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Stolen by an Alien #7
The Quarry Master: A Grumpy Alien Boss Romantic Comedy
BASH: I dislike people.I despise humans.A cruel mandate from one of my region's rulers has saddled me with a slew of little alien humans: I'm to put them to work.One problem?I run a rock quarry, where humans' thin skin is a detriment to productivity. Overseeing these humans is like trying to herd yanaks. If I don't burn, beat, or strangle them to death by the day's end, it will be a miracle.ISLA: I can tell the boss likes me, because I'm not dead. Bash is abrasive and acerbic, like some sort of alien love child between Michael Caine and Miss Hannigan. And maybe Ebenezer Scrooge. Bash is a little... anti-human race. But he's not all bad. Sure, he's a little growly and he sets things on fire when he gets mad, but even villains need a friend. And here? Bash is everybody's villain.Everybody's but mine.Warning: This book is the slowest of slow burns. It's a 127K story with the personal puzzle parts not snapping together until the last stretch of the book. If you want to sink your teeth into a romance that hits the fireworks level fast, skip on this one. But if you want a sweet slow burn, then this one might be the book for you. (Especially if you love super grouchy heroes with big horns and bigger attitudes.)
450 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
April 21, 2021
“I’m the most willing abductee in the world—maybe the galaxy."
Hoo boy...
Well...I will say I did laugh at a lot of crazy going on in this book, and there were some pretty darn good jokes in there that kept it fun--buuuutttt the two leads were a bit out there for moi. But hey, at least they were both riding in the same runaway train?
Isla is an extroverted chatter box aka motor mouth-which can be endearing at times- and totally helps in snagging her a big ole alien.
"Something about her drew me and in the space of a blink, she’s conditioned me to nearly crave her—her and her verbal malfunctioning. I’ve virtually become her aural hostage. I want to hear whatever nonsense she has to say."
She is also totally down for the Rakhii form of romance ie literally chaining her to a bed.. and is all gun ho about Bash's possessive form of love. Like really enthusiastic.
“This is your leg cuff,” Bash confirms. “Oh my land, you’re going to cuff me to your bed?” I’VE HIT THE JACKPOT
While Bash is a human hatin', buff, gruff male with some slight *cough* anger and trust issues. Also, I don't know what it is...but it always seems like girls will fall for a complete jerk- as long as he's a jerk to everyone but her. Something about a bad boy with a soft spot.
But one thing that made me clutch my invisible pearls was
August 4, 2020
I wanted to like this...and I did for the first 30-40%....then shoot me because this is so boring!
The author purposely made the h chatty. She talked the H's ear off and that's how he fell in love with her. OK. I get it.
The problem I have with that wasn't so much the story line, but the fact that the author wrote it all down. Like every.single.thing! She could have skipped so much unnecessary conversation by just substituting with something like- "A whole day had gone by and the human continued to talk endlessly". Obviously I am not an author...I can't write for shit, but I am a reader and I can tell you that bogging the story down like this really turns me off. It draggggggeedddd.....just like my review. So I will shut up now.
The author purposely made the h chatty. She talked the H's ear off and that's how he fell in love with her. OK. I get it.
The problem I have with that wasn't so much the story line, but the fact that the author wrote it all down. Like every.single.thing! She could have skipped so much unnecessary conversation by just substituting with something like- "A whole day had gone by and the human continued to talk endlessly". Obviously I am not an author...I can't write for shit, but I am a reader and I can tell you that bogging the story down like this really turns me off. It draggggggeedddd.....just like my review. So I will shut up now.
September 28, 2020
It’s an okay read, eventhought I lost interest in the middle bits, but after finished few other books first, I managed to continue reading this one, lol.
September 27, 2023
3 stars
I saw this book going around years ago and bought the audiobook. I'm trying hard to get through all my purchased books that I haven't listened to so I figured what better time than now. I love a good grumpy hero and was hoping to love this one. Honestly, it was just okay for me. It felt fairly slow and I was bored through a lot of it. It wasn't bad, just a very middle of the road read for me.
I saw this book going around years ago and bought the audiobook. I'm trying hard to get through all my purchased books that I haven't listened to so I figured what better time than now. I love a good grumpy hero and was hoping to love this one. Honestly, it was just okay for me. It felt fairly slow and I was bored through a lot of it. It wasn't bad, just a very middle of the road read for me.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Nick Cracknell
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Sci-fi/Romance
Length: 12h 37m
September 4, 2020
The Good: Everyone has their kink. Mine just happens to be super grumpy heroes, and Bash fits this to a T. He is hilarious in his disdain for humans and their need for talking...and breaks, and general slacker tendencies. So when he meets Isla, a one armed human who works hard even if she won't stop talking, he fights feeling that bonding feeling. But it's no use, if you know Ms. Milo's series, you know it's just a matter of time before he's abducting and scent marking Isla...and along the way, oh yeah, some kinky romance happens. Isla was the perfect sunshine-y foil to Bash, and I enjoyed her ability to lovingly poke that bear...I mean Rakhii, until he loosened up and started showing that soft underbelly that I love to see in grumpy hero story arcs.
The Bad: I struggled with keeping up with this series and I lost interest sometime around the kangaroo hero. Look, I can handle dorsal spines, horns and prehensile tails, but I drew the line at the kangaroo junk (and weird love triangle HFN wasn't my thing). Anyway, I had forgotten the intense jealousy Rakhiis suffer from, and Bash's severe insecurity leads to some super ratchet shenanigans. Now I appreciate that Ms. Milo handles this in a 'tongue in cheek' type of way, and making clear that this only works because not human male heroes, but still....it can be alot. If you're not familiar with this particular 'verse, I can imagine there might be some moments where you'll be overwhelmed by the amount of characters. While I missed books 4-6, having the general knowledge of the setup of the 'verse helped me not feel that lost.
The Bottom Line: The humor kept me turning the page, and that grumpy hero felled by his love for the sunshine-y heroine trope is kryptonite for me. If you're the same, and don't mind some kinky alien shenanigans, you may enjoy this as much as I did.
The Bad: I struggled with keeping up with this series and I lost interest sometime around the kangaroo hero. Look, I can handle dorsal spines, horns and prehensile tails, but I drew the line at the kangaroo junk (and weird love triangle HFN wasn't my thing). Anyway, I had forgotten the intense jealousy Rakhiis suffer from, and Bash's severe insecurity leads to some super ratchet shenanigans. Now I appreciate that Ms. Milo handles this in a 'tongue in cheek' type of way, and making clear that this only works because not human male heroes, but still....it can be alot. If you're not familiar with this particular 'verse, I can imagine there might be some moments where you'll be overwhelmed by the amount of characters. While I missed books 4-6, having the general knowledge of the setup of the 'verse helped me not feel that lost.
The Bottom Line: The humor kept me turning the page, and that grumpy hero felled by his love for the sunshine-y heroine trope is kryptonite for me. If you're the same, and don't mind some kinky alien shenanigans, you may enjoy this as much as I did.
April 23, 2025
Second Rating (upon re-read): 4.5 / 5
Rating: 3.8 / 5
Okay, full disclosure: this book is LONG. I think you all should know that before going into it, and also make note of the following things before you consider reading this:
+ the sweet and romantic moments are very few and far in-between until about page 340 or so
+ the first 300 pages are virtually slower than snails, with a lot of slogging through mud to get the characters together
+ there are, indeed, a LOT of superfluous details (in fact, I would just skip some chapters altogether, ch. 28 is entirely useless)
+ there is only ONE detailed sex scene. So, for anyone who's looking for more kink for your alien paranormal romance worth...ahem, look elsewhere
+the "give and take" of this couple is mainly that Isla gives and Bash takes--no matter what
+ possessiveness levels are helium-balloon high
+ stalkerish and other questionable material is present
+ there is a chastity belt kink, you can believe it
__________________________________
Ultimately, you need to be patient in getting through this, in other words, and while I myself liked it fine, I do think it's just a one-time read from start to finish.
It IS also the most-highlighted book I've ever read, so please see my highlights in order to understand my thoughts on this book from start to finish.
Rating: 3.8 / 5
Okay, full disclosure: this book is LONG. I think you all should know that before going into it, and also make note of the following things before you consider reading this:
+ the sweet and romantic moments are very few and far in-between until about page 340 or so
+ the first 300 pages are virtually slower than snails, with a lot of slogging through mud to get the characters together
+ there are, indeed, a LOT of superfluous details (in fact, I would just skip some chapters altogether, ch. 28 is entirely useless)
+ there is only ONE detailed sex scene. So, for anyone who's looking for more kink for your alien paranormal romance worth...ahem, look elsewhere
+the "give and take" of this couple is mainly that Isla gives and Bash takes--no matter what
+ possessiveness levels are helium-balloon high
+ stalkerish and other questionable material is present
+ there is a chastity belt kink, you can believe it
__________________________________
Ultimately, you need to be patient in getting through this, in other words, and while I myself liked it fine, I do think it's just a one-time read from start to finish.
It IS also the most-highlighted book I've ever read, so please see my highlights in order to understand my thoughts on this book from start to finish.
Read
June 23, 2021not for me. Really funny in places but there is SOOOO much talking and thinking. I think literally every single thought the heroine had she said out loud and We may not have heard all the hero's thoughts out loud, but we heard them during his thoughtologues in his own chapters. I'm not saying this is "bad". It's just not for me. I knew up front it was a longer book than I generally go for (nearly 13 hours narrated) but I've enjoyed other books this long (A lot of Kresley Cole's books come to mind.) But I just can't make it through this.
I'm not rating it because I can't honestly give it five but I don't want to in any way harm the author's star rating based on my completely subjective opinion which doesn't matter since I'm not the audience for this book. Other people LOVED it.
I'm not rating it because I can't honestly give it five but I don't want to in any way harm the author's star rating based on my completely subjective opinion which doesn't matter since I'm not the audience for this book. Other people LOVED it.
Read
November 19, 2021Lost interest.
Well, it’s a shame! A really wanted to like this and the premise was pretty great, the beginning was cute and funny and I love Bash and Isla’s interactions.
The thing is: isla talks to much. Thinks too much. And sadly I couldn’t force myself to go through that.
There’s too much talking, i know the book is good but not my cup of tea. Couldn’t finish.
Well, it’s a shame! A really wanted to like this and the premise was pretty great, the beginning was cute and funny and I love Bash and Isla’s interactions.
The thing is: isla talks to much. Thinks too much. And sadly I couldn’t force myself to go through that.
There’s too much talking, i know the book is good but not my cup of tea. Couldn’t finish.
June 28, 2023
3.5ish or sometimes even 3 ⭐
This was so close to a 4+ rating from me but then 80% of the story happened and I was like NO WAY BROZAYY what u doin
The best part perhaps of this entire book is Bash's full first name.
RTC
This was so close to a 4+ rating from me but then 80% of the story happened and I was like NO WAY BROZAYY what u doin
The best part perhaps of this entire book is Bash's full first name.
RTC
August 6, 2020
Amanda Milo does it again!
She had me at the glossary....
(Come on Star Trek fans, we know this one!)
Bash is a Rakhi, an alien that bonds and obsessively love one female. In a culture ruled by women, Gryfala, female aliens beautiful, highly intelligent and THE leader with multiple male hobs as lovers, Rakhi are reduced to just bodyguards, and can be killed for forming a bond with females. Bash, the grumpy Quarry master who has a history of being disposable but this time he wants a lover who only wants one: HIM
I am not saying he's handsome. I am not saying he's my cup of tea. Just look at the cover, ladies. But maybe he is it for some.
Fun read, smexy times only until a real relationship exists between Isla and Bash.
She had me at the glossary....
Na'rith: a particularly mischievous race that excels at the business of obtaining a variety of goods by questionable and occasionally nefarious means, i.e. PiratingOr better known as the Ferengi
(Come on Star Trek fans, we know this one!)
Bash is a Rakhi, an alien that bonds and obsessively love one female. In a culture ruled by women, Gryfala, female aliens beautiful, highly intelligent and THE leader with multiple male hobs as lovers, Rakhi are reduced to just bodyguards, and can be killed for forming a bond with females. Bash, the grumpy Quarry master who has a history of being disposable but this time he wants a lover who only wants one: HIM
I am not saying he's handsome. I am not saying he's my cup of tea. Just look at the cover, ladies. But maybe he is it for some.
Because girls, if a guy on Earth rifles through your trash, follows you at work, intimidates other men away from you, forces you to marry him, and chains you to his bed? It means your life got switched to the Lifetime channel and it's time to get gone.At least for Isla, a one armed chatterbox, who has a good head on her shoulders for all that, Bash is it for her, grumpy stalker and all.
But Bash is not human.
Scales and other alien-ness aside, he's a knockout. I literally thought we'd all swallow our tongue when we came around the side of the wagon and saw the big boss man that everyone talks about.
Fun read, smexy times only until a real relationship exists between Isla and Bash.
July 25, 2020
I want to start off by saying this book is hysterical and a lot of fun to read. I was literally cackling, especially in the first section. It's comedy gold if you have the right sense of humor for it.
Bash is so perfectly cranky, and I could relate to him. He is not a fan of human women, and he's had an ever-expanding herd of them foisted upon him to "help" with the quarry work—if by help you mean distract all of his hobs and Rakhii workforce, complain about having to work, and crying all the damn time. He's not allowed to directly reprimand any of them and try to "motivate" them through physical means so...he's been abusing the hobs... much to his own satisfaction. But if he could?
Creator, I will not stop slapping them if I ever start.
Me too, man. Me too. This is why I'm nearly-a-recluse. Other people are the worst.
Once his mating instinct is engaged. Hoo. That is a trip. I'm still not sure what to think about it.
Now.
Isla.
Hrm.
Overall, I actually really liked her. She's upbeat without being annoying, a hard worker, artistic, and really focused on accomplishing what she wants to, all while still being very playful. I loved her sense of humor in the 1-armed reveal scene and how she just rolled with it....
But.
A lot of the book's problematic humor and placement on my shelf came from shit she kept saying that made me want to gently gag her and tell her to please shut up and think for a minute before talking. Because girl loved to run her mouth, and some really cringy stuff came out. (Detailed below in the problematic tag section.)
And. Around the 80% mark, Something Happens that put the hard brakes on my enjoyment of the OTT mating of Bash and Isla. Her attitude towards it was never really explored, and no one talked to her about why it was the saddest thing ever—even though Gracie and some of the other women sort of made faces that hinted that this was something that should be discussed. It was just dropped. Insert Britney gif Take Two right here, and that about sums up how I felt about the implications of Isla's relationship attitude.
Even with those things in mind, I still overall liked this more than not, and would absolutely recommend it for a read if you want to have a good time and laugh your heinie off.
-----------
Now, for the elephant in the room: why the problematic tag?
This work has several issues to look at/call out:
1- "Or your Lakota name can be Silent Glare."
CRINGECRINGECRINGECRINGECRINGE
Maybe white people should just...not...make fun of other culture's naming traditions and try to appropriate them? Just a thought? The character isn't Lakota and no one who is familiar with those traditions was consulted? Just don't. Could have totally made that joke framed differently and avoided the ick all together.
2- "Spirit Animal" sigh
What's the harm in it? It's a white-distorted appropriation of indigenous religious beliefs. Not such a great look when we have other—and better—ways to say the same thing without flippantly mucking all over someone else's traditions. Yes, even though it's nearly always unintentional. Harm doesn't have to be in order to do damage. If we know better, we can do better.
Even dictionary . com added it to the phrases we should finally stop using in 2020. They were even kind enough to provide alternative words or phrases to use instead. Vocabulary power. ;)
3- During a fitting, Isla cracks a joke that Bash's desire to put made him akin to being Muslim or Amish.
...dear god, why? The third comparison from this section, about how his attitude would have fit into Victorian ideals, was the only comparison needed. Just stick to that and avoid making generalizations about non-white people's religions and picking on the Amish. Bad look all around.
Bash is so perfectly cranky, and I could relate to him. He is not a fan of human women, and he's had an ever-expanding herd of them foisted upon him to "help" with the quarry work—if by help you mean distract all of his hobs and Rakhii workforce, complain about having to work, and crying all the damn time. He's not allowed to directly reprimand any of them and try to "motivate" them through physical means so...he's been abusing the hobs... much to his own satisfaction. But if he could?
Creator, I will not stop slapping them if I ever start.
Me too, man. Me too. This is why I'm nearly-a-recluse. Other people are the worst.
Once his mating instinct is engaged. Hoo. That is a trip. I'm still not sure what to think about it.
Now.
Isla.
Hrm.
Overall, I actually really liked her. She's upbeat without being annoying, a hard worker, artistic, and really focused on accomplishing what she wants to, all while still being very playful. I loved her sense of humor in the 1-armed reveal scene and how she just rolled with it....
But.
A lot of the book's problematic humor and placement on my shelf came from shit she kept saying that made me want to gently gag her and tell her to please shut up and think for a minute before talking. Because girl loved to run her mouth, and some really cringy stuff came out. (Detailed below in the problematic tag section.)
And. Around the 80% mark, Something Happens that put the hard brakes on my enjoyment of the OTT mating of Bash and Isla. Her attitude towards it was never really explored, and no one talked to her about why it was the saddest thing ever—even though Gracie and some of the other women sort of made faces that hinted that this was something that should be discussed. It was just dropped. Insert Britney gif Take Two right here, and that about sums up how I felt about the implications of Isla's relationship attitude.
Even with those things in mind, I still overall liked this more than not, and would absolutely recommend it for a read if you want to have a good time and laugh your heinie off.
-----------
Now, for the elephant in the room: why the problematic tag?
This work has several issues to look at/call out:
1- "Or your Lakota name can be Silent Glare."
CRINGECRINGECRINGECRINGECRINGE
Maybe white people should just...not...make fun of other culture's naming traditions and try to appropriate them? Just a thought? The character isn't Lakota and no one who is familiar with those traditions was consulted? Just don't. Could have totally made that joke framed differently and avoided the ick all together.
2- "Spirit Animal" sigh
What's the harm in it? It's a white-distorted appropriation of indigenous religious beliefs. Not such a great look when we have other—and better—ways to say the same thing without flippantly mucking all over someone else's traditions. Yes, even though it's nearly always unintentional. Harm doesn't have to be in order to do damage. If we know better, we can do better.
Even dictionary . com added it to the phrases we should finally stop using in 2020. They were even kind enough to provide alternative words or phrases to use instead. Vocabulary power. ;)
3- During a fitting, Isla cracks a joke that Bash's desire to put made him akin to being Muslim or Amish.
...dear god, why? The third comparison from this section, about how his attitude would have fit into Victorian ideals, was the only comparison needed. Just stick to that and avoid making generalizations about non-white people's religions and picking on the Amish. Bad look all around.
October 29, 2021
4.5 stars! Honestly, this book was SO. Much. Fun. Bash is the most hilarious, grumpiest alien ever, he hates the ever-living crap out of humans and doesn’t understand why some of the other aliens are infatuated by them. They talk and socialize too much, and aren’t efficient enough in their work ethic. As the Quarry Master, he runs a tight ship and he is CONSTANTLY having to curse and scare everyone around him to get a decent amount of work done.
Until Isla. She doesn’t whine and she’s a hard worker despite her disability. He’s drawn to her (against his better judgment) and constantly tries to get closer to her (even if she does talk a lot). I actually laughed out loud multiple times when reading. When they institute the “Days-Without-Incident” counter at the worksite to count how many days they could go without him making someone cry, I died hahaha.
Until Isla. She doesn’t whine and she’s a hard worker despite her disability. He’s drawn to her (against his better judgment) and constantly tries to get closer to her (even if she does talk a lot). I actually laughed out loud multiple times when reading. When they institute the “Days-Without-Incident” counter at the worksite to count how many days they could go without him making someone cry, I died hahaha.
When Gracie stood from his throne to glare at him and scratched out his Fourteen Days to a Zero—I thought Bash was going to combust in flames of fury.”He became like such a little kid with his tantrums, but in the most hilarious, dare I say endearing? way. He literally could not help himself from falling in love with Isla. I loved him not being able to control his physical reactions, hahaha.
At his side, I winced for him and picked at my lip, murmuring, “You kinda had it coming.”
Bash turned on me and exploded.
Her voice is so pleased—is so heavy with approval at what I’ve committed myself to—that my tail starts to wag.This is set in the same world as the author’s other series, but you could read this as a standalone and be fine. If you love alien romance, want to have a laugh, and like slow-burn grumpy-sunshine romances, then PICK THIS UP!
Without glancing down, I shift and stomp on it.
Even pinned to the stone though, it still tries to twist back and forth happily.
October 26, 2020
First of all I have to say that I LOVE THIS SERIES! I have read several of them many, many......many times. This story was one I have been waiting for with baited breath and tense shoulders. But.....I hate that word...but this book drug on and on, the story was good but the pace of the book left a lot to be desired. By the time I came to the end I was just reading it just so it would be over. I’m sad to say that about an author and a series I love but it is the truth.
Edit: I re read the book and realized that the thing that was making the book drag on was the explanation of what a Rakhii was and some other explanations about things I already know! Instead, this time as I was reading the book I read past those parts and the book flowed like it should have and OMG I enjoyed this book so much this time!!! It was funny and full of great scenes, the "fun" returned to this series! It was so good I couldn’t put it down 😁❤️
Edit: I re read the book and realized that the thing that was making the book drag on was the explanation of what a Rakhii was and some other explanations about things I already know! Instead, this time as I was reading the book I read past those parts and the book flowed like it should have and OMG I enjoyed this book so much this time!!! It was funny and full of great scenes, the "fun" returned to this series! It was so good I couldn’t put it down 😁❤️
November 9, 2020
A solid Rakhii book. I loved all the cute Rakhii mannerisms coming back, and I really liked how the heroine was for once all for it.
However. There were several things that have started to grate:
* The childishness of the women is starting to get on my nerves. "Omg we can't survive without caffeine or chocolate and if we don't get it we're going to literally cry"... WTF. Are you 25 or 5? And I better not end up with them as caffeine gives me migraines. Incidentally, so do these women.
* The homogeneity of the women. They're like a hive mind. The word "herd" does fit.
* The fact that none of the women decided to enlighten our heroine or any other newcomers about Rakhii and Hob mating habits, and then they all watch it unfold as though someone else's /life/ is their personal entertainment? What a bunch of callous bitches....
* The Rakhii in this book is talking about harming humans a bit much for my tastes.
However. There were several things that have started to grate:
* The childishness of the women is starting to get on my nerves. "Omg we can't survive without caffeine or chocolate and if we don't get it we're going to literally cry"... WTF. Are you 25 or 5? And I better not end up with them as caffeine gives me migraines. Incidentally, so do these women.
* The homogeneity of the women. They're like a hive mind. The word "herd" does fit.
* The fact that none of the women decided to enlighten our heroine or any other newcomers about Rakhii and Hob mating habits, and then they all watch it unfold as though someone else's /life/ is their personal entertainment? What a bunch of callous bitches....
* The Rakhii in this book is talking about harming humans a bit much for my tastes.
July 23, 2020
It's fluffy
This is one of my favorite sci-fi series. And the series has a good mix of dark/light themes. Our girl in this book doesn't have a dark past and she is a bursting ray of sunshine. She was so much fun to spend time time and played off really well with the mmc. I wasn't a big fan of the mmc, he's written really well, but he's our most possessive rhakkii to date and I'm glad our mfc loved it so much because anything less would be chaffing.
When are we getting Mandi's story?!! We see more of her and her cat in this book and it just teases me more!
This is one of my favorite sci-fi series. And the series has a good mix of dark/light themes. Our girl in this book doesn't have a dark past and she is a bursting ray of sunshine. She was so much fun to spend time time and played off really well with the mmc. I wasn't a big fan of the mmc, he's written really well, but he's our most possessive rhakkii to date and I'm glad our mfc loved it so much because anything less would be chaffing.
When are we getting Mandi's story?!! We see more of her and her cat in this book and it just teases me more!
June 1, 2022
Too damn long and oddly paced but still enjoyable enough to carry me through to the end.
December 24, 2020
This book had me hooked, laughing out loud, grinning and even cringing at uncomfortably weird and completely out there moments. I definitely did a double take at some scenes. it was a fun read and it delivered on everything it promised with the cover and title and that's all i can ask for in a book.
August 17, 2022
*4.5 stars
This book is going to be featured in a video on my channel towards the end of the year (my five-star predictions for 2022)
When the video is posted, it will be linked here:
TROPES: aliens, alpha hero, great banter, grumpy-sunshine, I hate everyone but you, kindle unlimited, possessive, disability rep (heroine is an amputee), tails
This book is going to be featured in a video on my channel towards the end of the year (my five-star predictions for 2022)
When the video is posted, it will be linked here:
TROPES: aliens, alpha hero, great banter, grumpy-sunshine, I hate everyone but you, kindle unlimited, possessive, disability rep (heroine is an amputee), tails
July 31, 2020
So very funny!!!!
Bash was AWESOME!! I loved every bit of his growly, grumpy, snarly self. He was adorable as he stomped around, blowing smoke and threatening death to keep a bunch of unruly human females in line...and more importantly, working. He was obsessed on his work and frail humans with their tiresome penchant to demand things like “breaks” made him want to break something, preferably crunchy bones.
But underneath all the bluster and snarls, was a hurting hero, who had been cruelly rejected by a skanky she-alien who had used him and tossed him away when he became too devoted to her. He’s afraid to ever trust again after having his hearts broken...and that plan is going swimmingly until he encounters Isla, who is a fearless chatterbox and who fascinates him
Despite his many attempts to prevent his wayward hearts from falling for her, he’s soon plunging down the cliff of mate-bonding and hes ready to take her captive to keep her. It was heart melting his love and affection for her.
Isla was funny at times, but her incessant commentary about the men she’d screwed was a huge gross ick. Like this gem: “For one friend-with-benefits I wore a pink fox tail butt plug.”
Way, way, way, waaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much info on the heroines past, on her screwing other dudes, what happened, how she felt, complaining about being tossed aside when she gave her body with no commitment or made anyone work for it, which i found perplexing. What else did she expect when she’d just spring her legs open for nothing and then whine about not being valued. Ummm, no sh$t, Sherlock. When you make yourself cheap, there’s no reason to treat you as if you’re rare and precious, men don’t value what comes easily. So besides talking incessantly about how she just would let men screw her, because she had no sense of self-respect or integrity and virtue, she was also simultaneously whining and crying about being discarded, when all she’s done is make herself easily disposable. Dumb as a box of rocks.
“So I learned to settle for sex with no attachment, because the majority of single men prefer to stay single, and not make any commitments.”
And whose fault was that? Who went along with that? How about NOT spreading your legs for losers who don’t respect you? How about NOT giving men access to your body without commitment or love? Whatever happened to self-respect and integrity? But no, apparently she just HAD to snap open her legs for dudes to get off in and relieve the itch in their ballllzzz because reasons. And then she dared snivel and complain about being discarded, as if it was huge shocker that by making herself cheap and easy to take, she was just as easily and cheaply dumped after she served her purpose in being an easy lay.
The braindead heroine’s constant stupidity and musing about the men she’d let crawl between her legs was a serious turn off to an otherwise great story.
Bash was AWESOME!! I loved every bit of his growly, grumpy, snarly self. He was adorable as he stomped around, blowing smoke and threatening death to keep a bunch of unruly human females in line...and more importantly, working. He was obsessed on his work and frail humans with their tiresome penchant to demand things like “breaks” made him want to break something, preferably crunchy bones.
But underneath all the bluster and snarls, was a hurting hero, who had been cruelly rejected by a skanky she-alien who had used him and tossed him away when he became too devoted to her. He’s afraid to ever trust again after having his hearts broken...and that plan is going swimmingly until he encounters Isla, who is a fearless chatterbox and who fascinates him
Despite his many attempts to prevent his wayward hearts from falling for her, he’s soon plunging down the cliff of mate-bonding and hes ready to take her captive to keep her. It was heart melting his love and affection for her.
Isla was funny at times, but her incessant commentary about the men she’d screwed was a huge gross ick. Like this gem: “For one friend-with-benefits I wore a pink fox tail butt plug.”
Way, way, way, waaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much info on the heroines past, on her screwing other dudes, what happened, how she felt, complaining about being tossed aside when she gave her body with no commitment or made anyone work for it, which i found perplexing. What else did she expect when she’d just spring her legs open for nothing and then whine about not being valued. Ummm, no sh$t, Sherlock. When you make yourself cheap, there’s no reason to treat you as if you’re rare and precious, men don’t value what comes easily. So besides talking incessantly about how she just would let men screw her, because she had no sense of self-respect or integrity and virtue, she was also simultaneously whining and crying about being discarded, when all she’s done is make herself easily disposable. Dumb as a box of rocks.
“So I learned to settle for sex with no attachment, because the majority of single men prefer to stay single, and not make any commitments.”
And whose fault was that? Who went along with that? How about NOT spreading your legs for losers who don’t respect you? How about NOT giving men access to your body without commitment or love? Whatever happened to self-respect and integrity? But no, apparently she just HAD to snap open her legs for dudes to get off in and relieve the itch in their ballllzzz because reasons. And then she dared snivel and complain about being discarded, as if it was huge shocker that by making herself cheap and easy to take, she was just as easily and cheaply dumped after she served her purpose in being an easy lay.
The braindead heroine’s constant stupidity and musing about the men she’d let crawl between her legs was a serious turn off to an otherwise great story.
July 23, 2020
The best of the series so far
I liked 1, haven't reread 2 since the first reading (I can't deal with the triggers, my issue, good book but sends me into a dark place), 3 was fun, 4 ok, 5 (my former favorite) and 6 was alright. This one is the best.
Bash, as in I'll bash you if you can't keep up, is the quarry master. Digging rock isn't fun, to humans, but is cathartic to this grumpy Rakhii. One day while griping about his useless human labor he says something that lands him in trouble with said useless humans. Apparently the joke he made about how they couldn't work slower if they only had 1 arm, well, when everyone turned to look at the human with only 1 arm, yeah. Thus begins the downfall of Ebenezer Bash.
Isla is used to working hard. Having only 1 hand means everything she does is just a little more difficult. But it doesn't stop her. It's what she's used to. And nothing could be worse than where she was- an extrovert kept in solitary. Now her words have a willing victim, Bash. The sourpuss who loathes puny humans and shakes hobs for entertainment is following her around, actually telling her to talk more. This bonding thing is no joke.
Spoilers ahead.
Ok, so, really, this one is my absolute new favorite. It has set a high, high bar for curmudgeonly and cantankerousness behavior from here on out. Bash is adorable. King of his domain, vowing vengeance on the puny peons, hob piñatas, literally breathing fire when riled, griping about his score board and throne? You fall quick. Isla is tough but an adorably goofy chatterbox. All those months alone made it worse. And when a Rakhii bonds they'll do anything for their mate. Even suffer the horrors of the damned, like listening to verbal incontinence, and being near, gasp, people. All the individual stories so far are starting to come together. We've been introduced to most of our community members now, via their own tales or as background characters. So when their stories come up, we have a sense of knowing them already. And after this one I can't wait. I'm so glad I hung in after 2. The prologue and epilogue of this book were almost perfect bookends (pun intended) to the story. And the way this one ends with the bachelor/mate raiding cruise being planned? Yeah, some hob/Rakhii, human hijinks are in order.
My only complaint is that there are a few scenes in this story where Isla spontaneously pops up with 2 hands. Otherwise it was great. And, as always, I'll be looking for the next.
Not complaints, questions:
*How did a hob have a hybrid human baby that had leather instead of feathers? His genetics would have prompted a female of his line to have feather wings.
*Why the wing diversity? They're the same species, right?
I liked 1, haven't reread 2 since the first reading (I can't deal with the triggers, my issue, good book but sends me into a dark place), 3 was fun, 4 ok, 5 (my former favorite) and 6 was alright. This one is the best.
Bash, as in I'll bash you if you can't keep up, is the quarry master. Digging rock isn't fun, to humans, but is cathartic to this grumpy Rakhii. One day while griping about his useless human labor he says something that lands him in trouble with said useless humans. Apparently the joke he made about how they couldn't work slower if they only had 1 arm, well, when everyone turned to look at the human with only 1 arm, yeah. Thus begins the downfall of Ebenezer Bash.
Isla is used to working hard. Having only 1 hand means everything she does is just a little more difficult. But it doesn't stop her. It's what she's used to. And nothing could be worse than where she was- an extrovert kept in solitary. Now her words have a willing victim, Bash. The sourpuss who loathes puny humans and shakes hobs for entertainment is following her around, actually telling her to talk more. This bonding thing is no joke.
Spoilers ahead.
Ok, so, really, this one is my absolute new favorite. It has set a high, high bar for curmudgeonly and cantankerousness behavior from here on out. Bash is adorable. King of his domain, vowing vengeance on the puny peons, hob piñatas, literally breathing fire when riled, griping about his score board and throne? You fall quick. Isla is tough but an adorably goofy chatterbox. All those months alone made it worse. And when a Rakhii bonds they'll do anything for their mate. Even suffer the horrors of the damned, like listening to verbal incontinence, and being near, gasp, people. All the individual stories so far are starting to come together. We've been introduced to most of our community members now, via their own tales or as background characters. So when their stories come up, we have a sense of knowing them already. And after this one I can't wait. I'm so glad I hung in after 2. The prologue and epilogue of this book were almost perfect bookends (pun intended) to the story. And the way this one ends with the bachelor/mate raiding cruise being planned? Yeah, some hob/Rakhii, human hijinks are in order.
My only complaint is that there are a few scenes in this story where Isla spontaneously pops up with 2 hands. Otherwise it was great. And, as always, I'll be looking for the next.
Not complaints, questions:
*How did a hob have a hybrid human baby that had leather instead of feathers? His genetics would have prompted a female of his line to have feather wings.
*Why the wing diversity? They're the same species, right?
May 13, 2021
The couple: Bash and Isla
Romance genre: alien; opposites attract
Part of a series: Yes (Grumpy Heroes)
Length: 452 pages
Plot: Bash is in charge of the quarry where the humans are working. He is grumpy beyond grumpy. Doesn't like humans. Doesn't like anyone, really. One day, Isla shows up in a new batch of humans. She's different from the others. For one thing, she only has one arm (a half-arm, really). Secondly, she's not scared of him, not one bit. Bash is intrigued, even though he doesn't want to be.
As things develop, there is the resistance you would expect from Bash, but Isla is relentless in her quest to push past that resistance and give their relationship a chance. And oh boy, is there ever a chance!
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Character development: Bash is the best, seriously. He is funny, although doesn't necessarily mean to be. He is strangely tentative sometimes (especially in the beginning when he doesn't understand what he is feeling). He treats Isla in a way that is both tender and, well, normal, making no big deal out of her missing arm. He's lonely, really, although he doesn't recognize that. And Isla's never-ending sunshine and optimism is the best antidote for that loneliness.
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Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes
Romance genre: alien; opposites attract
Part of a series: Yes (Grumpy Heroes)
Length: 452 pages
Plot: Bash is in charge of the quarry where the humans are working. He is grumpy beyond grumpy. Doesn't like humans. Doesn't like anyone, really. One day, Isla shows up in a new batch of humans. She's different from the others. For one thing, she only has one arm (a half-arm, really). Secondly, she's not scared of him, not one bit. Bash is intrigued, even though he doesn't want to be.
As things develop, there is the resistance you would expect from Bash, but Isla is relentless in her quest to push past that resistance and give their relationship a chance. And oh boy, is there ever a chance!
[image error]
Character development: Bash is the best, seriously. He is funny, although doesn't necessarily mean to be. He is strangely tentative sometimes (especially in the beginning when he doesn't understand what he is feeling). He treats Isla in a way that is both tender and, well, normal, making no big deal out of her missing arm. He's lonely, really, although he doesn't recognize that. And Isla's never-ending sunshine and optimism is the best antidote for that loneliness.
[image error]
Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes
May 31, 2022
This was downright ridiculous.
Was author on an alien-acid-trip while writing? What the hell is going on in this book?
I love the idea of Rakhii males. Possessive and strong, fine with me, but loyal and loving too. Big, demon-y and muscular, just what an alien perfect husband should be like.
What I don't get is Isla. 😏 Throughout the whole book Isla has a manic episode. Which chocolate and coffee won't cure.
A few quick questions and thoughts, so I can be done with this book;
-for a group of women who were abducted and had to make a life for themselves on an alien planet, these women were very much acting like they don't want to assimilate at all. They had their white-suburbs-nonsense going on all through the book and if I were stranded on an alien planet, I wouldn't want to be with these chicks
-constant references to american culture, movies, slang, terms that even a non-american Earthling wouldn't understand, much less an alien and even after pretty much the whole book of Bash telling Isla that he doesn't get it, I started to think, is she just simply f8cking with him, is that it? She can't help it, that's her personality?
-I get it she was enthusiastic of getting a real boyfriend and I liked the fact she was open and welcoming to him and all his insecurities but her chatter and childish/immature behaviour towards him as a man and towards sex made this book unreadable
-he comes off as a serious guy who had a big misfortune of mating to a weird, probably bipolar human female that is off medication since she was abducted (no offence, I know of such a person and her behaviour is exactly the same)
-I don't get why she was without one arm since it didn't have much importance anywhere in the book
-"i'm an extrovert, i need people" - fine, but it looks like you really don't have a personality beyond hanging out and surrounding yourself with people, yikes
This was such a waste of time. The author probably had a good idea but the execution was terrible.
Bash deserved someone else.
This was my first book in the series and it'll be my last.
I guess my question is : will Jokohkada get his book? He seems like a really good character but I suppose the author will tear his story to shreads aswell.
Was author on an alien-acid-trip while writing? What the hell is going on in this book?
I love the idea of Rakhii males. Possessive and strong, fine with me, but loyal and loving too. Big, demon-y and muscular, just what an alien perfect husband should be like.
What I don't get is Isla. 😏 Throughout the whole book Isla has a manic episode. Which chocolate and coffee won't cure.
A few quick questions and thoughts, so I can be done with this book;
-for a group of women who were abducted and had to make a life for themselves on an alien planet, these women were very much acting like they don't want to assimilate at all. They had their white-suburbs-nonsense going on all through the book and if I were stranded on an alien planet, I wouldn't want to be with these chicks
-constant references to american culture, movies, slang, terms that even a non-american Earthling wouldn't understand, much less an alien and even after pretty much the whole book of Bash telling Isla that he doesn't get it, I started to think, is she just simply f8cking with him, is that it? She can't help it, that's her personality?
-I get it she was enthusiastic of getting a real boyfriend and I liked the fact she was open and welcoming to him and all his insecurities but her chatter and childish/immature behaviour towards him as a man and towards sex made this book unreadable
-he comes off as a serious guy who had a big misfortune of mating to a weird, probably bipolar human female that is off medication since she was abducted (no offence, I know of such a person and her behaviour is exactly the same)
-I don't get why she was without one arm since it didn't have much importance anywhere in the book
-"i'm an extrovert, i need people" - fine, but it looks like you really don't have a personality beyond hanging out and surrounding yourself with people, yikes
This was such a waste of time. The author probably had a good idea but the execution was terrible.
Bash deserved someone else.
This was my first book in the series and it'll be my last.
I guess my question is : will Jokohkada get his book? He seems like a really good character but I suppose the author will tear his story to shreads aswell.
丨ᚎ_hard-dnf-nøt-for-me
June 25, 2023So despite the cover, this is supposed to be a relatively light, funny book with a grumpy alien. Grumpy and misanthropic I understand - but I didn't expect him to constantly fantasize about hurting women. (Since there are no human men, humans=women)
And this is only at 4%. Maybe another time I'll have the patience for his character arc but rn this was not the vibe I was expecting. 🫣
... I could have throttled you all.
... Every time a human gets out of line—back-talking, questioning me, the impudent little pipsqueaks—I start shaking hobs. When the humans misbehave, I throw hobs. When I want to strangle humans, I wrap my hand around the necks of hobs. (Thus far, I have not killed any hobs—but Creator knows I’ve imagined killing cartloads of humans.)
... these humans couldn’t obey an order if it stood up and slapped them. A seductive possibility I contemplate all too often.
... I was ordered not to kill any humans at all. Tyrant’s rules, for certain.
... Some part of me has to admire her backbone, even if I want to peel it out of her body and snap it into minuscule flecks. I’d use the remains of it like confetti to celebrate her demise.
... At the rate my employees are being claimed and protected, I’ll have no one left to punish when the aliens drive me to the brink. I’ll snap and go mad, and every human here will die.
... “Oh, I’d hit her,” I mutter under my smoking breath.
And this is only at 4%. Maybe another time I'll have the patience for his character arc but rn this was not the vibe I was expecting. 🫣
August 5, 2020
4.5
What I appreciate about Amanda Milo's sci-fi romance stories is her focus on culture clash elements and how beings from such different backgrounds and belief cores can come to accept and love each other. All wrapped in funny and occasionally heartmelting (or heartbreaking) moments.
I also have a weakness for grumpy heroes with a soft core and Bash is THE ultimate grump. And his core is kinda soft-ish. Deep deep down.
The heroine Isla was born with only one functioning arm. That has not stopped her achieving her dreams and goals in life. It is treated matter-of-factly, not ignored but mentioned only if it's relevant to the situation. It does not influence her self-esteem or others view of her. Just a part of her.
I so loved that.
She also has a verbal diarrhea and a case of extreme extrovertism. As an introvert I would NOT want to be stuck with her in the closed quarters but I freely admit that this would be mainly due to my issues. Still, I'd need to periodically strangle her to the point she would shut up for a while.
Milo has set up extreme opposites scenario and handles it pretty well in most ways. There were some instances when Bash's insecurities went a bit TOO far for me (kinky chastity belt games, anybody?) but luckily this book was not about me :D Isla handled his issues with aplomb and it was written in cheerfully lusty tongue-in-cheek vein.
What I appreciate about Amanda Milo's sci-fi romance stories is her focus on culture clash elements and how beings from such different backgrounds and belief cores can come to accept and love each other. All wrapped in funny and occasionally heartmelting (or heartbreaking) moments.
I also have a weakness for grumpy heroes with a soft core and Bash is THE ultimate grump. And his core is kinda soft-ish. Deep deep down.
The heroine Isla was born with only one functioning arm. That has not stopped her achieving her dreams and goals in life. It is treated matter-of-factly, not ignored but mentioned only if it's relevant to the situation. It does not influence her self-esteem or others view of her. Just a part of her.
I so loved that.
She also has a verbal diarrhea and a case of extreme extrovertism. As an introvert I would NOT want to be stuck with her in the closed quarters but I freely admit that this would be mainly due to my issues. Still, I'd need to periodically strangle her to the point she would shut up for a while.
Milo has set up extreme opposites scenario and handles it pretty well in most ways. There were some instances when Bash's insecurities went a bit TOO far for me (kinky chastity belt games, anybody?) but luckily this book was not about me :D Isla handled his issues with aplomb and it was written in cheerfully lusty tongue-in-cheek vein.
July 30, 2020
Yesssss!!! 😹
Just what I needed! In these crazy Coronavirus times that are wrecking havoc on our lives with its wretched homeschooling (*pulling hairs*), restrictions, social distancing and remote working, this book was exactly what I needed. There were whole chapters in this book I wanted to highlight while I was snorting of laughter or grinning like an absolute lunatic. It has likely saved me hundreds of dollars in therapy needed due to the stress of having to spend waaaaay too much (forced) time with family members.
Ms Milo’s mind blows my mind.
The worlds and aliens she create in her books are just amazing and I love her imagination.
I loved how Isla was kind, giving and understanding but still strong and no pushover. I also loved how grumpy and growly Bash was, but deep down he really was just sweet and thoughtful. Despite his contempt for humans and our weaker bodies and disgusting habits (like toilet breaks, tears and coffee), he was never truly a pink fluffy platypus (😂). He might singe or shake a hob or two but, really, they could take it. I just loved Isla and Bash - they were perfect for each other.
I’m so sad I’ve finished this book and I’m impatiently await what Ms Milo will blow my mind with next!
Just what I needed! In these crazy Coronavirus times that are wrecking havoc on our lives with its wretched homeschooling (*pulling hairs*), restrictions, social distancing and remote working, this book was exactly what I needed. There were whole chapters in this book I wanted to highlight while I was snorting of laughter or grinning like an absolute lunatic. It has likely saved me hundreds of dollars in therapy needed due to the stress of having to spend waaaaay too much (forced) time with family members.
Ms Milo’s mind blows my mind.
The worlds and aliens she create in her books are just amazing and I love her imagination.
I loved how Isla was kind, giving and understanding but still strong and no pushover. I also loved how grumpy and growly Bash was, but deep down he really was just sweet and thoughtful. Despite his contempt for humans and our weaker bodies and disgusting habits (like toilet breaks, tears and coffee), he was never truly a pink fluffy platypus (😂). He might singe or shake a hob or two but, really, they could take it. I just loved Isla and Bash - they were perfect for each other.
I’m so sad I’ve finished this book and I’m impatiently await what Ms Milo will blow my mind with next!
February 25, 2022
Not as good as some others in the series. I think you might be totally lost if you hadn't read any of the other earlier books. The author tried a little too hard to be funny. There was no real characterization of the characters especially the hero. The action was a bit like a ping pong ball game. Whipping all over the place. Explanations for most things/actions/feelings was superficial. There was almost no world building.
All that being said I don't regret reading it but I would steer you to the first book, Stolen by an Alien, instead or at least first.
All that being said I don't regret reading it but I would steer you to the first book, Stolen by an Alien, instead or at least first.
August 5, 2020
This was the happiest read I must say. Stange I started with book 7. But now I have a whole series to read and the next one will be book 1 🙂
About the The Quarry Master: I loved how mean and impatient Bash was and how much he adored Isla (basically on sight).This isn’t a stressful or painful or difficult book in any way. It’s funny and hot and light hearted and joyful and sexy.
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About the The Quarry Master: I loved how mean and impatient Bash was and how much he adored Isla (basically on sight).This isn’t a stressful or painful or difficult book in any way. It’s funny and hot and light hearted and joyful and sexy.
IG READS
Follow us on instagram #IGreads @ReadsbyIG
July 26, 2020
The H is great. But h bleh
Normally I adore Milo's books and would give them 4 stars or more But I actually hate Gracie! and dislike the h mostly because I felt like she was using the H and not really in love with him and I loathed the way they treated him. Now I adored the H and for him the 3 stars
Normally I adore Milo's books and would give them 4 stars or more But I actually hate Gracie! and dislike the h mostly because I felt like she was using the H and not really in love with him and I loathed the way they treated him. Now I adored the H and for him the 3 stars
August 16, 2020
So much fun
I adored the characters in this book. It made for a perfect sci-fi romantic comedy. My favorite by this writer so far.
I adored the characters in this book. It made for a perfect sci-fi romantic comedy. My favorite by this writer so far.
August 13, 2023
I thought we were working on the possessive alien issue. In this book it is ramped up to the point that everyone (human females included) is so jealous that this planet could not have a functioning society. I would kill myself before being bound to someone who couldn't control their base instincts better than a farm animal.
The "compromise" so that Isla will be allowed to leave the house is mortifying. Up til then, the humor and story were really nice.
The "compromise" so that Isla will be allowed to leave the house is mortifying. Up til then, the humor and story were really nice.
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