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Accidental Alien Brides #1
Wed to the Alien Warlord
The alien who hand-picked me to wed and bed is the most domineering warlord of the bunch. Lucky me.
As the first humans allowed in Suevan space, there’s a lot riding on my all-woman team. Earth desperately needs their tech, and I’m determined to prove we can negotiate the price. Without their planetary defense systems, Earth is a sitting duck, ripe for invasion.
Except the Suevan culture is nothing like ours.
When I take part in what I think is a welcoming ceremony, I leave with more than I bargained for: a husband. A mate. Apparently, we’re there to marry them as payment—something the top brass on Earth doesn’t bother denying. Fantastic.
And the Suevan who hand-picked me to wed and bed? He’s the most domineering warlord of the bunch. Lucky me. I’ll get the Suevan tech we need, but there’s no way I’m giving in to his demands… no matter how, ahem, persuasive he might be.
As the first humans allowed in Suevan space, there’s a lot riding on my all-woman team. Earth desperately needs their tech, and I’m determined to prove we can negotiate the price. Without their planetary defense systems, Earth is a sitting duck, ripe for invasion.
Except the Suevan culture is nothing like ours.
When I take part in what I think is a welcoming ceremony, I leave with more than I bargained for: a husband. A mate. Apparently, we’re there to marry them as payment—something the top brass on Earth doesn’t bother denying. Fantastic.
And the Suevan who hand-picked me to wed and bed? He’s the most domineering warlord of the bunch. Lucky me. I’ll get the Suevan tech we need, but there’s no way I’m giving in to his demands… no matter how, ahem, persuasive he might be.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2022
1369 people are currently reading
2457 people want to read
About the author
January Bell
48 books538 followersJanuary Bell writes steamy sci-fi and fantasy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Combining pure escapism, a little adventure, and a whole lotta love makes for romance that's a world apart. For the latest updates, follow her on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive content. Is there a character you would like to see featured in a future novel or novella? Don't be shy! She'd love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
April 29, 2023
Derivative but good!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😠😚😁☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Niki - She leads an all woman team into space. She has been on many missions in the past, but this is the first diplomatic mission into Suevan territory. If the mission succeeds, Earth will have an interplanetary defense system that will stave off any more alien incursions. Niki remembers the last incursion and all the bloodshed. The alien hosts insisted on an all female team from the Earth Federation.
The Hero: Draz - he is known as Draz of Edrobas, first warlord and right hand of the monarchy. Even people from Earth know he is a butcher, have seen video of him during battle on a small moon when he was protecting a small Suevan settlement. He is dangerous and beautiful. He sees Niki and sees that she knows what it is to lead.
The Story: The Suevan’s are a warlike race, living traditionally in small settlements throughout their planet, yet their weapons and warships are far advanced than anything seen in the federation. The mission is of utmost importance to the Federation. The women have to take part in the welcoming ceremony before they are given embedded translators, because the Suevan language is sacred.
Little do the human women know, they are chosen as soon as they land. Draz immediately chooses Niki as his mate and is happy with his decision. The human females think it is a welcoming ceremony, while the Suevans know it is a mating ceremony. They serve some sort of drink which is intoxicating to the women and some Suevan separatists attack.
Luckily the translators were installed in the women prior to the attack, since I really dislike alien romance where much of the book the two main characters can’t communicate with each other. This book had a good premise and with the separatists, and the fact that the Earth Federation lied to the women, there was some great conflict.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration, and was narrated by Hollie Jackson and Mason Lloyd, who do a lot of alien romance narration and always do a wonderful job. This book was very reminiscent of the Ice Planet Barbarians series by Ruby Dixon and that was not just because of the narrators, though that did have an effect. The world building, descriptions and banter was also very similar.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😠😚😁☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Niki - She leads an all woman team into space. She has been on many missions in the past, but this is the first diplomatic mission into Suevan territory. If the mission succeeds, Earth will have an interplanetary defense system that will stave off any more alien incursions. Niki remembers the last incursion and all the bloodshed. The alien hosts insisted on an all female team from the Earth Federation.
The Hero: Draz - he is known as Draz of Edrobas, first warlord and right hand of the monarchy. Even people from Earth know he is a butcher, have seen video of him during battle on a small moon when he was protecting a small Suevan settlement. He is dangerous and beautiful. He sees Niki and sees that she knows what it is to lead.
The Story: The Suevan’s are a warlike race, living traditionally in small settlements throughout their planet, yet their weapons and warships are far advanced than anything seen in the federation. The mission is of utmost importance to the Federation. The women have to take part in the welcoming ceremony before they are given embedded translators, because the Suevan language is sacred.
Little do the human women know, they are chosen as soon as they land. Draz immediately chooses Niki as his mate and is happy with his decision. The human females think it is a welcoming ceremony, while the Suevans know it is a mating ceremony. They serve some sort of drink which is intoxicating to the women and some Suevan separatists attack.
Luckily the translators were installed in the women prior to the attack, since I really dislike alien romance where much of the book the two main characters can’t communicate with each other. This book had a good premise and with the separatists, and the fact that the Earth Federation lied to the women, there was some great conflict.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration, and was narrated by Hollie Jackson and Mason Lloyd, who do a lot of alien romance narration and always do a wonderful job. This book was very reminiscent of the Ice Planet Barbarians series by Ruby Dixon and that was not just because of the narrators, though that did have an effect. The world building, descriptions and banter was also very similar.
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December 8, 2022
**2.5/5 stars**
Niki and her crew of women are sent by their Federation to form an alliance with the Suevans, an alien species who happens to have more advanced techs, which humans could use to defend Earth from Roth attacks. Only, when Niki and her crew arrive on Sueva, they are greeted by Suevan warlords who celebrate their arrival with a strange ceremony. What the women don't know is that they are actually getting married to their respective aliens, as their Federation didn't send them to negotiate for the techs but rather, sold them as brides to the aliens who don't have enough females anymore to repopulate due to a virus. (*heard that before*)
First of all, I'm not sure why it took me so long to finish this book. I'd say, I really liked the initial concept. The idea of 'accidental brides' was fun and I like that sort of 'forced' matchmaking trope. Now, I found that the pacing was a little bit too slow for me. Not much was happening for most of the book and the focus was solely on Niki and Draz as they tried to survive in the forest after getting chased by separatists who don't want this alliance between Suevans and Humans. It was repetitive and should I say, slightly boring.
Niki seemed like a fierce and stubborn woman with leadership at first. But then she sort of morphed into an unappealing heroine to me. Not sure what the switch was but as I read, she started to get on my nerves more and more. Her independence annoyed me a little bit. Not the type of heroines I really like.
As for Draz, I was hoping he'd be more like a brute. I don't know why but he was too sweet for my liking. His personality didn't match with Niki's in my opinion and I believe that a stronger, more firm personality would've complemented hers better.
The fact that they were not on the same page for most of the book, or that their personalities didn't really match (in my opinion) made the romance very bland to me. Nothing was really exciting, no real sparks between them and when they finally got down to business, the moment was ruined. I felt so disconnected from the characters and the story. And even though some things did happen here and there, didn't feel eventful.
I don't know yet if I'll be reading the next books. I feel like I won't like the next heroines as they seem to be copies of Niki. Not one single side-character really sparked curiosity in me. They all appeared stubborn, independent and too sassy and honestly, one or two in a series is good for diversity but I just don't gravitate around that type of heroines to begin with. They often get on my nerves. I might give the next installment a chance but I don't really have high hopes.
✔️Part of a series
✔️Standalone-ish
✔️HFN
✔️Dual POV
✔️Language barrier
✔️Protective/Possessive H
✔️Strong h
✔️No cheating
✔️No OW/OM
🔥 Steam level: 2/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this book? Eeeehhh...I don't know honestly. It personally didn't hook me yet but the next books might?
Niki and her crew of women are sent by their Federation to form an alliance with the Suevans, an alien species who happens to have more advanced techs, which humans could use to defend Earth from Roth attacks. Only, when Niki and her crew arrive on Sueva, they are greeted by Suevan warlords who celebrate their arrival with a strange ceremony. What the women don't know is that they are actually getting married to their respective aliens, as their Federation didn't send them to negotiate for the techs but rather, sold them as brides to the aliens who don't have enough females anymore to repopulate due to a virus. (*heard that before*)
First of all, I'm not sure why it took me so long to finish this book. I'd say, I really liked the initial concept. The idea of 'accidental brides' was fun and I like that sort of 'forced' matchmaking trope. Now, I found that the pacing was a little bit too slow for me. Not much was happening for most of the book and the focus was solely on Niki and Draz as they tried to survive in the forest after getting chased by separatists who don't want this alliance between Suevans and Humans. It was repetitive and should I say, slightly boring.
Niki seemed like a fierce and stubborn woman with leadership at first. But then she sort of morphed into an unappealing heroine to me. Not sure what the switch was but as I read, she started to get on my nerves more and more. Her independence annoyed me a little bit. Not the type of heroines I really like.
Not only are we the first humans allowed in Suevan space, but we’re also the first female-only mission in Earth Federation history. No pressure.-Niki
As for Draz, I was hoping he'd be more like a brute. I don't know why but he was too sweet for my liking. His personality didn't match with Niki's in my opinion and I believe that a stronger, more firm personality would've complemented hers better.
I stare at the little brown dots dusting her beautiful face, and my heart squeezes. I would memorize these, too. Because this woman, this human, she will be my home.-Draz
The fact that they were not on the same page for most of the book, or that their personalities didn't really match (in my opinion) made the romance very bland to me. Nothing was really exciting, no real sparks between them and when they finally got down to business, the moment was ruined. I felt so disconnected from the characters and the story. And even though some things did happen here and there, didn't feel eventful.
I don't know yet if I'll be reading the next books. I feel like I won't like the next heroines as they seem to be copies of Niki. Not one single side-character really sparked curiosity in me. They all appeared stubborn, independent and too sassy and honestly, one or two in a series is good for diversity but I just don't gravitate around that type of heroines to begin with. They often get on my nerves. I might give the next installment a chance but I don't really have high hopes.
✔️Part of a series
✔️Standalone-ish
✔️HFN
✔️Dual POV
✔️Language barrier
✔️Protective/Possessive H
✔️Strong h
✔️No cheating
✔️No OW/OM
🔥 Steam level: 2/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this book? Eeeehhh...I don't know honestly. It personally didn't hook me yet but the next books might?
September 14, 2022
This book says that the culture and males revere women, but the actions don’t agree. I DNF’d at 22% so I don’t consider any of the below spoilers.
1. The 8 earth women are married off to alien men without knowing they are being matched. NOT OKAY.
When they first arrive on the planet, there is a “welcoming ceremony” that sort of skeeves the women out in different ways. Turns out this is a “mating ceremony” and, at the end, the women are given translators because they cannot be allowed to understand the language of the people they are marrying into unless they are married (see what the author did there? Oh, so it’s okay that the men didn’t clearly communicate that this was a marriage ceremony because “their culture” didn’t allow for a shared language).
How is it okay to have a marriage ceremony where one side of the couple doesn’t understand what’s going on? And when they get their translators after the fact and find out they’re married, there is no apology or groveling (maybe that happens later in the book?).
When an author wants to get points for a positive alien culture that reveres women but finds a way for women to be duped into marriage, I call BS and I DO NOT GIVE YOU POINTS FOR THIS!
2. The alien husband decides in his mind that, rather than going directly to his home (presumably safe and comfortable home where this woman could sleep in a real bed rather than a tree), he’ll take her on a roundabout way through the jungle so they have time to get to know each other. This is AFTER they are all attacked and have been driven to the jungle. Why would you think it’s romantic to stay in a dangerous situation longer than necessary? It’d be one thing if they had to and just made the best of it. But the fact that this author has her “hero” making plans to prolong this jungle time to increase his chances of having his wife fall in love with him, NOPE!
3. The alien husband decides to leave his new wife sleeping in a tree in the jungle so he can get her some sweets. He’s very excited that he’s going to be such a good husband and not wake her up. He wants her to be happy. SO, HE LEAVES HER ALONE IN A TREE TO GO FIND BERRIES! To no one’s surprise, she is attacked while he is gone and ends up getting a substance all over her body that burns her and makes her horny (gasp!). But before the horny part, let’s stay with the burns. Her husband comes running back to rescue her and she, WITH REASON, is pretty upset with him for leaving her alone. She says “you left me alone in this place with something that could burn me” AND HE GETS ANGRY WITH HER for “messing with the sacred (bleep)”.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?
Author, this is not a man who reveres women. This is a creep of a guy who blames the woman who has her world upended for the danger HE PUT HER IN.
I just can’t be bothered to keep reading this book.
1. The 8 earth women are married off to alien men without knowing they are being matched. NOT OKAY.
When they first arrive on the planet, there is a “welcoming ceremony” that sort of skeeves the women out in different ways. Turns out this is a “mating ceremony” and, at the end, the women are given translators because they cannot be allowed to understand the language of the people they are marrying into unless they are married (see what the author did there? Oh, so it’s okay that the men didn’t clearly communicate that this was a marriage ceremony because “their culture” didn’t allow for a shared language).
How is it okay to have a marriage ceremony where one side of the couple doesn’t understand what’s going on? And when they get their translators after the fact and find out they’re married, there is no apology or groveling (maybe that happens later in the book?).
When an author wants to get points for a positive alien culture that reveres women but finds a way for women to be duped into marriage, I call BS and I DO NOT GIVE YOU POINTS FOR THIS!
2. The alien husband decides in his mind that, rather than going directly to his home (presumably safe and comfortable home where this woman could sleep in a real bed rather than a tree), he’ll take her on a roundabout way through the jungle so they have time to get to know each other. This is AFTER they are all attacked and have been driven to the jungle. Why would you think it’s romantic to stay in a dangerous situation longer than necessary? It’d be one thing if they had to and just made the best of it. But the fact that this author has her “hero” making plans to prolong this jungle time to increase his chances of having his wife fall in love with him, NOPE!
3. The alien husband decides to leave his new wife sleeping in a tree in the jungle so he can get her some sweets. He’s very excited that he’s going to be such a good husband and not wake her up. He wants her to be happy. SO, HE LEAVES HER ALONE IN A TREE TO GO FIND BERRIES! To no one’s surprise, she is attacked while he is gone and ends up getting a substance all over her body that burns her and makes her horny (gasp!). But before the horny part, let’s stay with the burns. Her husband comes running back to rescue her and she, WITH REASON, is pretty upset with him for leaving her alone. She says “you left me alone in this place with something that could burn me” AND HE GETS ANGRY WITH HER for “messing with the sacred (bleep)”.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?
Author, this is not a man who reveres women. This is a creep of a guy who blames the woman who has her world upended for the danger HE PUT HER IN.
I just can’t be bothered to keep reading this book.
June 13, 2023
4.5 stars tbh. I love that space and aliens are not some unknown or secretive thing to the Earth girlies for once! They literally have jobs involving space missions and shit so that’s refreshing.
November 24, 2024
Wed to the Alien Warlord is book one in the Accidental Alien Brides series by January Bell.
The gist of it is Nikia and her crew of women are sent by their Federation to form an alliance with the Suevans; because this alien species has technology humans need to defend Earth from the Roth. We learn that the Suevans revere women, but right off the bat the women are duped into a wedding ceremony by their Federation. They think it’s a celebration ceremony to welcome them. Turns out the Federation sold them as brides.
Now if you read alien sci-fi romance this is not a new type of storyline. It’s predictable. I didn’t get into the story. I felt disconnected from the storyline and the characters. Nothing was exciting about this story. I was also frustrated with the Suevans; because they say they revere women, but they go ahead with the ceremony even though the women haven't received the translator technology and have no idea or understanding what’s happening.
Niki is a fierce and stubborn woman with leadership skills, but then she sort of morphed into an unappealing heroine. Draz is sweet and I felt his personality didn’t mesh with Niki’s. As for the sex scenes they are decent to start and then they fall flat.
Wed to the Alien Warlord was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: 2 Stars
The gist of it is Nikia and her crew of women are sent by their Federation to form an alliance with the Suevans; because this alien species has technology humans need to defend Earth from the Roth. We learn that the Suevans revere women, but right off the bat the women are duped into a wedding ceremony by their Federation. They think it’s a celebration ceremony to welcome them. Turns out the Federation sold them as brides.
Now if you read alien sci-fi romance this is not a new type of storyline. It’s predictable. I didn’t get into the story. I felt disconnected from the storyline and the characters. Nothing was exciting about this story. I was also frustrated with the Suevans; because they say they revere women, but they go ahead with the ceremony even though the women haven't received the translator technology and have no idea or understanding what’s happening.
Niki is a fierce and stubborn woman with leadership skills, but then she sort of morphed into an unappealing heroine. Draz is sweet and I felt his personality didn’t mesh with Niki’s. As for the sex scenes they are decent to start and then they fall flat.
Wed to the Alien Warlord was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: 2 Stars
August 7, 2023
Draz is precious
I enjoyed this more women empowered version of the Mars needs women trope. Sometimes it’s nice to just have some confidence in a woman’s ability to be a competent leader.
The spice was on point, but I wish there had been a bit more.
I felt like some of the background issues both individuals brought to the relationship weren’t properly addressed. I wanted some emotional connection based on similarities, even if it came after the insta lust had been working for a bit.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: serious illness, kidnapping (non main character as kidnapper)
I enjoyed this more women empowered version of the Mars needs women trope. Sometimes it’s nice to just have some confidence in a woman’s ability to be a competent leader.
The spice was on point, but I wish there had been a bit more.
I felt like some of the background issues both individuals brought to the relationship weren’t properly addressed. I wanted some emotional connection based on similarities, even if it came after the insta lust had been working for a bit.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: serious illness, kidnapping (non main character as kidnapper)
November 14, 2022
This book is the start of an alien romance series I will definitely be marathoning!
At the story's beginning, Earth is in severe trouble of being invaded and taken over by an evil alien species. To try and save the planet, Niki and her all-women crew have been sent on a mission to gain alien technology. But they soon learn their government tricked them. When they get to the planet Suevan to make an alliance, they participate in what they think is a welcoming ceremony. They are shocked when they realize it was actually a wedding ceremony and they are trying to run from some rebels that live on the planet while grappling with this. Niki's new husband is a warlord named Draz, who would literally move the sky above to please his woman. The two have to work together to escape some rebels while trying to get to know their respective spouse.
This was a fun alien romance! I love a good language barrier trope, so this was a treat for me! I wonder how that will play into the rest of the books in this series. Niki and Draz were sweet, with an obvious hot side 😉 I just honestly wish there was more to them. I feel like their romance was pretty surface-level at times.
TROPES: alien romance, kick-butt heroine, kindle unlimited, language barrier, married couple, worshipping hero
At the story's beginning, Earth is in severe trouble of being invaded and taken over by an evil alien species. To try and save the planet, Niki and her all-women crew have been sent on a mission to gain alien technology. But they soon learn their government tricked them. When they get to the planet Suevan to make an alliance, they participate in what they think is a welcoming ceremony. They are shocked when they realize it was actually a wedding ceremony and they are trying to run from some rebels that live on the planet while grappling with this. Niki's new husband is a warlord named Draz, who would literally move the sky above to please his woman. The two have to work together to escape some rebels while trying to get to know their respective spouse.
This was a fun alien romance! I love a good language barrier trope, so this was a treat for me! I wonder how that will play into the rest of the books in this series. Niki and Draz were sweet, with an obvious hot side 😉 I just honestly wish there was more to them. I feel like their romance was pretty surface-level at times.
TROPES: alien romance, kick-butt heroine, kindle unlimited, language barrier, married couple, worshipping hero
May 29, 2024
I do love a good alien romance, and 'Wed to the Alien Warlord' by January Bell absolutely delivers on that front. This book, the first in a thrilling series of six, takes readers on a journey filled with betrayal, conflict, danger, and ultimately, a deep understanding and love that transcends worlds. For those who have a penchant for alien romance, this is a must-add to your collection. January Bell weaves a captivating tale that will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it a delightful addition to the genre."
September 14, 2022
Not quite what I was expecting, but this was a very sweet, and sexy intro to this 3 book series.
Has me intrigued enough to return for books 2 and 3.
It was a lot going on here due to the set up of the plots and the MCs and their worlds colliding. So there is never a dull moment here. Some of these encounters are quite endearing as well as hilarious.
I would recommend this read to those who love this genre.
Has me intrigued enough to return for books 2 and 3.
It was a lot going on here due to the set up of the plots and the MCs and their worlds colliding. So there is never a dull moment here. Some of these encounters are quite endearing as well as hilarious.
I would recommend this read to those who love this genre.
Read
January 16, 2023DNF 45%. I know myself enough to know I’m not going to go back and finish this book. I may try other books in the series but I’m not invested in the characters in this one enough to enjoy it.
December 8, 2024
3 -3.5 stars
In a groundbreaking mission, Earth has launched an all-female team into space with the objective of establishing contact with extraterrestrial life and fostering goodwill. However, the team encounters unexpected challenges that go beyond their initial expectations. A significant aspect of this encounter involves differing perceptions: while the human women see it as a welcoming initiative, the aliens view it through the lens of traditional customs, including marriage.
This situation unfolds in a complex and often hostile environment, raising concerns about the safety of the human team. As the narrative progresses, the dynamics between the women and the alien alpha warlords evolve, highlighting their protective instincts toward the newcomers. This interplay leads to intense chemistry among the characters, prompting them to confront their feelings and desires amidst the challenges they face.
The story is rich with elements of action, misunderstandings, fear, pain, love, and humor, creating a multifaceted exploration of relationships across species and the journey toward mutual understanding and connection.
In a groundbreaking mission, Earth has launched an all-female team into space with the objective of establishing contact with extraterrestrial life and fostering goodwill. However, the team encounters unexpected challenges that go beyond their initial expectations. A significant aspect of this encounter involves differing perceptions: while the human women see it as a welcoming initiative, the aliens view it through the lens of traditional customs, including marriage.
This situation unfolds in a complex and often hostile environment, raising concerns about the safety of the human team. As the narrative progresses, the dynamics between the women and the alien alpha warlords evolve, highlighting their protective instincts toward the newcomers. This interplay leads to intense chemistry among the characters, prompting them to confront their feelings and desires amidst the challenges they face.
The story is rich with elements of action, misunderstandings, fear, pain, love, and humor, creating a multifaceted exploration of relationships across species and the journey toward mutual understanding and connection.
October 4, 2022
Quick(ish) Review
Solid start to new SFR series, the setup of female military heroines being thrust into a situation where they weren’t given all the info feels all too possible. The issue of consent is addressed, the women are respected for their skills and the alien heroes are great with interesting genitalia, as always lol. This made me want to tear through these all books like a like a kid in a candy store.
Solid start to new SFR series, the setup of female military heroines being thrust into a situation where they weren’t given all the info feels all too possible. The issue of consent is addressed, the women are respected for their skills and the alien heroes are great with interesting genitalia, as always lol. This made me want to tear through these all books like a like a kid in a candy store.
June 19, 2023
"You are the force I will navigate my life by. I will no longer look to the asteroids overhead for direction. My direction does not lie in the sky and space above, but with you. You hold all of me in your small, human hands."
4.5 stars!
I'm so glad that KU recommended this book to me because of my obsession of alien romance as I absolutely LOVED it! Draz and Niki's story had so many fantastic elements that I enjoy in the genre--language and size barriers, a dangerous trek through an alien jungle, a slightly awkward but deliciously alpha alien hero you can't help but love, and enough humor and steam to keep the plot moving. I do wish that Draz had more opportunity to show us why he is the most feared Suevan warlord, but I loved how patient and determined he was to prove to Niki that he was her perfect mate. Their courtship was nontraditional by human standards but still swoony and hilarious at times. I've definitely found a new favorite alien romance author in January Bell, and I cannot wait to continue this series🖤
Tropes: arranged marriage, he falls first, cinnamon roll hero, reluctant heroine, marriage of convenience, mating ceremony, 'touch her and die' vibes, language barrier, size difference, monster romance, hunted through the jungle, breed kink, found family, STEAMY🔥
August 17, 2023
This was a fun Mars needs women plot. I’m a fan of this trope and I enjoy when an author does something a little different with it. I like that the woman aren’t really wilting flower damsels in distress in this. I’m looking forward to what direction the author takes this series in. This first book was very insta love heavy on the aliens end without a mate bound to explain it away. Although this was cute I’m hoping that the whole series isn’t like this for all of the aliens. I look forward to reading the next one.
August 15, 2022
Is this a bad book? No. Not at all.
Was it unique or different enough from other alien romance books to stick out to me? Also no.
I have never been one to like a character that enjoys stating how strong and important and fierce they are and their "title" and that's exactly what we get with the FMC. She is so worried about who she will be and the title she will hold it makes everything else feel so useless. Yes, she worries about the others but she talks more about losing her title as a captain and whether or not to make the others still call her captain and oh, I want to go through the trials of being a warlord so I can be your equal (although she shouldn't need a title for that if she is a strong character. No one of true strength needs titles to feel complete.)
So this builds up to her doing the trials to become a full blown warlord and do we get to see what that's like or find out how it goes? Nope. Book ended prematurely. I felt too much time was wasted on them being alone in their jungle rather than forwarding the plot, WHICH IS A GOOD PLOT, if it had actually ever been given the limelight. But it wasn't. I am all for smut but don't tease a plot with potential just to end them too busy screwing each other or spending time with his mother to show us the cool stuff.
I don't give a shit about her going shopping with her new MIL. Introducing the mother the last two chapters did nothing to further the story or plot. She was a pointless character. She taught us nothing of their world or her son or anything. She taught her how to haggle at the market and we as the reader didn't even get to be privy to that. No dialogue of it. Once again a chance to further the world building on how their money works and how they haggle and how they deal with money and we don't get any of that. It feels like very lazy writing and world building. Instead of that scene I wish we had gotten the warlord trial.
There was so much opportunity in showing the trials to grow the characters and the world building and the differences between the aliens and humans and how they fight/train. There was so much possibility just thrown away in lieu of shower sex and listening to her crew whine about either not wanting husbands or husbands not wanting them. *insert eye roll*
I got bored in the middle and gave it up for a week until I got the email reminding us it came out this week, so I got myself to finish it but I could have just left it all the same and not read the end. I wasn't invested in it.
If you want something cute and slow and easy to read I would recommend. It wasn't a bad book by any means, but the middle had me bored.
Was it unique or different enough from other alien romance books to stick out to me? Also no.
I have never been one to like a character that enjoys stating how strong and important and fierce they are and their "title" and that's exactly what we get with the FMC. She is so worried about who she will be and the title she will hold it makes everything else feel so useless. Yes, she worries about the others but she talks more about losing her title as a captain and whether or not to make the others still call her captain and oh, I want to go through the trials of being a warlord so I can be your equal (although she shouldn't need a title for that if she is a strong character. No one of true strength needs titles to feel complete.)
So this builds up to her doing the trials to become a full blown warlord and do we get to see what that's like or find out how it goes? Nope. Book ended prematurely. I felt too much time was wasted on them being alone in their jungle rather than forwarding the plot, WHICH IS A GOOD PLOT, if it had actually ever been given the limelight. But it wasn't. I am all for smut but don't tease a plot with potential just to end them too busy screwing each other or spending time with his mother to show us the cool stuff.
I don't give a shit about her going shopping with her new MIL. Introducing the mother the last two chapters did nothing to further the story or plot. She was a pointless character. She taught us nothing of their world or her son or anything. She taught her how to haggle at the market and we as the reader didn't even get to be privy to that. No dialogue of it. Once again a chance to further the world building on how their money works and how they haggle and how they deal with money and we don't get any of that. It feels like very lazy writing and world building. Instead of that scene I wish we had gotten the warlord trial.
There was so much opportunity in showing the trials to grow the characters and the world building and the differences between the aliens and humans and how they fight/train. There was so much possibility just thrown away in lieu of shower sex and listening to her crew whine about either not wanting husbands or husbands not wanting them. *insert eye roll*
I got bored in the middle and gave it up for a week until I got the email reminding us it came out this week, so I got myself to finish it but I could have just left it all the same and not read the end. I wasn't invested in it.
If you want something cute and slow and easy to read I would recommend. It wasn't a bad book by any means, but the middle had me bored.
September 3, 2022
There was definitely an interesting premise to this story and the main characters were both well fleshed out. The human women, led by Niki (h), are visiting the alien planet to obtain technology to protect Earth. Unbeknownst to them, their government has told the alien warlords of the planet that the women are to be their brides and then all hell breaks loose. The story is written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, neither are virgins, and no bc.
Draz (H) is immediately head over heels for Niki and then horrified when he realizes that the women have no idea they're to be mated. Consent and respect are very important to the men of this alien race which was wonderful to read. Draz is especially sweet despite his viciousness in battle and he's a marshmallow for Niki, while she's rightfully conflicted about what's happening. They bond as they travel through the jungle dealing with Niki being unfamiliar with the planet and some danger from separatists that also uncovers a larger danger. Steamy times do develop in the midst of their journey and Draz's "equipment" does include some extras, but the focus of the story is on the relationship development and the dangers. There's also a cute animal sidekick and side characters of the rest of Niki's crew, the other warlords, and Draz's mother.
I did have a hard time with the author's writing style and I had to take several breaks. There's also a choice made at the end having to do with Niki that seemed in conflict with her character throughout the rest of the story that bothered me and I was also a bit bummed that we didn't get a scene or a jump ahead epilogue showing whether Niki accomplished a goal. The story ends on what is a HFN but could also be considered HEA with the characters likely appearing in other books. The alien world is an interesting one and I may check out other books in the series.
Draz (H) is immediately head over heels for Niki and then horrified when he realizes that the women have no idea they're to be mated. Consent and respect are very important to the men of this alien race which was wonderful to read. Draz is especially sweet despite his viciousness in battle and he's a marshmallow for Niki, while she's rightfully conflicted about what's happening. They bond as they travel through the jungle dealing with Niki being unfamiliar with the planet and some danger from separatists that also uncovers a larger danger. Steamy times do develop in the midst of their journey and Draz's "equipment" does include some extras, but the focus of the story is on the relationship development and the dangers. There's also a cute animal sidekick and side characters of the rest of Niki's crew, the other warlords, and Draz's mother.
I did have a hard time with the author's writing style and I had to take several breaks. There's also a choice made at the end having to do with Niki that seemed in conflict with her character throughout the rest of the story that bothered me and I was also a bit bummed that we didn't get a scene or a jump ahead epilogue showing whether Niki accomplished a goal. The story ends on what is a HFN but could also be considered HEA with the characters likely appearing in other books. The alien world is an interesting one and I may check out other books in the series.
June 24, 2023
2.5 honestly kinda boring usually I like fated mates and insta love but this one didn’t really feel real the characters on their own are good but as a couple idk I wasn’t vibing the world and romance is under developed
August 22, 2025
It's giving a lot of IPB vibes, but not. 🤷♀️😅
Either way, I'm here for it.
Draz was this big scary lizard warrior who was just the softest freaking teddy bear for Nikki. And Nikki was a freaking fierce badass, even when she was scared. Don't mess with a strong woman! Will definitely continue the series.
Either way, I'm here for it.
Draz was this big scary lizard warrior who was just the softest freaking teddy bear for Nikki. And Nikki was a freaking fierce badass, even when she was scared. Don't mess with a strong woman! Will definitely continue the series.
September 10, 2025
Draz is a spine ripping alien warlord and Niki is a no nonsense commander leading a first contact mission. I was strapped in and ready for warp speed. Inject that into my sci-fi romance loving veins.
Then it took a wrong turn. Draz turned into a huge softie and Niki went from badass to galactic whiner. The middle dragggged but the ending picked up. It’s giving Temu version of Ice Planet Barbarians. All cheap thrills, not quite right but still entertaining. 👽✨💅
Then it took a wrong turn. Draz turned into a huge softie and Niki went from badass to galactic whiner. The middle dragggged but the ending picked up. It’s giving Temu version of Ice Planet Barbarians. All cheap thrills, not quite right but still entertaining. 👽✨💅
Want to read
June 7, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2023)! 🎁
February 3, 2025
Lighthearted and cute. Gives me the same vibes of alien romances like IPB. Great as a palate cleanser!
June 1, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Draz could get it for sure.
July 8, 2023
The premise of this book was actually quite good. It drew me in, and the writing wasn't half bad either. Where this book suffered was in it's writing, story, and overall execution.
Frankly, this book was exceedingly boring...
It's never a good thing when I have to practically force my way through a book. It was physically hard to read this. The story was very predictable, and the characters felt like poorly paid actors on a cheap sitcom. Their dialogue felt forced. Some of the situations came off as cheesy. Our male MC felt a little too perfect at times. These characters just didn't flesh out well.
As stated above, it was also easy to see how this story would play out. Usually I'm somewhat okay with this as long as there are good characters. Because a book with a predictable story but amazing characters can still sometimes be good. But that wasn't the case here.
All in all, there are a lot better sci fi romances out there. And this one was a little sub par when compared to others that I've read. 2.5 stars.
January 11, 2023
Weak women with 🍆 envy
The idea of the story was pretty good, but it's completely overwhelmed by the whole "I'm an alpha woman" narrative. For one, it doesn't work well when the whole time these "alpha women" are completely reliant on the whims of men because they're incapable of self-preservation. Nor does it make sense that the men are constantly having to care for them emotionally, mentally, and physically, only to be met with needless backlash – which in turn just ends up with the women hurting themselves more. Every female character has the personality of a dumpster and misguided anger towards the men that saved them. Instead of being angry with the human men who betrayed, sold, and abandoned them, somehow, the aliens are at fault. There are so many asinine ideas here that end up being equated to perceived strength and fierceness on the women's part, when in reality, it's just a really s h i t attitude. For instance, Nikki, the fmc here and captain of the female crew, is supposed to be this badass woman. However, the reader never gets to see this. The first time she fights back, she's guided by an animal and warned, so it wasn't her intuition that saved her. Next comes the traveling situation. She is so stubborn and prideful that she doesn't want to admit that Gregar is stronger and more capable than herself. So she pushes herself too far, lies to him, and ends up getting a horrible infection from her previous fight. The finally stand-off scene didn't even make sense. She needed the help of two aliens to even win that fight to begin with, and she only won through deception. The reason that makes no sense is because the Roth also have heightened sense of smell, so he should have smelled her intentions. The Roth also towered over Nikki and the other alien; he would have seen the weapon she had hidden. Most importantly, though, is that Roth can manipulate energy and read minds to a degree. That alien wouldn't have lost the fight at all. The whole juxtaposition was to show how Gregar, our big bad mmc, lost, but the tiny female Nikki won against the Roth. It's really a bs cheat that was meant to put the human woman on the same level on alien men. It didn't do Nikki and her crew any justice either. It's implied that the girls can't win without help or deception. It doesn't help that the girls really do have s h I t attitudes and objectify the men openly but get pissy when the alien men are confused. I guess I'm confused because as much as the women get pleasure, it's not necessarily reciprocal. The plot makes it to where the alien men get off on servitude, and their ideals/lifestyles are typically selfless to overcompensate their selfish female counterpart. It's irritating.
The idea of the story was pretty good, but it's completely overwhelmed by the whole "I'm an alpha woman" narrative. For one, it doesn't work well when the whole time these "alpha women" are completely reliant on the whims of men because they're incapable of self-preservation. Nor does it make sense that the men are constantly having to care for them emotionally, mentally, and physically, only to be met with needless backlash – which in turn just ends up with the women hurting themselves more. Every female character has the personality of a dumpster and misguided anger towards the men that saved them. Instead of being angry with the human men who betrayed, sold, and abandoned them, somehow, the aliens are at fault. There are so many asinine ideas here that end up being equated to perceived strength and fierceness on the women's part, when in reality, it's just a really s h i t attitude. For instance, Nikki, the fmc here and captain of the female crew, is supposed to be this badass woman. However, the reader never gets to see this. The first time she fights back, she's guided by an animal and warned, so it wasn't her intuition that saved her. Next comes the traveling situation. She is so stubborn and prideful that she doesn't want to admit that Gregar is stronger and more capable than herself. So she pushes herself too far, lies to him, and ends up getting a horrible infection from her previous fight. The finally stand-off scene didn't even make sense. She needed the help of two aliens to even win that fight to begin with, and she only won through deception. The reason that makes no sense is because the Roth also have heightened sense of smell, so he should have smelled her intentions. The Roth also towered over Nikki and the other alien; he would have seen the weapon she had hidden. Most importantly, though, is that Roth can manipulate energy and read minds to a degree. That alien wouldn't have lost the fight at all. The whole juxtaposition was to show how Gregar, our big bad mmc, lost, but the tiny female Nikki won against the Roth. It's really a bs cheat that was meant to put the human woman on the same level on alien men. It didn't do Nikki and her crew any justice either. It's implied that the girls can't win without help or deception. It doesn't help that the girls really do have s h I t attitudes and objectify the men openly but get pissy when the alien men are confused. I guess I'm confused because as much as the women get pleasure, it's not necessarily reciprocal. The plot makes it to where the alien men get off on servitude, and their ideals/lifestyles are typically selfless to overcompensate their selfish female counterpart. It's irritating.
March 24, 2025
3/5 Stars – “Accidentally married a space lizard, send help (but also maybe don’t?)”
So. Wed to the Alien Warlord by January Bell. Let me tell you, this book pulled me in with the promise of space babes and drama, and instead gave me a whole buffet of “WTF just happened??” moments.
Our girl Niki is supposed to be on a high-stakes, all-female diplomatic mission, and next thing you know, BOOM — welcome ceremony turns into an accidental wedding. Like, sis blinked and suddenly she’s married to a seven-foot-tall alien beefcake with scales, a tail, and the libido of a college frat boy on spring break.
Enter Draz: part lizard, part warlord, full-time HIMBO with the emotional intelligence of a golden retriever and the body of a sentient jungle gym. He’s out here offering snacks like it’s foreplay, growling sweet nothings, and proudly showing off his “equipment” like he’s auditioning for an alien version of Magic Mike. The translator implant scenes alone had me howling. (“Sweet wife, please stop trying to slap the implant out of your own ear.” ICONIC.)
Plot? Kinda? Sorta? There’s a Federation conspiracy, angry separatists, and a jungle chase, but let’s be honest — we’re all here for the spicy weirdness and the “whoops I married a lizard” shenanigans. The pacing does have some drag, and Niki’s inner monologue is one long existential crisis with bonus candy cravings. Honestly, relatable.
Final thoughts: 3 stars for the unintentional comedy, the surprisingly tender warlord, and the unforgettable moment when our girl tries not to ogle her new alien hubby’s...uh, battle staff in a glowing tree full of snail lights. It’s chaotic, horny, and oddly wholesome. Meh, but OK. Would I read book two? ...yeah, probably. 😅
So. Wed to the Alien Warlord by January Bell. Let me tell you, this book pulled me in with the promise of space babes and drama, and instead gave me a whole buffet of “WTF just happened??” moments.
Our girl Niki is supposed to be on a high-stakes, all-female diplomatic mission, and next thing you know, BOOM — welcome ceremony turns into an accidental wedding. Like, sis blinked and suddenly she’s married to a seven-foot-tall alien beefcake with scales, a tail, and the libido of a college frat boy on spring break.
Enter Draz: part lizard, part warlord, full-time HIMBO with the emotional intelligence of a golden retriever and the body of a sentient jungle gym. He’s out here offering snacks like it’s foreplay, growling sweet nothings, and proudly showing off his “equipment” like he’s auditioning for an alien version of Magic Mike. The translator implant scenes alone had me howling. (“Sweet wife, please stop trying to slap the implant out of your own ear.” ICONIC.)
Plot? Kinda? Sorta? There’s a Federation conspiracy, angry separatists, and a jungle chase, but let’s be honest — we’re all here for the spicy weirdness and the “whoops I married a lizard” shenanigans. The pacing does have some drag, and Niki’s inner monologue is one long existential crisis with bonus candy cravings. Honestly, relatable.
Final thoughts: 3 stars for the unintentional comedy, the surprisingly tender warlord, and the unforgettable moment when our girl tries not to ogle her new alien hubby’s...uh, battle staff in a glowing tree full of snail lights. It’s chaotic, horny, and oddly wholesome. Meh, but OK. Would I read book two? ...yeah, probably. 😅
September 29, 2022
Tired
Tired of the trope of women being obnoxious and stubbornly rude. But wait it gets worse she is going to be a warlord over an alien race. They are twice her size and 3 times her strength. But she is a strong warrior ugh!!! Take out the horrible sex scenes it might be a good read! Or maybe I am just tired of the same thing. There is the kick was captain, obnoxiously rude friend, scientists, the one that is scared to death of everything, one that wants to go home and sees everyone as traders, I can't forget the tech person that thinks they can fix advance alien tech ect...
Tired of the trope of women being obnoxious and stubbornly rude. But wait it gets worse she is going to be a warlord over an alien race. They are twice her size and 3 times her strength. But she is a strong warrior ugh!!! Take out the horrible sex scenes it might be a good read! Or maybe I am just tired of the same thing. There is the kick was captain, obnoxiously rude friend, scientists, the one that is scared to death of everything, one that wants to go home and sees everyone as traders, I can't forget the tech person that thinks they can fix advance alien tech ect...
July 5, 2023
WOW I really enjoyed this! So funny!!! Started the next book as soon as I finished this one!
Edited to change to 5 stars- I’m trying to be less stingy bc I realized I never ever give 5 stars haha if I will easily reread a book it should get 5 stars! 😜
Edited to change to 5 stars- I’m trying to be less stingy bc I realized I never ever give 5 stars haha if I will easily reread a book it should get 5 stars! 😜
September 21, 2024
4 stars
I really loved this book! The alien terms were a bit confusing, but the plot was awesome. I totally recommend reading it, and I'm excited to continue the series.
I really loved this book! The alien terms were a bit confusing, but the plot was awesome. I totally recommend reading it, and I'm excited to continue the series.
November 8, 2022
Superfluous is the word that keeps coming to me about this read. Most of the the story was like reading a teenager's diary. But, I did finish it so I guess that warrants a 3 star rating.
October 30, 2022
I checked out this series thanks to @jenifereads on TikTok, who gave it pretty solid high praise. My feelings on it so far, however, are more lukewarm.
Overall, everything is pretty alright. There's a somewhat interesting plot (that could have been more interesting), some funny scenes/lines, some cool stuff about interspecies issues between different alien races or intraspecies among the Suevans, and both characters are OK. But it's all kind of middle of the road for me. There wasn't anything that really tipped it over into GREAT territory.
The entire premise of the series is that this all-female crew was sent on this important diplomatic mission to a distant planet to meet with a private but highly skilled alien race. Only it turns out they were actually there as brides to be wed to alien warlords. This is obviously a massive betrayal and completely undermines their leadership, knowledge, abilities, competence, etc. Since that is SO big and central to the story, their individual knowledge, abilities, competence, etc. should have been addressed and reinforced throughout - and they weren't.
They're barely mentioned and it had me wondering what kind of shitty training the Earth Federation put them through. Even if they had little to no knowledge about the Suevan race or planet specifically, I kept thinking to myself that they should have been better able to handle a lot of things happening in the story. That could have been easily addressed as well - even just a one line where the character thinks "oh, despite all the training on XYZ, nothing prepared me for A, B, & C". That's kind of ALMOST done but not quite.
To be honest, like 80% of the book is Niki and Draz traipsing through the jungle together and I felt the book got much more exciting once they reconnected with other characters and there was more to the plot going on. There didn't seem to be a clear resolution to me, either, so it felt like the book ends abruptly. If the book's story question is whether Niki accepts her situation and being married to an alien warlord then I guess the resolution was made at the right time? But it didn't feel like it was a resolution because it was on-going acceptance that built throughout the book. The jungle traipsing could have been cut much shorter - like 50% max. And the entire week they spent in a cave together was entirely too long.
Draz as a character was alright. After reading book 1, it felt like Draz didn't really have much of a personality but I've read book 2 and seeing some of Draz around other characters that differ has helped to give him a bit more to distinguish from just vague/generic "strong and kind alien." It's not something he can benefit from in book 1, though.
Niki... I have so many mixed feelings on Niki and the female characters in general in this series. There's clear effort to paint her as an independent, strong leader but it's juxtaposed with placing her in unfamiliar, dangerous situations that she's not remotely prepared for and having to rely on Draz's strength and knowledge. The balance between the two is not quite right.
One scene, for example: It was aggravating that she's stripped down to underwear, soaking wet because she was bathing, weak because of an incident involving insufficient knowledge, and then tries to attack someone out of defense. On one hand, she "succeeds" in the attack but on the other hand, it's undermined because they don't act very injured and are far more preoccupied with ogling the half-naked human woman. There are too many things that belittle her agency, knowledge, and skills and too little things that bolster them.
A lot of it also has to do with Niki's own experience and thoughts during her point of view and the other female characters' reactions. When she eventually wears Suevan clothing, it amounts to the Earth equivalent of a slinky dress. If she reacted that she was relieved to be able to have something that was flexible for movement, weather appropriate, etc. that would have been fine - but instead she seems embarrassed. The other female characters seem to view the clothing similarly with one going so far as to describe Niki as "dressed like a skank." Wow. Golly gee. I definitely feel like I can take her seriously as a captain.
So overall, the female character is cut down far too much to me and really needed a lot more to establish her as the strong, independent leader the book tries to paint her as.
Overall, everything is pretty alright. There's a somewhat interesting plot (that could have been more interesting), some funny scenes/lines, some cool stuff about interspecies issues between different alien races or intraspecies among the Suevans, and both characters are OK. But it's all kind of middle of the road for me. There wasn't anything that really tipped it over into GREAT territory.
The entire premise of the series is that this all-female crew was sent on this important diplomatic mission to a distant planet to meet with a private but highly skilled alien race. Only it turns out they were actually there as brides to be wed to alien warlords. This is obviously a massive betrayal and completely undermines their leadership, knowledge, abilities, competence, etc. Since that is SO big and central to the story, their individual knowledge, abilities, competence, etc. should have been addressed and reinforced throughout - and they weren't.
They're barely mentioned and it had me wondering what kind of shitty training the Earth Federation put them through. Even if they had little to no knowledge about the Suevan race or planet specifically, I kept thinking to myself that they should have been better able to handle a lot of things happening in the story. That could have been easily addressed as well - even just a one line where the character thinks "oh, despite all the training on XYZ, nothing prepared me for A, B, & C". That's kind of ALMOST done but not quite.
To be honest, like 80% of the book is Niki and Draz traipsing through the jungle together and I felt the book got much more exciting once they reconnected with other characters and there was more to the plot going on. There didn't seem to be a clear resolution to me, either, so it felt like the book ends abruptly. If the book's story question is whether Niki accepts her situation and being married to an alien warlord then I guess the resolution was made at the right time? But it didn't feel like it was a resolution because it was on-going acceptance that built throughout the book. The jungle traipsing could have been cut much shorter - like 50% max. And the entire week they spent in a cave together was entirely too long.
Draz as a character was alright. After reading book 1, it felt like Draz didn't really have much of a personality but I've read book 2 and seeing some of Draz around other characters that differ has helped to give him a bit more to distinguish from just vague/generic "strong and kind alien." It's not something he can benefit from in book 1, though.
Niki... I have so many mixed feelings on Niki and the female characters in general in this series. There's clear effort to paint her as an independent, strong leader but it's juxtaposed with placing her in unfamiliar, dangerous situations that she's not remotely prepared for and having to rely on Draz's strength and knowledge. The balance between the two is not quite right.
One scene, for example: It was aggravating that she's stripped down to underwear, soaking wet because she was bathing, weak because of an incident involving insufficient knowledge, and then tries to attack someone out of defense. On one hand, she "succeeds" in the attack but on the other hand, it's undermined because they don't act very injured and are far more preoccupied with ogling the half-naked human woman. There are too many things that belittle her agency, knowledge, and skills and too little things that bolster them.
A lot of it also has to do with Niki's own experience and thoughts during her point of view and the other female characters' reactions. When she eventually wears Suevan clothing, it amounts to the Earth equivalent of a slinky dress. If she reacted that she was relieved to be able to have something that was flexible for movement, weather appropriate, etc. that would have been fine - but instead she seems embarrassed. The other female characters seem to view the clothing similarly with one going so far as to describe Niki as "dressed like a skank." Wow. Golly gee. I definitely feel like I can take her seriously as a captain.
So overall, the female character is cut down far too much to me and really needed a lot more to establish her as the strong, independent leader the book tries to paint her as.
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