What do you think?
Rate this book
An alien mercenary in Scotland
Thorrn only travelled to Earth to find women compatible with his species, even though he expects to stay alone for the rest of his cursed life. Broken inside and out, he's sure no female could ever want him. But that all changes when he sets his eyes on a sassy Earth woman with fiery red hair and a temper to match. With his mating instincts running wild, he will have to decide whether to claim her or return her to his planet to be studied by scientists.
A human businesswoman in search of love
Jenny has finally managed to leave her abusive boyfriend and is ready to start a new life. Promoting a new dating agency seems like just the project to distract herself with. While meeting an alien who looks like a hot Highlander wasn't part of her plan, when he offers to protect her from her crazy ex, she's tempted to take him up on his offer. Besides, she really needs to know what he hides beneath his kilt.
But when she finds out that his people intent to study her like a lab rat, can she trust him any more than her ex?
If you want hot alien Highlanders in kilts, strong women who don't like being told what to do, fated mates and happily-ever-afters, dive into the world of the Starlight Highlanders.
Cyle
Eron
Other series in the Starlight Universe:
Starlight Reapers (coming soon)
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2021
494 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Skye MacKinnon
235 books925 followersSkye MacKinnon is a USA Today & International Bestselling Author whose books are filled with strong heroines who don't have to choose.
She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.
When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).
Join her mailing list ➜ http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter
Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem
Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com
Follow her on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.
When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).
Join her mailing list ➜ http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter
Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem
Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com
Follow her on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
September 5, 2023
Scottish-adjacent aliens with clans, kilts, and a little (or not so little) something something under those kilts? Yep, this was an interesting and quick sci-fi romance! The H's planet has a different take on Mars needs women happening, because their women suddenly fell asleep. Some have since passed away, but the rest are just resting and scientists have theorized that Earth women, specifically from Scotland, would be compatible and have some cultural similarities. An element of a match-making agency is incorporated, but doesn't play a huge role in this first book, other than to serve as a meeting point. There's a nice intro to the h and H, some world-building, and *boom* fated mates. Then a touch of conflict and an emergency so the story keeps a quick pace and packs quite a bit into the pages.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, some om drama from h's ex who was abusive and who she'd just ended things with at the start of the book. Neither are virgins, but the H has only ever been with other men (culturally it's expected that they not have sex til after they're committed to their mates, but there were also no women).
I liked both the h and H, but I did wish for more depth and for the pace to slow down some in certain parts. I also read a few slower burn/builds before this one where the character and relationship development was greater and more drawn out and that probably affected my feelings on this one some. The H is a bit battered from his job (cage fighter) and does feel self-conscious. The h also questions being a mate and commitment since she's just left an awful relationship where the ex is still causing problems, but it does get resolved quickly and fairly easily. I liked this book still and I thought it had a lot of sweetness, plus a touch of fun steam. The ending is HFN, they're mated and continuing to do what they can for the H's planet, but there's no epilogue. I assume they'll be featured in the other books in the series however.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, some om drama from h's ex who was abusive and who she'd just ended things with at the start of the book. Neither are virgins, but the H has only ever been with other men (culturally it's expected that they not have sex til after they're committed to their mates, but there were also no women).
I liked both the h and H, but I did wish for more depth and for the pace to slow down some in certain parts. I also read a few slower burn/builds before this one where the character and relationship development was greater and more drawn out and that probably affected my feelings on this one some. The H is a bit battered from his job (cage fighter) and does feel self-conscious. The h also questions being a mate and commitment since she's just left an awful relationship where the ex is still causing problems, but it does get resolved quickly and fairly easily. I liked this book still and I thought it had a lot of sweetness, plus a touch of fun steam. The ending is HFN, they're mated and continuing to do what they can for the H's planet, but there's no epilogue. I assume they'll be featured in the other books in the series however.
September 15, 2021
¿Aliens en kilts?
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen
Thorrn de Skye MacKinnon Serie Starlight Highlander Mail Order Brides libro1
Argumento:
Un mercenario alienígena en Escocia:
Thorrn solo viajó a la Tierra para encontrar mujeres compatibles con su especie, aunque espera quedarse solo por el resto de su maldita vida. Roto por dentro y por fuera, está seguro de que ninguna mujer podría desearlo jamás.
Pero todo eso cambia cuando pone sus ojos en una descarada mujer terrestre con el pelo rojo ardiente y un temperamento a la altura. Con sus instintos de apareamiento enloquecidos, tendrá que decidir si reclamarla o devolverla a su planeta para que los científicos la estudien.
Una empresaria humana en busca del amor:
Jenny finalmente ha logrado dejar a su novio abusivo y está lista para comenzar una nueva vida. Promocionar una nueva agencia de citas parece ser el proyecto con el que distraerse.
Aunque conocer a un extraterrestre que parece un Highlander atractivo no era parte de su plan, cuando él se ofrece a protegerla de su loco ex, ella se siente tentada a aceptar su oferta. Además, ella realmente necesita saber qué esconde debajo de su falda escocesa.
Pero cuando se entera de que su gente tiene la intención de estudiarla como una rata de laboratorio, ¿puede confiar en él más que en su ex?
Si quieres alienígenas montañeses calientes con faldas escocesas, mujeres fuertes a las que no les gusta que les digan qué hacer, parejas predestinadas y felices para siempre, sumérgete en el mundo de los montañeses Starlight.
Mí humilde opinión:
Me gustó mucho la idea de los aliens en kilts y una 'Escocia' en otro planeta dónde perduran las tradiciones pero tristemente el libro no cumplió con mis expectativas.
Primero estaba el tema edificio del mundo que en mí opinión fue pobre, la autora me cuenta sobre los Albyans muy brevemente, lo básico y me hubiera gustado más detalle cuando por fin los protagonistas van a Albya. Lo que sí me gustó y vi romántico cuando se casan, la ceremonia con el handfasting, todo el tema de las parejas destinadas lo encontré lindo.
Después estaba el tema de que los Albyans, los highlanders alienígenas, llegan a la tierra en busca de mujeres compatibles para ellos puesto que las mujeres en su mundo de repente enfermaron, cayeron al estilo Bella durmiente y no pudieron despertarlas. Ellos solo llegan a la tierra en su nave sin preparación y sin permiso porque no tienen permitido estar allí y van a una famosa agencia de citas para ver si son compatibles con las mujeres en la base de perfiles de la agencia. No sé, yo lo encontré absurdo en la historia, quizás si hubiera estado escrito de manera distinta me hubiera convencido más.
No estoy segura de los aliens con antenas, cuatro brazos y lo que se oculta debajo de sus kilts, era toda una mezcla que mí cabeza no se ponía de acuerdo de si era una imagen sexy o ridícula, me quedé en medio con una idea curiosa.
El comienzo se desarrolla en la tierra y cuenta sobre Jenny que sufrió violencia doméstica. Pensé que ella era valiente por dejar a su ex y hacer lo posible por mantenerlo lejos de ella pero de pronto conoce a Thorrn y no puede esperar para arrancarle el kilt? Su personaje iba bien al comienzo, me gustó su valentía y que era una persona sincera y divertida pero luego de que es secuestrada por el ex y luego por el mismo Thorrn que la lleva a Albya, me pareció contradictorio todo lo que decía o hacía. Un momento quería escapar y volver a la tierra y al siguiente minuto ya decidió casarse con él. Su cambio de parecer fue brusco.
Thorrn era un guerrero arrogante y algo rudo, Jenny misma le dice hombre de las cavernas, me gustan esos héroes pero no me decidí si me gustó del todo Thorrn. Podía ser alfa un momento, ponerse violento al otro y actuar dulce al siguiente. Tenía un punto sensible con su antena rota y lo que sucedió a su mundo con las mujeres pero no fue un personaje que me terminara de agradar.
El romance fue apresurado a más no poder, comprendía el punto de vista de Thornn, su antena reconoció a su pareja pero Jenny era humana y me mareaban sus pensamientos contradictorios.
Jenny y Thorrn se conocen, cruzan un puñado de palabras y entonces él la reconoce como su pareja destinada, se lo confiesa a ella, por supuesto cree que está loco y se aleja de él. Es cuando el ex abusivo la rapta y Thorrn no tarda en rescatarla. Delante de Jenny le rompe el cuello al ex y ella ni pestañea. Después sube a Jenny a su nave y se la lleva. Ella descubre que no es humano, sus brazos extras lo delatan pero extrañamente ella no enloquece por estar en una nave con un alien de cuatro brazos que le dice que es su compañera destinada! Thorrn no puede soportar verla herida por lo que la mete en un tipo de cámara con nanos para curarla pero resulta que la máquina tenía un mal funcionamiento y lugar de curar a la pobre chica la termina casi matando. Pero no, por suerte la salva pero ella se mantiene dormida en recuperación durante el viaje a Albya. Thorrn cuida de ella, mientras está inconsciente le habla de él y su mundo abriéndole su corazón. A la llegada a su planeta muchas semanas después los científicos de allí quieren examinar a Jenny porque es la primera mujer en emparejarse con uno de ellos en mucho tiempo. Thorrn acepta que lo hagan mientras él esté presente y no la dañen. Jenny finalmente despierta en casa de Thornn y tienen un par de conversaciones más pero ella se mantiene tranquila por estar en un planeta extraño, piensa en escapar y hasta se enoja con Thornn por aceptar que le hagan exámenes sin que le preguntara antes, lo que no dura mucho. Jenny de repente acepta su situación, piensa que no está mal, y como no puede con la lujuria que siente y finalmente descubrir qué hay debajo de la falda del alien, quiere casarse con él de inmediato! Eso fue un resumen desde que se conocen, todo fue entre absurdo y apresurado. Yo estaba WTF está pasando!
No sentí un desarrollo en su relación romántica, había lujuria. Ni las escenas calientes me sorprendieron.
Al final del libro, Pam, la que dirige la agencia de citas parece que hizo un trato con los Albyans para conseguir parejas compatibles y yo me quedé boquiabierta cuando les envía nuestras de sangre de esas mujeres, esto fue consentido, sabrán ellas que conocerán a un alien, las secuestrarán? No me quedó claro todo el asunto.
Thorrn fue un libro demasiado corto, para mí faltó detalles y desarrollo, la parte romántica no me emocionó ni lo que estaba sucediendo. Me quedaron muchas dudas y sin ganas de continuar con el próximo libro, lo siento.
January 27, 2022
3.5 stars rounded to 4 because I love Scotland and men in kilts.
A fast, fun read, this first-in-series is relatively short at 108 pages. As such, between the necessary world building and time for the relationship to build between the Rozar and Nadia, the 'I love you' and related steamy consummation in the final chapters seemed a little rushed.
A fast, fun read, this first-in-series is relatively short at 108 pages. As such, between the necessary world building and time for the relationship to build between the Rozar and Nadia, the 'I love you' and related steamy consummation in the final chapters seemed a little rushed.
May 31, 2023
A Big Hunky Alien with Antennas and a Special Feature Under His Kilt😉
What a very enjoyable quick read. I can't say I usually read books that are written by authors from other countries. I find foreign authors are usually difficult to understand due to diverse wording. I was grateful the author provided a brief glossary, and Google Scottish word search made it worth the extra effort.
The only thing keeping this story from 5 stars is I think it has a plot-hole. Now on to Eron’s story. Great Read.
What a very enjoyable quick read. I can't say I usually read books that are written by authors from other countries. I find foreign authors are usually difficult to understand due to diverse wording. I was grateful the author provided a brief glossary, and Google Scottish word search made it worth the extra effort.
The only thing keeping this story from 5 stars is I think it has a plot-hole. Now on to Eron’s story. Great Read.
May 25, 2024
This was actually so cute 😍
~ Thorrn is on a mission for females compatible with his species. Jenny is finally free from her abusive ex and is definitely not looking for another relationship. ~
~ Thorrn is on a mission for females compatible with his species. Jenny is finally free from her abusive ex and is definitely not looking for another relationship. ~
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1642113904i%2F116166019._UY200_CR2%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 14, 2023
4 ⭐️ This was so good!
It was really short, but I had a great time.
Thorrn is an alien coming to Earth with his brother to investigate the chances of human women being compatible with his own species after an illness left all females of his own species in a perpetual sleep.
The whole love connection between Jenny and Thorrn happens in .03 seconds - I feel like they went from world building to mating in no time. Still, I feel like this was a good time and a great beginning for the rest of the books in this series.
It was really short, but I had a great time.
Thorrn is an alien coming to Earth with his brother to investigate the chances of human women being compatible with his own species after an illness left all females of his own species in a perpetual sleep.
The whole love connection between Jenny and Thorrn happens in .03 seconds - I feel like they went from world building to mating in no time. Still, I feel like this was a good time and a great beginning for the rest of the books in this series.
October 1, 2021
Mckinnon knows how to deliver a quirky take on favourite fictional types. Her alien highlanders are perfect example of this and Thorrn was not just quirky fun. It handle a serious subject with justice and no hidden secrets. Jenny knew she had to escape but I don’t think she expected highlander like Thorrn
He was the right person for her and couldn’t come at a better time. Both had their own pains to deal with and they made each other a better person. Their first meeting was charming in all the right ways and immediately I was in their corner hoping they could figure things out
Can’t wait for more of the highlanders
He was the right person for her and couldn’t come at a better time. Both had their own pains to deal with and they made each other a better person. Their first meeting was charming in all the right ways and immediately I was in their corner hoping they could figure things out
Can’t wait for more of the highlanders
September 22, 2021
I am really glad I took a chance with this author with this book! It had great flow and the scenes were written with clarity and flow which allows us to delve into story flawlessly. At no point did I pick up any jaggedness that some authors have but all of the words flowed from scene to scene flawlessly. I enjoyed this story and the back story for each character. It has a few characters I hope may or may not have their own books coming, but I am sure that Miss MacKinnon is going to make those characters shine!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
Highlanders love the lassies
This book is just right for those who are ready for an adventure, even if they can’t leave their house. Or the planet. Yep! These highlanders use the stars as their guide to find their mates and hopefully reawaken their society. The characters are amazing! I love how they are both just a little bit broken and yet they manage to believe in the impossible. There’s action, danger, and romance galore as these two race across the stars, and the author did a wonderful job of pulling me into the drama. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and who will find their lady love.
This book is just right for those who are ready for an adventure, even if they can’t leave their house. Or the planet. Yep! These highlanders use the stars as their guide to find their mates and hopefully reawaken their society. The characters are amazing! I love how they are both just a little bit broken and yet they manage to believe in the impossible. There’s action, danger, and romance galore as these two race across the stars, and the author did a wonderful job of pulling me into the drama. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and who will find their lady love.
August 8, 2024
Je voulais une lecture sans prise de tête et je ne sais pas pourquoi, je me suis dit qu'une romance SF avec un héros à quatre bars, et en kilt, ça pourrait le faire. Mais clairement pas en fait. L'histoire, les personnages, je n'ai rien aimé. Trop facile, pas vraiment d'intrigue qui tient la route et la romance juste pas crédible à mes yeux.
Want to read
June 23, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/23/2023)! 🎁
September 1, 2023
WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE, I USUALLY DON'T READ THIS TYPE OF GENRE. BUT I DECIDED TO TRY IT SOUNDED INTERESTING AND IT WAS FREE. I REALLY LIKED IT AND MIGHT TRY ANOTHER. ;D
September 13, 2024
3.5 stars
May 22, 2025
Quick and cute.
October 28, 2023
This is a strong 3.5 but not strong enough to make me round it up to a 4. I really enjoyed that this was more plot than it was smut, that's perfect for me. If you prefer low spice then this is the book for you as there is only one chapter that focuses on the smut.
Thorrn and Jenny are both likeable characters. Jenny has a rough past that deals with domestic abuse and Thorrn is a warrior who believed he would never have a mate. I really appreciated that this did not involve kidnapping girls to be sex slaves, mega points to that because oh boy is sci-fi romance inundated with that plot line. I really enjoyed the idea of setting up a galactic dating website, its such a fun plot line.
The first half of the story is really strong, you meet the characters who get a pretty decent background set up. I will admit that Jenny does feel more flushed out then Thorrn. There are pieces of his background that don't get revealed until the later half of the story but they pale in comparison to Jenny's background, especially his "I'm looked down upon because of my damaged antennae." this felt very superficial and didn't really hold any weight since we didn't get to see him interact with the other men of his planet and see how they looked down upon him. I enjoyed that he was rough and scary looking but actually a sweet puppy, (who literally commits murder but that's okay) The set up of the world and what will be an over arching plot line involving the dating site is established and done really well.
