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Beauty and Her Alien #2
Starcrossed
Classic fairy tale meets alien abduction in this second riveting installment in the Beauty and Her Alien series.
It’s all very well to make out with an alien prince. A few kisses should be harmless—right?
Yet that alien prince is the only male present on the spaceship that serves as Corinne Kaminski’s gilded prison. Faced with a thorny status quo, Corinne begrudgingly keeps plotting her escape, despite her growing feelings for Del.
Complicating matters even more is the sudden, grand entrance of Del’s sisters onto the ship. The two cunning princesses would be most unhappy to learn that their brother, heir to the throne of Ailopt, has his eye on a human girl from Montana—and that said human girl returns his affection.
Then a chance at freedom becomes tantalizingly close, just when things are heating up behind closed doors. Corinne will have to decide what’s more important: returning home for good or taking a chance on cosmic love?
With one-of-a-kind characters, captivating intrigue, and aching desire, this next book in the Beauty and Her Alien series will enchant any fan of sci-fi romance.
It’s all very well to make out with an alien prince. A few kisses should be harmless—right?
Yet that alien prince is the only male present on the spaceship that serves as Corinne Kaminski’s gilded prison. Faced with a thorny status quo, Corinne begrudgingly keeps plotting her escape, despite her growing feelings for Del.
Complicating matters even more is the sudden, grand entrance of Del’s sisters onto the ship. The two cunning princesses would be most unhappy to learn that their brother, heir to the throne of Ailopt, has his eye on a human girl from Montana—and that said human girl returns his affection.
Then a chance at freedom becomes tantalizingly close, just when things are heating up behind closed doors. Corinne will have to decide what’s more important: returning home for good or taking a chance on cosmic love?
With one-of-a-kind characters, captivating intrigue, and aching desire, this next book in the Beauty and Her Alien series will enchant any fan of sci-fi romance.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2021
About the author
Katie Jane Gallagher
5 books217 followersKatie Jane Gallagher is the author of the Beauty and Her Alien series, the BBNYA finalist Specter and The Gold in the Dark. Her stories feature relatable, realistic characters who get swept up in extraordinary events. An avid reader of genre fiction, she has a self-proclaimed affinity for the best sorts of trash.
Born and raised in Illinois, Katie currently lives in Connecticut with her stupendous, half-human half-neanderthal husband and their dopey boxer dog. She graduated magna cum laude from Connecticut College in 2012, with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature and a minor in history.
Born and raised in Illinois, Katie currently lives in Connecticut with her stupendous, half-human half-neanderthal husband and their dopey boxer dog. She graduated magna cum laude from Connecticut College in 2012, with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature and a minor in history.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 17, 2021
~About
Continuing on from book one, shop-assistant Corinne hides out in her room aboard Del’s spaceship as his sister Jexrah investigates. Jexrah suspects something is amiss when she visits the ship and seems to make it her mission to antagonize Corinne.
Over time, we, the reader learn more about Del’s family and his royal role, including what is expected of him. As Del’s relationship with Corinne starts to shift from platonic to intimate, his sister’s interference begins to cause problems.
Meanwhile, Corinne is torn between her growing affections for Del and her longing to return back to her predictable human life.
~Characters
Corinne, a 23 year old human girl from Wakpa in the US, works at a ski and kayak shop in town. Now aboard Del’s ship and developing a relationship with him, she feels torn between wanting to escape back to her old life, and longing to get closer to Del. Intelligent, resourceful, and courageous, Corinne is a leading lady to admire as she does her best to negotiate a series of difficult and compromising situations. In this thrilling second instalment, we learn more about how Corinne lost her mother and the affect this event had on her as she grew up. This helped to make Corinne more human and relatable as her pain was expressed to us, the readers.
Del, heir to the throne of an alien country remained his same fierce and regal self. His serious nature was still apparent, though when alone with Corinne, it seemed to melt away a little. In this second instalment, Del appears to have become more caring and compassionate, while retaining his dutiful and, for the most part, reserved outer appearance. In this book, we learn more about his backstory, including how he ended up on Earth. Following an unfortunate and somewhat traumatizing incident involving someone Del was close with, he comes to doubt his role as heir, questioning his readiness to accept such royal responsibilities. I came to empathize with him on a greater level, wanting him to find belief in himself and his abilities.
Jexrah, Del’s sister was a fierce and sneaky individual. There was immediately something about her I disliked. Though she seemed protective of Del as a sibling, she was also curious of events aboard his ship in a way that bordered on the point of being a stalker. She appeared to be very passive aggressive throughout the story and acted negatively toward Corinne throughout, almost mocking her for being human. Safe to say, I did not warm to her.
Meervit, Del’s other sister, provided a stark contrast to Jexrah’s more cunning character. Meervit seemed softer, more compassionate and understanding as an individual, perhaps due to her suffering with a long-term illness. She clearly understands pain well and so can empathise with the suffering of others. Oddly enough, Meervit is never actually seen in person. Due to her illness, she travels to Del’s ship in drone form, seen only as a small metallic orb whizzing around the ship, speaking through it as though it were a pair of speakers. I found Meervit to be charming and kind toward Corinne and therefore came to like her character more.
Finally, we return to Joe, another original character from book one. Since Corinne’s unexpected rejection, Joe has become increasingly unstable and obsessed with getting her back. Whenever he is seen, he appears dishevelled and unstable, his reactions bordering on psychopathic. Overall, he remained a rude and arrogant individual who couldn’t handle being rejected. He made for an interesting secondary antagonist with no redeeming features.
~Positive Elements
There were many things which I came to enjoy about Starcrossed. Below, I’ve detailed the key elements which made book two so riveting.
-The author has a wonderful way of playing on the reader’s emotions.
-Book Two provides a subtle recap of the events of book one, so the reader knows the current situation. It also re-introduces key characters briefly: how they look and such, to jog the reader’s memory.
-I especially enjoyed the scene with the cauldron-story. It was very creative and involved cool, high-tech alien technology.
-I also really enjoyed the pod stargazing scene. It was beautifully described and served to impart more knowledge on Del’s family and home-world customs.
-I loved reading about the steadily building relationship between Del and Corinne. I knew it would happen, but the author’s evocation of it still sent shivers throughout my being.
-I found myself agonizing over the character’s emotional upheavals, pleading for them to see sense. In Corinne’s case, I deeply empathized with her pain, but wanted her to see past her emotions, to the rational side of what was happening, lest she lose Del forever.
There weren’t really any negatives to the story, however, one thing niggled at me. In certain chapters, new sections involving random or lesser-known characters started without any indication of chapter, setting, or point of view change. Several times, this threw me off and confused me as to what was happening in the story. I feel that with just a little indication of such narrative shift, the reader could better anticipate a difference in viewpoint.
~Memorable Quotes
Three specific quotes stood out to me while reading Starcrossed.
1) ‘We were puzzle pieces from two different pictures that somehow fit snugly, perfectly.’
I really enjoyed this quote as it was both beautifully written and moving, referring to a newfound sense of intimacy between Del and Corinne.
2) ‘And it started to seem to me that all of life was a bit like this, a push and pull, a give and take. Even the wealthiest among us, whether they’re wealthy in riches or family or power, have things they long for.’
I thought this was an interesting quote as it’s not often that people really consider such an idea. It’s common to hear people speaking enviously of those who have more money or greater prospects in life, but we never truly know what those people’s lives are like. This quote demonstrates that no matter someone’s status in life, they are still human and still have human needs and wants. Being rich, for example, doesn’t equal being happy or fulfilled.
3) ‘People are human- They’re going to make mistakes.’
Again, this is something people don’t always seem to keep in mind. As human beings, we can often judge others too harshly by their mistakes, perhaps because we are judged harshly for our own mistakes in life. However, success never comes until failure and mistakes have been encountered, as all good stories teach us.
~Overview
Overall, Starcrossed proved to be an exceptional sequel to Unearthly. It was an emotionally charged and immersive fairytale retelling that built wonderfully upon book one. I loved every moment and can’t wait for book three.
My Rating: 5 stars.
Recommended to: Lovers of fantasy novels / fairytale retellings with a modern, sci-fi twist.
October 21, 2021
It’s all very well to make out with an alien prince. A few kisses should be harmless—right? Yet that alien prince is the only male present on the spaceship that serves as Corinne Kaminski’s gilded prison.
THE BLURB
Faced with a thorny status quo, Corinne begrudgingly keeps plotting her escape, despite her growing feelings for Del.
Complicating matters even more is the sudden, grand entrance of Del’s sisters onto the ship. The two cunning princesses would be most unhappy to learn that their brother, heir to the throne of Ailopt, has his eye on a human girl from Montana—and that said human girl returns his affection.
Then a chance at freedom becomes tantalizingly close, just when things are heating up behind closed doors. Corinne will have to decide what’s more important: returning home for good or taking a chance on cosmic love?
TONE OF THE BOOK
Starcrossed is a neutral toned novel. There isn’t any comedy to make it a light hearted novel. The character drama isn’t particularly heavy, though if you are after a lighter/fun novel to read you may find it a bit strong.
SENSITIVE TOPICS
This novel is aimed at mature readers.
It features some action scenes, although not particularly gory in any manner.
The focus of the novel is on adventure. There is some talk of death and dealing with post-traumatic trauma.
SERIES SYNOPSIS
Starcrossed is the second novel in the Beauty and Her Alien series.
The novel is 194 pages long, making it shorter than a standard romance novel length (of 300 pages average).
You can find out more about this series on the Beauty and Her Alien Series Review page.
REVIEW
I enjoyed Unearthly, the first novel in the series. Starcrossed takes the story to another level. Whilst Unearthly was primarily used to establish setting and to introduce characters, Starcrossed brings across the tension, drama, character development and action.
In Starcrossed you start to learn about Del’s backstory, and it’s so intriguing. Many of his behaviours from the earlier novel and beginning of this one start to become more apparent. The entire backstory is relatively slow reveal over a number of conversations and clues, and you’ll find yourself turning the page to find out what happened, and what will happen.
I particularly enjoyed Corinne’s slow emotional change that occurs throughout the novel. There is no “insta-love”, but a slow and growing mutual respect between her and the alien prince. Even then, her experience on board the space ship is ripe with misunderstandings and cultural differences.
There is significantly more world building within this novel. You will get a brief glance at the planet that Del will one day reign. The introduction of his sisters on board will also present you with more insights into their culture. In fact much of this novel could highlight some of the future tensions and many of the challenges that Corinne will face in the future.
Starcrossed is also a bit more action heavy. The threat posed by the sisters brings about a level of tension that hangs in the air. Whilst Corinne’s own actions and adventures on board are set up to build towards the climax of the novel.
FINAL WORD
I really enjoyed reading Starcrossed. I loved the slow build up of action, and how each scene adds to a character’s story or purpose. I am looking forward eagerly to the third instalment of the series.
November 21, 2021
I'd recently finished reviewing the first in this series so I was happy to move on to the review copy of the second right after!
I was impressed that the story continued with a lot of the hallmarks of a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I had assumed that it would taper off a bit after the first. But there are still some key story beats to it. However, and I'm speaking as vaguely as I can here to avoid spoilers, I don't think there'll be much more of the Beauty and Beast vibes in the next book. So it'll be interesting to see where it goes next post-retelling.
The book does a pretty good job of showing Corinne's change in personality during her time on the ship. Joanna is also given a few extra abilities, as well as a few extra limitations, that flesh out the mechanics of the AI nicely. Del probably gets the least development due to the nature of the story, but you do get a lot more of his backstory and it provides a lot of important context for his moodiness.
As for the sisters, Jexrah felt a bit too much like a stereotype at times. The evil woman just there to get in the way. Meervit was a bit more nuanced. And while I do like that the story hinted that Jexrah wasn't tormenting Corinne just to be mean, I'd have liked to see something of that in her actions. Something on page to make her seem more than pure antagonist.
In my review for the first, I mentioned that it felt like there was a bit too much worldbuilding exposition given all at once, with very little ways to make sense of it. In this book, there's much less given. So much less, in fact, that you probably could have moved some of the exposition of the first to this one without losing that much. But I did enjoy the hothouse becoming a much more useful plot point than before.
The ending wasn't an exact recreation of the B&B story, but enough to be an homage. I really appreciated how tense and fraught it was. I also appreciate how there is both much that's been fixed and much left up in the air. It definitely feels like the characters have moved forward, but that there's also plenty of room for further books in the series.
Over all, if you enjoyed the first one, this one will give you more of what you loved.
I was impressed that the story continued with a lot of the hallmarks of a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I had assumed that it would taper off a bit after the first. But there are still some key story beats to it. However, and I'm speaking as vaguely as I can here to avoid spoilers, I don't think there'll be much more of the Beauty and Beast vibes in the next book. So it'll be interesting to see where it goes next post-retelling.
The book does a pretty good job of showing Corinne's change in personality during her time on the ship. Joanna is also given a few extra abilities, as well as a few extra limitations, that flesh out the mechanics of the AI nicely. Del probably gets the least development due to the nature of the story, but you do get a lot more of his backstory and it provides a lot of important context for his moodiness.
As for the sisters, Jexrah felt a bit too much like a stereotype at times. The evil woman just there to get in the way. Meervit was a bit more nuanced. And while I do like that the story hinted that Jexrah wasn't tormenting Corinne just to be mean, I'd have liked to see something of that in her actions. Something on page to make her seem more than pure antagonist.
In my review for the first, I mentioned that it felt like there was a bit too much worldbuilding exposition given all at once, with very little ways to make sense of it. In this book, there's much less given. So much less, in fact, that you probably could have moved some of the exposition of the first to this one without losing that much. But I did enjoy the hothouse becoming a much more useful plot point than before.
The ending wasn't an exact recreation of the B&B story, but enough to be an homage. I really appreciated how tense and fraught it was. I also appreciate how there is both much that's been fixed and much left up in the air. It definitely feels like the characters have moved forward, but that there's also plenty of room for further books in the series.
Over all, if you enjoyed the first one, this one will give you more of what you loved.
October 15, 2021
Again, the cover of this sequel is just as beautiful as the first book, Unearthly! In this sequel, the relationship between Corinne and Del is explored more, but there's also a little problem: Del's sisters have decided to board the ship and check in.
Del's sisters are a little disappointing. I was hoping that Corinne would get a long with them, and a new relationship would blossom to help her with her stay on the ship. Unfortunately, it appears the sisters do not have Corinne's best interest in mind, but that could also be chalked up to be a cultural thing? I guess we will find out in the next book. In Starcrossed, Corinne is still stuck on the ship and it is still Earthbound. But, never fear, our Corinne has some tricks up her sleeve to potentially leave. Unfortunately, these tricks could compromise the tenuous relationship she and Del have built on the ship.
I enjoyed this book because we are able to see more into Del's character. We learn why he is so grumpy and cross, and it is heartbreaking. Del's character development is realy built upon in this book. I also enjoyed the different cultural references from Del's home planet. I'm sure the politics of everything will turn out to be a problem in Del's and Corinne's relationship in the future, but that's not a worry in this book. Del's sisters are not exactly happy that their brother is showing affection for a human, especially with the duties he needs to face in the immediate future regarding the throne.
I am excited to see where the next book goes in the future. I know Corinne plans to visit Del's home planet, and I expect they will face a lot of backlash from Del's people. Also, I'm glad Joe got his just desserts in this book. I didn't like him from the beginning and I always regarded him suspiciously.
I recommend this series to anyone that wants a unique, slow burn alien romance!
https://coffeewanderbooks.blogspot.co...
Del's sisters are a little disappointing. I was hoping that Corinne would get a long with them, and a new relationship would blossom to help her with her stay on the ship. Unfortunately, it appears the sisters do not have Corinne's best interest in mind, but that could also be chalked up to be a cultural thing? I guess we will find out in the next book. In Starcrossed, Corinne is still stuck on the ship and it is still Earthbound. But, never fear, our Corinne has some tricks up her sleeve to potentially leave. Unfortunately, these tricks could compromise the tenuous relationship she and Del have built on the ship.
I enjoyed this book because we are able to see more into Del's character. We learn why he is so grumpy and cross, and it is heartbreaking. Del's character development is realy built upon in this book. I also enjoyed the different cultural references from Del's home planet. I'm sure the politics of everything will turn out to be a problem in Del's and Corinne's relationship in the future, but that's not a worry in this book. Del's sisters are not exactly happy that their brother is showing affection for a human, especially with the duties he needs to face in the immediate future regarding the throne.
I am excited to see where the next book goes in the future. I know Corinne plans to visit Del's home planet, and I expect they will face a lot of backlash from Del's people. Also, I'm glad Joe got his just desserts in this book. I didn't like him from the beginning and I always regarded him suspiciously.
I recommend this series to anyone that wants a unique, slow burn alien romance!
https://coffeewanderbooks.blogspot.co...
November 11, 2021
After reading Unearthly and coming away feeling lukewarm about Corinne and Del’s relationship, Gallagher turns up the chemistry and heat in Starcrossed. What I felt Unearthly lacked, this next instalment in this alien abduction romance series certainly fulfilled. Picking up where Unearthly ends, Corrine is faced with meeting two members of Del’s family. Straight away, it’s obvious Del’s sisters have come on board with an agenda.
Packed with lots more of Gallagher’s clever world-building, we learn more about the ship, Del’s world, (his alien ‘physique’ ahem) and his nation’s politics. But what really got me hooked was the link back down to Corinne’s friends in Montana where a new plot twist develops. I loved this reminder of Corinne’s life on earth, and for me, it helped make the ‘should she stay, or should she go’ argument all the more juicy.
Corinne’s apathy in trying to escape in book one annoyed me a little, but by the time she came to fully considering her escape plan in this instalment, I had a good laugh at myself, because I knew both she and I didn’t really want it to happen. So, ha ha. Joke’s on me.
Gallagher’s writing flows with just the right balance of description, great dialogue, lots of wit, and a nice touch of hot & steamy action between the two MCs. I only have one gripe, and to avoid spoilers, it involves the departure of a character near the end of the book. It felt weirdly out of place. Maybe it’s a plot twist which book 3 will explain, but I’d anticipated (and hoped) for a detention/jail outcome for this person, but what appears to have happened kind of yanked me out of the story.
Despite that one small thing, I’m happily giving 5 stars, and I’m definitely in the queue for book 3; Ascended.
Packed with lots more of Gallagher’s clever world-building, we learn more about the ship, Del’s world, (his alien ‘physique’ ahem) and his nation’s politics. But what really got me hooked was the link back down to Corinne’s friends in Montana where a new plot twist develops. I loved this reminder of Corinne’s life on earth, and for me, it helped make the ‘should she stay, or should she go’ argument all the more juicy.
Corinne’s apathy in trying to escape in book one annoyed me a little, but by the time she came to fully considering her escape plan in this instalment, I had a good laugh at myself, because I knew both she and I didn’t really want it to happen. So, ha ha. Joke’s on me.
Gallagher’s writing flows with just the right balance of description, great dialogue, lots of wit, and a nice touch of hot & steamy action between the two MCs. I only have one gripe, and to avoid spoilers, it involves the departure of a character near the end of the book. It felt weirdly out of place. Maybe it’s a plot twist which book 3 will explain, but I’d anticipated (and hoped) for a detention/jail outcome for this person, but what appears to have happened kind of yanked me out of the story.
Despite that one small thing, I’m happily giving 5 stars, and I’m definitely in the queue for book 3; Ascended.
November 6, 2021
A Crucial Decision . . .
It all comes down to one choice. Corinne Kaminski had enjoyed a few “harmless” kisses with alien Prince Del. But despite plotting her escape, she is allowing her feelings to get involved. So when her chance for freedom arises, she has a difficult decision to make now. Does she still want to return home? Or is she no longer willing to leave her alien lover?
It all comes down to one choice. Corinne Kaminski had enjoyed a few “harmless” kisses with alien Prince Del. But despite plotting her escape, she is allowing her feelings to get involved. So when her chance for freedom arises, she has a difficult decision to make now. Does she still want to return home? Or is she no longer willing to leave her alien lover?
October 26, 2021
This is really a fun sci-fi romance! I have really enjoyed it, and cannot wait for the next one! Exciting, sweet, and emotional..
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.
June 28, 2022
This book was better than the first. It wrapped up questions. I did like though how the characters weren't immediately in love, it took time and effort.
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.
November 10, 2021
Del and Corinne grow closer even as family and politics are obstacles that put their love at risk. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2021
Title: Starcrossed
Author: Katie Jane Gallagher
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
This was another entertaining read. The two sisters, or at least one of them, were definitely mean girls. I’m always interested in how an author portrays aliens: will they be humans in a different form, or will their mindset and personalities truly be alien? I found these aliens to be humans in a different form, but that didn’t make this read any less interesting. I’m looking forward to where the author takes this series next.
(Galley courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Author: Katie Jane Gallagher
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
This was another entertaining read. The two sisters, or at least one of them, were definitely mean girls. I’m always interested in how an author portrays aliens: will they be humans in a different form, or will their mindset and personalities truly be alien? I found these aliens to be humans in a different form, but that didn’t make this read any less interesting. I’m looking forward to where the author takes this series next.
(Galley courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
October 13, 2021
Starcrossed the second book in the Beauty and her Alien series is another riveting read filled with a myriad of new revelations that delivers another unique and original narrative to an already excellent storyline. Leads alien Del and human Corinne must come to terms with the possibility that their growing feelings for each other may not find a way to overcome all the perceived obstacles in their path created by others or of their own making.
With wonderful prose a fantastic amount of world building this can’t put down read continues to entertain and immerse this reader in its fabulous story.
Ending on an HFN I can only eagerly await the next entry in this truly engaging series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With wonderful prose a fantastic amount of world building this can’t put down read continues to entertain and immerse this reader in its fabulous story.
Ending on an HFN I can only eagerly await the next entry in this truly engaging series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews