An alien prince. A desperate mother. The brink of destruction.
Myra Mason, Tert by birth, survivor by chance, wants a better life for her three-year-old child. She’s got the perfect plan, one that will take them both someplace safe, far from her abusive ex-husband.
But that was before the crazy alien crashed into her life and thrown everything into chaos!
He says she’s his captive. The harder she struggles, the tighter his hold grows. She learns it’s useless, for he—with his psychic abilities—is truly inescapable.
He says he’s looking for something. The secret weapon that will save both of their worlds—crashed here on Earth a long time ago.
He says she’s the only one who can help him find it. And if she doesn’t, the same alien entity, born out of evil and wickedness, will take over her world, just like it did to his.
But how can she help when her wings are being clipped? When, with his mere presence, he destroyed her life and shattered her hopes?
He’s the enemy. The captor. The monster. A manipulator and a violent brute.
She shouldn’t see any sort of salvation in him. She shouldn’t enjoy spending time with him.
And under any circumstances should she fall in love with him.
Publisher’s note: “Scout” is the first book in the Delta Sydra Storm series. It’s a stand-alone Enemies to Lovers Dark Alien Romance, complete with HEA. Please note: mature content, dark themes, graphic violence, and strong language can be found within. May contain triggers. If such material offends you, please don’t read.
Rhea has once swooped down on a winged sea serpent and defeated a giant with one clean stroke of her mighty sword. She has scaled spires as tall as mountains and skipped across roofs at breakneck speeds. She has traveled to another galaxy inside a soap bubble and ate fluffy marshmallows with a bunch of aliens.
She has...
No, not really.
But she is (and always be) a storyteller. Because whenever she feels lost, stories are what she needs to bounce back. To that end, she finally committed to putting her mind’s designs to paper. And with each story, she reclaims a little more of her real self.
Rhea also likes lists, cats, and coffee. She abhors lies, tardiness, and steadfast seriousness.
The writing and editing of the ARC version of the manuscript was clean, with no typos that I found and well constructed sentences. The world building of dystopian Earth was vivid. The characterization was well done, with the heroine being sympathetic and nuanced and the hero being well drawn and sympathetic, even with his awful behavior in parts. The author was able to successfully straddle that line that a lot of dark romances dive right over, rendering the villain/romantic hero completely unappealing to this reader. The development of the romantic relationship was a very slow burn, but these characters still had sizzling chemistry. The heat level of this novel was two chili peppers. The plot and pacing were non-stop high octane action, so reading this novel flew by even with its long length. This novel had high levels of well justified angst and very high stakes, which tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Enemies to Lovers trope, the Alien Invasion trope, and the Fated Mates trope. The world building, plot, and pacing were five stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were both four stars. I therefore rounded up and gave this novel a combined rating of five stars. This novel ended on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger ending, so that was a big plus. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy slow burn romances with very high stakes and an action packed plot. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases. I will probably buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Altane does not know what love is, but the moment he sees Myra crying for the torture he’s been subjected to, the armor around the dark prince’s heart is pierced. Altane knows how to push her buttons bringing forth the anger she tries to keep contained as he slaughters those who try to keep them apart. Myra knows Altane is keeping secrets from her about the aliens true intentions but Myra knows working with Altane to locate this artifact that he believes will save not only Earth but others planets as well is her best chance for getting back to her daughter, Unity. Stuck in close confines as they fight to reach the destination of the artifact, their feelings for each other grow, & Myra is no longer certain how she will be able to leave Altane once this is done. Altane curses his gift as the future he sees ends with the death of Myra. When the Avatar captures Myra, Altane will do whatever it takes to save the human female who has shown him that even a ruthless alien prince can learn to love. With help from an unexpected source, will they get there in time to save Altane? The Avatar is still on the loose and as new alliances are formed, the Delta Sydra still has a major battle ahead as the swarm makes it way to Earth.
I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am not a normal sci-fi alien reader, but this book was something else.
First, I have to say that it's very hard to find a female protagonist that's likeable and relatable. I know authors struggle to make the male protagonist *dreamy* so they forget to make women act like... well.. Women. Myra has a difficult past, doesn't come from money, and barely escaped a toxic marriage alive. I thought she'd be predictable and clicheic numerous of times, with a typical *I'm-the-only-one-who-could-save-this-situation-ever* but she wasn't. Myra was afraid, but brave, and thought like a mother, always wanting the best for her child.
Second, man, did I misread Altane. I totally thought he'd become more of a p*ssy by the end, because that's how things work, but he was amazing. I want more of him, please, to go.
Loved the chemistry between them, the fact that they didn't have Insta-love at all, and that their relationship had steps forward, but a lot of steps backwards. It felt natural. Plus, I loved how Myra was attracted to him from the get go, but she knew it was stupid, and contained herself. See, real?
The writing was amazing, very well structured sentences. Just enough description to make it appealing, but not too much to make me skip paragraphs. I loved that the action was on Earth, but I would've loved to know more about the situation in this post-apocalyptic world.
This is again one of those books that I wish I had part stars for! Roughly 4.5.
I really liked this book. It was a great sci-fi/romance escape- two things I love. The main characters are very likeable, and relatable. The plot unfolds in a timely manner, with some twists. The love story is classic Beauty and the Beast. The world building was definitely enough for the story but not overwhelming. I’m working under the assumption that the world building will continue as the series grows. My only minuscule quibble is that I would have Iiked a bit more personal history for Altane, but I have a feeling it will round out in future instalments. It’s more of a problem with myself and patience wrt unanswered questions than a problem with the actual book.
I would unhesitatingly recommend this book for people who enjoy Sherrilyn Kenyon The League Series (one of my own favs).
I received an ARC copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think I was born to read books about alien romance. I will say this book is totally different than others of this genre. Right in your introduced to a dystopian earth and a class system. Myra is a single mother running from an abusive ex and trying to pay off her debt. When her job gives her an offer she can’t refuse everything falls apart. Meeting a scout for the evil entity that is trying to take over earth, changes her life for better or worse. The first few chapters I’m not gonna lie I just wasn’t feeling it. Like I wasn’t connecting with the characters. But I’m glad I kept reading because the best was certainly yet to come. Watching Myra’s character evolution was truly inspiring. I absolutely can’t wait to read more by Rhea V. May ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spoiler Alert but just a little one- At first I wasn’t a fan of Myra, I found her annoying. She kept floundering between feeling guilty and not for having a part in several people(aliens) being killed, a small part but they did deserve it! They literally beat her both physically and emotionally from the very beginning. I was going to stop reading it but I’m so glad I didn’t. The more I read the more I loved her character and of course her alien. No matter how much pain or emotional abuse they suffered, they still wanted to do the right thing and protect others even if they didn’t deserve it. It’s a wonderful story of love, lose, strength and the endurance to survive. This is a very dark and dirty read. If your uncomfortable with reading about rape or violence against woman this may not be for you.
This is a new author for me and I must say, I'm impressed. The world building is complex, the characters are complex and there are nuances that lead you to believe that nothing is exactly as it seems. Myra is doing everything she can just so she can get custody of her daughter, so when her boss drags her to a secret facility and she meets the alien Scout, her whole life turns upside down. She's tired of being a victim and for some reason he makes her feel safe. Can they come through and save them all? A really great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just as emotional as the second book. I loved Myra and Altane's story. One of conflict, pain and at times uncertanty. Myra proved she could be one tough cookie and in part that was her strength as a mother. The banter they shared was a battle of wills for the most part. But each slowly came to care for the other once they broke down barriers and communicated. Even Oran and Gammon ended up with some redeeming qualities. I look forward to seeing who their mates turn out to be. But... Altane and Myra come together eventually and have her daughter in a much happier life to that they fled. Thoroughly enjoyed this exciting read and can't wait to read more.
This is the first book i have read from this author and I will be looking for the rest of her books to read. I love the way she writes. Her writing was pulling all my emotions out of me. Her style of writing is so raw and real. I felt so strongly for her characters I felt like i knew them personally. She will have you laughing and crying it was cathartic to read. It is a story about two complete opposites in personality finding out they are not that opposite but actually compliment each other. The end has a bit of suspense that might result in another book. At least that is my hope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great world-building for a new series! Trapped in an apocalyptic Earth civilization, Myra has little choice when she's selected to work for a new Bio firm. Her cooperation could mean the difference in ever seeing her daughter again. What she didn't expect was jumping from one frying pan to another. If she thought her ex was abusive then dealing with the aliens she finds herself in league with is a whole other kettle. Then there is Altane, cruel, condescending, and a killer but under it all there is a side that only she will ever see. This is a great start to a new series.
The first book in the Delta Sydra Storm series a well written story that kept me turning pages. I enjoyed reading human Myra Charlotte Mason, her daughter Unity, and Kessar Dark Prince Altane’s story of suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance. What an ending, I want to read the next book. This is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first I’ve read from this author, but it won’t be the last. I’m eagerly awaiting book 2!
Scout could have used another round of proofing, but I was able to overlook the mistakes because the story was so riveting. Absolutely fantastic dark sci-fi romance!
I enjoyed reading this book, it has a good storyline. This book is entertaining and filled with action and adventure. The chemistry and interaction between the characters is great. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
All is well when it ends well! A convoluted plot and flowed characters which makes the story enjoyable and believable. The Scout may be a little rough around the edges but, in the end they do have their "happily ever after".
This book is entertaining and filled with action and adventure. I love Alien romance and I enjoyed reading this book. The characters is interesting. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This was a great story, very well written. I enjoyed all the characters, the dynamic and intensity was awesome. It was a very throught provoking and enthralling story. I definitely recommend this book.
A beautiful and poignant love story. Really enjoyed the interactions between all the characters. Never thought I'd find aliens so sexy. Thanks very much to the author and VRO for the free review copy. Would highly recommend to other people who enjoy this genre.
This was a really lovely treat! 1st in this series. Written well with a good flow that does keep you on the edge. I am not sure if I have read this author before but I plan on keeping up with this series! I like the chemistry with the characters and it does have some very good scenes between them. The plot is visual and it is remarkably written. I enjoyed how these characters played off each other and I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What do you get when you take two groups of aliens who have some evil intentions, and then throw humanity in the middle? This novel leaves you wondering who to root for, and the romantic aspect takes a loooong time to develop. It’s violent, brutal and bleak, but it showcases the love a mother has for her child, which is redeeming.
What artifacts? There are artifacts hidden that need to be found. As explained in his book the stout needs to find them in order to save two planets with a star system. You decide. Finding out that An alien is being tortured isn’t isn’t a travesty. But it seems extremely painful for this prince alien who needs for his torture to stop. It seems that Myra is at the right place at the wrong time. Or is it right time? Villains? Yes! Action packed? Yes. Will love conquers all? Maybe. As long as both of them because they allowed to see the end of this book. Cliffhanger? Definitely can be a lead to another book. Like the book? Yes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was a decent story to be had in the reading, but there were pacing issues with the story, and the writer could have used a good editor to help her with grammar, spelling and other things. The book felt very rough-draftish because of these issues. By the end, I had received no incentive to continue with the series.
This is an amazing book! I enjoyed the story line and everything about this book. There is blood, killing, abuse, and a little sex at the end. If you have problems with these I would recommend finding a different book.
Great book! It has everything,outstanding action, strong, brave and caring characters. You give us someone to love that wasn't purfit. He as well as her had to work at doing The right thing. It's not always easy but they keep trying. Looking forward to the next book
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Altane even if he is dark...love Myra , too. fast paced action packed story set in the future which is dark...a quest..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great story! The characters are complex and the author somehow makes an alien with four arms and a tail completely desirable, by the end of the book I was in love with Altane too! The story itself is interesting and I'm interested in seeing where the next one leads.
This was a fun story to read. I enjoyed the new world in this book and all the different challenges for Hunan women. I look forward to reading more stories in this series.