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Mates of the Domini #2
Spirit of the Domini
HOLLY IS A COWARD IN A WORLD OF WARRIORS
Anxiety and shyness have been her constant companions all of her life, and the only thing she dislikes more than instability is change. It's bad enough that everything she knows and love has been taken away from her, but she now finds herself on an alien planet populated by people that believe aggression can solve all problems. They call her brave, they call her a warrior, and it's an absolute joke.
ROMIVAL IS A SCHOLAR IN A WORLD OF SOLDIERS
He's not an aggressive male. Never has been. He's uninterested in searching for his mate, wanting only to focus on his research and his studies. Then, he gets his first real look at the skittish human female that he's been tasked with interviewing in his mission to find her planet. What are these changes coming over him? What is this protective anger he feels? How does one claim a female so easily spooked?
AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK
Combing the infinite universe for a single planet. Accepting yourself for who you are. Winning a female too scared to be won. Facing your future without flinching. It is not an easy thing to learn what it means to be a true warrior - to have the spirit of a domini.
Spirit of the Domini is a standalone MF romance that is part of a series with an overarching story. Each book can be read as a standalone, but, for max enjoyment, are best read in order.
Anxiety and shyness have been her constant companions all of her life, and the only thing she dislikes more than instability is change. It's bad enough that everything she knows and love has been taken away from her, but she now finds herself on an alien planet populated by people that believe aggression can solve all problems. They call her brave, they call her a warrior, and it's an absolute joke.
ROMIVAL IS A SCHOLAR IN A WORLD OF SOLDIERS
He's not an aggressive male. Never has been. He's uninterested in searching for his mate, wanting only to focus on his research and his studies. Then, he gets his first real look at the skittish human female that he's been tasked with interviewing in his mission to find her planet. What are these changes coming over him? What is this protective anger he feels? How does one claim a female so easily spooked?
AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK
Combing the infinite universe for a single planet. Accepting yourself for who you are. Winning a female too scared to be won. Facing your future without flinching. It is not an easy thing to learn what it means to be a true warrior - to have the spirit of a domini.
Spirit of the Domini is a standalone MF romance that is part of a series with an overarching story. Each book can be read as a standalone, but, for max enjoyment, are best read in order.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2023
130 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 6, 2024
4.25 stars
Nawww, this was really sweet! Holly is a bundle of nerves (which is honestly the most relatable type of FMC who has been abducted to an alien planet) and Romi is the biggest nerd on said alien who wants to study her. Luckily, Holly discovers a teacher and alien probe kink. 😏
The story was a little slow-paced at times (especially in the beginning), but at the same time with Holly being so nervous they needed that time for their relationship to develop. I loved the “heart eyes from learning about each other’s culture”, and how Romi appreciated the seductive powers of yoga. 🤣
Nawww, this was really sweet! Holly is a bundle of nerves (which is honestly the most relatable type of FMC who has been abducted to an alien planet) and Romi is the biggest nerd on said alien who wants to study her. Luckily, Holly discovers a teacher and alien probe kink. 😏
The story was a little slow-paced at times (especially in the beginning), but at the same time with Holly being so nervous they needed that time for their relationship to develop. I loved the “heart eyes from learning about each other’s culture”, and how Romi appreciated the seductive powers of yoga. 🤣
dnf
July 14, 2023DNF @ 47%
It’s been over a week since I’ve put this down and have had no desire to pick it back up 🤷🏻♀️
It’s been over a week since I’ve put this down and have had no desire to pick it back up 🤷🏻♀️
Read
July 28, 2023DNF 4%. The writing style isn’t working for me. Lots of info dumps and the FMC keeps making me roll my eyes. Take this inner monologue for example:
“He looked like a wizard. Untouchable, alien, and buzzing with a strange sort of power that she couldn't identify but could most definitely feel. She was not having the hots for an alien right now! Especially not a nerd alien. And there was no doubt that the wizardly First Scholar was the biggest nerd on the planet.”
“He looked like a wizard. Untouchable, alien, and buzzing with a strange sort of power that she couldn't identify but could most definitely feel. She was not having the hots for an alien right now! Especially not a nerd alien. And there was no doubt that the wizardly First Scholar was the biggest nerd on the planet.”
May 28, 2023
Anxious warrior
Holly has never been brave. Anxiety, depression, lupus, and other conditions left her a pain wracked ball of nerves. Being kidnapped by aliens didn't help that. But being saved by other aliens did. Because their advances cured the depression, lupus and cancer she didn't even know about. But the anxiety remained, especially because everything was new here. But Romival saw the warrior she was named and was fascinated by her strength. He'd found a new study. And for the foremost scholar on the planet, it meant dedication for life.
Spoilers ahead.