The second half the story felt like it lost its way. First there was the abrupt scene change that was really confusing but once I realized the story was back on his planet I was able to follow along again. It felt lost though because upon entering this planet a deal is made for Jenny to be experimented on, which it would have been nice to see the negotiations between Thorrn and his planet Elders on this matter, but then the story completely skips over it. It goes right into her and Thorrn chatting and getting to know each other more and then them decided they will get married, (which I really don't like wedding scenes in romances, especially where it prevents them from having sex until after they are married, its weird purity nonsense.) It made no sense to build up this possible conflict of Jenny being experimented on and then not deliver on it, it honestly feels like a whole arc is missing from this story and I think had it been included it would have made the story even stronger and would have really added to the depth of the couple and made the chapters we got in regards to mainly Jenny coming to terms that she was Thorrn's mate feel a bit more believable.
Overall its a decently paced, well written book. I'll be continuing the series
Thorrn and Jenny are both likeable characters. Jenny has a rough past that deals with domestic abuse and Thorrn is a warrior who believed he would never have a mate. I really appreciated that this did not involve kidnapping girls to be sex slaves, mega points to that because oh boy is sci-fi romance inundated with that plot line. I really enjoyed the idea of setting up a galactic dating website, its such a fun plot line.
The first half of the story is really strong, you meet the characters who get a pretty decent background set up. I will admit that Jenny does feel more flushed out then Thorrn. There are pieces of his background that don't get revealed until the later half of the story but they pale in comparison to Jenny's background, especially his "I'm looked down upon because of my damaged antennae." this felt very superficial and didn't really hold any weight since we didn't get to see him interact with the other men of his planet and see how they looked down upon him. I enjoyed that he was rough and scary looking but actually a sweet puppy, (who literally commits murder but that's okay) The set up of the world and what will be an over arching plot line involving the dating site is established and done really well.
The second half the story felt like it lost its way. First there was the abrupt scene change that was really confusing but once I realized the story was back on his planet I was able to follow along again. It felt lost though because upon entering this planet a deal is made for Jenny to be experimented on, which it would have been nice to see the negotiations between Thorrn and his planet Elders on this matter, but then the story completely skips over it. It goes right into her and Thorrn chatting and getting to know each other more and then them decided they will get married, (which I really don't like wedding scenes in romances, especially where it prevents them from having sex until after they are married, its weird purity nonsense.) It made no sense to build up this possible conflict of Jenny being experimented on and then not deliver on it, it honestly feels like a whole arc is missing from this story and I think had it been included it would have made the story even stronger and would have really added to the depth of the couple and made the chapters we got in regards to mainly Jenny coming to terms that she was Thorrn's mate feel a bit more believable.
Overall its a decently paced, well written book. I'll be continuing the series
August 25, 2023
plot issues
Three stars for several issues with the plot that aren’t something minor like a typo or change of hair or eyes.
Spoilers for those who haven’t read this book yet…
Ch 11 we go from we won’t let them experiment on her, we’ll take her back to earth before that, to him signing a contract with the scientists on the planet while she is asleep and they aren’t even married so what legal right does he have to act on her behalf? The whole scene skips, like it is missing several paragraphs.
Just how old is he? The women went into sleep when he was just recognizes an adult (let’s say 20) and by this time every married couple has died. All that are left are men who have never been married on the entire planet. So that makes him what… over a hundred? Or do they have very rapid growth and maturity and have a very short life span?
He told her he was sitting by her side, while she was in a coma, talking to her and then the following chapter she is all I’d like to think he had been by my side talking to me… they contradict one another because it isn’t like she didn’t believe him prior.
Later on he says his brother has never had a mate… this has been obvious throughout the story and makes no sense to state as such. Especially with every mated couple currently dead.
And then we have the whole first wedding in a generation… which is give or take 20 years… so again how old is he?
Then let’s not forget the fact the plot did a weird split and squirreled its way to a different plot point. We have the whole women asleep, needing a cure, going to test on the single human to find a cure for an alien disease… to not talking about it at all and focusing on procuring more human women. Signing contracts to make her a lab rat where she’s not allowed to leave the alien planet, let alone go anywhere unescorted, until a cure is found or more human women are mated, just poof, disappear from the plot. She’s furious, she’s mad, she quickly agrees, but nothing comes from it. No updates in regards to the cure. Only that his brother found ten potential human mates.
Emotionally this story is not for me. I finished it because I hope the author will correct the plot issues and make a good story better for future readers. I will most likely not be following through this series for lack of hook and fears of more plot issues that kick me out of that happy reading headspace.
Three stars for several issues with the plot that aren’t something minor like a typo or change of hair or eyes.
Spoilers for those who haven’t read this book yet…
Ch 11 we go from we won’t let them experiment on her, we’ll take her back to earth before that, to him signing a contract with the scientists on the planet while she is asleep and they aren’t even married so what legal right does he have to act on her behalf? The whole scene skips, like it is missing several paragraphs.
Just how old is he? The women went into sleep when he was just recognizes an adult (let’s say 20) and by this time every married couple has died. All that are left are men who have never been married on the entire planet. So that makes him what… over a hundred? Or do they have very rapid growth and maturity and have a very short life span?
He told her he was sitting by her side, while she was in a coma, talking to her and then the following chapter she is all I’d like to think he had been by my side talking to me… they contradict one another because it isn’t like she didn’t believe him prior.
Later on he says his brother has never had a mate… this has been obvious throughout the story and makes no sense to state as such. Especially with every mated couple currently dead.
And then we have the whole first wedding in a generation… which is give or take 20 years… so again how old is he?
Then let’s not forget the fact the plot did a weird split and squirreled its way to a different plot point. We have the whole women asleep, needing a cure, going to test on the single human to find a cure for an alien disease… to not talking about it at all and focusing on procuring more human women. Signing contracts to make her a lab rat where she’s not allowed to leave the alien planet, let alone go anywhere unescorted, until a cure is found or more human women are mated, just poof, disappear from the plot. She’s furious, she’s mad, she quickly agrees, but nothing comes from it. No updates in regards to the cure. Only that his brother found ten potential human mates.
Emotionally this story is not for me. I finished it because I hope the author will correct the plot issues and make a good story better for future readers. I will most likely not be following through this series for lack of hook and fears of more plot issues that kick me out of that happy reading headspace.
July 2, 2022
I quickly jumped into this, was really intrigued with the plot and the new twist on getting aliens and humans together, but as soon as the human became a life-sized sex doll I lost the desire to finish. Kudos for not having spelling or editing errors but from the point where the heroine willingly abdicates her life without even knowing what she’s getting into and says Goodbye to everything that matters to her, I had to skip ahead. In all the spots I touched down going forward, it was never justified. It never got better, the story basically ended when the alien decided she was going to move back “home” so he could satisfy his needs. The lead F has no voice - the character we imagine coming out stronger from her trials is simply dropped on her ass in the middle of the alien abduction trope as we race ahead toward an ending of the story. The author could have given her a voice, especially since she started out as such a strong character. Additionally, someone who has been abused to the degree that she has would never willingly be a dishrag for another man. There went all sense of believability. I received this story as a free download through a promotional newsletter. If I had known more about it beforehand I probably would not have agreed to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: meh.
The FMC starts out strong, but then she loses all of her strength and just does whatever the MMC wants her to do. I also thought that it was extremely unlikely for a woman who was a domestic violence victim to .
The instalove was so thick that I could barely stand it. The FMC goes from not wanting to even be around the MMC to wanting to marry him at the drop of a hat.
There were some good things in here that, if they'd been expanded upon, might have made a really good story. As this stands, though, I really didn't care all that much for the story or the world.
The FMC starts out strong, but then she loses all of her strength and just does whatever the MMC wants her to do. I also thought that it was extremely unlikely for a woman who was a domestic violence victim to .
The instalove was so thick that I could barely stand it. The FMC goes from not wanting to even be around the MMC to wanting to marry him at the drop of a hat.
There were some good things in here that, if they'd been expanded upon, might have made a really good story. As this stands, though, I really didn't care all that much for the story or the world.
June 10, 2022
disappointing and juvenile
Not my jam. I bought it read the entire thing and just couldn’t connect to the characters. Everyone was childish. We glaze over things and topics that just are things that should be addressed but whatever
Not my jam. I bought it read the entire thing and just couldn’t connect to the characters. Everyone was childish. We glaze over things and topics that just are things that should be addressed but whatever
August 27, 2023
Thorrn is a hot male even if he has a few extra appendages. He made me excited too.
I did feel like the love between Jenny and Thorrn happened so fast that it I missed the build up and bonding between to people. Maybe more details and Id like to read about their wedding. Either way not a bad read.
I did feel like the love between Jenny and Thorrn happened so fast that it I missed the build up and bonding between to people. Maybe more details and Id like to read about their wedding. Either way not a bad read.
April 15, 2025
“Some people believe the stars control our lives, but I see them as guides, to be either followed or ignored. They show a possible path and it is our choice whether to walk on it.”
I enjoyed the first half of this book a lot, the initial setup and introduction to Jenny and Thorrn was great. The concept of the dating agency, the alien females "sleep" and the research they're trying to find others. I was interested to see how the story would go.
Thorrn & Jenny's first conversation, the realization of mates & the stumbling over words. How he adored her instantly, the protective instincts and wanting to do the right thing. I liked that Jenny had a backbone here and didn't just fall into his arms, she leaves and tries for her own space.
However this is where things took a turn as suddenly the kidnapping by the ex, Thorrn killing him and the guy who helped abduct her. Trying to heal her injuries, the bay breaking down harming her and him choosing to take the pain instead.
It could have been interesting if then had allowed them time to develop relationship, get to know one another as the spark is there and compliment one another well considering their backgrounds.
Yet sadly the pacing turns ridiculous and there's a lot of control going on from the aliens. Wanting to run tests on her as she is the first to be linked to alien, figure out whether they can help their own females without a care for her choices.
She is basically in a coma for a month and when wakes up, finds herself on another planet being told she will be tested on... Like Thorrn gives the illusion of choice, but it's pretty obvious the rest of the aliens will do regardless if she says no.
Anyway she then decides she's in love with him because she is horny and they can only have sex one married, so it's a quick mating ceremony followed by spicy scenes insta love and thats it. Hints to the next book in the epilogue, yet it's a very abrupt ending giving happy for now vibes.
There was a lot of potential here and yet it lost me in the second half, some of the writing choices were not for me either. Still I may try the next book sometime as intrigues me.
I enjoyed the first half of this book a lot, the initial setup and introduction to Jenny and Thorrn was great. The concept of the dating agency, the alien females "sleep" and the research they're trying to find others. I was interested to see how the story would go.
Thorrn & Jenny's first conversation, the realization of mates & the stumbling over words. How he adored her instantly, the protective instincts and wanting to do the right thing. I liked that Jenny had a backbone here and didn't just fall into his arms, she leaves and tries for her own space.
However this is where things took a turn as suddenly the kidnapping by the ex, Thorrn killing him and the guy who helped abduct her. Trying to heal her injuries, the bay breaking down harming her and him choosing to take the pain instead.
It could have been interesting if then had allowed them time to develop relationship, get to know one another as the spark is there and compliment one another well considering their backgrounds.
Yet sadly the pacing turns ridiculous and there's a lot of control going on from the aliens. Wanting to run tests on her as she is the first to be linked to alien, figure out whether they can help their own females without a care for her choices.
She is basically in a coma for a month and when wakes up, finds herself on another planet being told she will be tested on... Like Thorrn gives the illusion of choice, but it's pretty obvious the rest of the aliens will do regardless if she says no.
Anyway she then decides she's in love with him because she is horny and they can only have sex one married, so it's a quick mating ceremony followed by spicy scenes insta love and thats it. Hints to the next book in the epilogue, yet it's a very abrupt ending giving happy for now vibes.
There was a lot of potential here and yet it lost me in the second half, some of the writing choices were not for me either. Still I may try the next book sometime as intrigues me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
Jenny is putting her life together now that she's left her abusive ex-boyfriend. Her new client Hot Tatties, a dating agency, is the perfect distraction. Pam, the owner, is happily married and she wants others to find that happiness too. Their initial meeting has Pam inviting her to meet with her prospective partners with an abundance of males in their database. They are looking for Scottish females, born and bred in Scotland. Pam also has Jenny add herself to the database to get a feel of the process.
Cyle his co-worker Jafar, and Thorrn his brother are on route to Peritus, Earth, as Pam and Jenny are meeting. They are excited to get started so while Cyle and Jafar talk contracts and methods with Pam, Thorrn and Jenny go for coffee to discuss marketing. Thorrn couldn't explain why he wanted to get out of that office, but he was having trouble breathing in his C-suit that makes him appear totally human. His antennae was also itching, something that has never happened before. He incredibly attracted to her and doesn't understand what's happening. He only has a bent antennae and as such is considered broken and unworthy of a mate. Yet when their hands touch there is no mistaking that Jenny is his mate, but they can't just jump into this.
As he tries to explain Jenny freaks out, no surprise there, and runs. Instead of going back to Pam's office. A call from her brother lets her know her ex is looking for her. She reassures him she'd go elsewhere to work for a bit before returning to his home. Instead there's a most interesting turn of events.
From one abduction to kind of another, Jenny becomes a victim of sorts with an accident with a med pod.
This book was a lot of fun as Thorrn and his brother try to explain what happened to her, and also keep Pam in the loop so her brother wouldn't worry. Then there's that overwhelming attraction and heat between Thorrn and Jenny.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Cyle his co-worker Jafar, and Thorrn his brother are on route to Peritus, Earth, as Pam and Jenny are meeting. They are excited to get started so while Cyle and Jafar talk contracts and methods with Pam, Thorrn and Jenny go for coffee to discuss marketing. Thorrn couldn't explain why he wanted to get out of that office, but he was having trouble breathing in his C-suit that makes him appear totally human. His antennae was also itching, something that has never happened before. He incredibly attracted to her and doesn't understand what's happening. He only has a bent antennae and as such is considered broken and unworthy of a mate. Yet when their hands touch there is no mistaking that Jenny is his mate, but they can't just jump into this.
As he tries to explain Jenny freaks out, no surprise there, and runs. Instead of going back to Pam's office. A call from her brother lets her know her ex is looking for her. She reassures him she'd go elsewhere to work for a bit before returning to his home. Instead there's a most interesting turn of events.
From one abduction to kind of another, Jenny becomes a victim of sorts with an accident with a med pod.
This book was a lot of fun as Thorrn and his brother try to explain what happened to her, and also keep Pam in the loop so her brother wouldn't worry. Then there's that overwhelming attraction and heat between Thorrn and Jenny.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
June 26, 2025
She ran from a monster. She found an alien built for war and wired for devotion.
Jenny’s (h) just survived the worst year of her life. A violent breakup, a shattered arm, and a future she’s barely holding together. Helping a quirky Scottish matchmaker with a trial interview seems harmless, until she’s face to face with a towering stranger in a kilt who doesn’t blink, doesn’t smile, and definitely isn’t from here.
Thorrn (H) is an Albyan warrior, a gladiator sent to Earth on a mission to find compatible mates for his dying species. He expected awkward conversations and dull scans. He didn’t expect Jenny. The moment they touch, his body reacts. His damaged mating antenna flares to life. One truth becomes clear. She’s his.
But Jenny is no one’s prize. When her past catches up in the worst way, it’s Thorrn who saves her, fast, brutal, and without apology. She wakes on his ship, terrified and furious, only to realize he isn’t trying to own her. He’s trying to protect her. What started as instinct becomes something neither of them expected.
On Albya, trust builds slowly. Touch becomes safety. Jenny learns what it means to be chosen for who she is, not what she can give. Thorrn learns how to love without control. Together, they stand against a world that sees her as a miracle and him as a threat, and choose something neither of them thought they could have.
Jenny grows from a guarded survivor into a woman who reclaims her agency and chooses her own path. Thorrn becomes more than a weapon, learning to lead with connection over control. What starts with attraction turns into a partnership built on trust, consent, and shared healing.
A steamy, alien-human, fated mates, sci-fi romance that explores trauma, power, survival, trust, and love on new ground.
Jenny’s (h) just survived the worst year of her life. A violent breakup, a shattered arm, and a future she’s barely holding together. Helping a quirky Scottish matchmaker with a trial interview seems harmless, until she’s face to face with a towering stranger in a kilt who doesn’t blink, doesn’t smile, and definitely isn’t from here.
Thorrn (H) is an Albyan warrior, a gladiator sent to Earth on a mission to find compatible mates for his dying species. He expected awkward conversations and dull scans. He didn’t expect Jenny. The moment they touch, his body reacts. His damaged mating antenna flares to life. One truth becomes clear. She’s his.
But Jenny is no one’s prize. When her past catches up in the worst way, it’s Thorrn who saves her, fast, brutal, and without apology. She wakes on his ship, terrified and furious, only to realize he isn’t trying to own her. He’s trying to protect her. What started as instinct becomes something neither of them expected.
On Albya, trust builds slowly. Touch becomes safety. Jenny learns what it means to be chosen for who she is, not what she can give. Thorrn learns how to love without control. Together, they stand against a world that sees her as a miracle and him as a threat, and choose something neither of them thought they could have.
Jenny grows from a guarded survivor into a woman who reclaims her agency and chooses her own path. Thorrn becomes more than a weapon, learning to lead with connection over control. What starts with attraction turns into a partnership built on trust, consent, and shared healing.
A steamy, alien-human, fated mates, sci-fi romance that explores trauma, power, survival, trust, and love on new ground.
September 13, 2021
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 was okay, though not especially vivid. Part of that was probably the shorter length of the novel. The characterization was good, with both the hero and heroine being sympathetic individuals with some nuance. The development of the romantic relationship was sweet, with heavy use of the trope of the alpha male seeing the heroine and immediately going, “MINE!” I have a serious weakness for that trope! This novel had a heat level of three chili peppers. The plot was action packed and exciting. As a consequence, the pacing sped by. This novel had low angst and high stakes throughout, which tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Fated Mates trope and the Mars Needs Women trope. The world building was three stars. The plot and pacing were both four stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also four stars. I therefore rounded up and gave this novel a combined rating of four 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 sci-fi romances and Scottish/Highlander romances. This novel was a fun melding of the two. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I do not currently plan to buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
Kilts don’t do it for me, which is my own cross to bear, but I found it unfathomably cringey when the FMC actually asked the MMC what he wears under the kilt. I know romance authors have an unhealthy obsession with men going commando (I hate it, personally—makes me think about how his jeans probably smell like sweaty scrotes) but whatever he wears underneath his clothes is supposed to be a sexy surprise, not something you’d ask about, let alone in a public cafe in front of an innocent cherry tart who doesn’t deserve this kind of disrespect.
I was further disappointed when I realized we were 70% of the way through the book and we had only just gotten to the part where the FMC had just woken from her convenient travel coma and the MMC immediately got down to explaining about his people’s mating customs. I wanted the arrival on the alien planet to be, like, the 20-30% mark, and I wanted the rest of the book to be him slowly and patiently introducing her to his home, friends and culture.
I especially hated the fact that they were desperately horny and yet the MMC wouldn’t fool around with her until after marriage. It put unnecessary pressure on the FMC to commit to him when they don’t know each other at all, and it made the ending feel rushed. It’s a fated mates story with so very little romance—obviously meant to appeal to a certain demographic’s tastes—it’s like the kink aspect kind of short-circuited the author’s brain and made them forget to actually spin a good yarn.
I was further disappointed when I realized we were 70% of the way through the book and we had only just gotten to the part where the FMC had just woken from her convenient travel coma and the MMC immediately got down to explaining about his people’s mating customs. I wanted the arrival on the alien planet to be, like, the 20-30% mark, and I wanted the rest of the book to be him slowly and patiently introducing her to his home, friends and culture.
I especially hated the fact that they were desperately horny and yet the MMC wouldn’t fool around with her until after marriage. It put unnecessary pressure on the FMC to commit to him when they don’t know each other at all, and it made the ending feel rushed. It’s a fated mates story with so very little romance—obviously meant to appeal to a certain demographic’s tastes—it’s like the kink aspect kind of short-circuited the author’s brain and made them forget to actually spin a good yarn.
September 13, 2021
Alien males who have a Scottish accent and dress like highlanders, what’s not to love? They are possessive, protective and deep down just big ol teddy bears. They are looking for their fated mate and they do it by using a human dating agency as a cover. It’s their first meeting with the dating agency that Thorrn finds his mate who is a marketing director. He never thought he would find a mate due to being injured in a fight. So to say he’s shocked is an understatement. Jenny, his mate, has just come out of an abusive relationship and has decided to stay single for the rest of her life. When Thorrn declares her his mate she panics and runs away, unfortunately her ex finds her and is in the process of kidnapping her when Thorrn hears her scream and comes running. He saves her but she was injured, he puts her in a medpod to heal but it has awful consequences and they end up taking her to another planet. Thorrn is worried that Jenny won’t accept him as her mate and as soon as she wakes up he’s gonna have his work cut out for him, especially when she finds out a deal he made while she was unconscious.
This book does mention domestic violence so err on the side of caution if it is a trigger for you. This book is fast paced and has fated mates, steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending guaranteed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book does mention domestic violence so err on the side of caution if it is a trigger for you. This book is fast paced and has fated mates, steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending guaranteed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2021
Thorrn: Starlight Highlanders Mail Order Brides #1 (Intergalactic Dating Agency) Kindle Edition
by Skye MacKinnon
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the complimentary reviewer's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
With all the fun of a Ruby Dixon not-Hoth novel and the world-building of Jane Ann Krentz as her alter-ego, Jayne Castle, Thorrn kicks off a new series that I can't wait to read more of.
Our poor heroine, Jenny, has just gotten out of a bad relationship. With a broken arm and nothing but slashed and cut clothing, she is staying with her brother as she works as a marketing specialist for a dating agency that works with the males from Albya. Four armed, antennaed men in kilts, what more could a girl wish for – except maybe a hot alien in a kilt who is your fated mate.
Thorrn and his people are looking for women, their own lost to death or the Sleeping. Earth was a last shot, and one that paid off.
The characters are fun, funny and just complicated enough for a novella.
Sex and love scenes scald the e-readers.
A hot read for a cool autumn eve. With men in kilts – in case I forgot to mention them.
3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Thorrn-Starlig...
by Skye MacKinnon
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the complimentary reviewer's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
With all the fun of a Ruby Dixon not-Hoth novel and the world-building of Jane Ann Krentz as her alter-ego, Jayne Castle, Thorrn kicks off a new series that I can't wait to read more of.
Our poor heroine, Jenny, has just gotten out of a bad relationship. With a broken arm and nothing but slashed and cut clothing, she is staying with her brother as she works as a marketing specialist for a dating agency that works with the males from Albya. Four armed, antennaed men in kilts, what more could a girl wish for – except maybe a hot alien in a kilt who is your fated mate.
Thorrn and his people are looking for women, their own lost to death or the Sleeping. Earth was a last shot, and one that paid off.
The characters are fun, funny and just complicated enough for a novella.
Sex and love scenes scald the e-readers.
A hot read for a cool autumn eve. With men in kilts – in case I forgot to mention them.
3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Thorrn-Starlig...
March 1, 2025
It’s a bit of silly fun blending a bunch of popular tropes…Scottish hotties wearing kilts, alien-human relationship, and fated mates.
There isn’t much depth, though it does mention physical abuse and murder, as well as the mysterious Sleep that has affected the Albyan (alien) females, which is why the males are seeking compatible, potential mates in human women.
Thorrn is an alien fighter, his brother Cyle is a scientist who believes human women are compatible.
Jenny has a marketing business and due to it meets Thorrn. He recognizes her as his mate, she questions her hormones.
Eventually they’ll go back to his planet (without Jenny’s consent) and she lusts for him. But the aliens don’t have sex without hand fasting first (though Thorrn does mention MM sex to scratch the itch). Jenny wants to go back to Earth but then very suddenly decides to do the ceremony so she can bang Thorrn. 🙄 so it’s lust that turns into instalove immediately.
Not bad, but definitely not well developed or great. Won’t continue, unless I come across another free book on offer. Then maybe just for shits and giggles.
Oh the book has a link to a NSFW image on the author’s website in case it’s too hard to imagine the alien…ahem…appendage.
There isn’t much depth, though it does mention physical abuse and murder, as well as the mysterious Sleep that has affected the Albyan (alien) females, which is why the males are seeking compatible, potential mates in human women.
Thorrn is an alien fighter, his brother Cyle is a scientist who believes human women are compatible.
Jenny has a marketing business and due to it meets Thorrn. He recognizes her as his mate, she questions her hormones.
Eventually they’ll go back to his planet (without Jenny’s consent) and she lusts for him. But the aliens don’t have sex without hand fasting first (though Thorrn does mention MM sex to scratch the itch). Jenny wants to go back to Earth but then very suddenly decides to do the ceremony so she can bang Thorrn. 🙄 so it’s lust that turns into instalove immediately.
Not bad, but definitely not well developed or great. Won’t continue, unless I come across another free book on offer. Then maybe just for shits and giggles.
Oh the book has a link to a NSFW image on the author’s website in case it’s too hard to imagine the alien…ahem…appendage.
September 17, 2021
I love a good scifi romance and Skye Mackinnon delivers another wonderful story. So here we have Jenny who just got out of a relationship and accepted a new project. Now this new project she is working with a company that is a putting together a dating site. Now here is the thing the dating site only wants to find females to sign up. Why? Well that is a good question. So here we have men coming from Albya. So she is in the meeting with the company starting the site and the Albyans, she meets Thorrn. Now he is a warrior and he has long since thought he would find a mate. He has his reasons behind his thought process of that. Even the toughest warriors deserve love. Now Jenny does not want to start something since she just got out of a relationship. However, Thorrn saves her from a bad situation and things just take off from there. Until an unexpected turn happens and we travel to Thorrn's planet. So how will this all go? I mean there is a lot going on and Thorrn is not happy about some things but at least he will be around. Check out to see if they get a happily ever after. It is totally worth it.
October 8, 2021
Out of this world
She left an abusive relationship and he hurt her pretty good. He's from another planet that the women are all asleep. She's helping a new dating app and they hacked into the web site and found the app. She plans on staying single for a while and he thought he was unworthy because he was damage(lost mating antenna). They hide their true self in c-suits, have a meeting with the app owner, and his one antenna is going crazy. She's feeling a strong attraction to him and don't understand but she fights it. Those 2 go to a cafe for tea and it hits him she's his mate. He tries to tell her she come upset and leaves. With help of his antenna he finds her being thrown into van.withj the help of the pilot they save her and he killed the men one was her ex getting her back. He tries to help her in the media pod an accident happens, they have to put her asleep and take her to their planet to heal her. Weeks later she's wakes up , he tells her what had to be done, she's upset but understanding. She finally accepts that they are mates, his brother told the owner the truth and the app and web site goes through the roof to help them find mates.
She left an abusive relationship and he hurt her pretty good. He's from another planet that the women are all asleep. She's helping a new dating app and they hacked into the web site and found the app. She plans on staying single for a while and he thought he was unworthy because he was damage(lost mating antenna). They hide their true self in c-suits, have a meeting with the app owner, and his one antenna is going crazy. She's feeling a strong attraction to him and don't understand but she fights it. Those 2 go to a cafe for tea and it hits him she's his mate. He tries to tell her she come upset and leaves. With help of his antenna he finds her being thrown into van.withj the help of the pilot they save her and he killed the men one was her ex getting her back. He tries to help her in the media pod an accident happens, they have to put her asleep and take her to their planet to heal her. Weeks later she's wakes up , he tells her what had to be done, she's upset but understanding. She finally accepts that they are mates, his brother told the owner the truth and the app and web site goes through the roof to help them find mates.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews