Catering to the Alien

Beastly Alien Boss #3

by Ava Ross

It’s the cooking contest of a lifetime. I just need to avoid falling for a hot alien chef.

To raise money for my local creature shelter, I enter an interstellar cooking show. If I win? I'm awarded the catering job of a lifetime and prize money I can donate to the shelter. It won’t be easy—contestants share a cramped shuttle while traveling from one planet to the next. And some of the competitors don’t make it home alive.

All I have to do is avoid my stiffest competition Throm Durvanak Nargoth, the brutishly handsome, golden-skinned alien who once left me stranded without my undies in the back hallway of a dive bar on Quazar 3.

Fraternization among the competitors is strictly forbidden. But the more I try to avoid Throm, the more I can’t resist him. Soon we're stealing kisses away from the prying eyes of the camera bots. If we're caught, we’ll get thrown off the show.

Fate has other plans, however, and soon I don't know which I’m fighting for most—the prize money for the shelter or a future with Throm.

Catering to the Alien is Book 3 in the Beastly Alien Boss Series. Each features an Earth woman hired for an off-world job who meets a gruff alien that can’t resist falling for his fated mate.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Aliens, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

AVA 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.

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space Chefs Behaving Badly



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😍☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

🎧 Audiobook Review: Catering to the Alien (Beastly Alien Boss, #3)

Author: Ava Ross
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Narrators: Hollie Jackson and Patrick Zeller

🦸🏼‍♀️ The Heroine: Wren

Wren is instantly engaging as a heroine—confident, adventurous, and unashamedly curious about the universe around her. When she spots a tall, gold-skinned alien watching her from across a bar on Quasar 3, the attraction between them sparks instantly. She’s spontaneous and open to new experiences, so the flirtation quickly turns into something steamier… or it would have, had her mysterious alien not been abruptly summoned away, leaving her literally and figuratively abandoned in a supply closet. A full year later, when she discovers he’s one of her rivals in a high-stakes interstellar cooking competition, her simmering irritation is completely justified.

Wren’s determination is one of her most compelling traits. She began her culinary journey flipping food in a humble space-station diner, later advancing to a cruise-ship chef position. Now she’s aiming for the ultimate prize: becoming the private chef for a prince’s wedding. Winning this competition could redefine her career, and the audiobook does a great job showing her passion, creativity, and grit along the way.

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Hero: Thrombuka

Thrombuka—Throm—is as devoted and steady as Wren is fiery. His backstory adds real emotional weight to the romance. At just eighteen, he became the sole guardian of his three-year-old sister after their parents died. He’s spent the last decade raising her, caring for her deeply, and pouring his heart into his restaurant on their home planet. Entering the Interstellar Chef Contest isn’t just a personal ambition—it’s a financial lifeline. His sister’s recent accident drained much of his savings, leaving him desperate for the catering contract that could secure both their futures.

His disappearance from Wren’s life a year earlier becomes much more understandable once we learn the truth: he left because he received the devastating news about his sister’s injury. The book handles his sense of duty and quiet emotional strength well, and those qualities make him an easy character to root for.

📚 The Plot

The Interstellar Chef Contest brings Wren and Throm back together, and it’s far more perilous—and entertaining—than either expected. When one contestant literally rips another contestant’s arm off, it becomes clear this is not your average culinary showdown.

Forced into close quarters during a break in the competition, Wren and Throm finally confront the unresolved tension between them. Their time together allows misunderstandings to be cleared up, attraction to rekindle, and genuine connection to grow. What’s refreshing is that both fully understand how much winning matters to the other; instead of turning the competition into a source of cruelty or sabotage, they choose compassion and cooperation. Their relationship becomes a balancing act between ambition and affection, and that dynamic gives the story its emotional heartbeat.

🌟 What Worked

• Strong, compelling character backstories: Both Wren and Throm feel fully formed with motivations that make sense and clearly influence their choices.
• A refreshingly original sci-fi romance setting: This isn’t another “human woman kidnapped by aliens” story. Humanity is already well-integrated into space-faring life, making the world feel richer and more lived-in.

💔 What Fell Short

• Invented sci-fi vocabulary that adds little: The story occasionally substitutes made-up alien terms for everyday concepts—like using minues instead of minutes. When the rest of the narration is in English, this can break immersion rather than enhance it.

🎙️ Narration

The dual POV structure is enhanced by true dual narration from Hollie Jackson and Patrick Zeller. Both narrators elevate the audiobook significantly. Hollie Jackson brings warmth, humor, and emotional nuance to Wren, making her inner world feel vivid and relatable. Patrick Zeller’s deep, slightly formal delivery fits Throm’s alien sensibilities perfectly, striking a nice balance between “otherworldly” and “approachable.” Together, they give the story texture, chemistry, and life.

💬 Final Thoughts

This audiobook combines a fun, adventurous sci-fi setting with a heartfelt second-chance romance fueled by ambition, vulnerability, and sizzling chemistry. With likable leads, high stakes, and excellent narration, it’s an entertaining listen—especially for fans who like their alien romances with a bit more originality and a touch of culinary chaos.

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[Stacey Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren is out with her friends having a drink when they notice someone is staring at her, this tall sexy alien male comes to her and introduces himselve has Thrombuka Duvall Nargoth. They are smitten for one another and can’t keeps their hands off each other. They got to a closet and are about to get busy, when he gets a phone call that he needs to answer. But he never comes back leaving Wren upset and hurt. They don’t bump into each other until they both enter a contest to be a private chef for the prince d and his upcoming wedding. But they must compete with one another in order to see who wins. But can they beat the other 3 contests? I loved the banter between Throm and Wren. Wren is upset with him for leaving her and never trying to find her to explain. Yet, there are obstacles in the contest way to either stop them or kill them. The greedy host wants entertainment and is almost willing to put them all in grave danger. What will happen? Also. There hasn’t been a woman in the competition so there is no fraternization allowed. Can throw and wrens attraction for each other survive the competition so that things can be explained?

[Sky Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Being an interstellar chef is deadly business on a reality show for credits and a job catering for the prince's wedding, but running into the one that got away wasn't in the plans. No fraternization allowed between chefs but perhaps that's only a hard rule if you get caught and when you meet your true life mate... Rules are meant to be broken.

Fun alien romance.

My only complaint is it's a lot of food and cooking talk, but it was done well and the alien vocab for ingredients was fun.

I did start this book last year and stopped around 60% and it took a long time for me to pick it up again, but I'm happy I came back to finish. I love Ava Ross' alien romances, I think the food focus just wasn't my preference.

[Penny Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luscious!

Um, who can resist a romance with a cooking show thrown in with so many yummy sounding dishes. Throm and Wren’s adventure is a solidly enjoyable read.

[Preston and Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in first person by Ava Ross, Catering the Alien is book 3 in this Beastly Alien Boss series, and follows the alien Thrombuka Durvanak Nargoth (aka Throm) and his human co-worker Wren. I use the term “co-worker” loosely since they are on a level playing field with one another. The set takes place in a time where alien worlds are familiar and intergalactic travel is common. We first met Throm at the end of book 2 when he stopped his ship next to Jenny and Venge to ask for directions. Throm had actually met his mate Wren a year prior at a bar. Right before they were about to get hot and heavy inside a storage closet, they were interrupted by news of Theon’s sister being involved in an accident that put her in the hospital. When Throm returned to the bar, Wren was gone, never to be seen again until fate brought them back together a year later. Both had been selected to participate in a deadly alien version of Top Chef. Five contestants battled for the prize of a large sum of money along with the opportunity to cater the wedding for the crown prince. One by one, contestants were eliminated until it came down to Throm and Wren, where they decided to split the winnings.

Wren was Throm’s one true mate, verified by the instant skin tattoo he received. Shockingly, neither of them fought or resisted the match. They were both in love and accepted their feelings. Unfortunately, no fraternization was a rule that would get them disqualified from the competition if they broke it. So they had to be sneaky with their engagements. They finally came together romantically (again) in chapter 15, at the 34% mark, but didn’t have their first intercourse until chapter 27, at 57%. The buildup to that point was appropriate, both lusting after each other but refusing to act upon it, resorting to flirting and eye fucking each other from afar.

Aside from the abundant attraction and sexual encounters, there was quite the adventure competing in the show and surviving the ruthless obstacles. The idea that the show would even have a no fraternization rule is absolutely preposterous. Most shows encourage fraternizing for ratings. But I guess the author needed some way to prevent them from coming together as they both wanted to. I also found their reasonings for feeling guilty about winning were lame. Eventually, they figured out how to split the winnings, but c’mon… if they fully intended to be mates after the show, that idea should have been thought of long before the ending. I often wonder what it’s like going through life being dumb, and this book gave me a little insight on that.

I figured out pretty quickly that the pilot was actually the prince himself, long before the big reveal at the end. His suspicions behavior was an obvious red flag.

The two lived happily ever after as mates. 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 will admit that I found this particular book a little too boring for my taste. Both my father and second husband were chefs, so the entire plot focused around cooking had me cringing. The adventure was not my cup of tea. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in the series. I recommend this read, if this genre is in your wheelhouse. 🫶🏻

[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛 “I want to taste everything you have to offer.”
~~~
Wren was so awesome! Spending almost all her life taking care of herself, she never backs down from a challenge. I really loved her attitude and sharp wit. Even more, she was so caring, spending time and credits supporting an animal shelter. And she’s such an amazing cook, always creating original and sophisticated dishes. I loved her so much!

And Thrombuka Durvanak Nargoth is one amazing male! Not only is he a phenomenal chef, but he’s so honorable, strong, fierce, protective and irresistibly charming. Even more, I loved that he knew what he wanted and didn't hesitate to go for it. And he’s determined to win the Interstellar Chef and help his sister. Who could have thought that by entering the contest, he’ll be competing against the same human woman he’s been searching for a year?!

I loved the development of Wren and Throm’s relationship. They almost hooked up until Throm left her high and dry in a closed and without panties. And one year later they’re competing against each other in the most famous cooking contest - the Interstellar Chef. I really liked that Thorn was honorable and explained his actions and Wren managed to forgive him. And I really loved their banters. Even more, I loved that both were willing to do their best in the competition. Throm and Wren were such a great match and fit so well together. And, although fraternization among the competitors is strictly forbidden, the passionate moments they managed to steal were off-the-charts hot.

In addition, the storyline and worldbuilding were fantastic! Interstellar Chef is like “Chopped” on steroids - not only do the contestants have to work with mysterious and sometimes deadly ingredients, but they also have to deal with obstacles determined to stop or even kill them. All the different rounds kept me glued to the pages and eagerly awaiting to see what would happen next.

Overall, the story is another spectacular addition to the series! It’s filled with suspense, danger, action, twists, amazing food, dangerous creatures, scorching hot romance and magnificent characters.

I loved it!

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

After an almost hook up year ago, that to be honest Wren has never really forgotten about, it seems that she is destined to be in the same place at the same time as "him" again. There was definitely something between them but for some reason he took off and never returbed. Still Wren is a pull herself up by her bootstraps sort of girl and she gets on with it. She has started from practically nothing and worked her way up to being a great chef. No longer able to deal with the rubbish thrown at her every day by her boss she quits just as she gets the chance to compete in the hottest cooking program and potentially win enough money to pretty much set her up for life. She just has to deal with Throm. Thrombuka Durvanak Nargoth to be precise. He was nigh on certain that he had met his mate that fateful night but when he was called away he returned to find her gone and he has never been the same since. He has not exactly searched her out but he has been hoping that they would meet again. He hopes that he can explain what happened that night and also get her to forgive him. The thing is, he needs to win this competition, not only for himself but also for his little sister. The one thing that is right in his life, aside from finding his mate. Thing is look like the network or is that the host will do anything for ratings. Can Wren and Throm survive the show and will they even want to speak to each other after, let alone do anything more?!!
I loved how strong, determined and creative Wren was. She also showed a lot of compassion, wit and understanding. Loved Throm too for being honourable, kind and trying so hard to be patient and do things right after the first fiasco. Love, love, love this author.

[Dot Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Catering to the Alien
By Ava Ross

Well Written, But …

This is the third book in the “Beastly Alien Boss” series by Ava Ross. I like almost all of the books written by Ms. Ross, however, this one just didn’t appeal to me as much as most of them. I will say that it got better by about the 60% mark, but I had to struggle getting through the first part of the book. It was well written, so it wasn’t anything against Ms. Ross’ writing, but maybe it was the fact that the subject matter just didn’t capture my attention. But the remaining 40% of the book was more like what I’ve come to expect from the author.

The male protagonist is Thrombuka Durvanak Nargoth, Throm for short. The female protagonist is Wren Phillips, a human chef. The two met at a night club, danced and almost had sex in a closet when Throm was called away. They didn’t see each other again for the next interstellar year, until they met as contestants in the “Interstellar Chef” competition.

The character development was reasonably well done, as was the plot. Once things started happening, the book really picked up speed as it raced to the finish. I also enjoyed the ingredients that the chefs threw into their offerings; they were pretty creative. Altogether, I would give this book a 4-star rating. It included a sneak preview of the next book in this series and I have to honestly say that I can’t wait to read it!

I received a free copy of this book from the author through BookFunnel and I am voluntarily sharing this review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never seen a cooking show like this.
Wren is a strong female that has to take care of herself and always wants to help the animal shelter. A year ago, while out with friends, she met Throm. Instant attraction, a kiss that didn't end until they found a closet. And then they were interrupted, he said he'd be right back, and she didn't see him for a year.
Throm needs to win this cooking competition and use the winnings to help his sister. Her accident was the disruption a year ago. When he found Wren, he didn't need the symbol on his wrist to tell him she is his mate.
The Interstellar Chef competition is dangerous, highly competitive and the winner will be the private chef at an upcoming wedding. There is no fraternization between contestants. Each segment of the show is in different locations, and they work with a mystery ingredient which could be deadly. Also, the other competitors could be deadly. Wow. Our author really knows how to draw us into her stories full of danger, plot twists, the mystery ingredient, interesting foods, things that could kill them and forbidden steam. Where will she take us in her tale full of interesting locations and wonderful characters?

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Ava Ross once again delivers action, adventure and smoking hot romance with her latest release. What I love about Ross’s writing is that even though each book within the series has the general premise of species and characters, the story is ALWAYS original and inventive. This time we are taken to a contest for Interstellar Chef with the winning prize prestige among the profession and prize money. Throm needs the money to help his sister in rehab while Wren wants the money for an animal shelter…and they happen to be fated mates! I devoured this book and did not come up for air till I finished. Excellent read❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I thought this book was so entertaining. Wren and Throm are competitors in a dangerous cooking contest. Both want to win to further their dreams, Wren is seeking independence and Throm wants to take care of his injured sister. After an almost one-night stand, the two meet again during the contest. The heat between the two is obvious and immediate. How they survive the dangerous cooking contest and navigate the hidden politics with the show's host was fun to read. I read it so fast, I had to go back and read it again. I just adored Throm and his determination to win Wren. It was a great addition to this new series. I received an ARC and my review is voluntary.

[Klutzy Traveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throm and Wren were such fun characters! From their first steamy, spicy, meeting until their last challenge, the sparks flew while being great competitors and partners! The premise of this book, an interstellar cooking competition, was so unique! The challenges were risky, and the competitors were shady! The host made me cringe. What a great cast of characters and circumstances! As an avid cooking competition watcher, I really enjoyed imaging today’s chef-testants competing, and it was hilarious! Throm and Wren were a sizzling couple, and watching them navigate the obstacles thrown at them was fun! I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the series!

[Anna Kratowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, this is my favorite of the Beastly Alien Boss series!
Though this is a fated mates trope, I feel like it was written in a refreshingly different way.

We see Wren's and Throm's first interaction and then they are separated until they meet again in an intergalactic cooking show. The basis of this show is so fun and creative, it was a pleasure to be immersed in this world. The first two books of this series had some mild world building, but those focused more on the specific characters that were involved in each story. THIS book however, brings the world building to a new level while we get to experience multiple locations, lots of fun new foods, creatures, etc.

The interactions between the two MCs include some annoyance/resentment, playful and sarcastic banter, and flirtation as they both compete and attempt to survive this alien cooking competition.

If you like monster/alien sci-fi romance with spice, this is for you!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren has an almost sexy encounter with gorgeous alien, but he left right in the middle of it. So imagine her surprise when she's picked to compete for the Interstellar Chef show and who is one of the competitors but her sexy alien. He says that she is his fated mate. He explains why he left and she forgives him. But there is a no fraternizing rule during the cook off. Besides the sexual tension they have to keep their wits about them as contestants have died during the competition. Action packed, steamy alien romance.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I absolutely loved Catering to the Alien! I'm a huge fan of cooking competition shows and I loved Survivor so when you add hot Aliens and fated mates..you have me hooked! I completely enjoyed that each phase of the Interstellar Chef cooking competition took place in a different setting. The world building in this book is spectacular. The characters are well written and delightful. And the storyline..well I already said I loved it! I have enjoyed each book in this series so much. Ava Ross is a Master in her craft. I've never been disappointed in any of her work.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren an Throm
This is a killer MasterChef, alien edition!
We have the selection, then the diferent competitions that are very dificult and deathly. Throm already knows that Wren is his lost mate but she isn't such a fan of him since he left her in a compromising position without panties... He had reasons but she didn't know that. It is amazing how the grow to love each other and try to survive this hellish MasterChef. The end is yummy and I just can't wait to read the next book with the prince and his human landscaper.

[wellreadcorgi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third installment of the Beastly Alien Boss series. It kind of called to me because I may be slightly obsessed with cooking shows. Our H (Throm) and h (Wren) were tons of fun to get to know. After their first meetup went horribly wrong, they become contestants on a cooking show that is much different from those we find on Netflix. I love the world-building that Miss Ross does, and I always feel like her characters become friends by the end of each book. You have to give this one a try! I can't wait for the next one!!

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that a cooking show could be so interesting.

Throm and Wren are an almost one closet stand. Throm left Wren and now they are face to face - on a cooking show. Throm want to apologize for his leaving and Wren doesn't want anything to do with him However the fates have a totally different take on the future of the two,

Throw in cooking, four different planets - ingredients too - and a murderous host along with a psychopathic contestant...and let's not talk about the food trying to kill you.

AVA, AVA, AVA....yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think there were some missed

Opportunity here. After the great how we met scenario and build up for show. Felt let down.
It was too surface and superficial story.
The whole fraternizing clause was rediculious. The bots sounds would have picked up sounds.
Would have loved the story to have him outwardly begging her to forgive him on the show.
The audience would be rooting for them. As well have more contestants go through rapid fire cooking taste tests first. To get to final four. Because little chance her cooking would be tasted to get her in.

[Bridget Keeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catering to the Alien - Throm & Wren

If there were cooking shows like the Interstellar Chef, I would actually watch a cooking show for the first time in my life. With a variety of dangerous aliens, beautiful yet extremely dangerous locations, creatures & food, it's one heck of a ride. It's filled with surprises, sexy romance, fated mates & more. I really liked Wren & Throm. Both are excellent main characters & I was really invested in how their story turned out. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Jd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

4.5 stars
This was Cutthroat Chef meets Amazing Race with a dash of The Hunger Games wrapped in an alien multi-universe story.
The author did a wonderful job with the world building. She has quite an imagination. I loved the description of the foods and how they were prepared, in this alien multi-universe.
The interaction between Wren and Throm was nice. They grew to know and encourage each other.
This book had heat and , for me, some chuckles. Yeah, one competitor had me laughing with his constant shrieking.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoo wee, aliens, romance and food! I was in heaven while reading this. It was delicious and satisfying. Wren and Throm were such great characters, and having them interact and compete with each was bliss. I almost drooled a couple times after hearing what meals they made....lol. I loved the idea of this storyline, and it brought with it action, suspense, romance and hot spice. This is going into my re-read pile, and now I'm off to wait for the next book!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab addition to the series and I loved the premise of it - a crossing of Chopped and Survivor. As you may imagine, each round was filled with danger, unknown ingredients and the challenge of the host wanting 'real' entertainment.. So, you can expect action, danger, twists, amazing food and a smoking hot romance to keep you glued to your reader ;D It really was an exciting story with all the drama you could possibly want from a game show, only in book format. Good fun!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tasty little Trist

I love Ava Ross’s work. Always full of sexy hot situation. Throm and Wren are the cutest couple, well hot couple. Tension flaring, all different kinds of tension. This is really a TASTY book. I won’t leave spoilers but its worth the reading time. Thanks again Ava for your talents. As always never disappointed when I’m done. I look forward to the next. Very Hot.

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wren and Throm meet, their attraction is spontaneous and combustible, but he ghosts her before it goes anywhere. But an interstellar year later they meet again as contestants in an interstellar chef contest. Some contestants have been know to suffer life threatening consequences if they lose, but Wren and Throm may lose something just as precious when that spark reignites and there’s a no fraternization clause in the rules. Heat level: scorching.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was fun. I love all those cooking shows and reading an alien version with some romance thrown in was amazing. Great concept. I do think it didn't line up with this series, with previous books having been part of a Alien Boss while this was just a contest. Wren didn't work for Thom. Either way, this story was fun and engaging for me to devour!

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catering to the Alien was a fun read. This was Wren and Throm cooking adventure, these two end up on a cooking show They had previously met but Throm had left with no explanation. Then the fun begins, this is a very entertaining read with adventure, danger and that great Ava Ross alien spice.
This is a great addition to the series, what an engaging storyline.

[Orieanna Wilson-McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend

This book just sucked me right in I read it in a few hours. It was sweet but also steamy. I also enjoyed that there more than a few surprise factors throughout the competition that kept me on my toes and reading to find out what happened next. I don't wanna give away anymore but this is a top read for me from a brilliant author.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elys is in for a new life. Her old one has fallen apart and it needs to just be replaced. So she goes on a year long job assignment to a different plant. Dekrin is a lover of the garden and everything it entails. Being a prince isn’t his cup of tea. Being feature king is less then he would want either. They make out as friends and it just blossoms from there.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and Thrombosis

This is a very good, well written, SciFi, Alien/Human romance with lots of action and adventure. The characters are well developed and lovable. It. Starts as an interstellar cooking contest with 5 chefs. It turns deadly fast and it seems to be for ratings. Read and find out who wins.