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Sarafin Warriors #1
Riley, die Auserwählte (Die Krieger von Sarafin 1)
Riley St. Claire has always followed her own rules. When she discovers her current employer is not as law abiding as she thought, she has to leave town in a hurry or end up buried with the dead guy she discovered. What she doesn't expect is to find herself being picked up by a passing trader from another world.
As the ruling King of Sarafin, Vox d’Rojah, was expected to produce a son who would be joined in marriage with the first born daughter of the King of Valdier. The problem was Vox had no intentions of having any sons, at least not in the near future. He was quite happy with the wide selection of females he had at his disposal. When he is captured by a ruthless Valdier royal and sold to a mining operation the last thing he expected to find with his bride mate.
Vox isn't sure which would be easier: fighting another war with the Valdier or capturing and holding onto the human female who is unlike anything he has ever encountered before.
Now, Vox has to escape back to his world while fighting pirates, traders, and Riley!
The King of Sarafin has met his match with Ms. Riley St. Claire from Earth. Now, he just needs to figure out a way to let her know he has chosen her as his Queen and he has every intention of keeping her by his side forever.
Author's Note: This series will follow along with the Dragon Lord series as it is based on the species they had fought during the Great War and later became friends with. Several of my readers asked me about these characters. Both characters have very vivid personalities.
As the ruling King of Sarafin, Vox d’Rojah, was expected to produce a son who would be joined in marriage with the first born daughter of the King of Valdier. The problem was Vox had no intentions of having any sons, at least not in the near future. He was quite happy with the wide selection of females he had at his disposal. When he is captured by a ruthless Valdier royal and sold to a mining operation the last thing he expected to find with his bride mate.
Vox isn't sure which would be easier: fighting another war with the Valdier or capturing and holding onto the human female who is unlike anything he has ever encountered before.
Now, Vox has to escape back to his world while fighting pirates, traders, and Riley!
The King of Sarafin has met his match with Ms. Riley St. Claire from Earth. Now, he just needs to figure out a way to let her know he has chosen her as his Queen and he has every intention of keeping her by his side forever.
Author's Note: This series will follow along with the Dragon Lord series as it is based on the species they had fought during the Great War and later became friends with. Several of my readers asked me about these characters. Both characters have very vivid personalities.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2013
339 people are currently reading
1289 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
260 books2,582 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
June 16, 2018
4.5 Choosing Riley Stars
I stumbled upon this author by chance and I have to say I am soooooooo freaking glad I did, each book I read is different and unique and keeps me interested from the beginning to the end.
I love these worlds S.E. can create and be so utterly weird yet cool and different. A place I wish really excited. Then you add in these characters and I am hooked.
Riley is not afraid to be who she is. I loved that even though she is surrounded by these beings that look nothing like her she doesn’t cower. She doesn’t wimp out. She sucks it up and makes the best out of every situation.
I love that King Vox has to really fight for Riley’s attention and affection. Haha if you have read other books S.E. does this with her heroines it makes for a funny and entertaining book. I love that our Hero, can’t just be all smexy and strong and me man you my female and she does whatever he wants.. Heck no all of these heroines are take charge strong females.
And the narration love it can’t ask for better. On to book 2!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I stumbled upon this author by chance and I have to say I am soooooooo freaking glad I did, each book I read is different and unique and keeps me interested from the beginning to the end.
I love these worlds S.E. can create and be so utterly weird yet cool and different. A place I wish really excited. Then you add in these characters and I am hooked.
Riley is not afraid to be who she is. I loved that even though she is surrounded by these beings that look nothing like her she doesn’t cower. She doesn’t wimp out. She sucks it up and makes the best out of every situation.
I love that King Vox has to really fight for Riley’s attention and affection. Haha if you have read other books S.E. does this with her heroines it makes for a funny and entertaining book. I love that our Hero, can’t just be all smexy and strong and me man you my female and she does whatever he wants.. Heck no all of these heroines are take charge strong females.
And the narration love it can’t ask for better. On to book 2!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
August 2, 2014
Two stars was being generous.
I don't understand why I keep reading this series and expecting something different.
The men are all mostly self-centered jerks. They claim the woman with no thought to what she wants or her desires or family still on Earth.
They Damn near force the claiming sex on them (not very hot to me & little foreplay) and knock the women up without discussing it.
And the women forgive the guys because the luuurve them so much.
(Hork)
Minor kidnap plot at the final 15%.
HEA.
Not recommended.
I don't understand why I keep reading this series and expecting something different.
The men are all mostly self-centered jerks. They claim the woman with no thought to what she wants or her desires or family still on Earth.
They Damn near force the claiming sex on them (not very hot to me & little foreplay) and knock the women up without discussing it.
And the women forgive the guys because the luuurve them so much.
(Hork)
Minor kidnap plot at the final 15%.
HEA.
Not recommended.
October 22, 2014
I don't understand why this book is rated so high.
The reason for my low rating is very simple: I hate Riley. She is not a strong woman, she is annoying and obnoxious. She is reckless with other people's lives and never thinks beyond her own comfort. With her utter disregard for logic I don't understand why she isn't already dead. Anything positive that came out of her actions were simply because the author wrote it that way, all fluke and horse-shoe-up-the-assness. If I can take a blaster to her head, I would.
The way the other characters react to her was silly too. She should have been beat to the pulp and used as mince meat in the first chapter. I don't understand why her captors, who were willing to enslave kings and commit mass murders, were bending over backwards to please her becuase she ran her mouth off at them. They should have throw her in the meat grinder instead.
I know this author has a strange obsession with virginal leads, but this lead really should have stayed a virgin because Sarafin gentlemen, I have some advice for you, don't stick your dick in crazy.
I did not finish this book because I didn't want her to have a happy ending, in my mind, they dropped her back on Earth and her ex boss buried her alive. I will not to continuing this series.
The reason for my low rating is very simple: I hate Riley. She is not a strong woman, she is annoying and obnoxious. She is reckless with other people's lives and never thinks beyond her own comfort. With her utter disregard for logic I don't understand why she isn't already dead. Anything positive that came out of her actions were simply because the author wrote it that way, all fluke and horse-shoe-up-the-assness. If I can take a blaster to her head, I would.
The way the other characters react to her was silly too. She should have been beat to the pulp and used as mince meat in the first chapter. I don't understand why her captors, who were willing to enslave kings and commit mass murders, were bending over backwards to please her becuase she ran her mouth off at them. They should have throw her in the meat grinder instead.
I know this author has a strange obsession with virginal leads, but this lead really should have stayed a virgin because Sarafin gentlemen, I have some advice for you, don't stick your dick in crazy.
I did not finish this book because I didn't want her to have a happy ending, in my mind, they dropped her back on Earth and her ex boss buried her alive. I will not to continuing this series.
May 4, 2013
This was a wonderful funny, exciting, snarky, kick ass, terrific book. Riley. The type of character who I'd love to be a BFF to when the chips are down. she can find the positive in any situation and kick ass anyone who stands in her way.
The basics is Riley is abducted from earth by slavers. She's sold to a mining colony for the purposes of being the diversion to the male slaves who do the actual physical work. She's suppose to choose a mate and have an exclusive relationship. Riley surprises everyone by choosing five alien mates telling her captors that's the norm on Earth. Problems arise when one of the guys claims to be her soul mate and devises a plan to allow them to escape and take her to his home planet where he plans to make her his queen.
Lucky Riley. Abducted and mated to five guys, one of them a royal PITA. Why do men think they are the ones to save poor defenseless females all the time? Time to show them that Earth girls can take care of themselves AND do it more efficiently while being fashion conscious. Too bad she has to return to Earth though. PITA Vox is a looker, but the purring has got to stop.
This was a laugh out loud hilarious read that pits one snarky female against a stick in the mud opinionated alien king who is used to being obeyed and revered. The shapeshifter slant was exploited to the max to further heighten the fun. This sort of book gives me hope that IF we ever start mating to alpha aliens they don't know what they're in for. Loved loved loved Riley and Vox. They were the perfect couple once they agreed to become a couple. Turnabout is fair play for the playboy king as Riley becomes the wet dream fantasy girl for the male population of his planet. Did I say this was hilarious? I can't help myself in saying anyone who reads this book will break out in a spontaneous laugh for quite a while if they hear the phrase "my milk"
This is a spin off first in series book by an author who continues to write books that have me stalking the calender waiting for the next one to be released. I just can't get enough of her.
If you might be interested in this book but not sure based on review, or if you've read it and want a reader's digest recap, check out this link to the book trailer:
"Choosing Riley: book trailer video
The basics is Riley is abducted from earth by slavers. She's sold to a mining colony for the purposes of being the diversion to the male slaves who do the actual physical work. She's suppose to choose a mate and have an exclusive relationship. Riley surprises everyone by choosing five alien mates telling her captors that's the norm on Earth. Problems arise when one of the guys claims to be her soul mate and devises a plan to allow them to escape and take her to his home planet where he plans to make her his queen.
Lucky Riley. Abducted and mated to five guys, one of them a royal PITA. Why do men think they are the ones to save poor defenseless females all the time? Time to show them that Earth girls can take care of themselves AND do it more efficiently while being fashion conscious. Too bad she has to return to Earth though. PITA Vox is a looker, but the purring has got to stop.
This was a laugh out loud hilarious read that pits one snarky female against a stick in the mud opinionated alien king who is used to being obeyed and revered. The shapeshifter slant was exploited to the max to further heighten the fun. This sort of book gives me hope that IF we ever start mating to alpha aliens they don't know what they're in for. Loved loved loved Riley and Vox. They were the perfect couple once they agreed to become a couple. Turnabout is fair play for the playboy king as Riley becomes the wet dream fantasy girl for the male population of his planet. Did I say this was hilarious? I can't help myself in saying anyone who reads this book will break out in a spontaneous laugh for quite a while if they hear the phrase "my milk"
This is a spin off first in series book by an author who continues to write books that have me stalking the calender waiting for the next one to be released. I just can't get enough of her.
If you might be interested in this book but not sure based on review, or if you've read it and want a reader's digest recap, check out this link to the book trailer:
"Choosing Riley: book trailer video
April 6, 2021
EDITED
I had to reread one more time Riley and Vox story to confort me. I was so disappointed by my previous reads, I doubted if I was me who was not okay.
But here I’m laughing out lout and even nearly pissing on myself after the jacket murder!
Pffffff, just wrong books choice!
I have read this book so many time, but I never left a review for it.
This story is my medicine, it cures when I sad, depressive, sick. It is my happy pills when it is cold or I feel tired.
Riley is one and unique woman, she uses her mouth as a weapon, she is a killer with words, a talking machine-gun, she is also a woman of her heart with hidden pains but she never lets life, accidents or aliens kidnappers drive her fears, she embraces Life and always sees the positive in any situation. She is a class A badass for me. I love she has an outfit for any of her mood.
Vox, what can I say, I love kitty! He can be a concentration of male hormones on stick and acts sometime like one (or often as a full A...O... ) but for Riley, he will do anything even alas kill some ugly jackets. She drives him crazy but never ever he will get bored.
If you love smart mouthy feisty characters, you are at the right place.
I do realize this review was quite short, but it was one of my first, I’m not professional reviewer, I just love to read and I try to give justice of the author’s work by sharing what the story made me feel.
This one is my Prozac, and today after some deceiving reads, it helped to rise my mood.
Thank you Susan Smith.
I had to reread one more time Riley and Vox story to confort me. I was so disappointed by my previous reads, I doubted if I was me who was not okay.
But here I’m laughing out lout and even nearly pissing on myself after the jacket murder!
Pffffff, just wrong books choice!
I have read this book so many time, but I never left a review for it.
This story is my medicine, it cures when I sad, depressive, sick. It is my happy pills when it is cold or I feel tired.
Riley is one and unique woman, she uses her mouth as a weapon, she is a killer with words, a talking machine-gun, she is also a woman of her heart with hidden pains but she never lets life, accidents or aliens kidnappers drive her fears, she embraces Life and always sees the positive in any situation. She is a class A badass for me. I love she has an outfit for any of her mood.
Vox, what can I say, I love kitty! He can be a concentration of male hormones on stick and acts sometime like one (or often as a full A...O... ) but for Riley, he will do anything even alas kill some ugly jackets. She drives him crazy but never ever he will get bored.
If you love smart mouthy feisty characters, you are at the right place.
I do realize this review was quite short, but it was one of my first, I’m not professional reviewer, I just love to read and I try to give justice of the author’s work by sharing what the story made me feel.
This one is my Prozac, and today after some deceiving reads, it helped to rise my mood.
Thank you Susan Smith.
August 27, 2016
Just couldn't take how dumb the characters were
August 14, 2015
So I started reading Choosing Riley and well it was hard so I thought nah won’t bother but then I read A Dragonling’s Easter and Riley seemed cool so I want back and boy was it funny but she drove me bat shit crazy. I’m all for the strong heroine and all but she was just a pain in the arse and ridiculed Vox too much. Not once did I have the feeling that they got on at all.
March 23, 2019
2.5 stars
Ridiculous, OTT, all over The Place, with a heroine, that was a Mixture between stupid, crazy, sassy and annoying as well as an unhealthy romance - but I was entertained for a time, so ...
Ridiculous, OTT, all over The Place, with a heroine, that was a Mixture between stupid, crazy, sassy and annoying as well as an unhealthy romance - but I was entertained for a time, so ...
February 23, 2021
3.5 stars. Yet another manwhore with a virgin pairing. /SIGH. Why why why why why why why do authors do this shit? So gross. I wouldn't ever save my virginity for some man slut who likely has the herp. Just saying.
The hero and heroine end up together being kept as slaves and when she is told to choose a mate, she chooses five, to keep everyone alive. He immediately recognizes her as his mate and the rest of the story is just basically him convincing her of it.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. There's quite a bit of humor mixed in because Riley is a very strong-willed heroine. Her character was a bit disjointed though because she was very confident one minute and very very insecure the next. I think the direction this author took her was fine for most of the story, but her insecurities were becoming too much by the end. It just became overkill.
The hero was a pretty typical alpha male, with communication issues. I really didn't feel much towards him, besides some annoyance that he did more growling than speaking.
Safe; no real OM/OW drama. As I said above, h virgin, H manwhore. Heroine finds a porn video of hero and some of his past partners that she keeps but then nothing ever comes of it.... ??? This part pissed me off. There are many other men interested in the heroine but she doesn't show them any real interest.
The hero and heroine end up together being kept as slaves and when she is told to choose a mate, she chooses five, to keep everyone alive. He immediately recognizes her as his mate and the rest of the story is just basically him convincing her of it.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. There's quite a bit of humor mixed in because Riley is a very strong-willed heroine. Her character was a bit disjointed though because she was very confident one minute and very very insecure the next. I think the direction this author took her was fine for most of the story, but her insecurities were becoming too much by the end. It just became overkill.
The hero was a pretty typical alpha male, with communication issues. I really didn't feel much towards him, besides some annoyance that he did more growling than speaking.
Safe; no real OM/OW drama. As I said above, h virgin, H manwhore. Heroine finds a porn video of hero and some of his past partners that she keeps but then nothing ever comes of it.... ??? This part pissed me off. There are many other men interested in the heroine but she doesn't show them any real interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2016
Choosing Riley strikes just the right note with a strong, snarky heroine who is still vulnerable. I love Riley because of her bottomless purse that has just what is needed at any given moment. I have one of those purses! The plot is one that can be enjoyed by the fans of light-hearted/ sci-fi/adventure/erotic romance.
June 6, 2016
This was the least favorite book so far that I've read in the world with the races of Valdier, Sarafin and Curizan (though I have not yet read Ha'ven's Song).
I really like this world that S.E. Smith created, and so I tried my hardest to really, really like Riley, but she was just an annoying bitch. It is too bad because I really like Vox and wanted him to end up with a wonderful, strong heroine like the Valdier warriors did, but she was just a mouthy, whiny character that I cringed every time she said something. I think the point was to try to make her be a sassy, smart aleck character, but this really fell flat. I thought I could try to give this book 3 stars or maybe even 2, but her character really just left a bad taste in my mouth that I couldn't bring myself to do that and I rarely give such a low rating to a book. She's just the antithesis of what a heroine should be. Riley kept saying she was from Denver, Colorado and every time I read that I kept thinking to myself that this character is defiling the people of Denver, Colorado. She is ruining all the good that Kristen Ashley did in her Rock Chicks book to make me want to get up and move to Denver or at least visit there.
It looks like the next book is about her sister Tina. Let's hope Tina isn't as annoying as Riley. And I'm not sure about this Grandma Pearl - she sounds a bit annoying like Granny from Beverly Hillbillies.
I really like this world that S.E. Smith created, and so I tried my hardest to really, really like Riley, but she was just an annoying bitch. It is too bad because I really like Vox and wanted him to end up with a wonderful, strong heroine like the Valdier warriors did, but she was just a mouthy, whiny character that I cringed every time she said something. I think the point was to try to make her be a sassy, smart aleck character, but this really fell flat. I thought I could try to give this book 3 stars or maybe even 2, but her character really just left a bad taste in my mouth that I couldn't bring myself to do that and I rarely give such a low rating to a book. She's just the antithesis of what a heroine should be. Riley kept saying she was from Denver, Colorado and every time I read that I kept thinking to myself that this character is defiling the people of Denver, Colorado. She is ruining all the good that Kristen Ashley did in her Rock Chicks book to make me want to get up and move to Denver or at least visit there.
It looks like the next book is about her sister Tina. Let's hope Tina isn't as annoying as Riley. And I'm not sure about this Grandma Pearl - she sounds a bit annoying like Granny from Beverly Hillbillies.
August 6, 2016
There are good reasons the ratings for this book are all over the places.
In some ways, this book is over the top camp slap stick and a pile of fun and then in others it is grating, too silly, and not enough romance in others.
The heroine seems to be modeled on Dog the Bounty Hunter's wife, Beth, She is loves glam, is very busty and ballsy and ready for anything with tons of sass. She is resourceful and is a bounty hunter.
She is also a accident prone and a bit oblivious. All of that I like and find funny. But then she is body insecure and doesn't ask for what she needs. These habits delay any romance for most of the book. I need couple time.
The hero isn't very king like but I had fun with him and the world as well as the rest of the cast of characters.
So, some silly fun and some irritation.
In some ways, this book is over the top camp slap stick and a pile of fun and then in others it is grating, too silly, and not enough romance in others.
The heroine seems to be modeled on Dog the Bounty Hunter's wife, Beth, She is loves glam, is very busty and ballsy and ready for anything with tons of sass. She is resourceful and is a bounty hunter.
She is also a accident prone and a bit oblivious. All of that I like and find funny. But then she is body insecure and doesn't ask for what she needs. These habits delay any romance for most of the book. I need couple time.
The hero isn't very king like but I had fun with him and the world as well as the rest of the cast of characters.
So, some silly fun and some irritation.
July 3, 2017
This is one of my favorite books! I loved it. The hero Vox, is a possessive alpha male who also just happens to be a shape shifter. His species knows there "mates" immediately upon meeting or seeing them. The first time he saw Riley, he knew she was his but he had a heck of a time convincing Riley of that.
The heroine, Riley, was smart and sassy and not about to be "mated" with Vox. He had to work hard to finally win her over. The things she put him through - were a scream. Among her many antics, she stunned him with a taser gun, and she sprayed him with mace. It was so much fun to read and there were some serious laugh out loud moments.
I recommend this book if you like possessive/jealous alpha males and you don't mind the love scenes to be erotica.
The heroine, Riley, was smart and sassy and not about to be "mated" with Vox. He had to work hard to finally win her over. The things she put him through - were a scream. Among her many antics, she stunned him with a taser gun, and she sprayed him with mace. It was so much fun to read and there were some serious laugh out loud moments.
I recommend this book if you like possessive/jealous alpha males and you don't mind the love scenes to be erotica.
September 16, 2014
I really wanted to like this but I just don't get it. I have no clue why Vox would want Riley. The girl is a nightmare. She's a ditzy blonde who giggles and worries about her luggage instead of survival - I get she's meant to be a 'strong' female character but so often authors seem to think that 'strong' translates to ball-busting-bitch. It's incredibly frustrating. Also, there's a mention of characters from the authors other brooks - Carmen, Mel but not much explanation of who they were. Very confusing. DNF.
May 26, 2017
I haven't read a S.E. Smith story that didn't have me crying, laughing and cheering as I read. Choosing Riley definitely hit those emotions and kept me turning the pages for more.
Riley and Vox are two "larger-than-life" characters who deserve each other. Poor, smooth Vox having to do all the chasing and always losing his cool around Riley. Riley who just wants to go home, by any means necessary, so that she doesn't turn into an alien and/or die, like the secondary character in an alien movie. By the end of the book, Riley realizes what we've known all along, she's the heroine not the secondary character.
Speaking of secondary characters, appearances are made by familiar faces from the Dragon Lords of Valdier stories. And, as always new characters step from the pages, practically demanding that their story be told - Viper especially, although several other males deserve mates from earth. Plus someone Curizon, Sarafin or Valdier must be up the pleasure and pain of loving Riley's grandmother. Vox's brothers also need to be careful, payback will happen once he realizes what they're doing.
Definitely looking forward to the next installments in the Sarafin Warriors and Valdier Dragons, and maybe those clever Curizons will get a series.
Choosing Riley is a keeper that I'd already be re-reading start to finish if I didn't need a few hours of sleep.
Cross-posted Goodreads, Amazon.
Riley and Vox are two "larger-than-life" characters who deserve each other. Poor, smooth Vox having to do all the chasing and always losing his cool around Riley. Riley who just wants to go home, by any means necessary, so that she doesn't turn into an alien and/or die, like the secondary character in an alien movie. By the end of the book, Riley realizes what we've known all along, she's the heroine not the secondary character.
Speaking of secondary characters, appearances are made by familiar faces from the Dragon Lords of Valdier stories. And, as always new characters step from the pages, practically demanding that their story be told - Viper especially, although several other males deserve mates from earth. Plus someone Curizon, Sarafin or Valdier must be up the pleasure and pain of loving Riley's grandmother. Vox's brothers also need to be careful, payback will happen once he realizes what they're doing.
Definitely looking forward to the next installments in the Sarafin Warriors and Valdier Dragons, and maybe those clever Curizons will get a series.
Choosing Riley is a keeper that I'd already be re-reading start to finish if I didn't need a few hours of sleep.
Cross-posted Goodreads, Amazon.
April 25, 2016
I felt as if I were living this story right alongside the characters. Smith`s writing is so vivid that everything comes to life with ease. Getting a look at Sarafin was both beautiful & fascinating. I liked how the different types of aliens were developed. Each is so different yet vividly and fully developed, giving you a sense of the universe at large. The combination of war & intrigue, politics and friendship added an extra layer to this one of a kind romance. The every forward moving plot was fast paced, keeping me captivated, while also telling a steamy tale of two characters that I really enjoyed.
There was a vast array of not just personalities but also of outlooks on life in this cast of characters. Riley was a bit over the top at times. It made her hard to take seriously, but also made the story pricelessly comical. The way that Vox continually botches everything when around Riley humanized him and made him so much more loveable. The Riley/Vox dynamic is telling not just of the characters involved, but also of the vastly different cultres that they come from.
This novel was a great start to Smith’s Sarafin series. I enjoyed reading it on its own and also the way that it ties back in to some of her other series, showing just how vast yet small the universe really is.
There was a vast array of not just personalities but also of outlooks on life in this cast of characters. Riley was a bit over the top at times. It made her hard to take seriously, but also made the story pricelessly comical. The way that Vox continually botches everything when around Riley humanized him and made him so much more loveable. The Riley/Vox dynamic is telling not just of the characters involved, but also of the vastly different cultres that they come from.
This novel was a great start to Smith’s Sarafin series. I enjoyed reading it on its own and also the way that it ties back in to some of her other series, showing just how vast yet small the universe really is.
August 12, 2013
This book was an impulse purchase, but it got me excited about this genre. I have since read every one of this author's titles, which includes different alien romance series that seem to be set in the same imaginative universe. Each series deals with a different planet filled with Alpha males who stumble one way or another upon earth women and decide they make the ideal wives. For better or for worse. In Choosing Riley, it might just be for worse! Riley gives her alien a REALLY hard time. This happens in all of the books, but I think this one, the most recent addition to the author's oeuvre, takes it to the next level. It is by far the best book so far by this author. Though I enjoyed the other books, most of the heroines in the other books seemed like clones of each other, but Riley really was unique. Everything that came out of her mouth was just super entertaining. The other heroines that this author created tended to turn out to be whiny bitches, but Riley was a bitch with boots made for walking in the best of ways. Her poor wardrobe!
March 16, 2013
OMG !! This book was so good. Funny as hell. I found myself laughing my BIG ASS off! Riley the best leading lady every!!! I loved her kick ass style with slot of southern charm thrown in. Her ability to laugh not only at herself but the situations she finds herself in. I love it!
Vox and the mates were great. What a wacky cast of characters. Fell in love with everyone of them . Great book!
Vox and the mates were great. What a wacky cast of characters. Fell in love with everyone of them . Great book!
June 29, 2022
I love Vox. This is one of my "feel good" books I re-read when sick or down.
July 14, 2019
Le modèle commence à s'user un peu, et Riley est difficilement appréciable oO
October 28, 2024
2⭐️ I did not read the synopsis of this book before getting it from my library. I thought this was about a leopard shifter because of the cover. Its not. He’s an alien shifter which I guess gives him permission to be a dick.
I don’t like Vox, the MMC is rapey and weird. The FMC definitely said “no” twice and he still kissed her. There was several times where she expressed disinterest and he still did whatever he wanted. Not sexy. It would be different if he seduced her into changing her mind but no. I think he deserved to be tased and pepper sprayed some more. Then forcing pregnancy and a DNA change onto someone is wild. The adventure part was decent and I liked the side characters of Fred and Bob and even the Dragon dude. There were some parts that had me chuckling and I liked that Riley was a fighter up until she randomly loved him outta nowhere. The pacing was shitty. The way Riley changed her mind at the drop of a dime about Vox was terrible writing. Zero world building. A plot that showed up randomly in the last 70%. Its like the author was grasping at straws.
I don’t like Vox, the MMC is rapey and weird. The FMC definitely said “no” twice and he still kissed her. There was several times where she expressed disinterest and he still did whatever he wanted. Not sexy. It would be different if he seduced her into changing her mind but no. I think he deserved to be tased and pepper sprayed some more. Then forcing pregnancy and a DNA change onto someone is wild. The adventure part was decent and I liked the side characters of Fred and Bob and even the Dragon dude. There were some parts that had me chuckling and I liked that Riley was a fighter up until she randomly loved him outta nowhere. The pacing was shitty. The way Riley changed her mind at the drop of a dime about Vox was terrible writing. Zero world building. A plot that showed up randomly in the last 70%. Its like the author was grasping at straws.
January 7, 2019
In a fun twist on the alien-abduction trope, the feisty heroine saves the hero and four others after they are all abducted by the bad-guy aliens. On the flawed side; even though Vox (the hero) makes it clear he is into Riley from the beginning, she spends half the book doubting his interest. It got a little old. She also tends to be a trigger happy, over-reacting, sometimes violently, to statements and situations.
December 18, 2021
5 stars because I read this when I need a laugh..... no joke, this book is hilarious! At least once a year I find that I turn to Riley and her take no bullshit attitude to help get me out of my own funk. This is definitely one of my favorite Smith books. Ties in to her preexisting Valder Universe. Sexy without compromising the story. It is definitely a quick pick me up..... and with that, good reading friends ♡
December 28, 2017
Storyline and characters are great!
In the beginning Riley’s personality was a bit overwhelming. I didn’t love how defiant she was. But as it got going the storyline was great and I loved all the other characters. Riley could be pretty funny when she was not so crazy. I really enjoyed the book though.
In the beginning Riley’s personality was a bit overwhelming. I didn’t love how defiant she was. But as it got going the storyline was great and I loved all the other characters. Riley could be pretty funny when she was not so crazy. I really enjoyed the book though.
February 27, 2019
This review sums up everything I think about the book... → https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 3, 2020
there were extremely funny moments, but I agree with another reviewer who said Riley was an annoying heroine. She jumped to all types of conclusions and made wide leaps in thoughts and conclusions.
July 2, 2018
goodread
May 4, 2020
I could not give this lower than a 1 so a 1 it is. I do not recommend.
I’ve disliked heroines before but Riley is so hateful, stupid and obnoxious...I didn’t want her to have an HEA.
Too many times I’ve seen authors pretend that mean spiritedness and being obnoxious and rude shows sassiness and strength. No! It doesn’t. There’s a difference from being assertive and to accepting your flaws and being hateful and mean. Riley is clearly beyond hateful and exhibits the behavior of a sociopath.
Sociopath- a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.
Riley decides to rename the aliens (fellow captives) completely disregarding who they are as beings. She refuses to help them and twists what they say and interprets it as an insult...she’s a narcissistic sociopath. She has zero empathy to the point of a lack of self preservation.
She knew the aliens could die and want to escape imprisonment and that they are willing to help her escape with them. She’s a captive of alien slavers and doesn’t seem concerned?!
She puts little to no effort in helping her fellow captives...is constantly, loudly mouthing off to those who have captured her (yeah, riiight...like that wouldn’t get her killed immediately). The male alien captives need to remove collars that could kill them if they try to escape. She has tools in her purse. She never mentions it. Instead, she’s more interested in watching a movie on her tablet than offering tools to help them get free? Umm that’s weirdly antisocial with zero empathy. She seems to think if they die someone will come along and save her? Again, she’s TSTL and shows no empathy for her fellow captives lives.
Then...once they ask her if she has tools, she lectures them to not assume she doesn’t have tools because she’s had to depend on herself (yep, I’m guessing so with that mouth and attitude)...has tools. As the aliens decide to clip the wire off the 2 headed alien (Fred I think is how she referred to him)..she’s not worried and continues her interest in that tablet which should be depleted. She feels it’s taking too long and in a tiff, goes and randomly clips a wire. This alien has only shown kindness to her and she’s annoyed it took so long and just shrugs off the fact that the wire she clipped could have literally blown off his head and said he had a spare. That is serial killer cold. And still the author suggests this is a sign of badassery through Vox. Nope that’s a sign of serious mental instability.
She was also violent with a volatile temper. She not only tasered Vox but pepper sprayed him with minor provocation. I think she liked being violent and cruel. Why didn’t they take her bag of weapons from her? And she isn’t remorseful when she accidentally hits Vox’s friend with pepper spray. She gives an empty apology but blames Vox for angering her...seriously 😒 take responsibility for your bad behavior. That’s not cute or showing sass...it shows she has zero empathy and lack of impulse control. It means leaving her to her fate when you escape especially when she doesn’t want to go...because she’s crazy and stupid. And she definitely should not reproduce!
No, just no!
I’ve disliked heroines before but Riley is so hateful, stupid and obnoxious...I didn’t want her to have an HEA.
Too many times I’ve seen authors pretend that mean spiritedness and being obnoxious and rude shows sassiness and strength. No! It doesn’t. There’s a difference from being assertive and to accepting your flaws and being hateful and mean. Riley is clearly beyond hateful and exhibits the behavior of a sociopath.
Sociopath- a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.
Riley decides to rename the aliens (fellow captives) completely disregarding who they are as beings. She refuses to help them and twists what they say and interprets it as an insult...she’s a narcissistic sociopath. She has zero empathy to the point of a lack of self preservation.
She knew the aliens could die and want to escape imprisonment and that they are willing to help her escape with them. She’s a captive of alien slavers and doesn’t seem concerned?!
She puts little to no effort in helping her fellow captives...is constantly, loudly mouthing off to those who have captured her (yeah, riiight...like that wouldn’t get her killed immediately). The male alien captives need to remove collars that could kill them if they try to escape. She has tools in her purse. She never mentions it. Instead, she’s more interested in watching a movie on her tablet than offering tools to help them get free? Umm that’s weirdly antisocial with zero empathy. She seems to think if they die someone will come along and save her? Again, she’s TSTL and shows no empathy for her fellow captives lives.
Then...once they ask her if she has tools, she lectures them to not assume she doesn’t have tools because she’s had to depend on herself (yep, I’m guessing so with that mouth and attitude)...has tools. As the aliens decide to clip the wire off the 2 headed alien (Fred I think is how she referred to him)..she’s not worried and continues her interest in that tablet which should be depleted. She feels it’s taking too long and in a tiff, goes and randomly clips a wire. This alien has only shown kindness to her and she’s annoyed it took so long and just shrugs off the fact that the wire she clipped could have literally blown off his head and said he had a spare. That is serial killer cold. And still the author suggests this is a sign of badassery through Vox. Nope that’s a sign of serious mental instability.
She was also violent with a volatile temper. She not only tasered Vox but pepper sprayed him with minor provocation. I think she liked being violent and cruel. Why didn’t they take her bag of weapons from her? And she isn’t remorseful when she accidentally hits Vox’s friend with pepper spray. She gives an empty apology but blames Vox for angering her...seriously 😒 take responsibility for your bad behavior. That’s not cute or showing sass...it shows she has zero empathy and lack of impulse control. It means leaving her to her fate when you escape especially when she doesn’t want to go...because she’s crazy and stupid. And she definitely should not reproduce!
No, just no!
September 22, 2015
Choosing Riley by S E Smith
Riley St Claire: rebel. Abducted by aliens. (Snort.) That seems to be a common theme from this author. This book is hysterically funny. The heroine is amazing, intentionally or not.
I don't like Vox's attitude that he is going to "conquer, tame, fuck, and turn her into a cat". He doesn't give her choices. Yuck. Riley handles it well and puts him in his place over and over again but still forgives and falls in love with him. He does learn from his mistakes.
References and sub plot situations are linked to a different series, Dragon Lords, I believe. Mostly, it didn't matter and could be followed. If you have the option though, start with the other series simply for background on all the different worlds and races
Vox d'Rojah King of Sarafin has been captured by the same aliens as Riley St Claire of Denver. Colorado. She is a force to be reckoned with. To save Vox and the other four prisoners from being food, Riley takes all five to be her mates. She quickly builds a blanket wall in their small prison cell then pulls a taser from her deep purse and uses it on Vox when he gets a little fresh. Keep reading to find out what else she has in that purse and how she soon rescues them all from prison.
A delightful romp with the exception of a controlling cat shifter that needs to be put in his place!
I received this book as part of a game at a reader conference.
Riley St Claire: rebel. Abducted by aliens. (Snort.) That seems to be a common theme from this author. This book is hysterically funny. The heroine is amazing, intentionally or not.
I don't like Vox's attitude that he is going to "conquer, tame, fuck, and turn her into a cat". He doesn't give her choices. Yuck. Riley handles it well and puts him in his place over and over again but still forgives and falls in love with him. He does learn from his mistakes.
References and sub plot situations are linked to a different series, Dragon Lords, I believe. Mostly, it didn't matter and could be followed. If you have the option though, start with the other series simply for background on all the different worlds and races
Vox d'Rojah King of Sarafin has been captured by the same aliens as Riley St Claire of Denver. Colorado. She is a force to be reckoned with. To save Vox and the other four prisoners from being food, Riley takes all five to be her mates. She quickly builds a blanket wall in their small prison cell then pulls a taser from her deep purse and uses it on Vox when he gets a little fresh. Keep reading to find out what else she has in that purse and how she soon rescues them all from prison.
A delightful romp with the exception of a controlling cat shifter that needs to be put in his place!
I received this book as part of a game at a reader conference.
March 2, 2018
I stopped after 5 chapters. I thought she was fun and sassy at first but it became apparent that she is detached from reality and mean.
Chapter 4 spoilers ahead************
She let them suffer for 2 weeks because while she over heard that they needed tools to escape (which she had) they didn’t ask her directly so she didn’t help them. Then when they are trying to free themselves from a bomb collar she is frustrated because they are distracting her from a book. Then she just clips the red wire because it’s what’s done in movies. And when they are horrified by this she say who cares that he would have lost his head? There are more of them.
Also why did her iPad still work 2 weeks later when she used it all the time? I doubt they had appropriate power outlets. And the author never explains how they all speak English. Which would have taken one phrase ‘universal translator ‘ but no. The beginning of the book doesn’t seem to matter. Drugs, murder, dirty cops, death threats - all in the first chapter, also utterly pointless. She just ends up running away having her car die and that’s why she is prime abduction material.
In conclusion she is just awful and doesn’t act like a sane person. Do not read.
Chapter 4 spoilers ahead************
She let them suffer for 2 weeks because while she over heard that they needed tools to escape (which she had) they didn’t ask her directly so she didn’t help them. Then when they are trying to free themselves from a bomb collar she is frustrated because they are distracting her from a book. Then she just clips the red wire because it’s what’s done in movies. And when they are horrified by this she say who cares that he would have lost his head? There are more of them.
Also why did her iPad still work 2 weeks later when she used it all the time? I doubt they had appropriate power outlets. And the author never explains how they all speak English. Which would have taken one phrase ‘universal translator ‘ but no. The beginning of the book doesn’t seem to matter. Drugs, murder, dirty cops, death threats - all in the first chapter, also utterly pointless. She just ends up running away having her car die and that’s why she is prime abduction material.
In conclusion she is just awful and doesn’t act like a sane person. Do not read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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