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Forbidden Mates #1
Star Crossed
A Sci-Fi Alien Romance
He’s duty-bound to protect her. Even if that means protecting her from himself.
Captain Lyra Hallas is no damsel in distress. Sure, she’s been abducted by an unknown alien race. And, yeah, those aliens are bigger, stronger, and more technologically advanced than humans can possibly compete with. And if that’s not enough, exposure to their bodily fluids reduces a woman to a shivering mess of sexual need. But Lyra’s spent her entire life fighting her way out of desperate situations, and she’s not about to give up now.
Asier Mor-Talis is a Scaeven Enforcer. He metes out justice—protecting the rest of the universe from the cruel, conquering nature of his own race. He’s incorruptible, driven by an innate sense of honor. But when he rescues a beautiful, clever human woman from a trafficking ring, all bets are off. Lyra is everything he could ever want in a mate, and the explosive attraction is a biological impulse that can’t be conquered. If he gives in, he shames himself, and destroys her life. If he doesn’t, he’ll lose her forever.
Pitted against hostile aliens, hostile planets, and hostile nations, Lyra and Asier must fight for their lives—and their hearts.
He’s duty-bound to protect her. Even if that means protecting her from himself.
Captain Lyra Hallas is no damsel in distress. Sure, she’s been abducted by an unknown alien race. And, yeah, those aliens are bigger, stronger, and more technologically advanced than humans can possibly compete with. And if that’s not enough, exposure to their bodily fluids reduces a woman to a shivering mess of sexual need. But Lyra’s spent her entire life fighting her way out of desperate situations, and she’s not about to give up now.
Asier Mor-Talis is a Scaeven Enforcer. He metes out justice—protecting the rest of the universe from the cruel, conquering nature of his own race. He’s incorruptible, driven by an innate sense of honor. But when he rescues a beautiful, clever human woman from a trafficking ring, all bets are off. Lyra is everything he could ever want in a mate, and the explosive attraction is a biological impulse that can’t be conquered. If he gives in, he shames himself, and destroys her life. If he doesn’t, he’ll lose her forever.
Pitted against hostile aliens, hostile planets, and hostile nations, Lyra and Asier must fight for their lives—and their hearts.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
141 people are currently reading
1077 people want to read
About the author
Heather Guerre
13 books1,014 followersHeather Guerre writes sexy-sweet fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary romances. A hopeless romantic and an unapologetic nerd, Heather loves everything to do with romance, aliens, shifters, monsters, magic, and outer space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 9, 2022
3.5 stars
On the one hand I had a lot of issues with this book, but on the other, I really enjoyed the premise and it hooked me to read the rest in the series. I’m actually disappointed that there’s only 3 of them and there’s no plans for continuity.
Spoilers ahead pertaining to the world depicted in the book.
The issues I had were mostly about the date rape quality of the aliens saliva. Like literally, that race of men, were able to drug anyone (of the female variety) and make them lose themselves in lust until they get them pregnant. It’s rationalised as it being a by product of biology wanting to keep the race alive since there are no women born in that race and the men have to find mates anywhere else in the galaxy. But the child is always born as a male and always looks like the father. But that’s not all. There are many races in that universe but for some reason these particular aliens react like rabid dogs around human women. It’s supposed to be the pheromones or whatever, but they lose their minds around human women which led to illegal trafficking of human women because the law on their planet forbids mating with humans so those who desperately want a human bride, purchase one from traffickers. And if she gets pregnant, the law can no longer return her to her planet because she is considered his mate and nobody breaks up a matebond, apparently not even the justice system. The women have no choice but to stay.
Now onto the story itself.
I had some issues with how quickly the heroine kinda got the hots for the alien and how quickly she “fell” for him. It wasn’t believable. Their interactions just didn’t scream eternal love to me. It was quick, hurried and sloppy. - I’m strictly talking about the beginning not their relationship throughout whole book.
That being said - I also loved the heroine. She was absolutely badass in an absolutely believable way. She was extremely smart but also physically capable and it was so exhilarating to read. She appears throughout the 3 books in the series and she continues to be amazing because when her life changed by becoming a mate to someone and moving to his planet she crafted a different purpose for herself and she is fearlessly changing the lives of others who need it. I loved that.
I also liked the hero. Yes, I wasn’t a fan of the whole “I’m keeping you and not letting you leave” thing but in hindsight I understood that he was conditioned to think and behave that way not to mention he had an actual biological instinct to do so. Not excusable but he did redeem himself.
I really liked the premise for this series and I wish it was explored through more books. There are still characters I wish to read about.
On the one hand I had a lot of issues with this book, but on the other, I really enjoyed the premise and it hooked me to read the rest in the series. I’m actually disappointed that there’s only 3 of them and there’s no plans for continuity.
Spoilers ahead pertaining to the world depicted in the book.
The issues I had were mostly about the date rape quality of the aliens saliva. Like literally, that race of men, were able to drug anyone (of the female variety) and make them lose themselves in lust until they get them pregnant. It’s rationalised as it being a by product of biology wanting to keep the race alive since there are no women born in that race and the men have to find mates anywhere else in the galaxy. But the child is always born as a male and always looks like the father. But that’s not all. There are many races in that universe but for some reason these particular aliens react like rabid dogs around human women. It’s supposed to be the pheromones or whatever, but they lose their minds around human women which led to illegal trafficking of human women because the law on their planet forbids mating with humans so those who desperately want a human bride, purchase one from traffickers. And if she gets pregnant, the law can no longer return her to her planet because she is considered his mate and nobody breaks up a matebond, apparently not even the justice system. The women have no choice but to stay.
Now onto the story itself.
I had some issues with how quickly the heroine kinda got the hots for the alien and how quickly she “fell” for him. It wasn’t believable. Their interactions just didn’t scream eternal love to me. It was quick, hurried and sloppy. - I’m strictly talking about the beginning not their relationship throughout whole book.
That being said - I also loved the heroine. She was absolutely badass in an absolutely believable way. She was extremely smart but also physically capable and it was so exhilarating to read. She appears throughout the 3 books in the series and she continues to be amazing because when her life changed by becoming a mate to someone and moving to his planet she crafted a different purpose for herself and she is fearlessly changing the lives of others who need it. I loved that.
I also liked the hero. Yes, I wasn’t a fan of the whole “I’m keeping you and not letting you leave” thing but in hindsight I understood that he was conditioned to think and behave that way not to mention he had an actual biological instinct to do so. Not excusable but he did redeem himself.
I really liked the premise for this series and I wish it was explored through more books. There are still characters I wish to read about.
October 23, 2021
Kickass and smart heroine who is no damsel in distress, check.
Alpha yet sweet and respectful hero, check.
What else can I ask for?
This was a fun read. I did not expect it to be short considering I finished it within a day. I was so hyped to read this and was a bit disappointed when I found out it was written in third person, but the author did a good job with the writing and I didn't feel disconnected with the characters. This does not have an epilogue which is a bummer. Hopefully the author puts out an epilogue novella or something at the end of the series.
Alpha yet sweet and respectful hero, check.
What else can I ask for?
This was a fun read. I did not expect it to be short considering I finished it within a day. I was so hyped to read this and was a bit disappointed when I found out it was written in third person, but the author did a good job with the writing and I didn't feel disconnected with the characters. This does not have an epilogue which is a bummer. Hopefully the author puts out an epilogue novella or something at the end of the series.
October 31, 2021
Well now, this was a fun little buddy read with my friend Twinkle. (I had tears of laughter rolling down my face at some of our conversations!) This story had strong characters, smokin steam with a dash of breeder romance.
Lyra is 32 and Asier is 97 (his people live a long time). Even though Lyra is a highly regarded navigator and decorated military pilot, she came across as immature and annoyed me quite a few times. What was with all that screaming anytime something dangerous happened? I felt the age gap in terms of their maturity, he was so calm and controlled and she made decisions without properly thinking things through.
Asier wins the category of ‘largest alien male’ I’ve ever read. He’s over eight feet tall (2.43 meters) and is seriouly packin. He’s kind, considerate, and a gentle giant.
Lyra is 32 and Asier is 97 (his people live a long time). Even though Lyra is a highly regarded navigator and decorated military pilot, she came across as immature and annoyed me quite a few times. What was with all that screaming anytime something dangerous happened? I felt the age gap in terms of their maturity, he was so calm and controlled and she made decisions without properly thinking things through.
Asier wins the category of ‘largest alien male’ I’ve ever read. He’s over eight feet tall (2.43 meters) and is seriouly packin. He’s kind, considerate, and a gentle giant.
He spoke again, in his native language. It was a long string of deep, growling words, made heavy with the depth of emotion behind them.Other than the 'date rape’ saliva...
The Scaeven toxin was an evolutionary adaptation that allowed a species that produced only male offspring to subdue the females of other compatible species long enough to breed them...and the rather abrupt ending, I really enjoyed this one!
October 31, 2021
Update: Woah, gorgeous new covers for the whole series!!!
4,5 stars
If you've ever read anything with aliens, you will probably love this one as well.
It wasn't perfect in terms of world building, there were many mistakes and improbabilities which someone with a better editor or beta-readers might have avoided, but the rest?! Gosh, I loved the rest!!!
I loved the tension between the characters, their heat and wildness! The chemistry was absolutely off the charts and I was in for it every step of the way.
Was the ending kinda rushed and also improbable? Maybe. Did I care? Heck, NO!!
This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I'm sooo gonna read more by her.
4,5 stars
If you've ever read anything with aliens, you will probably love this one as well.
It wasn't perfect in terms of world building, there were many mistakes and improbabilities which someone with a better editor or beta-readers might have avoided, but the rest?! Gosh, I loved the rest!!!
I loved the tension between the characters, their heat and wildness! The chemistry was absolutely off the charts and I was in for it every step of the way.
Was the ending kinda rushed and also improbable? Maybe. Did I care? Heck, NO!!
This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I'm sooo gonna read more by her.
July 11, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: Overall, this book disappointed me. It had such great potential.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It starts with the h, Lyra being taken by an alien race in order to be sex trafficked. She escapes into a hostile world and is rescued by a Defender of the same race, but he’s a good guy. They fight their attraction until they don’t. Lyra is the main pursuer. The whole time, the H Asier is trying to do the right thing, but Lyra comes on very strong.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I liked the H, Asier because he was trying to be a gentleman and follow his moral compass. He didn’t want to take advantage of Lyra by getting her pregnant and into a mate bond. Lyra, on the other hand, doggedly pursued Asier because she essentially wanted to get laid and leave him. When he told her it was likely she was pregnant, she didn’t believe him and tried to leave. She became TSTL which is a pet peeve of mine. She was completely dependent on Asier for survival for most of the book, but she fought him every step of the way. He battled his guilt for wanting to mate and knock her up. H rating- 4 stars, h rating- 2 stars
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The world building was very creative and the mating toxin was a cool plot device.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: alien Sci-fi romance, MC’s out-of-their-minds with mating
* What did you think about the ending?: It was great but it could’ve all been avoided if Lyra had half a brain. Surely there would’ve been some way she could’ve fetched her sister. Will there not be a book for her sister?
* What is your impression of the author?: I’ve loved other books by this author, but I’m not sure I’ll continue with this series.
Possible Triggers and Safety: forced mating, sex trafficking, dubious consent
* How did the book make you feel?: Overall, this book disappointed me. It had such great potential.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It starts with the h, Lyra being taken by an alien race in order to be sex trafficked. She escapes into a hostile world and is rescued by a Defender of the same race, but he’s a good guy. They fight their attraction until they don’t. Lyra is the main pursuer. The whole time, the H Asier is trying to do the right thing, but Lyra comes on very strong.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I liked the H, Asier because he was trying to be a gentleman and follow his moral compass. He didn’t want to take advantage of Lyra by getting her pregnant and into a mate bond. Lyra, on the other hand, doggedly pursued Asier because she essentially wanted to get laid and leave him. When he told her it was likely she was pregnant, she didn’t believe him and tried to leave. She became TSTL which is a pet peeve of mine. She was completely dependent on Asier for survival for most of the book, but she fought him every step of the way. He battled his guilt for wanting to mate and knock her up. H rating- 4 stars, h rating- 2 stars
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The world building was very creative and the mating toxin was a cool plot device.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: alien Sci-fi romance, MC’s out-of-their-minds with mating
* What did you think about the ending?: It was great but it could’ve all been avoided if Lyra had half a brain. Surely there would’ve been some way she could’ve fetched her sister. Will there not be a book for her sister?
* What is your impression of the author?: I’ve loved other books by this author, but I’m not sure I’ll continue with this series.
Possible Triggers and Safety: forced mating, sex trafficking, dubious consent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2021
Let me start off by saying that Rain, you are an absolute sweetheart and I loved doing this buddy read with you. That extra half star is just for you.
The book started off great and you are pulled into the story immediately. I loved Lyra almost from the beginning. The writing style was surprisingly good and didn't feel stunted. But there were times that I had no interest in reading about the different types of trees or the various Alien species and just sped past those parts.
The storyline was somewhat unique but I had issues. Especially with Lyra. We'll get to that in a minute. I need to appreciate Asier -the best alien dude I've ever seen. No, seriously, this guy was too nice for his own good. He cared for Lyra the way I want to be cared for. He always put her well being and happiness first, even if it caused him tremendous pain. He's honourable and was considerate of Lyra even with his raging hard-on. He felt guilt and all these strong emotions while Lyra was busy trying to climb him like a tree.
She started out great. In the first half, I was cheering for her and appreciating her intelligence.
The first half was a sure 4 stars. The second half is where things went downhill.
Lyra was basically a horny teenager with raging hormones and would try to jump Asier every chance she got. While Asier admired her strength, beauty and intelligence, Ly was only appreciative of the things he did for her. Not for the person he was. While I felt Asier's love for her, I never felt it was truly returned.
She was so stubborn and horny, that even after understanding that Asier was controlling himself for her benefit, she continued to refute his claims about the strong chance of her getting pregnant.
This smart woman was so far gone that she defied a dude who knows more about Sceaven/human matings than her and continued to do the horizontal tango. Later, she claims he betrayed her. What? How?! The dude begged you to understand and mentioned multiple times that human birth control was shit in front of his might alien swimmers. Please get over yourself, Ly-Ly.
Also, there's a scene that made me laugh out loud and shed tears. I wish I could copy+paste my conversation with Rain here.
The conflict was unnecessary and in my opinion could have been swapped for something else. Because it doesn't make sense that this smart woman would behave this way. Well, she did think after multiple unsafe marathon banging sessions, she wouldn't get pregnant so...
I was going to give this book 3 stars but Asier truly deserved more from me. And the rating is rounded up because while I was somewhat disappointed with that ending, I immensely enjoyed discussing the book with Rain.
The book started off great and you are pulled into the story immediately. I loved Lyra almost from the beginning. The writing style was surprisingly good and didn't feel stunted. But there were times that I had no interest in reading about the different types of trees or the various Alien species and just sped past those parts.
The storyline was somewhat unique but I had issues. Especially with Lyra. We'll get to that in a minute. I need to appreciate Asier -the best alien dude I've ever seen. No, seriously, this guy was too nice for his own good. He cared for Lyra the way I want to be cared for. He always put her well being and happiness first, even if it caused him tremendous pain. He's honourable and was considerate of Lyra even with his raging hard-on. He felt guilt and all these strong emotions while Lyra was busy trying to climb him like a tree.
She started out great. In the first half, I was cheering for her and appreciating her intelligence.
The first half was a sure 4 stars. The second half is where things went downhill.
Lyra was basically a horny teenager with raging hormones and would try to jump Asier every chance she got. While Asier admired her strength, beauty and intelligence, Ly was only appreciative of the things he did for her. Not for the person he was. While I felt Asier's love for her, I never felt it was truly returned.
She was so stubborn and horny, that even after understanding that Asier was controlling himself for her benefit, she continued to refute his claims about the strong chance of her getting pregnant.
This smart woman was so far gone that she defied a dude who knows more about Sceaven/human matings than her and continued to do the horizontal tango. Later, she claims he betrayed her. What? How?! The dude begged you to understand and mentioned multiple times that human birth control was shit in front of his might alien swimmers. Please get over yourself, Ly-Ly.
Also, there's a scene that made me laugh out loud and shed tears. I wish I could copy+paste my conversation with Rain here.
The conflict was unnecessary and in my opinion could have been swapped for something else. Because it doesn't make sense that this smart woman would behave this way. Well, she did think after multiple unsafe marathon banging sessions, she wouldn't get pregnant so...
I was going to give this book 3 stars but Asier truly deserved more from me. And the rating is rounded up because while I was somewhat disappointed with that ending, I immensely enjoyed discussing the book with Rain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2023
I feel kind of all over the place with this read and I don't know if this review is going to make sense lol. I recommend reading some of the other reviews, because there are some great ones that list the different perspectives. I like this author's writing style and I thought the world building was interesting, especially with the facet of the alien race's aphrodisiac bodily fluids and their fascination with human women. Lyra (h) and Asier (H) meet after Lyra's ship is attacked and all the women are taken by traffickers, who have the ability to use their saliva to intoxicate the women. Lyra is the only one who is able to escape and she runs into Asier, who is an enforcer for that same race and trying to take down the traffickers. They have to survive a crazy, harsh planet before they can get to safety. While being overwhelmingly attracted to each other. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (very little history given).
I really liked Asier and how he tried very hard to be honorable, respectful, obtain consent, and do the right thing (which does become difficult and lines are blurred at times). Lyra was harder for me. I liked how capable and resourceful she was. I did think she pushed for a physical relationship too quickly and she had, what I felt like was, a TSTL moment that could have been much worse. I did want more relationship building. There's great action, danger, and steaminess, but I didn't feel their connection beyond a shared need for survival and then their physical chemistry, which was also biologically driven.
There's also a pregnancy plot line involved as Asier is driven to breed and Lyra is insistent that she can't get pregnant because of birth control, but if she were to be pregnant, she needs to go to Asier's planet. Except Lyra thinks it's impossible and wants to get back to her sister, creating a conflict I didn't love. I also really wanted an epilogue and think it would have left me more satisfied because while this ends in a HFN that's meant to be more of a HEA, we don't get to see them in a "normal" relationship, settled as a family, and what all that looks like. I am curious about what happens with the traffickers, but I don't know if I'm curious enough to continue.
TW: trafficking by aliens, side characters are seen intoxicated and driven to sexual acts they would not have consented to otherwise, dub con
I really liked Asier and how he tried very hard to be honorable, respectful, obtain consent, and do the right thing (which does become difficult and lines are blurred at times). Lyra was harder for me. I liked how capable and resourceful she was. I did think she pushed for a physical relationship too quickly and she had, what I felt like was, a TSTL moment that could have been much worse. I did want more relationship building. There's great action, danger, and steaminess, but I didn't feel their connection beyond a shared need for survival and then their physical chemistry, which was also biologically driven.
There's also a pregnancy plot line involved as Asier is driven to breed and Lyra is insistent that she can't get pregnant because of birth control, but if she were to be pregnant, she needs to go to Asier's planet. Except Lyra thinks it's impossible and wants to get back to her sister, creating a conflict I didn't love. I also really wanted an epilogue and think it would have left me more satisfied because while this ends in a HFN that's meant to be more of a HEA, we don't get to see them in a "normal" relationship, settled as a family, and what all that looks like. I am curious about what happens with the traffickers, but I don't know if I'm curious enough to continue.
TW: trafficking by aliens, side characters are seen intoxicated and driven to sexual acts they would not have consented to otherwise, dub con
August 24, 2021
3 stars. I think what bothered me the most in this book were the typos and other errors in second half. It went from being well proofread in the beginning to many errors that took me out of the story.
Also, while this book was very entertaining by the end, it started out slow and I had a hard time with wanting to continue reading.
Overall, this book is a semi-standard alien romance. Girl gets abducted, her savior isn’t one of the baddies but one of the good guys, he fights his attraction for as long as possible, but fails because human puss is better than any other, etc etc.
There were some extra layers and I’ll give the author credit… I really didn’t know where she was taking the story for quite a while. I like a little mystery when I’m reading, and this book definitely wasn’t too predictable.
Safety was good, no virgins, no om/ow
TW: pregnancy, some dub con (but I felt like everything past kissing between the MCs was consensual), sex trafficking
Also, while this book was very entertaining by the end, it started out slow and I had a hard time with wanting to continue reading.
Overall, this book is a semi-standard alien romance. Girl gets abducted, her savior isn’t one of the baddies but one of the good guys, he fights his attraction for as long as possible, but fails because human puss is better than any other, etc etc.
There were some extra layers and I’ll give the author credit… I really didn’t know where she was taking the story for quite a while. I like a little mystery when I’m reading, and this book definitely wasn’t too predictable.
Safety was good, no virgins, no om/ow
TW: pregnancy, some dub con (but I felt like everything past kissing between the MCs was consensual), sex trafficking
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
Me: What's a 'sex pollen' trope.
This book: *raises hand*
Me: *writes down 'sex pollen' onto list of tropes I'll always read*
So, Heather Guerre can pretty much do no wrong. Even though her books are (literally) worlds different, they have some common threads:
-Amazing characters
-Fleshed out worlds
-Compelling reads
-Steeeeaaaammmmy
Starting with a kidnapping by aliens who have a toxin that makes the ingester out-of-their-mind horny, this books only increases in action. You'll tear through this in an afternoon, but be left thinking about it for days.
This book: *raises hand*
Me: *writes down 'sex pollen' onto list of tropes I'll always read*
So, Heather Guerre can pretty much do no wrong. Even though her books are (literally) worlds different, they have some common threads:
-Amazing characters
-Fleshed out worlds
-Compelling reads
-Steeeeaaaammmmy
Starting with a kidnapping by aliens who have a toxin that makes the ingester out-of-their-mind horny, this books only increases in action. You'll tear through this in an afternoon, but be left thinking about it for days.
![Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1521418447i%2F78060090._UY200_CR25%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 27, 2022
2.5 stars
This wasn’t completely horrible, but I have issues with it, rtc.
This wasn’t completely horrible, but I have issues with it, rtc.
January 23, 2024
I usually like Heather Guerre but this book was a hard pass for me.
November 29, 2019
I didn't know what to expect. That's typical when I randomly choose something to read. This time what I found was a well told story that included interesting world building and and engaging story. I'll read this author again
April 22, 2023
4.2 stars
July 19, 2022
0 stars - DNF 47%
I have no idea why Star Crossed has such good reviews (it's shit). I TRIED to give it a good go but couldn't make it past the half way point without throwing in the towel. There was just no point to the story and I thought the author handled sensitive topics (sexual assault, rape) really badly and just threw them in for shits and gigs.
MAIN ISSUE:
It's one thing to make the enemies of the book these horrible, despicable people that run a sex slave ship and hunt human women. It's another thing entirely to make these said enemies have some weird gross saliva that makes women lose their senses and want to fuck them (without them having decision making capacity --> NO CONSENT = SEXUAL ASSAULT/RAPE). IT'S ANOTHER THING ENTIRELY x2 to make the hero/love interest of the story one of these same creatures, who has the same creepy drugy saliva that makes women lose their minds. The author created a blurred line of consent and removes the possibility of the heroine ever withdrawing consent => => => sexual assault?????????? Not cool author, not cool.
OTHER ISSUES:
* The "storyline" is literally so boring and slow.
* The heroine ditches the other women on the ship & runs off into the wild, but is also useless and relies on the hero 24/7 from there on out...yeah, no thanks. Totally not badass and totally not interesting to read about.
* The """"romantic""" scenes are just cringe. The fact that the heroine constantly questions whether she's horny because she likes the hero or if it's a "side effect of the venom" is just too much.
This book is everything wrong with the sci-fi romance genre. Just trash and tacky.
BYEEEEEE
I have no idea why Star Crossed has such good reviews (it's shit). I TRIED to give it a good go but couldn't make it past the half way point without throwing in the towel. There was just no point to the story and I thought the author handled sensitive topics (sexual assault, rape) really badly and just threw them in for shits and gigs.
MAIN ISSUE:
It's one thing to make the enemies of the book these horrible, despicable people that run a sex slave ship and hunt human women. It's another thing entirely to make these said enemies have some weird gross saliva that makes women lose their senses and want to fuck them (without them having decision making capacity --> NO CONSENT = SEXUAL ASSAULT/RAPE). IT'S ANOTHER THING ENTIRELY x2 to make the hero/love interest of the story one of these same creatures, who has the same creepy drugy saliva that makes women lose their minds. The author created a blurred line of consent and removes the possibility of the heroine ever withdrawing consent => => => sexual assault?????????? Not cool author, not cool.
OTHER ISSUES:
* The "storyline" is literally so boring and slow.
* The heroine ditches the other women on the ship & runs off into the wild, but is also useless and relies on the hero 24/7 from there on out...yeah, no thanks. Totally not badass and totally not interesting to read about.
* The """"romantic""" scenes are just cringe. The fact that the heroine constantly questions whether she's horny because she likes the hero or if it's a "side effect of the venom" is just too much.
This book is everything wrong with the sci-fi romance genre. Just trash and tacky.
BYEEEEEE
December 18, 2022
Very spicy dubcon romance
The FMC was definitely a strong willed and independent woman, but has enough tenderness in her to escape the alpha hole designation. The smut in this book was AMAZING. Easily 5/5 on a spice scale, 5 being the spiciest. MMC was the stoic strong silent type, but it worked for his upbringing. Mars needs women is always a fun trope.
Trigger warnings: dubcon between MCs, trafficking, rape of non main characters, abduction, murder, peril scenarios
The FMC was definitely a strong willed and independent woman, but has enough tenderness in her to escape the alpha hole designation. The smut in this book was AMAZING. Easily 5/5 on a spice scale, 5 being the spiciest. MMC was the stoic strong silent type, but it worked for his upbringing. Mars needs women is always a fun trope.
Trigger warnings: dubcon between MCs, trafficking, rape of non main characters, abduction, murder, peril scenarios
August 17, 2025
There is something about Heather Guerre's writing that is so fun and engaging. Even if I don't love everything about the book, I'm always down for the ride. That was definitely the case here!
July 14, 2022
Definitely didn't like this as much as the other book I read by Guerre. The plot seemed looser in this one and I didn't like the dynamic between the hero and heroine as much. There's also definitely a dub-con element to parts of this story. This didn't bother me personally but it's something to know going in. This won't turn me off from this author but it was more middling compared to other romance I've read.
May 13, 2025
where was the insta-love trope I was promised? 🦧
February 22, 2022
The book had me on the edge of my seat.
SPOILER SOPILER SPOILER
She is kidnapped and in a cell with other kidnapped women. The aliens want to sell them as mates and breeding partners to rich aliens. Once the alien mates you, he can't have sex with any other woman so you are stuck.
The aliens have poisonous saliva that is an aphrodisiac and turns women into begging panting messes who will have sex with anyone.
The women decide to attempt to escape. Heroine is a pilot and is encouraged to break into the bridge and fly the ship away. The plan goes wrong and she ends up jumping out of the ship onto an unknown planet to escape.
A cop (also an alien) was hiding on the planet to catch the traffickers. He won't rescue the other women because he is tracing the "boss" and has to follow the ship. This left a bad taste in my mouth. He left those other women to a terrible fate.
Of course, he and the heroine fall in love and have a son. She is locked up on earth because they find out her son is an alien (they want to study him). He rescues her, his son, and heroine's sister.
Book 2 shows a different alien going undercover at an auction to investigate and try to find the bosses.
SPOILER SOPILER SPOILER
She is kidnapped and in a cell with other kidnapped women. The aliens want to sell them as mates and breeding partners to rich aliens. Once the alien mates you, he can't have sex with any other woman so you are stuck.
The aliens have poisonous saliva that is an aphrodisiac and turns women into begging panting messes who will have sex with anyone.
The women decide to attempt to escape. Heroine is a pilot and is encouraged to break into the bridge and fly the ship away. The plan goes wrong and she ends up jumping out of the ship onto an unknown planet to escape.
A cop (also an alien) was hiding on the planet to catch the traffickers. He won't rescue the other women because he is tracing the "boss" and has to follow the ship. This left a bad taste in my mouth. He left those other women to a terrible fate.
Of course, he and the heroine fall in love and have a son. She is locked up on earth because they find out her son is an alien (they want to study him). He rescues her, his son, and heroine's sister.
Book 2 shows a different alien going undercover at an auction to investigate and try to find the bosses.
October 10, 2019
The book had potential and is in desperate need of a good editor.
The main female character is great.
I really wanted to like this book but there were a lot of inconsistencies, that just made it impossible for me to rate it higher.
Let’s just say, it was acceptable to read as it was for free.
Paying for it, a big fat no from me.
I liked the idea of the book, the strong and independent female character, her wits and resourcefulness!! It had some unique creativity.
But the execution was faulty and not thought through.
Here are some of them:
Apparently the planet she is shortly stranded on, has some poisonous and not so healthy plants, amongst other things. He orders her not to touch any vegetation, despite the major fact, not long before, let’s call it the chase, they both crashed, ran and stumbled through a lot of it. And you try to tell me, she what? Had luck? For a short distance maybe, but what the author describes it is pretty unlikely. It makes no sense.
Then there is the small fact of the second escapee. She doesn’t ask if someone was lucky enough to escape as well?
And he forgot about the second female?
On this apparently very hostile planet, not even the criminals are inclined to venture? It makes no sense.
Then there is this chase, it is really awesome and fun. But it takes like forever with all their sexual struggling and unnecessary thoughts.
Through it all, I just kept wondering why he does such a poor job in communicating with her. I don’t know, maybe telling her what dangers she might face and why she shouldn’t be afraid of him. But instead through it all, he just says “ I won’t hurt you” for exactly two times. It felt weird and illogical.
What I also found remarkable was how long the characters could survive without water, food and therefor didn’t even need to go to the toilet.
Anyway, it continues that way.
The characters are superficial and there is no real development and a communicated dispute with a solution in the end.
They just start where they left off.
The main female character is great.
I really wanted to like this book but there were a lot of inconsistencies, that just made it impossible for me to rate it higher.
Let’s just say, it was acceptable to read as it was for free.
Paying for it, a big fat no from me.
I liked the idea of the book, the strong and independent female character, her wits and resourcefulness!! It had some unique creativity.
But the execution was faulty and not thought through.
Here are some of them:
Apparently the planet she is shortly stranded on, has some poisonous and not so healthy plants, amongst other things. He orders her not to touch any vegetation, despite the major fact, not long before, let’s call it the chase, they both crashed, ran and stumbled through a lot of it. And you try to tell me, she what? Had luck? For a short distance maybe, but what the author describes it is pretty unlikely. It makes no sense.
Then there is the small fact of the second escapee. She doesn’t ask if someone was lucky enough to escape as well?
And he forgot about the second female?
On this apparently very hostile planet, not even the criminals are inclined to venture? It makes no sense.
Then there is this chase, it is really awesome and fun. But it takes like forever with all their sexual struggling and unnecessary thoughts.
Through it all, I just kept wondering why he does such a poor job in communicating with her. I don’t know, maybe telling her what dangers she might face and why she shouldn’t be afraid of him. But instead through it all, he just says “ I won’t hurt you” for exactly two times. It felt weird and illogical.
What I also found remarkable was how long the characters could survive without water, food and therefor didn’t even need to go to the toilet.
Anyway, it continues that way.
The characters are superficial and there is no real development and a communicated dispute with a solution in the end.
They just start where they left off.
April 13, 2022
SO SO SO SO SO GOOOOOOD😭😭😭😭😭 I need this author to get more recognition for her beautiful, soul-crushing writing. This is my favorite series of hers and I hope she continues it until there are a thousand books within it. I’m so upset she doesn’t get more hype and I wish I had some sort of online presence so that I can reach more ppl and let them know about this AMAZING author. If I could I would give this 5 gazzilion stars😞
January 5, 2023
I really tried to like this book. The premise is interesting but the execution was lacking.
The worldbuilding was minimal which led to lots of telling instead of showing. I never felt the connection between the MCs, and the pacing of their relationship felt weird and random.
I was going to DNF around 50% but decided to give it a second try.
The worldbuilding was minimal which led to lots of telling instead of showing. I never felt the connection between the MCs, and the pacing of their relationship felt weird and random.
I was going to DNF around 50% but decided to give it a second try.
June 9, 2022
Awful. Too many criticisms to even acknowledge. I reluctantly forced myself to read it all.
September 15, 2024
If this was a horror novel that was supposed to be a scathing indictment on internalized misogyny and the devastating effects it has on women or how comphet destroys societies THEN it’d be 5 ⭐️
I could list all of the deeply problematic things here but I won’t. The biggest thing that weirded me out was that these aliens kidnap and impregnate women and then the women are NEVER allowed to go home again. Every woman is described as being v depressed and sad about this. But also ✨it has to be this way and there are no exceptions ✨
The MMC’s mom literally died of sadness bc of this. Still he tries to kidnap and force this life onto the FMC Lyra. (There’s more where that came from.)
But on a different note- it’s a race of *all male aliens* described as “extremely cerebral and the most technologically advanced civilization in the universe.” Which… that’s weird right? Idk it gave me the ick.
As it is, the only thing I can compliment is the prose and world building. As with all HG books it is phenomenal. This is not romantic though.
I could list all of the deeply problematic things here but I won’t. The biggest thing that weirded me out was that these aliens kidnap and impregnate women and then the women are NEVER allowed to go home again. Every woman is described as being v depressed and sad about this. But also ✨it has to be this way and there are no exceptions ✨
The MMC’s mom literally died of sadness bc of this. Still he tries to kidnap and force this life onto the FMC Lyra. (There’s more where that came from.)
But on a different note- it’s a race of *all male aliens* described as “extremely cerebral and the most technologically advanced civilization in the universe.” Which… that’s weird right? Idk it gave me the ick.
As it is, the only thing I can compliment is the prose and world building. As with all HG books it is phenomenal. This is not romantic though.
July 19, 2021
I read book 3 in this series first, then went back to start from beginning. I really really liked this book but I took off a star because it was too short - it ended abruptly and while they are together, nothing else has been resolved. Also,
June 26, 2022
More of a 2.5 but rounding down to 2 stars didn’t feel right. For what it is, this book is fine. I actually think some of the lore around the different alien races is pretty interesting. World building was maybe a little generic but that’s really because the author didn’t dive into the universe too much. This was more of a smut book than I was anticipating, but it’s been a long time since I’ve read an alien romance and I’m a sucker for the mate/soulmate trope, so. *shrug*
October 22, 2024
An intelligent research pilot gets kidnapped by sex trafficking aliens and manages to escape and is rescued by an enforcer, who tries to resist his instincts to mate with her and kidnap her for his own.
This story was a quick popcorn read. I feel like it could have been a bit longer and was a bit rushed. ALSO, not a fan of the pregnancy troup but I knew what I was getting into when I started.
This story was a quick popcorn read. I feel like it could have been a bit longer and was a bit rushed. ALSO, not a fan of the pregnancy troup but I knew what I was getting into when I started.
November 15, 2025
3.5 stars
More scifi than expected, and honestly wanted more. I wish the book was a little bit longer so we could get more background on the planets, tech, and various cultures
For sure will be reading the others
More scifi than expected, and honestly wanted more. I wish the book was a little bit longer so we could get more background on the planets, tech, and various cultures
For sure will be reading the others
November 22, 2023
3.5 - 4 🌟 stars
October 11, 2024
1.5⭐️ MMC was fucked
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