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Mail Order Bride
Ten years ago, aliens from a Galaxy spanning government called the Hegemony arrived in the Solar system and ever since Earth has been on a long, slow journey to becoming a banana republic. Samantha ‘Sam’ Murray has spent her entire high school career doing everything her mom could think of to earn a chance at an off-world education that would keep her from living a life of poverty. But with just a few weeks left before graduation there’s no scholarship in sight and Sam has her heart set on getting an apartment with her best friend and crush, Jenny, and maybe finding out of they can be more than just friends. All of her plans come crashing down when she finds out her mom has signed her up for an arranged marriage on another planet as a way to get her the off-world education she’s sure Sam needs.
Sam arrives on Talamh, a planet ravaged by disaster, expecting to find herself promised to some rich alien prince. Instead, she finds herself among a species that has no concept of gender, promised to a beautiful alien that makes Sam’s little gay heart skip a beat every time she looks at them. There’s just one problem. Orla, the person Sam is promised to, is already in love with their best friend Sorcha. As Orla and Sam’s betrothal moves forward, they find themselves falling in love, but Sam can’t help but worry that Sorcha will come between them. At least, until she and Sorcha start to develop feelings for each other.
Will desire and jealousy destroy all their futures, or will Sam, Orla and Sorcha find a way to be happy together?
Sam arrives on Talamh, a planet ravaged by disaster, expecting to find herself promised to some rich alien prince. Instead, she finds herself among a species that has no concept of gender, promised to a beautiful alien that makes Sam’s little gay heart skip a beat every time she looks at them. There’s just one problem. Orla, the person Sam is promised to, is already in love with their best friend Sorcha. As Orla and Sam’s betrothal moves forward, they find themselves falling in love, but Sam can’t help but worry that Sorcha will come between them. At least, until she and Sorcha start to develop feelings for each other.
Will desire and jealousy destroy all their futures, or will Sam, Orla and Sorcha find a way to be happy together?
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2022
30 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Molly J. Bragg
9 books207 followersI’m a trans woman with a degree in Astro-physics and a love of storytelling. I love science fiction, superheroes, and giant robots. My hobbies include collecting transformers, watching way too many crafting videos on YouTube, and complaining bitterly about the way a certain comic book company treats my favorite superhero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 26, 2022
Sam Murray is very bright and should have a fantastic future ahead of her in college and beyond. But this is a future Earth where aliens from space are gradually turning the planet’s inhabitants into low paid worker bees. The only out is to go off world and obtain an education from one of the advanced species. Sam’s mother just doesn’t have the clout so as a last resort, Sam agrees to an arranged marriage to a space alien who is human-like.
Orla’s family is old money and influential. However, the planet, Talamh, needs outside genetic material for their diminished population so they bring in off-worlders. Sam seems like a good fit and Orla is already attracted to her just from pictures and description. They want her. I’ll be frank. Some readers really go for monster/human couples or supernatural/human pairs. I’m into interspecies space alien/human connections. I don’t understand it myself. The heart likes what the heart likes.
Orla and Sam are true sweethearts and they grow a genuine bond of love and friendship as they begin their betrothal on Orla’s planet. Sam is a charmer and a workaholic, a true earthling. She has a rough go of it at first, the culture shock and the necessary artificial enhancements are good bits of outer space tech that add flavor but are not heavy.
Orla is a good person who is maybe too tender hearted for their planet. They crave touch and physical affection in a place where it is taboo. They’re loyal to family and an honorable being. Orla is also very much in love with their best friend, Sorcha, but they’ve made a commitment to Sam. Sorcha, by the way, is fire. Gorgeous and sharp tongued, they square up to Sam just to remind her that they’re not going anywhere. I’d like to add that the poly aspect to the story is a gradual falling in love so it felt genuine and respectful of all three of them.
I had a blast reading this book. The story is funny, has surprise turns, some family intrigue, and best of all, the characters are all scorching hot. That’s my one question after finishing. The book ends at a sort of beginning. I sincerely hope that there is a sequel or a novella or a short story. Anything at all to quench the thirst. I need more Orla, Sam, and Sorcha together.
Orla’s family is old money and influential. However, the planet, Talamh, needs outside genetic material for their diminished population so they bring in off-worlders. Sam seems like a good fit and Orla is already attracted to her just from pictures and description. They want her. I’ll be frank. Some readers really go for monster/human couples or supernatural/human pairs. I’m into interspecies space alien/human connections. I don’t understand it myself. The heart likes what the heart likes.
Orla and Sam are true sweethearts and they grow a genuine bond of love and friendship as they begin their betrothal on Orla’s planet. Sam is a charmer and a workaholic, a true earthling. She has a rough go of it at first, the culture shock and the necessary artificial enhancements are good bits of outer space tech that add flavor but are not heavy.
Orla is a good person who is maybe too tender hearted for their planet. They crave touch and physical affection in a place where it is taboo. They’re loyal to family and an honorable being. Orla is also very much in love with their best friend, Sorcha, but they’ve made a commitment to Sam. Sorcha, by the way, is fire. Gorgeous and sharp tongued, they square up to Sam just to remind her that they’re not going anywhere. I’d like to add that the poly aspect to the story is a gradual falling in love so it felt genuine and respectful of all three of them.
I had a blast reading this book. The story is funny, has surprise turns, some family intrigue, and best of all, the characters are all scorching hot. That’s my one question after finishing. The book ends at a sort of beginning. I sincerely hope that there is a sequel or a novella or a short story. Anything at all to quench the thirst. I need more Orla, Sam, and Sorcha together.
June 18, 2022
Molly Bragg has written a fantastic sci-fi romance novel that totally captivated me. Mail Order Bride, the second book by this author is a must read for those who love these genres.
In this story, Earth is currently becoming a colony of the Hegemony, a collection of alien worlds, most of which have technology far beyond what we have on Earth. This is causing hardships for businesses and people on our planet as alien technology is rapidly taking over jobs that humans used to do. This is why Sam Murray’s mother, Beth, made an arrangement to send Sam to the planet Talamh to be betrothed to Orla Leargas of the House of Leargas. Betrothals on Talamh last for five years during which Orla’s family will provide Sam with an education in alien technology. There are a few problems though. Sam has romantic feelings for her best friend on Earth, and Orla has feelings for her best friend Sorcha Grasta. Also, living on a totally alien planet takes some getting used to, especially since Orla’s family doesn’t seem too happy with Orla’s choice of Sam as her betrothed.
The author really has a vivid imagination, and it shows with this story. I loved the view the author gave of the planet Talamh as well as all that Sam had to go through to live there. The descriptions actually made me want to see more of Talamh. I connected with the characters immediately. They are well-described and quite believable. The love story between Sam, Orla, and eventually Sorcha is heartwarming and kept me reading until the end.
If you enjoy well-written, polyamorous romances, especially in sci-fi settings, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
In this story, Earth is currently becoming a colony of the Hegemony, a collection of alien worlds, most of which have technology far beyond what we have on Earth. This is causing hardships for businesses and people on our planet as alien technology is rapidly taking over jobs that humans used to do. This is why Sam Murray’s mother, Beth, made an arrangement to send Sam to the planet Talamh to be betrothed to Orla Leargas of the House of Leargas. Betrothals on Talamh last for five years during which Orla’s family will provide Sam with an education in alien technology. There are a few problems though. Sam has romantic feelings for her best friend on Earth, and Orla has feelings for her best friend Sorcha Grasta. Also, living on a totally alien planet takes some getting used to, especially since Orla’s family doesn’t seem too happy with Orla’s choice of Sam as her betrothed.
The author really has a vivid imagination, and it shows with this story. I loved the view the author gave of the planet Talamh as well as all that Sam had to go through to live there. The descriptions actually made me want to see more of Talamh. I connected with the characters immediately. They are well-described and quite believable. The love story between Sam, Orla, and eventually Sorcha is heartwarming and kept me reading until the end.
If you enjoy well-written, polyamorous romances, especially in sci-fi settings, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 27, 2022
I'm definitely a fan of Molly Bragg! I devoured her first book Scatter and this one I stretched out a bit longer but loved it just as much. Good science fiction can be hard to write but she has it down to an art. The alien worlds she created are so detailed and easy to imagine. Sam and Orla are both great characters and their story was definite unique. I did also like Sorcha and how they were included in the plot. Great book by a great author. As long as Molly Bragg keeps writing I will keep reading!
May 27, 2022
I absolutely loved it! I loved the premise the intricacies of Alien culture. Orsla and Sam’s relationship. Not to mention Sorcha.
I recommend everyone to read it.
Once i Started i could not stop. Arranged Marriage is one of my favourite tropes (maybe because I come from a culture were it is common and an everyday practice) but unfortunately there are very few lesfic books on arranged marriages if there are i haven’t found many.
This hit all the right spots, the relationship developed naturally and even the poly did not feel forced.
I recommend everyone to read it.
Once i Started i could not stop. Arranged Marriage is one of my favourite tropes (maybe because I come from a culture were it is common and an everyday practice) but unfortunately there are very few lesfic books on arranged marriages if there are i haven’t found many.
This hit all the right spots, the relationship developed naturally and even the poly did not feel forced.
November 15, 2024
I REALLY wanted to give this book 5 stars because I very much enjoyed it. Except for two things. 1. I wish the notes on time, days etc were at the beginning so I could flip back and realize they were there. But I didn’t even know until after I’d finished. And 2. The ending. You went from the big news to, a jump ahead, with nothing in between. And frankly I wanted those details. I’d have actually read a second book that continued their story, and how they got to the year later. But it felt so rushed, and I was really invested in how things were even going to work out.
Sam was such a great character, and Orlo’s grandmother was a champion. Loved the dogs. But I don’t think I could be like Sam and I think I’d always doubt my place. That why I wanted to know HOW they made it all work out. Also yes on naming the AI in your head.
Looking forward to the next book this author writes. And hoping that they adjust their writing just a tiny bit. It’s why I’m hoping to get more Scatter in the future. Could handle more of this trio too, although emotionally I’m too negative about myself to ever have that sort of relationship, and keep it healthy.
Sam was such a great character, and Orlo’s grandmother was a champion. Loved the dogs. But I don’t think I could be like Sam and I think I’d always doubt my place. That why I wanted to know HOW they made it all work out. Also yes on naming the AI in your head.
Looking forward to the next book this author writes. And hoping that they adjust their writing just a tiny bit. It’s why I’m hoping to get more Scatter in the future. Could handle more of this trio too, although emotionally I’m too negative about myself to ever have that sort of relationship, and keep it healthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
A brilliant book, bit of a an unfortunate ending
Okay let's start. First of all I love Sam, Orla and Sorcha. They're great characters and watching them interact and grow and work things out was great.
Now on to the reason this is 4 stars and not 5 in my opinion. The end felt very sudden. The trio work out their problems literally in the last few paragraphs of the last chapter and then there's a short prologue where Sam reconnected with their childhood friend. All in all it didn't feel like a huge pay off. Had there been a bit more to the ending it probably would have been 5 stars. As it stands it's a great book and worth a read.
I'd love to see maybe a follow up, or even just a novella showing what life is like for Sam, Orla and Sorcha going forwards. Cause it felt like they just hit their stride as a trio and then it was over without a full pay off. We get to see the tiniest bit in the prologue and it feels like a bit of a cheat. But the book can stand on it's own, technically you aren't missing anything and their problems are resolved and they clearly have the future they want, you just only get the barest glimpse of it all.
Okay let's start. First of all I love Sam, Orla and Sorcha. They're great characters and watching them interact and grow and work things out was great.
Now on to the reason this is 4 stars and not 5 in my opinion. The end felt very sudden. The trio work out their problems literally in the last few paragraphs of the last chapter and then there's a short prologue where Sam reconnected with their childhood friend. All in all it didn't feel like a huge pay off. Had there been a bit more to the ending it probably would have been 5 stars. As it stands it's a great book and worth a read.
I'd love to see maybe a follow up, or even just a novella showing what life is like for Sam, Orla and Sorcha going forwards. Cause it felt like they just hit their stride as a trio and then it was over without a full pay off. We get to see the tiniest bit in the prologue and it feels like a bit of a cheat. But the book can stand on it's own, technically you aren't missing anything and their problems are resolved and they clearly have the future they want, you just only get the barest glimpse of it all.
May 28, 2022
Earth is the latest planet to be inducted into the Hegemony, a star-spanning society of planets, and is having a rough time of essentially becoming the subject of colonialism from a much more advanced society. Humans are second class citizens on their own planet because they can't compete with galactically-educated aliens or robot labor. Sam Murray has spent her life being pushed into excelling by her mother who's very conscious of the negative effects of the alien colonial incursion, in an effort to get an off-planet education. Unfortunately the only paths to this that her mother Beth can find are ones that involve years of indenture ... until she discovers a program that offers everything she wants for Sam, but that also involves an arranged marriage to an alien.
There's conflict between Sam and Beth, but Sam eventually goes along with the plan even though she dreads the relationship that has been arranged for her (Beth doesn't know Sam is gay). But then she meets her intended Orla, an alien from Talamh and a society that has no concept of gender while still being sexually dimorphic. (There's some really clever discussion about this where the aliens find referring to people using gendered language feels like discussing their genitals in public). Sam and Orla hit it off, but there's built-in problems with the relationship because Orla is in love with someone else of their own species, Sorcha, even though they're committed to making the relationship with Sam work.
This is a well thought out setting with an interesting alien society that thinks about social mores, economics and advanced technology and how it might plateau. The actual relationships are low conflict, with both Sam and Orla very clearly all in from very early in the piece and with Sorcha being embraced by both, initially as a friend and evolving into more. It's clear from very early on that the outcome is likely to be a poly relationship between the three of them.
There's conflict between Sam and Beth, but Sam eventually goes along with the plan even though she dreads the relationship that has been arranged for her (Beth doesn't know Sam is gay). But then she meets her intended Orla, an alien from Talamh and a society that has no concept of gender while still being sexually dimorphic. (There's some really clever discussion about this where the aliens find referring to people using gendered language feels like discussing their genitals in public). Sam and Orla hit it off, but there's built-in problems with the relationship because Orla is in love with someone else of their own species, Sorcha, even though they're committed to making the relationship with Sam work.
This is a well thought out setting with an interesting alien society that thinks about social mores, economics and advanced technology and how it might plateau. The actual relationships are low conflict, with both Sam and Orla very clearly all in from very early in the piece and with Sorcha being embraced by both, initially as a friend and evolving into more. It's clear from very early on that the outcome is likely to be a poly relationship between the three of them.
June 10, 2023
Scifi with a f/f twist
I really liked this scifi and its careful exploring of different cultures and mores with good world-building. The starting point is brilliant: First contact has led to Earth being included without bloodshed into an interstellar Hegemony. But Samantha‘s mother who has read up the history of colonization (are those banned books now?) worries about her daughter‘s future. The solution: An arranged marriage as the key to an alien education. The scenario is likely, the tension between mother and daughter well-written. But it gets even better when Samantha is meeting Orla, the alien …. I loved the connection, I loved to know about their culture and I loved the intricacies of having three people in love.
Had an entertaining time with this scifi.
I really liked this scifi and its careful exploring of different cultures and mores with good world-building. The starting point is brilliant: First contact has led to Earth being included without bloodshed into an interstellar Hegemony. But Samantha‘s mother who has read up the history of colonization (are those banned books now?) worries about her daughter‘s future. The solution: An arranged marriage as the key to an alien education. The scenario is likely, the tension between mother and daughter well-written. But it gets even better when Samantha is meeting Orla, the alien …. I loved the connection, I loved to know about their culture and I loved the intricacies of having three people in love.
Had an entertaining time with this scifi.
February 15, 2025
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
Another great read from Bragg. This story follows Sam, a human living on Earth, whose mom, in an effort to get Sam off planet for a better future, sets up an arrange marriage with a nonbinary alien, Orla. Upon arrival, Sam discovers that Orla is nothing like what she thought and that she really likes them, but is worried about Orla's love of their best friend Sorcha.
I really enjoyed this story. I read Bragg's other book, Scatter, and absolutely loved it, so I had high hopes for this book and it delivered. This story is a long one, I think Goodreads has it at 400 pages, but I didn't notice the length while reading. The story moves at a good pace and I was very invested in the characters that those 400 pages flew by. While I liked Sam, Orla stole the show for me. I liked that they didn't take shit from Sam and was willing to have the conversations that needed to happen.
With the length of the book as it is, it gave the characters room to grow and maneuver through out the story without rushing or skipping over sections. This book felt more like a miniseries than a movie, in its presentation, which personally, I love in romances. I wish more romances were like this.
I would recommend this book for fans of romances with sci-fi elements or fans of Scatter.
Another great read from Bragg. This story follows Sam, a human living on Earth, whose mom, in an effort to get Sam off planet for a better future, sets up an arrange marriage with a nonbinary alien, Orla. Upon arrival, Sam discovers that Orla is nothing like what she thought and that she really likes them, but is worried about Orla's love of their best friend Sorcha.
I really enjoyed this story. I read Bragg's other book, Scatter, and absolutely loved it, so I had high hopes for this book and it delivered. This story is a long one, I think Goodreads has it at 400 pages, but I didn't notice the length while reading. The story moves at a good pace and I was very invested in the characters that those 400 pages flew by. While I liked Sam, Orla stole the show for me. I liked that they didn't take shit from Sam and was willing to have the conversations that needed to happen.
With the length of the book as it is, it gave the characters room to grow and maneuver through out the story without rushing or skipping over sections. This book felt more like a miniseries than a movie, in its presentation, which personally, I love in romances. I wish more romances were like this.
I would recommend this book for fans of romances with sci-fi elements or fans of Scatter.
May 31, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club for free in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5/5
I have to be honest, from the title I was a little hesitant about this one, but it came through in a big way! I couldn't it down and it left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This is my first time reading anything by Bragg, but I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for her other works!
Mail Order Bride follows Sam, a very bright human from Earth, as she embarks on a somewhat unorthodox off-planet experience following her high school graduation. Sam is very mature, with lots of hobbies and a big heart. Orla, her fiance, is incredibly kindhearted. I loved seeing Orla develop as a character throughout this book, learning to stand up for what she wants in a big way.
I found the background context of this story particularly fascinating. Earth has become a colonized planet, which is shown primarily through the changes that Sam and her mother experience firsthand. Talamh's history has been somewhat chaotic as well, with a massive near-extinction event and a pandemic spread by touch. Seeing how those large-scale events impact Sam, Orla, and Orla's best friend Sorcha made for a compelling dynamic between the characters.
I'm very glad that this book has a happy ending. The relationships between characters were incredibly wholesome and made reading this such an enjoyable time! I'd highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a comforting distraction from your own romantic woes!
Rating: 4.5/5
I have to be honest, from the title I was a little hesitant about this one, but it came through in a big way! I couldn't it down and it left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This is my first time reading anything by Bragg, but I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for her other works!
Mail Order Bride follows Sam, a very bright human from Earth, as she embarks on a somewhat unorthodox off-planet experience following her high school graduation. Sam is very mature, with lots of hobbies and a big heart. Orla, her fiance, is incredibly kindhearted. I loved seeing Orla develop as a character throughout this book, learning to stand up for what she wants in a big way.
I found the background context of this story particularly fascinating. Earth has become a colonized planet, which is shown primarily through the changes that Sam and her mother experience firsthand. Talamh's history has been somewhat chaotic as well, with a massive near-extinction event and a pandemic spread by touch. Seeing how those large-scale events impact Sam, Orla, and Orla's best friend Sorcha made for a compelling dynamic between the characters.
I'm very glad that this book has a happy ending. The relationships between characters were incredibly wholesome and made reading this such an enjoyable time! I'd highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a comforting distraction from your own romantic woes!
June 4, 2023
Waoh....this is likely my first polyamorous fff novel.
The relationship and background story is so well done, i do wish there was more illustrations of the three party bedroom relationship but with such entertaining read, I forgive.
Also, Pixel is a gem....laughed a number of times at his comebacks.
The relationship and background story is so well done, i do wish there was more illustrations of the three party bedroom relationship but with such entertaining read, I forgive.
Also, Pixel is a gem....laughed a number of times at his comebacks.
June 29, 2022
Fun sapphic, poly NA book
Really fun read. Good world-building. Unique plot. Love triangle that ends with an HEA.
Really wish I had access to a learning machine to upload courses!!
Really fun read. Good world-building. Unique plot. Love triangle that ends with an HEA.
Really wish I had access to a learning machine to upload courses!!
May 25, 2022
Emotionally cathartic romance with sci Fi setting
I loved it! It was super sweet, and very much a romance. Fully sci Fi in genre, but lesbian poly romance in execution. If you're looking for starship battles and deep space intrigue this is probably not what you're in the mood for. Save it for when your wanting that sci Fi vibe to your emotionally cathartic romance.
Not as steamy as it could have been, the sex scenes faded to black mostly, but the main characters are only 17 or so so I'm not mad about it.
I'd read a sequel, for sure.
I loved it! It was super sweet, and very much a romance. Fully sci Fi in genre, but lesbian poly romance in execution. If you're looking for starship battles and deep space intrigue this is probably not what you're in the mood for. Save it for when your wanting that sci Fi vibe to your emotionally cathartic romance.
Not as steamy as it could have been, the sex scenes faded to black mostly, but the main characters are only 17 or so so I'm not mad about it.
I'd read a sequel, for sure.
May 25, 2022
Mostly spoiler free, apart from a few vague details about the ending. This was a quick read that had me hooked through almost the entire book. Happy to add it to my shelf along with Molly J. Bragg's other work Scatter.
This is about romance between a lesbian human Sam, and sapphic leaning non-binary aliens Orla and Sorcha in a love triangle where everyone ends up with something good in the end. A rarity in most love triangle romances. It is ultimately about overcoming jealousy and learning to love beyond societal boundaries and the rigid expectations that such things bring. Plus cute robots!
The world building is excellent and is mostly told through the lens of Sam's understanding with brief segments jumping to the other two supporting characters providing their confused interpretations of Sam's human customs. The technobabble related to alien society felt like it solidly fit within the story and its concepts were relatable to the human experience.
There are a few repetitive parts in the dialogue as Sam or Orla explain the same event to multiple characters, but Bragg does a better job summarizing the importance of these events succinctly as the book moves on.
The ending was good, but a little rushed. It would have been nice to see a bit more character development before jumping to the epilogue after a pivotal moment changes their relationship, but it still left me with a happy and satisfied feeling after reading. The supporting characters outside of our main trio I felt were slightly less important this time around than in Molly's other book Scatter, but they were all well done.
All that out of the way there were a few points in this story that left me in tears, but for all the right reasons. The characters don't dwell on their insecurities for long, and ultimately communication leads to a healthier relationship for all of them.
Highly recommend for sci-fi romance fans.
This is about romance between a lesbian human Sam, and sapphic leaning non-binary aliens Orla and Sorcha in a love triangle where everyone ends up with something good in the end. A rarity in most love triangle romances. It is ultimately about overcoming jealousy and learning to love beyond societal boundaries and the rigid expectations that such things bring. Plus cute robots!
The world building is excellent and is mostly told through the lens of Sam's understanding with brief segments jumping to the other two supporting characters providing their confused interpretations of Sam's human customs. The technobabble related to alien society felt like it solidly fit within the story and its concepts were relatable to the human experience.
There are a few repetitive parts in the dialogue as Sam or Orla explain the same event to multiple characters, but Bragg does a better job summarizing the importance of these events succinctly as the book moves on.
The ending was good, but a little rushed. It would have been nice to see a bit more character development before jumping to the epilogue after a pivotal moment changes their relationship, but it still left me with a happy and satisfied feeling after reading. The supporting characters outside of our main trio I felt were slightly less important this time around than in Molly's other book Scatter, but they were all well done.
All that out of the way there were a few points in this story that left me in tears, but for all the right reasons. The characters don't dwell on their insecurities for long, and ultimately communication leads to a healthier relationship for all of them.
Highly recommend for sci-fi romance fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 27, 2022A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
dnf @ 2% :////
so i have no idea how most of this book is, because i was put off by a comment about race early on.
basically, a mom is trying to get her daughter into an off world school without having to pay in indentured servitude or a whole bunch of money. (off world schools are better because aliens have colonized earth. the comments on colonialism were pretty superficial). the mom goes to a guy to talk about options and he says that one of the species off world is looking for arranged marriages so they can repopulate their planet, but when she reacts poorly to this he says “and this is why i don’t offer this option to white people.”
now let’s unpack that as much as i can as a white reader with limited knowledge of colonialism & racism.
1) the author is white, and since the appearances of this man and the mom aren’t described, it’s likely the author meant to write them as white.
2) the author isn’t referring to a white vs. poc perspective on marriage. im assuming she was meaning to say that in cultures where arranged marriage is common, unlike the culture of many in the united states (including both white ppl and bipoc), people wouldn’t react to arranged marriage as such a crazy option. my issue here is that not all poc are part of cultures where arranged marriage is a thing, and so this is basically a huuuuuuuuuge stereotype being applied to the majority of ppl on earth. and while the author attempts to make a “ugh white ppl joke,” it doesn’t work because she is white. AND the fact that they only offer the option to poc’s give REALLY racist vibes - like only poc ppl should do arranged marriages?? idk there are just so many weird connotations from this line. combined with the clumsy commentary on colonialism, i had to stop reading :(
this is a bummer because the gender/sexuality stuff sounded super interesting, but alas, it was not meant to be for me. ://
disclaimer: the copy i read was an ARC, so quotations may be different/removed in the final copy (meaning the line i unpacked might have been removed!).
dnf @ 2% :////
so i have no idea how most of this book is, because i was put off by a comment about race early on.
basically, a mom is trying to get her daughter into an off world school without having to pay in indentured servitude or a whole bunch of money. (off world schools are better because aliens have colonized earth. the comments on colonialism were pretty superficial). the mom goes to a guy to talk about options and he says that one of the species off world is looking for arranged marriages so they can repopulate their planet, but when she reacts poorly to this he says “and this is why i don’t offer this option to white people.”
now let’s unpack that as much as i can as a white reader with limited knowledge of colonialism & racism.
1) the author is white, and since the appearances of this man and the mom aren’t described, it’s likely the author meant to write them as white.
2) the author isn’t referring to a white vs. poc perspective on marriage. im assuming she was meaning to say that in cultures where arranged marriage is common, unlike the culture of many in the united states (including both white ppl and bipoc), people wouldn’t react to arranged marriage as such a crazy option. my issue here is that not all poc are part of cultures where arranged marriage is a thing, and so this is basically a huuuuuuuuuge stereotype being applied to the majority of ppl on earth. and while the author attempts to make a “ugh white ppl joke,” it doesn’t work because she is white. AND the fact that they only offer the option to poc’s give REALLY racist vibes - like only poc ppl should do arranged marriages?? idk there are just so many weird connotations from this line. combined with the clumsy commentary on colonialism, i had to stop reading :(
this is a bummer because the gender/sexuality stuff sounded super interesting, but alas, it was not meant to be for me. ://
disclaimer: the copy i read was an ARC, so quotations may be different/removed in the final copy (meaning the line i unpacked might have been removed!).
February 21, 2024
What's the point of a throuple if there's no threesome chapter?
June 1, 2022
I tell ya, folks. Molly J. Bragg is one to watch. Scatter ended up being one of my favorite books that I've read so far this year, and this book is hot on it's heels. She's also a trans woman, so I heartily recommend spending money on her books. As for this particular book, I'd be surprised if Ursula K. LeGuinn's Left Hand of Darkness wasn't an inspiration. In it there's a race of genderless aliens. Note that I say 'genderless,' and not 'sexless'. There are two sexes, but the mere concept of gender eludes them, and they find the idea of gender roles based on what's between ones legs as utterly baffling, which makes it interesting when you read about them. I found myself seeing the characters as masculine or feminine based on how they act which is kind of interesting since the main love interest, Orla, is sexed female, yet I read them as kind of a femmboi. Most of the others I read as femme save for a few others which I read as masc. It kind of made me think about stereotypes and preconceptions and why I was seeing a difference.
The book itself is a relatively low stakes slow burn kind of romance. There's a bit in the middle when their relationship is in jeopardy that made me cry, but other than that it's mostly exploring their relationships, and the culture of the alien race. They also set up a love triangle and I vowed that if it doesn't turn into some kind of polycule by the end I'd throw my kindle across the room. Fortunately for my kindle, one is formed and everybody gets a happy ending. It's a sweet book, and a good read, and a good example of how you can effortlessly use they/them pronouns all over the place and it all makes sense. I can't wait to see what Molly's next book is going to be. 5 stars.
The book itself is a relatively low stakes slow burn kind of romance. There's a bit in the middle when their relationship is in jeopardy that made me cry, but other than that it's mostly exploring their relationships, and the culture of the alien race. They also set up a love triangle and I vowed that if it doesn't turn into some kind of polycule by the end I'd throw my kindle across the room. Fortunately for my kindle, one is formed and everybody gets a happy ending. It's a sweet book, and a good read, and a good example of how you can effortlessly use they/them pronouns all over the place and it all makes sense. I can't wait to see what Molly's next book is going to be. 5 stars.
August 16, 2023
molly j braggs man. amazing as usual
July 28, 2022
I was promised a cute polyship living with their dogs and I got a cute polyship living with their dogs. Of course the development of the polycule does take place through out the entire book (the romance is the plot) but the dogs move in earlier than that and two corners of the triangle move in together quick, as you might expect of an arranged marriage.
I had to force myself to take this book slow and savour it just to avoid throwing away my every responsibility to curl up and read it twenty times over. I am starved from sapphic polyamorous content and now everything else that I find is going to have the misfortune of not being Mail Order Bride.
One of my favourite details about this book was how swiftly and firmly autonomy was placed into the hands of the human protagonist Sam. Yes, it was an arranged marriage, but that did not mean our protagonists were trapped into caring for one another by circumstances. Throughout the book each member of the relationship negotiates and respects one another's boundaries, and it makes for a resulting romance that feels authentic and well earned. I highly value romances where the characters actually respect and communicate with each other and both of Molly J. Bragg's currently released books provide this.
This book has a rotating point of view between the subjects of the main romance and very occasionally some of the people closest to the trio. Each voice manages to feel unique and it does not take long to get used to each character's little quirks and cues so that being told who's eyes you're seeing through almost feels unnecessary.
As with her previous novel Scatter, Mail Order Bride has a phenomenal amount of world building. Just as Sam has to learn about the new world she is living on the reader learns about it too. And as with Scatter the information in Mail Order Bride is sprinkled in neatly, in a way that either helps move the plot or helps make the world feel alive and moving around the protagonist. Although we only get tiny glimpse of it throughout the different points of view offered in the book there is a sense that this vast and shifting world and that although we are currently focused on love story, it would be just as feasible for a grand space opera to be occurring in the next building over.
In short if there are two things I always feel I can trust when I open a novel by Molly J. Bragg it's that the world will be immersive and the characters will feel genuine.
If you want to get really picky I guess I would say my rating is technically a 4.9 because I would have LOVED to have spent even more time within the story lingering for a chapter or two more in the fully realised poly relationship, but 0.1 is almost more than I can bear to take off because I loved this book so much. I live in hope that this is not the last time we will see these characters.
I had to force myself to take this book slow and savour it just to avoid throwing away my every responsibility to curl up and read it twenty times over. I am starved from sapphic polyamorous content and now everything else that I find is going to have the misfortune of not being Mail Order Bride.
One of my favourite details about this book was how swiftly and firmly autonomy was placed into the hands of the human protagonist Sam. Yes, it was an arranged marriage, but that did not mean our protagonists were trapped into caring for one another by circumstances. Throughout the book each member of the relationship negotiates and respects one another's boundaries, and it makes for a resulting romance that feels authentic and well earned. I highly value romances where the characters actually respect and communicate with each other and both of Molly J. Bragg's currently released books provide this.
This book has a rotating point of view between the subjects of the main romance and very occasionally some of the people closest to the trio. Each voice manages to feel unique and it does not take long to get used to each character's little quirks and cues so that being told who's eyes you're seeing through almost feels unnecessary.
As with her previous novel Scatter, Mail Order Bride has a phenomenal amount of world building. Just as Sam has to learn about the new world she is living on the reader learns about it too. And as with Scatter the information in Mail Order Bride is sprinkled in neatly, in a way that either helps move the plot or helps make the world feel alive and moving around the protagonist. Although we only get tiny glimpse of it throughout the different points of view offered in the book there is a sense that this vast and shifting world and that although we are currently focused on love story, it would be just as feasible for a grand space opera to be occurring in the next building over.
In short if there are two things I always feel I can trust when I open a novel by Molly J. Bragg it's that the world will be immersive and the characters will feel genuine.
If you want to get really picky I guess I would say my rating is technically a 4.9 because I would have LOVED to have spent even more time within the story lingering for a chapter or two more in the fully realised poly relationship, but 0.1 is almost more than I can bear to take off because I loved this book so much. I live in hope that this is not the last time we will see these characters.
March 26, 2023
I give this incredible book 4.5 stars. Yes, it was THAT good!!!
I have been on the hunt for more queer novels and the fact that it was polyamorous was the cherry on top! Getting to see myself in novels is so important and this one gave so much!
This author poured in genderqueer, aliens, technological advancements, beautifully crafted relationships and an INCREDIBLY DETAILED world. I mean no detail was spared. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Sidenote: go to the end to get a little dictionary on the words introduced in the story.
The only thing that doesn’t make it a full 5 stars is that I kinda felt like it ended right when it was getting SOOO GOOD!! Like it did not have to end there! I would’ve gladly read a 500 page book on these characters. And I see soo many other possible offset stories from just these.
Probably the only thing I’d change which is a simple me thing, but the ages. There were some very complex themes here that didn’t have to be about teenagers. Although it was done very very well. It’s okay to make people young adults 20-30, everyone doesn’t have to be on the cusp of adulthood, you can be an adult and figure it out too. Other than those two things, absolutely flawless storytelling!
This is the first book that I’ve read of this author and I’ve already bought a second book from them! I have a feeling they might become one of my new fave authors.
Also, will be buying this in paperback, just because I know it’ll be one of my comfort reads. Anyways I’ve rambled enough, give this book a try, you won’t regret it!🤎
I have been on the hunt for more queer novels and the fact that it was polyamorous was the cherry on top! Getting to see myself in novels is so important and this one gave so much!
This author poured in genderqueer, aliens, technological advancements, beautifully crafted relationships and an INCREDIBLY DETAILED world. I mean no detail was spared. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Sidenote: go to the end to get a little dictionary on the words introduced in the story.
The only thing that doesn’t make it a full 5 stars is that I kinda felt like it ended right when it was getting SOOO GOOD!! Like it did not have to end there! I would’ve gladly read a 500 page book on these characters. And I see soo many other possible offset stories from just these.
Probably the only thing I’d change which is a simple me thing, but the ages. There were some very complex themes here that didn’t have to be about teenagers. Although it was done very very well. It’s okay to make people young adults 20-30, everyone doesn’t have to be on the cusp of adulthood, you can be an adult and figure it out too. Other than those two things, absolutely flawless storytelling!
This is the first book that I’ve read of this author and I’ve already bought a second book from them! I have a feeling they might become one of my new fave authors.
Also, will be buying this in paperback, just because I know it’ll be one of my comfort reads. Anyways I’ve rambled enough, give this book a try, you won’t regret it!🤎
July 21, 2023
4.5 stars.
This was my first Molly J Bragg book and it certainly won't be my last. I really enjoyed the world-building and character development. The setting of the non-gendered world allowed for a rich exploration of how gender norms and expectations hold us back and gives us a window into what the world could be if we ignored all of that. Not that all was perfect on Talamh, but at least their problems were different.
Sam is a very smart, very dedicated woman on Earth. Her mom, Beth, is set on providing her daughter with all the opportunities possible, as Earth has become a colony of the Galactic Hegemony and there is no way humans can compete with the aliens given their relatively primitive tech. As she explores options for Sam to get an off-world advanced degree that don't involve indentured servitude, she is offered an arranged marriage possibility and decides to pull the trigger on that without consulting Sam.
The alien seeking potential partners, Orla, is a Sionnach and finds Sam's unwitting application compelling and different from the others in her pile. When they meet, they are immediately attracted to each other and manage to forge an intimate and trusting bond, even under the strange circumstances. As an added complication, Orla is only looking for a mate from a different place because she received a diversity token and must marry from off-world for genetic variability for the survival of her species after a terrible plague many years earlier. If that were not the case, she would have sought to marry her best friend Sorcha, whom she was in love with. Sorcha, of course, is also in love with Orla, so there are complications with this arrangement that are finally resolved at the end of the book.
My only complaint is that the ultimate resolution didn’t get enough airtime. As Sam was mulling the concept of being poly, we saw her thinking through it and then explaining it twice - to Sorcha and Orla, which made sense. But then, we didn’t get a chance to see them develop all together, which was kind of a bummer.
This was my first Molly J Bragg book and it certainly won't be my last. I really enjoyed the world-building and character development. The setting of the non-gendered world allowed for a rich exploration of how gender norms and expectations hold us back and gives us a window into what the world could be if we ignored all of that. Not that all was perfect on Talamh, but at least their problems were different.
Sam is a very smart, very dedicated woman on Earth. Her mom, Beth, is set on providing her daughter with all the opportunities possible, as Earth has become a colony of the Galactic Hegemony and there is no way humans can compete with the aliens given their relatively primitive tech. As she explores options for Sam to get an off-world advanced degree that don't involve indentured servitude, she is offered an arranged marriage possibility and decides to pull the trigger on that without consulting Sam.
The alien seeking potential partners, Orla, is a Sionnach and finds Sam's unwitting application compelling and different from the others in her pile. When they meet, they are immediately attracted to each other and manage to forge an intimate and trusting bond, even under the strange circumstances. As an added complication, Orla is only looking for a mate from a different place because she received a diversity token and must marry from off-world for genetic variability for the survival of her species after a terrible plague many years earlier. If that were not the case, she would have sought to marry her best friend Sorcha, whom she was in love with. Sorcha, of course, is also in love with Orla, so there are complications with this arrangement that are finally resolved at the end of the book.
My only complaint is that the ultimate resolution didn’t get enough airtime. As Sam was mulling the concept of being poly, we saw her thinking through it and then explaining it twice - to Sorcha and Orla, which made sense. But then, we didn’t get a chance to see them develop all together, which was kind of a bummer.
July 14, 2024
This is my second time reading this book. I loved it as much this time as I did the first. I'm not usually one for polyamorous romance books. This book though is something special. It was one of the first books I read by Bragg, and really got me into the rest of her books.
The polyamory doesn't really kick in until the end of the book, but you can see the foundation being lain from pretty early on. It was really wholseome to see everyone overcome their jealousies and insecurities and open up to each other. From the get go Orla and Sam had a very healthy relationship built on honesty and communication. When Sorcha came along there were some growing pains, but once again the day was saved with honesty and communication. Really that could have been a theme for the book, good communication can make so many things better.
There was no third act breakup. There was a late in game addition with Sorcha, but there was very little in the way of drama regarding that.
The polyamory doesn't really kick in until the end of the book, but you can see the foundation being lain from pretty early on. It was really wholseome to see everyone overcome their jealousies and insecurities and open up to each other. From the get go Orla and Sam had a very healthy relationship built on honesty and communication. When Sorcha came along there were some growing pains, but once again the day was saved with honesty and communication. Really that could have been a theme for the book, good communication can make so many things better.
There was no third act breakup. There was a late in game addition with Sorcha, but there was very little in the way of drama regarding that.
July 30, 2022
I found myself flipping back to the cover of this book a lot during this read because the cover is such a cute and unique snapshot of this throuple. A high school graduate girl coming into her own is promised to a kitty like alien her age that is struggling to find a place of their own in an uncomfortable environment for them. Of course, the kitty alien had already fallen in love with someone of their species already, so the rest of the book is the couple finding love together and expanding their definitions of it to fit a third:)
I have never read a book where characters were genderless so it took some getting used to with the "they/them" but wow- what a fun read. I could read an entire series of these main characters. Really loved it and am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I have never read a book where characters were genderless so it took some getting used to with the "they/them" but wow- what a fun read. I could read an entire series of these main characters. Really loved it and am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
November 6, 2022
five star
I really enjoyed this book, i enjoyed that the author didn’t immediately rush them all falling in with each other, I loved that it wasn’t to much sex in the book & not enough character development & a backstory of each main character, I would most definitely read this book again, the only sad part about this book was that it ended so soon, and i didn’t get enough of Sorcha, Orla & Sam relationship being more then just friends, it left me wanting more, Maybe a second bookin the near future 🙏🏽🙏🏽
I really enjoyed this book, i enjoyed that the author didn’t immediately rush them all falling in with each other, I loved that it wasn’t to much sex in the book & not enough character development & a backstory of each main character, I would most definitely read this book again, the only sad part about this book was that it ended so soon, and i didn’t get enough of Sorcha, Orla & Sam relationship being more then just friends, it left me wanting more, Maybe a second bookin the near future 🙏🏽🙏🏽
January 31, 2023
Needed an extra chapter or 2
The book had a few inconsistencies and I wish the author would've put the information about what the time frame for Sionnach was at the start of the book or the chapter of their arrival. I also wish it had an extra chapter or 2 to see more of the relationship develop with Sorcha instead of feeling like the book dragged to get to that moment then boom time skip epilogue where the 3 characters barely get time together and book is over. I was left with a "that's it?" feeling and I know a second book won't be released.
The book had a few inconsistencies and I wish the author would've put the information about what the time frame for Sionnach was at the start of the book or the chapter of their arrival. I also wish it had an extra chapter or 2 to see more of the relationship develop with Sorcha instead of feeling like the book dragged to get to that moment then boom time skip epilogue where the 3 characters barely get time together and book is over. I was left with a "that's it?" feeling and I know a second book won't be released.
December 23, 2024
Sweet Arranged Marriage Poly awakening
There are not enough romances with main characters that legitimately tried to communicate with each other, but Mail Order Bride delivers. There is still angst and some drama, but thankfully, none of it is because the main characters suddenly forget how to open their mouth. If more authors took the time to create intelligent and flawed characters who were trying their best, instead of creating drama by refusing to let characters talk to each other, there would be a lot more great books on the market.
There are not enough romances with main characters that legitimately tried to communicate with each other, but Mail Order Bride delivers. There is still angst and some drama, but thankfully, none of it is because the main characters suddenly forget how to open their mouth. If more authors took the time to create intelligent and flawed characters who were trying their best, instead of creating drama by refusing to let characters talk to each other, there would be a lot more great books on the market.
June 21, 2022
What an absolutely lovely and fantastic book!!! I adore Molly’s writing and the characters she creates. I read through this book in a day and I really didn’t want it to end. Sam, Orla, and Sorcha are just the best, and the alien world is fascinating and complex yet easy to understand. There are some great conversations in here about what loving someone really means, especially in a poly relationship which I appreciated so much. Please read this book!!! 😍
August 2, 2022
Okay, I admit that the title of the book initially put me off looking at it, but after really enjoying Scatter, I decided to give it a read, and I am so glad I did. Cute, endearing, and very much enjoyable. The alien terms took a bit of getting used to, but only added to the depth of the story, and seeing the characters grow and come to terms with their feelings was so sweet and lovely. Another story that I would highly recommend, especially if you like poly stories.
August 20, 2022
So cute and endearing and sweet, this whole book is such a nice, heartwarming experience. It is for those who want a beautiful romance filled with compassion, understanding and a bit of angst. I enjoyed it very much.
July 3, 2024
Fun!
That was so fun. Really enjoyed spending time with Sam, Orla, and Sorcha. Loved the “taking advantage of opportunities“ theme and how well Sam accomplished that very thing. I only wish there was a second story about these three characters. Loved it!
That was so fun. Really enjoyed spending time with Sam, Orla, and Sorcha. Loved the “taking advantage of opportunities“ theme and how well Sam accomplished that very thing. I only wish there was a second story about these three characters. Loved it!
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