An alien warrior seeking redemption meets a captured Earth woman being treated as a pet. Will their love survive in a hostile world?
Kidnapped by four-armed, blue skinned aliens, Isabelle "Isi" is sold to the head of the Al'kieern kidnapping operation. Isi has accepted she'll live and die as a songbird pet to the queen. If nothing else, performing for the Al'kieern beats being sold as a breeder. But a Crakairian warlord storms the Al'kieern compound, determined to destroy everything and everyone in his wake. When he's captured, Isi offers to free him if he helps her get away.
Scorned by Crakairian society after his father tried to murder a respected military commander, Lyel is willing to die to redeem his family name. He takes on a suicide mission to destroy the Al'kieern kidnapping operation on the moon, Mara. But as he's about to blow the place to heille, he sees Isi. As she sings, a symbol appears on his palm, telling him she's his destined mate. He'll do anything to free her, but to escape, they must cross a grueling wasteland filled with deadly traps and the Al'kieern hot on their heels. Will their growing love survive this challenge?
Lyel is Book 6 and the final book in the Mail-Order Brides of Crakair Series. This standalone, full-length romance has on-the-page heat, aliens who look and act alien, a guaranteed happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
AVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.
"You continue to break me, love." "If I break you...then let me put you back together."
Courtship. Marriage. Fucking. 5 stars!
I don't know what else I can say about my love for this series and the world and characters that Ava Ross continues to create. Ava's stories are filled with such humor and romance, but overall they are filled with love and acceptance when you need it the most. Isi and Lyel had an especially dangerous and turbulent path to love and their happily-ever-after, but I loved watching them trust and fight for each other. Isi was such a freaking badass, and I loved how she brought out such tenderness in Lyel. They were so perfect together. The ending was so bittersweet as it served as a goodbye to this series and all of these characters I've come to love. However, I cannot wait to see what other aliens Ava has in store for us next!
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
The following ratings are out of 5: Romance: 💙💚💜❤️ Steam: 🔥🔥 Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪 Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘 World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍 Character development: 😟🙁🤓😍🥰 Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙 Narration Type: Dual Narration
✨ Heroine: Isabelle “Isi” Isi begins her arc as an accountant on Earth—a profession grounded in logic and precision—before being thrust into a brutal world of interstellar trafficking. Her decision to stow away on a starship headed for Crakair introduces a survival instinct that carries throughout the novel. While the repeated use of the stowaway trope strains plausibility across the series, Isi’s character compensates through her tenacity. Her captivity by the Al’kieern, particularly her coercion into singing for food, evokes a visceral sense of degradation. Yet her resilience reframes her trauma as an act of quiet rebellion, reinforcing the book’s central theme: survival as defiance.
🛡️ Hero: Lyel Lyel’s character grapples with legacy and identity—a narrative of redemption laced with self-doubt. His undercover operation to dismantle the Al’kieern network serves both political and personal aims, setting up a dual tension that deepens the stakes. The virgin hero trope applied here is a contentious choice; while it might symbolize emotional purity or Lyel’s internalized shame, it can also feel discordant with the action-driven tone of the narrative. His evolution, however, is gratifying—his self-perception gradually aligning with the mate bond that legitimizes his worth. For readers attuned to emotional progression, his arc might offer understated catharsis.
🌑 Storyline & Pacing The setting—a perilous moon brimming with wasteland and criminal enterprise—offers fertile ground for tension and world-building. The escape narrative delivers constant motion and atmospheric grit, supported by high-stakes action that reflects the series’ established tone. Compared to its predecessor Wulf, the romance here is more restrained, letting suspense take precedence.
However, there are pacing issues. Dialogue sometimes intrudes in moments where urgency should dominate. Conversations during near-fatal sequences undermine the realism of danger and dilute emotional tension. A tighter edit or more situationally aware dialogue would better serve the narrative rhythm.
🎧 Audiobook Performance Teddy Hamilton remains a standout in dual narration formats. His expressive cadence bridges action and intimacy effortlessly—his performance elevates Lyel’s inner conflict with authentic emotion. Tawnia Murray, while not as compelling by comparison, offers competent delivery that supports Isi’s strength and vulnerability. The dual POV narration enriches the experience, especially during emotionally loaded scenes, though tonal mismatches occasionally surface when the stakes are high.
I am totally, positively, head-over-heels in love with Lyel! He is funny, sweet and smart.. This sci-fi romance is full of sweet steam and adventure ... but the emotion and family issues that are dealt with make it so real.. Super writing!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, this one was slightly better than Wulf. I think I liked the stories more that were based in the cities vs based in the wilds. Those that were in the wilderness were way too far fetched. The underground network of tunnels and vastness they would explore was ridiculous. The amount of beasts that would always find them while in these tunnels were also silly. I never understood he reasoning behind the women’s need to argue with their warrior mates. These women came from earth and in their daily lives they were normal people... now with their lives on the line they think they can fight off hordes of trained soldiers, legions of fanged beasts all because they have moxy/grit all of a sudden. They refuse to listen to reason. Last book Taylor refused to listen to Wulf when he wanted to storm the base for a ship. She refused to stay put. She knew better than the head warrior. In this book she refused every single piece of survival advice given by lyel. Also how many xarton nests can there be underground and how many eggs can it lay? How tough are xartons? Because this thing was brutalised from the inside, stabbed from the read of the head and under its chin with a spear and still lived to give chase like it was 100%. Then there was the 100s of kangaroo beasts... how did the enemy also know where they were even when they were underground for days? No matter what or how long they ditched the enemy they were always discovered. A bird could all of a sudden speak that’s never spoken before then brought hundreds of friends to be tamed by her to save the day... their government is so mighty why haven’t they just sent rescue ships there to help them? It’s clear that they are superior in military might and technologically more advanced. Why not just go enforce and rescue them? There’s so much I’m scratching my head on. Now, there was enough I loved about this series to keep me interested to read the next series. I’m very intrigued about the next species of guys needing mates. I just hope things are better. This one got a 3.5 from me. Like I said, there were elements I liked but a lot of cons as well. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌙
The actions of Lyel’s father caused dishonour on his family, and as recompense, Lyel went undercover on the Crakairian moon of Mara to destroy the Al’kieern kidnapping ring operating there. He discovers a human woman being kept captive, and they both end up fighting their way across the wasteland of the moon in a struggle to survive.
This is the sixth and final Crakarian warrior book, though not the final book in this universe. It completes the original mail order bride stories, wraps up the overarching background story, and provides a happy ending for Lyel, who played a role in Vork’s story. This is not a standalone book, although each romance is completed in the book in which it is told, the overarching background story makes it best to read these books in order, and honestly it’s the best way to enjoy the series! It’s an action packed ending, perhaps the only disappointment I felt was for the way the Al’kieern queen was handled- but I’m vengeful like that 😂 And enjoyable conclusion to this story arc, and a nice wrap up to a sci-fi romance series I think SFR fans will enjoy.
Her lips twisted. Why tie this into his belief they were destined mates? "Thanks?"
"The question is, am I worthy of you?"
GIFS AHEAD!
Reading this one made me feel like:
The last installment of the series was action-packed that did not believe in resting for a few chapters before plunging into another great challenges.
We met the sad faced Lyel in Book 1, where he fought with Vork and got defeated. It was stipulated in that book that Vork missed his friendship with Lyel. And in this story, we got to know the man who was left all alone - with regrets. He accepted the mission in Mara, expecting to die in action and hoping to restore whatever honor was lost (thanks to his corrupt father). Since he had pity party back home, he did not apply for the Selection since he felt he was not worthy. Imagine his surprise to see an Earthling woman prisoner in Mara. And he found out there and then that the woman was his mate.
Isi, was just a simple accountant on Earth. So simple that she managed to discover something in her company that made her flee the planet. She was a stowaway who unfortunately got kidnapped by the blue-skinned aliens. Since she was gifted in singing, she became the 'queen's' songbird. Until she met the green-skinned Crakairian.
Thus, their adventure began.
Looking back, all I could say was it would be good to read the series in order. Though all are standalone books but I felt that the intensity of the adventures are increasing in each book. In this one, the MCs were facing challenges in each chapter - sometimes without rest in between hahaha. Understandable since both of them were in a foreign place (not friendly one) and they were fugitives.
Each time he tried to sacrifice himself for her, she refused to take his offer. Some might feel this diminished him but, for whatever reason, it made him proud. Of himself and of her. She was right. They were a team. It was time for him to start acting that way. This gorgeous female was offering him a future. He would be a fool - a dishonorable fool - not to take the hand she held out to him.
I just threw out the window the times when she saved him and he saved her. I mean, they were a team. They trusted each other in each challenge. Isi was a very strong and brave woman. Yes, she was scared many times but she did not cower. Lyel was a warrior and a determined man.
"You continue to break me, love."
"If I break you..." She tipped her head back, hoping her feelings showed her face. "Then let me put you back together."
I am not disappointed with the fewer sex scenes. I mean, with all the adventures they had, it was more of survival mode. Courtship - Marriage - Fucking! Of course, this was still important even in the midst of their adventures. But the good thing about this was, they held on to it especially during the times when they were at the death's door - which were more than once.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. A pity that the series ended but this also made way for another series, the once-thought-dead ancestors of the Crakarians.
My review is not for intelligent discussion. It's what I felt/thought while reading the book. For 2021, I would rate the book this way: 1 - DNF'ed 2 - does not exist 3 - did not like 4 - it was okay 5 - I like it / I enjoy reading it (but it doesn't mean I recommend it)["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
"If you're like most guys, you think you have an excellent sense of direction when, in reality, it sucks."
I’m so sad this series is over! Lyel and Isi were the perfect couple to end with and they were equally hilarious!
Lyel was a sweetie, and a consent king!
"Matey..." Her unfocused gaze drifted across him, and she swallowed. "Wanna swab your deck." Her arms lifted toward him. "I want you to swab my deck, but only when you are in full control of your mind, love."
Isi was a total badass, I love that she was trained to fight! She gave as good as she got!
Mostly I just love, Love! And this couple had the sweetest love.
“Lyel wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Everything dokey okey, mate?” He kissed her neck. “Dokey okey,” she said,”
Written for mature readers only (18+ years old) due to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence, such as kidnapping / abduction, fighting, human trafficking, death, etc.
This is the final story in the series, which makes me sad since I have really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are reoccurring characters and an overall storyline arc.
Ava Ross does a great job bringing the characters and scene alive, which makes it easy to get engaged and immersed into the story.
Lyel’s story has a vey different message, as it is about a male that has lost his feeling of worth and has basically journeyed to their moon for a suicide mission which he feels will restore his and his family’s honor. He never expected to meet his fated mate, which is exactly what happens when he hears the Queen’s songbird sing.
She escaped earth by stowing away on the ship bound for Crakair, never expecting to be abducted by the four armed blue aliens that attacked the ship. She was sold to the Queen, starved and forced to literally sing for her supper, but she is a fighter and never stopped looking for a way to get free.
Then one night a male from a different alien species infiltrates their group and fights like she has never seen before being captured. Can they find a way to escape and rescue each other?
There is a lot of action in this story and great messages for us. Hopefully with the spin off series we will be able to have updates on our favorite couples and the families they have made.
I have followed the mail order brides of Crakair and enjoyed the first three. However the author expanded into the realms of space piracy and the stories took on a bizarre character. This last one - Lyel was beyond ridiculous I'm afraid. Not only in the dialogue between the two main characters Lyel and Isi, but in the ludicrous adventures they experience. Who stops to make out when being chased by massive carnivores? Who stops to make out while hiding in a creature's underground lair while being hunted? Who discusses intimacy and personal thoughts while running? How could Lyel retain his humanity when he is an alien species? He's not human. The worst was the heroine - a cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones and she had only worked in an accountant's office! She looked larger than life brandishing sticks, fighting her way out of a creature's mouth, escaping all sorts of danger, but did she show any fear? Oh no, with a quick witty phrase, a kiss from the hero, she is ready for the next ordeal. Too much!!!! I am all for a plucky heroine, but make her real. Do they all have to act like ninja warriors?
The theme of each book in the series follows the same format. Bulky hero who makes a fool of himself mashing up his attempts to use English vocabulary and in his courtship rituals until the heroine puts him straight. Soon they are all speaking English slang and eating food from Earth. Rescuing the heroine who actually proves that she is an independent woman and wants to stand BESIDE her hero. I won't be following the new series unless the author shows she can come up with something original other than girls who have bad ex partners and experiences and who have trust issues.
What a brilliant end to a series. Yes, this is the last book of the Mail-Order Brides of Crakair series, but don't worry, Ava has already started a spin-off series with dragon-like aliens! Anyway, back to Lyel! This book has everything we have come to expect from Ava - a hot, tall, muscly alien that is strong, yet is swoony with a marshmallow heart, and a quirky heroine with spunk and courage. The book is also packed with loads of action and adventure, humorous inter-species miscommunication and strange creatures than can either hinder or help. This book was one of my favourite of the series; something about Lyel's personality really appealed to me and I really enjoyed Isi's attitude and humour. The way their relationship developed was (of course) very unique, but it was plotted beautifully; especially from Isi's POV which changed dramatically. I also loved the couple of little hints that were dropped about the Driegons (which will be the next series). This book had so many "Awww!" moments for me; sweet words from the characters or emotional insights that they have, and they weren't all necessarily romantic, there were some great friendship moments that also brought a tear to my eye. I loved this book and if it wasn't for real life getting in the way I would have happily devoured it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book and the whole series - they are sweet, fun, hot, action-packed, quirky and exciting. You won't be disappointed.
Isi has had it tough on the run from Earth because she saw something she shouldn't have and jumped onboard a ship bound for Crakair. When the space pirates kidnapped the other women Isi was also taken and sold as a pet to Fedeema an Al’kieern so called queen. She sings and it she's disobedient punished severely. Lyel, an honorable warrior Crakair who we met in book 1 his father was mean, cruel and deceitful. He fought Vork for his father even though he did not want to. He has been torturing himself for being loyal to his father since. He volunteers for a suicide mission to blow up the kidnapping pirates on Mara. When he gets there He never dreams he might find his fated mate. Both Isi and Lyel have issue that they need to work through. Both feel unworthy of love and scared to trust. But their danger packed adventure to destroy the Al’kieern pirates and save each other shows them just how worthy they are not only of each other but of the soul deep love that they share. Awesome story of redemption, connection and trust that will leave you with a smile at the end of the story and an eagerness to read the next series!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
It's Lyel's turn to find his special someone and he's...well, because of his father's pooh-headedness, he thinks he's unworthy of a mate. Which doesn't stop his matebond from forming the moment he hears Isi sing, but it still takes a while for him to come to accept that he's not a failure and he IS worthy of finding his happiness.
On Isi's end, she's the not-so-pampered pet of a self-styled alien queen and she's pretty much hating every minute of her captivity. Lyel's appearance in the compound gives her a chance to escape and then things go catastrophically sideways. Suddenly the two of them are battling for their lives and falling into serious like as they work on escaping the danger they're in.
Am I digging these aliens and their sexy courtship rituals? Indeed I am. And it looks like there's a whole slew of NEW aliens waiting in the wings. Yesssssss!
Mail order brides from Earth is not for everyone but being matched to aliens they get more than they signed up for. The women find new worlds—the men find mates entering into arrangements that they never thought they would find.
There is action, suspense and tension as these women navigate their newfound lives. Emotions run high as they confront their circumstances, dealing with the conflicting feelings of fear, hope, and longing. The presence of strong alpha males adds another layer, as they vie for the attention of these Earth women, leading to moments of romance and interesting encounters.
Amidst the challenges, there’s also an undercurrent of playful interactions, as the women learn to assert their own identities and desires in this strange new world. Overall, it’s a captivating blend of love, action, and adventure that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Am so glad this series is over! Am so very tired of the theme of living in trees, huts, and underground caverns. Also the evil villain is over done. Only reason I continued the series was hoping the theme would change.
Don’t get me wrong I’m a fan of some of Ms Ross works but she can tend to over extend the harshness of the other worlds. Seriously it feels like unless females are athletic, no holds barred types they would not survive in the environments. 90-93% of each story are under harsh environments. I agree with another reviewer that I prefer the stories in cities.
Ms Ross should begin writing action fiction under another pen name so that she can separate the two genres. As always a thanks to all the talented authors who are willing to share their hard work with us.
Lyel, a Crakairian warlord, is on a mission is to destroy the Al'kieern kidnapping operation. When he hears the singing voice of a human slave Isabelle (“Isi”), who has been kept as a songbird pet for the queen, his mate-bond appears and he realizes she is his fated mate.
Now they have to survive in the dangerous desert with deadly creatures. Will this be enough to convince Isi that she has found her mate? Has he learned that courage and honor comes from within each individual and is not dependent upon what a family member has done?
This was a great way to end this portion of the series. Lyel and Isi are likable characters and the reader can cheer for them as they try to make their escape and eventually find a life together. Grab your copy and follow their adventure!
Isi, human stowaway kidnapped from the bride transport ship with Taylor, Mila, and Lily, and sold to the Al'Kieern pirate queen, meets Lyel, who forms a mate bond to her, when he goes undercover to destroy the pirate slavery ring.
Both of them have been damaged by a parent, leaving them slow to trust, and afraid of love and further loss. They have to escape from the pirates first, and find help in unexpected places, as they forge their way across a desert infested with vicious creatures, to get to the moons capital and contact Drama Irish authorities for a ride home. They do find each other and a strange friend or two, as they fall deeper in love and open their hearts to each other.
Isi is an accountant on the run from the mod because she found some numbers she shouldn't have. And were else to get away but another planet. Not signing up for the mail order bride program she stows on a ship bound for Crakair when it is sieged and some women, including herself are captured.
We briefly meet Lyel in the first book. He and Vork were childhood friends who grew apart because of Lyel's fathers pride. After a duel of sorts goes wrong, Lyel's father is killed and all his dark secrets are found. Leaving Lyel to try and right the wrongs his father rote.
Bummber the series is over. I do have the read the novella's but they are not here yet. So on to another Ava Ross alien romance!
Lyel and Izzy, This novella brings back the magic of the series that I remember from the earlier books in the series. Izzy is a survivor, and in this book, Lyel thinks his sacrifice will return his family’s honor. Then he sees her, and all of his plans are upended. They have a delicious build-up to their romance and spend most of their time on the run from a crazy alien queen, in a series of high-action adventures that come with near-death experiences! I was totally entranced from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down, going from the Kindle book version to the audio version in the car, I enjoyed both versions immensely!
I was so happy to get to know Lyel better and to see him get to be happy after what happened earlier. Isi is a perfect mate for him too, she's so kick butt! They go through so much and there is so much trust forged between them because of all their struggles. Again, I absolutely loved the humor and language/communication misunderstandings, they are adorable and kept me laughing through all their troubles. This was another fantastic read in this series and I absolutely look forward to more, especially after that bomb that just got delivered at the end!
Lyel and Isi make such a wonderful couple. The pop culture references were funny. Especially as the translators were syncing. I love the little idiocies of the English language that Ava Ross used when the couple first starts to communicate. Isi is an awesome female character and has some fighting skills due to past issues that really make for some interesting scenes. I love Isi interactions with the local wildlife. The alien males still don't know how to handle females that want to befriend various creatures. LOL
Lovely story. Enjoyed the filling in of some of the practical day to day items. And food imports. Sorry will not live on a chocolate-free world. Lyle and his Isi were a great pairing One thing I was confused about was why didn’t she use her voice to hypnotize them? It obviously had some control over then. Also she had been singing from young age, from opera, classics to pop. Plenty of non Disney options
Book six but also the last book of the Mail-Order Brides of Crakair Series, a well written story with a very good storyline. I enjoyed reading human Isi and Lyel Tair’im Iradran Sastray's story of suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance. I am sad to see this series end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lyel is a male that needed a mate like he got. They both have been let down and beat down by life and need the boost they get from each other. Isi has a voice like an Angel. She also has a love to be loved. Lyel and Isi have to work together to get off Mara and to safety. Alien monsters and of course the bad guys add to the great drama and finding of their feelings towards each other too.
This is one of those stories that remind you of things you sometimes forget. We all get wounded during our lives. These wounds need to be opened and cleaned before they can heal. Often, we can't have what we want until we have heeled from our past. Thank you for Kindle Unlimited.
This book was fantastic and keeps you at the edge of your seat from start to finish? Everything you want in a romance with plenty of action, adventure, running from alien creatures, cruel queen, love, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters. Definitely a must buy and keep them coming they are awesome?
The ending was wonderful! I love that we get to see more alien matches and hopefully be able to keep in touch with the characters in this series. I thought that the story was a bit slow at times and didn't quite keep my attention as well as the previous books. But I am sure that you will enjoy reading it in order to see Lyel get the redemption and love he deserves.
This was such as great way to finish the series, I enjoyed the story and the characters a lot more than I enjoy the previous installment. Lyel and Isi were a great couple, fun, intelligent, worked well together. I’ll be reading everything else by Ava Ross.
Izzi is my least favorite heroine so far in this series. She's determined and hard working, yes, but also irritatingly stubborn and an insufferable know it all. Poor Lyel who must put up with her in the desert and caves. Lyel has a huge heart and an enormous capacity for love, so I'm happy he got his friendship with Vork back and his happy ending.
Lyel is only trying to restore his family’s honor when he volunteers to destroy a rival species’ terrible plans. But it’s during this trying moment when he finds and meets an earth woman who’s a slave. Isi is so strong and independent and open minded! These two support each other as they fight their way together to get off this alien planet. My favorite!