What do you think?
Rate this book
Stargazer Alien Space Cruise Brides #5
Counterfeit Mate: Stargazer Alien Space Cruise Brides #5
She pretends to be his princess, but she doesn’t need a crown to rule his heart.
Lilac of the Seventh House dedicated her life to healing people, until she was tasked with helping her sister prepare to marry an alien prince to secure peace for their planet. When a suspicious spacecraft accident separates them just before the wedding, her sister goes missing. Now it is up to Lilac to meet the prince and beg him to help her find Hyacinth. It should be simple enough. But when Lilac is presented to His Royal Highness, Rowan of Drath, the big alien’s masculine beauty leaves her speechless.
Rowan of Drath has spent a lifetime cultivating his reputation as a playboy. It’s the only way to convince the kingdom to let him marry a noble girl from an unacknowledged planet so his brilliant younger brother can take his place in the line of succession. But when he meets Lilac, he is tempted to do something actually scandalous for the first time. Though his intended bride’s sister is stunningly beautiful, it is her fierce determination to protect the one she loves that makes him feel like he’s coming home every time she is near. All his years of pretending haven’t been enough to prepare him for the real thing.
Convinced of foul play, and determined to deny their instant chemistry, the two concoct a plan to investigate Hyacinth’s disappearance. If Lilac pretends to be her missing sister, they’re sure they can flush out the responsible party and rescue the real promised princess before it’s too late. They just have to keep their wits about them, and their hands to themselves…
Can they find the princess without losing their hearts?
Lilac of the Seventh House dedicated her life to healing people, until she was tasked with helping her sister prepare to marry an alien prince to secure peace for their planet. When a suspicious spacecraft accident separates them just before the wedding, her sister goes missing. Now it is up to Lilac to meet the prince and beg him to help her find Hyacinth. It should be simple enough. But when Lilac is presented to His Royal Highness, Rowan of Drath, the big alien’s masculine beauty leaves her speechless.
Rowan of Drath has spent a lifetime cultivating his reputation as a playboy. It’s the only way to convince the kingdom to let him marry a noble girl from an unacknowledged planet so his brilliant younger brother can take his place in the line of succession. But when he meets Lilac, he is tempted to do something actually scandalous for the first time. Though his intended bride’s sister is stunningly beautiful, it is her fierce determination to protect the one she loves that makes him feel like he’s coming home every time she is near. All his years of pretending haven’t been enough to prepare him for the real thing.
Convinced of foul play, and determined to deny their instant chemistry, the two concoct a plan to investigate Hyacinth’s disappearance. If Lilac pretends to be her missing sister, they’re sure they can flush out the responsible party and rescue the real promised princess before it’s too late. They just have to keep their wits about them, and their hands to themselves…
Can they find the princess without losing their hearts?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
29 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 8, 2023
A perfect happily ever after. Lilacs main job was to make sure her sister got married to who she was supposed to marry. Rowan who her sister was supposed to marry, finds himself falling in love with lilac. Her sister is missing, their job is to find her, but along the way they find each other. That is a really good story, and it takes a king to fix the mess that two couples can make. Thanks to a very gracious King the couples find the perfect matches and they both get their happily ever after.
December 11, 2022
A wonderful read. great characters and a wonderful scenario that you will thoroughly enjoy every moment of
Lilac had been assisting her sister with her preparations to marriage an alien prince to strengthen a bond between her people and his planet. When her sister is taken by a suspicious craft on the way to her prince her sister travels to the Prince to beg his help find her sister together.
Rowan of Drath and Lilac become acquainted and he gets to know Lilac well and he realises that she is a brave and loyal female and that she would do anything to see the safe return of her sister and this is a trait he finds most attractive as it is a rare thing to find such loyalty.
As the couple search for the hissing Hyacinth it soon becomes apparent that there are some very underhanded goings on regarding their missing sister and future bride. As they get closer to the culprit their plan to force the culprit to show their hand is becoming more of a reality, however they know there is always a risk to the adducted princess.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Lilac had been assisting her sister with her preparations to marriage an alien prince to strengthen a bond between her people and his planet. When her sister is taken by a suspicious craft on the way to her prince her sister travels to the Prince to beg his help find her sister together.
Rowan of Drath and Lilac become acquainted and he gets to know Lilac well and he realises that she is a brave and loyal female and that she would do anything to see the safe return of her sister and this is a trait he finds most attractive as it is a rare thing to find such loyalty.
As the couple search for the hissing Hyacinth it soon becomes apparent that there are some very underhanded goings on regarding their missing sister and future bride. As they get closer to the culprit their plan to force the culprit to show their hand is becoming more of a reality, however they know there is always a risk to the adducted princess.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
December 7, 2022
Rowan & Lilac
Six Stars and I won't agree to anything less!
It will be difficult to review this without spoilers, but good news, you'll be able to enjoy all of it.
The sisters care deeply about each other. Lilac has spent time with her sister as she learns the protocol of being a royal princess of a wealthy, militarily strong planet. She was to marry the prince to make his younger brother the next in line to rule. Marriage to anyone out of their line would do it. But, an accident (maybe) separated the sisters into different escape vehicles. Lilac was taken to their scheduled destination but the bride and her tutor were missing.
Another time and meeting the headstrong prince would have been amazing. Not with her missing sister. Rowan was wonderful to Lilac. He initiated an all-out secret search. Meanwhile, tracking clues and keeping the problem secret Lilac became her “counterfeit” much to Rowan's enjoyment of spending time and getting to know her.
Will they find the original bride? Or will the obvious attraction between Rowan and Lilac change everything?
I absolutely loved this story. The main characters, and the extras. Don't miss it.
Six Stars and I won't agree to anything less!
It will be difficult to review this without spoilers, but good news, you'll be able to enjoy all of it.
The sisters care deeply about each other. Lilac has spent time with her sister as she learns the protocol of being a royal princess of a wealthy, militarily strong planet. She was to marry the prince to make his younger brother the next in line to rule. Marriage to anyone out of their line would do it. But, an accident (maybe) separated the sisters into different escape vehicles. Lilac was taken to their scheduled destination but the bride and her tutor were missing.
Another time and meeting the headstrong prince would have been amazing. Not with her missing sister. Rowan was wonderful to Lilac. He initiated an all-out secret search. Meanwhile, tracking clues and keeping the problem secret Lilac became her “counterfeit” much to Rowan's enjoyment of spending time and getting to know her.
Will they find the original bride? Or will the obvious attraction between Rowan and Lilac change everything?
I absolutely loved this story. The main characters, and the extras. Don't miss it.
January 2, 2023
This is a romantic story full of action and unexpected consequences. While Lilac and her sister Hyacinth make their way to the ship where Hyacinth will marry Rowan of Drath, they have to use escape pods. The sisters are separated but supposedly safe. Once Lilac arrives and finds her sister has not, she plans with Rowan to find out which of the families were involved in her sister's disappearance. Although Lilac was not taught to be a princess, Rowan finds she does an amazing job and wins over the families. Hyacinth is found and the marriage to Rowan is on until the King, Rowan's father, speaks up with the truth. Lilac and Rowan are in love and Hyacinth and Master Locke found love during their ordeal.
December 12, 2022
There is something very special about these two, I instantly connected with them, they touched my heart repeatedly. It was great to read what happened to Lilac, even having read Hyacinth's story this one focuses on Lilac's and Rowan perspective, predicament and piqued my memory of Hyacinth without copycat. Great characters with realistic traits and an exciting adventure with their aliens friends and/or foes, a bit of humor and loads of heartfelt love. Prepare to be fully engrossed. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to leave this review.
December 13, 2022
This book recounts what happens between Lilac and Prince Rowan after Lilac's sister Hyacinth has gone missing. While they're investigating who may be responsible, they fall for each other. The problem is that Rowan is supposed to marry Hyacinth, assuming she is found. The story has some really fun scenes with the intriguing background characters, as well as action and romance. Lilac and Rowan are so sweet together. Great world building and entertainment, as Tasha Black's stories always have.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2022
Lilac loved her sister so very much. She loved her so much that she agreed to be her sister, to cover for her, when she went missing. So, she agreed to pose as Prince Rowan's bride to be. Luckily she was close enough in age, size and coloring for her sister to pass as her. She hoped to help find who arranged her disappearance. What she didn't count on was Rowan, or falling in love.....Another fabulous Stargazer Alien Space romance by Tasha Black. If you like your heroines feisty and more than capable, as well as your heroes swoon worthy and lovable, this is the book for you!
February 4, 2024
Lilac's sister Hyacinth is going to marry Rowan of Drath to get peace for their planet. During their trip through space to meet Rowan there is an issue with the spacecraft and during the evacuation Hyacinth goes missing. Lilac is presented to Rowan and they team up to look for her sister while at the same time presenting Lilac as Hyacinth to cover up that she is missing to help find the culprit. What neither of them expected was the instant chemistry they have. I loved this book, the story is original and the characters are amazing.
March 10, 2024
Counterfeit Mate: Stargazer Alien Space Cruise Brides #5
by Tasha Black
Counterfeit (Ca-on-ta-fee-t/fit-mate with "Ta" for "source " in ijaw language and "CA" for "great" and "sorry" in ijaw language and Engenni language in Nigeria) mate is a poetic prose on the much loved Hyacinth which made 'him"(hymn) and the slow one happy.It also looks at the love between Lilac and Rowan which countered each other by the meaning of their names poetically as Lee-Lack and Row-wa-earn/won with WA for "come" in Yoruba language in Nigeria.
by Tasha Black
Counterfeit (Ca-on-ta-fee-t/fit-mate with "Ta" for "source " in ijaw language and "CA" for "great" and "sorry" in ijaw language and Engenni language in Nigeria) mate is a poetic prose on the much loved Hyacinth which made 'him"(hymn) and the slow one happy.It also looks at the love between Lilac and Rowan which countered each other by the meaning of their names poetically as Lee-Lack and Row-wa-earn/won with WA for "come" in Yoruba language in Nigeria.
December 9, 2022
Such a wonderful book. I loved every moment of this enticing read. The blend of drama, emotion, action, suspense, heat and heart is rich and potent. The pull of attraction, the incandescent chemistry, and the genuine sweetness between Lilac and Rowan was undeniable and irresistible. Thrills, intensity and tension are combined perfectly with plenty of feels and swoon to create a book that you are just going to fall in love with. I am posting an unbiased, unsolicited review.
December 12, 2022
As always I am taken on an adventure to another world whenever I read a book by Tasha Black. She spins stories of other planets and people that keep me captivated from start to finish and this book was no different. I fell in love with these characters and my heart broke for them knowing that they were not intended to end up together. This book was full of suspenseful moments, steamy ones and twists that I never saw coming. A must read book for sure.
By Alisa
By Alisa
December 10, 2022
Lilac has a very difficult role to fill in this book, one of regret, sorrow and fear. Yet she never gives up hope and fills her role admirably. She continually surprises Rowan with her insight. Rowan is not the man most see him as. He’s fulfilling his duty with no resentment, even if he would prefer something else. At times, it’s heartbreaking.
December 10, 2022
Wow. I thought Promised Mate (Hyacinth's story) was fun and serious and so much more. This story, Lilac's story, is another page turner in a different direction. Bravo! The entire series of Stargazer Alien Space Cruise Brides has been fun and page turners in their rights.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2025
Counterfeit mate
Great and soul searching book. Lilac human and Rowan playboy prince. Very romantic and suspenseful book. Her sister has gone missing lilac must impersonate hyacinth and meet with Rowan. Together they are tasked with finding her sister along with the teacher. Oh yeah lots of surprises in this one. Y'all will love this.
Great and soul searching book. Lilac human and Rowan playboy prince. Very romantic and suspenseful book. Her sister has gone missing lilac must impersonate hyacinth and meet with Rowan. Together they are tasked with finding her sister along with the teacher. Oh yeah lots of surprises in this one. Y'all will love this.
December 12, 2022
Great short read!! This was definitely a good read. There was a ton of chemistry between the characters, and the details filled in from the previous read added to the story. It was steamy and fun. The world building was great and the side characters were a good time. Can't wait for the next!!
December 16, 2022
What a great story, the interaction between the characters was fabulous and the storyline magical. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
October 20, 2024
Counterfeit Mate: Star based Alien Space Cruise Brides #5
The Space Brides are an interesting read. I can't hardly put them down. Wanting to finish the book so as to read the next book in the series.
The Space Brides are an interesting read. I can't hardly put them down. Wanting to finish the book so as to read the next book in the series.
December 7, 2022
Loved, loved, loved it! This is a super sweet and steamy alien romance.. Thrilling, charming and definitely re-readable.. A fantastic couple!
December 23, 2022
Another good story.
January 8, 2023
Very romantic story that reminded me of historical Regency novels in some ways. I truly loved this change of pace novel.
May 12, 2023
It was wonderful to read the backstory of Lilac and Rowan's romance. I enjoyed every word. It was an exciting adventure.
February 14, 2024
I loved it! I am short on time. I will reread this series many times. It kept me glued to it to see where it would go. I had a lot of fun reading it. It was a good story!
March 28, 2023
Counterfeit Mate, the companion novel—completely standalone, but completes another facet of the story in the previous book of the series—to Promised Mate, is the story of Prince Rowan and Lilac, taking place over the same period of time as Promised Mate. And I loved reading it every bit as much as I have the previous books in the Stargazer Alien Space Cruise Brides series (as well as the Stargazer Alien Barbarian Brides, which Space Cruise Brides is a spin-off of). While Hyacinth’s story is full of physical danger, Lilac’s is full of subterfuge, forbidden desires, and a wholly different kind of urgency as she and the Prince her sister is promised to try to find Hyacinth as well as determine what went wrong in their journey from Pacifica to Drath.
The facts that Lilac manages to step into the life meant to her sister without the benefit of Hyacinth’s extensive training, that Prince Rowan in person doesn’t seem to be who he’s known to be, and that she and Rowan have an immediate connection only serve to up the stakes in a was she never could’ve expected.
Lilac’s story is compelling, and not only because she’s thrust into filling the role as Princess with much less training than Hyacinth’s had, but also because of the way the push-and-pull between her and her sister’s fiancé is well reflective of the internal struggles Lilac experiences while navigating introductions to the Drathian nobility looking for who could’ve taken her sister. And the ticking clock of the impending wedding ratchets everything up to another level as well.
I LOVE the return to this series, and very much look forward to what Tasha has in store for her readers next (there’s a few new series/spin-offs already announced for this year)! I, myself, am hoping that this return to the Space Cruise Brides means the series will be continuing further, OR that Drath and Pacifica will be featured going forward. All the possibilities that have occurred to me are exciting, and I can’t WAIT to see which, if any, will turn up!
The facts that Lilac manages to step into the life meant to her sister without the benefit of Hyacinth’s extensive training, that Prince Rowan in person doesn’t seem to be who he’s known to be, and that she and Rowan have an immediate connection only serve to up the stakes in a was she never could’ve expected.
Lilac’s story is compelling, and not only because she’s thrust into filling the role as Princess with much less training than Hyacinth’s had, but also because of the way the push-and-pull between her and her sister’s fiancé is well reflective of the internal struggles Lilac experiences while navigating introductions to the Drathian nobility looking for who could’ve taken her sister. And the ticking clock of the impending wedding ratchets everything up to another level as well.
I LOVE the return to this series, and very much look forward to what Tasha has in store for her readers next (there’s a few new series/spin-offs already announced for this year)! I, myself, am hoping that this return to the Space Cruise Brides means the series will be continuing further, OR that Drath and Pacifica will be featured going forward. All the possibilities that have occurred to me are exciting, and I can’t WAIT to see which, if any, will turn up!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews