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Alphas of Nasila #1
Heat for Hire
Scarred. Stranded. Oh… and in heat.
Elli
I thought things were a struggle when my insurance refused to pay for my breast reconstruction surgery. But here I am, crashing my omega-classified ladyparts on a planet that makes me do silly things—like dry-hump the big, scaled, growly police officer who pulls me from the wreck. Until the next ship leaves for Earth, I have to embrace my inner omega. Problem is, I barely even feel like a woman.
Rhen
Having a heated Terran female run away from me during her rescue isn’t my favorite way to end my night shift. My growl improves it somewhat, because now she’s rubbing herself on me as I race her to the emergency intake. When she asks me to help her through her approaching heat, I hesitate. How am I supposed to ease Elli’s fears when an injury robbed me of the ability to purr?
Heat for Hire is book one in the Alphas of Nasila series, bringing you a nestful of sweet with all the heat. It features a big, devoted, and caring alien with knot-so-human anatomy. Each book can be read as a standalone, but character cross-overs and cameos make it more fun to read them in order.
Elli
I thought things were a struggle when my insurance refused to pay for my breast reconstruction surgery. But here I am, crashing my omega-classified ladyparts on a planet that makes me do silly things—like dry-hump the big, scaled, growly police officer who pulls me from the wreck. Until the next ship leaves for Earth, I have to embrace my inner omega. Problem is, I barely even feel like a woman.
Rhen
Having a heated Terran female run away from me during her rescue isn’t my favorite way to end my night shift. My growl improves it somewhat, because now she’s rubbing herself on me as I race her to the emergency intake. When she asks me to help her through her approaching heat, I hesitate. How am I supposed to ease Elli’s fears when an injury robbed me of the ability to purr?
Heat for Hire is book one in the Alphas of Nasila series, bringing you a nestful of sweet with all the heat. It features a big, devoted, and caring alien with knot-so-human anatomy. Each book can be read as a standalone, but character cross-overs and cameos make it more fun to read them in order.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
380 people are currently reading
1935 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
January 6, 2023
One of the sweetest m/f omegaverse stories I've ever read. All the standard tropes you'd expect in a story like this, nesting, knotting, and copious amounts of slick and additional body fluids.
Lighthearted despite these two having body insecurities. He has an old battle wound that limits his ability to smooth an omega, and she, a partial mastectomy scar. They really were the perfect couple.
Loved the side characters, no crazy drama, hea.
Huge thanks to Shruti for recommendating this one to me 💕
Lighthearted despite these two having body insecurities. He has an old battle wound that limits his ability to smooth an omega, and she, a partial mastectomy scar. They really were the perfect couple.
Loved the side characters, no crazy drama, hea.
Huge thanks to Shruti for recommendating this one to me 💕
October 7, 2022
This was such a fun, light, sweet, searing hot read!
🤗❤️🥵🔥
(- despite some slightly heavy themes which I'll mention in the TWs at the end)
My very first omegaverse!!! I have been initiated 🛐 and I'm very glad I lost my OV virginity to a book that left me feeling much like a fulfilled omega - well cared for, warm, safe, happy, and hella horny with some shiny new kinks in my bag 😏
Rhen is spike daddy #1 - a delicious, wonderful, responsible alpha.. so kind, accepting, caring and usually controlled but OTT only with his omega. 😂 It was lovely to read his POV. He's also an alien with a giant leaking 🍆 and isn't afraid to mark his territory EVERYWHERE. Fun (read: wet) times.
Elli is a human woman who comes in contact with ginormo-alien Rhen 💪🍆 (don't remember what's in the blurb so trying to be vague about her here), and gets to/is kinda forced to face/discover a very important part of her nature in a safe and secure way, gaining education on who she is as the book progresses.
I loved their dynamic, the way they navigate their insecurities brought on by what their bodies have been through, the way they settle into their roles and boy oh boy how they settle into it when they're in bed - which btw, do delight in the fact that this book, is VERY smut heavy 👌👏
*a moment of silence to celebrate that*
They each hold back from the other just how deep they are sinking into this, and when it inevitably reaches a crescendo during the infamous third act, it's not as painful as so many other books I've read with this trope because for some reason I was just SO assured of Rhen(!) which is what I want, no, NEED to see far more of in the male leads I read about, dream about and root for. Elli has her heart on her sleeve, and she truly deserves all that she gets ❤️
Whatever should be heavy, just isn't.. this book maintains a sense of lightness throughout. Exactly what I'd recommend as a palate cleanser with a dollop of heart and the cozies 🥰
mMmmm omega nests.. all that fluid though.. gives me a bit of pause, for I know that all of that is very hot and positively feral, but is it actually cozy? And not *cough* ~crusty~ 😬❓
Highly recommend!!!
I had every intention of making this a very short review where you would see me loudly but succinctly proclaiming that 'tis indeed a wonderful book that must be read at once, make haste fellow human! But here we are..
*kneel for spike daddy*
❗TWs: breast cancer survivor, some body image/performance (not 🍆) issues for both, brief mentions of non-con situations regarding history of the planet + non-con violence in dangerous areas in the city.
🤗❤️🥵🔥
(- despite some slightly heavy themes which I'll mention in the TWs at the end)
My very first omegaverse!!! I have been initiated 🛐 and I'm very glad I lost my OV virginity to a book that left me feeling much like a fulfilled omega - well cared for, warm, safe, happy, and hella horny with some shiny new kinks in my bag 😏
Rhen is spike daddy #1 - a delicious, wonderful, responsible alpha.. so kind, accepting, caring and usually controlled but OTT only with his omega. 😂 It was lovely to read his POV. He's also an alien with a giant leaking 🍆 and isn't afraid to mark his territory EVERYWHERE. Fun (read: wet) times.
Elli is a human woman who comes in contact with ginormo-alien Rhen 💪🍆 (don't remember what's in the blurb so trying to be vague about her here), and gets to/is kinda forced to face/discover a very important part of her nature in a safe and secure way, gaining education on who she is as the book progresses.
I loved their dynamic, the way they navigate their insecurities brought on by what their bodies have been through, the way they settle into their roles and boy oh boy how they settle into it when they're in bed - which btw, do delight in the fact that this book, is VERY smut heavy 👌👏
*a moment of silence to celebrate that*
They each hold back from the other just how deep they are sinking into this, and when it inevitably reaches a crescendo during the infamous third act, it's not as painful as so many other books I've read with this trope because for some reason I was just SO assured of Rhen(!) which is what I want, no, NEED to see far more of in the male leads I read about, dream about and root for. Elli has her heart on her sleeve, and she truly deserves all that she gets ❤️
Whatever should be heavy, just isn't.. this book maintains a sense of lightness throughout. Exactly what I'd recommend as a palate cleanser with a dollop of heart and the cozies 🥰
mMmmm omega nests.. all that fluid though.. gives me a bit of pause, for I know that all of that is very hot and positively feral, but is it actually cozy? And not *cough* ~crusty~ 😬❓
Highly recommend!!!
I had every intention of making this a very short review where you would see me loudly but succinctly proclaiming that 'tis indeed a wonderful book that must be read at once, make haste fellow human! But here we are..
*kneel for spike daddy*
❗TWs: breast cancer survivor, some body image/performance (not 🍆) issues for both, brief mentions of non-con situations regarding history of the planet + non-con violence in dangerous areas in the city.
April 9, 2023
Within the first few chapters, I knew this was going to do what needed to be done. And it did.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES
Elli | Rhen
SUMMARY
After Elli crash lands on Nasila, her heat is triggered by all of the alphas that reside on the planet (
I am literally so out of my element right now
). Stranded for a month and unable to take heat suppressants, she’s forced to pick an Alpha to see her through it.
Rhen is an alpha with a “hideous” purr. When he sees the omega he rescued picked him as her RSA (registered support alpha), he accepts, despite his reservations.
As the two spend more time together, their relationship develops to mean more than their contract.
REVIEW
My experience with omegaverse has been limited to heat, rut, and knots, so this was very much a learning experience to me.
This novel was unexpectedly sweet. Elli and Rhen may not have been great at communicating (in a non-annoying way), but it was clear how much they cared for each other.
Having Elli not know much about being an omega and being on the planet was a great way to introduce the reader to the planet and its laws, as well as the physiology of alphas, betas, and omegas.
I do wish the end was a bit longer. It seemed like the conflict happened then there was a chapter or two of resolution. Now, it could just be that I didn’t want the book to end because I could’ve read 150 more pages in this novel—even though its pacing was perfect and the story was fulfilling as is.
Heat for Hire was an immersive read. I did not ever want to put the book down, and when I was forced to, it was incredibly easy to pick back up. I am so grateful to the goodreads friend who put this in my feed.
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES
Elli | Rhen
SUMMARY
After Elli crash lands on Nasila, her heat is triggered by all of the alphas that reside on the planet (
Rhen is an alpha with a “hideous” purr. When he sees the omega he rescued picked him as her RSA (registered support alpha), he accepts, despite his reservations.
As the two spend more time together, their relationship develops to mean more than their contract.
REVIEW
My experience with omegaverse has been limited to heat, rut, and knots, so this was very much a learning experience to me.
This novel was unexpectedly sweet. Elli and Rhen may not have been great at communicating (in a non-annoying way), but it was clear how much they cared for each other.
Having Elli not know much about being an omega and being on the planet was a great way to introduce the reader to the planet and its laws, as well as the physiology of alphas, betas, and omegas.
I do wish the end was a bit longer. It seemed like the conflict happened then there was a chapter or two of resolution. Now, it could just be that I didn’t want the book to end because I could’ve read 150 more pages in this novel—even though its pacing was perfect and the story was fulfilling as is.
Heat for Hire was an immersive read. I did not ever want to put the book down, and when I was forced to, it was incredibly easy to pick back up. I am so grateful to the goodreads friend who put this in my feed.
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
December 14, 2022
I really liked this sci-fi omegaverse where both main characters felt broken but fit each other. Elli (h) is a human cancer survivor and omega, who feels lesser because of her scars and Rhen (H) is an elite alien alpha police officer who suffered an injury while serving as a solider that damaged his ability to purr. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (although H is very possessive), neither are virgins but both have been celibate for a while, bc used.
Elli ends up on Rhen’s planet by accident and is hormonally triggered. He helps get her to safety at an omega center, but she can’t return to Earth for weeks. There are moments of humor but most of the story felt more emotional to me. With the help of an amazing beta assistant (who I adored and want him to have his own book), Elli chooses Rhen to be her alpha during her heat and they bond, get hot and heavy, and have to learn how to communicate (this story does have miscommunication). Lots of omegaverse steam with growls, rough purrs, knots (and Rhen’s not packing the “normal” kind), nesting, and fluids. Elli has to learn how to embrace being an omega and on the other side, she sets Rhen off like he’s never been before, which could have consequences.
This world had some excellent details and I really liked that the more positive sides were shown as well as the hints of some of the issues. A bit of history is given and discussions of how the dynamics work together.
There are significant mental and emotional barriers with both characters regarding their uncertainties, self-image, and ability to be vulnerable. But they do get there and I genuinely believed in their bond once they did. The epilogue is sweet and features their HEA, although I wish there had been a transition chapter before it since Elli was going to be acclimating to a new planet outside of the limited scope of the omega center. I’m definitely curious about future books in the series and the next book’s H briefly makes an intriguing appearance in this book.
Elli ends up on Rhen’s planet by accident and is hormonally triggered. He helps get her to safety at an omega center, but she can’t return to Earth for weeks. There are moments of humor but most of the story felt more emotional to me. With the help of an amazing beta assistant (who I adored and want him to have his own book), Elli chooses Rhen to be her alpha during her heat and they bond, get hot and heavy, and have to learn how to communicate (this story does have miscommunication). Lots of omegaverse steam with growls, rough purrs, knots (and Rhen’s not packing the “normal” kind), nesting, and fluids. Elli has to learn how to embrace being an omega and on the other side, she sets Rhen off like he’s never been before, which could have consequences.
This world had some excellent details and I really liked that the more positive sides were shown as well as the hints of some of the issues. A bit of history is given and discussions of how the dynamics work together.
There are significant mental and emotional barriers with both characters regarding their uncertainties, self-image, and ability to be vulnerable. But they do get there and I genuinely believed in their bond once they did. The epilogue is sweet and features their HEA, although I wish there had been a transition chapter before it since Elli was going to be acclimating to a new planet outside of the limited scope of the omega center. I’m definitely curious about future books in the series and the next book’s H briefly makes an intriguing appearance in this book.
October 4, 2022
*Edit- Oh I forgot the most important part, or should I say extra parts. Rhen has tentacles around his dick that twist up and form his knot and all sorts of other things too!! 😳😜🤣
I abso-freakin-lutely LOVED this!!
5 All The Dirty Talking You Could Want Stars!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Take a broken alpha who feels like he's barely an alpha and add a broken human omega who doesn't even feel like a woman anymore and just maybe they can heal each other but this definitely added up to magic.
This was quirky and funny, sweet and vulnerable, yet off the charts smoking hot steaminess.
I loved Ellie. She was one tough cookie getting through what she did, keeping her snarky sense of humor. Rhen was a blue scaled sex God of an alpha, whose starbond landed in his lap, literally grinding on it lol. I loved them! I loved how through being with each other they could let go of their hang-ups and allow real feelings and a potential future to take shape. Not to mention their chemistry was on FIRE!! Rhen had to help Ellie awaken her omega instincts and showing her what being an omega, HIS omega, truly meant.
I was really intrigued by the blurb and so glad I picked this up. It was so good, including the lighthearted moments even when the subject was a touchy sensitive one. I cannot wait for the next one. After meeting Tjor, I am super excited to see how he finds his omega.
I abso-freakin-lutely LOVED this!!
5 All The Dirty Talking You Could Want Stars!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Take a broken alpha who feels like he's barely an alpha and add a broken human omega who doesn't even feel like a woman anymore and just maybe they can heal each other but this definitely added up to magic.
This was quirky and funny, sweet and vulnerable, yet off the charts smoking hot steaminess.
I loved Ellie. She was one tough cookie getting through what she did, keeping her snarky sense of humor. Rhen was a blue scaled sex God of an alpha, whose starbond landed in his lap, literally grinding on it lol. I loved them! I loved how through being with each other they could let go of their hang-ups and allow real feelings and a potential future to take shape. Not to mention their chemistry was on FIRE!! Rhen had to help Ellie awaken her omega instincts and showing her what being an omega, HIS omega, truly meant.
I was really intrigued by the blurb and so glad I picked this up. It was so good, including the lighthearted moments even when the subject was a touchy sensitive one. I cannot wait for the next one. After meeting Tjor, I am super excited to see how he finds his omega.
May 13, 2023
4.5-4.75 stars
A scifi omegaverse romance that is steamy but also sweet and totally adorable - a combo I love but can be a bit hit or miss.
This one features two characters who consider themselves damaged, but are thrown together when the FMC crash lands and goes into heat on the MMC’s planet where he is an alpha police officer whose job is to protect omegas. Oh and he’s also a Registered Support Alpha (RSA).
I really loved V.K. Ludwig’s Vandalar series, so I’m glad this one also seems to be a winner!
A scifi omegaverse romance that is steamy but also sweet and totally adorable - a combo I love but can be a bit hit or miss.
This one features two characters who consider themselves damaged, but are thrown together when the FMC crash lands and goes into heat on the MMC’s planet where he is an alpha police officer whose job is to protect omegas. Oh and he’s also a Registered Support Alpha (RSA).
I really loved V.K. Ludwig’s Vandalar series, so I’m glad this one also seems to be a winner!
November 14, 2025
Interesting premise, woman lands on a foreign planet and is pushed to embrace her inner omega for a month while going through heat. She picks an alpha to guide her through it and they click fast; both of them dealing with old wounds and shaky self worth from their pasts.
👽 Forced proximity
🐺 Alien romance
👽 Omegaverse
🐺 Dual POV
👽 Altered biology
🐺 Knotting
👽 Possessive mmc
🐺 Nesting
I liked how inclusive the book felt, especially with both main characters carrying real, painful baggage. The mmc worrying because he can’t purr like he used to, the fmc surviving breast cancer. The spice was high and mostly enjoyable, but the sheer amount of bodily fluids went past my comfort zone, and the whole drenching the nest in cum without washing gave me the ick 😭
Supporting character Yada was a standout, basically an omega-nurse while being a beta male, and I loved him.
👽 Forced proximity
🐺 Alien romance
👽 Omegaverse
🐺 Dual POV
👽 Altered biology
🐺 Knotting
👽 Possessive mmc
🐺 Nesting
I liked how inclusive the book felt, especially with both main characters carrying real, painful baggage. The mmc worrying because he can’t purr like he used to, the fmc surviving breast cancer. The spice was high and mostly enjoyable, but the sheer amount of bodily fluids went past my comfort zone, and the whole drenching the nest in cum without washing gave me the ick 😭
Supporting character Yada was a standout, basically an omega-nurse while being a beta male, and I loved him.
June 6, 2023
This was a very fun and comfy read. It basically stripped the omegaverse genre to that basics and just focused on an omega and alpha trying to get through a heat together. Sometimes I love the angst that can come with this genre but sometimes I just want a light read in this universe and this was exactly that. It also had some unique takes on the genre I have seen before. The only think that I could see turning some away from the book was the lack of communication between them. I still really enjoyed it and I am excited to read the next book.
Did not finish
October 11, 2022DNF at 71%. This guy is stressing me out! And I just can’t do it anymore. He won’t tell her that he wants her and he’s concerned about something. He is trying to do some thing to protect her but because he won’t talk to her, he does not know that what he’s about to do is not going to be helpful. I just can’t read about it. I let Shruti spoil it for me I am so thankful to know that it works out in the end but I just can’t go along for the ride.
October 16, 2022
This book has the worst case of lack of communication that I've ever seen.
He's scared to say something, she's scared to say something.
She gets up the courage to say it, manages to get the beginning out...
He cuts her off due to fear that she's going to say something he doesn't want to hear. So he says it himself, that thing he doesn't want to hear.
She thinks that's what he actually wants, since he said it. Then she gets hurt and defensively makes like it's no big deal, that's what she wanted in the first place, too.
Then he thinks that his fear is coming true. And then they're at stalemate.
IT'S SO DAMN FRUSTRATING.
I would have given this book 2 stars, but I like the writing style and the characters. And I love that both hero and heroine have their vulnerabilities. They help each other to find acceptance of their own brokenness.
But OH MY GOD THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION. I especially wanted to whack Rhen on the head. He just wouldn't be honest with her, and she didn't have the courage to ask him the hard questions. They kept jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about each other, and it drove me crazy. All the hurt that could have been avoided!!!
He's scared to say something, she's scared to say something.
She gets up the courage to say it, manages to get the beginning out...
He cuts her off due to fear that she's going to say something he doesn't want to hear. So he says it himself, that thing he doesn't want to hear.
She thinks that's what he actually wants, since he said it. Then she gets hurt and defensively makes like it's no big deal, that's what she wanted in the first place, too.
Then he thinks that his fear is coming true. And then they're at stalemate.
IT'S SO DAMN FRUSTRATING.
I would have given this book 2 stars, but I like the writing style and the characters. And I love that both hero and heroine have their vulnerabilities. They help each other to find acceptance of their own brokenness.
But OH MY GOD THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION. I especially wanted to whack Rhen on the head. He just wouldn't be honest with her, and she didn't have the courage to ask him the hard questions. They kept jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about each other, and it drove me crazy. All the hurt that could have been avoided!!!
January 21, 2023
I ate this up, left no crumbs. Just drool on the plate.
4⭐️ Honestly this was so good. Never thought I’d read an omegaverse book, but there’s a first time for everything. It was still alien so not too much of a stretch from what I already enjoy. Some of the things were a little too omegaverse-y for me, but I knew it would be going in, so I’m not going to count against it too harshly for that. Character development A+, smexiness A++, I just am not a fan of the miscommunication thing but it honestly wasn’t bad at all.
4⭐️ Honestly this was so good. Never thought I’d read an omegaverse book, but there’s a first time for everything. It was still alien so not too much of a stretch from what I already enjoy. Some of the things were a little too omegaverse-y for me, but I knew it would be going in, so I’m not going to count against it too harshly for that. Character development A+, smexiness A++, I just am not a fan of the miscommunication thing but it honestly wasn’t bad at all.
October 30, 2022
This book was sweet and I liked the MC’s. This was a very smut-heavy omegaverse romance. I liked how considerate Rhen was. What I disliked was the lack of communication. It was infuriating and the cause of the big misunderstanding. I enjoyed the author’s world building. Overall, I recommend.
July 16, 2023
WELL.
Looks like I’ve found me a new author to love! This book was a pleasant and delicious little surprise.
Heat for Hire is full of Alpha/omega deliciousness. And lots of liquids. LOL
Growling and purring and biting and knotting and…menoas...YES PLEASE. *big heart eyes* I was absolutely smitten over these alphas from Nasila. The care they take with their omegas, the aftercare they provide, the love they have, their protectiveness, all of it made my heart so feckin’ happy.
I love this world and all the characters in it. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and immediately downloaded book 2.
Looks like I’ve found me a new author to love! This book was a pleasant and delicious little surprise.
Heat for Hire is full of Alpha/omega deliciousness. And lots of liquids. LOL
Growling and purring and biting and knotting and…menoas...YES PLEASE. *big heart eyes* I was absolutely smitten over these alphas from Nasila. The care they take with their omegas, the aftercare they provide, the love they have, their protectiveness, all of it made my heart so feckin’ happy.
I love this world and all the characters in it. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and immediately downloaded book 2.
January 21, 2023
Did I understand what an omegaverse was before starting this book? No.
Do I understand what an omegaverse is now that I've read this book? Still no.
Something about intense biological need to get it on with an alpha? I think? There was a lot of fluids and uncontrollable bodily functions and that is about all that I know.
However, it didn't really affect my understanding or enjoyment of the story. I thought it was a sweet, low-angst read. The lack of communication between them was frustrating, but not horribly so.
Definitely a series I would like to return to eventually.
Do I understand what an omegaverse is now that I've read this book? Still no.
Something about intense biological need to get it on with an alpha? I think? There was a lot of fluids and uncontrollable bodily functions and that is about all that I know.
However, it didn't really affect my understanding or enjoyment of the story. I thought it was a sweet, low-angst read. The lack of communication between them was frustrating, but not horribly so.
Definitely a series I would like to return to eventually.
October 26, 2022
Didn’t she touch my scars and I touched hers, the both of us a bit banged up, but perfectly aligned when our broken pieces come together?
The moment I saw "Dirty Talking" and "Alpha and Omega" in Niki's review, I was sold. I'm a simple girl, give me a smut with lots of dirty talk and I'll be the happiest girl alive.
This was absolutely delicious. The sex. The dirty talk. The crotch snakes aka little tentacles??? gimme gimme gimme. Also the sweet emotion! The vulnerability they both showed little by little.
I finished this in one seating because I couldn't seem to put it down.
I loved how territorial and possessive Rhen was! GOD the primal sex was ah-mah-zing!!! But he was also sweet, attentive, madly in love and obsessed with Elli.
Fuck, this alpha is so deliciously decent, but he can talk dirty like a damn criminal.
Elli was admirable. Whatever life throws at her, she just rolls with it.
I loved Yada's dry sense of humor (I hope he will get his own book soon!) and also the world building and how the law protects omega because they are precious!
June 19, 2023
Very steamy
A hot, sweet story. I like this author and this didn’t disappoint. I am a survivor too, and these characters got to me. They both carried physical scars that changed how they saw themselves. Loved it. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5.
A hot, sweet story. I like this author and this didn’t disappoint. I am a survivor too, and these characters got to me. They both carried physical scars that changed how they saw themselves. Loved it. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5.
December 21, 2022
This was adorable.
October 14, 2024
He has an old battle wound that limits his ability to smooth an omega, and she, a partial mastectomy scar. They really were the perfect couple.
October 2, 2022
4.5 ⭐
I am constantly in awe of authors with this amount of talent and imagination. Does this stuff come to them in dreams? During meditation sessions? After taking peyote?
This book felt like the culmination of the best parts of multiple genres and tropes. I mean, just look at all my tags! ⬆️ And the full gamut of emotions that this wrenched from my chest...exquisite. In the first 15% or so I had whiplash - I laughed, I cried, I guffawed, I cried, I actually cackled.
***Spoilers***
Elli, late for a surgical consult for breast reconstructive surgery post partial mastectomy (which her insurance won't pay for because I guarantee our author lives in the USA), takes the wrong wormhole exit on the Intergalactic Highway. She crashes and ends up stranded for a month on a planet with very strict and structured laws regarding ABO designations. (Oh, did I forget to mention this is a sci-fi omegaverse rom com?) She has to hire a Registered Support Alpha to get her through the heat that they refuse to chemically suppress (for plot reasons). She chooses the alpha who extricate her from the crash who is considered "compromised"; because of an injury, he is unable to purr, which is essential to this job. So, this is our set-up. Elli does not feel like a woman anymore because of her disfigured breast and Rhen does not feel like a real alpha anymore because he can't purr. I think you can see where this is going. 100% my favorite trope. Done wonderfully and gave me all the feels.
The ending is a totally cheesy, overly dramatic RomCom ending, but in this context, amongst aliens and spaceports and omegaverse dynamics and the like, it ends up being so fu@king adorable. I mean, in order to keep the authorities from breaking into the room they've locked themselves into, he just ruts her up against the door. That's comedy gold right there.
I also feel it's worth mentioning that Ludwig did an A+ job researching breast cancer. The medical facts and emotions involved are portrayed accurately. And for anyone wondering, yes, these surgeries are extremely disfiguring and breast reconstruction can be vital to a woman's sense of self. It's not an elective surgery for vanity. If it happened to men, insurance would cover it. *End of PSA*
Bottom line, I loved this to death. Got a bit weird in the nest, but I will be rereading this, likely multiple times.
I am constantly in awe of authors with this amount of talent and imagination. Does this stuff come to them in dreams? During meditation sessions? After taking peyote?
This book felt like the culmination of the best parts of multiple genres and tropes. I mean, just look at all my tags! ⬆️ And the full gamut of emotions that this wrenched from my chest...exquisite. In the first 15% or so I had whiplash - I laughed, I cried, I guffawed, I cried, I actually cackled.
***Spoilers***
Elli, late for a surgical consult for breast reconstructive surgery post partial mastectomy (which her insurance won't pay for because I guarantee our author lives in the USA), takes the wrong wormhole exit on the Intergalactic Highway. She crashes and ends up stranded for a month on a planet with very strict and structured laws regarding ABO designations. (Oh, did I forget to mention this is a sci-fi omegaverse rom com?) She has to hire a Registered Support Alpha to get her through the heat that they refuse to chemically suppress (for plot reasons). She chooses the alpha who extricate her from the crash who is considered "compromised"; because of an injury, he is unable to purr, which is essential to this job. So, this is our set-up. Elli does not feel like a woman anymore because of her disfigured breast and Rhen does not feel like a real alpha anymore because he can't purr. I think you can see where this is going. 100% my favorite trope. Done wonderfully and gave me all the feels.
The ending is a totally cheesy, overly dramatic RomCom ending, but in this context, amongst aliens and spaceports and omegaverse dynamics and the like, it ends up being so fu@king adorable. I mean, in order to keep the authorities from breaking into the room they've locked themselves into, he just ruts her up against the door. That's comedy gold right there.
I also feel it's worth mentioning that Ludwig did an A+ job researching breast cancer. The medical facts and emotions involved are portrayed accurately. And for anyone wondering, yes, these surgeries are extremely disfiguring and breast reconstruction can be vital to a woman's sense of self. It's not an elective surgery for vanity. If it happened to men, insurance would cover it. *End of PSA*
Bottom line, I loved this to death. Got a bit weird in the nest, but I will be rereading this, likely multiple times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
A Sweet & Steamy Read
QUICKL👀K:
* Slow burn alien romance, involving miscommunication & misunderstandings
* Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic
* Knotting, ruts, heats, nesting, special 🍆, scenting, marking, biting, mate-bonds
* Spicy scenes & dirty talk (18+)
* Damaged leads that grow & heal
* Each book features a new couple & their HEA that can standalone. This is Book 1 in an ongoing series that may have overlapping threads, shared worldbuilding, & recurring cast.
___________________________________________
DETAILED L👁👁K:
This book focuses around a human omega's first heat. She crashes onto an alien a/b/o planet that has a system in place to help omegas get through this time safely and comfortably, with an approved alpha from their registry, in their state of the art omega facility, and an attendant to oversee everthing.
The only alpha she's comfortable taking is the one who saved her from the crash. Yet their heat contract is anything but normal.
Both leads have debilitating scars and insecurities- she lost a breast to cancer, and he lost his purr to enemy fire. Thankfully the heat doesn't care about self hangups, and gives them a boost to show all their peices. But when all is said and done, will they walk out the other side with a new reflection or does misery love company?
Understand that the plot does depend on a lack of communication, and some misunderstandings. It's a slow burn romance, with a lot of teasing to get her to full blown heat.
Opinion:
Starting with pros. I loved the alien a/b/o theme, and their instincts. It added an extra layer of naughty and fun to a sci-fi fated mates book. The main characters and supporting cast were totally likable, relatable, unforgettable. Loved the worldbuilding, creative ideas/culture, and the fun side adventures (such as the unique stores, wicker ball bed, special neck harness, fighting ring and much more). Their society was so neat, yes it was flawed but it had the best of intentions. The spice was intense and I loved everything about it, the dirty talk & K!nks. I will def continue the series.
Cons (not many but still worth mentioning since I gave 4stars). The misunderstanding was meh, I just don't like them in general, but especially when the leads are given a perfect opportunity to communicate yet decide to lie instead, for no good reason. It's redeemed but just felt unnecessary/not believable. I pretended the lie ddnt happen and enjoyed the story. There were a few obvious typos, but the author did their part by hiring an editor so it's not on them.
Overall it's a sweet and hot book that I'd recommend, especially if you're looking for a short book (200pgs) with spice & plot. I read in KU. Happy reading fellow romance enthusiasts!
QUICKL👀K:
* Slow burn alien romance, involving miscommunication & misunderstandings
* Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic
* Knotting, ruts, heats, nesting, special 🍆, scenting, marking, biting, mate-bonds
* Spicy scenes & dirty talk (18+)
* Damaged leads that grow & heal
* Each book features a new couple & their HEA that can standalone. This is Book 1 in an ongoing series that may have overlapping threads, shared worldbuilding, & recurring cast.
___________________________________________
DETAILED L👁👁K:
This book focuses around a human omega's first heat. She crashes onto an alien a/b/o planet that has a system in place to help omegas get through this time safely and comfortably, with an approved alpha from their registry, in their state of the art omega facility, and an attendant to oversee everthing.
The only alpha she's comfortable taking is the one who saved her from the crash. Yet their heat contract is anything but normal.
Both leads have debilitating scars and insecurities- she lost a breast to cancer, and he lost his purr to enemy fire. Thankfully the heat doesn't care about self hangups, and gives them a boost to show all their peices. But when all is said and done, will they walk out the other side with a new reflection or does misery love company?
Understand that the plot does depend on a lack of communication, and some misunderstandings. It's a slow burn romance, with a lot of teasing to get her to full blown heat.
Opinion:
Starting with pros. I loved the alien a/b/o theme, and their instincts. It added an extra layer of naughty and fun to a sci-fi fated mates book. The main characters and supporting cast were totally likable, relatable, unforgettable. Loved the worldbuilding, creative ideas/culture, and the fun side adventures (such as the unique stores, wicker ball bed, special neck harness, fighting ring and much more). Their society was so neat, yes it was flawed but it had the best of intentions. The spice was intense and I loved everything about it, the dirty talk & K!nks. I will def continue the series.
Cons (not many but still worth mentioning since I gave 4stars). The misunderstanding was meh, I just don't like them in general, but especially when the leads are given a perfect opportunity to communicate yet decide to lie instead, for no good reason. It's redeemed but just felt unnecessary/not believable. I pretended the lie ddnt happen and enjoyed the story. There were a few obvious typos, but the author did their part by hiring an editor so it's not on them.
Overall it's a sweet and hot book that I'd recommend, especially if you're looking for a short book (200pgs) with spice & plot. I read in KU. Happy reading fellow romance enthusiasts!
September 24, 2022
This book has all the feels!
The first book in V.K. Ludwigs new series, Alpha’s of Nasila, does not disappoint!
Elli has been through a lot. Most recently, winning her iight with breast cancer but at the loss of most of one breast. She’s finally been approved for reconstruction surgery, when her life took an unexpected turn. Literally. Right off the highway and through a wormhole.
Rhen has problems of his own when the Terran female suddenly ends up literally in his lap where she is suddenly thrown into heat. As an Alpha his instinct is to purr for her, to soothe her. Except that he can’t. Not like he used to, thanks to an injury years ago.
So he rushes her to an emergency intake facility where she’ll be safely taken care of through her heat cycle until she can get a ride back to Earth. Elli is given her choice of Alpha’s who can help her through her fast approaching heat cycle, but none of them appeal to her. Only Rhen can be what she wants. Him and his broken purr.
This book has everything. I laughed. I cried. I laughed AND cried (just wait till you get to the ‘incoherent report’) I loved every single thing about this book!
The first book in V.K. Ludwigs new series, Alpha’s of Nasila, does not disappoint!
Elli has been through a lot. Most recently, winning her iight with breast cancer but at the loss of most of one breast. She’s finally been approved for reconstruction surgery, when her life took an unexpected turn. Literally. Right off the highway and through a wormhole.
Rhen has problems of his own when the Terran female suddenly ends up literally in his lap where she is suddenly thrown into heat. As an Alpha his instinct is to purr for her, to soothe her. Except that he can’t. Not like he used to, thanks to an injury years ago.
So he rushes her to an emergency intake facility where she’ll be safely taken care of through her heat cycle until she can get a ride back to Earth. Elli is given her choice of Alpha’s who can help her through her fast approaching heat cycle, but none of them appeal to her. Only Rhen can be what she wants. Him and his broken purr.
This book has everything. I laughed. I cried. I laughed AND cried (just wait till you get to the ‘incoherent report’) I loved every single thing about this book!
October 24, 2022
4 stars
*chefs kiss*
*chefs kiss*
July 18, 2023
yeah now that i know what it's like an omega verse i need MOREEE!!!!!!!🏃🏼♀️🔥💖😈
April 12, 2024
Cute and super sweet sci fi omegaverse. Loved that this two broken characters formed a perfect duo. They definitely lifted eachother up 😊
June 26, 2023
Rating: 3.8 / 5
For all that this book focuses in a lot on the alpha-omega dynamic for needing to have sex and whatnot...
...It was actually pretty sweet. Not perfect, but sweet.
So, what's the story? Well, your average human (Terran) girl, Elli, makes a wrong turn when speeding places, and ends up going through a wormhole to....the wrong planet, more or less. There, she quickly finds herself...er..."rescued", but also majorly horny at the same time as she discovers that she is in fact an omega, and the alpha who rescued her is pretty much a "need sex NOW" hottie--as in she needs sex, not necessarily the hottie.
But the hottie in question, Rhen, is actually a police officer/soldier/warrior who's tasked with making sure the other alphas don't get out of hand, so it goes without saying that he's not looking to lose control himself. Because which, Rhen feels himself to be "compromised", since his purr--a mechanism that's supposed to calm omegas down--doesn't work as well after an accident.
This makes no difference to Elli though, who's a cancer survivor and therefore also sees herself as "compromised". Through a series of expositions, basically she's stuck on the planet for a month, during which time it's guaranteed that she's going to "go into heat", and therefore needs a responsible alpha to "take care of her" during that time--aka give her mind-blowing sex because...I guess there's supposed to be a consequence for the "if not" option, except that we never really find out what that is.
Anyway, Rhen is top choice, and thus begins their "contract" in Heat for Hire.
____________
So...time to catalogue the pluses and minuses of this to give reads an idea of what's good and what's not-so-good about everything here:
Pluses
+ Both Elli and Rhen are likable enough characters. While I wouldn't say that they're particularly original or anything like that, I like them both fine and chances are you will too!
+ It's NOT just jumping straight into sex, despite the book's heavy dependence on this topic. Like...yes, Elli and Rhen both want and need to have sex with each other, but Elli's not into doing it right away (despite her horniness) and so insists that she and Rhen get to know each other better first. They do this, and it works out great!--that's the best news!
+ Elli and Rhen's bonding is mega cute! <3
+ Oh yeah, the sex scenes are also steamy and great. Whew! (It definitely makes it hotter knowing that it's a desperate NEED for both of them to get down and dirty, no matter how intense it gets. Oh, they both WANT to, no worries, but the NEED element also counts for a lot here.)
And now...
The Minuses
- Descriptions of Elli's "slick" make her sound like a waterfall, or a hot water bag just full and...leaking. Like, I get descriptions of horny women in this genre, I really do, but there's a difference between a "squirt" and a "hose", get me?
- The ONLY conflict in this book is the whole "are we just a contract or can we mean more to each other" commitment-or-not thing. See, on the one hand, both Rhen and Elli like each other, but because they're just having sex as a contract for the hormone-keep-under-control reason or whatever, their main conflict ends up being whether they want to commit to one another or not. See, I'm usually quite against contract-starter relationships in general, but this time I was willing to give it a try because it was an interesting enough premise. And the premise works fine, don't get me wrong; it's just that when it becomes the major conflict in the book that could easily be resolved if the characters just openly COMMUNICATED, suddenly the plot doesn't become as engaging anymore. It just opens doors for "stupid misunderstandings", and those are a big no-no for me in any and all contexts.
- And...I guess that if it all comes down to it, Rhen and especially Elli COULD have been given a bit more character. *cough cough* Just saying.
- And another thing, just for those of us who don't know as much about the whole "omegaverse" thing: a few of the rules like the difference between rutting and knotting and whatnot could have been explained in a bit more detail. *coughs coughs* Just saying.
_____________
So...yup, that's about it! All in all, I'd still rate this up to a four-star read and recommend checking it out, but at the same time don't think that this is "shooting for the moon" or anything like that. Ultimately, it's just a nice story and pairing in this genre with a lot of hot sex along the way. Yup, that's it.
For all that this book focuses in a lot on the alpha-omega dynamic for needing to have sex and whatnot...
...It was actually pretty sweet. Not perfect, but sweet.
So, what's the story? Well, your average human (Terran) girl, Elli, makes a wrong turn when speeding places, and ends up going through a wormhole to....the wrong planet, more or less. There, she quickly finds herself...er..."rescued", but also majorly horny at the same time as she discovers that she is in fact an omega, and the alpha who rescued her is pretty much a "need sex NOW" hottie--as in she needs sex, not necessarily the hottie.
But the hottie in question, Rhen, is actually a police officer/soldier/warrior who's tasked with making sure the other alphas don't get out of hand, so it goes without saying that he's not looking to lose control himself. Because which, Rhen feels himself to be "compromised", since his purr--a mechanism that's supposed to calm omegas down--doesn't work as well after an accident.
This makes no difference to Elli though, who's a cancer survivor and therefore also sees herself as "compromised". Through a series of expositions, basically she's stuck on the planet for a month, during which time it's guaranteed that she's going to "go into heat", and therefore needs a responsible alpha to "take care of her" during that time--aka give her mind-blowing sex because...I guess there's supposed to be a consequence for the "if not" option, except that we never really find out what that is.
Anyway, Rhen is top choice, and thus begins their "contract" in Heat for Hire.
____________
So...time to catalogue the pluses and minuses of this to give reads an idea of what's good and what's not-so-good about everything here:
Pluses
+ Both Elli and Rhen are likable enough characters. While I wouldn't say that they're particularly original or anything like that, I like them both fine and chances are you will too!
+ It's NOT just jumping straight into sex, despite the book's heavy dependence on this topic. Like...yes, Elli and Rhen both want and need to have sex with each other, but Elli's not into doing it right away (despite her horniness) and so insists that she and Rhen get to know each other better first. They do this, and it works out great!--that's the best news!
+ Elli and Rhen's bonding is mega cute! <3
+ Oh yeah, the sex scenes are also steamy and great. Whew! (It definitely makes it hotter knowing that it's a desperate NEED for both of them to get down and dirty, no matter how intense it gets. Oh, they both WANT to, no worries, but the NEED element also counts for a lot here.)
And now...
The Minuses
- Descriptions of Elli's "slick" make her sound like a waterfall, or a hot water bag just full and...leaking. Like, I get descriptions of horny women in this genre, I really do, but there's a difference between a "squirt" and a "hose", get me?
- The ONLY conflict in this book is the whole "are we just a contract or can we mean more to each other" commitment-or-not thing. See, on the one hand, both Rhen and Elli like each other, but because they're just having sex as a contract for the hormone-keep-under-control reason or whatever, their main conflict ends up being whether they want to commit to one another or not. See, I'm usually quite against contract-starter relationships in general, but this time I was willing to give it a try because it was an interesting enough premise. And the premise works fine, don't get me wrong; it's just that when it becomes the major conflict in the book that could easily be resolved if the characters just openly COMMUNICATED, suddenly the plot doesn't become as engaging anymore. It just opens doors for "stupid misunderstandings", and those are a big no-no for me in any and all contexts.
- And...I guess that if it all comes down to it, Rhen and especially Elli COULD have been given a bit more character. *cough cough* Just saying.
- And another thing, just for those of us who don't know as much about the whole "omegaverse" thing: a few of the rules like the difference between rutting and knotting and whatnot could have been explained in a bit more detail. *coughs coughs* Just saying.
_____________
So...yup, that's about it! All in all, I'd still rate this up to a four-star read and recommend checking it out, but at the same time don't think that this is "shooting for the moon" or anything like that. Ultimately, it's just a nice story and pairing in this genre with a lot of hot sex along the way. Yup, that's it.
January 8, 2023
4 - 4.5 ⭐️ because of the potential of the rest of the series and the hint of interesting sexy side character which left me craving for more 🤪
This was EXACTLY what I needed! A sexy omegaverse romance with interesting characters with a chip in their shoulder who are just perfect for each other and learn to love themselves again, together….. during a very sexy heat 😏🥵😂 with lots of comfort and growling and purring and sassing and I loved it!
This was EXACTLY what I needed! A sexy omegaverse romance with interesting characters with a chip in their shoulder who are just perfect for each other and learn to love themselves again, together….. during a very sexy heat 😏🥵😂 with lots of comfort and growling and purring and sassing and I loved it!
April 11, 2025
3 ⭐️s !
Fun, sweet, scorchingly hot & smutty af 🔥❤️🔥🥵
Fun, sweet, scorchingly hot & smutty af 🔥❤️🔥🥵
February 6, 2026
I devoured this!
Oh my gosh, this was so much FUN! It was sexy and sweet, and I binged it. This book brings the all the vibes with lovable characters. If you like OV and want a quick, easy read, give Heat for Hire a go!
CW: Cancer (remission and treatment)
Oh my gosh, this was so much FUN! It was sexy and sweet, and I binged it. This book brings the all the vibes with lovable characters. If you like OV and want a quick, easy read, give Heat for Hire a go!
CW: Cancer (remission and treatment)
January 24, 2026
I knew exactly what I signed up for
January 10, 2023
I was surprised at how sweet this story was. I loved their banter and how they developed a friendship/relationship before anything happened. I also that Yada was an excellent side character and was hilarious. Great start to the series.
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