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Half-Lyqa and half-Yuk, Qim has the best of both worlds—the brute strength of his father’s people and the kind, compassionate nature of his mother’s. He also has a First heart, which identifies his biological mate, Cris, while he visits Earth. After a traumatic first introduction, he finally sees her again, only to have a lurking danger force them back to Lyqa and the waiting judgement of his fight first ask questions later older brother, who has always wished Qim was less Lyqa and more Yuk. Faced with the pressure to protect his lehti, Qim has to decide which part of him will keep her safe without driving her away.
This is book five of the Lyqa Planet Lovers Series. Read the others first, or enjoy this one on its own.
**Trigger Warning***
This book addresses the topic of domestic abuse. There are no depictions of women being physically abused, but there are references to the very real abuses that women suffer at the hands of their partners.
This is book five of the Lyqa Planet Lovers Series. Read the others first, or enjoy this one on its own.
**Trigger Warning***
This book addresses the topic of domestic abuse. There are no depictions of women being physically abused, but there are references to the very real abuses that women suffer at the hands of their partners.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2020
84 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Clarke
38 books190 followersNikki Clarke is a poet and writer who’s always loved a good love story in books and on film. Her favorite on screen love declarations in no particular order are: Darius and Nina under the viaduct, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in the field (Knightley and MacFadden version), and Dwayne and Whitley at the wedding. Nikki doesn’t mind a little weird (or raunch) mixed in with her romance and hopes to contribute to more happily ever afters of all shades and styles.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 13, 2022
3.5 Stars.
I really have enjoyed this series so far and the way the author blends deep, realistic contemporary issues facing black women with light-hearted, aspirational alien romance fun and creates swoon-worthy characters that are sensitive and strong and that grow in the books. I am somewhat new to alien romance and of course realise there is a significant element of the bizarre that one accepts in this fantastic/paranormal world in outer space. In this book, Qim reconnects with his fated mate or leht, Criss (met briefly in Book 4) as she recovers from an abusive relationship. Meanwhile he’s also dealing with peer pressure/bullying from his own family that parallel issues around toxic masculinity and “masculine” expectations in a relationship.
I thought it was fabulous how this book tackled these heavy and extremely relevant issues within the otherwise bizarre framework of a lighthearted alien romance that wasn’t otherwise particularly “deep” and was filled with Deus Ex Machina dream wish fulfillment type plot elements. This was the definition of a breezy read that can deliver both tears and laughter and I was here for it (and this entire series). Is it the best-written book I’ve read, no, is it a little wacky, yes, and I like it like that for what it is.
I really have enjoyed this series so far and the way the author blends deep, realistic contemporary issues facing black women with light-hearted, aspirational alien romance fun and creates swoon-worthy characters that are sensitive and strong and that grow in the books. I am somewhat new to alien romance and of course realise there is a significant element of the bizarre that one accepts in this fantastic/paranormal world in outer space. In this book, Qim reconnects with his fated mate or leht, Criss (met briefly in Book 4) as she recovers from an abusive relationship. Meanwhile he’s also dealing with peer pressure/bullying from his own family that parallel issues around toxic masculinity and “masculine” expectations in a relationship.
I thought it was fabulous how this book tackled these heavy and extremely relevant issues within the otherwise bizarre framework of a lighthearted alien romance that wasn’t otherwise particularly “deep” and was filled with Deus Ex Machina dream wish fulfillment type plot elements. This was the definition of a breezy read that can deliver both tears and laughter and I was here for it (and this entire series). Is it the best-written book I’ve read, no, is it a little wacky, yes, and I like it like that for what it is.
June 18, 2020
YES
Loved it !!!!! The book was amazing I kind of want Qil to find someone to soften his heart lol
Loved it !!!!! The book was amazing I kind of want Qil to find someone to soften his heart lol
June 21, 2020
Lyqa Series
🔥 🔥 I enjoyed this series so much. I love getting lost in these stories. I can’t wait for the next one. Qim and cris’s journey was complex but full of so much love.
🔥 🔥 I enjoyed this series so much. I love getting lost in these stories. I can’t wait for the next one. Qim and cris’s journey was complex but full of so much love.
April 18, 2022
just ok
We jumped right into this one. Story was just ok. Appreciated it was about Qim and his family unit and not about the Bennetts. Qim’s brother is manipulating him to become an insecure and angry man when that’s not his nature.
We jumped right into this one. Story was just ok. Appreciated it was about Qim and his family unit and not about the Bennetts. Qim’s brother is manipulating him to become an insecure and angry man when that’s not his nature.
November 17, 2025
Wow! I enjoyed this story. It really tugged at my heartstrings, especially with its serious topic of domestic abuse. Having witnessed my mom being verbally, mentally, and physically abused by my father, I can truly sympathize with this story. I also suffered verbal and mental abuse myself, including being hit once (which was enough) by my father. I'm glad that the author, Nikki Clarke, chose to write about such a sensitive subject.
Although fiction books are often read for entertainment, they can also provide insight, education, and even strength to those who need it. I loved the important messages conveyed in this story. However, I also appreciated the humor, romance, and light-hearted moments! Qim, the main male character, is a sweetheart who will stand up for the woman he loves. He has a heart of gold—he's just an amazing guy! That said, I absolutely disliked his brother, Qil, who tried to make him into something he was not. Ugh, I really didn’t like him at all!
As for Cris, the main female character, she was also a sweetheart. It was wonderful to see her grow into her strength and confidence—qualities she always possessed to some degree but were suppressed by her scumbag ex-boyfriend, Justin. Like Qim, Cris has a beautiful heart; they were perfect for one another, and their relationship journey was uplifting to read. As always, I enjoyed the cameos from past main characters in the Lyqa series, but I also liked that the majority of the story focused on Qim (and his family) and Cris (and her mom a bit)—and all they had going on and were dealing with.
The world-building in this series keeps getting better and better! I found the new aliens introduced in this story to be exciting, and I loved reading about the things they did in space, like clubbing! Lol. We were also introduced to Malcolm and Dinar, and I’m looking forward to reading their story! To the author, Nikki Clarke, I need more of the Lyqa Legroes and their beautiful black Lehti's!
Although fiction books are often read for entertainment, they can also provide insight, education, and even strength to those who need it. I loved the important messages conveyed in this story. However, I also appreciated the humor, romance, and light-hearted moments! Qim, the main male character, is a sweetheart who will stand up for the woman he loves. He has a heart of gold—he's just an amazing guy! That said, I absolutely disliked his brother, Qil, who tried to make him into something he was not. Ugh, I really didn’t like him at all!
As for Cris, the main female character, she was also a sweetheart. It was wonderful to see her grow into her strength and confidence—qualities she always possessed to some degree but were suppressed by her scumbag ex-boyfriend, Justin. Like Qim, Cris has a beautiful heart; they were perfect for one another, and their relationship journey was uplifting to read. As always, I enjoyed the cameos from past main characters in the Lyqa series, but I also liked that the majority of the story focused on Qim (and his family) and Cris (and her mom a bit)—and all they had going on and were dealing with.
The world-building in this series keeps getting better and better! I found the new aliens introduced in this story to be exciting, and I loved reading about the things they did in space, like clubbing! Lol. We were also introduced to Malcolm and Dinar, and I’m looking forward to reading their story! To the author, Nikki Clarke, I need more of the Lyqa Legroes and their beautiful black Lehti's!
January 27, 2024
This book was so good. And we got even MOREEE world building here which i lived for. More alien species, more locations! More of everything I love about this author’s writing.
I loved Qim sm. 🥹 He had such a pure heart and just wanted the best for the people he cared about although he sometimes missed the mark and did the most.
I loved Cris’s character development especially towards the end, I was so proud of her!
The only thing about this book I didn’t really like was how FAST they were moving in the beginning like how are y’all sexin’ in the first chapter and he’s saying “you’re perfect” ect already!!! I just wish there were more of a buildup especially on her end. We already knew he liked her since the ONE time they meet in the previous book, but like damn can she do some more yearning first? “What happened to hello? My name is?” 😭😭😭
I loved Qim sm. 🥹 He had such a pure heart and just wanted the best for the people he cared about although he sometimes missed the mark and did the most.
I loved Cris’s character development especially towards the end, I was so proud of her!
The only thing about this book I didn’t really like was how FAST they were moving in the beginning like how are y’all sexin’ in the first chapter and he’s saying “you’re perfect” ect already!!! I just wish there were more of a buildup especially on her end. We already knew he liked her since the ONE time they meet in the previous book, but like damn can she do some more yearning first? “What happened to hello? My name is?” 😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
Overall I enjoyed the book but Qim/Qil were on my nerves most of this book. Cris is a Dosmestic violence survivor but the author thought it was a good idea for Qim to be fighting all the time, being bloody from fighting, and tracking her whereabouts and for Qil to bully her when he clearly did know the full story of her ex beating her. I thought the author was a little tone deaf at times with qil/qim when it came to Cris’s journey. Highlights of the book Cris getting her life back, having a better career off of earth, learning how to protect herself, starting healthy friendships and willing to leave Qim if he didn’t straighten up, and then of course when she knocked her ex out to protect Qim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
It’s a No for me
Although I love this series I did not enjoy this one. I do love that it’s tackled real life issues but I felt it was rushed, things were moving way too quickly and not as much depth as some of the others. This couple was pissing me off so much throughout the book with the misunderstandings and lack of communication I I was rolling my eyes several times. I love this author and she is an amazing writer I just did not connect with these particular characters or this particular story.
Although I love this series I did not enjoy this one. I do love that it’s tackled real life issues but I felt it was rushed, things were moving way too quickly and not as much depth as some of the others. This couple was pissing me off so much throughout the book with the misunderstandings and lack of communication I I was rolling my eyes several times. I love this author and she is an amazing writer I just did not connect with these particular characters or this particular story.
June 26, 2020
Loved It!!!
Qim is definitely BAE!!! He is my ultimate favorite and I loved how he loved on Cris. He was super sweet and a complete gentleman and those sex scenes were everything! LOL! Cris is a strong woman who beat the odds and came out stronger and better. Nikki Clarke your books are vivid and very detailed, and I can imagine everything that you describe. I would love to read about Malcolm and his Princess!
Qim is definitely BAE!!! He is my ultimate favorite and I loved how he loved on Cris. He was super sweet and a complete gentleman and those sex scenes were everything! LOL! Cris is a strong woman who beat the odds and came out stronger and better. Nikki Clarke your books are vivid and very detailed, and I can imagine everything that you describe. I would love to read about Malcolm and his Princess!
March 8, 2021
Good read!
I have read all the books in this series and the spin offs. This series is refreshing in the fact that OMG these are black people! Those readers that are people of color or brown that read this genre rarely see themselves in the books. This was such a change of pace. This book was a realistic romance. Even with the intense subject matter this was a great romance. With a kick butt ending and a sweet HEA. I definitely recommend this series.
I have read all the books in this series and the spin offs. This series is refreshing in the fact that OMG these are black people! Those readers that are people of color or brown that read this genre rarely see themselves in the books. This was such a change of pace. This book was a realistic romance. Even with the intense subject matter this was a great romance. With a kick butt ending and a sweet HEA. I definitely recommend this series.
November 10, 2021
Great Work!!!
I simply LOVED YOUR BOOKS IN THIS SERIES. I didn't write reviews on the others because I was trying to quickly get to the next book. And Yes I am on my way to get any and all other books you have written. You are now one of my favorites up there with Christine Feheen, Laurel K. Hamilton, J.R. Ward. Not many can pull your attention and hold it to the end. Great Work!!!
I simply LOVED YOUR BOOKS IN THIS SERIES. I didn't write reviews on the others because I was trying to quickly get to the next book. And Yes I am on my way to get any and all other books you have written. You are now one of my favorites up there with Christine Feheen, Laurel K. Hamilton, J.R. Ward. Not many can pull your attention and hold it to the end. Great Work!!!
January 24, 2023
This book was so good. I loved Qim and Chris. I love that Chris loved the movie Friday. I loved how the movie got incorporated into this book. A story of learning how to confront your fears and stand up for yourself is a great message. The way Chris went off on Qil had me in tears. I also loved how Chris kept busy with her fashion line. I know if it was me and my man was a fighter I would be so anxious. Chris was determined to not be a victim and I love that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
Finding Love and inner strength...
Once again I have found another book in the series that has been so interesting. I loved how Qim fell instantly in love with Crissette. I like how she found out who she is and her inner strength. I thought Qil was heartless and manipulative at first. I'm glad Crissette was looking out for her man. Qim was a good person. They were such a passionate and sensual couple.🔥🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once again I have found another book in the series that has been so interesting. I loved how Qim fell instantly in love with Crissette. I like how she found out who she is and her inner strength. I thought Qil was heartless and manipulative at first. I'm glad Crissette was looking out for her man. Qim was a good person. They were such a passionate and sensual couple.🔥🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 28, 2021
The toxic relationship with her ex
I chose this rating because all of these books have me hooked I love all your stories the action the love It's like watching fantasies come true but with so much realistic things happening these books kept me reading for a whole week thank you and I will be following looking for your nextbook you have a new fan
I chose this rating because all of these books have me hooked I love all your stories the action the love It's like watching fantasies come true but with so much realistic things happening these books kept me reading for a whole week thank you and I will be following looking for your nextbook you have a new fan
August 12, 2022
I simply had to finish the series. I never read them and I guess this happened to get lucky this year.
I don't know if I got used to Nikki Clarke's writing or if I witnessed her growth and improvement. She kept me hooked but I am lowkey ashamed of my reading preferences. Why doesn't Shakespeare take me out of my reading slump? 😤
I don't know if I got used to Nikki Clarke's writing or if I witnessed her growth and improvement. She kept me hooked but I am lowkey ashamed of my reading preferences. Why doesn't Shakespeare take me out of my reading slump? 😤
June 25, 2020
Excellent read
I've purchased every book you've written and it's well worth my funds! Qim and Cris are the epitome of unrequited love. I stan their live story. I laughed and wanted to shedof few tears [my allergies]. Per usual most excellent read!
I've purchased every book you've written and it's well worth my funds! Qim and Cris are the epitome of unrequited love. I stan their live story. I laughed and wanted to shedof few tears [my allergies]. Per usual most excellent read!
July 5, 2020
Can I get me an alien
Man reading this series makes me what a Lyqa boo too. Great story and even though Cris had a rough start with love, glad she stopped feeling like a burden to Qim and stood up to Qil cause he was an ass.
Man reading this series makes me what a Lyqa boo too. Great story and even though Cris had a rough start with love, glad she stopped feeling like a burden to Qim and stood up to Qil cause he was an ass.
July 28, 2020
Great series
Love the whole Lyqa series. I mean seriously, what's not to love??? A diverse world of brown skinned people who are big, buff, smart, sexy, fierce, family oriented, and loyal to those they love 💘! Sounds like my perfect slice of heaven.
Love the whole Lyqa series. I mean seriously, what's not to love??? A diverse world of brown skinned people who are big, buff, smart, sexy, fierce, family oriented, and loyal to those they love 💘! Sounds like my perfect slice of heaven.
July 16, 2020
Good Read
At tumes Cris got on my nerves and had me yelling, GIRL, JUST LET QIM LIVE YOU, lol but i also understood where she was coming from. I can't get tired if them
At tumes Cris got on my nerves and had me yelling, GIRL, JUST LET QIM LIVE YOU, lol but i also understood where she was coming from. I can't get tired if them
August 17, 2020
Qim
I wanted to beat Qil behind for the majority of this book. By the end though he made more sense. Like how Qin was with his Crissy. I love this entire series.
I wanted to beat Qil behind for the majority of this book. By the end though he made more sense. Like how Qin was with his Crissy. I love this entire series.
December 15, 2020
Awwww
This was so different than the other stories! I loved it and I shed a few tears! Great book to read I love Lyra!
This was so different than the other stories! I loved it and I shed a few tears! Great book to read I love Lyra!
September 25, 2022
Who knew…
I only started this series out of curiosity. I really didn’t think I’d be into it. Well, here I am, 4 books later…and I can’t wait to get into the others. So. Worth. It!
I only started this series out of curiosity. I really didn’t think I’d be into it. Well, here I am, 4 books later…and I can’t wait to get into the others. So. Worth. It!
December 4, 2022
Qim
I so loved Qim. Chris got on my nerves a little. But I understood where she was coming from. Qil I wanted to fight him smh. Great job
I so loved Qim. Chris got on my nerves a little. But I understood where she was coming from. Qil I wanted to fight him smh. Great job
December 19, 2022
Qim
This book was amazing such great setup to character babbby....if ever we get aliens like these, please and welcome, 4Reals!!
This book was amazing such great setup to character babbby....if ever we get aliens like these, please and welcome, 4Reals!!
May 20, 2023
3.5 I didn’t love it as much as I was expecting to. Cris should have told Qil (and Qim) off much sooner than she did.
July 10, 2023
Awesome!
I absolutely love this series. The characters are so well developed and relatable. Thank you for gifting us these amazing stories.
I absolutely love this series. The characters are so well developed and relatable. Thank you for gifting us these amazing stories.
November 4, 2024
I need more books series like this 😭😭😭😭
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews