Cultivating the Alien

Beastly Alien Boss #4

by Ava Ross

My new job gives me the chance to put my past behind me. Only one problem: I’m falling for my bad boy boss…

After my ex dumps my possessions on the sidewalk, cleans out our bank account, and steals my landscaping business, I'm once again submitting job applications. It’s that or no roof over my head. With the Intergalactic Employment Agency’s help, I land a position as a gardener for the owners of an off-world alien castle.

Other than needing to tackle a rogue vine infesting the front shrubs, it’s an easy job. Best of all, I work alongside Dekrin, a dirty-mouthed fellow gardener who enjoys rolling in mud and wearing low-slung pants. His gardening skills are impressive, but I’m even more impressed by his attempts to plow my personal field.

I’m falling for him, so who cares if I ever return to Earth? But after what happened with my ex, trusting my heart to Dekrin won’t be easy. Do I dare take a chance with a bad boy alien who I suspect is cultivating a big secret?

Cultivating the Alien is Book 4 in the Beastly Alien Boss Series. Each features an Earth woman hired for an off-world job who meets a gruff alien who can’t resist falling for his fated mate.

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

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 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]

Weeding Out Secrets in the Palace Gardens



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

🎧 Audiobook Review: Cultivating the Alien (Beastly Alien Boss, #4)

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

📚 Plot & Characters

Elys’s world crumbles when her boyfriend not only breaks up with her but also robs her of the landscaping business they built together—revealing that everything had been in his name all along. Despite fighting back legally, she’s left with little more than a settlement and a broken heart. Determined to start fresh, she turns to the intergalactic employment agency and accepts a landscaping position for the royal family on a distant planet.

Enter Dekrin, the reluctant crown prince. Though duty demands he prepare to rule, his true passion lies in nurturing the palace gardens. With his parents and sister away, he shoulders the weight of the kingdom while battling an invasive, aggressive weed that threatens the palace grounds. His advisor tutors him in leadership, but Dekrin’s heart remains rooted in the soil.

When Elys arrives, Dekrin becomes her guide. Their shared love of gardening blossoms into companionship, with Elys unaware that the “head gardener” she’s falling for is actually the prince himself. Their bond grows organically—meals shared, laughter exchanged, and hands dirtied side by side—until secrets and royal expectations loom over their budding romance.

🌟 Highlights

• The characters feel vivid and layered, especially during the tender “getting to know you” phase. Watching Elys and Dekrin connect over everyday routines—meals, work, quiet conversations—makes their relationship feel authentic.
• The chemistry is undeniable, with steamy moments that balance the sweetness of their bond.
• Dekrin’s internal conflict adds depth: his hesitation to reveal his identity, his fear of parental disapproval, and the looming pressure to marry a royal from another kingdom all create tension that keeps the listener invested.

⤵️ Low Points

• The subplot involving Elys’s ex adds drama, but at times it feels like a distraction from the richer palace storyline.

🎙️ Narration

Told in dual POV with dual narration, the audiobook shines thanks to Patrick Zeller and Hollie Jackson. Zeller’s deep, slightly formal delivery perfectly suits alien male characters, grounding Dekrin’s princely voice. Jackson, meanwhile, brings warmth and natural emotion to Elys, making her feel alive and relatable. Together, they elevate the sci-fi romance, striking a balance between otherworldly and intimate.

💬 Final Thoughts

This audiobook blends romance, royal intrigue, and intergalactic gardening into a surprisingly heartfelt story. Elys’s resilience and Dekrin’s vulnerability make them a pair worth rooting for, while the narration ensures every emotional beat lands. It’s a tale of second chances, hidden identities, and love that grows—quite literally—out of the soil of shared passion.

---

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[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming addition to the series and I loved how the characters were just so great together. Elys, leaving Earth to recover from her jerk of a fiancée, has a gardener job to deal with a rogue vine. She meets a male that she thought was her boss. Dekrin was her boss but was also the crown prince...yep, trouble ahead for him ;P He was such a charming and wonderful male, though, and Elys had such strength that, really, I wanted them to get that fab HEA. Their journey was a winding one but filled with humour and attraction. I loved following them along in this well written and fast paced story :D

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dekrin and Elys
Fantastic, amazing, super sexy!
I loved this book it is so much fun to read and the quemistry between them? Off the charts! I tottaly recomend this One and the whole series too.
Elys just wants to get her life going after all the drama with her ex but She ends up getting do much more. The Gardener She is going to work with? Super h@t and the way he talks... Wow.

[Kimbot the Destroyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just as cozy as you would expect a gardening-centered story should be. Prince Noogins is a sweetie.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Ava Ross. Elys is running away from Earth where she is overcoming a bad situation. Taking a job as a gardener on another planet, she meets Dekrin who is more than what he appears to be. The story is filled with great characters, colorful descriptions and a very hot storyline filled with cute banter.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this one ten stars! What a sweet and charming love story that has you sighing and your heart melting! Dekrin is the perfectly written alpha male…his antics kept me smiling throughout the book. Elys is a down on her luck strong heroine that you just root for. I can not say how happy this book made me, a real feel good story. Treat yourself to the awesome read!❤️❤️❤️

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a messy breakup gardner Elys takes a job on another planet. There she meets fellow gardner Dekrin. There is a instant attraction between the two. But Dekrin has a secret. Steamy. HEA

[Preston and Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in first person by Ava Ross, Cultivating the Alien is book 4 in this Beastly Alien Boss series, and follows the alien Crown Prince Grivvel Dekrinesis Lordenfeer (aka Dekrin) and his human employee Elys Maxwell. The set takes place in a time where alien worlds are familiar and intergalactic travel is common. We first met Dekrin and Elys at the end of book 3 when they both emerged to welcome Throm and Wren to jointly cater their wedding. This story takes us back to how the two hooked up. Elys’s long term boyfriend kicked her out of their home and stole their landscaping business, so Elys was stuck starting over with a job. Prince Dekrin’s castle had been overtaken by a vine and he posted a job for a gardener to help get rid of it. Elys accepted that job and their journey began. She sparked a mate bond in him almost immediately, though he didn’t notice it right away. Dekrin mislead Elys, leading her to believe that he was just another gardener instead of the crown prince because he enjoyed being with someone who didn’t want him for titles or fortune. I was a little peeved about the vine solution. It was supposed to be the main reason for the job posting, yet they only attempted to deal with it twice before the end where Elys simply asked the vine to relocate. What?! Lame. The two spent more time flirting and eating than gardening, which I guess they could get away with since she was technically sleeping with the boss. 🤔🤷‍♀️

Elyse was Dekrin’s one true mate, verified by the tattoos on his skin that started glowing. Both had fought and resisted the match, each for different reasons. They finally came together sexually in chapter 19, at the 64% mark, though they participated in other sexual acts (kissing, fondling, flirting, oral sex, etc) prior to intercourse. 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 were other adventures pertaining to gardening, Elys’s attempted kidnapping for ransom, and the drama from Dekrin’s mentor.

The two lived happily ever after as mates. The prince was ready to give up his crown and run away with Elys. Thankfully, Dekrin’s sister came up with a solution and their parents agreed with it, allowing him to mate with Elys. 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 and lacking in the adventure for my taste. I always thought that I preferred more romance and less action, but this book kinda proved that theory wrong. Although it might have been the weak backbone from both characters for chasing what they wanted and fighting against the attraction that turned me off. 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]

🔥 “You tell me when, and I’ll keep you wet all night long.”
~~~
Elys is an awards-winning landscaper. But, betrayed by her ex, she’s lost everything she’s worked so hard for and is now looking for a fresh start. I loved that woman so much! She’s smart, capable and dedicated and so full of fire. I loved her feistiness and that she didn’t let any hardships bring her down. She’s so awesome!

Dekrin is one spectacular male! He’s strong, confident, charming and fiercely protective. Even more, I loved his love and dedication for gardening. But he’s also more than just a gardener and is so torn between his duty and doing the things he loves. I couldn’t help but love everything about this irresistible flirt who enjoys rolling in mud and wearing low-slung pants!

I absolutely adored everything that happened between Elys and Dekrin! From the moment they met, their attraction was undeniable but Elys was not ready to risk her heart after being betrayed by her ex. Nevertheless, those two were phenomenal together and a fantastic team trying to deal with a semi-sentient rogue vine. I was laughing so hard with their banters and innuendos. I just loved that both gave as good as they got! And the spice… Oh, the spice was *chef's kiss*! Honestly, dirty-mouthed, cocky and naughty Dekrin can plow my personal fields anytime, anywhere! 😏 Elys and Dekrin were so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of them! But will the secrets Dekrin is keeping tear them apart or will their love be strong enough to endure everything?

In addition, the worldbuilding and the storyline were fantastic! I loved that we got to explore yet another new planet and I loved so many of the side characters - I liked Dekrin’s parents and sister and I absolutely adored Streeza. Even uptight Or’ix grew on me and I loved Forje and his unusual poetry. And with the added suspense, visits to the fair and shaky truce on the planet, I was glued to the pages till the very end.

Overall, the story is another spectacular addition to the series! It’s filled with humor, action, danger, suspense, twists, blazing hot romance and magnificent characters.

I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it!
I’m so excited to see what will happen next!

[Dot Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Cultivating the Alien
By Ava Ross

A Sweet and Steamy Romance

Elys is both a gardener and a landscape artist. After building a successful business with her boyfriend, he cleaned out their accounts, kicked her out of their house and kept the business, all of which he had put in only his name. She was left with nothing but a tiny settlement her pro bono attorney was able to get for her. In desperate need of a job, she found herself at the Intergalactic Employment Agency, where she accepted a position as a gardener on the planet Nomir. Besides needing a gardener, they had a rogue vine that needed to be dealt with.

Dekrin, the son of the King, met her shuttle. Since he was dressed like a gardener, that’s what Elys thought he was. His parents and younger sister had gone on an intergalactic cruise leaving him with only the cook Streeza, his mentor Or’ix and the Vessaleoni crew that was repairing the outside of the castle, for company.

This story was relatively mild in terms of steam, especially when compared to the other books in this series; however, the character development was great. Even though the main characters were a bonded pair, they didn’t realize it until much further along in the book. The climax was definitely satisfying, even if there wasn’t a great deal of action. The world building centered primarily around the castle and the gardens, but they were interesting and very well described. And who doesn't love mud wrestling? I loved how the problem of the rogue vine was solved!

My Rating: 4 Stars

I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel as a member of Ms. Ross’ ARC team and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting over is always hard, and Elys needs a restart on her life, so she takes a job off world, something that is beneath her expertise, but she really needed to get away. Dekrin was not happy with his future, it was all planned for him, and he had little to no say in what would happen. When they meet, sparks fly, they have witty conversations, they flirt, they work well together, but one of them isn’t being completely honest. I loved the pace of this story as well as the way the characters interacted with eachother! Elys has some major trust issues going on, but those are understandable, considering what she was running away from. As they deepen their connection, it’s all up in the air as to what will break first, but the surprise twist certainly couldn’t have come at a worse or maybe a better time for them! I was reading this on my Kindle but downloaded the audiobook to listen to it on my commute. I loved the story a lot, but, about the audio version, the voice actors did not enamor me so much. They don’t vary their vocal repertoire as much as they should, and for a while, I had to check my phone to make sure I was in the right book, as the two characters sounded exactly like when they read a previous series that I listened to on my commute as well. A little variance and less whiney deliveries would be great though!

[Stacey Gomez]

Loving this series from Ava Ross! Ms. Elys must find a new job since her business and money were taking by her no good ex-boyfriend. Since co-owing the landscaping business on earth with her ex she is knows her way around planting, she loves it, so, she wants to start a new off planet without the memories of ex-douche canoe. She is offered a garden ring position that has a slight wild vine problem. No problem! So she’s off to meet her new employee and coworkers. But she meets Dekrin, a purple skinned male that is gorgeous. But she is drunk on statis and flirts with him. But Dekrin doesn’t take her up on her offer, though he wants to but knows better. But things are not what it seems. Elys thinks she is meeting her fellow co-worker and other Gardner of he royal court. But doesn’t realize she is talking to someone of the royal family. Since he dressed in commoner clothes and speaks of his loving of gardening, why not assume right? Well..what can go wrong with blind habitations? Heavy flirting with highly suggestive dirty talk. Heck why not throw caution to the wind? Until he is forced to tell her to truth, we’ll when the rest of the family comes back from vacation. So it’s not longer Elys, Dekrin, the chef and his tutor. Loved reading this.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why can I not give this more stars?? Plus Noogins, had to be said!
Dekrin might well be the crown prince but he is happiest just being in the garden and getting covered in mud. He is sweet, kind and doesn't have much sense of his own worth although he is well aware of his worth to others as a prince. He had been and is being groomed to take over as king and he is likely do it but it is not where his heart lies at all. Recently he very much feels that his heart is no longer his own and it very firmly resides with Elys. A rampant vine reqired a job opening for a gardener to deal with it and the employment agency sent Elys. She has been well and truly stitched up by her ex and she just wants off planet. She was not expecting the beautiful, usually only half-clad, purple gardner who is working with her. Despite building up her walls he seems to just be sneaking over them, round them, under them you name it. As with the vine though, things are not all as they seem.
I have to say that after Kreel (Nailing the Alien) Dekrin has to be my favourite. This whole series is one I will re-read and have already done so. Absolutely adore this author!

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running from your problems only makes you face them.....eventually!!!

Tricked, played, homeless and down to the last of her credits, Elys decides to leave Earth and take a job on a foreign planet and work as a gardener to get her head right and do what she loves...plants. She finds that the person she is working for has sparked her heart and now she has a decision to make - does she follow her heart or does she stick with the plan - no men, no matter the species, and just do her job.

Dekrin has contacted the employment agency because he need help with a runaway root. Dekrin is getting help with the root and his two hearts has started to beat in time with Elys and his marking light up when she touches him. OH boy, can she be the one? Is she what I have been missing? And will telling her my secret cause her to leave me? The secrets won't stay quiet long..to many peopls know and it seem that there are at least two other happening going that has Dekrin pushing the clock.

What will happen with Elys finds out that Dekrin is more than he presents himself to be? You have to read to find out cause I am not telling ;)

[Morgane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elys got dumped by her boyfriend who usurped her of everything: their home, and their landscaping company. Out of option and needing to get away, she accepts an off-world job as a gardener for a royal family. When she arrives, she's greeted by a fellow gardener, Dekrin, who looks very handsome, all muscled and purple. As the days go, they grow closer while working together, but Dekrin hasn't told Elys that he is not a gardener, but the crown prince. How will Elys react when she finds out the truth? Will Dekrin be free to follow his heart? Read to find out...

This book is great! I loved it and will be reading the first books in the series after this. It can totally be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Elys is hurt and distrustful, but can't help but fall for sweet and fun Dekrin. Dekrin is the perfect alien mate: he's charming and protective of his mate. I loved their banter and their instant connection. I recommend this book to anyone who loves alien romance. You'll love it too!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! Ava Ross did a phenomenal job of describing the characters and places in the book. It felt like I was actually transported into the pages of the book.

Elys has recently been going through some tough times, but she doesn’t let it bring her down. She is determined to start over and make a new life for herself. Elys meets Dekrin for the first time after arriving on his planet. Their first meeting was hilarious! I couldn’t stop laughing. Dekrin is humble and charming. He is struggling with the expectations and responsibilities that are being asked of him.

I loved the secondary characters, especially Streeza. Streeza is one of my favorite characters in the book. I loved the amount of details that Ava Ross went into to describe and develop the secondary characters.

This book was a great addition to the series, and I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having someone accept you for who you are is the best.

I loved this story. It was funny, sweet, steamy, entertaining, and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. Or’ix wasn’t my favorite character for most of the story. His redemption was awesome. Streeza was amazing. She seemed so on top of everything and on the ball. Dekrin met Elys when she arrived on his world to become the new gardener. Her reaction to him was over the top as well as a bit cringeworthy. Elys wasn’t happy with herself or her actions when she met Dekrin. There was a LOT of flirting between them. Sometimes it felt like a competition to see who could shock the other the most. It was a fun story but it did have some drama and angst. I loved their happily ever after. I recommend reading this book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I opened this book, I knew I was in for a treat. Our author has created a series of stories that are rich and amazing . Her characters and locations have depth. And her story flows smoothly and ends much too fast. I want more.
Elys is taken advantage of by her ex-boyfriend who was also her partner in the business they owned. She thought she was in love, and let him handle the paperwork. And he kicked her out, the business was in his name, and on the books she was an employee. He left her nothing.
She found a job on another planet as a gardener. And works with Dekrin. He has a huge secret and puts of telling her. Not a smart plan.
Danger, unruly vegetation, witty and amazingly hot banter and steamy scenes drive this story to a HE

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now don't we all want to get dirty with our own alien! This was such a great read; it had spice, romance, and an alien who didn't mind getting dirty. Elys was dealt the short hand of the stick but instead of wallowing in her bad luck, she did something about it. And, I liked that because not too many people would drop everything and leave a whole planet behind. Now, Dekrin, well, I loved him because he liked the hands-on approach and really cared about his mate and taking care of her. The storyline was engaging, entertaining, and spicy. Definitely grab this story if you are looking for that kind of read.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found my new favorite. I loved it! I loved it! I Loved it! The MCs are perfect together. You can feel the joy and the happiness when they are together. I loved all the fun times that they have, the way that they clicked, even dining together is a joy for them. Except for that one vital information that he withheld that dimmed their happiness. of course, it was dealt with in the end.

I thought Orix was the villain, glad that I was proven wrong. He is that one alien where loved also changed him.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, steamy romantic comedy
Cultivating the Alien by Ava Ross is a sweet HEA sci fi romance, with tons of steam. Elys is trying to get back on her feet after a tough situation; she takes a job off planet for a royal family. Dekrin is the prince in the kingdom Elys finds herself, but he has no interest in his royal duties – he just wants to spend his time outside, in the mud, gardening. When these two come together, not only do sparks fly, but hilarity ensues!
The banter between the main characters is priceless…oh! and so is the chef, Streeza – love her!!!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you accept a gardening job on a planet full of aliens, far away from home? You find yourself insanely attracted to your boss who loves getting muddy and crawling around plants as much as you do. Elys and Dekrin were so sweet, immediately attracted to each other, having fun in the garden, fighting semi-sentient plants, and falling in love. But Dekrin has a secret and Elys has no clue! Reading about their interactions and dialogue was so much fun that I hated for it to end. And the steam? OOH LA LA! I received an ARC but my review is voluntary.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dekrin is such a sweet male. His heart is so pure and precious. He was born to be king but has the heart and soul of a gardener. Elys has been horribly hurt by her fiance. She doesn't think she can trust again. She takes a job as a gardener on another planet where she meets Dekrin through the Intergalactic Employment Agency. This is such a fun series! So far I have to admit that Dekrin is my favorite character! He is so full of life and love. All of the characters are well written. The story is engaging. The world building is so well done. 5 glowing stars.

[wellreadcorgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and it made me so happy. To be honest, after I read it I bought it for my mom (the gardener) because of the rogue vine. I just loved that. There is something special about a book that makes you feel or makes you think of someone and just have to share with them. This book hit all those points for me. Dekrin and Elys are such a fun loving couple, they have their issues like every relationship but they each have hearts of gold. I highly recommend you read this. Grab some tea or wine, then sit back and enjoy!

[Klutzy Traveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing from start to finish! Dekrin and Elys were hilarious! The nameless esselon vine had a lot of personality and was so much fun! Every situation in this book was entertaining! It was such a feel-good book, I found myself smiling all the way through. Yes, there were a few trying situations, but they were not very dark or long, so the pace and mood of the book was very upbeat. There were sparks of attraction that blazed throughout, with a great level of romance, sweet moments, and lots of spice! Definitely my favorite book of the series so far!

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet, and a few good surprises actually!! Enjoying that each books “true mate” marks show/react differently ❤️ how cute what he did to & for the “moosters”… I would have liked to know the outcome of the Vessaleonis🧐!! Great characters 💜🤍💜🤍💜
🪷💜💋”Sweetling”💋💜🪷
😮🤯🔥❤️‍🔥😈“You tell me when, and I’ll keep you wet all night long.” 💋💋💋💋💋

📚 Beastly Alien Boss Series: 1)Nailing the Alien 2)Leashing the Alien 3)Catering to the Alien 4)Escorting the Alien 5)Cultivating the Alien 6)Domesticating the Alien 7)Handcuffing the Alien 8)Pirating the Alien 9)Schooling the Alien

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It's probably one of my new favorites in this series. Poor Elys is taken advantage of by her ex and is forced to look for work off world. Dekrin is technically a prince but loves to literally get dirty in the garden. He keeps his identity a secret because he loves just being himself with Elys. Unfortunately, it's not possible long term and as these two fall for each other, his secret must come out. Great plot, great read for me.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a fun read. Great world building and wonderful characters. Dekrin and Elys had such great chemistry. I loved how they met and seeing them bond and their relationship grow. The gardening aspect of the story was fun. I liked that this story is a little more laid back rather than action-packed and fast-paced. It suited the tone and characters very well. Another wonderful read from a talented author. 5 stars.

[Bridget Keeling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cultivating the Alien - Dekrin & Elys

Dekrin & Elys were nice characters. The story was a bit too predictable & I wanted to scream a few times. I mean, what happened to being honest & proud about who you are & being upfront with your feelings. Although I guess if the author did that, it would have been a very short book. It would have been better being very short. This book is okay.

[Jd · Rating 3 out of 5]

True Self

3.5 stars
Dekrin was a prince of the people, caring and down to earth. Ruling was not what he sought. Being accepted for his true self was. He found that with Elys, although it was through nondisclosure of his title.
There is high heat in this story, compared to the others. Maybe too much; less depth. The revenge thing with Elys's ex fell flat. It seemed like the author's attempt at a red herring, but it didn't make sense.
Dekrin was a cutie.😊