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Alien Warrior #1
Venomous
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
"She is mine to protect, mine to shelter, mine to feed and mine to cover. When she is weak, I shall be her strength. She was stolen from her world by our captors. Now her survival is my responsibility. It is her duty to endure my lust, respect my nest mates and honour our union with offspring. I revere this giver of life, as is the way."~ Venomous One, formerly of Rök, enslaved gladiator
Abducted from Earth and transported to a slave planet in an unknown galaxy, Lumen finds herself, shackled, naked and put on display before an alien horde. Told the males will battle for the right to slake their lusts with her body, she would become the slave of slaves. Venomous One, a proud warrior enslaved, has given up hope of returning to his home world and finding a life mate. When a female is tossed into the arena his soul demands he claim her. Winning his mate by Right of Might, he vows to protect Lumen and be a good provider, no matter how ugly her human appearance. Rescued by Venomous’ people, the couple face space pirates, the condemnation of an alien government, galactic war, and a deadlier threat from within the warrior’s own kindred.
Warning: violence, profanity and sexual situations with multiple partners.
"She is mine to protect, mine to shelter, mine to feed and mine to cover. When she is weak, I shall be her strength. She was stolen from her world by our captors. Now her survival is my responsibility. It is her duty to endure my lust, respect my nest mates and honour our union with offspring. I revere this giver of life, as is the way."~ Venomous One, formerly of Rök, enslaved gladiator
Abducted from Earth and transported to a slave planet in an unknown galaxy, Lumen finds herself, shackled, naked and put on display before an alien horde. Told the males will battle for the right to slake their lusts with her body, she would become the slave of slaves. Venomous One, a proud warrior enslaved, has given up hope of returning to his home world and finding a life mate. When a female is tossed into the arena his soul demands he claim her. Winning his mate by Right of Might, he vows to protect Lumen and be a good provider, no matter how ugly her human appearance. Rescued by Venomous’ people, the couple face space pirates, the condemnation of an alien government, galactic war, and a deadlier threat from within the warrior’s own kindred.
Warning: violence, profanity and sexual situations with multiple partners.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2014
649 people are currently reading
4166 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Fletcher
27 books1,351 followersPenelope Jade Fletcher is a British author of genre romance. She has a number of international digital bestsellers, reaching the Amazon Kindle UK Top 100 chart in early 2011 with her third book, and the Barnes & Noble Nook Top 100 chart later the same year with her fifth.
Debuting at twenty two years old in 2010 with young adult fantasy Glamour, Penelope predominantly writes romance novels with supernatural elements, but recently penned a historical western, and has a regency romance in the works.
Penelope has independently sold over 100,000 eBooks. She loves nothing more than reading. Writing comes a close second.
Debuting at twenty two years old in 2010 with young adult fantasy Glamour, Penelope predominantly writes romance novels with supernatural elements, but recently penned a historical western, and has a regency romance in the works.
Penelope has independently sold over 100,000 eBooks. She loves nothing more than reading. Writing comes a close second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews
August 8, 2020
I put some unmarked spoilers below. In part because I think people considering reading this book should know what they're getting themselves into.
Not comfortable reading books about rape? Skip. This. Book. !!!!
Venomous is a story that is about rape cover-to-cover.
Lumen, the heroine, spends a huge chunk of the story with the threat of rape looming large in her thoughts, influencing her behavior and emotions. She is raped several times by three different men throughout the book, all of whom are portrayed as heroes and love interests. When we get a break from those scenes, the author enters scenes of other women being serially raped - on the barbarous slave planet as well as on Venom's home planet.
I'm not opposed to books that contain rape as a major plot point. Just last month, I read Daughter of the Forest and rated it 5 stars. Before that I read Exit, Pursued by a Bear which was an amazing book. When rape is acknowledged and treated as one ought to treat a violent, heinous crime, it can make for a deeply meaningful book.
But rape is the single biggest and most frequently used plot point in Venomous. The quality of a book like that, I thought, would have to hinge on its stance towards the issue and its portrayal of the victim and the rapist(s).
oh boy was I disappointed in that regard.
Lumen's rapist is twisted into her primary love interest, who throughout their building relationship continuously holds all the power and (along with his buddy Fiercely) is extremely controlling and possessive of Lumen.
The sexual violence he committed against her in one of the first scenes is explained away with various excuses - Venom was just following his biological impulses, there was a language barrier that prevented him from understanding what he was doing to her, women of his race aren't supposed to enjoy sex, and so on.
I actually did try to accept these explanations. I liked the writing style (though I know many people didn’t) and the book has a gripping storyline in an expansive universe, which is more than most alien romances can claim. I wanted to love the book in its entirety and I read all the way up to 80% hoping the author would take a more acceptable stance on rape.
But in reality I was avoiding the hard truth - that there are no excuses or circumstances that will ever justify rape. To argue otherwise is deeply disrespectful and just plain wrong.
To me there can never be enough admirable qualities in a love interest that will outweigh the fact that he is a rapist. So I couldn't keep reading this "romance".
Lumen does finally confront Venom about his actions, demanding an apology, but Venom refuses on the grounds that the rape was the best thing to ever happen to him. And Lumen - by extension, the author - accepts this explanation because, as she puts it, it's "not the apology she wanted but the one she needed."
To be clear, this is the author telling her audience that rape is justified if the rapists enjoys himself. You have got to be FUCKING kidding me.
This scene is followed up by another rape of the heroine, this time by all three of her love interests in front of hundreds of spectators. This, after Lumen told the men on numerous occasions that their actions would damage her irrevocably. She forgives them instantly because, ya know, they give her orgasms so it’s all good.
So here’s my take: The book could have been great, but the author tried to condone rape. So nope.
Not comfortable reading books about rape? Skip. This. Book. !!!!
Venomous is a story that is about rape cover-to-cover.
Lumen, the heroine, spends a huge chunk of the story with the threat of rape looming large in her thoughts, influencing her behavior and emotions. She is raped several times by three different men throughout the book, all of whom are portrayed as heroes and love interests. When we get a break from those scenes, the author enters scenes of other women being serially raped - on the barbarous slave planet as well as on Venom's home planet.
I'm not opposed to books that contain rape as a major plot point. Just last month, I read Daughter of the Forest and rated it 5 stars. Before that I read Exit, Pursued by a Bear which was an amazing book. When rape is acknowledged and treated as one ought to treat a violent, heinous crime, it can make for a deeply meaningful book.
But rape is the single biggest and most frequently used plot point in Venomous. The quality of a book like that, I thought, would have to hinge on its stance towards the issue and its portrayal of the victim and the rapist(s).
oh boy was I disappointed in that regard.
Lumen's rapist is twisted into her primary love interest, who throughout their building relationship continuously holds all the power and (along with his buddy Fiercely) is extremely controlling and possessive of Lumen.
The sexual violence he committed against her in one of the first scenes is explained away with various excuses - Venom was just following his biological impulses, there was a language barrier that prevented him from understanding what he was doing to her, women of his race aren't supposed to enjoy sex, and so on.
I actually did try to accept these explanations. I liked the writing style (though I know many people didn’t) and the book has a gripping storyline in an expansive universe, which is more than most alien romances can claim. I wanted to love the book in its entirety and I read all the way up to 80% hoping the author would take a more acceptable stance on rape.
But in reality I was avoiding the hard truth - that there are no excuses or circumstances that will ever justify rape. To argue otherwise is deeply disrespectful and just plain wrong.
To me there can never be enough admirable qualities in a love interest that will outweigh the fact that he is a rapist. So I couldn't keep reading this "romance".
Lumen does finally confront Venom about his actions, demanding an apology, but Venom refuses on the grounds that the rape was the best thing to ever happen to him. And Lumen - by extension, the author - accepts this explanation because, as she puts it, it's "not the apology she wanted but the one she needed."
To be clear, this is the author telling her audience that rape is justified if the rapists enjoys himself. You have got to be FUCKING kidding me.
This scene is followed up by another rape of the heroine, this time by all three of her love interests in front of hundreds of spectators. This, after Lumen told the men on numerous occasions that their actions would damage her irrevocably. She forgives them instantly because, ya know, they give her orgasms so it’s all good.
So here’s my take: The book could have been great, but the author tried to condone rape. So nope.
November 4, 2018
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Erotica Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
This did not start out good for me. It felt a bit confused and almost like it was going to take itself far too seriously, just the writing and the way things were described. It took me a good 10% or so to get used to the authors "voice".
However I think this may be one of my favourite ever books in this genre.
It is a long book, with great world building, and just got better and better as it went on.
Once I was into it, I did not want it to end.
While the relationship between Lumen and Venomous does not at all get off to a great start, due to a difference in culture, expectations and the circumstances surrounding them meeting, the love that grew between them was heartfelt and real.
Enough drama to keep things moving along, but not too much, or that did not fit, given the story.
Adding in Fiercely and Cobra, again, fit the story and the world/culture they lived in.
It never felt too much as if Lumen had favourites, once they were all together as a clan - not to say she did not struggle with the idea of introducing others into the relationship, that was a struggle for her and portrayed realistically for me (well as realistically as a book about 4 armed aliens can be) but once she accepted it, it never came across like she had favourites - just that she loved them for different reasons and in different ways.
I loved the introduction of King Beowyn ThunderClaw, the Great Alpha, and how he interacted with Lumen and became her "best friend". Great comedic relief.
All in a great 4 stars, and I cannot wait to read the next book about Beowyn. I adored him in this book.
Why not 5 though? Maybe because it did take me a few chapters to truly get into it, and the names!! They are long and unusual, and there were times I had to go back and double check who was who and the connection to the main characters. And I kept getting mixed up with what words they used to refer to days/weeks etc.
I got this on KU but I will be buying it to re read again and again.
Genre : - Paranormal Erotica Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
This did not start out good for me. It felt a bit confused and almost like it was going to take itself far too seriously, just the writing and the way things were described. It took me a good 10% or so to get used to the authors "voice".
However I think this may be one of my favourite ever books in this genre.
It is a long book, with great world building, and just got better and better as it went on.
Once I was into it, I did not want it to end.
While the relationship between Lumen and Venomous does not at all get off to a great start, due to a difference in culture, expectations and the circumstances surrounding them meeting, the love that grew between them was heartfelt and real.
Enough drama to keep things moving along, but not too much, or that did not fit, given the story.
Adding in Fiercely and Cobra, again, fit the story and the world/culture they lived in.
It never felt too much as if Lumen had favourites, once they were all together as a clan - not to say she did not struggle with the idea of introducing others into the relationship, that was a struggle for her and portrayed realistically for me (well as realistically as a book about 4 armed aliens can be) but once she accepted it, it never came across like she had favourites - just that she loved them for different reasons and in different ways.
I loved the introduction of King Beowyn ThunderClaw, the Great Alpha, and how he interacted with Lumen and became her "best friend". Great comedic relief.
All in a great 4 stars, and I cannot wait to read the next book about Beowyn. I adored him in this book.
Why not 5 though? Maybe because it did take me a few chapters to truly get into it, and the names!! They are long and unusual, and there were times I had to go back and double check who was who and the connection to the main characters. And I kept getting mixed up with what words they used to refer to days/weeks etc.
I got this on KU but I will be buying it to re read again and again.
May 8, 2019
DNF. Ugh. I don't like to label books as crap but this might be it.
Warning: this isn't exactly romance. It's more like torture porn (non-con / rape included) with a sprinkling of alien kidnapping & experimentation, mate-crap and naive intergalactic policies.
I do love my angsty MCs but this isn't a good angst mix.
I don't think I will be back.
I'm sure it got mistakenly classified to Romance due to the GR weird approach of shelf-to-label transformation. They definitely need some new label to sanely classify such stuff. I think I'll try to start the tradition by creating just this shelf. Specifically for this book and its brethren.
Warning: this isn't exactly romance. It's more like torture porn (non-con / rape included) with a sprinkling of alien kidnapping & experimentation, mate-crap and naive intergalactic policies.
I do love my angsty MCs but this isn't a good angst mix.
I don't think I will be back.
I'm sure it got mistakenly classified to Romance due to the GR weird approach of shelf-to-label transformation. They definitely need some new label to sanely classify such stuff. I think I'll try to start the tradition by creating just this shelf. Specifically for this book and its brethren.
April 5, 2015
Got to about 30% then skipped to the end. Lost interest in this when I realised it was menage and there were three male interests for the silly heroine. Much has been made of this being like Last Hour Of Gann. It's not. It is best labeled as Futuristic Erotica.
January 21, 2015
This book came to my attention via Twitter where it was lauded for its world-building. Given the source of the praise, Dear Author, who gave me The Last Hour of Gann, I went for a sample (hey! I am learning).
The beginning was very much the usual fare in this niche of romance-landia, and please don't call it Sci-Fi (the same way PNR is not UF, above all at the two limits of the range). But I was in the mood for it and went on.
DA was right, there's good world-building, for an erotic romance. But this book is a notch above the usual erotica. I can't say it's in the best bracket, but it tries with every aspect of a novel, plot, characters, world-building, even if it doesn't succeed. Above all, it's not an excuse for sex, which is of course there quite a lot, but never overwhelms the story.
It's not convincing enough for me to try the sequel or to consider this nothing more than erotica, but still I enjoyed this romp.
Plot went downhill slowly from midway, and then quickly at the end, becoming a farce; and the conflicts were never really resolved, just glossed over. My main problem was the heroine, who starts strong and degenerate into a dumb, dumb, dumb thing without a brain. A whiner at the end as she never puts her money where her mouth is. It's 3 star for me but barely.
The beginning was very much the usual fare in this niche of romance-landia, and please don't call it Sci-Fi (the same way PNR is not UF, above all at the two limits of the range). But I was in the mood for it and went on.
DA was right, there's good world-building, for an erotic romance. But this book is a notch above the usual erotica. I can't say it's in the best bracket, but it tries with every aspect of a novel, plot, characters, world-building, even if it doesn't succeed. Above all, it's not an excuse for sex, which is of course there quite a lot, but never overwhelms the story.
It's not convincing enough for me to try the sequel or to consider this nothing more than erotica, but still I enjoyed this romp.
Plot went downhill slowly from midway, and then quickly at the end, becoming a farce; and the conflicts were never really resolved, just glossed over. My main problem was the heroine, who starts strong and degenerate into a dumb, dumb, dumb thing without a brain. A whiner at the end as she never puts her money where her mouth is. It's 3 star for me but barely.
January 13, 2019
So much anticipated re-read and yeh loved it just as much the second time around: I absolutely love this book like mahoosive amounts.
This, in my opinion, has some of the best world building and character development I have ever experienced and I actually felt like I'd been physically transported along to another realm.
The language used throughout had almost a spiritual quality to it at times which I absolutely adored.
Such an imaginative undertaking from start to finish and though a lengthy read I never actually felt bored or that it was just unnecessary page filler: each and every word used here was highly appreciated by myself and the more I immersed myself in this rich cultural outtake the harder I fell in love with this fantastic sci-fi undertaking.
From the very instant I embarked on this I was enmeshed in all it had to offer and this is so much more than some sci-fi fluff.
Venomous dealt with so many deep-seated issues including some actions that if taken out of cultural heritage and context could definitely be misconstrued as abuse.
I mean they still were but at heart they were not intended in this manner at all.
There is also a great deal of bigotry and racism practised here towards offworlders so that was interesting to experience in a sci-fi context also the poly aspect of this was unexpected but surprisingly fitting though Venom himself is still hands down my favourite male here.
The Aliens here were very different to us with an almost reptile-like appearance and I do so adore aliens that actually resemble aliens its just my jam.
This is, in my opinion, is a fantastic story that manages to strike a balance between darker themes but also knowing when it is time to sprinkle the humour in to lighten the overall equation.
Can't recommend this story enough I adored every word.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 18, 2024
---- I want to add that while I hated this novel and never finished it, I did also read Book 3 (Bhyr) and I enjoyed that one. -----
"Rape doesn't exist in my culture" the Novel
Casual observation of my favorites shelve hints at: romance with a helping of gore and sexual assault.
It's true! Give me some SAW Jigsaw Killer Tarantino The Ring Romance. I like all of it! Give me a full-throttle trainwreck and I will watch it. There is very little that will shock me, because I have read worse no matter what. I especially like it when side characters die random, horrific deaths after going crazy.
You wanna show me extended rape scenes that end in death? Ok no problem.
BUT! No rape apologetism or positive reframing by the author. That's the line.
In this book, very early on, the heroine is raped. It's very clear rape. She cries, she fights, she says NO repeatedly (and though there is a language barrier, pushing and shoving as hard as you can while screaming and crying is kinda obvious) etc etc
Anyway fast forward to the heroine being able to understand and communicate with the guy (nevermind the fact that he never had to update his translator, lol, what a plothole) and she (bless her) confronts him.
Heroine: you know I really didn't appreciate how you raped me. I even said that I wouldn't forgive you but I see now that I must, because you're the best thing that could happen to me inAuschwitz this alien slave mine.
Rapist: Huh, what are you talking about? I fed you. I even traded a favor for the old stinky T-Shirt of an ugly inmate for you to wear.
Heroine: Iknowiknow and I'm SO grateful for that but can we focus on the part where I said no repeatedly?
Rapist: I am a good mate. I provide for my mate.
Heroine: OOOokay, but this place is basically a concentration camp, we should run away.
Rapist: *snort* Impossible
Heroine: But you can't mean for us to stay here.
Rapist: I am a good mate. I provide. I feed. I clothe. I rape. You are my priority now.
Heroine: *melts* okay then
Obviously I did NOT finish the book, I dropped it after 20% of this mess. Not gonne watch the heroine get raped by more people and find excuses for them.
"Rape doesn't exist in my culture" the Novel
Casual observation of my favorites shelve hints at: romance with a helping of gore and sexual assault.
It's true! Give me some SAW Jigsaw Killer Tarantino The Ring Romance. I like all of it! Give me a full-throttle trainwreck and I will watch it. There is very little that will shock me, because I have read worse no matter what. I especially like it when side characters die random, horrific deaths after going crazy.
You wanna show me extended rape scenes that end in death? Ok no problem.
BUT! No rape apologetism or positive reframing by the author. That's the line.
In this book, very early on, the heroine is raped. It's very clear rape. She cries, she fights, she says NO repeatedly (and though there is a language barrier, pushing and shoving as hard as you can while screaming and crying is kinda obvious) etc etc
Anyway fast forward to the heroine being able to understand and communicate with the guy (nevermind the fact that he never had to update his translator, lol, what a plothole) and she (bless her) confronts him.
Heroine: you know I really didn't appreciate how you raped me. I even said that I wouldn't forgive you but I see now that I must, because you're the best thing that could happen to me in
Rapist: Huh, what are you talking about? I fed you. I even traded a favor for the old stinky T-Shirt of an ugly inmate for you to wear.
Heroine: Iknowiknow and I'm SO grateful for that but can we focus on the part where I said no repeatedly?
Rapist: I am a good mate. I provide for my mate.
Heroine: OOOokay, but this place is basically a concentration camp, we should run away.
Rapist: *snort* Impossible
Heroine: But you can't mean for us to stay here.
Rapist: I am a good mate. I provide. I feed. I clothe. I rape. You are my priority now.
Heroine: *melts* okay then
Obviously I did NOT finish the book, I dropped it after 20% of this mess. Not gonne watch the heroine get raped by more people and find excuses for them.
February 19, 2015
Lumen Young is taken from Earth by slave traders, treated abominably and then thrown into the pit to be the prize to mightiest warrior. That would be Venomous One, or Venom, to his friends. Ok, just Lumen. And then a whole of action and craziness happens. And romance. Multiple times. It’s hard to explain.
In the interests of keeping this as spoiler-free as possible, I’m going to keep the next section under spoiler tags. If you don’t want to be spoiled at all, skip to the Bottom Line.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
The Bottom Line
It really helps the ride if you don’t know alot going in, but suffice it to say, it kept me turning pages long into the night and I was fascinated with the constant burning question of “what’s going to happen next?”
If you’re into sci-fi with your erotic, menage-y kind of romance, and can handle a dark first half with some dubious consent, I would recommend it. I'm really eager to read the next book with Beowyn.
In the interests of keeping this as spoiler-free as possible, I’m going to keep the next section under spoiler tags. If you don’t want to be spoiled at all, skip to the Bottom Line.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
The Bottom Line
It really helps the ride if you don’t know alot going in, but suffice it to say, it kept me turning pages long into the night and I was fascinated with the constant burning question of “what’s going to happen next?”
If you’re into sci-fi with your erotic, menage-y kind of romance, and can handle a dark first half with some dubious consent, I would recommend it. I'm really eager to read the next book with Beowyn.
February 24, 2017
2nd edition shelved for book challenge purposes. (for re reads of books within the same year)
Full review here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Full review here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 6, 2015
Well I thought this would be a typical (if longer) mars needs woman type, I finished this at 3am! Lots of twists and turns, no insta love no insta acceptance a struggle all the way but with the best of intentions, highly enjoyable read!
I get the lingering impression I have read something similar re the council twist towards the end - but I read a LOT of the type of genre but I enjoyed the way this book was written, the world building, the genuine LOL moments.
I get the lingering impression I have read something similar re the council twist towards the end - but I read a LOT of the type of genre but I enjoyed the way this book was written, the world building, the genuine LOL moments.
January 9, 2015
Okay this one was a very nice suprise.
I am glad that I took the chance of reading it.
After Lumen was abducted from Earth she ends up in an arena where aliens
are going to fight for her. (I know its sounds familiar just keep reading its get better)
Here is where Venomous becomes male Rä’Vek after he finds his Rä’Na (sort of mate)
After Venomous wins Lumen their story begins!
And it was an amazing read.
I cant wait for the second book I would love read ThunderClaw!
I am glad that I took the chance of reading it.
After Lumen was abducted from Earth she ends up in an arena where aliens
are going to fight for her. (I know its sounds familiar just keep reading its get better)
Here is where Venomous becomes male Rä’Vek after he finds his Rä’Na (sort of mate)
I need. I need. I need.
Fight for her.
I shall fight without end.
Never-ending. The devotion to her is never-ending.
Fangs aching. Muscles swelling. Gold glinting. Hearts beating.
Mine to protect.
Mine to shelter.
Mine to feed.
And mine to cover.
Mine.
After Venomous wins Lumen their story begins!
And it was an amazing read.
I cant wait for the second book I would love read ThunderClaw!
February 11, 2015
Abducted from Earth, abused and extensively experimented on, and finally striped naked and thrown into a pit and offered as a prize to the strongest of gladiators, Lumen Young is ready to die on the slaving planet until the victor, a scaly four armed alien having twin rows of fanged teeth and a forked tongue is victorious and carts her off to his lair. His intent is clear. What's not is what's to become of her after ...
He. Venomous One. is turned off by the ugly female offered up as a prize but for those of his kind once a male scents his female her pheromones will trigger the mating drive driving the male to madness until he is able to complete their bond. He wouldn't have been able to achieve his mated Ra'Vek status if they weren't compatible so he'll have to put his trust in the Serpent and Grandfather and honor the bond now forged with his Ra'Na as Lumen now belongs to him.
To be a slave for the L'Odo, a lizard like alien species, one has to be strong, cunning, and ruthless to survive. Having a female just put a big target on Venomous's back so when a successful rescue mission is waged Venomous feels he can return to his home planet with his new mate in peace and harmony. Unfortunately fate isn't done with the pair as space pirates, disgruntled people on his home planet, relatives, and an alpha King looking to add to his harem will test the pair's bond. Luckily, on Venomous's planet, a female is protected and cared for by multiple male kindred once officially recognized during a public festival ceremony.
* * *
Important notice to the author (if she reads this review): This review will remain for one calendar year. After that it's subject to be replaced with a one star scathing replacement review unless Thunderclaw is published. I NEED to get my grubby little hands on King Beowyn & Commander Eorik SnowBlade's story and I'm not afraid to use blackmail. Or beg if that would help. So please please fast track that book would you?
:D
This was a book recommended by a friend who's opinion I value who basically said: READ THIS. So I did. I'll admit to raising an eyebrow with the 'space operar' tag but the erotic romance tag sold me.
While it's difficult to pull off short page length stories, it's equally difficult for the opposite. This book lists at 652 pages. Concerns arouse if that would be able to hold my attention? Would it be more filler and fluff than meaningful content? Am I going to need to start flipping pages? End result: the effortless flow from one scene to another never got boring or redundant and sucked me in with it's world building, action adventure scenes, and yummy adult content scenes. Additionally, the laugh out loud moments added hilarity as our characters adjusted to their differing cultural norms and syntax differences. The author did an excellent job showcasing how the most simple of slang, customs, and preconceived notions can become major for those who have no idea or exposure to them. Also, beauty is in the eye of the beholder so those features we on Earth find attractive may be a total turn off to aliens. And vice versa of course.
I will admit that it took me a while to really get a positive feel for this book as the intro and beginning portions require a mindset adjustment to really understand the world building and concept the author was going for. One of the few times I feel the book cover does not accurately depict the hero and was more of a turn off visually. If anyone else starts to read this book and gets a similar feeling.. hang in there. Get past the slave planet scenes before making any final decisions as there is a definite adjustment period to familiarize yourself to the world building and characters before you get comfortable enough with what's going on.
As for the actual adult/erotica content. A couple of cautionary warnings. There are scenes of dub-non con that some might have a problem with. No getting around it as they do add to the overall story so I'm ok with them but for those who are sensitive to this sort of thing know they're there in isolated cases. Second. This story does include a polyamorous relationship so expect that BUT all scenes are of the m/f variety with an occasional voyeuristic male or two scene. Over and above that the scenes play off on the alien/Earth female who become mates in varied adult driven scenes that I thoroughly savored and enjoyed.
Secondary characters. What can i say. With a book this long there are way too many secondary characters to list, some of whom become main characters. So, as not to give anything away I'll just mention one stand out who will be featured in the next installment: King Beowyn ThunderClaw, the Great Alpha. Anyone who is abducted from Earth and lands up on an alien planet needs their own King Beowyn. That's all I say. :D
Totally a fan of this new to me author and series. I'd have expected to pay a lot more for a book of this length so I encourage any SFR fan to grab this diamond in the rough read sooner than later. It's the real deal sort of read that will appeal to sci-fi romance fans who appreciate the addition of adult content.
He. Venomous One. is turned off by the ugly female offered up as a prize but for those of his kind once a male scents his female her pheromones will trigger the mating drive driving the male to madness until he is able to complete their bond. He wouldn't have been able to achieve his mated Ra'Vek status if they weren't compatible so he'll have to put his trust in the Serpent and Grandfather and honor the bond now forged with his Ra'Na as Lumen now belongs to him.
To be a slave for the L'Odo, a lizard like alien species, one has to be strong, cunning, and ruthless to survive. Having a female just put a big target on Venomous's back so when a successful rescue mission is waged Venomous feels he can return to his home planet with his new mate in peace and harmony. Unfortunately fate isn't done with the pair as space pirates, disgruntled people on his home planet, relatives, and an alpha King looking to add to his harem will test the pair's bond. Luckily, on Venomous's planet, a female is protected and cared for by multiple male kindred once officially recognized during a public festival ceremony.
* * *
Important notice to the author (if she reads this review): This review will remain for one calendar year. After that it's subject to be replaced with a one star scathing replacement review unless Thunderclaw is published. I NEED to get my grubby little hands on King Beowyn & Commander Eorik SnowBlade's story and I'm not afraid to use blackmail. Or beg if that would help. So please please fast track that book would you?
:D
This was a book recommended by a friend who's opinion I value who basically said: READ THIS. So I did. I'll admit to raising an eyebrow with the 'space operar' tag but the erotic romance tag sold me.
While it's difficult to pull off short page length stories, it's equally difficult for the opposite. This book lists at 652 pages. Concerns arouse if that would be able to hold my attention? Would it be more filler and fluff than meaningful content? Am I going to need to start flipping pages? End result: the effortless flow from one scene to another never got boring or redundant and sucked me in with it's world building, action adventure scenes, and yummy adult content scenes. Additionally, the laugh out loud moments added hilarity as our characters adjusted to their differing cultural norms and syntax differences. The author did an excellent job showcasing how the most simple of slang, customs, and preconceived notions can become major for those who have no idea or exposure to them. Also, beauty is in the eye of the beholder so those features we on Earth find attractive may be a total turn off to aliens. And vice versa of course.
I will admit that it took me a while to really get a positive feel for this book as the intro and beginning portions require a mindset adjustment to really understand the world building and concept the author was going for. One of the few times I feel the book cover does not accurately depict the hero and was more of a turn off visually. If anyone else starts to read this book and gets a similar feeling.. hang in there. Get past the slave planet scenes before making any final decisions as there is a definite adjustment period to familiarize yourself to the world building and characters before you get comfortable enough with what's going on.
As for the actual adult/erotica content. A couple of cautionary warnings. There are scenes of dub-non con that some might have a problem with. No getting around it as they do add to the overall story so I'm ok with them but for those who are sensitive to this sort of thing know they're there in isolated cases. Second. This story does include a polyamorous relationship so expect that BUT all scenes are of the m/f variety with an occasional voyeuristic male or two scene. Over and above that the scenes play off on the alien/Earth female who become mates in varied adult driven scenes that I thoroughly savored and enjoyed.
Secondary characters. What can i say. With a book this long there are way too many secondary characters to list, some of whom become main characters. So, as not to give anything away I'll just mention one stand out who will be featured in the next installment: King Beowyn ThunderClaw, the Great Alpha. Anyone who is abducted from Earth and lands up on an alien planet needs their own King Beowyn. That's all I say. :D
Totally a fan of this new to me author and series. I'd have expected to pay a lot more for a book of this length so I encourage any SFR fan to grab this diamond in the rough read sooner than later. It's the real deal sort of read that will appeal to sci-fi romance fans who appreciate the addition of adult content.
September 13, 2018
alright. alriiiiiighty.
i can't decide if this book is a hot mess of stupid or if it was just on the boarder of ok and i like it. so it gets a solid 3 snake-alien-stars.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: RAPE/TORTURE (doesn't really get into to much on how she was tortured as much as reflected on it) Kind of a Stockholm syndrome kind of thing going on. This also has a, what i like to call, quatro-angle thing going on.
some things i liked and some things i didn't like (cause you know you want to read this shit)
- the heroine.
- i liked her a bit, but damn girl, it took her long enough to finally grow some balls.
- the poor me shit got old real quick.
- she was to forgiving and accepted an apology that i would have given an ass whoppin for because she deserved better than the lame ass response that she got instead of one that she needed. like i would have serrated some dick for that shitty apology.
- ahem. moving on.
- her adaptability of her surrroundings worked for me.
- venom. venom venom venom.
- this guy is a gladiator/miner slave.
- shitty translators make shitty situations.
- four arms and scaly skin like a snake.
- forked tongue with piercing
- they called it a motherfucking STEM
- i still can't get over it.
- hair is called "quills" ???? the fuck?
- cobra is my baby babe.
- fiercely is kind of on the knife edge for me. but he's still a cute bastard.
you know, you would just have to read this. i love the world building in this and the fact the author really sucked you in with the world they created. but the characters, only two really changed drastically throughout the book. meaning they grew the hell up and didn't go bat shit crazy on stupid shit.
but i digress, this could have been a whole lot fucking better if it were not for the fact that it seems like the author and therefor the heroine accepted the whole rape thing just because of reasons i can't say because spoilers.
like i said, it was good but it could have been great.
and what the fuck is with the 600+ pages? not that i didn't like it but damn i wasn't expecting it. haha.
September 6, 2018
Even better the second time round!
I appreciated the way the author would confront difficult moral topics head-on and unapologetically. The first part where Lumen and Venomous 'get to know' each other was engrossing. It was a string of assumptions that lead to one misunderstanding after another, but also brought them closer as they learned about each other's true character.
I still want to read the next book even though reviews suggest the romance isn't as convincing... just to get more time with Venomous and Lumen (and her other mates too).
##################################
Venom and Lumen of the Stars.... etc. Well that wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it would be darker, but really it was just a fun sci fi romp with romance and plenty of adventure. There were too many unreal leaps of logic to make it 5 stars, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! Lumen was kidnapped from Earth and sold to the evil L'Odo for their slave planet. These gross reptilian giants decided instead of eating her they would toss her into the gladiator pits to be fought over. The winner is Venomous One. And so begins an Odyssey that includes space pirates, Waaaaay different cultures and political bureaucrats. The author has fun creating new cultures and the world of Ra, but bends logic when it gets in the way of romance. That's fine. I wasn't reading this for hard core sci fi. It's a long story, over 600 pages, but it keeps your attention, quickly moving from one adventure to another with time in between to build characters and bring them together. I did get a wee bit annoyed with Lumen from time to time with her over moralizing. But it works with the plot and all ties together in the end. The last bit after the epilogue is a teaser for the next book which sounds like a hoot!!
I appreciated the way the author would confront difficult moral topics head-on and unapologetically. The first part where Lumen and Venomous 'get to know' each other was engrossing. It was a string of assumptions that lead to one misunderstanding after another, but also brought them closer as they learned about each other's true character.
I still want to read the next book even though reviews suggest the romance isn't as convincing... just to get more time with Venomous and Lumen (and her other mates too).
##################################
Venom and Lumen of the Stars.... etc. Well that wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it would be darker, but really it was just a fun sci fi romp with romance and plenty of adventure. There were too many unreal leaps of logic to make it 5 stars, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! Lumen was kidnapped from Earth and sold to the evil L'Odo for their slave planet. These gross reptilian giants decided instead of eating her they would toss her into the gladiator pits to be fought over. The winner is Venomous One. And so begins an Odyssey that includes space pirates, Waaaaay different cultures and political bureaucrats. The author has fun creating new cultures and the world of Ra, but bends logic when it gets in the way of romance. That's fine. I wasn't reading this for hard core sci fi. It's a long story, over 600 pages, but it keeps your attention, quickly moving from one adventure to another with time in between to build characters and bring them together. I did get a wee bit annoyed with Lumen from time to time with her over moralizing. But it works with the plot and all ties together in the end. The last bit after the epilogue is a teaser for the next book which sounds like a hoot!!
November 12, 2018
3.5 STARS
Anyway, if you're interested in what I thought, here it is. :D
The positives:
***the aliens were actually alien.
***the world building was INTRICATE and well-done.
***the h stood up for herself, mostly.
***the heroes were unique from each other and had depth.
***the repercussions of rape weren't disregarded.
***there was depth of thought behind many of the issues.
***the author definitely has talent.
***I wasn't bored and I finished it, though I skimmed some parts.
The negatives:
***there wasn't a clear story arc, it just went on and on.
***there was a lack of continuity; ALL smut, then ALL adventure, then ALL politics, etc
***there was little thought behind the menage relationship.
***the h suffered from self-loathing.
***too many unexplained TSTL moments from the h.
I finally decided to round up because of the quality of the world building. I would recommend this one for Sci-Fi lovers who don't mind a story that begins with a dark premise or has occasional smutty scenes.
Life was too short to waste on petty jealousy, and deny another's right to happiness.Grrrr . . . this is why we need half stars . . . 3 stars makes me feel chintzy and 4 stars makes me feel disingenuous.
Anyway, if you're interested in what I thought, here it is. :D
The positives:
***the aliens were actually alien.
***the world building was INTRICATE and well-done.
***the h stood up for herself, mostly.
***the heroes were unique from each other and had depth.
***the repercussions of rape weren't disregarded.
***there was depth of thought behind many of the issues.
***the author definitely has talent.
***I wasn't bored and I finished it, though I skimmed some parts.
The negatives:
***there wasn't a clear story arc, it just went on and on.
***there was a lack of continuity; ALL smut, then ALL adventure, then ALL politics, etc
***there was little thought behind the menage relationship.
***the h suffered from self-loathing.
***too many unexplained TSTL moments from the h.
I finally decided to round up because of the quality of the world building. I would recommend this one for Sci-Fi lovers who don't mind a story that begins with a dark premise or has occasional smutty scenes.
January 12, 2015
2 - 2.5 stars
I loved the space opera elements. The dialogue was too often silly for my tastes. It was hard to take the characters seriously; then, they'd have an emotional moment and I'd keep reading.
The mating between Venomous One and Lumen could be a trigger for readers who abhor non-con. I almost DNF'd at the superficial way the hero and hero progressed from this point until a life-threatening moment in the slaver mines.
The political intrigue, the betrayals, and shunning made this more than an polyamorous erotic romance. Despite the off-putting silliness, there were enjoyably funny moments where the Verak King Thunderclaw reminded so much of Shelly Laurenston's vain but lovable shifter lions. Overall, I struggled with the inconsistent tone of the book and chest dialogue. My advice to potential readers is to try the ebook sample first.
I loved the space opera elements. The dialogue was too often silly for my tastes. It was hard to take the characters seriously; then, they'd have an emotional moment and I'd keep reading.
The mating between Venomous One and Lumen could be a trigger for readers who abhor non-con. I almost DNF'd at the superficial way the hero and hero progressed from this point until a life-threatening moment in the slaver mines.
The political intrigue, the betrayals, and shunning made this more than an polyamorous erotic romance. Despite the off-putting silliness, there were enjoyably funny moments where the Verak King Thunderclaw reminded so much of Shelly Laurenston's vain but lovable shifter lions. Overall, I struggled with the inconsistent tone of the book and chest dialogue. My advice to potential readers is to try the ebook sample first.
January 15, 2018
I tried to read this when it first came out but OMG! Big Triggers! Rape, Abuse, Horrible Aliens....just awful!
And I decided to give this another chance. I am so glad I did because this one really bothered me. This was extremely hard to read even the second time....but I stuck w/it and I fell in love with Venomous! He was brave, and alpha, and wonderful....for a really scary alien!
And what Lumen went through is just horrific. And sad and scary. But this does have an HEA....and more than one sexy alien to love.... I am glad I gave it another chance.
And I decided to give this another chance. I am so glad I did because this one really bothered me. This was extremely hard to read even the second time....but I stuck w/it and I fell in love with Venomous! He was brave, and alpha, and wonderful....for a really scary alien!
And what Lumen went through is just horrific. And sad and scary. But this does have an HEA....and more than one sexy alien to love.... I am glad I gave it another chance.
March 15, 2016
Wow, I really enjoyed this one. I am really looking forward to getting Beowyn's story. Fingers crossed that it won't be long in coming. Review to come.
January 15, 2015
Very good read. Very erotic at the beginning then slow down so we actually have a real story and a very well built world, actually worlds. It was original, full of very deep and unique characters and species that I took great pleasure in learning about.
Venom and Lumen were really sweet together, specially after you know everything they went through. I liked Fiercely a bit less but totally loved Cobra!!! :)
I would very much enjoy reading Wyn's story, the last epilogue was just hilarious!!!! Please write his story, please please please!!!
Venom and Lumen were really sweet together, specially after you know everything they went through. I liked Fiercely a bit less but totally loved Cobra!!! :)
I would very much enjoy reading Wyn's story, the last epilogue was just hilarious!!!! Please write his story, please please please!!!
June 19, 2017
Several weeks after I read this, I'm still thinking of it. It's not the most perfect book, or the best of stories, but the world building the author did is truly unique. What I appreciated was that she went to lengths to make the aliens actually alien. They look different, have a different culture, different values, different gestures and language and emotions and expectations. It's not like replica humans set in space, it's aliens, who think the heroine (a human) is an alien to them.
There was a lot to like here, most especially the hero, even when there were things I didn't always like (like the heroine, who I thought was portrayed as alternately Mary Sue and somewhat self-absorbed) and also most especially the world building. I think it's worth reading for the hero and the worldbuilding alone, if you like futuristic/scifi romance.
There was a lot to like here, most especially the hero, even when there were things I didn't always like (like the heroine, who I thought was portrayed as alternately Mary Sue and somewhat self-absorbed) and also most especially the world building. I think it's worth reading for the hero and the worldbuilding alone, if you like futuristic/scifi romance.
January 12, 2015
3.5 stars
I wanted to like this one more. Many obviously do. I think the only reason I didn't give this a 4 was because I only liked one of her three men. And the reader doesn't really get to know that one as well since he's the last of her mates.
I will definitely be looking for the next in this series as it seems really promising.
Lumen Young is a human women kidnapped by alien slavers. She is sold to the L'Odo. Lumen is treated cruelly by the L'Odo. They vivisect her, heal her and abuse her repeatedly. She is too frail for sex with a L'Odo, so they will use her as an incentive for their gladiators.
L'Odo are a race of cruel aliens running a slave planet. They make their slaves mine ore, fight as gladiators for entertainment and live horribly. The slaves will sometimes kill each other to eat the dead slaves as food. Any women in the hands of the slaves are whored out until death. The author does a magnificent job of painting a bleak picture of the existence there.
Lumen is dropped into the arena and the fight begins. The alien that wins the free-for-all fight is a huge reptilian looking beast with four arms. He calls himself "Venomous One" and his species is called Ra.
(The reader learns later that Ra come in three genders: Male, female and androgynous. All Ra begin life as the androgynous type, and only when they find their fated mate do their genders become defined.)
The Ra that claims Lumen knows she is his one because her presence calls for his "stem".
Lumen was given a translator by the slaver that caught her, but it is very old and makes all conversations with Venomous One very stilted. Venomous One carries her back to his cave and rapes her. The reader sees it from Lumen's point of view, then from Venom's. In Venom's culture, sex is painful for the women because they don't self lubricate. Dry hoo-hoo makes for painful lizard sex. So as Lumen is crying and trying to stop him, Venom sees it as a natural part of mate-claiming. He doesn't see it as him forcing himself on her, he sees it as almost a gifted religious experience. As her presence calls him into being a "male", he thinks he has done something similar for her. So although it's a pretty raw rape scene, you don't hate Venomous afterwards.
Lumen is incredibly pragmatic in accepting Venomous as her protector and realizes from seeing the other broken woman in the slave area and how she is treated - that she got a good deal in Venomous One.
Eventually they are rescued, but Venomous One's people can't stand Lumen because she's an alien. The Ra species are extremely xenophobic and haven't had a non-Ra on their planet in hundreds of years. Their birthrate is also in decline.
Venomous One refuses to let go of "Lumen of the Stars", so the guards on the ship tranquilize both of them.
Lumen wakes naked in a cell and goes into a deep depression. The aliens are a little distraught that she might die. Not eating or drinking, just crying, alone cold and naked. The POV keeps trading from Lumen to the aliens.
The aliens have removed anything she could harm herself with, including her very dirty and toxic clothing from the slave planet. They finally knock her out to give her a better translator so they can explain themselves to her.
The main (asshole) Ra alien that's treated her the worst can't seem to stay away from her. Once she wakes with her new translator implant, he hears her voice and transforms into a male - meaning that Lumen is his soul-mate calling his 'stem' forth. His name is "Fiercely Comes the Night". I never ever warmed up to Fiercely. He was a dick ALL throughout the book. Aside from his protection, he was an irritant in the story to me.
Their ship is captured by some nasty space pirates. Lumen is an integral part of helping them get away from the space pirates, but since Fiercely saves her from getting sliced in half, she warms up to him.
Rok is the home world for the Ra. When they land, everyone is staring at Lumen. Although their planet has space travel and is advanced, their reactions to her were as if an alien was walking around our planet. Some Ra were disgusted, most scared and few intrigued. Venomous's family held a welcome home party/feast for them, but Venom's mother didn't show because she hated the alien more than she missed her son (missing for 13 years).
Everyone finds Lumen to be very weak and frail and keep telling her over and over about that.
The ruling council for Ra have decided to allow Lumen to stay, but she must have a mating festival like all mated Ra have. Their festival is public sex for the ones mated, along with a "lesser mate", which is like an insurance policy for if the existing male dies - the female will be protected by the lesser mate.
Lumen is furious about the public sex with hundreds watching and also with having to have sex with a male not of her choosing. Lumen rightfully keeps reminding her guys that she has no choices, everything is for the Ra. She reminds Venomous that he raped her and she can't think of their first joining without revulsion. He still doesn't understand what she means.
She meets the male they plan for her to have as her "lesser mate", Cobra that Strikes. There is instant chemistry between the two, and Cobra's mate notices it.
At one point, Cobra's mate and Venom's mother conspire to get Lumen off the planet and try to sell her to the King Beowyn Thunderclaw (from another planet) as a concubine. Lumen convinces Beowyn she will never be happy with him and to take her back to Rok.
The plot to get rid of Lumen is exposed and Venom's mother is exiled.
Eventually, Cobra's wife get exposed as having been a part of this plot and Cobra admits that Lumen stirs his passions.
And now there are three! Cobra was the only one that really treated Lumen well. Venom might be included in that, but he has zero remorce or understanding of what he did to her when they first met.
Ra don't have rape since only your soul mate can call your sex out into existence. So they have no understanding of it.
There is a final conflict when Venomous One goes to the galactic council to press charges against to L'Odo for enslaving races they have treaties with. The head L'Odo guy sees Lumen and wants his property back. By then, Lumen is pregnant with Venom's kid.
King Beowyn ends up becoming an ally to the Ra provided Lumen is their Ambassador.
It has an HEA, sort of. But the warm fuzzy you feel at the end of the book is actually the preview to the next book. To get King Beeowyn to become their ally, Lumen gave him the location of Earth so he could go find his "One".
The preview chapter of book two has Beowyn finding his "One" in a Scottish lassie cursing at him.
Erotic
Polyamorous
Recommended
HEA
I wanted to like this one more. Many obviously do. I think the only reason I didn't give this a 4 was because I only liked one of her three men. And the reader doesn't really get to know that one as well since he's the last of her mates.
I will definitely be looking for the next in this series as it seems really promising.
Lumen Young is a human women kidnapped by alien slavers. She is sold to the L'Odo. Lumen is treated cruelly by the L'Odo. They vivisect her, heal her and abuse her repeatedly. She is too frail for sex with a L'Odo, so they will use her as an incentive for their gladiators.
L'Odo are a race of cruel aliens running a slave planet. They make their slaves mine ore, fight as gladiators for entertainment and live horribly. The slaves will sometimes kill each other to eat the dead slaves as food. Any women in the hands of the slaves are whored out until death. The author does a magnificent job of painting a bleak picture of the existence there.
Lumen is dropped into the arena and the fight begins. The alien that wins the free-for-all fight is a huge reptilian looking beast with four arms. He calls himself "Venomous One" and his species is called Ra.
(The reader learns later that Ra come in three genders: Male, female and androgynous. All Ra begin life as the androgynous type, and only when they find their fated mate do their genders become defined.)
The Ra that claims Lumen knows she is his one because her presence calls for his "stem".
Lumen was given a translator by the slaver that caught her, but it is very old and makes all conversations with Venomous One very stilted. Venomous One carries her back to his cave and rapes her. The reader sees it from Lumen's point of view, then from Venom's. In Venom's culture, sex is painful for the women because they don't self lubricate. Dry hoo-hoo makes for painful lizard sex. So as Lumen is crying and trying to stop him, Venom sees it as a natural part of mate-claiming. He doesn't see it as him forcing himself on her, he sees it as almost a gifted religious experience. As her presence calls him into being a "male", he thinks he has done something similar for her. So although it's a pretty raw rape scene, you don't hate Venomous afterwards.
Lumen is incredibly pragmatic in accepting Venomous as her protector and realizes from seeing the other broken woman in the slave area and how she is treated - that she got a good deal in Venomous One.
Eventually they are rescued, but Venomous One's people can't stand Lumen because she's an alien. The Ra species are extremely xenophobic and haven't had a non-Ra on their planet in hundreds of years. Their birthrate is also in decline.
Venomous One refuses to let go of "Lumen of the Stars", so the guards on the ship tranquilize both of them.
Lumen wakes naked in a cell and goes into a deep depression. The aliens are a little distraught that she might die. Not eating or drinking, just crying, alone cold and naked. The POV keeps trading from Lumen to the aliens.
The aliens have removed anything she could harm herself with, including her very dirty and toxic clothing from the slave planet. They finally knock her out to give her a better translator so they can explain themselves to her.
The main (asshole) Ra alien that's treated her the worst can't seem to stay away from her. Once she wakes with her new translator implant, he hears her voice and transforms into a male - meaning that Lumen is his soul-mate calling his 'stem' forth. His name is "Fiercely Comes the Night". I never ever warmed up to Fiercely. He was a dick ALL throughout the book. Aside from his protection, he was an irritant in the story to me.
Their ship is captured by some nasty space pirates. Lumen is an integral part of helping them get away from the space pirates, but since Fiercely saves her from getting sliced in half, she warms up to him.
Rok is the home world for the Ra. When they land, everyone is staring at Lumen. Although their planet has space travel and is advanced, their reactions to her were as if an alien was walking around our planet. Some Ra were disgusted, most scared and few intrigued. Venomous's family held a welcome home party/feast for them, but Venom's mother didn't show because she hated the alien more than she missed her son (missing for 13 years).
Everyone finds Lumen to be very weak and frail and keep telling her over and over about that.
The ruling council for Ra have decided to allow Lumen to stay, but she must have a mating festival like all mated Ra have. Their festival is public sex for the ones mated, along with a "lesser mate", which is like an insurance policy for if the existing male dies - the female will be protected by the lesser mate.
Lumen is furious about the public sex with hundreds watching and also with having to have sex with a male not of her choosing. Lumen rightfully keeps reminding her guys that she has no choices, everything is for the Ra. She reminds Venomous that he raped her and she can't think of their first joining without revulsion. He still doesn't understand what she means.
She meets the male they plan for her to have as her "lesser mate", Cobra that Strikes. There is instant chemistry between the two, and Cobra's mate notices it.
At one point, Cobra's mate and Venom's mother conspire to get Lumen off the planet and try to sell her to the King Beowyn Thunderclaw (from another planet) as a concubine. Lumen convinces Beowyn she will never be happy with him and to take her back to Rok.
The plot to get rid of Lumen is exposed and Venom's mother is exiled.
Eventually, Cobra's wife get exposed as having been a part of this plot and Cobra admits that Lumen stirs his passions.
And now there are three! Cobra was the only one that really treated Lumen well. Venom might be included in that, but he has zero remorce or understanding of what he did to her when they first met.
Ra don't have rape since only your soul mate can call your sex out into existence. So they have no understanding of it.
There is a final conflict when Venomous One goes to the galactic council to press charges against to L'Odo for enslaving races they have treaties with. The head L'Odo guy sees Lumen and wants his property back. By then, Lumen is pregnant with Venom's kid.
King Beowyn ends up becoming an ally to the Ra provided Lumen is their Ambassador.
It has an HEA, sort of. But the warm fuzzy you feel at the end of the book is actually the preview to the next book. To get King Beeowyn to become their ally, Lumen gave him the location of Earth so he could go find his "One".
The preview chapter of book two has Beowyn finding his "One" in a Scottish lassie cursing at him.
Erotic
Polyamorous
Recommended
HEA
December 29, 2015
This was a surprisingly good book for something that I just randomly picked up on a whim. Alien books are either really good for me, or really bad, there doesn't seem to be any inbetween lol But I really liked this one, the writing was really good, the characters were great and the world building was easy to follow, which is probably the most important part of an alien book. If you throw too much at the readers right from start it can get it hard to follow but I thought this book did a good job of not overwhelming me. The only thing that I was a little annoyed with is the book is really long but the author just decided to skip over There was a lot opportunity for her to add that scene in and I'm just sad it was just skipped over.
Overall I'd recommend this one for anyone looking for a good alien romance book, I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Overall I'd recommend this one for anyone looking for a good alien romance book, I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 26, 2015
It's a bit hard to get into at first. But then it was hard to put down. Can only recommend. Great read. A solid book that would take a whole weekend to read. Absolutely loved it!
June 7, 2015
This is a massively uneven book. The first 10 pages might be the worst I have read in a long time. Notice though I gave it 4 stars overall. This is my first Fletcher book and I tend to be generous with new to me authors and there were also glorious moments in the book that make it a romance I am likely to reread and I can't wait for the next book in the series. Claws tapping.
The prologue is an ill advised stream of consciousness and badly done. It is like watching a chronic drunk take another drink. You whip your head around thinking isn't anyone going to stop her? And no one does. Fletcher needed better beta readers. Or beta readers at all. The opening was a bad idea. It is the first thing a reader sees. I am shocked I kept reading. It must be my love for reptilian aliens. Yep. I love them. lol
The actual opening chapter of the book is only slightly better. We get zero character grounding. We have eviscerated recently but are healed and are peeing on ourself in self defense against other horrors. Now, I actually like the brutality of this scene about how awful it really would be to be captured in this way by a being who thought you were little better than an animal but we don't find out until way way into the book that our heroine is black and English. Not that race and country of origin really matters much in this tale but we are disoriented as readers. You could argue that we are disoriented and cut off from who we/she is to replicate what the heroine is feeling but it doesn't work. It comes off like lazy writing instead.
Now. the writing gets better once Luman meets the hero. There is a non con scene but first of all it is cultural and second of all she brings it up in several places and works through the violation so this aspect of the book works for me.
The faulty translator chip writing is rough but plausible on the slave planet. This is a gritty book that doesn't hold back on what it would mean to be in such a place.
There are is a ton going on in this book: Slave planet, rescue, pirate attack, adjusting to new culture and hero's home, acquiring of second mate, kidnapping, acquiring of third mate, pregnancy, space station and trial, the threat of war, Lumen the ambassador.
Its long. I liked it though. I love the world building. I love the characters. The cultural clashes and Lumen's problem solving are fun. The romance is sweet if unnecessarily erotic in places. What I mean is the romance gets more and more erotica based it is goes along for no really benefit to the overall story.
I was happy in this world and liked the adventure and the writing got way better after the awful start.
I can't wait for her new bestie the bisexual cat like king alien's book. LOL.
Because...yeah...I like overtop alien romance that has a heart.
The prologue is an ill advised stream of consciousness and badly done. It is like watching a chronic drunk take another drink. You whip your head around thinking isn't anyone going to stop her? And no one does. Fletcher needed better beta readers. Or beta readers at all. The opening was a bad idea. It is the first thing a reader sees. I am shocked I kept reading. It must be my love for reptilian aliens. Yep. I love them. lol
The actual opening chapter of the book is only slightly better. We get zero character grounding. We have eviscerated recently but are healed and are peeing on ourself in self defense against other horrors. Now, I actually like the brutality of this scene about how awful it really would be to be captured in this way by a being who thought you were little better than an animal but we don't find out until way way into the book that our heroine is black and English. Not that race and country of origin really matters much in this tale but we are disoriented as readers. You could argue that we are disoriented and cut off from who we/she is to replicate what the heroine is feeling but it doesn't work. It comes off like lazy writing instead.
Now. the writing gets better once Luman meets the hero. There is a non con scene but first of all it is cultural and second of all she brings it up in several places and works through the violation so this aspect of the book works for me.
The faulty translator chip writing is rough but plausible on the slave planet. This is a gritty book that doesn't hold back on what it would mean to be in such a place.
There are is a ton going on in this book: Slave planet, rescue, pirate attack, adjusting to new culture and hero's home, acquiring of second mate, kidnapping, acquiring of third mate, pregnancy, space station and trial, the threat of war, Lumen the ambassador.
Its long. I liked it though. I love the world building. I love the characters. The cultural clashes and Lumen's problem solving are fun. The romance is sweet if unnecessarily erotic in places. What I mean is the romance gets more and more erotica based it is goes along for no really benefit to the overall story.
I was happy in this world and liked the adventure and the writing got way better after the awful start.
I can't wait for her new bestie the bisexual cat like king alien's book. LOL.
Because...yeah...I like overtop alien romance that has a heart.
September 7, 2018
3.5 Stars
Solid, well written story.
Conflicted. Oh, so very conflicted. SO much happens. It felt like a trilogy in one book and I mean that in a good way. There is A LOT of growth for these characters and I really enjoyed that as well. Also, can we get a shout out for diversity?? I’m sure Lumen is a brown girl and I’m happy to see that. In fantasy/paranormal romance/RH we don’t see enough of this!
I felt conflicted on other topics though. This is a true spoiler if you’ve not read the book. You’ve been warned.
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I REALLY wanted Venomous, Fiercely, and Cobra to denounce their way of sealing the Ra mating bond. Anyway you look at it, it’s demoralizing. First, it’s rape. Second, it’s rape in front of hundreds of people. Third, sometimes it’s more than one male. I don’t think I would’ve felt this way as much, if the Ra females actually enjoyed it. What I could’ve excused for a cultural difference, was made harder by the fact that they NEVER enjoy it! During their whole lifetime Ra females never enjoy bonding physically with their males and this just depresses me. Rape is a theme that comes up a lot. So, while I loved Lumen and her guys (and their sensitivity to her) I HATED how this was the only way for her to be accepted by this community. Although, it’s definitely hinted that things would change now that Lumen is there, we don’t get to see that change. That’s a shame because Lumen is a remarkable character actually. I feel kind of proud of her in the end. I also ended up REALLY loving Venomous. Having the males POVs really helped. I liked them all.
You can see my conflict. A well written, diverse story, but more sexual consent for all the females involved would’ve made this story so much more.
Solid, well written story.
Conflicted. Oh, so very conflicted. SO much happens. It felt like a trilogy in one book and I mean that in a good way. There is A LOT of growth for these characters and I really enjoyed that as well. Also, can we get a shout out for diversity?? I’m sure Lumen is a brown girl and I’m happy to see that. In fantasy/paranormal romance/RH we don’t see enough of this!
I felt conflicted on other topics though. This is a true spoiler if you’ve not read the book. You’ve been warned.
*
*
*
*
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I REALLY wanted Venomous, Fiercely, and Cobra to denounce their way of sealing the Ra mating bond. Anyway you look at it, it’s demoralizing. First, it’s rape. Second, it’s rape in front of hundreds of people. Third, sometimes it’s more than one male. I don’t think I would’ve felt this way as much, if the Ra females actually enjoyed it. What I could’ve excused for a cultural difference, was made harder by the fact that they NEVER enjoy it! During their whole lifetime Ra females never enjoy bonding physically with their males and this just depresses me. Rape is a theme that comes up a lot. So, while I loved Lumen and her guys (and their sensitivity to her) I HATED how this was the only way for her to be accepted by this community. Although, it’s definitely hinted that things would change now that Lumen is there, we don’t get to see that change. That’s a shame because Lumen is a remarkable character actually. I feel kind of proud of her in the end. I also ended up REALLY loving Venomous. Having the males POVs really helped. I liked them all.
You can see my conflict. A well written, diverse story, but more sexual consent for all the females involved would’ve made this story so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2016
Book Facts: Venomous
Genre: SciFi Romance
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts: I think it was a very good Scifi book, the Cat king was HILARIOUS. I can’t wait to read his book. For some reason I did not connect very much with the other two H’s so I think the story would have been complete without the ménage. It probably had to do with the first 3rd of the book is just about the primary H /h in captivity. They really seemed like just throw in characters to up the steam factor and it didn’t really work for me.
Overall Rating: 3.75
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
ReRead: Probably not
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Genre: SciFi Romance
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts: I think it was a very good Scifi book, the Cat king was HILARIOUS. I can’t wait to read his book. For some reason I did not connect very much with the other two H’s so I think the story would have been complete without the ménage. It probably had to do with the first 3rd of the book is just about the primary H /h in captivity. They really seemed like just throw in characters to up the steam factor and it didn’t really work for me.
Overall Rating: 3.75
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
ReRead: Probably not
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
May 7, 2015
I've got around to reading it! I loved Fiercely, Venomous and Cobra but I could do without Lumen. She was, how should I say... Needy, yes thats it. I liked that she wanted to be independent. But mostly she was independently needy. I don't know how to describe it. I liked her she was funny but I feel as though she lack that umf to be considered a survivor. I mean she had to have survived being stolen from earth and sold. Getting to know her through out the story I'm just not seeing how someone almost feeble minded as made it this far. I liked the side characters but Lumens lack of survival instincts sort of was a kill joy.
December 7, 2015
Do you know the evening I love the most are? Lounging round in my most comfortable threadbare pyjamas, which are hanging on by a wing and a prayer, wrapped in a warm blanket (‘cos the jammies have gone past the point of retaining heat, what with all the holes and all) with chocolate in one hand and my book in the other. To make this a perfect evening, the chocolate needs to involve peanut butter or salted caramel and the book needs to be one of my favourite authors’ new releases or a really cheesy/over the top sci-fi romance. I think we can all guess what Venomous was and it definitely provided me with a perfect evening or two.
I have read and loved and lot of Sci-Fi romances, there is something about the infinite possibilities and my love of Star Trek combined that makes this genre irresistible to me. Venomous is part of the abducted-by-aliens-and-sold-into-slavery troupe, our heroine Lumen was snatched from Earth by horrible aliens, who couldn’t find any use for her, so they throw her into the slave pits for the men to fight over. Which, is how she lands into Venomous One’s scaly arms.
If the cover didn’t give it away, our hero Venom is an alien lizard man, an alien lizard man with four arms whose his species remains genderless until he/she is woken up by his/her mate. Venom is my first alien of lizard descent (in the hero role anyways) and I have to say I was a little wary, was a scaly hero with a forked tongue and four arms pushing my tolerance too far? Apparently not. After a while I almost stopped thinking about it, I was too intent on seeing their relationship grow between him and Lumen and find out what troubles would crop up next.
However, it isn’t just the one alien lizard man that Lumen ends up mating with, it’s three, although the focus remains on Lumen and Venom for the majority of the story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the three alien husbands thing, not because I am opposed to menage, but because it felt superfluous, I wasn’t quite sure what it added to the book, the whole thing could have continued with her only having Venom. This is one of the reasons I can’t really rate this any higher than I have.
As much as I do love this kind of book, and I don’t mean to be disrespectful to the author, but I know what I am expecting when I open certain sci-fi romances; something a little bit strange, a little bit trashy and a little bit ridiculous. A combination I enjoy immensely. Venomous was all these things, but the ending seemed to drag on forever and Lumen, the heroine did some truly stupid things, like wandering off on an alien planet and almost getting killed…then wondering why one of her husbands were so angry about it.
But, these things didn’t stop me from enjoying this book, and it definitely won’t stop me reading the next book, we’ve had alien lizard in space, the next book promises to be alien lion in space. Cannot. Wait.
January 9, 2015
Absolutely awesome! Please write book 2!
As you can tell, I loved this book. I never really leave reviews, but I wanted to beg Ms Fletcher to write book 2 of this series! Plus, I had to share that this book made me laugh, grin, cry, and cheer. It also made me hot! The characters develop within the plot so naturally, that the reader becomes truly invested in the plot to the point that emotions were tugged all over the place and I grew to absolutely love the main characters as if my own life was wrapped up within their story. The h of the story would have made the coolest best friend in the galaxies, and the H's were super hot, loving, protective and kick-ass! And lovable! All the best themes are incorporated into the story: capture of the h, rooting for the underdogs, learning that love truly is in the eye of the beholder, pirate battles, warrior fights, fear, joy, hilarity, and passion and hot sex are just a few of them. Don't hesitate and read this book!
As you can tell, I loved this book. I never really leave reviews, but I wanted to beg Ms Fletcher to write book 2 of this series! Plus, I had to share that this book made me laugh, grin, cry, and cheer. It also made me hot! The characters develop within the plot so naturally, that the reader becomes truly invested in the plot to the point that emotions were tugged all over the place and I grew to absolutely love the main characters as if my own life was wrapped up within their story. The h of the story would have made the coolest best friend in the galaxies, and the H's were super hot, loving, protective and kick-ass! And lovable! All the best themes are incorporated into the story: capture of the h, rooting for the underdogs, learning that love truly is in the eye of the beholder, pirate battles, warrior fights, fear, joy, hilarity, and passion and hot sex are just a few of them. Don't hesitate and read this book!
February 8, 2015
This was a really good erotic scifi book. Similar to The Last Hour of Gann (and almost as long!), but not as brutal. Also similar to Jaid Black's https://www.goodreads.com/series/4289... series, but less silly.
The multiple culture clashes are handled well. Language and customs are misunderstood with both serious and humorous implications. The writing style is slightly off with oddly formed sentences, but the alternating perspectives are handled properly.
The plot is a bit of a shaggy dog tale, jumping from one disaster to another to the point that even the heroine says "Really? Again?" But the grand story is complete and properly uses the scifi environment to comment on earthly faults.
The sex is hot and inventive; even the nasty sex is good.
I will read book 2, which should be amusing indeed.
The multiple culture clashes are handled well. Language and customs are misunderstood with both serious and humorous implications. The writing style is slightly off with oddly formed sentences, but the alternating perspectives are handled properly.
The plot is a bit of a shaggy dog tale, jumping from one disaster to another to the point that even the heroine says "Really? Again?" But the grand story is complete and properly uses the scifi environment to comment on earthly faults.
The sex is hot and inventive; even the nasty sex is good.
I will read book 2, which should be amusing indeed.
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