool!
b. Love can conquer and overlook any and all obstacles.
c. Human beings are squishy and weird – and I’m kind of surprised we find them as attractive and as comforting as we do.
d. In horniness we trust to make pleasure work… even if the participant’s anatomies are nowhere near similar to one another.
and…
e. B and D should go hand in hand, but I wanted to make them separate points because… you know… love and sex don’t necessarily go hand in hand. In this book, though, it does.
Overall, this book was cool. Alien, but entertaining. I'll definitely check out book #2.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️ / 5
December 2, 2019
“Tell me the semen is in a clean packet form and not a fluid—tell me there’s no fluids involved,” Simmi chants, grimacing. “It’s sort of a gel, actually,” Skynan says thoughtfully. “And there are lots of fluids,” she adds, tossing him a prankish grin that somehow hits me like a punch. “Lots.”
Though I was irritated having to read this book, because I was trying to read CONTAGION, which I couldn’t follow because apparently it’s a sequel/spinoff of this book, I am glad I did read it.
It is a short, laugh-out-loud, fun alien story, told from the alien’s pov. It is always weird and interesting when things that we take for granted are being explained to someone who can’t even fathom them. And to see how they sound when they are being imagined or rationalised by a mind not biased by (or I guess, biased by different) culture, experience or preconceptions. Amanda Milo succeeds to deliver this in a very humorous and also illuminating way. A few times I found myself going “huh, I never thought of it like that”.
All in all, this is a good light read.
Though I was irritated having to read this book, because I was trying to read CONTAGION, which I couldn’t follow because apparently it’s a sequel/spinoff of this book, I am glad I did read it.
It is a short, laugh-out-loud, fun alien story, told from the alien’s pov. It is always weird and interesting when things that we take for granted are being explained to someone who can’t even fathom them. And to see how they sound when they are being imagined or rationalised by a mind not biased by (or I guess, biased by different) culture, experience or preconceptions. Amanda Milo succeeds to deliver this in a very humorous and also illuminating way. A few times I found myself going “huh, I never thought of it like that”.
All in all, this is a good light read.
December 10, 2023
I read Contagion first and, as suspected, I LOVED this! I'm not sure I would have loved Simmi as much had I not already read Contagion but this isn't his story so that's fine. I fell in love with Erreck and Skynan in Contaminated and wish there was even more about these characters and this world.
The plot was moved along a little suddenly around Chapter 11-12 right before a small time skip. Things could have been explored a bit more and we could have gotten to witness more of the day to day working side by side and increasingly heightened awareness of their interest and attraction to one another. We could have had more plot and some really good slowburn is what I'm saying.
We didn't, it's a shorter story, and that's still ultimately fine because I thoroughly enjoyed what we do have and adored them immensely anyway. It was funny, it was sweet, and I just want to give them both a hug and squeal with joy at their happiness.
ETA 12/10/2023: Reread by way of listening to the audiobook for the first time and still loved it. 10/10. Meant to only start the story and but ended up listening to the whole thing in one go.
The plot was moved along a little suddenly around Chapter 11-12 right before a small time skip. Things could have been explored a bit more and we could have gotten to witness more of the day to day working side by side and increasingly heightened awareness of their interest and attraction to one another. We could have had more plot and some really good slowburn is what I'm saying.
We didn't, it's a shorter story, and that's still ultimately fine because I thoroughly enjoyed what we do have and adored them immensely anyway. It was funny, it was sweet, and I just want to give them both a hug and squeal with joy at their happiness.
ETA 12/10/2023: Reread by way of listening to the audiobook for the first time and still loved it. 10/10. Meant to only start the story and but ended up listening to the whole thing in one go.
October 13, 2023
This was a sweet, slow burn romance between a nerdy, socially awkward alien and a human scientist. It was a quick fun read, but I enjoyed the second book (his lab partner’s) more.
The blurb sets in up, the H (Erreck) is a scientist in charge of a plant when a human (Nancy/Skynan) comes along and chops the head off. He originally thinks of her as kind of a pet/ lower intelligence, but eventually realizes she’s a sentient being with intellect and develops feelings.
Bottom Line- Told from the H’s POV…this was cute… and funny. It’s a short, quirky, charming alien romance with no real drama or angst. It’d be perfect after something heavy or if you’re in the mood for fluff. If you enjoy it, I highly recommend (Contagion) Simme’s book.
The blurb sets in up, the H (Erreck) is a scientist in charge of a plant when a human (Nancy/Skynan) comes along and chops the head off. He originally thinks of her as kind of a pet/ lower intelligence, but eventually realizes she’s a sentient being with intellect and develops feelings.
Bottom Line- Told from the H’s POV…this was cute… and funny. It’s a short, quirky, charming alien romance with no real drama or angst. It’d be perfect after something heavy or if you’re in the mood for fluff. If you enjoy it, I highly recommend (Contagion) Simme’s book.
November 8, 2019
4½⭐︎ rounded up.
Out of all the Cosmic Fairy Tales, this was the one I was least excited about—in a list where I wanted to read them all, that's not a bad thing, it just wasn't the top of my list—but while trying to decide what to read next and looking through the reviews last night, I came upon Amanda Milo's. I was instantly smitten after knowing the inspiration for the aliens in here. Proper creepy alien-aliens who happen to be scientific, neurotic messes of people? Sign. Me. Up.
Told solely from his POV, Contaminated is a sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it is so much fun. I laughed the entire time.
She may be strange, but she’s striking in her unusualness. “You’re so ugly that you’re beautiful,” I feel compelled to tell her.
How could you not want to scoop this guy up and tuck him in your pocket? Seriously.
Erreck is a lonely scientist whose only company is his super germaphobic and surly lab partner, Simmi—the only company he can ever expect to have, as a Carrier for the disorder his hopes of being legally mated are about zero. Together they work on plant-based research to ease the symptoms of a muscular atrophy disorder that plagues their people and has shaped what every member of society does, except the increasingly rare Clears who are treated like upper-tier citizens with no restrictions. One day while observing their rare carnivorous flowering plant that is the basis of their research, a strange alien comes up and just SNIPS THE FLOWER off. A chase ensues and from there it's mostly hilarity and hijinks as the human woman adapts to the situation. The Nancy/Simmi interactions are the best; she is so mean to that poor guy.
While we never get to be in Nancy's head, her character is pretty delightful too. She's smart—an astrobotanist working on similar research to our two male characters—and adventurous and very mischievous/good-humored. It was refreshing to read a more positive take on humanity as a whole in an SFR.
This isn't quite an insta-love story, but it is a little slower paced for how brief it is—at 37,0000 words, it couldn't be held off too long. It was fun to be in Erreck's head the entire time and listen to his inner voice as he tried to work out what he was feeling and why. And the plot is pretty simple, but I prefer that when a work focuses on characters; it gives a nice clean back drop to view them on.
And the ending made me so happy. Erreck gets everything he deserves in the end.
This is absolutely worth the read, and I'm so excited for Simmi's book to come out next.
Out of all the Cosmic Fairy Tales, this was the one I was least excited about—in a list where I wanted to read them all, that's not a bad thing, it just wasn't the top of my list—but while trying to decide what to read next and looking through the reviews last night, I came upon Amanda Milo's. I was instantly smitten after knowing the inspiration for the aliens in here. Proper creepy alien-aliens who happen to be scientific, neurotic messes of people? Sign. Me. Up.
Told solely from his POV, Contaminated is a sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it is so much fun. I laughed the entire time.
She may be strange, but she’s striking in her unusualness. “You’re so ugly that you’re beautiful,” I feel compelled to tell her.
How could you not want to scoop this guy up and tuck him in your pocket? Seriously.
Erreck is a lonely scientist whose only company is his super germaphobic and surly lab partner, Simmi—the only company he can ever expect to have, as a Carrier for the disorder his hopes of being legally mated are about zero. Together they work on plant-based research to ease the symptoms of a muscular atrophy disorder that plagues their people and has shaped what every member of society does, except the increasingly rare Clears who are treated like upper-tier citizens with no restrictions. One day while observing their rare carnivorous flowering plant that is the basis of their research, a strange alien comes up and just SNIPS THE FLOWER off. A chase ensues and from there it's mostly hilarity and hijinks as the human woman adapts to the situation. The Nancy/Simmi interactions are the best; she is so mean to that poor guy.
While we never get to be in Nancy's head, her character is pretty delightful too. She's smart—an astrobotanist working on similar research to our two male characters—and adventurous and very mischievous/good-humored. It was refreshing to read a more positive take on humanity as a whole in an SFR.
This isn't quite an insta-love story, but it is a little slower paced for how brief it is—at 37,0000 words, it couldn't be held off too long. It was fun to be in Erreck's head the entire time and listen to his inner voice as he tried to work out what he was feeling and why. And the plot is pretty simple, but I prefer that when a work focuses on characters; it gives a nice clean back drop to view them on.
And the ending made me so happy. Erreck gets everything he deserves in the end.
This is absolutely worth the read, and I'm so excited for Simmi's book to come out next.
July 18, 2020
This was a short and sweet read for me--but oh, how I wish there were more to it! I was really feeling the characters, but unfortunately, there wasn't enough of a plot for their relationship to fully develop to my liking.
However, any non-humanoid alien story that steers clear of the "fated" trope is going to be right up my alley, so of course, I still loved reading this novella.
What I'm mostly looking forward to is Simmi's story! His character was quite charming; I can't wait to read about his reactions to all the germ-y, fluid-y humans he'll meet and find out who catches his eye. What's more endearing than a hypochondriac, snarky, non-humanoid, insect-like alien? Well, a hypochondriac, snarky, non-humanoid, insect-like alien that's IN LOVE, that's what.
However, any non-humanoid alien story that steers clear of the "fated" trope is going to be right up my alley, so of course, I still loved reading this novella.
What I'm mostly looking forward to is Simmi's story! His character was quite charming; I can't wait to read about his reactions to all the germ-y, fluid-y humans he'll meet and find out who catches his eye. What's more endearing than a hypochondriac, snarky, non-humanoid, insect-like alien? Well, a hypochondriac, snarky, non-humanoid, insect-like alien that's IN LOVE, that's what.
November 16, 2019
Any book that can make me laugh until I cry gets 5 Cosmic Stars from me! A fantastically fun read.
June 28, 2020
Sigh. It was sweet. Cute. Funny. But it fell flat for me. Enjoyed it, but it didnt conquer my heart. Review in the near future 😊
August 16, 2022
This was SO FREAKING CUTE.
December 20, 2022
4.5
Not perfect because I wanted more of them at the end,I’m greedy. But I was smiling through the whole thing, except towards the ending where I had no idea how they could be together but it was resolved quickly, phew.
Not perfect because I wanted more of them at the end,I’m greedy. But I was smiling through the whole thing, except towards the ending where I had no idea how they could be together but it was resolved quickly, phew.
November 14, 2019
Amanda Milo always gives us such fun aliens. In this case, they're ALIEN-aliens. Ish. The idea of a sweet, somewhat shy alien (and his germ-a-phobe sidekick) meeting, greeting, and hooking up with a scientifically-minded human makes me grin. The fact she helps him help his people while the two of them make googly eyes at one another makes it even better.
Down to the nitty gritty. Our alien is one of many of his kind searching for a cure for the genetic plague killing his people. Since he's a carrier, he's had little to no interaction with females. Because he sees first hand the horrors this disease causes and doesn't want to pass it along to any offspring. Also, his carrier status makes him undesirable to a female looking to expand her family line.
Enter our human. She's brave. She's curious. She snatches the flower they've been using to help alleviate some of the disease's symptoms and gets captured for it. Which, QUITE NATURALLY, leads to some quality one on one time between the human and the alien.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Yep, I like AM's aliens. They're different. They fall hard and fast. And they like the human ladies. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Down to the nitty gritty. Our alien is one of many of his kind searching for a cure for the genetic plague killing his people. Since he's a carrier, he's had little to no interaction with females. Because he sees first hand the horrors this disease causes and doesn't want to pass it along to any offspring. Also, his carrier status makes him undesirable to a female looking to expand her family line.
Enter our human. She's brave. She's curious. She snatches the flower they've been using to help alleviate some of the disease's symptoms and gets captured for it. Which, QUITE NATURALLY, leads to some quality one on one time between the human and the alien.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Yep, I like AM's aliens. They're different. They fall hard and fast. And they like the human ladies. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 23, 2019
This was a cute story with a brilliant role reversal of the classic Beauty and the beast fairytale.
Narrator is a male alien trying to find a cure for debilitating neuromuscular disorder afflicting his people. An unknown alien female cuts his prizes carnivorous plant and he becomes unwillingly interested in learning about her and her species. Coiled penises and multiple orgasms!
Really enjoyable read. Love the warning about practicing safe sex and informative dive into genetic disorder and heredity. Loved the science . Love the characters!
Narrator is a male alien trying to find a cure for debilitating neuromuscular disorder afflicting his people. An unknown alien female cuts his prizes carnivorous plant and he becomes unwillingly interested in learning about her and her species. Coiled penises and multiple orgasms!
Really enjoyable read. Love the warning about practicing safe sex and informative dive into genetic disorder and heredity. Loved the science . Love the characters!
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