Ok, so the editing is still bad. And we added 2 mean girls instead of just the 1 on/off again of book 1. And they get away with a lot. For a society that hates bullies and reveres honor, there appear to be a disproportionate amount that don't fit the mindset. I have to say, the mean girls and the odd mindset of Holly, and the issues Hattie faced in the background, read more like a sci-fi YA than what I expected or enjoyed. And as a fellow anxiety riddled human I was looking forward to Holly's story. Her logic about pregnancy didn't make sense, though. The Domini have greater healing knowledge, private scanners and healing options, better systems for gravid and new families, better everything. All her worries and arguments against becoming pregnant were invalidated by her own discoveries. And by watching her best friend's progress. She kept saying she wanted a ball team sized family, then refused to become pregnant, knew what it meant culturally to Romi, hurt him anyway, ignored what she learned, and made the exact same arguments like a broken record stuck on infinite repeat. Then, bam, 180 with not a hiccup and no logical jump? It was decidedly odd. And the women aren't explaining why they got upset by the First Healer giving away their medical information. It's because human, women just got the rights to decide for themselves the last few decades. And even that is in jeopardy here lately thanks to conservative politicians. Have them explain that instead of just reacting badly with no explanation for the aliens clueless as to why. I liked parts of this story but have to admit that in some ways it lost the charm the 1st had. I'll read the 3rd to see if it reclaims it but if we stick with mean girls, bad reactions, poor logic and the really bad editing I'll probably tap out. I don't handle tropey crap very well. The only thing I can say is at least the Mary Sue trope and TSTL tropes have been avoided. So far. But Scarlet is near perfect and I'm a bit worried about the Mary Sue one rearing its head in the next book. Because MS tropes and mean girls seem to go hand in hand. And 2 for 2 we've gotten mean girls in the mix.
Oh, and the constant inner monologues and aliens talking about how sensual the human women are, and I mean constantly, is off putting. And while I can understand the higher fertility rates of humans may fascinate them and I can get behind studying it to see if that could help their own, the breeding kink is not my thing, either. But really, it was so many of them (especially the mean girls) reducing the human women to their reproductive organs that killed so much of the headway the 1st book gained.
Holly has never been brave. Anxiety, depression, lupus, and other conditions left her a pain wracked ball of nerves. Being kidnapped by aliens didn't help that. But being saved by other aliens did. Because their advances cured the depression, lupus and cancer she didn't even know about. But the anxiety remained, especially because everything was new here. But Romival saw the warrior she was named and was fascinated by her strength. He'd found a new study. And for the foremost scholar on the planet, it meant dedication for life.
Spoilers ahead.
Ok, so the editing is still bad. And we added 2 mean girls instead of just the 1 on/off again of book 1. And they get away with a lot. For a society that hates bullies and reveres honor, there appear to be a disproportionate amount that don't fit the mindset. I have to say, the mean girls and the odd mindset of Holly, and the issues Hattie faced in the background, read more like a sci-fi YA than what I expected or enjoyed. And as a fellow anxiety riddled human I was looking forward to Holly's story. Her logic about pregnancy didn't make sense, though. The Domini have greater healing knowledge, private scanners and healing options, better systems for gravid and new families, better everything. All her worries and arguments against becoming pregnant were invalidated by her own discoveries. And by watching her best friend's progress. She kept saying she wanted a ball team sized family, then refused to become pregnant, knew what it meant culturally to Romi, hurt him anyway, ignored what she learned, and made the exact same arguments like a broken record stuck on infinite repeat. Then, bam, 180 with not a hiccup and no logical jump? It was decidedly odd. And the women aren't explaining why they got upset by the First Healer giving away their medical information. It's because human, women just got the rights to decide for themselves the last few decades. And even that is in jeopardy here lately thanks to conservative politicians. Have them explain that instead of just reacting badly with no explanation for the aliens clueless as to why. I liked parts of this story but have to admit that in some ways it lost the charm the 1st had. I'll read the 3rd to see if it reclaims it but if we stick with mean girls, bad reactions, poor logic and the really bad editing I'll probably tap out. I don't handle tropey crap very well. The only thing I can say is at least the Mary Sue trope and TSTL tropes have been avoided. So far. But Scarlet is near perfect and I'm a bit worried about the Mary Sue one rearing its head in the next book. Because MS tropes and mean girls seem to go hand in hand. And 2 for 2 we've gotten mean girls in the mix.
Oh, and the constant inner monologues and aliens talking about how sensual the human women are, and I mean constantly, is off putting. And while I can understand the higher fertility rates of humans may fascinate them and I can get behind studying it to see if that could help their own, the breeding kink is not my thing, either. But really, it was so many of them (especially the mean girls) reducing the human women to their reproductive organs that killed so much of the headway the 1st book gained.
March 7, 2023
Full of passion, sweetness, acceptance, love and aliens
I loved loved Romival and Holly’s alien-human, fish out of water, opposites attract romance with a side of danger. This story started where the first book in the series ended. The five human woman are living on the alien planet, Turv, as guests of the Dominani, while they adjust to their new normal. While the first book focused on Peony and Atem, this one focuses on Holly and Romival though all the other woman are integral parts of the story. Holly came from a big earth family. She is shy and reserved and before the alien medical technology cured her, she suffered from depression, anxiety and lupus. Romival is the First Scholar, the biggest nerd in the planet. He recognizes Holly is his mate but also understands that he will have to win her slowly. I really loved the way Romival gently, lovingly, and beautifully courted Holly, helping her to come out of her health and self-imposed prison and begin to trust in herself and shine. To get to their HEA, they’ll have to deal with culture differences, threats from the Ratchi, and mean girls. The world building continued to be superb weaving in new threads as more of Turv’s society and characters are introduced, including the confusion between human and domini races and cultures. This alien romance includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - sweet moments, steamy scenes, fighting, dangerous situations, alien physiology and cultures, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, mystery, revelations, and laughs. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. While this is a standalone and you will not be lost if you have not read the first book in the series, there are some overarching storylines that you’ll enjoy more if you read the books in order. I cannot wait for Scarlett and Havali’s book next.
I loved loved Romival and Holly’s alien-human, fish out of water, opposites attract romance with a side of danger. This story started where the first book in the series ended. The five human woman are living on the alien planet, Turv, as guests of the Dominani, while they adjust to their new normal. While the first book focused on Peony and Atem, this one focuses on Holly and Romival though all the other woman are integral parts of the story. Holly came from a big earth family. She is shy and reserved and before the alien medical technology cured her, she suffered from depression, anxiety and lupus. Romival is the First Scholar, the biggest nerd in the planet. He recognizes Holly is his mate but also understands that he will have to win her slowly. I really loved the way Romival gently, lovingly, and beautifully courted Holly, helping her to come out of her health and self-imposed prison and begin to trust in herself and shine. To get to their HEA, they’ll have to deal with culture differences, threats from the Ratchi, and mean girls. The world building continued to be superb weaving in new threads as more of Turv’s society and characters are introduced, including the confusion between human and domini races and cultures. This alien romance includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - sweet moments, steamy scenes, fighting, dangerous situations, alien physiology and cultures, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, mystery, revelations, and laughs. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. While this is a standalone and you will not be lost if you have not read the first book in the series, there are some overarching storylines that you’ll enjoy more if you read the books in order. I cannot wait for Scarlett and Havali’s book next.
March 7, 2023
keeps getting better
The first book was amazing, and this one took it up a notch! Same lovable characters, more distinctive and vivid world building, and of course, the spice that we’re all here for. I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for the next book. Again, my only regret is that the series isn’t done because I’d binge these and every time I finish one, I’m so disappointed that it’s over.
The first book was amazing, and this one took it up a notch! Same lovable characters, more distinctive and vivid world building, and of course, the spice that we’re all here for. I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for the next book. Again, my only regret is that the series isn’t done because I’d binge these and every time I finish one, I’m so disappointed that it’s over.
February 28, 2023
an excellent sci-fi romance.
This author has written another proper full length novel in this series that has excellent world building, including some of the ancient domini language. The misunderstanding that happens when two people are in a relationship where they have different instincts and psychology in addition to cultural differences struck me as really authentic. I loved the hero and how devoted and caring he was toward the heroine. I also loved how different this heroine was to the heroine in the first book. She really came to life for me as the reader, and I found her really sympathetic when a heroine like her will typically leave me cold. It just shows how excellent of a job the author did with the characterization. There was plenty of plot, and the romantic relationship was both romantic and sizzling hot. The editing in this novel was also excellent, showing significant improvement in the craftsmanship of the writing and editing from the first novel, which was already great for a debut. Again, I love that this author writes proper, 300 circa novels that give the room to fully develop the story, plot, relationship development, and world building. Excellent work, Talia. I will probably buy your books in paperback if they are available that way.
This author has written another proper full length novel in this series that has excellent world building, including some of the ancient domini language. The misunderstanding that happens when two people are in a relationship where they have different instincts and psychology in addition to cultural differences struck me as really authentic. I loved the hero and how devoted and caring he was toward the heroine. I also loved how different this heroine was to the heroine in the first book. She really came to life for me as the reader, and I found her really sympathetic when a heroine like her will typically leave me cold. It just shows how excellent of a job the author did with the characterization. There was plenty of plot, and the romantic relationship was both romantic and sizzling hot. The editing in this novel was also excellent, showing significant improvement in the craftsmanship of the writing and editing from the first novel, which was already great for a debut. Again, I love that this author writes proper, 300 circa novels that give the room to fully develop the story, plot, relationship development, and world building. Excellent work, Talia. I will probably buy your books in paperback if they are available that way.
May 17, 2023
2.5. Thoughts while reading -
The use of the word 'smirk' in terms of the hero is so off-putting that I ran a word count for it - 46 times. 46. Romival seems to be constantly 'smirking' or 'smug'. It's not sexy, it just makes him seem very arrogant and condescending.
All the other human women are working towards some goal/interest/career but Holly isn't. She's just... there.
Romival's constant obsession with how seductive and sensual the human species is is unsettling. Does he actually like Holly or is he just wanting a human, any human? His thoughts/comments feel very objectifying.
This is my first experience reading of a character with a medical fetish - if that's what it is? His fascination with how her body works is kind of creeping me out. He edges her towards orgasm and right before he stops to medically scan her body. Now he's talking of having sex in one of his full body scanners. He's got a dedicated file for everything she's ever said to him, all of her medical data... what happens when he's learned everything about her body? Will he still be interested?
So, Romival's the First Scholar on the planet. The most intelligent person there is. He loves to learn. Eats, breathes, craves it. Holly, doesn't. Several characters question what he sees in her. I do too. I think it's purely because he just wants one of the 'sexy' humans.
Romival's breeding kink is weirding me out too. He basically claims her for breeding from the word go. He keeps asking about her reproductive system, getting extremely excited about how often she ovulates and how many kids her body is capable of giving him. Dude just wants a human body and a womb. He arrogantly assumes from the beginning that he can just have her and she'll breed for him.
WTF Romival, she didn't give you consent for your knot and you know it. She said no and you pushed a bit further. You just lost trustworthiness.
Really disliking the Academy comparing Holly and Hattie's body sizes and debating who was sexier. These aliens only seem to see worth in the humans as sex objects. Why do women constantly (even on an alien planet) have to be slaves to what males think they should look like? Who cares which woman you like? Like your opinion is what gives them worth?? I also didn't like how Holly refers to dieting as a healthy coping mechanism for Hattie. No, Hattie does not need to diet! A healthy coping mechanism is to eat normally and tell Tuvo to shove his opinion up his ass.
My favourite part was when Holly slammed the food trolley into the table in defense of Hattie. It was glorious! I re-read it several times. I'm struggling a little with this series but I do want to see Tuvo realise what he did to Hattie and then grovel - hard. At this point I'd even be happy if Hattie ended up with a completely different domini. Tuvo is not currently worthy.
OK, so I understand the whole nesting thing is part of domini culture and that the domini are trying to be understanding that humans could be different. I also understand that in domini relationships there is always a dominant and a submissive. But when Romival says that he will not be happy with Holly or their pup leaving the nest or having any visitors - that gives a serious abusive red flag to this human!
The use of the word 'smirk' in terms of the hero is so off-putting that I ran a word count for it - 46 times. 46. Romival seems to be constantly 'smirking' or 'smug'. It's not sexy, it just makes him seem very arrogant and condescending.
All the other human women are working towards some goal/interest/career but Holly isn't. She's just... there.
Romival's constant obsession with how seductive and sensual the human species is is unsettling. Does he actually like Holly or is he just wanting a human, any human? His thoughts/comments feel very objectifying.
This is my first experience reading of a character with a medical fetish - if that's what it is? His fascination with how her body works is kind of creeping me out. He edges her towards orgasm and right before he stops to medically scan her body. Now he's talking of having sex in one of his full body scanners. He's got a dedicated file for everything she's ever said to him, all of her medical data... what happens when he's learned everything about her body? Will he still be interested?
So, Romival's the First Scholar on the planet. The most intelligent person there is. He loves to learn. Eats, breathes, craves it. Holly, doesn't. Several characters question what he sees in her. I do too. I think it's purely because he just wants one of the 'sexy' humans.
Romival's breeding kink is weirding me out too. He basically claims her for breeding from the word go. He keeps asking about her reproductive system, getting extremely excited about how often she ovulates and how many kids her body is capable of giving him. Dude just wants a human body and a womb. He arrogantly assumes from the beginning that he can just have her and she'll breed for him.
WTF Romival, she didn't give you consent for your knot and you know it. She said no and you pushed a bit further. You just lost trustworthiness.
Really disliking the Academy comparing Holly and Hattie's body sizes and debating who was sexier. These aliens only seem to see worth in the humans as sex objects. Why do women constantly (even on an alien planet) have to be slaves to what males think they should look like? Who cares which woman you like? Like your opinion is what gives them worth?? I also didn't like how Holly refers to dieting as a healthy coping mechanism for Hattie. No, Hattie does not need to diet! A healthy coping mechanism is to eat normally and tell Tuvo to shove his opinion up his ass.
My favourite part was when Holly slammed the food trolley into the table in defense of Hattie. It was glorious! I re-read it several times. I'm struggling a little with this series but I do want to see Tuvo realise what he did to Hattie and then grovel - hard. At this point I'd even be happy if Hattie ended up with a completely different domini. Tuvo is not currently worthy.
OK, so I understand the whole nesting thing is part of domini culture and that the domini are trying to be understanding that humans could be different. I also understand that in domini relationships there is always a dominant and a submissive. But when Romival says that he will not be happy with Holly or their pup leaving the nest or having any visitors - that gives a serious abusive red flag to this human!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
Spirit of the Domini
Warning! This book is meant for mature readers! This is book two in the series. It picks up right where the first one left off, which is very nice.
Our ladies are now on a different planet and finding out how different and how similar the two cultures are. This is handled quite nicely by the author. I felt as if I was there, I could put myself in the situations.
I was never thrown out of the story by editing errors! A treat indeed!
Warning! This book is meant for mature readers! This is book two in the series. It picks up right where the first one left off, which is very nice.
Our ladies are now on a different planet and finding out how different and how similar the two cultures are. This is handled quite nicely by the author. I felt as if I was there, I could put myself in the situations.
I was never thrown out of the story by editing errors! A treat indeed!
June 20, 2023
omg it just gets better
So the books should not be read independently too much happens. But this author just keeps pumping out amazing books. Imma buy them after I am done with kindle unlimited. Just throw my Pennies at her.
So the books should not be read independently too much happens. But this author just keeps pumping out amazing books. Imma buy them after I am done with kindle unlimited. Just throw my Pennies at her.
July 1, 2023
This is hands-down some of the best alien romance I've read. 🏆 Best breeding kink with two adorable weirdos.
Currently reading
September 12, 2024I want to like this series so bad but it's just not clicking for me. I really dislike how the MMC goes on and on about how sexual human females are. Also the whole "human females have the hottest, tightest cunts in existence" thing was gross. Oh, also that many of the alien females hate the human women. I really dislike that trope in SFR. What a bummer.
-----------------------------
I mean... I just can't.
He was already familiar with how blatantly sexual her species was. She seemed to be completely unaware of it, but no male that spotted the humans could take his eyes away from their sensual curves, their sashaying movements, or their pretty, sparkling eyes
He didn't think he truly appreciated just how sexual humans were without even trying before this moment.
The way they moved alone was incredibly sexual.
Romival had noted it before, but until he had paid attention to Holly, he didn't really, truly understand just how sexual they were. Holly was probably the least sexual of them all, from a shape perspective
He had been given leave to interview them about their planet. Surely, Dominani wouldn't mind if he expanded that to include a few other topics. Like why they were so damnably sexual.
....and know what the most sexual species in the universe felt like on his tongue.
The problem was that the humans were so delicate. Incredibly sexual, powerfully sensual
The overt sexuality of the human females inflamed the libido beyond compare.
He wasn’t surprised that such a sexual species would have terms for the different facets of relationships.
He figured he already had an answer. After all, she was the most sexual species he’d ever heard of, and his touch made her whimper and writhe.
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I mean... I just can't.
October 7, 2023
Wow. if you like breeding, this book is for you. It's a common trope in alien romance but holy shit this was another level. There's I want you to have my child and then there's level of breeding.
Now that we've got that out of the way, I still like the series. I was kind of surprised Holly was the next book because I thought it would be Hattie and Tuvo or whoever Havali is mated to. (Hattie and Tuvo sidenote: I am not a fan of fatshaming as a plot device as I feel like it is never done well. The jury is out on this because miscommunication trope. But I was so pissed when I read that scene. like actually made a note of how angry at Tuvo I was.) I was also surprised by Holly as FMC because she and Scarlet seemed so against alien mates. I figured they would need more time to get used to the idea. However, I did like Holly and Romi together. Romival is a great MMC. Gotta love a hot nerd. He was so careful and caring with her. It is one of those couples that you truly feel like would be happy together forever in real life.
Something I didn't love is the concept that women as compared to all other alien life in the universe are inherently the most sexual. I'll have to see where the author goes with this. Maybe it is just Romival's scientific opinion.
Still liking the series overall.
Now that we've got that out of the way, I still like the series. I was kind of surprised Holly was the next book because I thought it would be Hattie and Tuvo or whoever Havali is mated to. (Hattie and Tuvo sidenote: I am not a fan of fatshaming as a plot device as I feel like it is never done well. The jury is out on this because miscommunication trope. But I was so pissed when I read that scene. like actually made a note of how angry at Tuvo I was.) I was also surprised by Holly as FMC because she and Scarlet seemed so against alien mates. I figured they would need more time to get used to the idea. However, I did like Holly and Romi together. Romival is a great MMC. Gotta love a hot nerd. He was so careful and caring with her. It is one of those couples that you truly feel like would be happy together forever in real life.
Something I didn't love is the concept that women as compared to all other alien life in the universe are inherently the most sexual. I'll have to see where the author goes with this. Maybe it is just Romival's scientific opinion.
Still liking the series overall.
August 7, 2023
This was good, it just had a few more issues than the first one, especially with the FMC and her back and forth. Like you told him you didn’t want to be pregnant, he 100% respects that, and then without talking to him you decide it’s ok to take a risk and maybe get pregnant and then you have the audacity to get mad at him for pulling out? Also I know they’re are a warrior race but I feel like there was a missed opportunity for this human girl with anxiety and PTSD to find love with an alien who doesn’t feel like he belongs because he isn’t a warrior type. Also some things were glossed over like the two mean girls
October 7, 2024
Look, I get the temptation to make rape and abuse seem horrific to alien cultures, I really do. Especially in books like these where the idea is to make the reader identify with the FMC and so when she's treated like a fragile, precious petal by the big honorable aliens, it makes the reader feel some kind of way.
But this sort of blatant sexism and borderline victim blaming isn't the way to do it. This is the second book where the human women have 'admitted' that some human men are abusive and the aliens have reacted as if they were shocked. SHOCKED. Because rape is only a thing humans do!! No aliens would ever dream of such a thing! (Just ignore the sexual slavery storyline from the last book)
And men can't be raped, it's only the delicate females who are constantly under threat! And all rape is done in dark alleys or alongside brutal domestic violence! So of course a civilized planet would never allow this!
It's never coercive. No one is ever bullied into sexual favors on this planet, or drinks a bit too much to say no, or makes an assumption that because they said yes last time, it will always be yes. Every single alien makes sure to get clear and enthusiastic consent every single time they have sex... and what is wrong with you human women that you've been putting up with anything else?
Good thing you've got these big, strong aliens who can explain how it should work and 'protect' you from all of that from now on.
Such a lovely, romantic notion.
OK read some more and what the actual fuck. The alien MMC does basically rape her after that. Stealthing is a form of rape and not letting the poor fragile human know that she can get pregnant if she has sex with you is stealthing. Then he frames it as her fault because 'she didn't ask' whether he'd completely redefined every truth she'd about been told her medical history. She was just magically supposed to know to ask whether the thing he'd been adamant about had suddenly changed.
This is why rape and abuse get excused so often. It's not always dark alleys. It's not always black eyes and broken bones. It's coercion. It's lies and withholding information and gaslighting. It's even ignorance and carelessness.
It's people who are genuinely shocked that rape exists and then turn around and do it themselves because THEY aren't in an alley, or hitting their victim, so what they're doing 'doesn't count as rape'.
But this sort of blatant sexism and borderline victim blaming isn't the way to do it. This is the second book where the human women have 'admitted' that some human men are abusive and the aliens have reacted as if they were shocked. SHOCKED. Because rape is only a thing humans do!! No aliens would ever dream of such a thing! (Just ignore the sexual slavery storyline from the last book)
And men can't be raped, it's only the delicate females who are constantly under threat! And all rape is done in dark alleys or alongside brutal domestic violence! So of course a civilized planet would never allow this!
It's never coercive. No one is ever bullied into sexual favors on this planet, or drinks a bit too much to say no, or makes an assumption that because they said yes last time, it will always be yes. Every single alien makes sure to get clear and enthusiastic consent every single time they have sex... and what is wrong with you human women that you've been putting up with anything else?
Good thing you've got these big, strong aliens who can explain how it should work and 'protect' you from all of that from now on.
Such a lovely, romantic notion.
OK read some more and what the actual fuck. The alien MMC does basically rape her after that. Stealthing is a form of rape and not letting the poor fragile human know that she can get pregnant if she has sex with you is stealthing. Then he frames it as her fault because 'she didn't ask' whether he'd completely redefined every truth she'd about been told her medical history. She was just magically supposed to know to ask whether the thing he'd been adamant about had suddenly changed.
This is why rape and abuse get excused so often. It's not always dark alleys. It's not always black eyes and broken bones. It's coercion. It's lies and withholding information and gaslighting. It's even ignorance and carelessness.
It's people who are genuinely shocked that rape exists and then turn around and do it themselves because THEY aren't in an alley, or hitting their victim, so what they're doing 'doesn't count as rape'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
DNF 57%
I would rate it a ~2 except I don’t like rating books I DNF lower than a 3. 🤷🏾♀️
FMC’s only character quality was anxiety. Nothing wrong with being an anxious person with no ambition irl but it’s not conducive for a main character in a character driven story to be that way.
The MMC was so weird too. He was so clinical and detached sometimes… his scientific interest in her body was honestly creepy to me. Referring to someone as a “experimental subject” and constantly running scans on their body to learn more about their anatomy is not my idea of foreplay. She kept referring to this as some type of “professor” quality and getting all hot and bothered by it. To me it felt less like they were engaging in a “professor” kink and more of an “experimental subject” kink. Not even a little bit sexy or romantic imo.
“When I’ve got you aroused. Before I have sex with you. I want to scan you to see the differences in your body chemistry and physiology. I want to know your arousal patterns. I want to see exactly what you’re feeling and how.” The words he spoke were clinical and dry, but the way he spoke them was like he was having incredibly hot phone sex. She could actually feel his dick jerking through his pants as he became excited at the idea. 😑
He also constantly spoke and thought about human women and how sensuous and sexual they were and how their bodies were made for sexual pleasure or whatever. Idk there is something about the frequency of this that bothered me… especially when juxtaposed with his other weird behavior.
I would rate it a ~2 except I don’t like rating books I DNF lower than a 3. 🤷🏾♀️
FMC’s only character quality was anxiety. Nothing wrong with being an anxious person with no ambition irl but it’s not conducive for a main character in a character driven story to be that way.
The MMC was so weird too. He was so clinical and detached sometimes… his scientific interest in her body was honestly creepy to me. Referring to someone as a “experimental subject” and constantly running scans on their body to learn more about their anatomy is not my idea of foreplay. She kept referring to this as some type of “professor” quality and getting all hot and bothered by it. To me it felt less like they were engaging in a “professor” kink and more of an “experimental subject” kink. Not even a little bit sexy or romantic imo.
“When I’ve got you aroused. Before I have sex with you. I want to scan you to see the differences in your body chemistry and physiology. I want to know your arousal patterns. I want to see exactly what you’re feeling and how.” The words he spoke were clinical and dry, but the way he spoke them was like he was having incredibly hot phone sex. She could actually feel his dick jerking through his pants as he became excited at the idea. 😑
He also constantly spoke and thought about human women and how sensuous and sexual they were and how their bodies were made for sexual pleasure or whatever. Idk there is something about the frequency of this that bothered me… especially when juxtaposed with his other weird behavior.
November 17, 2024
Exceptional Sci-Fi Romance!!
I wanted to wait till I finished the series to leave my review and I’m so glad I did! This is an overarching series, where each book show cases a different couple, yet keeps the others close enough that you feel their story continues. I have to say, this has become one of my top favorite sci-fi romances!
After reading all of them, I’m pleasantly surprised that Holly and Romi were my favorites! I love them so much. I like their growth as individuals as well as their personalities as they come together. And who doesn’t love a sexy nerd who is also a freak in the sheets!?
All in all, I absolutely encourage you read, it’s 10/10 worth it! My only grievance for any of the books is that sometimes I felt like certain things were spoiled, instead of expanded on. I understand they’re long books already, and we can’t spend too much time in every moment, but some of the things mentioned came out as a offhanded comment by another character, which wasn’t bad, but I would’ve like more pomp and circumstance for those moments, even if a couple more lines.
Still, if you AT ALL like alien romances, then this series will be one of your favorites as well, I have no doubt! Each book was a 5 ⭐️ for me in its own right but even as an entire series it was exceptional. I truly hope to see more from this author in this universe!
I wanted to wait till I finished the series to leave my review and I’m so glad I did! This is an overarching series, where each book show cases a different couple, yet keeps the others close enough that you feel their story continues. I have to say, this has become one of my top favorite sci-fi romances!
After reading all of them, I’m pleasantly surprised that Holly and Romi were my favorites! I love them so much. I like their growth as individuals as well as their personalities as they come together. And who doesn’t love a sexy nerd who is also a freak in the sheets!?
All in all, I absolutely encourage you read, it’s 10/10 worth it! My only grievance for any of the books is that sometimes I felt like certain things were spoiled, instead of expanded on. I understand they’re long books already, and we can’t spend too much time in every moment, but some of the things mentioned came out as a offhanded comment by another character, which wasn’t bad, but I would’ve like more pomp and circumstance for those moments, even if a couple more lines.
Still, if you AT ALL like alien romances, then this series will be one of your favorites as well, I have no doubt! Each book was a 5 ⭐️ for me in its own right but even as an entire series it was exceptional. I truly hope to see more from this author in this universe!
December 31, 2024
Seems fitting to end the year like how I started it... by reading alien romance. It's a full circle moment.
But truly, this book had no right to be this good. I didn't read the first of the series since these could be read as standalones, but I was immediately hooked in. The plot is easy to follow, the characters are relatable, the alien world-building is done so well that I was transported into their world. I especially love how relatable the FMC is - she was riddled with anxiety and fear at now having to live in an alien planet, and who woudn't be?? The MMC is understanding, patient, passionate. He understood what the FMC was going through and he was willing to work for it for the sake of their relationship. Seriously, I didn't expect to like this one so much. I'll def be reading the rest of the series.
But truly, this book had no right to be this good. I didn't read the first of the series since these could be read as standalones, but I was immediately hooked in. The plot is easy to follow, the characters are relatable, the alien world-building is done so well that I was transported into their world. I especially love how relatable the FMC is - she was riddled with anxiety and fear at now having to live in an alien planet, and who woudn't be?? The MMC is understanding, patient, passionate. He understood what the FMC was going through and he was willing to work for it for the sake of their relationship. Seriously, I didn't expect to like this one so much. I'll def be reading the rest of the series.
June 2, 2023
The hero is the "First Scholar" and basically the smartest alien on the entire planet. He is described as a sexy nerd who loves learning new things and studying her body. Seriously, he likes scanning her with a medical scanner while they are being physically intimate so he can see how her body changes.
I liked how patient he was with her. He knew she was nervous and shy and an introvert. So he started hanging around and learning to do yoga with her. Watching her and learning what foods she liked and how she spent her time.
He talked to her and got to know her. He wanted to get her to be comfortable with him. So he followed her routine and had plans to get her to accept him. It was cute.
There are many steamy scenes. The hero loves the color pink when she blushes.
I liked how patient he was with her. He knew she was nervous and shy and an introvert. So he started hanging around and learning to do yoga with her. Watching her and learning what foods she liked and how she spent her time.
He talked to her and got to know her. He wanted to get her to be comfortable with him. So he followed her routine and had plans to get her to accept him. It was cute.
There are many steamy scenes. The hero loves the color pink when she blushes.
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A standout in the series, Spirit of the Domini is a quiet, introspective romance with tremendous emotional depth. Holly’s anxiety and introversion are portrayed with empathy and realism, making her easy to root for. Romival, a gentle, intellectual alien, is her perfect counterpart—a male who would rather listen than fight. Their relationship is a slow, sweet burn built on trust and mutual understanding, not instant attraction or primal claiming. Their journey together highlights the courage it takes to open up, making this story feel deeply human despite its alien setting. This book may move slower than others, but the payoff is worth every page.
A standout in the series, Spirit of the Domini is a quiet, introspective romance with tremendous emotional depth. Holly’s anxiety and introversion are portrayed with empathy and realism, making her easy to root for. Romival, a gentle, intellectual alien, is her perfect counterpart—a male who would rather listen than fight. Their relationship is a slow, sweet burn built on trust and mutual understanding, not instant attraction or primal claiming. Their journey together highlights the courage it takes to open up, making this story feel deeply human despite its alien setting. This book may move slower than others, but the payoff is worth every page.
May 13, 2025
DNF @ 21%
Breeding kink is not my favorite, but I can still enjoy books that feature it. Except for this one, that is. Romival's constant inner monologuing about how sexy humans are, and they have no idea how sexual everything they do is, and did he mention that human women are inherently sexy? is so gross to me. And then he starts examining Holly like she's some breeding stock, grabbing her lip and unconsensually undressing her so her can see how far down her blush goes, asking inappropriate questions about how many babies she can have and does blushing mean she wants to have sex with him? Ugh, gross. No alien incels for me.
Breeding kink is not my favorite, but I can still enjoy books that feature it. Except for this one, that is. Romival's constant inner monologuing about how sexy humans are, and they have no idea how sexual everything they do is, and did he mention that human women are inherently sexy? is so gross to me. And then he starts examining Holly like she's some breeding stock, grabbing her lip and unconsensually undressing her so her can see how far down her blush goes, asking inappropriate questions about how many babies she can have and does blushing mean she wants to have sex with him? Ugh, gross. No alien incels for me.
May 19, 2023
I loved this book and both MCs. It was sweet and spicy and while still long didn't drag like the first book did. Who wouldn't want a super alien nerd wizard like Romi?
Sadly, while I adored this one, the 3rd was dreadful and now I don't see myself continuing this series, which is a true shame because I had been looking forward to Hattie's story. This author started off with a great series but then introduced some very heavy kinks in book 3 that are nothing like the first 2 books. That was a huge mistake and lost her a reader.
Sadly, while I adored this one, the 3rd was dreadful and now I don't see myself continuing this series, which is a true shame because I had been looking forward to Hattie's story. This author started off with a great series but then introduced some very heavy kinks in book 3 that are nothing like the first 2 books. That was a huge mistake and lost her a reader.
November 12, 2024
The Nerd and The Nerves
What I liked about this book is how adorably nerdy Roma was. But his extreme intellect is the reason he and Holly were so perfect for each other. His observations of her enabled him to meet her exactly where she was and use his strengths to bolster her confidence and nervousness. I found the difference in the cultures could have caused a lot more problems than it did and the world building was magical. Lots of action and sexy times. I just wish Holly would have really knocked her tormentor’s socks off at least once.
What I liked about this book is how adorably nerdy Roma was. But his extreme intellect is the reason he and Holly were so perfect for each other. His observations of her enabled him to meet her exactly where she was and use his strengths to bolster her confidence and nervousness. I found the difference in the cultures could have caused a lot more problems than it did and the world building was magical. Lots of action and sexy times. I just wish Holly would have really knocked her tormentor’s socks off at least once.
May 31, 2025
Spirit
Book 2 of the Domini series was admittedly a bit more difficult for me to get into than the first book. Holly is skittish and more of a gentle FMC whereas I typically enjoy reading about tougher FMCs. And I regret being biased about our girl Holly because she certainly proves herself to be a formidable woman. Her connection to First Scholar Romival is sweet and there's something about the wizard-like nerd that appeals to me as well. Learning more about the Domini and the planet of Turv was exciting and I look forward to learning more about the Coalition. 4/5 stars.
Book 2 of the Domini series was admittedly a bit more difficult for me to get into than the first book. Holly is skittish and more of a gentle FMC whereas I typically enjoy reading about tougher FMCs. And I regret being biased about our girl Holly because she certainly proves herself to be a formidable woman. Her connection to First Scholar Romival is sweet and there's something about the wizard-like nerd that appeals to me as well. Learning more about the Domini and the planet of Turv was exciting and I look forward to learning more about the Coalition. 4/5 stars.
March 16, 2023
Domini
Talks Chez Domini series is worth purchasing . I read books 1 & 2 via kindle unlimited but after reading them I purchased both books . I enjoyed Talks writing style and story telling . The couples work together and bond without all the on again off again on again turbulence of many story tellers.
Talks Chez Domini series is worth purchasing . I read books 1 & 2 via kindle unlimited but after reading them I purchased both books . I enjoyed Talks writing style and story telling . The couples work together and bond without all the on again off again on again turbulence of many story tellers.
May 20, 2025
Great book! Definitely worth the read!!
The first book in the series was great especially establishing the world and the people but it was a little too porny with plot for me this one was really great really nice (though its still really horny, lol) and it set up the Next book's plot point plus hinted at couples coming.Absolutely lovely read.
The first book in the series was great especially establishing the world and the people but it was a little too porny with plot for me this one was really great really nice (though its still really horny, lol) and it set up the Next book's plot point plus hinted at couples coming.Absolutely lovely read.
August 24, 2025
Ngl MMC was kinda beta but I really liked him. Their chemistry was 🔥 This felt a lot like the ice planet barbarians series and reminded me of it. Ugh I miss that series so much.
I really enjoyed the writing style here. I want to read the other books in the series but idk the plots don’t sound as interesting.
I really enjoyed the writing style here. I want to read the other books in the series but idk the plots don’t sound as interesting.
March 10, 2023
Intriguing new world
Really enjoying this series by Talia, she has created an entire new fascinating world with wonderfully written stories. Romi and Holly were a wonderful match, both warriors in completely different ways than most would expect. Really enjoyed it.
Really enjoying this series by Talia, she has created an entire new fascinating world with wonderfully written stories. Romi and Holly were a wonderful match, both warriors in completely different ways than most would expect. Really enjoyed it.
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