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Interspecies Alliances #1
The Alien Bodyguard
Scarred lips resting on polished tusks...horned eyebrows over electric orange eyes… He was breathtaking.
Oliver Turner has been given one last chance to regain his rightful position by his father’s side, running the family corporation, but he can’t keep his eyes off his klah’eel bodyguard. Oliver wants the man with an intensity that both scares and shocks him, and he’s terrified of letting the desire pass him by after being so afraid for so long that he’d never desire a man again. But Oliver has spent his whole life chasing the love and approval of his father, and he can’t let that slip through his fingers when he’s so close.
Captain Mal’ik can’t believe that the yearning, longing scent pouring from the beautiful human man he’s been assigned to protect is for him. Mal’ik has been a soldier for decades and bears the proof of it in his mangled face and metal arm. Surely the prissy, brilliant young man can’t want him of all people. And yet, the way Oliver Turner looks at Mal’ik makes him feel like he could be so much more than just the scarred tool of an empire.
As Oliver and Mal’ik wrestle with their surprising and unfamiliar feelings, the tense political situation surrounding them explodes into chaos. They will both be forced to make choices they never thought they’d make. Is it even possible for them to choose each other?
The Alien Bodyguard is a steamy M/M romance with an HEA ending, set directly after the events of The Alien Emissary. Reading Emissary isn’t required, but it is highly encouraged, as Bodyguard contains spoilers for Emissary and includes Emissary’s main characters.
Oliver Turner has been given one last chance to regain his rightful position by his father’s side, running the family corporation, but he can’t keep his eyes off his klah’eel bodyguard. Oliver wants the man with an intensity that both scares and shocks him, and he’s terrified of letting the desire pass him by after being so afraid for so long that he’d never desire a man again. But Oliver has spent his whole life chasing the love and approval of his father, and he can’t let that slip through his fingers when he’s so close.
Captain Mal’ik can’t believe that the yearning, longing scent pouring from the beautiful human man he’s been assigned to protect is for him. Mal’ik has been a soldier for decades and bears the proof of it in his mangled face and metal arm. Surely the prissy, brilliant young man can’t want him of all people. And yet, the way Oliver Turner looks at Mal’ik makes him feel like he could be so much more than just the scarred tool of an empire.
As Oliver and Mal’ik wrestle with their surprising and unfamiliar feelings, the tense political situation surrounding them explodes into chaos. They will both be forced to make choices they never thought they’d make. Is it even possible for them to choose each other?
The Alien Bodyguard is a steamy M/M romance with an HEA ending, set directly after the events of The Alien Emissary. Reading Emissary isn’t required, but it is highly encouraged, as Bodyguard contains spoilers for Emissary and includes Emissary’s main characters.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2022
188 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
March 1, 2024
I really wanted to like this story. Unfortunately, it had pacing issues. There would be moments where the story flowed perfectly, and other moments where it stuttered to a halt.
Gay sci-fi romance
World building was a bit chaotic
Human/alien
Bodyguard
Pheromones
Decent intimacy
Political intrigue
Family drama
Hurt/comfort
Cliffhanger-like ending
“Shh, I’ve got you.” Mal’ik lifted off his lips and turned Oliver’s head to the side to kiss down his throat. “I’ll take care of you.”
The ending was beyond disappointing. What even was that?
Gay sci-fi romance
World building was a bit chaotic
Human/alien
Bodyguard
Pheromones
Decent intimacy
Political intrigue
Family drama
Hurt/comfort
Cliffhanger-like ending
“Shh, I’ve got you.” Mal’ik lifted off his lips and turned Oliver’s head to the side to kiss down his throat. “I’ll take care of you.”
The ending was beyond disappointing. What even was that?
February 16, 2025
4**** stars
oooh, I like that series very much. I wasn’t sure I’d like Oliver Turner with what we learned about him in the first book, but I certainly did. And man, did he luck out that Mal’lik was assigned as his bodyguard during negotiations.
Although this romance ended a bit abrupt (due to reasons, I guess) I’m now super curious about Sebastian. I mean, the image that he is some kind of parasite living through another person’s body alone has me shivering.
The series has an ongoing storyline, so I would recommend reading these books in order.
****************
Interspecies Alliances Series
Prequel - The Alien Emissary - 4.0 stars
Book 1 - The Alien Bodyguard - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Alien Infiltrator - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - The Alien Medic - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - The Alien Soldier - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - The Alien Scientist - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - The Alien Prince - tbd
oooh, I like that series very much. I wasn’t sure I’d like Oliver Turner with what we learned about him in the first book, but I certainly did. And man, did he luck out that Mal’lik was assigned as his bodyguard during negotiations.
“Fuck, you’re intoxicating. You’re fucking perfect, Oliver.” Oliver could have cried with the praise. He wanted to be perfect for Mal’ik.
Although this romance ended a bit abrupt (due to reasons, I guess) I’m now super curious about Sebastian. I mean, the image that he is some kind of parasite living through another person’s body alone has me shivering.
The series has an ongoing storyline, so I would recommend reading these books in order.
****************
Interspecies Alliances Series
Prequel - The Alien Emissary - 4.0 stars
Book 1 - The Alien Bodyguard - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Alien Infiltrator - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - The Alien Medic - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - The Alien Soldier - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - The Alien Scientist - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - The Alien Prince - tbd
October 24, 2024
Re-read - Giving this 5 stars on the re-read as I love this oddly charming cast of interesting aliens/humans and it was so good to see future characters from the beginning again, in a different perspective. Getting more of the world building and the plot the second time round as well has raised my appreciation for this series as its clear the groundwork has been well laid out from the beginning. Very easy to read, recommend.
First read Nov 2023
3.5- This had so much potential! Lots of great ideas. What was there was really enjoyable but it felt like half the story was missing. There was interesting side characters, Oliver’s backstory, Ma’liks bionic arm, all the politics, Oliver’s family, so much that could have been explored deeper but felt only touched on here. They get straight to sex which didn’t feel like it matched the characters at all. There is alot of hints that Oliver has quite a hefty backstory but then we never got to read about it it, the book ends abruptly.
I understand these all finish on a HFN with the main plot continuing for the final HEA at the end of the series but there hasn’t been enough time spent on either the main plot or the couple for me. Especially when there is no further instalments for this couple. What is there is good! It just needed more.
First read Nov 2023
3.5- This had so much potential! Lots of great ideas. What was there was really enjoyable but it felt like half the story was missing. There was interesting side characters, Oliver’s backstory, Ma’liks bionic arm, all the politics, Oliver’s family, so much that could have been explored deeper but felt only touched on here. They get straight to sex which didn’t feel like it matched the characters at all. There is alot of hints that Oliver has quite a hefty backstory but then we never got to read about it it, the book ends abruptly.
I understand these all finish on a HFN with the main plot continuing for the final HEA at the end of the series but there hasn’t been enough time spent on either the main plot or the couple for me. Especially when there is no further instalments for this couple. What is there is good! It just needed more.
October 25, 2024
4 stars, mainly for the world building and story arc, not so much for the romance.
I mean… the romance between Oliver Turner, the sleek and skilled negotiator on behalf of his family, and Mal’ik, the seasoned Klah’Eel warrior (with tusks, and one arm made of metal, but still very human like in all things that matter in a mm romance 😬) - it was good, but not overwhelmingly good. We’re told how they feel about each other, but I couldn’t really “feel” it, if you know what I mean.
The big story arch though, and the world building - that’s what really gripped me and made me turn page after page. It’s alien enough to feel new, but human enough to feel familiar at the same time.
The ending felt a bit abrupt, like an episode in a bigger story, but I’m sure we’ll see more of them in the upcoming books.
I’ll definitely binge through this series, and I’m really curious about the story involving the torvar called Sebastian (a “worm” able to take over bodies, like a body snatcher).
Love it so far, thank you, Kati, for making me pick this series up!
I mean… the romance between Oliver Turner, the sleek and skilled negotiator on behalf of his family, and Mal’ik, the seasoned Klah’Eel warrior (with tusks, and one arm made of metal, but still very human like in all things that matter in a mm romance 😬) - it was good, but not overwhelmingly good. We’re told how they feel about each other, but I couldn’t really “feel” it, if you know what I mean.
The big story arch though, and the world building - that’s what really gripped me and made me turn page after page. It’s alien enough to feel new, but human enough to feel familiar at the same time.
The ending felt a bit abrupt, like an episode in a bigger story, but I’m sure we’ll see more of them in the upcoming books.
I’ll definitely binge through this series, and I’m really curious about the story involving the torvar called Sebastian (a “worm” able to take over bodies, like a body snatcher).
Love it so far, thank you, Kati, for making me pick this series up!
November 15, 2023
What a great little sexy alien romp lol! Like what's not to love? It’s fun, unpretentious, simple and energetic! it’s got great worldbuilding, awesome unique characters and it's something like pulp sci-fi but with hawt sexxxxy sex. My gawd hi it’s wonderful and i'm a fan because hello funnnn :D
Gonna happily devour the rest of this series because it's nice to indulge sometimes and treat my brain to something light and delicious and uncomplicated while ignoring all my other responsibilities lools \(^-^)/
Gonna happily devour the rest of this series because it's nice to indulge sometimes and treat my brain to something light and delicious and uncomplicated while ignoring all my other responsibilities lools \(^-^)/
July 4, 2022
I went in to this book blind, didn't know what I was gonna find, but I liked it. 😏😏😏
We have aliens and political maneuvers in a planet that is, basically, in a postwar of sorts. So we get a human representative who goes to make deals, to create through his business good systems for said planet.
And then we have the alien bodyguard who is a rock and trustworthy and warm... I have a pattern I know.
But this was enjoyable, well written with intriguing world building and characters. It wasn't only sex, even though the attraction was instant, and the main couple had problems to solve.
A really nice surprise indeed. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
We have aliens and political maneuvers in a planet that is, basically, in a postwar of sorts. So we get a human representative who goes to make deals, to create through his business good systems for said planet.
And then we have the alien bodyguard who is a rock and trustworthy and warm... I have a pattern I know.
But this was enjoyable, well written with intriguing world building and characters. It wasn't only sex, even though the attraction was instant, and the main couple had problems to solve.
A really nice surprise indeed. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
October 12, 2024
So...everybody is gonna get their happy ending in the last book??.. This was confusing...
November 14, 2023
3.5⭐ for this story, and I'm being generous here, simply because I really like this Universe, but I'm rounding it down, because this book did not convince me.
I wonder, where's the rest of this story? It's painfully missing. We're just getting started, things start developing and making sense, but then the book abruptly ends and we basically don't get any kind of resolve to the conflict in this book or the main love story.
🟢 Alien/human
🟡 Substantial age gap
🔴 Size difference
🟠 Unsatisfying love story
🌶️ Spice was very good; t/b
🟣 Political conflicts, possible war
🔵 HFN
with no additional installment for these MMCs
This book had about 200 pages and in those pages it only positioned the MMCs, side characters and certain events - apparently for the next book, it didn't get to the hard storytelling yet, didn't get to the gist of the plot yet, so when everything was set - IT ENDED. Wow.
I honestly thought going in that we're going to get this amazing age-gap love story, an impossible love story between Oliver, the heir of the mighty Turner family from Tava, and Ma'lik, the retired Klah'Eel warrior, who's been involved in the Tava takeover.
Ma'lik's scarred, without one arm and as such can't believe a young, beautiful guy like Oliver would want him.
I'm going to show you my Oliver, just because.
Oliver and Ma'lik's chemistry was palpable, it was that much more exciting, because there's such a stark difference between the two. That age gap is almost questionable, since Ma'lik is almost retired, but since he's an alien, I'm guessing age and getting old has a completely different meaning for him.
As Oliver's bodyguard, Ma'lik has to spend time with him every day, and for a minute there I thought they were going to play cat-and-mouse about hooking up, but no, it wasn't even like that, Oliver asked to be fucked and Ma'lik granted his wish, no questions asked.
The spice was really good, they had amazing sex, I loved it, only their dialogues during sex were a bit weird, they kept asking each other "What are you doing?", I thought that was a bit uneccessary.
Ma'lik does praise Oliver a lot, considering Oliver is very inexperienced, so that was really good, but again, would be wonderful if there was more. Ma'lik had that older, very mature man quality about him and was perfect for Oliver, so I'm double disappointed it didn't go further.
We also realise between the lines that Oliver has a very complicated past and there was a lot more to be said there, so naturally I thought Ma'lik was going to peel off those layers and really get in there, get close, find out what's going on and they were going to fall in love, step by step. But we didn't get their journey to love, no. I really welcome sex in books, but here it was just that, no depth. It almost seemed like a crush only.
When Oliver goes back to his family, he seems very unaffected, he's playing along and steps right back into his role, so I didn't feel any kind of pining or missing, it was like everything that happened with Ma'lik had no impact on him. There was some miscommunication, but it doesn't get resolved, because the pacing was off in the second part of the book, things were developing too soon and we get 1-2-3-4-5 new side characters that seem to be important figures for the events that transpire, yet they're present only for a small amount of time.
Dominic, for example. He's Oliver's stupidly handsome mad scientist brother who got only little page time and then disappeared into oblivion. Let's hope he gets his own book.
So I'm pretty much confused, the love story wasn't delivered properly, Serihk and Bryant weren't presented well and the whole political scheming that had so much potential, was almost amateurish.
These guys here are all important political figures, they have so much power in their hands, but because the story isn't developed well enough, it looks like they're doing nothing.
If Oliver and Ma'lik are important figures in the potential war that is brewing here, why wasn't their story told in more detail? This book needed another half, desperately. I really liked the idea of a wealthy perfect guy falling for a flawed, broken soldier and I was really wondering how could they possibly even be together? So that should've had more depth, more things happening, things with Oliver and his family adressed, but as the story was told, it looked like Oliver was acting on an impulse that had nothing to do with feelings of love, so those I-love-you's at the end held no weight, at least for me.
Shame, everything here had enormous potential.
I wonder, where's the rest of this story? It's painfully missing. We're just getting started, things start developing and making sense, but then the book abruptly ends and we basically don't get any kind of resolve to the conflict in this book or the main love story.
🟢 Alien/human
🟡 Substantial age gap
🔴 Size difference
🟠 Unsatisfying love story
🌶️ Spice was very good; t/b
🟣 Political conflicts, possible war
🔵 HFN
with no additional installment for these MMCs
This book had about 200 pages and in those pages it only positioned the MMCs, side characters and certain events - apparently for the next book, it didn't get to the hard storytelling yet, didn't get to the gist of the plot yet, so when everything was set - IT ENDED. Wow.
I honestly thought going in that we're going to get this amazing age-gap love story, an impossible love story between Oliver, the heir of the mighty Turner family from Tava, and Ma'lik, the retired Klah'Eel warrior, who's been involved in the Tava takeover.
Ma'lik's scarred, without one arm and as such can't believe a young, beautiful guy like Oliver would want him.
I'm going to show you my Oliver, just because.
Oliver and Ma'lik's chemistry was palpable, it was that much more exciting, because there's such a stark difference between the two. That age gap is almost questionable, since Ma'lik is almost retired, but since he's an alien, I'm guessing age and getting old has a completely different meaning for him.
As Oliver's bodyguard, Ma'lik has to spend time with him every day, and for a minute there I thought they were going to play cat-and-mouse about hooking up, but no, it wasn't even like that, Oliver asked to be fucked and Ma'lik granted his wish, no questions asked.
The spice was really good, they had amazing sex, I loved it, only their dialogues during sex were a bit weird, they kept asking each other "What are you doing?", I thought that was a bit uneccessary.
Ma'lik does praise Oliver a lot, considering Oliver is very inexperienced, so that was really good, but again, would be wonderful if there was more. Ma'lik had that older, very mature man quality about him and was perfect for Oliver, so I'm double disappointed it didn't go further.
We also realise between the lines that Oliver has a very complicated past and there was a lot more to be said there, so naturally I thought Ma'lik was going to peel off those layers and really get in there, get close, find out what's going on and they were going to fall in love, step by step. But we didn't get their journey to love, no. I really welcome sex in books, but here it was just that, no depth. It almost seemed like a crush only.
When Oliver goes back to his family, he seems very unaffected, he's playing along and steps right back into his role, so I didn't feel any kind of pining or missing, it was like everything that happened with Ma'lik had no impact on him. There was some miscommunication, but it doesn't get resolved, because the pacing was off in the second part of the book, things were developing too soon and we get 1-2-3-4-5 new side characters that seem to be important figures for the events that transpire, yet they're present only for a small amount of time.
Dominic, for example. He's Oliver's stupidly handsome mad scientist brother who got only little page time and then disappeared into oblivion. Let's hope he gets his own book.
So I'm pretty much confused, the love story wasn't delivered properly, Serihk and Bryant weren't presented well and the whole political scheming that had so much potential, was almost amateurish.
These guys here are all important political figures, they have so much power in their hands, but because the story isn't developed well enough, it looks like they're doing nothing.
If Oliver and Ma'lik are important figures in the potential war that is brewing here, why wasn't their story told in more detail? This book needed another half, desperately. I really liked the idea of a wealthy perfect guy falling for a flawed, broken soldier and I was really wondering how could they possibly even be together? So that should've had more depth, more things happening, things with Oliver and his family adressed, but as the story was told, it looked like Oliver was acting on an impulse that had nothing to do with feelings of love, so those I-love-you's at the end held no weight, at least for me.
Shame, everything here had enormous potential.
September 20, 2023
3.5 stars
Very enjoyable for the first half but then the pacing went a bit wack and it focused too much on external factors and not enough on the couple. I felt like most of the sex was front-loaded and the balance of intimacy and action wasn't quite right.
That being said, I very much appreciated how Mal'ik cared for Oliver and the hurt/comfort was good. Oliver is very closed off and struggles to let Mal'ik in, but then crumbles like a wafer when offered any form of praise or care and that felt pretty believable to me. The characters are pretty trope-tastic but the gruff-warrior-with-a-heart-of-gold and the tormented-pretty-pampered-genius is a pairing I enjoy so I'll forgive it.
I did think they were a decent couple but because of the short timeline, I found their HEA a bit unbelievable and would have preferred a HFN.
I didn't see any CWs, so a heads up for PTSD and trauma which is triggered several times on page.
Very enjoyable for the first half but then the pacing went a bit wack and it focused too much on external factors and not enough on the couple. I felt like most of the sex was front-loaded and the balance of intimacy and action wasn't quite right.
That being said, I very much appreciated how Mal'ik cared for Oliver and the hurt/comfort was good. Oliver is very closed off and struggles to let Mal'ik in, but then crumbles like a wafer when offered any form of praise or care and that felt pretty believable to me. The characters are pretty trope-tastic but the gruff-warrior-with-a-heart-of-gold and the tormented-pretty-pampered-genius is a pairing I enjoy so I'll forgive it.
I did think they were a decent couple but because of the short timeline, I found their HEA a bit unbelievable and would have preferred a HFN.
I didn't see any CWs, so a heads up for PTSD and trauma which is triggered several times on page.
August 28, 2024
What a blast!! I’m officially in love with this series🤩
WHY I LIKED THIS
- Oliver and Mal’ik. I loved the push and pull between these two. Oliver was a needy little brat with zero qualms about taking what he wanted and Mal’ik was the big softy always ready to indulge him.
- The writing. That moment when Oliver steps out of his ship??
Fucking goldddd.
- Political intrigue. Always a fave. Plus, it was relatively easy to understand after reading the prequel and the first third of this.
WHY I LIKED THIS
- Oliver and Mal’ik. I loved the push and pull between these two. Oliver was a needy little brat with zero qualms about taking what he wanted and Mal’ik was the big softy always ready to indulge him.
- The writing. That moment when Oliver steps out of his ship??
But the ship – as nice as it was – was nothing compared to the human man that first appeared down the gangway. His hair caught the sun like gold; the pure white of his clothing reflected the light blindingly. He held himself straight and tall and swept down the gangway as though alighting from a throne.
Fucking goldddd.
- Political intrigue. Always a fave. Plus, it was relatively easy to understand after reading the prequel and the first third of this.
November 29, 2024
This book was a huge letdown. I was hoping for some solid political intrigue, be it about the factions, their motives, and the politicians' goals but all of it vague and confusing. It was hard to follow, and I found myself frustrated trying to make sense of it all—either the writing was unclear or I just didn’t get it. The romance was the only part that kept me interested, but even that lost its appeal once I realized how tightly it was tied to the muddled political plot. The only parts that stood out were the sex scenes, and even those were just okay.
Boo !
Boo !
March 1, 2022
Ok. I’m going to tell you something I wished I would have known BEFORE I starting reading this book. It ends on a cliffhanger AND there are war themes.
Obviously this was written prior to the war in Ukraine but it still hurt to read certain parts. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
There are love and war plot lines. It’s a good balance. Mal’ik is Oliver’s temporary bodyguard. They grow surprisingly close surprisingly fast. Oliver is very vocal in his want of Mal’ik. Their chemistry is molten hot and their sex scenes are SMOKING. Rimming that was especially 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The dynamics of the universe are fascinating as different species via for power. Book 1’s couple play a pivotal role in this plot so definitely read book 1 first. Now I wish book 3 was out so I would feel better about the conclusion of book 2. Eeek! The waiting is going to suck.
Obviously this was written prior to the war in Ukraine but it still hurt to read certain parts. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
There are love and war plot lines. It’s a good balance. Mal’ik is Oliver’s temporary bodyguard. They grow surprisingly close surprisingly fast. Oliver is very vocal in his want of Mal’ik. Their chemistry is molten hot and their sex scenes are SMOKING. Rimming that was especially 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The dynamics of the universe are fascinating as different species via for power. Book 1’s couple play a pivotal role in this plot so definitely read book 1 first. Now I wish book 3 was out so I would feel better about the conclusion of book 2. Eeek! The waiting is going to suck.
July 4, 2025
enjoyed this for the plot but not the chemistry between characters
March 16, 2022
I like Oliver, but I hate the pressure that his father puts on him. Oliver is really a good guy.
Ma'lik is so fierce, I would want someone that fierce and strong on my side, for sure.
Ma'lik is so fierce, I would want someone that fierce and strong on my side, for sure.
May 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐
Came for the romance, but stayed for the alien politics and war.
Pleasantly surprised to find a narrative driven by complicated and realistic events with layered and imperfect characters.
So often I see authors create a character like Oliver, a highly effective businessman fueled by his self interests, and then have them suddenly flip into ooey gooey good guys with a secret heart of gold. Oliver didn't do a 180 in this story. More like a 90 degree turn at high speed under duress... 😉
Ivers did a genuinely fantastic job of developing a set of characters that all feel distinct from one another. And had several of them in a single scene without it feeling crowded and forgetting who's who between dialogue exchange.
I love Kora Knight but those books are bursting at the seams with characters to the point it sometimes feels like stepping into season 8 of a show you only watched the pilot of three years ago. For writing what boils down to smut with plot, Kora has enough plot to choke any English major who dares criticize the smut.
Here, Ivers is far more conservative with her characters, but without detracting from the larger plot. Genuinely surprised by the amount of lore and politics she was able to build in these two small books while still centralized on a romance with some seriously hot scenes.
Adding Ivers to my favorite authors and will be keeping tabs on her works going forward!
Came for the romance, but stayed for the alien politics and war.
Pleasantly surprised to find a narrative driven by complicated and realistic events with layered and imperfect characters.
So often I see authors create a character like Oliver, a highly effective businessman fueled by his self interests, and then have them suddenly flip into ooey gooey good guys with a secret heart of gold. Oliver didn't do a 180 in this story. More like a 90 degree turn at high speed under duress... 😉
Ivers did a genuinely fantastic job of developing a set of characters that all feel distinct from one another. And had several of them in a single scene without it feeling crowded and forgetting who's who between dialogue exchange.
I love Kora Knight but those books are bursting at the seams with characters to the point it sometimes feels like stepping into season 8 of a show you only watched the pilot of three years ago. For writing what boils down to smut with plot, Kora has enough plot to choke any English major who dares criticize the smut.
Here, Ivers is far more conservative with her characters, but without detracting from the larger plot. Genuinely surprised by the amount of lore and politics she was able to build in these two small books while still centralized on a romance with some seriously hot scenes.
Adding Ivers to my favorite authors and will be keeping tabs on her works going forward!
March 21, 2022
4 stars
“I know I shouldn’t be happy right now. Not with everything that’s happened and with everything that will. But I am. I’m so happy, Oliver.”
This series has been such a surprise for me and one hell of a good one. I enjoyed the short prequel a lot and I also really enjoyed this first book. This is a new to me author and I decided to try them out because I liked the blurbs and damn are these books working for me. I just enjoy these books so much. They are the perfect combinaison of hot sex scenes, cute romance and really interesting action. These books read like a movie and I just love that so much and I have so much fun reading them. I just love the world this series is set in, it’s so well crafted and really fascinating.
This book was just a lot of fun but also super sweet and very romantic, it had everything I want to read about in books and I had such a good time reading it.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
“I know I shouldn’t be happy right now. Not with everything that’s happened and with everything that will. But I am. I’m so happy, Oliver.”
This series has been such a surprise for me and one hell of a good one. I enjoyed the short prequel a lot and I also really enjoyed this first book. This is a new to me author and I decided to try them out because I liked the blurbs and damn are these books working for me. I just enjoy these books so much. They are the perfect combinaison of hot sex scenes, cute romance and really interesting action. These books read like a movie and I just love that so much and I have so much fun reading them. I just love the world this series is set in, it’s so well crafted and really fascinating.
This book was just a lot of fun but also super sweet and very romantic, it had everything I want to read about in books and I had such a good time reading it.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
October 9, 2023
I somehow liked the story. The only thing I'm struggling with is that it's just not quite... the characters are fleshed out but feel just not quite real, the relationship is there but for a HEA it is just not quite enough, I know what is going on in general but just not quite enough to understand what the actual purpose of Oliver was or what his family business is and on an on it goes. I just didn't believe Oliver and M's I love yous as they mainly interacted in the bedroom a far as I am aware. Minimal conversation was going on and lots of assumptions where being made without any of them being talked through. There really is no emotional reason why Oliver would put his whole existence on the line other than that he believes that his family is making a big mistake and luckily the guy he had been intimate with is tagging along.
I think I will check out the next in the series as I'm looking for sci-fi books right now. Maybe it will surprise me.
I think I will check out the next in the series as I'm looking for sci-fi books right now. Maybe it will surprise me.
December 24, 2023
Good series for the world-building and characters.
March 18, 2022
The Alien Bodyguard is NOT a standalone. There is a lot of background information about the humans on planet Tava, and the war that occurred there. It's also where we meet Bryant and Serihk and we know why they treat Oliver the way they do when they meet him.
The wonderful world building that Ivers began in book 1 deepens here as we learn more and the Klah'Eel race and of their government and military set up. The Turner family were establish in The Alien Emissary as a very wealthy, powerful and politically influential family and NOT in a good way. This is our first opportunity to see inside the infamous family. Oliver is definitely bit of an entitled brat but he is a product of his upbringing. However, there is a good heart in there which Mal'ik sees and is instantly drawn to when he is assigned as Oliver's temporary bodyguard during the peace talks. Their mutual attraction is sweet, they are two damaged souls whose attraction I totally buy. Things heart up quickly and man is it steamy!
This book contains a lot more political maneuvering than book 1 as all sides work to bring peace to the long war torn planet Tava. The book does take a turn towards action, and leaves Mal'ik with a very hard decision to make. I am very interested in book 3 due to who the 2 MCs will be and I hope to see more of the MCs we've met already. The more of this storyline I read, the more I'm pulled in wanting more. I'm highly invested in how the end will eventually play out. Another excellent installment but I do really wish they were longer as I could have read so much of Oliver and Mal'ik. They both have such a vulnerability around them despite their hard exteriors I would have loved to have dug deeper into.
This book ends very much on a cliffhanger in terms of the series arc and the romantic relationship between Mal'ik is HFN. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
The wonderful world building that Ivers began in book 1 deepens here as we learn more and the Klah'Eel race and of their government and military set up. The Turner family were establish in The Alien Emissary as a very wealthy, powerful and politically influential family and NOT in a good way. This is our first opportunity to see inside the infamous family. Oliver is definitely bit of an entitled brat but he is a product of his upbringing. However, there is a good heart in there which Mal'ik sees and is instantly drawn to when he is assigned as Oliver's temporary bodyguard during the peace talks. Their mutual attraction is sweet, they are two damaged souls whose attraction I totally buy. Things heart up quickly and man is it steamy!
This book contains a lot more political maneuvering than book 1 as all sides work to bring peace to the long war torn planet Tava. The book does take a turn towards action, and leaves Mal'ik with a very hard decision to make. I am very interested in book 3 due to who the 2 MCs will be and I hope to see more of the MCs we've met already. The more of this storyline I read, the more I'm pulled in wanting more. I'm highly invested in how the end will eventually play out. Another excellent installment but I do really wish they were longer as I could have read so much of Oliver and Mal'ik. They both have such a vulnerability around them despite their hard exteriors I would have loved to have dug deeper into.
This book ends very much on a cliffhanger in terms of the series arc and the romantic relationship between Mal'ik is HFN. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 12, 2022
This very intriguing futuristic MM romance has an “insta love/opposites attract” undertone & I found the plot to be well-written and quite intense as it is filled with unexpected situations & emotional turmoil. It was interesting to see how the characters continue to develop throughout the storyline to become involved with each other. There are some character crossovers (Emissary Serihk & Bryant Harrison) from the first book “The Alien Emissary: Interspecies Alliances #1” but this book can easily be read as a standalone.
It is about: a Klah’eel alien (Captain Mal’ik) is temporary assigned to be the bodyguard to a human male (Oliver Turner) who has to negotiate certain deals on behalf of his family corporation then the attractions begin to flare.
There is: some twists, intrigue, drama, family issues, politics, traitors, humans, aliens, a resistance group, sabotage, disagreements, suspicions, manipulations, devious plans, threats, danger, explosions, conflict, challenges, surprises, complications, decisions, steamy scenes, love, sadly this book ends in a cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book with great anticipation.
It is about: a Klah’eel alien (Captain Mal’ik) is temporary assigned to be the bodyguard to a human male (Oliver Turner) who has to negotiate certain deals on behalf of his family corporation then the attractions begin to flare.
There is: some twists, intrigue, drama, family issues, politics, traitors, humans, aliens, a resistance group, sabotage, disagreements, suspicions, manipulations, devious plans, threats, danger, explosions, conflict, challenges, surprises, complications, decisions, steamy scenes, love, sadly this book ends in a cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book with great anticipation.
March 17, 2022
Great addition to the series!
I loved Oliver and Mal'ik's story. Mal'ik has come a long way in his life and finds himself really looking at things differently when it looks like there will be war again on southern Tava. To protect the people, Mal'ik will have to make a hard decision. Oliver has finally climbed back up to being the favorite son, when everything goes to hell because of the resistance. He didn't plan on falling in love with his bodyguard, Mal'ik, and giving everything up to be with him. I loved the chemistry between them and their hot scenes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
I loved Oliver and Mal'ik's story. Mal'ik has come a long way in his life and finds himself really looking at things differently when it looks like there will be war again on southern Tava. To protect the people, Mal'ik will have to make a hard decision. Oliver has finally climbed back up to being the favorite son, when everything goes to hell because of the resistance. He didn't plan on falling in love with his bodyguard, Mal'ik, and giving everything up to be with him. I loved the chemistry between them and their hot scenes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
January 29, 2024
4.25 stars
I expected these to be cute low-angst standalone stories, and now I’m invested in a space opera that’s a little too relevant right now. 🍉
This book is a bodyguard romance with age gap, hurt/comfort, and a sexy space orc. Come for the spice (lol) stay for the series plot line kicking off. Even though they’re different couples per book, they’re not standalones.
Spice: 4/5
Angst: 3-4/5
I expected these to be cute low-angst standalone stories, and now I’m invested in a space opera that’s a little too relevant right now. 🍉
This book is a bodyguard romance with age gap, hurt/comfort, and a sexy space orc. Come for the spice (lol) stay for the series plot line kicking off. Even though they’re different couples per book, they’re not standalones.
Spice: 4/5
Angst: 3-4/5
March 4, 2023
Technically this is book 1, but it would've been helpful to have read the short story first. Good story, but these two are definitely not quite at their HEA yet. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to invest the time in reading both the prequel and the next book right now, but I'm also afraid of forgetting too much if I wait....
April 21, 2022
So, I took a chance on this series in general. The first book involved metal TENTACLES, so I was wondering what this one was going to bring. There's nothing like that in this one, as an FYI.
What there is, is a space orc! Who's a gruff protector! A younger love interest! Who has snooty exterior and vulnerable interior!
I just vibed with this book really well.
Human Oliver Turner has been tasked with making deals to set up his family's business in a resource-rich but troubled area of a planet where Captain Mal'ik, a klah'eel warrior, resides. Mal'ik has been assigned to protect Oliver as he wheels and deals. Mal'ik, who is older and scarred from his military service, doesn't believe that the younger, handsome Oliver could really be attracted to him. Well, Oliver is very attracted to Mal'ik and he's pretty upfront with his wants and needs where Mal'ik is concerned.
This one is still a bit of an instalove story like the first in the series, but it's a longer story, so there's more development to Oliver and Mal'ik relationship: we get to see more of Oliver's backstory, the world building is more extensive, and the plot is more complex. There's a rebellion and a war breaking out; Oliver has a lot of family pressure and Mal'ik is being tested morally about which side is the right one in the conflict.
I liked both characters quite a lot. I think I have a soft spot for fussy, rich protagonists who fall for gruff warrior types (such as C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince and Ariana Nash's Prince's Assassin trilogies). I liked how Oliver and Mal'ik were soft for each other, with both protecting and showing up for the other throughout in various ways.
I look forward to the next book, which involves like ... a worm alien? It'll be interesting for sure and I eagerly await seeing Oliver and Mal'ik again.
| I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
What there is, is a space orc! Who's a gruff protector! A younger love interest! Who has snooty exterior and vulnerable interior!
I just vibed with this book really well.
Human Oliver Turner has been tasked with making deals to set up his family's business in a resource-rich but troubled area of a planet where Captain Mal'ik, a klah'eel warrior, resides. Mal'ik has been assigned to protect Oliver as he wheels and deals. Mal'ik, who is older and scarred from his military service, doesn't believe that the younger, handsome Oliver could really be attracted to him. Well, Oliver is very attracted to Mal'ik and he's pretty upfront with his wants and needs where Mal'ik is concerned.
This one is still a bit of an instalove story like the first in the series, but it's a longer story, so there's more development to Oliver and Mal'ik relationship: we get to see more of Oliver's backstory, the world building is more extensive, and the plot is more complex. There's a rebellion and a war breaking out; Oliver has a lot of family pressure and Mal'ik is being tested morally about which side is the right one in the conflict.
I liked both characters quite a lot. I think I have a soft spot for fussy, rich protagonists who fall for gruff warrior types (such as C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince and Ariana Nash's Prince's Assassin trilogies). I liked how Oliver and Mal'ik were soft for each other, with both protecting and showing up for the other throughout in various ways.
I look forward to the next book, which involves like ... a worm alien? It'll be interesting for sure and I eagerly await seeing Oliver and Mal'ik again.
| I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
May 8, 2023
I should have known……
Oliver Turner, representing his wealthy and influential family at a “peace” conference, can’t take his eyes off Mal’ik, the Klah’Eel officer who will be his bodyguard during his visit. Mal’ik can’t believe that his Human assignment could ever be attracted to an old battered and disfigured soldier. But…despite their very different places in life, they fall hard for each other. However, Oliver’s greedy family is eager to take advantage of the looming war on Mal’ik’s planet, and Mal’ik can’t turn away from trying to stop the resulting devastation. Can they find a way forward together.
So…yes, there’s a sort of romance. Oliver and Mal’ik fall in love, although I’m not entirely sure why or how. Oliver has Daddy Issues that muddy his emotional waters and make him a rather Hot Mess. Mal’ik seems like a nice guy, er….alien, but I couldn’t figure out what there was about Oliver to fall in love over. Plus…they’ve only spent about five minutes together….
Then there’s the whole Human/Alien thing. Their sexy times are pretty much typical MM human interaction. Not sure why, in a galaxy far, far, away there could be two entirely separate species that have evolved in such a way that they could know and enjoy sexual relations. I mean, think of a turtle and a donkey…..how would it even…????
So…I’m not sure why the author bothers with the whole alien thing. This could have been done with both characters being human, and OK, throw in a space station if you want.
And…I still have no idea what the whole political brouhaha is about on that planet. No idea at all. So points off for that.
Oliver Turner, representing his wealthy and influential family at a “peace” conference, can’t take his eyes off Mal’ik, the Klah’Eel officer who will be his bodyguard during his visit. Mal’ik can’t believe that his Human assignment could ever be attracted to an old battered and disfigured soldier. But…despite their very different places in life, they fall hard for each other. However, Oliver’s greedy family is eager to take advantage of the looming war on Mal’ik’s planet, and Mal’ik can’t turn away from trying to stop the resulting devastation. Can they find a way forward together.
So…yes, there’s a sort of romance. Oliver and Mal’ik fall in love, although I’m not entirely sure why or how. Oliver has Daddy Issues that muddy his emotional waters and make him a rather Hot Mess. Mal’ik seems like a nice guy, er….alien, but I couldn’t figure out what there was about Oliver to fall in love over. Plus…they’ve only spent about five minutes together….
Then there’s the whole Human/Alien thing. Their sexy times are pretty much typical MM human interaction. Not sure why, in a galaxy far, far, away there could be two entirely separate species that have evolved in such a way that they could know and enjoy sexual relations. I mean, think of a turtle and a donkey…..how would it even…????
So…I’m not sure why the author bothers with the whole alien thing. This could have been done with both characters being human, and OK, throw in a space station if you want.
And…I still have no idea what the whole political brouhaha is about on that planet. No idea at all. So points off for that.
March 5, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars
I loved the first book in the series, and I expected to like this one too. In fact, I was intrigued by the plot and characters and thought that a book with more substance would be great. This one fell just short though.
The main characters are Oliver Turner, who is negotiating for his family corporation, and the guard assigned to him by his hosts, Captain Mal'ik. Now, I'm not going to explain the intricacies of the politics at work here; just know there's a whole plot that is very much unresolved by the end when it comes to the politics and what happens there. Meanwhile, there's also the romance between Turner and Captain Mal'ik. And the romance is OK. (A little bland after book 1, not gonna lie, I miss the tentacles). Look, the book was all well-written. I think this is a "me" problem.
The main issue was my difficulty in connecting. I couldn't get into it. Not the plot, not the characters, not the romance. I'm not sure what the problem was, TBH, but if I had to focus on one thing, it would be that I found the characters frustrating sometimes. I wanted to smack everyone's heads together and yell "BE NICE TO EACH OTHER!"
I'm looking forward to the next book because this is a promising author and I loved book 1. This book was simply not as much to my taste.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
I loved the first book in the series, and I expected to like this one too. In fact, I was intrigued by the plot and characters and thought that a book with more substance would be great. This one fell just short though.
The main characters are Oliver Turner, who is negotiating for his family corporation, and the guard assigned to him by his hosts, Captain Mal'ik. Now, I'm not going to explain the intricacies of the politics at work here; just know there's a whole plot that is very much unresolved by the end when it comes to the politics and what happens there. Meanwhile, there's also the romance between Turner and Captain Mal'ik. And the romance is OK. (A little bland after book 1, not gonna lie, I miss the tentacles). Look, the book was all well-written. I think this is a "me" problem.
The main issue was my difficulty in connecting. I couldn't get into it. Not the plot, not the characters, not the romance. I'm not sure what the problem was, TBH, but if I had to focus on one thing, it would be that I found the characters frustrating sometimes. I wanted to smack everyone's heads together and yell "BE NICE TO EACH OTHER!"
I'm looking forward to the next book because this is a promising author and I loved book 1. This book was simply not as much to my taste.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
April 3, 2022
This review has spoilers:
Mal'ik a soldier, is a temporary bodyguard for Oliver Turner. Oliver is meeting with leaders who have been at war but now are in a time of peace. Oliver's Dad has sent him to persuade the leaders to allow them to help them bring education, a better infrastructure to an are of their country/planet. Oliver has been in trouble before and hurt. He suffers panic attacks and can't stand to be dirty. Mal'ik sees Oliver isn't as difficult as others see him and that Oliver is really worth knowing. Sparks start slowly between them because Mal'ik is Oliver's bodyguard and is isn't a good idea. Oliver isn't staying around. The Resistance has attacked the facility were they were both at and thrown the country into war. Mal'ik is ordered to fight against the Resistance, but the will mean hurting and killing many civilians and he just can't do that. So Mal'ik leaves his position, releases a prisoner and steals a transport and Oliver goes along for the ride. I can't wait for book 3 to see what Oliver and Mil'ik get into.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I.
Mal'ik a soldier, is a temporary bodyguard for Oliver Turner. Oliver is meeting with leaders who have been at war but now are in a time of peace. Oliver's Dad has sent him to persuade the leaders to allow them to help them bring education, a better infrastructure to an are of their country/planet. Oliver has been in trouble before and hurt. He suffers panic attacks and can't stand to be dirty. Mal'ik sees Oliver isn't as difficult as others see him and that Oliver is really worth knowing. Sparks start slowly between them because Mal'ik is Oliver's bodyguard and is isn't a good idea. Oliver isn't staying around. The Resistance has attacked the facility were they were both at and thrown the country into war. Mal'ik is ordered to fight against the Resistance, but the will mean hurting and killing many civilians and he just can't do that. So Mal'ik leaves his position, releases a prisoner and steals a transport and Oliver goes along for the ride. I can't wait for book 3 to see what Oliver and Mil'ik get into.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
So, I really liked this one ... and thought it was on its way to get 4,5 stars to 5 stars but then ... the ending was unsatisfying .
I got the feeling that the last third was missing. I think the author wants to increase the desire to read the next book in this series but I want to finish the story of one couple and that was missing. So I was not really happy with that
But on the whole I really liked how the relationship between Malik and Oliver develops. Yes, it is a bit of love at first sight, but it was very well done.
Oliver learns a lot about himself and decides to change
Unfortunately we don't see the conclusion of this change due to the authors strategy to only finish half of the couples story in one book.
So, I kind of want to read the previous and the next book but on the other hand I know it will frustrate me a bit.
Nevertheless it was a good read and I enjoyed it
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
I got the feeling that the last third was missing. I think the author wants to increase the desire to read the next book in this series but I want to finish the story of one couple and that was missing. So I was not really happy with that
But on the whole I really liked how the relationship between Malik and Oliver develops. Yes, it is a bit of love at first sight, but it was very well done.
Oliver learns a lot about himself and decides to change
Unfortunately we don't see the conclusion of this change due to the authors strategy to only finish half of the couples story in one book.
So, I kind of want to read the previous and the next book but on the other hand I know it will frustrate me a bit.
Nevertheless it was a good read and I enjoyed it
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
March 19, 2022
Ultimately, this didn't work for me. The quality of writing is good, but the premise never feels fully realized. Elements that I found intriguing from the first book aren't explored in this installment which left me disappointed. Mal’ik is a really interesting character but I struggled to become invested in his strange dynamic with Oliver and their connection felt more forced than organic. I didn't enjoy the overt political plotline and grew weary of the rising war theme. 2.5 stars
August 12, 2025
Yes, yes, and more yes.
I was initially bummed to learn we’d only get one book in the series from Serihk and Bryant’s perspective. But after reading this, I can say that’s a total non-issue. They still have so much page time here, play an important role, and their relationship continues to develop beautifully. I now trust that future books will keep giving the main couples from earlier installments meaningful roles, which makes me far less sad about not getting another Mal’ik and Oliver POV book.
I fucking loved them. Honestly, Eryn’s couples are all fantastic—I adore every single one. I saw someone in another review claim the story is just a simple “good vs. evil,” but the second book alone proves that’s not true. It’s far more nuanced. The main characters from both books are often working toward goals that conflict with each other’s interests. And the next book? Told straight from the perspective of the so-called “bad guys.” That’s some delicious moral grayness right there. The resistance is messed up, the government is messed up, and neither side is entirely justified. That complexity is exactly what makes this story shine. Smut or not, I’d still read for the political intrigue alone—it’s handled tastefully and is genuinely engaging.
That’s why I’m giving this 5 stars: I really need to emphasize how much more this is than “space opera erotica.” This is actually good sci-fi. And it didn’t even have to be! It could have been simpler or more contrived, especially for the genre, but Eryn Ivers goes the extra mile to deliver an interesting, layered, and addictive story.
Trauma rep? Perfection. The way trauma, kink, and aftercare were woven together was chef’s kiss. I’ve never seen it done like this before—realistic aftershock in the midst of intimacy, handled with care, without breaking the flow. Brilliant.
And the smut? Oh. My. God. I can’t. It had me cheesing so hard I had to set the book down and giggle. Not because it was funny—just because I was flustered beyond belief. Hot damn, Eryn. You ate. Page 127, y’all.
Someone compared the aliens to Star Trek species, and suddenly everything clicked for me. I’d been trying to “monster-ify” them more in my head, but viewing them through Star Trek-style alien design made their characterizations click in a whole new way.
This book was an absolute blast. And the best part? The next one features one of my all-time favorite tropes—pining—so I’m already sold. Honestly, the rest of the series is calling to me for the plot alone. Plus, I saw Patrick is front and center in book four, and I absolutely loved him here, so my anticipation is through the roof.
I was initially bummed to learn we’d only get one book in the series from Serihk and Bryant’s perspective. But after reading this, I can say that’s a total non-issue. They still have so much page time here, play an important role, and their relationship continues to develop beautifully. I now trust that future books will keep giving the main couples from earlier installments meaningful roles, which makes me far less sad about not getting another Mal’ik and Oliver POV book.
I fucking loved them. Honestly, Eryn’s couples are all fantastic—I adore every single one. I saw someone in another review claim the story is just a simple “good vs. evil,” but the second book alone proves that’s not true. It’s far more nuanced. The main characters from both books are often working toward goals that conflict with each other’s interests. And the next book? Told straight from the perspective of the so-called “bad guys.” That’s some delicious moral grayness right there. The resistance is messed up, the government is messed up, and neither side is entirely justified. That complexity is exactly what makes this story shine. Smut or not, I’d still read for the political intrigue alone—it’s handled tastefully and is genuinely engaging.
That’s why I’m giving this 5 stars: I really need to emphasize how much more this is than “space opera erotica.” This is actually good sci-fi. And it didn’t even have to be! It could have been simpler or more contrived, especially for the genre, but Eryn Ivers goes the extra mile to deliver an interesting, layered, and addictive story.
Trauma rep? Perfection. The way trauma, kink, and aftercare were woven together was chef’s kiss. I’ve never seen it done like this before—realistic aftershock in the midst of intimacy, handled with care, without breaking the flow. Brilliant.
And the smut? Oh. My. God. I can’t. It had me cheesing so hard I had to set the book down and giggle. Not because it was funny—just because I was flustered beyond belief. Hot damn, Eryn. You ate. Page 127, y’all.
Someone compared the aliens to Star Trek species, and suddenly everything clicked for me. I’d been trying to “monster-ify” them more in my head, but viewing them through Star Trek-style alien design made their characterizations click in a whole new way.
This book was an absolute blast. And the best part? The next one features one of my all-time favorite tropes—pining—so I’m already sold. Honestly, the rest of the series is calling to me for the plot alone. Plus, I saw Patrick is front and center in book four, and I absolutely loved him here, so my anticipation is through the roof.
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