What do you think?
Rate this book
Beastly Alien Boss #1
Nailing the Alien
My short-term construction job with a brutish orc boss just got complicated.
Desperate to escape the clutches of the alien lizard mafia, I accept a spur-of-the-moment job offer on a distant planet. A monstrous, grumpy alien orc is building a new home in a distant colony, and he’s looking for an assistant.
He needs me to hold his hammer. I get it. It’s a big hammer.
He's a lonely barbarian brute with a gruff exterior, but I soon learn that inside he's hiding a squishy center. When he unexpectedly enters his mating frenzy, there’s no one around to handle the job… except me. He gives me two options—return home or stay and help him with a whole different kind of nailing…
Nailing the Alien is Book 1 in the Beastly Alien Boss Series. Each features a brutish alien who can’t resist falling for his fated mate.
Desperate to escape the clutches of the alien lizard mafia, I accept a spur-of-the-moment job offer on a distant planet. A monstrous, grumpy alien orc is building a new home in a distant colony, and he’s looking for an assistant.
He needs me to hold his hammer. I get it. It’s a big hammer.
He's a lonely barbarian brute with a gruff exterior, but I soon learn that inside he's hiding a squishy center. When he unexpectedly enters his mating frenzy, there’s no one around to handle the job… except me. He gives me two options—return home or stay and help him with a whole different kind of nailing…
Nailing the Alien is Book 1 in the Beastly Alien Boss Series. Each features a brutish alien who can’t resist falling for his fated mate.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2022
638 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Ava Ross
163 books763 followersAVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
May 3, 2023
Gruff Orc Alien!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😠😚😁☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Cora - her brother owed a debt to the vessar, an alien lizard mafia. They thought they could collect it from Cora since her brother couldn’t be found. They wanted to auction her off to recoup their losses from her brother’s debt. While running away from the mafia, she comes across the intergalactic employment agency and decides to give it a try, especially when they have a position in construction in another quadrant which she had done before and it started immediately. She would leave Earth right away and be in suspension during transport that was light years away.
The Hero: Kreel - He is building a home for himself, grumpily regaling the fact that when he agreed to come to the planet Myrth 487 to build residences and centers of commerce and provide oversight of the settlers, he was promised an assistant. So he was not happy to be doing the work without an assistant anywhere in sight.
The Story: When Cora arrives for the job of assistant to Kreel, he is not happy to see his new assistant who is supposed to help build his house is a human female. Though when she tells him of her construction experience he agrees to let her stay. He is attracted to her from the start and she him, though she thinks he is much too big for her.
I love how Kreel is so grouchy all the time, and when his mating instinct flares up he growls and is even more cantankerous. I also loved how Cora takes everything in stride and never laments the things that had happened to her. She has a very positive outlook on life and is happy as can be most of the time.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration, and was narrated by Hollie Jackson and Patrick Zellar. Hollie Jackson is a great narrator and has done a lot of alien romance, including Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians, so I really like her voice and style. This is the first time I have heard Patrick Zellar, though I like his deep voice and grumpy countenance. He does a good job with this one and really did the grumpy, growly male very well.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😠😚😁☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Cora - her brother owed a debt to the vessar, an alien lizard mafia. They thought they could collect it from Cora since her brother couldn’t be found. They wanted to auction her off to recoup their losses from her brother’s debt. While running away from the mafia, she comes across the intergalactic employment agency and decides to give it a try, especially when they have a position in construction in another quadrant which she had done before and it started immediately. She would leave Earth right away and be in suspension during transport that was light years away.
The Hero: Kreel - He is building a home for himself, grumpily regaling the fact that when he agreed to come to the planet Myrth 487 to build residences and centers of commerce and provide oversight of the settlers, he was promised an assistant. So he was not happy to be doing the work without an assistant anywhere in sight.
The Story: When Cora arrives for the job of assistant to Kreel, he is not happy to see his new assistant who is supposed to help build his house is a human female. Though when she tells him of her construction experience he agrees to let her stay. He is attracted to her from the start and she him, though she thinks he is much too big for her.
I love how Kreel is so grouchy all the time, and when his mating instinct flares up he growls and is even more cantankerous. I also loved how Cora takes everything in stride and never laments the things that had happened to her. She has a very positive outlook on life and is happy as can be most of the time.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration, and was narrated by Hollie Jackson and Patrick Zellar. Hollie Jackson is a great narrator and has done a lot of alien romance, including Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians, so I really like her voice and style. This is the first time I have heard Patrick Zellar, though I like his deep voice and grumpy countenance. He does a good job with this one and really did the grumpy, growly male very well.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
October 17, 2023
This audiobook was sent to destroy me. I'm 💀 now.
The male narrator (Patrick Zeller) chewed up the motherforking scenery. I think he was channeling Phil Hartman's impression of Charlton Heston? And he's pretty dang funny—but OMG the sex scene from his POV had me laughing/crying/shrinking into a fetal position. 🫠
I—I—I can't explain. I've been gobsmacked into incoherence. I dare you to listen to this NSFW sound bite and tell me I'm overreacting:
⚠ NtA Sound Bite - Imgur ⚠
The good news is, I was highly entertained. I have a feeling this would only be a 3⭐ read, but the narrators squeezed every bit of comedy out of it. (Hollie Jackson of IPB fame also narrates.)
𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
● Don't expect more than short, silly, and horny. (ooh, should that be my new Tinder tagline??)
● Major grumpy/sunshine.
● Nice scenes of her standing up for him!
● Female construction worker!
● No bad-parent reconciliation.
● MMC has a big forked tongue, uses his tail in interesting ways—and is deeply proud of his copious 💦 production.
PS I think I found an Easter egg:
"𝙾𝚛𝚌𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐
(Just in case you're not familiar with the infamous r/RomanceBooks post:
PPS If you do get the audiobook—it includes a bonus epilogue, AND a bonus narration of Escorting the Alien.
The male narrator (Patrick Zeller) chewed up the motherforking scenery. I think he was channeling Phil Hartman's impression of Charlton Heston? And he's pretty dang funny—but OMG the sex scene from his POV had me laughing/crying/shrinking into a fetal position. 🫠
I—I—I can't explain. I've been gobsmacked into incoherence. I dare you to listen to this NSFW sound bite and tell me I'm overreacting:
⚠ NtA Sound Bite - Imgur ⚠
The good news is, I was highly entertained. I have a feeling this would only be a 3⭐ read, but the narrators squeezed every bit of comedy out of it. (Hollie Jackson of IPB fame also narrates.)
𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
● Don't expect more than short, silly, and horny. (ooh, should that be my new Tinder tagline??)
● Major grumpy/sunshine.
● Nice scenes of her standing up for him!
● Female construction worker!
● No bad-parent reconciliation.
● MMC has a big forked tongue, uses his tail in interesting ways—and is deeply proud of his copious 💦 production.
PS I think I found an Easter egg:
"𝙾𝚛𝚌𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐
(Just in case you're not familiar with the infamous r/RomanceBooks post:
PPS If you do get the audiobook—it includes a bonus epilogue, AND a bonus narration of Escorting the Alien.
December 16, 2023
3.75 stars
I knew this audiobook would be quite the experience from Bluestockings Read’s review, but OMG I still wasn’t prepared for WHAT an experience this would be.
Both narrators gave 150% and had me laughing at their delivery, but special shout out to Patrick Zeller whose performance made me think of Ian McKellen. I’ve never had such a confusing reaction to sex scenes before. 🤣😳
The story itself was fun and silly, with lots of double entendres about holding his hammer / banging things with his hammer (he’s her grouchy orc boss and she’s the sunny human helping him build a house, before he’s sent into a mating frenzy).
What a wild ride.
I knew this audiobook would be quite the experience from Bluestockings Read’s review, but OMG I still wasn’t prepared for WHAT an experience this would be.
Both narrators gave 150% and had me laughing at their delivery, but special shout out to Patrick Zeller whose performance made me think of Ian McKellen. I’ve never had such a confusing reaction to sex scenes before. 🤣😳
The story itself was fun and silly, with lots of double entendres about holding his hammer / banging things with his hammer (he’s her grouchy orc boss and she’s the sunny human helping him build a house, before he’s sent into a mating frenzy).
What a wild ride.
September 8, 2022
It was okay
The story and world building were really good and interesting! The dialogue and characters fell flat…
Mainly docked stars because there were inconsistencies in the plot/language/characters and the dialogue felt trite. I think I would have liked the characters more if the dialogue had more depth. It felt like Kreel was constantly grumpy, so much so that I was annoyed with him.
The story and world building were really good and interesting! The dialogue and characters fell flat…
Mainly docked stars because there were inconsistencies in the plot/language/characters and the dialogue felt trite. I think I would have liked the characters more if the dialogue had more depth. It felt like Kreel was constantly grumpy, so much so that I was annoyed with him.
August 6, 2022
This was a fun and cute series opener. I loved the characters and the grumpy/sunshine aspect to their personalities. I have to say, I giggled throughout with him grouching at her and her snipping back with tons of innuendo at him. And lets not forget the steamy romance ;) As per usual, with this author, the world building and character development was fab. I'm looking forward to more books set in this world :D
May 23, 2025
Aww, this was SO good. A nice, cozy alien rom-com 🥰. I LOVED Kreel’s grumpy grump personality and how lighthearted and cheerful Cora was with him 😍. Also, the euphemisms/puns in this were a thing, and HILARIOUS 🤣.
Awesome narration if you like to listen as well!
Awesome narration if you like to listen as well!
August 8, 2022
It’s all about perspective
The innuendos and sass run rampant in this series starter making for a steamy read that I didn’t want to put down. I absolutely loved Cora and Kreel, she’s fun and upbeat, and he’s sullen and grumpy. Together they are pretty unstoppable as they make their way to a phenomenal HEA for them and their community. I enjoyed watching them grow and how the relationship with the town changed as their feelings for each other did. The author really did a wonderful job with this book m and to think, it all started with some bad guys and the family she didn’t pick for herself. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, I’m sure it’s going to be amazing.
The innuendos and sass run rampant in this series starter making for a steamy read that I didn’t want to put down. I absolutely loved Cora and Kreel, she’s fun and upbeat, and he’s sullen and grumpy. Together they are pretty unstoppable as they make their way to a phenomenal HEA for them and their community. I enjoyed watching them grow and how the relationship with the town changed as their feelings for each other did. The author really did a wonderful job with this book m and to think, it all started with some bad guys and the family she didn’t pick for herself. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, I’m sure it’s going to be amazing.
August 28, 2022
I didn't particularly enjoy the book. Constant mentions of copious amounts of orc cum got old pretty fast. However I might have been able to rate it higher (really 1 1/2 stars) if it wasn't for one of my biggest pet peeves in romance, especially alien romance.
Before they have sex the first time there is constant thought, from both of them, that he is so big and she is so tiny that her being able to take him is in serious doubt. Neither of them think she'll be able to do it, but she does think she's willing to try. So their first time, what does he do? Yup, slams to the hilt into her and figures if it hurts he'll pull out. Why the hell doesn't he just go slow? He'd rather cause injury than take a minute.
Before they have sex the first time there is constant thought, from both of them, that he is so big and she is so tiny that her being able to take him is in serious doubt. Neither of them think she'll be able to do it, but she does think she's willing to try. So their first time, what does he do? Yup, slams to the hilt into her and figures if it hurts he'll pull out. Why the hell doesn't he just go slow? He'd rather cause injury than take a minute.
June 25, 2024
Okay HEAR ME OUT!!!!
Ging es viel zu viel um die Abkürzung für Coole Unterhosen Maßnahmen? Ja.
War das Buch kinda albern? Ja.
ABER gab es eine sweete grumpy-sunshine Dynamik, Themen von „auch andersartige Personen akzeptieren lernen“ und cozy Dorf-Vibes? Auch ja.
Ging es viel zu viel um die Abkürzung für Coole Unterhosen Maßnahmen? Ja.
War das Buch kinda albern? Ja.
ABER gab es eine sweete grumpy-sunshine Dynamik, Themen von „auch andersartige Personen akzeptieren lernen“ und cozy Dorf-Vibes? Auch ja.
February 22, 2023
Nailing the Alien is a cute, fast paced, easy to read alien romance. Like if you are new to aliens/monsters you kind of get an easy intro into that world with this book. Plus you get a two for one deal since Kreel is an alien but he’s also an orc. There’s some insta-lust happening but they don’t immediately start banging. There’s actually some mutual pining and some denial going on before they finally get down and dirty. Of course once that happens, the story is full of sexy scenes while also balancing getting to know this town that Kreel has helped build and is supposed to bring together to make a true thriving community. And that’s of course where Cora the FMC shines in this story. Cora helps soften his edges while also showing those sides of him to the townspeople. This was definitely a story where I was able to just blaze through because it didn’t take itself too seriously. It was just fun, hilarious, and sweet. I am definitely going to continue on with the series at some point. I feel like these would be great palate cleansers in between heavier reads.
What to expect:
A lot of innuendos involving hammers, tools, banging, etc
Grumpy Orc alien/Sarcastic and sunny human female
On the run
Fated mates
Mating frenzy
Tail and horn play
A beaded 🍆 that vibrates and swirls
4⭐️ 3.5🔥
April 25, 2025
3.5 star. So I this was a mix of me reading this and listening to it on Audible thanks to some rave reviews of the narrators from some of my Goodreads friends. They 💯 nailed it with saying the narrators add a little something extra to this book. Without them this would be a three star read. With them it’s definitely worth the extra half star.
This story isn’t anything to write home about. It’s a cute cozy fluffy grumpy/sunshine SFR, which is right up my alley. But the voice actors make it so much more enjoyable. With the multiple sexual hammer, nail and banging innuendos mixed in this book you are in for a good time with the narrators who are fully committed to delivering every line. I found myself giggling 🤭 a lot during the auto. The male voice actor really hammed it up and I loved every minute of his chapters. I will definitely continue with this series, as I know I’m in for a good time as it looks like both actors voice narrate the follow up books.
This story isn’t anything to write home about. It’s a cute cozy fluffy grumpy/sunshine SFR, which is right up my alley. But the voice actors make it so much more enjoyable. With the multiple sexual hammer, nail and banging innuendos mixed in this book you are in for a good time with the narrators who are fully committed to delivering every line. I found myself giggling 🤭 a lot during the auto. The male voice actor really hammed it up and I loved every minute of his chapters. I will definitely continue with this series, as I know I’m in for a good time as it looks like both actors voice narrate the follow up books.
July 14, 2024
Funny and Sweet
This has to be my first Orc romance read and I loved it. A lot of humor, sweet moments, and a kind but uber grumpy orc. A good, entertaining read.
This has to be my first Orc romance read and I loved it. A lot of humor, sweet moments, and a kind but uber grumpy orc. A good, entertaining read.
July 21, 2022
This beginning to Ava Ross’s new series Beastly Alien Boss is a ten star read! If you haven’t read anything by his author, you need to. Ross always brings quality and creativity to her prose. I’m always sad when a series of hers ends but she delivers another of equal quality…and your hooked! Here we meet a grumpy Thoksas warrior Krell. He’s an orc with a difficult temperament. Cora uses the Intergalactic Employment Agency to escape the lizard mob. Once Krells tattoos appear, the story heats to scorching levels of romantic interludes. Excellent new series! Download and enjoy ❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 12, 2023
Notes: this was awesome!!! I was beaming at the end! Lovely couple!
(Although I'm not a big fan of the misunderstanding trope, I actually liked how Kreel developed his character)
(Although I'm not a big fan of the misunderstanding trope, I actually liked how Kreel developed his character)
July 4, 2024
Cute alien romance
I definitely liked this book a lot. It hit a lot of the very grouchy sunshine trope most of the book with opportunities of banter. I do love the change Kreel goes through with Cora. Definitely a cute quick read!
I definitely liked this book a lot. It hit a lot of the very grouchy sunshine trope most of the book with opportunities of banter. I do love the change Kreel goes through with Cora. Definitely a cute quick read!
August 24, 2024
Still not over the sweet dedication to her parents while naming her book Nailing the Alien. Mine wouldn't care how sweet I was, with a title like that me - a grown-ass woman with children of my own - would get her ass whooped.
The writing and story weren't extraordinary but it was cute yet spicy with a grumpy X sunshine trope and HEA so what more do you want?
The writing and story weren't extraordinary but it was cute yet spicy with a grumpy X sunshine trope and HEA so what more do you want?
July 19, 2022
Irresistible sci-fi romance! Loved it! It's sassy and spicy, funny and amazing.. Kreel is grumpy and sexy... and so adorable! Really fun to read.
November 26, 2025
2025 Reads
First book of the series. It was an alright read.
First book of the series. It was an alright read.
August 30, 2023
Loved it. Light, funny, sweet… perfect light read for sitting around a campfire (which is exactly what I did)
October 5, 2022
𝐼𝓉 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒷𝑒... 𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓀 𝒶𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒶𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒹𝒶 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓅𝒶𝓃𝓉𝓈. 𝒟𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝒾𝓉 𝒷𝒶𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝓁𝓎?
I really enjoyed Nailing the Alien; it was a quick funny, swoony, spicy read and hooked me from the beginning.
Cora was the best; she was curvy, strong, feisty, and hilarious and didn't seem to mind that Kreel was a SEXY grumpy big ol softy once you get to know him.
𝐼 𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝓂𝒾𝓁𝑒𝓈.
I loved the intense sexual chemistry between Cora and Kreel. These two had some of the best entertaining banter! He was constantly holding back, but finally, he was like, I'm getting what's mine from my woman!
This is my first book by Ava Ross, but it will not be my last.
𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹, 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶 𝒽𝒶𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝑜 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓅𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔.
I really enjoyed Nailing the Alien; it was a quick funny, swoony, spicy read and hooked me from the beginning.
Cora was the best; she was curvy, strong, feisty, and hilarious and didn't seem to mind that Kreel was a SEXY grumpy big ol softy once you get to know him.
𝐼 𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝓂𝒾𝓁𝑒𝓈.
I loved the intense sexual chemistry between Cora and Kreel. These two had some of the best entertaining banter! He was constantly holding back, but finally, he was like, I'm getting what's mine from my woman!
This is my first book by Ava Ross, but it will not be my last.
𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹, 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶 𝒽𝒶𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝑜 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓅𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔.
October 16, 2023
Really good book!
I found the pace okay and satisfactory for a book of this length and I really liked how they complete each other and none of them are asked to change for the other, they both accept each other for who they are.
Lots of sex as expected, would have liked to see more romantic scenes in which the MMC could show the signs of affection that the FMC taught him.
I found the pace okay and satisfactory for a book of this length and I really liked how they complete each other and none of them are asked to change for the other, they both accept each other for who they are.
Lots of sex as expected, would have liked to see more romantic scenes in which the MMC could show the signs of affection that the FMC taught him.
August 19, 2022
This book is not well written in the show don't tell area. And the danger to the female lead was not handled very well in the end. And the sex though copious was not all that steamy. So overall 2.5 stars.
January 13, 2023
Written in first person by Ava Ross, Nailing the Alien is book 1 in this Beastly Alien Boss series, and follows the alien orc Kreel and his human employee Cora. The set takes place in a time where alien worlds are familiar and intergalactic travel is common. Cora was running from the Vessar mafia, who decided that Cora needed to pay her cousin’s debt because they couldn’t locate him for payment. She hid inside an employment agency on Earth and agreed to take a construction job that offered immediate departure from the planet. Kreel was an orc half breed, tasked with proving himself to his orc clan by establishing a colony on Merth 4X7. He hired a construction assistant to help him finish his home within the colony. He reluctantly agreed to give Cora a chance to prove herself for the position. Not long into the project, Cora sparked his Awakening, which also instigated his mating frenzy.
Cora was Kreel’s one true mate, verified by the instant skin tattoos he received that only darkened the closer he got to her. Both parties fought the attraction (Kreel fought the hardest), neither willing to believe that they could be wanted or desired by the other, until they finally came together (touching each other in a sexual manner) at the 48% mark. The buildup to that point was intense, both lusting after each other but refusing to act upon it, resorting to flirting and eye fucking each other from afar. They finally had intercourse at the end of chapter 26 at the 57% mark. That was followed by a month straight of slaking the mating frenzy, though he would always pine for her because she awakened the mate bond.
There were other plots to this book than just sex, though that was the main attraction of this romance novel. Cora made friends with most of the villagers, all of whom feared Kreel. She taught him how to be kind and less intense, and showed the villagers that there was more to Kreel than a scary orc. Eventually, the Vessars found her, but the entire colony came together to protect her. Kreel, being a secret trillionaire, paid off her cousin’s debt, freeing her of her worries. And the two stayed together, living happily ever after as mates. Cora became pregnant from Kreel’s “amazing cum” after her birth implant failed. Everything worked out and the two were better for knowing and falling for one another.
I personally married my own boss, so I am totally here for this series. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in the series. I recommend this read, if this genre is in your wheelhouse. 🫶🏻
Cora was Kreel’s one true mate, verified by the instant skin tattoos he received that only darkened the closer he got to her. Both parties fought the attraction (Kreel fought the hardest), neither willing to believe that they could be wanted or desired by the other, until they finally came together (touching each other in a sexual manner) at the 48% mark. The buildup to that point was intense, both lusting after each other but refusing to act upon it, resorting to flirting and eye fucking each other from afar. They finally had intercourse at the end of chapter 26 at the 57% mark. That was followed by a month straight of slaking the mating frenzy, though he would always pine for her because she awakened the mate bond.
There were other plots to this book than just sex, though that was the main attraction of this romance novel. Cora made friends with most of the villagers, all of whom feared Kreel. She taught him how to be kind and less intense, and showed the villagers that there was more to Kreel than a scary orc. Eventually, the Vessars found her, but the entire colony came together to protect her. Kreel, being a secret trillionaire, paid off her cousin’s debt, freeing her of her worries. And the two stayed together, living happily ever after as mates. Cora became pregnant from Kreel’s “amazing cum” after her birth implant failed. Everything worked out and the two were better for knowing and falling for one another.
I personally married my own boss, so I am totally here for this series. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in the series. I recommend this read, if this genre is in your wheelhouse. 🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2022
Review of Nailing the Alien
By Ava Ross
My! What a Big Hammer You Have!
Cora’s cousin skipped the planet on a shuttle bound to who knows where, leaving a sizable debt owed to the Vessar alien lizard mafia. Now they want Cora to pay the debt or if she can’t, they will accept her in satisfaction of what is owed, with the downside being that Cora would then be sold as a slave. As they are chasing her through the streets, she sees the sign for the Intergalactic Employment Agency and dashes inside. The Vessars can’t enter the establishment and can’t interfere with the business being conducted.
Cora asks for any job that she is qualified for that is off world and immediately available. One of the available jobs is for a construction assistant to the project manager, Kreelevar Nohmal Trirag Grikohr. Since the Vessar are still waiting outside, with two of them having their faces smashed against the window to better observe what was going on, Cora elects to take the job. A transport pod appears in the back room and she is on her way.
When Cora arrives at the job, her employer is extremely upset that a woman has been sent to do the work he needs done. After Cora eventually convinces him to at least give her a chance, he hands her his hammer to get started. It should be noted that Kreel is an orc and is significantly larger than Cora; she can’t even lift his hammer, much less use it. After much grumbling, Kreel gets her a hammer better suited to her size and Cora starts working to prove she can do the job.
As Cora is placing roof tiles into place, Kreel is noticing her trim backside, while she is noticing his “hammer”. Can an orc and a human be attracted to each other? You’ll have to read the book to find the answer to that question! Kreel’s performance as manager of this settlement will determine whether he stays or whether he will be forced to return to his home planet in shame. Can Cora teach an orc any lessons on how to deal successfully with the settlers?
Ava Ross has written a cute first offering to a new series. It has great characters as well as great character development. The world building was quite interesting and there is a wonderful plot with plenty of steam. I really enjoyed this book! Great job, Ava!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My Rating: 5 Stars
By Ava Ross
My! What a Big Hammer You Have!
Cora’s cousin skipped the planet on a shuttle bound to who knows where, leaving a sizable debt owed to the Vessar alien lizard mafia. Now they want Cora to pay the debt or if she can’t, they will accept her in satisfaction of what is owed, with the downside being that Cora would then be sold as a slave. As they are chasing her through the streets, she sees the sign for the Intergalactic Employment Agency and dashes inside. The Vessars can’t enter the establishment and can’t interfere with the business being conducted.
Cora asks for any job that she is qualified for that is off world and immediately available. One of the available jobs is for a construction assistant to the project manager, Kreelevar Nohmal Trirag Grikohr. Since the Vessar are still waiting outside, with two of them having their faces smashed against the window to better observe what was going on, Cora elects to take the job. A transport pod appears in the back room and she is on her way.
When Cora arrives at the job, her employer is extremely upset that a woman has been sent to do the work he needs done. After Cora eventually convinces him to at least give her a chance, he hands her his hammer to get started. It should be noted that Kreel is an orc and is significantly larger than Cora; she can’t even lift his hammer, much less use it. After much grumbling, Kreel gets her a hammer better suited to her size and Cora starts working to prove she can do the job.
As Cora is placing roof tiles into place, Kreel is noticing her trim backside, while she is noticing his “hammer”. Can an orc and a human be attracted to each other? You’ll have to read the book to find the answer to that question! Kreel’s performance as manager of this settlement will determine whether he stays or whether he will be forced to return to his home planet in shame. Can Cora teach an orc any lessons on how to deal successfully with the settlers?
Ava Ross has written a cute first offering to a new series. It has great characters as well as great character development. The world building was quite interesting and there is a wonderful plot with plenty of steam. I really enjoyed this book! Great job, Ava!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My Rating: 5 Stars
July 30, 2022
🔨 “My hammer always needs driving.”
~~~
I adored Cora so much! She’s so sassy, funny, kind and optimistic. Even more, she’s so brave and fierce when need arises. Cora has spent her life mainly on her own and, now, thanks to her cousin, she’s on the run from the Vessar alien lizard mafia. To escape them, she accepts a contract to work on construction on a remote planet… And deal with her snarly control freak of a boss.
Kreelevar Nohmal Trirag Grikoh (ain’t that a mouthful!) is one huge, surly, cranky and grumpy orc. His life hasn’t been easy and from a young age he’s learned to fight for himself and his survival. But there is so much more to him than meets the eye. Behind Kreel’s fearsome facade, hides such a caring, thoughtful, cautious and fiercely protective male. And he’s so cute with his gruff ways and manly belief that he��s in charge of everything. I couldn’t help but absolutely adore everything about this brutish Thoksas warrior!
The development of Cora and Kreel’s relationship was glorious! Kreel definitely takes seriousness and grumpiness to a whole new level. But even he cannot resist Cora’s bubbly personality. Even more, their banters were hilarious and absolutely spectacular. I absolutely loved that both gave as good as they got! All that talking about nailing, banging and hammering will definitely leave you genuinely laughing and quite hot and bothered… And Kreel’s hammer is big, VERY big! Not only that, but, in addition to his huge and vibrating anaconda, he comes with many other enhancements made solely for a woman’s pleasure. 😏 And when the mating frenzy hits…, oh, you’re going to love all the deliciously spicy goodness!!! 🔥 Core and Kreel were such a fantastic match and their chemistry was amazing. I couldn’t get enough of either of them!
In addition, the worldbuilding was spectacular! Colonizing a new and remote planet always comes with a lot of challenges. But I loved all the ways Cora, Kreel and the Ulorns managed to build such a wonderful and close-knitted community.
Overall, the story is a marvellous start of the series. It’s filled with action, humor, danger, suspense, blazing hot romance and magnificent characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
Can’t wait to see what will happen next!
~~~
I adored Cora so much! She’s so sassy, funny, kind and optimistic. Even more, she’s so brave and fierce when need arises. Cora has spent her life mainly on her own and, now, thanks to her cousin, she’s on the run from the Vessar alien lizard mafia. To escape them, she accepts a contract to work on construction on a remote planet… And deal with her snarly control freak of a boss.
Kreelevar Nohmal Trirag Grikoh (ain’t that a mouthful!) is one huge, surly, cranky and grumpy orc. His life hasn’t been easy and from a young age he’s learned to fight for himself and his survival. But there is so much more to him than meets the eye. Behind Kreel’s fearsome facade, hides such a caring, thoughtful, cautious and fiercely protective male. And he’s so cute with his gruff ways and manly belief that he��s in charge of everything. I couldn’t help but absolutely adore everything about this brutish Thoksas warrior!
The development of Cora and Kreel’s relationship was glorious! Kreel definitely takes seriousness and grumpiness to a whole new level. But even he cannot resist Cora’s bubbly personality. Even more, their banters were hilarious and absolutely spectacular. I absolutely loved that both gave as good as they got! All that talking about nailing, banging and hammering will definitely leave you genuinely laughing and quite hot and bothered… And Kreel’s hammer is big, VERY big! Not only that, but, in addition to his huge and vibrating anaconda, he comes with many other enhancements made solely for a woman’s pleasure. 😏 And when the mating frenzy hits…, oh, you’re going to love all the deliciously spicy goodness!!! 🔥 Core and Kreel were such a fantastic match and their chemistry was amazing. I couldn’t get enough of either of them!
In addition, the worldbuilding was spectacular! Colonizing a new and remote planet always comes with a lot of challenges. But I loved all the ways Cora, Kreel and the Ulorns managed to build such a wonderful and close-knitted community.
Overall, the story is a marvellous start of the series. It’s filled with action, humor, danger, suspense, blazing hot romance and magnificent characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
Can’t wait to see what will happen next!
November 20, 2025
Cora goes to the intergalactic job agency to get away from the lizard mafia that thinks she owes them money that her cousin actually owes. She takes a job helping an orc do some construction in a town. Cora is just hoping to be away from Earth long enough for the lizards to forget her so she can go back but Kreel is interesting and after a while Cora starts feeling things for the big alien.
He wants to send her back immediately because she's female but she refuses to go so he lets her stay and starts to get used to her. She is sunshine to his grumpy nature and the people in town come to like her a lot because she's more friendly than he is. Slowly Kreel starts to warm up to her, taking social cues from her in order to get along better with the people in town.
When Cora ignites Kreel's mating frenzy, he thinks there's no way she will want to stay with him and help him through it, so he gives her a choice, go back to Earth or stay and help him, which means have sex with him. He's astounded that she chooses to stay with him but I'm glad she did because he really didn't know what he was going to do if she left.
The humor in this book made me laugh on more than one occasion. Kreel didn't know what to do with Cora and her antics. She said things that he didn't understand but these two lonely souls were so good for each other. Each of them really needed someone in their lives. They were so good for each other.
The ending was great, and I plan on reading more of this series
He wants to send her back immediately because she's female but she refuses to go so he lets her stay and starts to get used to her. She is sunshine to his grumpy nature and the people in town come to like her a lot because she's more friendly than he is. Slowly Kreel starts to warm up to her, taking social cues from her in order to get along better with the people in town.
When Cora ignites Kreel's mating frenzy, he thinks there's no way she will want to stay with him and help him through it, so he gives her a choice, go back to Earth or stay and help him, which means have sex with him. He's astounded that she chooses to stay with him but I'm glad she did because he really didn't know what he was going to do if she left.
The humor in this book made me laugh on more than one occasion. Kreel didn't know what to do with Cora and her antics. She said things that he didn't understand but these two lonely souls were so good for each other. Each of them really needed someone in their lives. They were so good for each other.
The ending was great, and I plan on reading more of this series
August 9, 2022
4&1\2 fabulous stars for Nailing the Alien😘😘😅😅🔥🔥💖💖
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Ava Ross' new Beastly Alien Boss series! It was a feel good fun adventure with a hint of danger and a ton of laughs, innuendo, and passion!🔥💖🔥💖 Cora is very independent, never new her father, her mother was neglectful and her cousin ran away leaving her to pay a debt she didn't create. The lizard mafia was after her to pay her cousin debts and she ran to the new job agency that went her to Kreel a grumpy orc trying to prove himself and build his own home. Kreel has never been truly accepted so he takes the job as the new planet manager where he's building a new town and a new home. He needs an assistant and he can't fail or help loose his job and his new home and in talks Cora! Not only can she hit the nail on the head but she makes him feel things he never thought to have. These two lonely souls find something in each other that will not only build a thriving community but build the family both have craved their whole lives. This was great but it's the budding relationship, the humor and the way the main characters connect to each other and the rest of the characters that will keep you reading! Finished in one sitting and can't wait to read the next! Highly recommend🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in Ava Ross' new Beastly Alien Boss series! It was a feel good fun adventure with a hint of danger and a ton of laughs, innuendo, and passion!🔥💖🔥💖 Cora is very independent, never new her father, her mother was neglectful and her cousin ran away leaving her to pay a debt she didn't create. The lizard mafia was after her to pay her cousin debts and she ran to the new job agency that went her to Kreel a grumpy orc trying to prove himself and build his own home. Kreel has never been truly accepted so he takes the job as the new planet manager where he's building a new town and a new home. He needs an assistant and he can't fail or help loose his job and his new home and in talks Cora! Not only can she hit the nail on the head but she makes him feel things he never thought to have. These two lonely souls find something in each other that will not only build a thriving community but build the family both have craved their whole lives. This was great but it's the budding relationship, the humor and the way the main characters connect to each other and the rest of the characters that will keep you reading! Finished in one sitting and can't wait to read the next! Highly recommend🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥
August 5, 2022
I adore Kreel! I love how grumpy he is and yet it is all because he is just not a people person. He has no idea how to interact with others but he does respect those who work hard. He has decided to build his own home and be the governor so to speak on a foreign planet since he never really felt part of his own race. He has had to ask for another assistant since the last one, a human male was pretty useless. Imagine his surprise when a small human woman is dropped off! At least she is prepared to work and actually seems capable. All he has to is to not fall under her spell. Cora has always worked hard for everything that she has achieved which is why she is not happy to discover that her cousin has huge debts and is using her as collateral. She has no option at all other than to try and find the first off-world job she can where they cannot follow. The huge green skinned Orc is not the boss she expected either. Days of working together, despite all his surliness, she has found him to be considerate, kind and thoughtful. She was really surprised though when she sees how he is being treated by the locals. Can she manage to keep her job, stay safe from her cousin's debt collectors and not fall for her boss? Let us also not mention the size of the equipment shall we....
November 4, 2024
What a sweet and funny alien romance! This was a joy to read that had me
giggling and swooning. Cora is a human who finds herself in a tricky situation. She is being followed by an alien mafia group for a debt that's not even hers. In a desperate move to get off planet and away from this mafia she accepts a construction job. When she meets her boss he is big, teal, very grumpy, and kinda hot. As they work together the tension grows. Cora see’s the sweet man beneath the brute exterior and is determined to help him. Kreel is working towards proving his worth to his people. Building a village and managing the people is his job. The building comes easy for a big orc alien but managing the local people is a nightmare. It also doesn't help that the tiny beautiful human who is helping him build his home is making him feel new things. Never before has Kreel wanted to make someone else happy but Cora changes that. These two were so cute and funny. The banter was so much fun to read. Of course there is lots of "hammering," "pounding," and "nailing" that is not related to construction. Cora and Kreel were so perfect for each other and I loved that they both helped eachother in different ways. Check this book out if you are looking for a sweet alien romance with a grumpy cinnamon roll MMC, sweet and silly FMC, mating frenzy, major sexual tension, all the puns, and a super sweet HEA.
giggling and swooning. Cora is a human who finds herself in a tricky situation. She is being followed by an alien mafia group for a debt that's not even hers. In a desperate move to get off planet and away from this mafia she accepts a construction job. When she meets her boss he is big, teal, very grumpy, and kinda hot. As they work together the tension grows. Cora see’s the sweet man beneath the brute exterior and is determined to help him. Kreel is working towards proving his worth to his people. Building a village and managing the people is his job. The building comes easy for a big orc alien but managing the local people is a nightmare. It also doesn't help that the tiny beautiful human who is helping him build his home is making him feel new things. Never before has Kreel wanted to make someone else happy but Cora changes that. These two were so cute and funny. The banter was so much fun to read. Of course there is lots of "hammering," "pounding," and "nailing" that is not related to construction. Cora and Kreel were so perfect for each other and I loved that they both helped eachother in different ways. Check this book out if you are looking for a sweet alien romance with a grumpy cinnamon roll MMC, sweet and silly FMC, mating frenzy, major sexual tension, all the puns, and a super sweet HEA.
December 26, 2025
3.25⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vibes - Fine
More affection for the cum than the male
I think all the euphemisms in this were supposed to be funny, hammers and nailing for example, but honestly it was just cringey. Cora flees the lizard alien mafia after her cousin, who owed them a lot of credits, made her their scapegoat. She escapes into a job agency and gets a job that leave immediately, working for Kreel as a construction assistant helping him build his house. He's surly, grumpy and lacking in social graces but she doesn't seem to mind. They are both attracted to each other but neither want to being it up since they are different species. This was an easy read but I wish it had more emotional connection rather than than just physical. The constant references to vast quantities of orc cum made me uncomfortable; every now and again it was amusing but when it's brought up that often, it was just tedious. The male narrator for this audiobook didn't work for me, he sounded constipated the whole time.
Tropes
-Monster
-Alien
-Fated Mates
-Assistant
-Grumpy/Sunshine
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vibes - Fine
More affection for the cum than the male
I think all the euphemisms in this were supposed to be funny, hammers and nailing for example, but honestly it was just cringey. Cora flees the lizard alien mafia after her cousin, who owed them a lot of credits, made her their scapegoat. She escapes into a job agency and gets a job that leave immediately, working for Kreel as a construction assistant helping him build his house. He's surly, grumpy and lacking in social graces but she doesn't seem to mind. They are both attracted to each other but neither want to being it up since they are different species. This was an easy read but I wish it had more emotional connection rather than than just physical. The constant references to vast quantities of orc cum made me uncomfortable; every now and again it was amusing but when it's brought up that often, it was just tedious. The male narrator for this audiobook didn't work for me, he sounded constipated the whole time.
Tropes
-Monster
-Alien
-Fated Mates
-Assistant
-Grumpy/Sunshine
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews