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Ice Planet Rendu #1
Cold Attraction
She’s hot for an alien…
Adriana is the first human to walk the icy planet Rendu as part of an exploration mission from Earth. An extraterrestrial anthropologist, she’s charged with observing the alien culture and finding out what makes them tick. One particularly gruff male makes her heart race and sends her professional judgment out the window…
… but he’s cold as ice.
Taron ad Naals brought an expedition of humans to his planet, only to find his home in political turmoil. The King is dead, and unscrupulous enemies threaten the young Queen’s life. On top of that, a certain voluptuous, warm-blooded scientist is set on uncovering secrets that should remain buried. One warm touch, and he’s hers: she brings him pleasure he never imagined existed.
Her love will melt his defenses.
As Adriana’s curiosity triggers a dangerous mess of galactic proportions, Taron must race to save her life. Yet she is the one who will rescue him – and his entire nation.
Cold Attraction is a steamy standalone Sci-Fi romance perfect for fans of sexy alpha aliens and strong heroines. It features a full HEA and has no cliffhangers.
Adriana is the first human to walk the icy planet Rendu as part of an exploration mission from Earth. An extraterrestrial anthropologist, she’s charged with observing the alien culture and finding out what makes them tick. One particularly gruff male makes her heart race and sends her professional judgment out the window…
… but he’s cold as ice.
Taron ad Naals brought an expedition of humans to his planet, only to find his home in political turmoil. The King is dead, and unscrupulous enemies threaten the young Queen’s life. On top of that, a certain voluptuous, warm-blooded scientist is set on uncovering secrets that should remain buried. One warm touch, and he’s hers: she brings him pleasure he never imagined existed.
Her love will melt his defenses.
As Adriana’s curiosity triggers a dangerous mess of galactic proportions, Taron must race to save her life. Yet she is the one who will rescue him – and his entire nation.
Cold Attraction is a steamy standalone Sci-Fi romance perfect for fans of sexy alpha aliens and strong heroines. It features a full HEA and has no cliffhangers.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2019
277 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Ashwood
43 books915 followersZoe Ashwood writes sexy paranormal romance for women who believe in magic and true love.
She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.
Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !
You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.
She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.
Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !
You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
February 9, 2024
He'd been gone six months. Six months, and everything on Rendu had gone to shit.
I LOVED THIS BOOK as it is yet another great example of why I have come to love alien romances so much. While the story takes place on a completely fabricated planet, the plot itself seemed plausible and the pacing was perfection, keeping me interested and unable to stop reading the entire way through. However, the characters were what really shined for me and kept me hooked. Adriana was a great heroine--headstrong, naively human at times, but able and willing to go head-to-head with Taron--while Taron was the perfect example of an alpha male--possessive, sometimes aloof, and willing to do anything to protect his human. I absolutely LOVED both of them together; their interactions were filled with so much passion and they weren't afraid of arguing with each other (although the make-up sex was HOTT). The writing was absolutely beautiful, bordering lyrical at times, and just made getting completely lost in this world so much more enjoyable.
The tremors of his pleasure rolled through his body, recalibrating his cells so they would only ever point in her direction. He would always know where she was, always feel her absence when she was away.
I would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy out-of-this-world romances and those who are interested in the genre but don't know where to start. I hope that Zoe has other books planned in this world as I'm interested to see how Taron's brothers and Adriana's coworkers stories collide, especially Mika and Kol! My one complaint was that the Rendians sounded a bit too human at times, but I will definitely be rereading this one and hoping for more!
Tropes: forbidden love, 'touch her and die' vibes, protector hero, strong heroine, alien romance, culture difference, political upheaval, 'who did this to you' vibes, monster romance, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
dnf
February 3, 2023This book just started with emotionally immature full grown adults. Emotionally immature like jr high students. DNF 10%
September 20, 2019
Taron and Adriana = sizzle! She's a warm-blooded human, he's a cool alien prince. Adriana is part of a crew of scientists that travel to an alien world. She expects to uncover fascinating data, but she ends up with a much more intimate experience.
I've read a lot of science fiction romance and loved Ashwood's smart take. There's a solid plot and high tension, and Adriana is no shrinking violet. She's a professional, there to do a job. Taron is stern and alpha but can't help his feelings for the sexy human. They fit together well and there are some super-steamy exploration scenes.
There is so much to love in this story. I really want to visit Taron's home planet and see the gorgeous night sky. And I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
100% recommend!
I've read a lot of science fiction romance and loved Ashwood's smart take. There's a solid plot and high tension, and Adriana is no shrinking violet. She's a professional, there to do a job. Taron is stern and alpha but can't help his feelings for the sexy human. They fit together well and there are some super-steamy exploration scenes.
There is so much to love in this story. I really want to visit Taron's home planet and see the gorgeous night sky. And I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
100% recommend!
July 4, 2021
DNF at 20%. Not my cup of tea. I. Don’t prefer when characters have already connected off page at the start of the book. Half the fun is the meet cute!
Want to read
March 21, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/21/2022)! 🎁
December 3, 2021
2.5*. A bit flat - not for me.
Having seen how popular the Alien romances seemed to be, I've kept an eye on ones with good reviews. I initially read the LA Casey Maij books and they were ok. This one was marked as a want to read by a friend on goodreads so I gave it a go.
It just didn't click for me at all. The premise was interesting and I liked the idea of different scientists being involved. Whilst it was written fairly well,parts did feel a bit laboured and a bit 'cut and paste'
I didn't warm (No pun intended) to the two main characters. You know what they do but there's not a real sense of who they are. He's got all the soldier personality traits you expect but not much else. She is a scientist but again, not much of her character comes out. There's a brief glance at her past with her parents attitudes but that's it. I think the author tried to show she was passionate about her career but it didn't come through. Even the sex scenes - a bit repetitive- didn't have believable chemistry/passion.
The additional characters seemed to be more interesting, but there were cliches there too. The fierce, quiet, hard brother and the playful,protective playboy one. The quiet nerdy girlfriend and the outspoken one.
I think my time with this particular genre has come to an end. As someone who loves sci-fi, it's disappointing that I can't get on with it mixed with PNR.
Having seen how popular the Alien romances seemed to be, I've kept an eye on ones with good reviews. I initially read the LA Casey Maij books and they were ok. This one was marked as a want to read by a friend on goodreads so I gave it a go.
It just didn't click for me at all. The premise was interesting and I liked the idea of different scientists being involved. Whilst it was written fairly well,parts did feel a bit laboured and a bit 'cut and paste'
I didn't warm (No pun intended) to the two main characters. You know what they do but there's not a real sense of who they are. He's got all the soldier personality traits you expect but not much else. She is a scientist but again, not much of her character comes out. There's a brief glance at her past with her parents attitudes but that's it. I think the author tried to show she was passionate about her career but it didn't come through. Even the sex scenes - a bit repetitive- didn't have believable chemistry/passion.
The additional characters seemed to be more interesting, but there were cliches there too. The fierce, quiet, hard brother and the playful,protective playboy one. The quiet nerdy girlfriend and the outspoken one.
I think my time with this particular genre has come to an end. As someone who loves sci-fi, it's disappointing that I can't get on with it mixed with PNR.
September 28, 2019
First read by this author.
Really enjoyed the concept and plot of this book. Fast paced with a good plot. I’m not one who shys away from violence in books, but at times Taron’s behaviour towards the earthlings was a bit much... poor Steve...he seemed to face all of Taron’s wrath...and again the humans are the ‘sneaky’ bad guys... ahem doctor Ben... even when dealing with the bad guy aliens.
My only grumble was the mention of a first kiss that we had happened ‘off screen’ and what really felt like a rushed epilogue. I would have loved to of had a bit more information about what happened after the events in the book and if any further books involving Taron’s brother are likely to come.
Really enjoyed the concept and plot of this book. Fast paced with a good plot. I’m not one who shys away from violence in books, but at times Taron’s behaviour towards the earthlings was a bit much... poor Steve...he seemed to face all of Taron’s wrath...and again the humans are the ‘sneaky’ bad guys... ahem doctor Ben... even when dealing with the bad guy aliens.
My only grumble was the mention of a first kiss that we had happened ‘off screen’ and what really felt like a rushed epilogue. I would have loved to of had a bit more information about what happened after the events in the book and if any further books involving Taron’s brother are likely to come.
April 20, 2022
Couldn't Lose Myself
*****Spoilers*****
I couldn't really get into this one. Taron and Adriana came together but it was kind of odd from the beginning. I'm thinking it's probably because context was missing and there were hints of physical attraction even on the ship but Taron was kind of cold I thought. Even though they're an alien species, the patterns of speech weren't.
*****Spoilers*****
I couldn't really get into this one. Taron and Adriana came together but it was kind of odd from the beginning. I'm thinking it's probably because context was missing and there were hints of physical attraction even on the ship but Taron was kind of cold I thought. Even though they're an alien species, the patterns of speech weren't.
Read
January 31, 2020DNF a few chapters in. Pretty bland writing but I really couldn't enjoy a young female doctor of anthropology touching their host uninvited and in public. It's rude on Earth and in space.
June 20, 2023
Hey there. An icy world in unexpected turmoil, a group of humans sent to experience it (well, not experience the turmoil part, just the alien world in general), and the alien warrior who will do pretty much anything to keep the woman he's fascinated with safe. Let's do this!
So. Adriana is excited about her visit to Rendu, but she's even more excited about the hunky captain bringing the group to the planet. Sure, sure, the guy blows hot and cold, but he does it for her in all the right ways. As for Taron, he's torn between putting space between him and the pretty human and keeping her close so he can make sure she's safe when she's on planet. Finding out the king has been killed and the young queen is in danger throws a wrench in his already complicated feelings.
A case of terminal curiosity and some bad luck soon have Taron and Adriana spending time together in close quarters. Before either of them know it, they're making plans to rescue the queen and potentially start something log-term between them.
A little cold, a little danger, a man determined to keep his special someone safe, and a lady who's not willing to let bad things happen if she can do anything to stop it. I'm ready to watch the other ad Naals brothers fall now!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. Adriana is excited about her visit to Rendu, but she's even more excited about the hunky captain bringing the group to the planet. Sure, sure, the guy blows hot and cold, but he does it for her in all the right ways. As for Taron, he's torn between putting space between him and the pretty human and keeping her close so he can make sure she's safe when she's on planet. Finding out the king has been killed and the young queen is in danger throws a wrench in his already complicated feelings.
A case of terminal curiosity and some bad luck soon have Taron and Adriana spending time together in close quarters. Before either of them know it, they're making plans to rescue the queen and potentially start something log-term between them.
A little cold, a little danger, a man determined to keep his special someone safe, and a lady who's not willing to let bad things happen if she can do anything to stop it. I'm ready to watch the other ad Naals brothers fall now!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 23, 2022
needed more background
You are thrown in with terrible description. Honestly, I was very angry by page 60 bc the premise is good but the execution was abominable
You are thrown in with terrible description. Honestly, I was very angry by page 60 bc the premise is good but the execution was abominable
September 24, 2019
Incredible Sci-fi Love Story!
WOW! This is one incredible and very steamy love story between two different species. There is action, suspense, intrigue and a whole lot of very hot and steamy panty melting moments. Right from the beginning this amazing author had me completely and utterly captivated and hooked on this story.
Adriana and Taron are amazing characters. Their intense interactions and their very strong feelings for one another is powerfully written. These two are explosive and their connection is very combustible! I love everything about them. You can’t help but fall completely in love with these two and I would love to read more about them and their future. The other characters in the story are also so well written and lovable. I hope that the author decides to write more stories about each and every one of them.
Favourite quote: “When I’m with you, I feel this peace, I think. It’s - I feel like the world gets quiet, and I can hear myself think again. The noise turns down.” Such beautiful words.
Fantastic writing and world building. The story and the characters are believable and relatable. Loved it all. Highly recommend.
WOW! This is one incredible and very steamy love story between two different species. There is action, suspense, intrigue and a whole lot of very hot and steamy panty melting moments. Right from the beginning this amazing author had me completely and utterly captivated and hooked on this story.
Adriana and Taron are amazing characters. Their intense interactions and their very strong feelings for one another is powerfully written. These two are explosive and their connection is very combustible! I love everything about them. You can’t help but fall completely in love with these two and I would love to read more about them and their future. The other characters in the story are also so well written and lovable. I hope that the author decides to write more stories about each and every one of them.
Favourite quote: “When I’m with you, I feel this peace, I think. It’s - I feel like the world gets quiet, and I can hear myself think again. The noise turns down.” Such beautiful words.
Fantastic writing and world building. The story and the characters are believable and relatable. Loved it all. Highly recommend.
October 4, 2019
3 ½★
Cold Attraction is a cute story that moves at a nice pace and is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. (Especially if you like slightly Dom-y aliens who are otherwise total pushovers.) Not a lot of world building or background on any of the characters, but it works for what it is. It has a bit of a Ruby Dixon feel to me, so maybe that's why I'm OK with it in this case. The Epilogue felt a bit random and out of left field, due to the fact that we learn nothing about Adriana's family during the story. But overall this is a solid, nice effort in the SFR genre.
It was also nice to see multiple female scientists in a story and they were all friends instead of catty competition for one another. I also enjoyed that Earth's envoys were not all white Americans. There was a nice mix of people from different countries and backgrounds represented here.
Cold Attraction is a cute story that moves at a nice pace and is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. (Especially if you like slightly Dom-y aliens who are otherwise total pushovers.) Not a lot of world building or background on any of the characters, but it works for what it is. It has a bit of a Ruby Dixon feel to me, so maybe that's why I'm OK with it in this case. The Epilogue felt a bit random and out of left field, due to the fact that we learn nothing about Adriana's family during the story. But overall this is a solid, nice effort in the SFR genre.
It was also nice to see multiple female scientists in a story and they were all friends instead of catty competition for one another. I also enjoyed that Earth's envoys were not all white Americans. There was a nice mix of people from different countries and backgrounds represented here.
April 11, 2023
DNF at 40%
Really strange start where the FMC and MMC have already met and kissed but like off screen? And not many details are really revealed at all? He’s like avoiding her but not really? And not in a fun enemies to lovers tension way, just in a confusing and nonsensical way.
Plot and world deteriorated rapidly, didn’t make any sense and was also boring and badly written on top of that lol
-insta-lust / love but that was kind of what I was looking for?? Just instant gratification LOL
-size difference
-FMC is specifically described as short and curvy (but not white! So there’s that)
-I did like the concept of these aliens being cold and the humans being warm, like twilight vampire vibes ahahha but obviously … used in a much more explicit way
Really strange start where the FMC and MMC have already met and kissed but like off screen? And not many details are really revealed at all? He’s like avoiding her but not really? And not in a fun enemies to lovers tension way, just in a confusing and nonsensical way.
Plot and world deteriorated rapidly, didn’t make any sense and was also boring and badly written on top of that lol
-insta-lust / love but that was kind of what I was looking for?? Just instant gratification LOL
-size difference
-FMC is specifically described as short and curvy (but not white! So there’s that)
-I did like the concept of these aliens being cold and the humans being warm, like twilight vampire vibes ahahha but obviously … used in a much more explicit way
October 1, 2019
Start was good, but after that it went downhill
The heroine was behaving and asking questions like 10 years old. The dialogue was very immature for this type of book. Like somebody did the start of the book and after it was different one. Characters need reasoning to do something, but alas here it was chaotic thinking even though the aliens were “ generals”?
The heroine was behaving and asking questions like 10 years old. The dialogue was very immature for this type of book. Like somebody did the start of the book and after it was different one. Characters need reasoning to do something, but alas here it was chaotic thinking even though the aliens were “ generals”?
June 1, 2023
Wow. DNF at 16%. The chemistry was non existent and the plot was predictable with cringy banter. It was unreadable. I love her orc series so I was so excited. Massive letdown.
January 27, 2022
Sublime peace
Adriana, along with nine other humans, are the 1st human delegation permitted to set foot on the planet Rendu. She feels blessed n honored that she was chosen, wondering if this is the same feeling the astronauts had when they made the flight to the moon. Will her parents feel impressed? Probably not, they wanted her to be a doctor. Oh well, she's living her dream, after studying the Rendians n learning about their society, maybe she'll write an article. The captain of the Stargazer, Taran, is a fascinating n exciting specimen for cold blue alien. He makes me want things I haven't wanted in years. After that kiss, whenever I catch him looking at me, I Get an urge to sit in his lap n run my fingers thru his hair n all over his georgous body. Mmm, so tempting!!
Taran ad Naals, captain of the Stargazer, is not happy to be picked to escort a bunch of weak humans back to his planet. But that thought changes upon seeing one particularly interesting female. Her scent (heavenly), n her laugh sends a shiver down his spine. They shared one divine kiss, a strange feeling blossomed in his chest that worsened when he tried to put distance between them. But he needed to find out what was happening on Rendu. Communication said the King was dead, Regent Gilmar has Queen Z. This was very upsetting but being around Adriana gave him sublime peace. The exploration team would be on Rendu for several months. Plenty of time for him to Get to know her better. He wanted to peel off her clothes, revel in her georgous beauty, kiss her again n lick her all over until she moaned. Just thinking about it affected him. But first things first, his planet was in the grips of a civil war. Where were his brothers? How did they let this happen? Zeema is too young to be Queen!!!
I found myself mesmerized while reading this story. A very satisfying feeling at the end but needs some type of closure on her parents reactions.
Adriana, along with nine other humans, are the 1st human delegation permitted to set foot on the planet Rendu. She feels blessed n honored that she was chosen, wondering if this is the same feeling the astronauts had when they made the flight to the moon. Will her parents feel impressed? Probably not, they wanted her to be a doctor. Oh well, she's living her dream, after studying the Rendians n learning about their society, maybe she'll write an article. The captain of the Stargazer, Taran, is a fascinating n exciting specimen for cold blue alien. He makes me want things I haven't wanted in years. After that kiss, whenever I catch him looking at me, I Get an urge to sit in his lap n run my fingers thru his hair n all over his georgous body. Mmm, so tempting!!
Taran ad Naals, captain of the Stargazer, is not happy to be picked to escort a bunch of weak humans back to his planet. But that thought changes upon seeing one particularly interesting female. Her scent (heavenly), n her laugh sends a shiver down his spine. They shared one divine kiss, a strange feeling blossomed in his chest that worsened when he tried to put distance between them. But he needed to find out what was happening on Rendu. Communication said the King was dead, Regent Gilmar has Queen Z. This was very upsetting but being around Adriana gave him sublime peace. The exploration team would be on Rendu for several months. Plenty of time for him to Get to know her better. He wanted to peel off her clothes, revel in her georgous beauty, kiss her again n lick her all over until she moaned. Just thinking about it affected him. But first things first, his planet was in the grips of a civil war. Where were his brothers? How did they let this happen? Zeema is too young to be Queen!!!
I found myself mesmerized while reading this story. A very satisfying feeling at the end but needs some type of closure on her parents reactions.
January 6, 2022
Some like it Hoth! Creating steam on an ice planet.
This is the first book in the Ice Planet Rendu trilogy, an Alien Sci-Fi Romance from Zoe Ashwood. The book is set on the mostly inhospitable frozen planet of Rendu and features both human and sentient alien beings. There are several descriptive scenes of consenting inter-species sexual activity between an alien male and a human female.
Zoe Ashwood has a fun and easy to read style of writing and the books are the perfect length for an evening on the sofa with a duvet and a cup of your favourite drink. The story has a Happy Ever After and there are no cliffhangers. Alien relationships are fun! Lots of differences to explore and new worlds to discover.
Humans have recently discovered that they are not alone in the galaxy and their first foray into space is on a fact finding mission to Rendu, supported and protected by the Rendian Armed forces. The journey between planets takes months and the ship arrives back at Rendu to political upheaval; the King has been murdered and in his place is a Regent who is controlling the young princess and he most definitely does not have the interests of his people at heart. How will this impact the human delegation? The visiting humans must be kept safe because the Regent wants trade and contact with Earth but they must be controlled because he has also reinstated unsafe practices which cannot come to light if he is to maintain power.
Adriana is the human anthropologist responsible for learning Rendian culture and history. Her guardian while she is on Rendu is Taron ad Naals, whose mission is to keep her safe and in the city for the six week duration of the human visit. Needless to say, all does not go to plan and the relationship between the two ends up more than just colleagues.
If you're new to Alien Sci-Fi Romance, this is a good one to start with.
This is the first book in the Ice Planet Rendu trilogy, an Alien Sci-Fi Romance from Zoe Ashwood. The book is set on the mostly inhospitable frozen planet of Rendu and features both human and sentient alien beings. There are several descriptive scenes of consenting inter-species sexual activity between an alien male and a human female.
Zoe Ashwood has a fun and easy to read style of writing and the books are the perfect length for an evening on the sofa with a duvet and a cup of your favourite drink. The story has a Happy Ever After and there are no cliffhangers. Alien relationships are fun! Lots of differences to explore and new worlds to discover.
Humans have recently discovered that they are not alone in the galaxy and their first foray into space is on a fact finding mission to Rendu, supported and protected by the Rendian Armed forces. The journey between planets takes months and the ship arrives back at Rendu to political upheaval; the King has been murdered and in his place is a Regent who is controlling the young princess and he most definitely does not have the interests of his people at heart. How will this impact the human delegation? The visiting humans must be kept safe because the Regent wants trade and contact with Earth but they must be controlled because he has also reinstated unsafe practices which cannot come to light if he is to maintain power.
Adriana is the human anthropologist responsible for learning Rendian culture and history. Her guardian while she is on Rendu is Taron ad Naals, whose mission is to keep her safe and in the city for the six week duration of the human visit. Needless to say, all does not go to plan and the relationship between the two ends up more than just colleagues.
If you're new to Alien Sci-Fi Romance, this is a good one to start with.
June 6, 2025
If this was my first Zoe Ashwood book I never would have touched another one. I’m not feeling eloquent right now so I’m just going to stick with this book was stupid and poorly written. I had previously read her Black Bear Clan series about Orcs and found them to range in quality, but they were all quick & easy reads for me (note in the Orc series I loved one, liked one, thought 4 were okay and hated 2 so a mixed bag for sure). This book, while short, took me so long to finish & I had to force myself to read it – it is that bad (and that includes the fact that my work was slow this week so I could have took advantage of that and instead found myself watching a live stream of bald eagles sitting in a nest cause it was more interesting). The plot, while having potential if written by someone else, was poorly executed. The characters sucked & had little personality and no chemistry. The smut was blah. And, don’t get me started on an alien race that is cold in temperature. I’m sorry, but as a warm blooded human, no one wants to snuggle with something cold. No one wants cold body parts inserted. No one wants cold fluids. As soon as the author made that a characteristic, I knew the book was going to be stupid. I understand (and love) that these types are books are supposed to be a bit crazy & be short & fun romances, but they don’t need to be stupid at the same time. Maybe if the writing had been better I would have been less critical of the asinine plot. I did look and this was one of her first series so her writing has gotten better, but honestly, after this I’m done with her – there’s plenty of better authors out there to read in this genre.
January 31, 2022
Imma have to DNF this (about30% through).
This reads like the author wasn't very organized when writing this story. I don't mind that there was some offscreen shenanigans but the recap of that offscreen incident wasn't conveyed well. We also have unnatural reactions to situations or responses to others that don't make sense or flow. One example is while landing on the new planet the male lead essential tells the female lead that whatever is happening on the planet right now isn't her business, and he says it -really- rudely and mean. Yet she just...takes it?
I get the sense that the author tried to create angst with the hot and cold of the characters but it honestly wasn't done well. It wasn't logical in the least, we see them get busy together and then him backing off, but not an event that reminds him as to why he needs to back off. He just does it randomly. So strange and awkward.
Lastly, the author tried to create cultural differences but....failed. At 20% they start discussing love. He calls it "peace" and she calls it "love" yet she gets upset because he won't use "love"? Like she doesn't make the connection that in his culture it's called "peace" instead....yet she's a scientist. What a dumbass.
It just wasn't good, sorry. I did like the alien race at least...they did sound cool. The story just wasn't good even if the premise was.
This reads like the author wasn't very organized when writing this story. I don't mind that there was some offscreen shenanigans but the recap of that offscreen incident wasn't conveyed well. We also have unnatural reactions to situations or responses to others that don't make sense or flow. One example is while landing on the new planet the male lead essential tells the female lead that whatever is happening on the planet right now isn't her business, and he says it -really- rudely and mean. Yet she just...takes it?
I get the sense that the author tried to create angst with the hot and cold of the characters but it honestly wasn't done well. It wasn't logical in the least, we see them get busy together and then him backing off, but not an event that reminds him as to why he needs to back off. He just does it randomly. So strange and awkward.
Lastly, the author tried to create cultural differences but....failed. At 20% they start discussing love. He calls it "peace" and she calls it "love" yet she gets upset because he won't use "love"? Like she doesn't make the connection that in his culture it's called "peace" instead....yet she's a scientist. What a dumbass.
It just wasn't good, sorry. I did like the alien race at least...they did sound cool. The story just wasn't good even if the premise was.
June 1, 2022
Extraterrestrial anthropologist, Adriana Ribeiro was finally going to learn more about the alien culture inhabiting the frozen planet Rendu. She had spent months in a spaceship craving attention from the gorgeous blue Rendian Captain, Talon ad Naals. Talon felt the same attraction toward Adriana but, had no idea how to proceed. Their story might have begun as a slow burn attraction. However, with a few tentative caresses, it quickly became a full-blown sizzling romance that would reshape Talon and Adriana's future and, in the process, help the population of the Planet Rendu. These charming and powerful characters and their beautiful but deadly landscape were a perfect backdrop for the harsh betrayal and treachery exposed within the monarchy of Rendu. Leave it to the soft little warm-bodied Earthlings to get involved and try to right a heinous and shocking wrong. I Loved This Story! Really Great READ!!!!!
December 30, 2021
First just let me say I love this author! I've read some of her newer stuff and she is just fantastic! It just seems like her writing just flows so nicely, and its easy to read, and she's funny! Now this book, it actually took me a few chapters to get into but then I was hooked! It starts out fast which I love, her past stories have started out fast and I'm a fan, I dont like a slow start to a story.
I love how the aliens were not familiar with human terminology, so you don't get too comfortable with thinking that they are humans, also its a hoot!. She has her humor in it and it's so funny. Taron is a alpha male and is all about keeping Adriana safe and letting others know that she was his. Which is so hot!! Her sexy time scenes are so fire, your panties might melt right off! It's was a great read and now I'm off to read book 2.
I love how the aliens were not familiar with human terminology, so you don't get too comfortable with thinking that they are humans, also its a hoot!. She has her humor in it and it's so funny. Taron is a alpha male and is all about keeping Adriana safe and letting others know that she was his. Which is so hot!! Her sexy time scenes are so fire, your panties might melt right off! It's was a great read and now I'm off to read book 2.
August 31, 2023
I'm a sucker for Alien romance, and this was no exception. It had everything, angst, emotion, love, romance, language and cultural differences, everything! This was a dystopian kind of world, and I loved it. I loved seeing how they tackled their monarch and won.
Ice Plant Rendu has definitely become one of my top planets to visit, albeit in pages. The story revolves around Captain Taron ad Naals and Dr. Adriana Ribeiro. There love story is one of a kind. The angst and pain they went through, along with all the romantic and emotional moments, wow. It was so good. They spice was amazing. I loved how they could both die for each other and want to save and protect each other at the same time. This was a wonderful experience.
Highly highly recommended to all Alien Romance lovers with a touch of war, love, and companionship with other characters.
- bookishfrag
Ice Plant Rendu has definitely become one of my top planets to visit, albeit in pages. The story revolves around Captain Taron ad Naals and Dr. Adriana Ribeiro. There love story is one of a kind. The angst and pain they went through, along with all the romantic and emotional moments, wow. It was so good. They spice was amazing. I loved how they could both die for each other and want to save and protect each other at the same time. This was a wonderful experience.
Highly highly recommended to all Alien Romance lovers with a touch of war, love, and companionship with other characters.
- bookishfrag
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2021
Alien Sci-Fi romance is not exactly my thing, but I gave it a go because I love basically everything Zoe Ashwood writes and I'm glad I tried it. It was an interesting story and I really liked the premise where a team of a human scientists, engineers, etc. are recruited to go explore and document the alien ice planet Rendu. Cold Attraction follows the story of Adrianna, an American anthropologist, as she goes to Rendu and fell in love with the spaceship's captain, Taron ad Naals. There's a lot of action and political intrigues, which I was pleasantly surprised with. It's not too heavy on the alien thing (if that makes sense) so it's an enjoyable read for those who are skeptical about the genre as well as Sci-Fi fans :)
March 1, 2023
Could have been better, the writing felt sloppy at times.
Adriana was a bit selfish and ignorant as well - you’re on an alien planet and are warned against a location, it doesn’t matter if it sounds suspiciously like lies to you, you don’t go there assuming you’re safe. Stupid. That made me very much dislike her and the others involved in that stupidity. You can argue it’s what led Taron to finally act on his feelings but I’d rather it have been through a different not as imbecilic situation.
I did like the HEA, though it was short (the epilogue).
I am not a huge fan at the fact that the three brothers will end up with the three human friends (at least if all the foreshadowing ends up as we can assume), but I’ll check out the next book eventually.
Adriana was a bit selfish and ignorant as well - you’re on an alien planet and are warned against a location, it doesn’t matter if it sounds suspiciously like lies to you, you don’t go there assuming you’re safe. Stupid. That made me very much dislike her and the others involved in that stupidity. You can argue it’s what led Taron to finally act on his feelings but I’d rather it have been through a different not as imbecilic situation.
I did like the HEA, though it was short (the epilogue).
I am not a huge fan at the fact that the three brothers will end up with the three human friends (at least if all the foreshadowing ends up as we can assume), but I’ll check out the next book eventually.
July 18, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 2/5
Trope:
Alien Romance
Fated mates
Plot:
Adriana falls for the captain of the ship taking them to Rendu, a frozen alien world. It is the first time her and the group of scientists have been off world. Captain Taron feels a pull towards Adriana but dismisses it as a novelty. As the story progresses the chemistry between Adriana and Taron is off the charts. When there is a coupe on Rendu Taron and his brothers keep these scientists in the dark for their protection. But Adriana just can’t mind her business and defies Taron and goes someplace she shouldn’t and all hell breaks loose
Thoughts:
I love Zoe Ashwood, but I felt like this book just needed to start with them meeting each other for the first time and sensing their chemistry. The book overall was good, maybe more spice.
Safety:
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: no
HEA: yes
Spice: 2/5
Trope:
Alien Romance
Fated mates
Plot:
Adriana falls for the captain of the ship taking them to Rendu, a frozen alien world. It is the first time her and the group of scientists have been off world. Captain Taron feels a pull towards Adriana but dismisses it as a novelty. As the story progresses the chemistry between Adriana and Taron is off the charts. When there is a coupe on Rendu Taron and his brothers keep these scientists in the dark for their protection. But Adriana just can’t mind her business and defies Taron and goes someplace she shouldn’t and all hell breaks loose
Thoughts:
I love Zoe Ashwood, but I felt like this book just needed to start with them meeting each other for the first time and sensing their chemistry. The book overall was good, maybe more spice.
Safety:
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: no
Triggers: no
HEA: yes
May 2, 2022
I do not normally read alien sci-fi. Nothing wrong with it, just prefer paranormal or contemporary. But I love Zoe Ashwood’s Sea Dragons, witches and shifter series. So knowing how much I love her other books I figured this would be a decent read. Boy was I mistaken…this was an AWESOME read! I couldn’t put this story down until I looked at the clock and it was 5 hours past my intended bedtime lol I knew my alarm was going to wake me up for work in just a few short hours so I had to put the book down and wait to finish today.
The descriptions, the plot, the chemistry…everything made this book play like a movie in my head. I cannot wait to read the other 2 books in this trilogy!!
The descriptions, the plot, the chemistry…everything made this book play like a movie in my head. I cannot wait to read the other 2 books in this trilogy!!
April 19, 2020
So Cool
I wanted to title my review How Chill because this was such a great love story and I loved the play on the title of the book. But I digress because I’m supposed to be reviewing this book. So, I really adored the two main characters as well as the world building and all of the action. I’m horrible with names unless I take notes and I read this one too fast for note taking. There was blood and violence and I loved it. There was a lot of sexy times too but it wasn’t overwhelming. There are so many characters and I can’t wait to read their stories as well.
I wanted to title my review How Chill because this was such a great love story and I loved the play on the title of the book. But I digress because I’m supposed to be reviewing this book. So, I really adored the two main characters as well as the world building and all of the action. I’m horrible with names unless I take notes and I read this one too fast for note taking. There was blood and violence and I loved it. There was a lot of sexy times too but it wasn’t overwhelming. There are so many characters and I can’t wait to read their stories as well.
January 3, 2022
I will be totally honest that I started reading this for ha-has. 2022 is my year for reading for fun, instead of self-development, or business help.
This was my first alien/sci-fi romance and I first thought it would be something with horrible writing, crappy plot etc. I fully expected cringe.
I am pleased to report this book was none of that. The writing was great, the plot intriguing and the spice levels were 5/5.
I liked this one so much that I might go on to see what the Naals brothers are up to in the second and third books!
This was my first alien/sci-fi romance and I first thought it would be something with horrible writing, crappy plot etc. I fully expected cringe.
I am pleased to report this book was none of that. The writing was great, the plot intriguing and the spice levels were 5/5.
I liked this one so much that I might go on to see what the Naals brothers are up to in the second and third books!
January 6, 2022
Adriana is part of the first group of Earth researchers allowed to visit and study Rendu. She and the ship’s captain are growing close until he receives a message. Taron finds out his king has been assassinated and his queen is being held hostage. He and his brothers must keep this from the humans and keep them confined to the city. There’s political intrigue as well as action and plenty of romance. I look forward to reading about Taron’s brothers next. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
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