What do you think?
Rate this book
Breathlessly
This is the FULL-LENGTH story of the short excerpt titled "Breathless", also available on Kindle & KU. As such, this story "Breathlessly" also features men loving other men, and those men simultaneously being in love with a woman.
This story features characters who have vastly inhuman anatomy and cultures.
Some readers may find the use of that inhuman anatomy strange and distasteful.
If you think you might be one of those readers, I recommend passing on this one <3
But if that's the sort of thing you like reading about, then you're in the right place!!!
*~*~* BOOK SYNOPSIS *~*~*
The Kholorua.
On Earth, we call them the Skyscrapers, or Whalemen. Giant, 400-foot tall creatures that are generally docile but have a nasty habit of taking people home as souvenirs. I was terrified when that massive orange cyclops showed up in my part of town and reached to pluck me up, but...turns out they take really good care of their pets.
This place is a sanctuary. Bordered with tall walls and no escape, but the wilderness inside is a haven.
Too bad the colony of humans already living here hate my gay ass. Only took me a few months to decide to take my jelly mattress and fuck off to the sandy beachfront and live there for the rest of my solitary life.
Until Vano. A Væliāḷu, a race of amphibious people, is dropped in from the sky to live in the lake I’ve set up home at. Did I mean to fall in love with what is basically an alien merman? No, no of course not. But Vano’s an amazing man and it’s been a while since someone was so genuinely nice to me. And Væliāḷu have a physical reaction to falling in love, their bodies shifting to represent that life-bond they share. When his happened, I...I thought I’d found my soulmate.
Until Mri. A female of his race, but this one on her deathbed. She’s got hardly a month left before her body shuts down for good, some fucked up evolutionary trait deciding that because she hasn’t had kids yet she’s not worth keeping alive. Which means Vano has some massive, sudden responsibilities to take care of. But she’s the damn sweetest person I’ve ever met, and I’m not surprised we fell in love at first sight.
That doesn’t make her impending doom any easier to swallow, but if she’s able to have kids soon enough, then we’ll all be alright. Won’t we? We’ll be one big happy family right? Right.
As long as she gives birth before her body fails her.
No hurry.
This story features characters who have vastly inhuman anatomy and cultures.
Some readers may find the use of that inhuman anatomy strange and distasteful.
If you think you might be one of those readers, I recommend passing on this one <3
But if that's the sort of thing you like reading about, then you're in the right place!!!
*~*~* BOOK SYNOPSIS *~*~*
The Kholorua.
On Earth, we call them the Skyscrapers, or Whalemen. Giant, 400-foot tall creatures that are generally docile but have a nasty habit of taking people home as souvenirs. I was terrified when that massive orange cyclops showed up in my part of town and reached to pluck me up, but...turns out they take really good care of their pets.
This place is a sanctuary. Bordered with tall walls and no escape, but the wilderness inside is a haven.
Too bad the colony of humans already living here hate my gay ass. Only took me a few months to decide to take my jelly mattress and fuck off to the sandy beachfront and live there for the rest of my solitary life.
Until Vano. A Væliāḷu, a race of amphibious people, is dropped in from the sky to live in the lake I’ve set up home at. Did I mean to fall in love with what is basically an alien merman? No, no of course not. But Vano’s an amazing man and it’s been a while since someone was so genuinely nice to me. And Væliāḷu have a physical reaction to falling in love, their bodies shifting to represent that life-bond they share. When his happened, I...I thought I’d found my soulmate.
Until Mri. A female of his race, but this one on her deathbed. She’s got hardly a month left before her body shuts down for good, some fucked up evolutionary trait deciding that because she hasn’t had kids yet she’s not worth keeping alive. Which means Vano has some massive, sudden responsibilities to take care of. But she’s the damn sweetest person I’ve ever met, and I’m not surprised we fell in love at first sight.
That doesn’t make her impending doom any easier to swallow, but if she’s able to have kids soon enough, then we’ll all be alright. Won’t we? We’ll be one big happy family right? Right.
As long as she gives birth before her body fails her.
No hurry.
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2021
About the author
Heather Relken
7 books111 followersI've been writing since 7th grade and have always had a love for all things fantasy! My grandpa introduced me to Zelda and Lord of the Rings, and from there my interests just expanded! I developed a love for culture and anthropology, for linguistics and biology, and slowly I've managed to puzzle piece together that perfect blend of interests into something I believe makes my writing unique, vivid, and out of this world!
That's the goal, at least ;]
I love my writing most when I'm able to showcase the coming together of two separate cultures and how those cultures would clash and interact. I love showing language barriers, subverting expectations, and toying with social taboo. Sometimes I use these in a strictly fantasy setting, but my truest passion is when I'm able to let loose and really flex my worldbuilding in the science-fiction universe instead! I never seem to get away from the romance genre, though, because I feel like the world could always use a little more love <3
That's the goal, at least ;]
I love my writing most when I'm able to showcase the coming together of two separate cultures and how those cultures would clash and interact. I love showing language barriers, subverting expectations, and toying with social taboo. Sometimes I use these in a strictly fantasy setting, but my truest passion is when I'm able to let loose and really flex my worldbuilding in the science-fiction universe instead! I never seem to get away from the romance genre, though, because I feel like the world could always use a little more love <3
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 16, 2021
This is the first time I’ve read a book where the main character is male and I didn’t think I would love it as much as I do. It’s such an unique story and I love the main couples(there are three people in a relationship) chemistry. I’ve never been against mm and I actually really prefer it in rh books. I usually like reading books with female leads instead of male leads just because I’m a woman myself and connect better when the main lead is a woman too. That’s why I loved that one of the main characters who end up in the three way relationship is a female and that the book is written in dual povs ❤️❤️❤️. The ending was everything I could wish for and I would love to read more books like this one.
October 8, 2024
3.75 stars
I really liked this story, and thats coming from someone who avoids reading primarily male led books like the plague. I normally have such a hard time identifying with male leads, but this wasn't the case with Milo, this book is multiple POVS but Milo is still our main character and he is so well done, easy to connect with and has such a great personality and inner voice.
As with all of Relken's book, the world building is so rich and interesting. The situation the characters are put in is so off the wall, but so beautifully done. I mean, being abducted by literally giant alien beings and put in little enclosures that they observe every so often is so fucking cool. Very reminiscent of us humans going out and catching the fish for our fish tanks, and peering in to see how they are doing, and just enjoying them being our pets.
and holy shit those spicy scenes are to die for. The equipment is so different, but the way they make it work is hot as hell, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I went back to reread those scenes again at a later date... more than a few times already.
All together its a great read, so glad this was turned into a full book!
I really liked this story, and thats coming from someone who avoids reading primarily male led books like the plague. I normally have such a hard time identifying with male leads, but this wasn't the case with Milo, this book is multiple POVS but Milo is still our main character and he is so well done, easy to connect with and has such a great personality and inner voice.
As with all of Relken's book, the world building is so rich and interesting. The situation the characters are put in is so off the wall, but so beautifully done. I mean, being abducted by literally giant alien beings and put in little enclosures that they observe every so often is so fucking cool. Very reminiscent of us humans going out and catching the fish for our fish tanks, and peering in to see how they are doing, and just enjoying them being our pets.
and holy shit those spicy scenes are to die for. The equipment is so different, but the way they make it work is hot as hell, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I went back to reread those scenes again at a later date... more than a few times already.
All together its a great read, so glad this was turned into a full book!
May 20, 2025
The world in this book is rich, creative, and fascinating. The whole being kept in a small sanctuary, separated from the rest of the known universe, by a gigantic creature who treats them much the way a human would an aquarium was unique. Milo is such a great character with his strong moral compass, loneliness, sense of humor, tactlessness, and ability to open himself to new experiences and cultures. Vano is playful and compassionate, with a fierce protective streak. Mri is the sweetheart of the story, tending towards optimism, with a fast and deep love for her mates. The village that Milo is ostracized from brings depth to the story, as it’s filled with mostly judgy people with a few who stay in some cordial contact with him without risking being ostracized themselves. The vulnerable children in the village broke my heart. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abduction and captivity, discussion of suicidal ideation, child abuse, homophobia, violence, life threatening illness, accidental exhibitionism, speciesism, ostracism, pregnancy (brief), threat of drowning (water inhalation), sexualization of children (unwanted “celebration” of womanhood when 14 year old first menstruates)
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abduction and captivity, discussion of suicidal ideation, child abuse, homophobia, violence, life threatening illness, accidental exhibitionism, speciesism, ostracism, pregnancy (brief), threat of drowning (water inhalation), sexualization of children (unwanted “celebration” of womanhood when 14 year old first menstruates)
December 30, 2021
If you’re fascinated by the strange and the unusual, this book is definitely one for you.
This standalone polyamorous Sci-Fi Romance was written as a full length novel based on an earlier short story by this author. It’s set in a not too distant galaxy and contains scenes of consenting interspecies sexual activity between two males and a female. There is a trigger warning for homophobia experienced by one of the main characters.
I really enjoyed this book. Heather Relken has a very fluent style of writing which makes her work a pleasure to read. The characters are well thought out and her alien species are very detailed, right down to anatomy, culture and language. The world building is excellent and Relken paints a beautifully clear picture with her words.
The galaxy is a vast place, housing the strange and unusual. Amongst the strange and unusual are the Kholorua; a race of benevolent beings, more than 100 feet tall who like to collect other species as pets.
Milo is a human who wakes one day on an idyllic beach in what seems to be paradise. Definitely not where he fell asleep. He’s one of around seventy humans who have been collected by the Kholorua as a pet. Life is, for the most part, stress free and all his needs are catered for, except for one thing; it appears that Milo is the only gay in the village and most of the villagers do not approve.
This is a story of how Milo learns to love himself and how he finds his place within a new family. After moving back to the beach, away from the toxic environment created by other humans, he is soon joined by two others of an alien aquatic species, who bond with him and accept him for who he is. This is very much a love story, with a secondary story arc about the villagers. It’s a reflection of how humanity can be both loving and terrible, accepting and intolerant. It shines a light on how damaging a narrow-minded way of living is and how life can be so much better all round with an open heart and mind.
There are scenes of a sexual nature. There are scenes which are openly homosexual and there are very descriptive scenes of interspecies sexual activity and alien genitalia. If you’re fascinated by the strange and the unusual, this book is definitely one for you.
This standalone polyamorous Sci-Fi Romance was written as a full length novel based on an earlier short story by this author. It’s set in a not too distant galaxy and contains scenes of consenting interspecies sexual activity between two males and a female. There is a trigger warning for homophobia experienced by one of the main characters.
I really enjoyed this book. Heather Relken has a very fluent style of writing which makes her work a pleasure to read. The characters are well thought out and her alien species are very detailed, right down to anatomy, culture and language. The world building is excellent and Relken paints a beautifully clear picture with her words.
The galaxy is a vast place, housing the strange and unusual. Amongst the strange and unusual are the Kholorua; a race of benevolent beings, more than 100 feet tall who like to collect other species as pets.
Milo is a human who wakes one day on an idyllic beach in what seems to be paradise. Definitely not where he fell asleep. He’s one of around seventy humans who have been collected by the Kholorua as a pet. Life is, for the most part, stress free and all his needs are catered for, except for one thing; it appears that Milo is the only gay in the village and most of the villagers do not approve.
This is a story of how Milo learns to love himself and how he finds his place within a new family. After moving back to the beach, away from the toxic environment created by other humans, he is soon joined by two others of an alien aquatic species, who bond with him and accept him for who he is. This is very much a love story, with a secondary story arc about the villagers. It’s a reflection of how humanity can be both loving and terrible, accepting and intolerant. It shines a light on how damaging a narrow-minded way of living is and how life can be so much better all round with an open heart and mind.
There are scenes of a sexual nature. There are scenes which are openly homosexual and there are very descriptive scenes of interspecies sexual activity and alien genitalia. If you’re fascinated by the strange and the unusual, this book is definitely one for you.
December 15, 2021
Bittersweet
Milo has been in this enclosure for 4 years. Four years of bigotry and hatred just because he dared to prefer men, and refused to be a hetero breeder for the colony. So, after his rebellion, he walked away. A nice spot on the beach with the lake to himself was lonely, but better than being condemned for who he loved. Then, someone new gets dropped in. Someone not human, someone not judgemental, someone who returns his interest. Life just got a lot better. But when another of Vano's kind is dropped in, a female, the fear grabs hold. Will Vano choose a breeding partner over him? Because, due to a biological quirk, Mri has to be a mom, and really soon, or she will pass.
Spoilers ahead.
Oh, all the feels. Warnings for spanking/yelling at children, imposing horribly judgemental views on every human, for shaming and shunning someone for loving the same s*x (only spelled this way to prevent it being reported and deleted), and for homesickness. The Ks (can't remember their name) mean well. As far as can be assumed. They are just advanced enough that they can't tell sentience levels among other species. So, they collect pets. They provide everything, they just don't realize how they disrupt lives by taking spouses, children, and plopping them in an expansive enclosure. Milo got placed in the bigot batch, apparently. The leaders have decided that they pair up who they want to, you have to produce children, and basically it like being back in Puritan days: no cussing, do your chores, don't be anything other than heterosexual. Why? No clue, new humans get dropped in once a year. It's not like they're the last humans alive, or that the enclosure needs a thousand bodies in it. But, when Vano gets dropped in life improves so much for Milo. Companionship, a lover, everything clicks. Then Mri gets dropped in. She has to have a mate, and Vano is the only option. She's already dying and time for everyone to adjust just isn't there. But she's not jealous, she isn't bitter, she is a female he thought he'd never be attracted to but their thrupple thrives. And this isn't a gay conversion story, where a woman changes Milo. He loves Vano. He doesn't suddenly just treat him like a friend because there's a female. Myr is the only female he was ever attracted to, aside from his trans gf. And yes, trans women are women. No, this story is no way preachy, except for the community leaders. I will also warn readers that the older children in the community chafe at the behaviors of the adults. They find a solution, one I'm sure many parents will worry over. Just remember, no predators in the enclosure, ok? And the K watching over them doesn't let anything in their care suffer. So, without too many spoilers, this is another amazing novel by Relken. She has an amazing way of offering viewpoints outside the box. I do wonder what will happen later on, though, as the kids grow up. Maybe we'll get to revisit this enclosure?
Milo has been in this enclosure for 4 years. Four years of bigotry and hatred just because he dared to prefer men, and refused to be a hetero breeder for the colony. So, after his rebellion, he walked away. A nice spot on the beach with the lake to himself was lonely, but better than being condemned for who he loved. Then, someone new gets dropped in. Someone not human, someone not judgemental, someone who returns his interest. Life just got a lot better. But when another of Vano's kind is dropped in, a female, the fear grabs hold. Will Vano choose a breeding partner over him? Because, due to a biological quirk, Mri has to be a mom, and really soon, or she will pass.
Spoilers ahead.
Oh, all the feels. Warnings for spanking/yelling at children, imposing horribly judgemental views on every human, for shaming and shunning someone for loving the same s*x (only spelled this way to prevent it being reported and deleted), and for homesickness. The Ks (can't remember their name) mean well. As far as can be assumed. They are just advanced enough that they can't tell sentience levels among other species. So, they collect pets. They provide everything, they just don't realize how they disrupt lives by taking spouses, children, and plopping them in an expansive enclosure. Milo got placed in the bigot batch, apparently. The leaders have decided that they pair up who they want to, you have to produce children, and basically it like being back in Puritan days: no cussing, do your chores, don't be anything other than heterosexual. Why? No clue, new humans get dropped in once a year. It's not like they're the last humans alive, or that the enclosure needs a thousand bodies in it. But, when Vano gets dropped in life improves so much for Milo. Companionship, a lover, everything clicks. Then Mri gets dropped in. She has to have a mate, and Vano is the only option. She's already dying and time for everyone to adjust just isn't there. But she's not jealous, she isn't bitter, she is a female he thought he'd never be attracted to but their thrupple thrives. And this isn't a gay conversion story, where a woman changes Milo. He loves Vano. He doesn't suddenly just treat him like a friend because there's a female. Myr is the only female he was ever attracted to, aside from his trans gf. And yes, trans women are women. No, this story is no way preachy, except for the community leaders. I will also warn readers that the older children in the community chafe at the behaviors of the adults. They find a solution, one I'm sure many parents will worry over. Just remember, no predators in the enclosure, ok? And the K watching over them doesn't let anything in their care suffer. So, without too many spoilers, this is another amazing novel by Relken. She has an amazing way of offering viewpoints outside the box. I do wonder what will happen later on, though, as the kids grow up. Maybe we'll get to revisit this enclosure?
March 5, 2022
Simply amazing.
The dynamics between humans are well written and impactful. The inhuman anatomy is thoroughly interesting and the relationship dynamics keep surprising me. The bittersweet ending left me wanting more of this setting and characters.
I think there is room for further installments of books within a similar setting of getting spirited away by some big alien. But first, I'd like to see how the characters in this book grow up and find happiness.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this author and this series in the future!
The dynamics between humans are well written and impactful. The inhuman anatomy is thoroughly interesting and the relationship dynamics keep surprising me. The bittersweet ending left me wanting more of this setting and characters.
I think there is room for further installments of books within a similar setting of getting spirited away by some big alien. But first, I'd like to see how the characters in this book grow up and find happiness.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this author and this series in the future!
December 30, 2021
This is about Milo a human who gets taken by one of the giant aliens that have humans and other species as pets. He is in a dome that has a forest, a beach and some grass lands. After the other humans in the community find out Milo is gay and have a terrible reaction to it, he decides to live separated from them. After a few years in solitude, a new species is dropped into the dome. It’s a male Vaelialu, a creature that can live both under water and above. These two befriend each other and slowly fall in love.
First of I really like the story and the world the author describes. The story was definitely something new to me. I also liked the characters. Milo is great and I really like Vano and Mri, who is another main character we get to know later in the book.
As for their love story I loved how Milo and Vano fell for each other. It was a slow progress. I was too happy that when Mir joined them, she bonded so fast with them. It has been like two days only. Of course that’s also because of her special situation but I wish this would have been handelt differently.
As you might guess now, this has a polyamorous relationship in it. It’s an MMF story, so both males interact with each other as well as the female with each male. Sometimes it felt like Milo is a bit left out but that’s just how it is, since he is a human and can’t stay under water for long. However I liked that both Vano a Mri always tried to show him how very important he is to them. That was very cute.
There are some other conflicts in the book with the community and sometimes I wish some of the adults would have just taken away. It got me very frustrated because Milo couldn’t do much and even if he did something, it felt like it didn’t make a difference at all.
At least about the end. I am also a little frustrated about it because while it’s not a bad and it’s still feels tragic. It’s a little like a HFN but the futures feels quite hopeless. I would have wished that these giant aliens would at least have tried to communicate with their “pets” but I guess that’s what really life probably would be like. It definitely makes me a little sad.
However overall I enjoyed this book a lot and I definitely want to read more of the author. As soon as “New Horizon” and “Decadent Sins” is being released as paperbacks, I am going to buy them.
First of I really like the story and the world the author describes. The story was definitely something new to me. I also liked the characters. Milo is great and I really like Vano and Mri, who is another main character we get to know later in the book.
As for their love story I loved how Milo and Vano fell for each other. It was a slow progress. I was too happy that when Mir joined them, she bonded so fast with them. It has been like two days only. Of course that’s also because of her special situation but I wish this would have been handelt differently.
As you might guess now, this has a polyamorous relationship in it. It’s an MMF story, so both males interact with each other as well as the female with each male. Sometimes it felt like Milo is a bit left out but that’s just how it is, since he is a human and can’t stay under water for long. However I liked that both Vano a Mri always tried to show him how very important he is to them. That was very cute.
There are some other conflicts in the book with the community and sometimes I wish some of the adults would have just taken away. It got me very frustrated because Milo couldn’t do much and even if he did something, it felt like it didn’t make a difference at all.
At least about the end. I am also a little frustrated about it because while it’s not a bad and it’s still feels tragic. It’s a little like a HFN but the futures feels quite hopeless. I would have wished that these giant aliens would at least have tried to communicate with their “pets” but I guess that’s what really life probably would be like. It definitely makes me a little sad.
However overall I enjoyed this book a lot and I definitely want to read more of the author. As soon as “New Horizon” and “Decadent Sins” is being released as paperbacks, I am going to buy them.
September 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐
When I first heard of this book and read the blurb, I was really excited. Don't get me wrong I liked it, I just wished it was a bit different.
All the mcs were great, really I loved them all!! I just don't know if I loved them as a throuple. I felt their love for each other but I felt like Milo was kind of a third wheel. I loved Milo so much and I'm glad that he is happy and loves his kids. But for me it felt like one happy family and Milo. The kids love him but I don't know. It makes me really sad. I think it would have worked better, if Mri would have been a different species than Milo and Vano. With Mri and Vano being the same species it just creates a rift between them and Milo.
The sex scenes were way too long in my opinion and really confusing. While reading them, I felt like the meme with the Lady that's surrounded by math equations.
I prefer when the povs are equal in a book, which wasn't the case here. Though I'm glad that Milo got most of them.
The world building was great. It was just a lot of information though. They also had great communication with each other and when they didn't understand something, they were talking openly and without judgement.
The fascist community pissed me off. It was so heartbreaking how they treated Milo and the Kids. I'm glad for the kids though!
When I first heard of this book and read the blurb, I was really excited. Don't get me wrong I liked it, I just wished it was a bit different.
All the mcs were great, really I loved them all!! I just don't know if I loved them as a throuple. I felt their love for each other but I felt like Milo was kind of a third wheel. I loved Milo so much and I'm glad that he is happy and loves his kids. But for me it felt like one happy family and Milo. The kids love him but I don't know. It makes me really sad. I think it would have worked better, if Mri would have been a different species than Milo and Vano. With Mri and Vano being the same species it just creates a rift between them and Milo.
The sex scenes were way too long in my opinion and really confusing. While reading them, I felt like the meme with the Lady that's surrounded by math equations.
I prefer when the povs are equal in a book, which wasn't the case here. Though I'm glad that Milo got most of them.
The world building was great. It was just a lot of information though. They also had great communication with each other and when they didn't understand something, they were talking openly and without judgement.
The fascist community pissed me off. It was so heartbreaking how they treated Milo and the Kids. I'm glad for the kids though!
December 18, 2021
A wholesome what-if
This is one of the cutest SFR I've ever read. It's the best kind of toothache the sweetness of this story provides the reader. Perhaps because of some of the bitterness of the circumstances the HEA was sweet.
In a world where giant aliens snatch humans to put them in cages like pets, an outsider is given a chance at community he thought would be denied him. Its a win for anyone who has felt the lack of acceptance due to their identity.
Milo made me honestly guffaw more than once. 😅
This is one of the cutest SFR I've ever read. It's the best kind of toothache the sweetness of this story provides the reader. Perhaps because of some of the bitterness of the circumstances the HEA was sweet.
In a world where giant aliens snatch humans to put them in cages like pets, an outsider is given a chance at community he thought would be denied him. Its a win for anyone who has felt the lack of acceptance due to their identity.
Milo made me honestly guffaw more than once. 😅
December 19, 2021
Bigger is better
I read this when it was a novella and I loved getting more in depth and having more to flesh out the original story. Characters stay consistent and individual and are given the chance to expand with the new arcs that are presented. The sexual / love relationships are still as strong and I hope there are plans to someday revisit this world when the kids are the adults. Would love to see what kinds of drama would force a conflict in that scenario. This is a great story.
I read this when it was a novella and I loved getting more in depth and having more to flesh out the original story. Characters stay consistent and individual and are given the chance to expand with the new arcs that are presented. The sexual / love relationships are still as strong and I hope there are plans to someday revisit this world when the kids are the adults. Would love to see what kinds of drama would force a conflict in that scenario. This is a great story.
December 28, 2021
Different and good
This is one of those books that you aren't certain of, but you end up loving it for the unique world and characters in it. Milk was a strong willed character and even though he had his flaws, his redeeming qualities more than made up for them.
This is one of those books that you aren't certain of, but you end up loving it for the unique world and characters in it. Milk was a strong willed character and even though he had his flaws, his redeeming qualities more than made up for them.
December 15, 2021
Strange and Sweet
These aliens are very, very alien and I’m here for it. There is a lot of spice in this book, but what really stood out was the sweetness of the relationship between aquatic aliens and their human boyfriend
These aliens are very, very alien and I’m here for it. There is a lot of spice in this book, but what really stood out was the sweetness of the relationship between aquatic aliens and their human boyfriend
December 15, 2021
Beautiful
This was such an emotional, lovely read! I love how they all interact and fell in love and I was cheering on the kids from the camp! Definitely worth the read!
This was such an emotional, lovely read! I love how they all interact and fell in love and I was cheering on the kids from the camp! Definitely worth the read!
April 16, 2026
DNF.
This book is good, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I’m not really empathizing with the story and, in the end, I just got bored.
So why do I say the book is good? Because it has interesting elements—for example, a merman of sorts and a fishbowl-like world ruled by giants. It sounds interesting and it’s described in a very intriguing way.
The human MMC is active, well-developed, has a backstory, and I like him. And from what I’ve read so far, the MMC also has his own history and is a solid, consistent character.
So??? What happened? Mmmmm, I don’t knooooow. Sorry.
I just can't seem to connect with their relationship; I feel like it needs to dive deeper into their moments of connection, showing more of their commitment and love for one another.
Does that mean there are no genuine moments of connection between these characters? Hahaha, well, actually there are. Plenty of them.
This is a clear example that sometimes it’s not the story, it’s You as the reader. Right now, I just can't get invested in these characters, and it hasn't captivated me enough to keep going.
So, am I giving up on it? Is this book just not for me? Well, no. I might pick it up again later when my mind and heart are ready for this story, because I do find it interesting.
For now, I’m moving on to another one
This book is good, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I’m not really empathizing with the story and, in the end, I just got bored.
So why do I say the book is good? Because it has interesting elements—for example, a merman of sorts and a fishbowl-like world ruled by giants. It sounds interesting and it’s described in a very intriguing way.
The human MMC is active, well-developed, has a backstory, and I like him. And from what I’ve read so far, the MMC also has his own history and is a solid, consistent character.
So??? What happened? Mmmmm, I don’t knooooow. Sorry.
I just can't seem to connect with their relationship; I feel like it needs to dive deeper into their moments of connection, showing more of their commitment and love for one another.
Does that mean there are no genuine moments of connection between these characters? Hahaha, well, actually there are. Plenty of them.
This is a clear example that sometimes it’s not the story, it’s You as the reader. Right now, I just can't get invested in these characters, and it hasn't captivated me enough to keep going.
So, am I giving up on it? Is this book just not for me? Well, no. I might pick it up again later when my mind and heart are ready for this story, because I do find it interesting.
For now, I’m moving on to another one
August 9, 2024
This one was really hard for me to rate. It's somewhere between a 3 and 4. The overall story/world is really interesting! I enjoyed the characters and their differences and the story overall was really cute and the spicy scenes were fun and different!
BUT
At times I felt like I was getting lectured a bit throughout the book, I love that they are pushing a message of inclusivity but it felt a little... heavy handed at points. Like the point hand been made yet we still spend another page talking about it. sometimes less is more? and the point could have been made just as well without beating a dead horse.
I enjoyed seeing the 2 male leads form a relationship over some time and getting to know each other but was disappointed that when we get the female lead, it was more insta love. I would have much rather seen her character develop more over time and see them build a relationship. Her connection to our male human lead just feels shallow.
I will also say while the spicy scenes were really fun, they did seem to almost drag on at some points? its hard to explain, but they just moved VERY slowly. Near the 75% mark we also get a little spicy heavy and kind of forget about the plot for while lol
BUT
At times I felt like I was getting lectured a bit throughout the book, I love that they are pushing a message of inclusivity but it felt a little... heavy handed at points. Like the point hand been made yet we still spend another page talking about it. sometimes less is more? and the point could have been made just as well without beating a dead horse.
I enjoyed seeing the 2 male leads form a relationship over some time and getting to know each other but was disappointed that when we get the female lead, it was more insta love. I would have much rather seen her character develop more over time and see them build a relationship. Her connection to our male human lead just feels shallow.
I will also say while the spicy scenes were really fun, they did seem to almost drag on at some points? its hard to explain, but they just moved VERY slowly. Near the 75% mark we also get a little spicy heavy and kind of forget about the plot for while lol
March 16, 2022
A delightful surprise!
Where do I begin?
Heather is truly staking her claim as a master world-building storyteller just with this standalone novel. I find a lot of authors have a hard time building a world that's rich and full enough in one lone book but this is a gem of an exception.
Milo is so relatable and intergalactic relationships are such a metaphor for so many taboos anyways that I found this a beautiful way to further explore it along with polyamory. Beings who aren't weighted by their society's terrible expectations. I get why Milo loves them so much to be honest and it's more than the fact that Vano and Mri are entirely loveable.
What a great story, all around, with a spiciness that had me giddy and far, far too curious about taking eggs and hatching them.
I'll tell Bad Dragon that Heather sent me.
Where do I begin?
Heather is truly staking her claim as a master world-building storyteller just with this standalone novel. I find a lot of authors have a hard time building a world that's rich and full enough in one lone book but this is a gem of an exception.
Milo is so relatable and intergalactic relationships are such a metaphor for so many taboos anyways that I found this a beautiful way to further explore it along with polyamory. Beings who aren't weighted by their society's terrible expectations. I get why Milo loves them so much to be honest and it's more than the fact that Vano and Mri are entirely loveable.
What a great story, all around, with a spiciness that had me giddy and far, far too curious about taking eggs and hatching them.
I'll tell Bad Dragon that Heather sent me.
December 24, 2021
Takes my breath away
Every book you've written has been fantastic! This one follows right along that path, I adore the characters. Having gay and transgender people feels like we are seen and you taking the time to add trigger warnings is so very helpful and good. The world building is awe inspiring and I just can't get enough.
Every book you've written has been fantastic! This one follows right along that path, I adore the characters. Having gay and transgender people feels like we are seen and you taking the time to add trigger warnings is so very helpful and good. The world building is awe inspiring and I just can't get enough.
June 30, 2022
This book
It was amazing. I love everything about it, the story so sweet and full of love. It is a beautiful tale.
It was amazing. I love everything about it, the story so sweet and full of love. It is a beautiful tale.
February 12, 2023
Would love the kids stories
Interesting world, would love more backstory on the kholura, and more story of both sets of kids, all grown up..
Interesting world, would love more backstory on the kholura, and more story of both sets of kids, all grown up..
June 6, 2024
DNF at 32% I’m bored and a little confused by their anatomy
April 2, 2022
3.75 stars.
This book was an interesting take on the human/alien romance genre. I liked the characters for the most part and the general out line of the story. The love was sweet to witness and I liked the polyamory play out (we actually get frank relationship discussions). However, I thought it was entirely too long considering the length of time this book spanned. There was a lot of unnecessary mundane plot and then certain things were drawn out too far. And for once in my life...I found the steam scenes too long! (I know, I never thought I'd say that.) My main issue with the steam scenes was that there was so much differing alien anatomy that I'd have to think overtime to remember what was being stimulated or how that would feel. My brain was working hard. Plus these scenes moved somewhat slowly which can be a distraction of it's own in a steamy situation.
I think my biggest bugaboo came about when gender was brought up, though. In a book that was championing inclusivity and LGBTQIA+ rights, it seemed like a big miss. Our MC Milo is quick to assume the gender of both Vano and Mri when they arrive on the beach-members of an alien race he's never met before and only vaguely learned about. Which I found odd. It isn't out of this sphere of genre that an MC would say something like, "I don't know this species, but they are obviously female." However, it felt off in this book. According to the (very, very detailed) descriptions, this race's biological males and females are largely different from human anatomy. All this to say, don't assume someone's gender by how they look, just politely ask.
CW: homophobia and talk of suicidal thoughts. Excellent CW/TW inside of book while reading.
This book was an interesting take on the human/alien romance genre. I liked the characters for the most part and the general out line of the story. The love was sweet to witness and I liked the polyamory play out (we actually get frank relationship discussions). However, I thought it was entirely too long considering the length of time this book spanned. There was a lot of unnecessary mundane plot and then certain things were drawn out too far. And for once in my life...I found the steam scenes too long! (I know, I never thought I'd say that.) My main issue with the steam scenes was that there was so much differing alien anatomy that I'd have to think overtime to remember what was being stimulated or how that would feel. My brain was working hard. Plus these scenes moved somewhat slowly which can be a distraction of it's own in a steamy situation.
I think my biggest bugaboo came about when gender was brought up, though. In a book that was championing inclusivity and LGBTQIA+ rights, it seemed like a big miss. Our MC Milo is quick to assume the gender of both Vano and Mri when they arrive on the beach-members of an alien race he's never met before and only vaguely learned about. Which I found odd. It isn't out of this sphere of genre that an MC would say something like, "I don't know this species, but they are obviously female." However, it felt off in this book. According to the (very, very detailed) descriptions, this race's biological males and females are largely different from human anatomy. All this to say, don't assume someone's gender by how they look, just politely ask.
CW: homophobia and talk of suicidal thoughts. Excellent CW/TW inside of book while reading.
September 2, 2022
The love for this book crept up on me slowly. I love the world building. The characters. The exploration of relationships and love. It was just a gentle loving story that ended in the sweetest way and had me crying with bittersweet tears. Really good story. Different to a lot of the books I’ve read recently. Loved that the aliens were very different but still found a place and joy with the human mc.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews