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Aliens of Oluura #1

Saving His Mate

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Sold at auction on an alien planet, Chloe assumed death was around the corner. But she found love instead.

Dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Chloe decides to embrace spinsterhood by adopting one (or five) dogs. Those plans are squashed when she's kidnapped from Earth and shoved into a glass cage with two other terrified human women on an alien planet. How could it possibly get any worse?

The three women are sold at auction to the highest bidder, who happens to be a seven-foot-tall alien named Varrek, with shimmering gold skin and muscles for days. He recognizes Chloe as his fated mate, but he knows he can never have her because of a tragic past he continues to run from.

Varrek takes her back to his home planet of Oluura and vows to help get her settled in the enchanting village of treehouses he shares with his clan. He'll keep her safe, and ensure she’s sheltered and fed. That's it.

But the closer they get, the stronger their bond becomes. And the harder it is for Chloe to imagine ever going back to Earth.

Chloe has found the kind of love she’s always wanted, but will Varrek’s dark past tear them apart?

Saving His Mate is a full-length standalone sci-fi romance featuring a gold-skinned alien with breathtaking eyes and a secret past that threatens to destroy his future, a curvy 35-year-old heroine who is sick of feeling broken and is determined to reclaim her independence, and an attraction that neither of them can deny.

343 pages, ebook

First published December 7, 2020

380 people are currently reading
640 people want to read

About the author

Ivy Knox

43 books111 followers
Ivy Knox is a sci-fi romance author who has a penchant for big, broody aliens covered in muscles who know how to treat their ladies right.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
557 reviews7,326 followers
October 7, 2022
3 ⭐️ A fun, entertaining sci-fi romance

This is a typical alien abduction story where the human woman is taken from Earth to either be sold as a sex slave or experimented on, only to be saved by a sexy alien (who happens to also be her mate but she doesn’t know it). There are a lot of similar themes and situations in this story that occur in other sci-fi romances, so while I wouldn’t say the premise is original, it is still unique enough to stand on its own.

The story was entertaining. I liked the MCs and their backstories. The world building was pretty good but I would have liked if what we got was told in a more succinct way. There is tension and spice, but I never really got into it.

What annoyed me (because I didn’t find it to be believable) was Varrek’s fear of becoming like his father when he’s legit showed zero signs of madness. He also doesn’t believe he’s worthy of a mate and I still don’t quite get why.

And then Chloe’s response to finding out his past was ridiculous. She calls it a betrayal for Varrek not telling her about his terrible past and crazy father, but how is that lying or a betrayal? Why can you all of a sudden not trust him? Her response was not justified. The drama just seemed to be there for conflict’s sake and I hate that.

While there is no direct OWD (other woman drama), I hate whenever stories showcase an ex-lover who becomes friends with the main character.


But I will say, I’m intrigued enough to read the next book, I just don’t know when that will be.
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,833 reviews515 followers
February 25, 2023
well fleshed out world

Chloe is a 30 something year old just dumped by her cheating boyfriend and suddenly abducted by aliens. She is bought/rescued by the MMC, who believes she is his fated mate. He is also convinced he is not worthy of being a mate so sends her mixed signals.
The story progressed from “I’m really traumatized” to “wow you’re hot, let’s bang” WAY too fast. Chloe was so quick to accept that the MMC was only there to help her, when he purchased her. The MCs fit well together and I enjoyed the world they lived in together.
The setting was a classic “mars needs women” because a virus wiped out most female aliens. The aliens were much more tech advanced that the human women, but they were still able to integrate fairly well.
This book set up pretty clearly the next 2 couples.

Spice: 3ish scenes

Triggers: abduction, captivity, violence, discussion of trafficking, medical abuse and experimentation, murder
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,681 reviews975 followers
October 14, 2024
Saving His Mate is book one in the Aliens of Oluura series by Ivy Knox.

Saving His Mate it’s a typical alien abduction story where the hero knows upon seeing the heroine in a cage that he must save her.

The world building is pretty good. There's plenty of spice and sexual tension.

Varrek’s fear of becoming like his father was a bit frustrating; because he never showed any signs of madness. As with some sci-fi the hero feels he's not deserving of a mate and this one was no different.

Chloe’s response to finding out Varrek’s past was ridiculous. I was so upset with her. How can you not trust him? This drama was unnecessary.

The author introduces a bunch and is later abandoned. Not much happens and what does is solved so easily.

As the story goes it was just ok! Felt like a lot of other quick sci-fi erotic romance reads. Nothing special or new. I will be stopping here in the Aliens of Oluura series.

Rated: 3 Stars

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Amy.
714 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2022
This was my first foray into alien/human romance.

Oh my god, love, love, love, love love!!!


While Chloe seemed a bit weak-willed in the very beginning of the book, she certainly didn't stay that way. She was strong, fierce, and feminist.

Varrek was, basically, the perfect man. Strong, protective, a bit dominant, but also incredibly sensitive, noble, and feminist as well.

Swoon.

I loved this book.
Profile Image for Julie Sherman.
1,465 reviews23 followers
December 9, 2020
Fantastic

Congratulations Miss Knox on your first novel. I found your writing and story superb.I found I really enjoyed the story and loved the end of the HEA book. I look forward to the next from you and more to come.
Profile Image for Alejandra Guerrero.
1,724 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2024
The dialogue felt very immature, and both MCs were annoying. There was no chemistry between them, either.
Not much happens, and what does is solved so easily and without effort from the protagonists. A bunch of things are introduced and later abandoned; I forgot they even happened until they were mentioned again in the most contrived ways possible.
Profile Image for Ariel Marie.
Author 72 books1,539 followers
December 26, 2020
Liked it!

I was looking for a new alien romance and stumbled upon this little gem. I’m already looking forward to Avahlo and Ava’s story. This story kept my attention from the start.
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,601 reviews42 followers
December 11, 2020
Chloe the "I didn't choose this" cosmonaut

Chloe has officially left the frying pan for the fire. Being dumped for someone over a decade younger is bad enough. Being kidnapped and waking in a glass cage with 2 other jammies wearing humans is worse. Because as bad as grubby clothes, wine and comfort food binges, and trying to monopolize the neighbor's cat is, at least it occurred on Earth. A glass cage with 2 other unwashed humans, a poop bucket, and a fear of what is going to happen when the lights come on is nerve-wracking. And then the lights do come on, and the auction begins.

Spoilers ahead.
This is a different angle on the Mars Needs Women. An unintended virus with catastrophic results from allies, a vengeful king, an assumed dead prince struggling to survive with the ones he could save, and a supply run that coincided with an auction where he recognized the woman who could become his mate. He condemned auctioning people, recognized the brothel occupants as probably unwilling, but gave the scum money, grabbed the humans and ran. I would have enjoyed it more if he had appointed a crew to try to track down other women and disrupt the horrid trade going on. Even to let the rulers know so they could help. These 3 were lucky, but they recognized humans and had language for the translators for them. But, beyond that, it was an interesting book. A small percentage of their population eeking out an existence on a new planet, away from the mad king. Some of the tech came with them, and they have an inventor in their community. Some unusual creatures are mentioned- 1 is a known threat to them but acts almost friendly towards Chloe. Never delved back into, maybe more in book 2? The other is a creature that they have a name for but maybe is a myth? One of the humans spots it but isn't believed. But they recognized the description? It's murky and doesn't make sense why they won't believe her. But I have the feeling it's supposed to play into the human's character and her past, where she was probably called names, her mental health questioned and why she's withdrawn. That will probably be book 3, from the bit at the end. The humans embrace humor and their new lives instead of crying and pointlessly arguing, which is a nice change. They try to integrate and adapt quickly. The main conflict, personally, is a lie of omission. Not really even a lie, and why it would be an argument point doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Not knowing about a mad king with space transport, that would be a good point to argue over! But I liked the resolution of that plot point. There's not a lot of world building, on any planet mentioned- just vague descriptions here and there. There are also several week long skips spaced about. I'd love a closer look at these worlds, the history, the culture, the inhabitants, how Oluura was chosen (besides breathable atmosphere), how they got settled, day to day life, and how they planned on surviving as women are scarce and they've not been able to breed outside their species. Also, what's up with the redheads? We get a handful of bonding moments but she actually spends more time with the other 2 humans and the female she becomes an assistant for. There's a lot going for this series, and I truly appreciated it being big on consent (even with the "tether" mentioned), the humor, the willing to start over (both humans and aliens). The bones are solid and good. It just needs a little more oomph, some fleshing out and a little more love. I'll be looking for book 2 to see if more is provided.
105 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2021
Very unrealistic relationship

First of all very weak personality heroine, who supposedly make the best in space. 30 years old behaving like a teen after her first crush with the starting boyfriend scene - very not appealing. Barely made it with the “ romance” between them, which was i want you, but i don’t!!!! Surprisingly they get saved by our hero, who gives all his money on unknown chick on auction, but he hates slavery??? Very confusing reactions of the both leading characters, interesting idea, but botched by not making the characters more complex or the story.
Profile Image for Heather.
564 reviews
March 21, 2021
I really liked this story. I cannot understand why Varrek hid his past. Stupid, yes but I also think Chloe's reaction was equally stupid. Obviously he was traumatized and hurt by all that had happened to him just like she was traumatized by all that had happened to her. Varrek understood her history and tried to help her adjust to her new life and all she did was keep walking away from him. Stupid. Still the story was interesting and now I am really wondering about that dragon!
Profile Image for Spicy_Walnut.
175 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2023
I really wanted to like this one but it fell short. I kept skimming pages and waiting for something, anything interesting to happen. The main characters had zero chemistry. Overall I went in with high hopes but was disappointed.
Profile Image for Sassafrack.
531 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It was well written, had a cruisy pace, not fast or slow, had great world building and relatable characters.
After being dumped by her cheating boyfriend, Chloe wakes up to find she’s been abducted, along with two other women in similar situations. It’s a pretty crappy month for all of them. Especially when they are put up for auction for a bunch of skeazy aliens. Except two of the aliens aren’t skeazy, and one of them realises that Chloe is his fated mate. So after busting some heads to make sure he wins her, and the other females he realises are important to her, he and his bestie spirit them away to their home. Turns out, tough alien mate guy is a prince who fled his planet with a bunch of others escaping his mad father, the King.
I loved the sense of community in their little hidden refuge. The people having escaped together, want to build a good life and it showed. I also liked the slower build in the relationship development between Chloe and Varrek. Even though he still had issues, he respected that she had been through a lot and didn’t rush her with the fated mates thing. I enjoyed not only seeing their connection grow, but also seeing the women become friends with the whole clan. Chloe’s character was also great to read, even though she felt pretty down after her breakup, she was still determined to be strong with and for her new friends. Including standing with Varrek when his past came back to cause trouble. I was completely satisfied with the ending, and I will be checking out the next in the series. 💜
Profile Image for Nevena.
932 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2021
👽 “My love for you runs deeper than a thousand seas, my Chloe.”
~~~
Chloe is one brave and feisty curvy woman with a heart of gold. After everything that happened in her life and being abducted, she still remains a good and kind person and I loved that about her.

Varrek is strong, honorable and generous. Haunted by his past, he’s willing to do anything to protect his people and do what’s right. And he was so amazing with Chloe. I absolutely loved his devotion and protectiveness.

The development of their relationship was awesome. Both were struggling with some form of anxiety and there were some misunderstandings and lies. But also both were very caring and empathetic and were really good for each other - а great match. In the end, honest communication was the key to true and scorching hot love and well-deserved happiness.

I loved the conversations between Chloe, Kate and Ava. And Ahlvo was pretty awesome, too.

In addition, the worldbuilding and the overall storyline were very captivating.

Overall, the story is a wonderful beginning of the series. It has action, drama, strong emotions, misunderstandings, twists, turns, steamy romance and great characters.

I loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Contina.
1,029 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2022
This Surprised Me

I started this series out of order, which I can tell you now not to do. This is a series that must be read in order. That being said, I loved every moment of this book. Though I wasn't a fan of Chloe, she irked my soul. I honestly believe that I become irritated when humans enter a "space" that is unlike Earth and they are hell bent on making everyone conform to "American" culture, very self-centered. So perhaps the more I dig deeper, the more I loathe how we make everything about us. Yes, Varrek was hiding things but he showed them nothing but care and safety. He honored them from the moment he saw all three women especially Chloe. Even after learning everything that he did for the three of them, Chloe was still an ass in my opinion. She still treated him like her ex Drew treated her. Chloe should have extended Varrek some grace. I don't agree with the saying hurt people, hurt people. These books need healers that are therapist.
This book was good, like the last 25 or so pages had me a bit emotional. It really surprised me.
The battle scene was everything!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,868 reviews20 followers
July 10, 2021
Good

When Chloe is kidnapped by aliens, she is rescued by an alien in hiding, Varrek.
The former heir to the throne of his homeworld, Varrek is a male haunted by his past. He recognizes Chloe as his fated mate as soon as he sees her, but doesn’t feel her can give her everything she deserves.
As for Chloe, trying to get used to her new alien way of life is a struggle; and then there is the possibility that they might find a way home…

An enjoyable first novel, and first in series. There are interesting political undertones to this story (not too many) to give it a little more than just a romance, and the world building is very good.
A few open questions and a couple of other characters leave the possibility for future stories, though not quite a cliffhanger there is a book hook involving another character at the end.

All in all, it was a very good start to a promising writing career- Keep it up, I enjoyed your novel!
Recommended for sci-fi romance/alien abduction fans.
Profile Image for Cc.
2,087 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2021
Chloe and Varrek

Going to bed on Earth, Chloe wakes in a glass cube with two other women. Once the curtains part she sees she isn’t on earth anymore. Aliens are real.

Varrek walks into the auction and immediately scents his mate. It’s one of the women in the glass box. He manages to buy all three women in the auction and takes them back to his planet/home.

He tries to stay away from Chloe because he knows with his secret he can never mate her even though he is already feeling the mate bond pulling him to her. Chloe is feeling drawn toward Varrek she’s not sure it isn’t just because he saved her. Either way she’s going back to Earth so she can’t get involved with him and then just leave.

This is the story of both of them trying to ignore their mate bond even as it pulls them together.

This story is a common theme of saving the human female headed to sex slavery only to discover, surprise, they are fated mates. The world building and characters save it and make interesting reading.
Profile Image for Whitney (whtnymllr).
Author 1 book40 followers
January 18, 2021
A romance with a plus sized heroine with measurable self-esteem!!! I feel like I just saw a unicorn. I can’t tell you how upset it makes me when I find the rare book about a curvy girl....then she falls for the first remotely ok guy due to her insecurities. Not ok!

I digress...this book didn’t disappoint. Despite the destiny trope, the H and h develop their relationship over time and have real chemistry. Both of them are flawed in their own ways, and I really appreciated how relatable that made them. My only gripe is that I find the “tragic hero who is too ashamed to share his past with his significant other” trope annoying, but as I knew that’s what I was getting before I started, I can’t exactly complain.

This is an absolutely fantastic novel, especially considering it’s a debut! I am sooooo excited for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2021
Saving each other

This is a new author's first book and it was a great introduction to a new world. I love the fact that the heroines are not the perfect, young or early twenties persona.
Chloe finds herself kidnapped and taken to an alien world to be sold at auction. She also finds two other human women in the same situation.
Varrek sees Chloe and knows right away that she is his bondmate. But because of things that has happened he feels unworthy of her but knows he will do anything and everything to save her and make her happy.
There are several ups and downs in this story. There is evil and good plus several mysteries.
I really liked that the men and women on Oluura were mostly respectful and giving. They also seemed like a huge family that is willing to do what is needed to survive and even prosper.
I hope we see many of the aliens find mates in future books.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
659 reviews12 followers
April 16, 2022
A Great beginning !!!!

I so enjoyed Chloe and Varrek's story !!! It was a fun read with romance , and some action all rolled up into a fantastic story !!
Chloe finds herself kidnapped along with two other women, Ava , and Kate . They are in a small room with primitive , basic accommodations, ie a bucket to relieve themselves, and scraps of cloth on the floor like bedding one would see in a pet shop !!!
Could you Imagine !!??!!?
Varrek and his best buddy Alohvo find themselves at an auction , and once the curtain opens, Varrek knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Chloe is his mate , the Inara that he never thought he deserved ......and weather he deserves her or not , he Will get her out of this place and take her somewhere safe !!!
Varrek and Chloe have a lot to learn about each other , and as their story develops , we get a a great story !!!! Loved it !!!
32 reviews
February 13, 2021
A little slow

I will admit that I ended up skimming the majority of this book as it was quite slow paced. Amazingly enough, even with all the pages I skipped, I was still able to follow the story without any difficulty. Because it took me three days longer to get through this book (before I started skimming) then it would for a typical book this length, I removed one star in my rating. Aside from that, it still had a really interesting plot and I loved the ending. Although, I will admit that I am curious about what will happen with Kate as it didn’t really seem like anyone was showing signs of sharing a tether with her. Unless the other guy was and he was simply very good at hiding it.
1 review
March 12, 2021
Breathtaking!!

Wow...Wow...Wow!! I loved this book... Great story line! The most relatable characters; the hero was not your average cocky hero - but had an air of vulnerability and self doubt and had bouts of shyness, which was absolutely adorable. The heroine, could be you or me! It was easy to tap into her because Ms Knox brought to life a REAL woman, in every sense of the word. I started the book, and honestly couldn't put it down - and when I had to - I couldn't wait to get back! As soon as was done - I was searching to see if book 2 had been released, because "I just wanted more..!!" This is a real gem of a book - and even more so, now that I find out that this was Ms Knox's debut novel!!??? Like what?? Amazing....! Can't wait for Book 2!!
Profile Image for Maaren.
1,468 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2023
So much fun

This one was so much fun and I really enjoyed reading it.

We follow the story of Chloe, who finds herself kidnapped by aliens with two other women. Just as they are about to be sold to the highest bidder, Varrek, a former prince, sees them and recognizes the mate tether in Chloe. Bringing the women to his planet, the two begin to grow closer, exploring their attraction.

This is surprisingly low angst story but there are definitely moments of insecurity and low points there. I really liked exploring the new planet and seeing how Chloe, Ava and Kate began adjusting or not adjusting to their new life.

The royal plot was intriguing as well and I loved the glimpses we got into it.
Profile Image for Grace.
250 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2025
Angsty Alien Romance

"Saving His Mate" is a remarkable introduction to Ivy Knox's 'Aliens of Oluura' series. This debut novel features classic alien romance tropes, complemented by excellent world-building and character growth. I appreciated how Chole, Ava, and Kate are all nuanced, distinct women who may have disagreements but hang tight in tough circumstances. I'm looking forward to learning more about them in their upcoming stories! Knox does a great job of subtly exploring anxiety, depression, trust, trauma, and social issues. I loved how the main couple were fated mates but still needed to learn about each other and grow to fit together. Knox balances delicious angst with delectable yearning and delightful spice!
202 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2020
A fine time of reading

What a wonderful story Ivy Knox has crafted, mixing differing mores and thought processes. It's hard enough to travel the romantic road to happiness without dealing with an alien language, rules of romance, and males who worship the ground you walk on. What's a poor Earth girl to think?
Ms. Knox has created a world that seems idyllic but still has environmental dangers in the way of a dragon and man killing beasties.
Enjoy the ups and downs involved in a mating pair who both think they are not good enough for the other.
It's really a match made in heaven.
Profile Image for Jessica {Litnoob}.
1,302 reviews100 followers
May 31, 2021
So cute, 4.5 stars

Was there some slight issues with tenses here and there that bugged me, yes. But to be fair to the writing and the author is not a huge fan of first person. Still it should be noted that me with bad grammar and horrible spelling as my default setting felt that way so take it with many grains of salt. Outside of that?! I LOVED THIS STORY! Our leading couple was sweet and funny and a little goofy but they made sense together and it ultimately was just such a nice tale. Of course the larger backdrop gave us drama but all in all I was so pleased with this story. I’ve been in such a reading slump and this helped me right out of it.
Profile Image for Deanie.
839 reviews23 followers
September 1, 2022
This was a super cute, fast read!

It reminded me of IPB in the way that it wasn’t filled with too much angst or drama or violence in any way. It was more about the sweet, soft fall of love between mates. They’re obviously both different species so there was some funny and awkward moments when translations went awry, and there was plenty of sexual tension too.

The usual 80% mark bomb drop and huge drama moment was not one I was expecting tbh but I loved how it was resolved! I’m so here for alien feminism!!

Now onto book 2 so I can hurry and get to book 3 😂 as much as I am excited to read about Ava and Ahlvo, I need to know what the heck is going on with Kate!
Profile Image for Anna.
5 reviews
April 4, 2021
Just read Ivy Knox's debut novel and I was so thrilled to discover a gorgeous, luscious world that seems like the work of a much more seasoned writer. Chloe and Varrek are engrossing, and even though some of my less favorite tropes were present here, I still adored the book enough to read it on KU and buy the paperback as well. Chloe is absolutely relatable, with a heart of gold, and the side characters left me wanting more. I can't wait to read more about this gorgeous world, and hope there are many spinoff stories about the other world (sorry no spoilers!) that we visited towards the end!
Profile Image for RNDK.
721 reviews12 followers
July 11, 2021
'Chloe has hit rock bottom. Her boyfriend cheated on her. Then he dumped her. And just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, she's kidnapped by aliens and shoved into a glass cage with two other terrified human women.'

Your typical, yet not so typical alien abduction and auction trope, but with a difference.
Our alien hero bids on all three abductees, but has his eye on one.

I'm not sold on why he abandoned his planet (crazy king and all), but I guess it's a case of 'he who runs away lives to fight another day'.
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