What do you think?
Rate this book
Interspecies Alliances #2
The Alien Infiltrator
“He gets under my skin like a splinter. Like shrapnel.”
Leon Hess has just started a war. As the Resistance’s new leader, the only thing that matters to him is driving out the Klah’Eel forces that have occupied his home for decades. He will do whatever it takes, pay whatever cost, deploy whatever tool he must.
But his best tool, the one that makes everything possible, is also the man he can’t bear to look in the eye.
Sebastian is a torvar—a parasitic worm physically capable of body-hopping at will and morally capable of body-stealing with impunity. As the most hated and feared of all races, instead of living a quiet life hiding his nature, Sebastian chose to out himself and use his considerable skills to fight for the land he loves.
But no matter how hard he works himself or how often he risks his life for his country, for the Resistance, for Leon Hess, the man won’t even acknowledge him!
As the war rages around them, Leon and Sebastian will be forced to settle their differences, to form an unstoppable team, and to sacrifice more than they ever imagined.
The Alien Infiltrator is Book 3 in the Interspecies Alliances series and features pining, power dynamics, and plot. It takes place right after—like, right after—The Alien Bodyguard and contains cameos and spoilers for the Bodyguard’s couple (and its big plot twist).
Leon Hess has just started a war. As the Resistance’s new leader, the only thing that matters to him is driving out the Klah’Eel forces that have occupied his home for decades. He will do whatever it takes, pay whatever cost, deploy whatever tool he must.
But his best tool, the one that makes everything possible, is also the man he can’t bear to look in the eye.
Sebastian is a torvar—a parasitic worm physically capable of body-hopping at will and morally capable of body-stealing with impunity. As the most hated and feared of all races, instead of living a quiet life hiding his nature, Sebastian chose to out himself and use his considerable skills to fight for the land he loves.
But no matter how hard he works himself or how often he risks his life for his country, for the Resistance, for Leon Hess, the man won’t even acknowledge him!
As the war rages around them, Leon and Sebastian will be forced to settle their differences, to form an unstoppable team, and to sacrifice more than they ever imagined.
The Alien Infiltrator is Book 3 in the Interspecies Alliances series and features pining, power dynamics, and plot. It takes place right after—like, right after—The Alien Bodyguard and contains cameos and spoilers for the Bodyguard’s couple (and its big plot twist).
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2022
88 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 16, 2023
Slightly spoilery, but i love it when lovers (who are also fighters...on more than one front...so in this case for the resistance lol) do heroic shit together. that is all.🛸👾
November 18, 2023
Hats off to this author for making me enjoy an MC that is a parasitic worm invading peoples bodies. He is basically a mind controlling witchetty grub (google this, it’s creepily accurate to the on-page description). And I loved him. This was so much better than the other books in this series which showed a lot of promise but left me wanting more, this felt far more satisfying.
The other two books are Novella length and although with great ideas the pacing/relationship development/missing parts wasn’t enough for me. This book however felt way more fleshed out and the relationship had a lot more oomph to it. There is still some missing parts, tricky without giving spoilers but in particular Farlons role? I was sure it was alluding to them being past lovers or a past deep crush and then it was ??father/son and then I was thinking maybe something dodgy went on but then it never got resolved. Maybe we find out more later on.
There are some other scenes that I really needed on page that were skipped over - one of Sebastian’s particular body possessions would have been great from Leon’s perspective and also a time skip towards the end..the first one in particular felt like a wasted moment that could have been really impactful on page. There was some excellent scenes though showing Sebastian’s various body possessions that I felt were really well done and I loved the interesting way the concept was handled. This had a refreshing lack of heavy internal monologue which I appreciated and a great mix of romance/action.
Overall I’m impressed so it’s getting 5 stars. This also gave me nostalgic feelings cos I’m a real sap for childhood reads. It reminded me of the Animorphs series that I read as a teen which had a similar parasitic worm invasion and the spin offs were in the POV of the alien worm species. This sent me down a rabbit hole of looking up this series that I hadn’t thought of in years which was fun.
The other two books are Novella length and although with great ideas the pacing/relationship development/missing parts wasn’t enough for me. This book however felt way more fleshed out and the relationship had a lot more oomph to it. There is still some missing parts, tricky without giving spoilers but in particular Farlons role? I was sure it was alluding to them being past lovers or a past deep crush and then it was ??father/son and then I was thinking maybe something dodgy went on but then it never got resolved. Maybe we find out more later on.
There are some other scenes that I really needed on page that were skipped over - one of Sebastian’s particular body possessions would have been great from Leon’s perspective and also a time skip towards the end..the first one in particular felt like a wasted moment that could have been really impactful on page. There was some excellent scenes though showing Sebastian’s various body possessions that I felt were really well done and I loved the interesting way the concept was handled. This had a refreshing lack of heavy internal monologue which I appreciated and a great mix of romance/action.
Overall I’m impressed so it’s getting 5 stars. This also gave me nostalgic feelings cos I’m a real sap for childhood reads. It reminded me of the Animorphs series that I read as a teen which had a similar parasitic worm invasion and the spin offs were in the POV of the alien worm species. This sent me down a rabbit hole of looking up this series that I hadn’t thought of in years which was fun.
February 16, 2025
3.5**** stars
God, I loved Sebastian so so much but damn did I have a hard time warming up to Leon. I was honestly very very tempted to just dnf somewhere in the first half. But as the story surrounding the romance was pretty eventful and action filled I was able to hang on long enough to get comfortable and even invested with the romantic part of it. For Sebastian’s sake.
Sebastian is the only openly out torvar (a kind of worm/parasite who lives in another one’s body) and you see him switching bodies quite a lot.
Not everyone in the resistance is cool with torvar’s in general though, so I’m looking forward to the next book with Maxwell as the main character, a torvar in hiding, and Garrett as his love interest, who is not at all fond of the creatures. I expect a lot of delicious heartache.
****************
Interspecies Alliances Series
Prequel - The Alien Emissary - 4.0 stars
Book 1 - The Alien Bodyguard - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Alien Infiltrator - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - The Alien Medic - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - The Alien Soldier - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - The Alien Scientist - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - The Alien Prince - tbd
God, I loved Sebastian so so much but damn did I have a hard time warming up to Leon. I was honestly very very tempted to just dnf somewhere in the first half. But as the story surrounding the romance was pretty eventful and action filled I was able to hang on long enough to get comfortable and even invested with the romantic part of it. For Sebastian’s sake.
“You’re alive. You’re safe. You’re mine.”
Sebastian is the only openly out torvar (a kind of worm/parasite who lives in another one’s body) and you see him switching bodies quite a lot.
Torvars, as a general rule, did not give out the details of their physical realities. Aside from it being generally distasteful to others, torvars were a despised and hunted race, and they guarded their weaknesses closely.
Not everyone in the resistance is cool with torvar’s in general though, so I’m looking forward to the next book with Maxwell as the main character, a torvar in hiding, and Garrett as his love interest, who is not at all fond of the creatures. I expect a lot of delicious heartache.
****************
Interspecies Alliances Series
Prequel - The Alien Emissary - 4.0 stars
Book 1 - The Alien Bodyguard - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Alien Infiltrator - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - The Alien Medic - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - The Alien Soldier - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - The Alien Scientist - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - The Alien Prince - tbd
December 29, 2022
unique take on alien invasions
I’ve loved this series so much. Every book being so unique. This one focuses on the Resistance leader Hess and his main soldier Sebastian. Many secrets are revealed and boy was this book intense!
There’s a part at 69% that will blow your mind 🤯. It’s so hot! The chemistry between these characters and the sort of love/hate they have going on is so perfect.
The end was a bit anticlimactic for me but at least there was an HEA and Maxwell gets a book! I’m super excited for that. I’m not ready to let this universe go just yet!
I’ve loved this series so much. Every book being so unique. This one focuses on the Resistance leader Hess and his main soldier Sebastian. Many secrets are revealed and boy was this book intense!
There’s a part at 69% that will blow your mind 🤯. It’s so hot! The chemistry between these characters and the sort of love/hate they have going on is so perfect.
The end was a bit anticlimactic for me but at least there was an HEA and Maxwell gets a book! I’m super excited for that. I’m not ready to let this universe go just yet!
November 26, 2023
The first two in this series were short and entertaining but there was definitely some world building missing. I needed to catch up so I re-read and this third is a full length book with far more backstory and SUCH A UNIQUE MC PAIRING… I really really enjoyed every moment of this book. Which is saying something considering I’ve hated nearly every book I’ve read this year.
November 20, 2023
I can't help but think this book could've offered us so much more, especially considering the length of it, so I'm giving it 3.75⭐ for the story, but I'll round it up, because we're staying in this world for a few more installments and I'm hopeful. This book is not a 4⭐ book though and I'll elaborate why, but I did appreciate the unique ideas and the writing.
It was promised Ma'Lik and Oliver would get their HEA in this book, but they didn't. They were rarely mentioned and just in passing. We only get a glimpse into their life in Southern Tava, so I can only imagine how they feel and what they're going through. Unsatisfying, since their love story started a major turnaround in this series and their book could've been more about them, not a long prequel to this one.
We do however meet Zyk and Ha'ral again, they are the MMCs from the Alien Refugee and the ones who start the Carta Cartel and here's yet another story that was a prequel (!), you should read it before you start this series and the MMCs there begin a pretty major criminal alliance, that is - again - not further developed or explained, but appears to be a major player in this book and all the rest that follow, I presume. I absolutely loved Zyk and Ha'ral and to meet them now, so many years down the line where they're both much older, was a very appreciated and heartwarming addition to this book.
🟣 Plot-heavy
🟢 Human settlement, refugees
🔴 Impending war
🟡 Parasitic species (worms)
🟠 Love story in the background (more or less)
🔵 MMCs and love story underdeveloped
🌶️ Some spice, didn't satisfy; t/b
This book offers a detailed and quite developed political plot for all the species and planets involved in this world, so if for nothing else, you'll be wanting to read this story for that, it is very interesting and well thoughtout.
However, I feel like the author had this big, fantastic idea, but every book offers just a glimpse into her amazing alien world, the books should've been longer and the past of the events to transpire more explained.
In this particular installment we're meeting Sebastian, a parasitic worm that can take over any body form and live there for as long as that body is physically alive - kind of like a body snatcher. Everyone in this universe is afraid of this torvar species and stays away. Sebastian, as it turns out, is not only a torvar, but a part of a very important family in Tava.
Leon, the head of the Resistance for liberating Tava under the governance of Klah'Eel, is enamoured with Sebastian, he's been pining for the guy for years, ever since Sebastian joined the Resistance in his teenage years, so that would be really, really nice to read about. We're coming here in the middle of the story where these two are already adults and having a tense, hateful work relationship. There's pining on both sides and then getting together, but in a very unsatisfying way for my taste. This love connection had a very strong potential for the enemies-to-lovers trope, but failed to deliver that trope. It wasn't enemies, it was just miscommunication.
Leon and Sebastian in my mind if the story were as developed as I imagined it could be.
In essence, this is what they were, intimate and intertwined. But sadly, not in the story, but if you put bits and pieces together and imagine a few more events in between, you'd get this visual.
Leon was a character that I almost disliked. He is a leader of the Resistance, a strong, cruel man, but that cruelty was nowhere to be seen, if anything this guy was making questionable decisions and his character should've been desperately more developed. His past for example, he was a kid that was orphaned with the invasion of Klah'Eel, he came to the Resistance and was groomed to be the next leader, yet by the end of the story he realises he's doing things their previous leader wanted, not him - but that's dealt with in a sentence or two, as is this great leader they had before Leon took over that seemed like an important figure for Leon, it was almost implied he was Leon's father? And again, not developed further.
The love connection itself left much to be desired. Leon's pining was almost not-believable, where Sebastian's was quite palpable. Sebastian wanted and felt, while Leon was thinking about leaving Sebastian even at almost the end of the book! His words of longing and strong emotion didn't persuade me at all. As a character, Leon was not the strong, imposing and dominant man the book would make you believe, his actions pointed at something else entirely and that was low self-esteem, no emotional maturity and no depth.
No depth in sex either. It was just that, sex. Which is fine, but it should progress as the story moves on. A little bit of cuddling was there, but that was it. I get it, it's a particular situation with all the members of the Resistance living almost as homeless men and always having stress and war over their heads, but I couldn't feel the MMCs falling in love or feeling like their relationship is the one both have been wanting or looking for - despite the situation they're in. That event at the end of the book kind of solidified it for me, Leon still didn't think for himself or progress as a character and we were almost finished with the story. He did redeem himself in the last few pages, but he still didn't ensure my fondness for him.
Much was left to be said here and for a 400 pages long book I'm sure the author kept only the important parts in the story so the plot can continue, but what every book here is strongly missing is that prologue, that strong foundation where we're let into the lives of these MMCs to really understand why the are the way they are at present.
Not to mention a satisfying ending the MMCs should get - they get it but again, it's short, dealt only with the event they're in at that moment (because the plot has to continue, I know), but there should be more of their path together in their book, not only the resolve of the situation and the end.
Hopefully Maxwell gets a better story.
It was promised Ma'Lik and Oliver would get their HEA in this book, but they didn't. They were rarely mentioned and just in passing. We only get a glimpse into their life in Southern Tava, so I can only imagine how they feel and what they're going through. Unsatisfying, since their love story started a major turnaround in this series and their book could've been more about them, not a long prequel to this one.
We do however meet Zyk and Ha'ral again, they are the MMCs from the Alien Refugee and the ones who start the Carta Cartel and here's yet another story that was a prequel (!), you should read it before you start this series and the MMCs there begin a pretty major criminal alliance, that is - again - not further developed or explained, but appears to be a major player in this book and all the rest that follow, I presume. I absolutely loved Zyk and Ha'ral and to meet them now, so many years down the line where they're both much older, was a very appreciated and heartwarming addition to this book.
🟣 Plot-heavy
🟢 Human settlement, refugees
🔴 Impending war
🟡 Parasitic species (worms)
🟠 Love story in the background (more or less)
🔵 MMCs and love story underdeveloped
🌶️ Some spice, didn't satisfy; t/b
This book offers a detailed and quite developed political plot for all the species and planets involved in this world, so if for nothing else, you'll be wanting to read this story for that, it is very interesting and well thoughtout.
However, I feel like the author had this big, fantastic idea, but every book offers just a glimpse into her amazing alien world, the books should've been longer and the past of the events to transpire more explained.
In this particular installment we're meeting Sebastian, a parasitic worm that can take over any body form and live there for as long as that body is physically alive - kind of like a body snatcher. Everyone in this universe is afraid of this torvar species and stays away. Sebastian, as it turns out, is not only a torvar, but a part of a very important family in Tava.
Leon, the head of the Resistance for liberating Tava under the governance of Klah'Eel, is enamoured with Sebastian, he's been pining for the guy for years, ever since Sebastian joined the Resistance in his teenage years, so that would be really, really nice to read about. We're coming here in the middle of the story where these two are already adults and having a tense, hateful work relationship. There's pining on both sides and then getting together, but in a very unsatisfying way for my taste. This love connection had a very strong potential for the enemies-to-lovers trope, but failed to deliver that trope. It wasn't enemies, it was just miscommunication.
Leon and Sebastian in my mind if the story were as developed as I imagined it could be.
In essence, this is what they were, intimate and intertwined. But sadly, not in the story, but if you put bits and pieces together and imagine a few more events in between, you'd get this visual.
Leon was a character that I almost disliked. He is a leader of the Resistance, a strong, cruel man, but that cruelty was nowhere to be seen, if anything this guy was making questionable decisions and his character should've been desperately more developed. His past for example, he was a kid that was orphaned with the invasion of Klah'Eel, he came to the Resistance and was groomed to be the next leader, yet by the end of the story he realises he's doing things their previous leader wanted, not him - but that's dealt with in a sentence or two, as is this great leader they had before Leon took over that seemed like an important figure for Leon, it was almost implied he was Leon's father? And again, not developed further.
The love connection itself left much to be desired. Leon's pining was almost not-believable, where Sebastian's was quite palpable. Sebastian wanted and felt, while Leon was thinking about leaving Sebastian even at almost the end of the book! His words of longing and strong emotion didn't persuade me at all. As a character, Leon was not the strong, imposing and dominant man the book would make you believe, his actions pointed at something else entirely and that was low self-esteem, no emotional maturity and no depth.
No depth in sex either. It was just that, sex. Which is fine, but it should progress as the story moves on. A little bit of cuddling was there, but that was it. I get it, it's a particular situation with all the members of the Resistance living almost as homeless men and always having stress and war over their heads, but I couldn't feel the MMCs falling in love or feeling like their relationship is the one both have been wanting or looking for - despite the situation they're in. That event at the end of the book kind of solidified it for me, Leon still didn't think for himself or progress as a character and we were almost finished with the story. He did redeem himself in the last few pages, but he still didn't ensure my fondness for him.
Much was left to be said here and for a 400 pages long book I'm sure the author kept only the important parts in the story so the plot can continue, but what every book here is strongly missing is that prologue, that strong foundation where we're let into the lives of these MMCs to really understand why the are the way they are at present.
Not to mention a satisfying ending the MMCs should get - they get it but again, it's short, dealt only with the event they're in at that moment (because the plot has to continue, I know), but there should be more of their path together in their book, not only the resolve of the situation and the end.
Hopefully Maxwell gets a better story.
May 11, 2023
4.5 ⭐
Damn. I am thoroughly impressed that Ivers managed to make me love a body snatching alien worm person.
And then the shared consciousness thing? What a crazy interesting concept that was executed incredibly well.
*** Mild Spoiler Below ***
Only knocking off 0.5 ⭐ for the time jumps from Sebastian's perspective when he's severely injured.
Like I understand the big 5 say jump towards the end, but the little skip when Leon chooses to save Seb? Uneccessary in my opinion and I think would have been better had the scene not cut away from Leon's perspective. It was heavily foreshadowed that Seb would end up inside Leon at some point so the reveal wasn't really shocking.
But it would have been a very impactful moment for Leon to hold Seb, the actual Seb, dying in his hands. For him to actually see him and make the choice to invite a lethal alien body snatcher into him brain stem knowing full well it would probably hurt and possibly kill him. Seeing Leon go through all of those emotions would have cemented the idea that even while Leon claimed he put Seb 2nd, he really didn't. He chose to risk himself, the leader of the resistance, just to save Seb.
Damn. I am thoroughly impressed that Ivers managed to make me love a body snatching alien worm person.
And then the shared consciousness thing? What a crazy interesting concept that was executed incredibly well.
*** Mild Spoiler Below ***
Only knocking off 0.5 ⭐ for the time jumps from Sebastian's perspective when he's severely injured.
Like I understand the big 5 say jump towards the end, but the little skip when Leon chooses to save Seb? Uneccessary in my opinion and I think would have been better had the scene not cut away from Leon's perspective. It was heavily foreshadowed that Seb would end up inside Leon at some point so the reveal wasn't really shocking.
But it would have been a very impactful moment for Leon to hold Seb, the actual Seb, dying in his hands. For him to actually see him and make the choice to invite a lethal alien body snatcher into him brain stem knowing full well it would probably hurt and possibly kill him. Seeing Leon go through all of those emotions would have cemented the idea that even while Leon claimed he put Seb 2nd, he really didn't. He chose to risk himself, the leader of the resistance, just to save Seb.
January 24, 2024
How dare these books be as good as they are. So creative.
And… I am so confused by this but, every time a new character getting their own book is introduced I dislike them so much and I think “ugh really the next book is about them?” But then I HAVE to read it and turns out I LOVE THEM. Not sure it’s the best marketing strategy, but it is confusing/working for me.
And… I am so confused by this but, every time a new character getting their own book is introduced I dislike them so much and I think “ugh really the next book is about them?” But then I HAVE to read it and turns out I LOVE THEM. Not sure it’s the best marketing strategy, but it is confusing/working for me.
February 22, 2024
There’s a lot of angst, guilt, and politics but I stayed in it for the fight. I love the experience of being inside another humans body and mind. That was captivating.
January 11, 2023
Every Eryn Ivers book is better than the previous one. And I liked all of them! ALL. It makes me so happy to see an author developing their style and fabulous characters, building a coherent and unique world, and just getting better and better at their craft.
Alien Infiltrator is hands down the best book so far, and I'm sure it will be one of my favorites this year (and it's not even the middle of January!).
⭐The bare bones of the story: we have an alien (torvar), who lives in other's people bodies, we have a D/s relationship, we have angst, we have interspecies war, and we have characters learning how to be themselves, independent of other's people expectations and needs. And it's SO GOOD.
⭐Sebastian is an absolutely adorable, complex, and fiercely loyal character. His approach toward others, being himself, and desperately wanting approval, were so human and relatable. As far as I'm concerned, he was a real person, and I can't explain how much his struggles speak to my soul. It didn't bother me, that he in fact was a "worm" wearing human bodies - because let's face it, we don't believe that our conscience is our body either. Actually, the scenes when he had to adjust to a new body or work with someone else in the back of the mind, were hands down absolutely amazing. And I may be biased because I read The Intruder in my teens and I'm just used to the idea. So what? It is an extremely well-written character.
⭐Hess is complicated as well - and he is the biggest reason for angst in this book. He has a path that he inherited, and a lot of his decisions will - and are - considered morally grey, to say at least. Eryn managed to show how after years and years of war humanity can dissolve under everyday pressure of decisions directly impacting other's people lives. How shielding from emotions may hurt, and become not an asset, but something that will bring failure.
⭐There were a couple of D/s scenes, all written very well and sexy. There was no real imbalance of power, and it was clear that both men were participating willingly, even without discussing the rules, safeword, etc. Every scene served a purpose, pushing forward both the plot and the characters' arcs. A+.
⭐Even though I'm not exactly an angst romance fan, I liked how it was built and used in this story. (And I'm betting the next one will be even more angsty, but shhh.) I did cry a couple of times, I was angry at Hess, or heartbroken for Sebastian. I was happy with them and shocked when some twists happened. There were feeling over feelings, and it's not often that a book makes me want to start reading it again just after I finished it. Kudos.
⭐And what about the war itself, the Resistance? I liked how we didn't end up reading about big battles between armies. The use of gas, the war rooms, and Sebastian's "undercover" missions was enough to let me know what is happening, and not drown in military jargon. For me the ending was good and fitting, not over-the-top, and not too "and everything was alright".
⭐I cannot think of anything that I would like to change in this book. I'm really happy that I found this author last year and get to see their growth. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Alien Infiltrator is hands down the best book so far, and I'm sure it will be one of my favorites this year (and it's not even the middle of January!).
⭐The bare bones of the story: we have an alien (torvar), who lives in other's people bodies, we have a D/s relationship, we have angst, we have interspecies war, and we have characters learning how to be themselves, independent of other's people expectations and needs. And it's SO GOOD.
⭐Sebastian is an absolutely adorable, complex, and fiercely loyal character. His approach toward others, being himself, and desperately wanting approval, were so human and relatable. As far as I'm concerned, he was a real person, and I can't explain how much his struggles speak to my soul. It didn't bother me, that he in fact was a "worm" wearing human bodies - because let's face it, we don't believe that our conscience is our body either. Actually, the scenes when he had to adjust to a new body or work with someone else in the back of the mind, were hands down absolutely amazing. And I may be biased because I read The Intruder in my teens and I'm just used to the idea. So what? It is an extremely well-written character.
⭐Hess is complicated as well - and he is the biggest reason for angst in this book. He has a path that he inherited, and a lot of his decisions will - and are - considered morally grey, to say at least. Eryn managed to show how after years and years of war humanity can dissolve under everyday pressure of decisions directly impacting other's people lives. How shielding from emotions may hurt, and become not an asset, but something that will bring failure.
⭐There were a couple of D/s scenes, all written very well and sexy. There was no real imbalance of power, and it was clear that both men were participating willingly, even without discussing the rules, safeword, etc. Every scene served a purpose, pushing forward both the plot and the characters' arcs. A+.
⭐Even though I'm not exactly an angst romance fan, I liked how it was built and used in this story. (And I'm betting the next one will be even more angsty, but shhh.) I did cry a couple of times, I was angry at Hess, or heartbroken for Sebastian. I was happy with them and shocked when some twists happened. There were feeling over feelings, and it's not often that a book makes me want to start reading it again just after I finished it. Kudos.
⭐And what about the war itself, the Resistance? I liked how we didn't end up reading about big battles between armies. The use of gas, the war rooms, and Sebastian's "undercover" missions was enough to let me know what is happening, and not drown in military jargon. For me the ending was good and fitting, not over-the-top, and not too "and everything was alright".
⭐I cannot think of anything that I would like to change in this book. I'm really happy that I found this author last year and get to see their growth. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
January 17, 2023
This series is keeping me on pins and needles...just keep getting better and better. A little on the angsty side...which I really not a fan but it didn't keep me from enjoying Leon and Sebastian rollercoaster of relationship. I'm satisfied with the ending and can't wait for more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 6, 2024
Inspiring adventure
I do so lovely sci-fi mixed with daring military adventure. Add in a body-stealing worm and a torrid love affair and I was all in. Really enjoying this series.
KU, sci-fi, action, intrigue, military men
Leon Hess, head of the Resistance, human
Sebastian, alien spy/Resistance fighter
I do so lovely sci-fi mixed with daring military adventure. Add in a body-stealing worm and a torrid love affair and I was all in. Really enjoying this series.
KU, sci-fi, action, intrigue, military men
Leon Hess, head of the Resistance, human
Sebastian, alien spy/Resistance fighter
January 11, 2023
As many glimpses as we have had, or mentions of Sebastian, I honestly don't know what to take of his character. His previous remarks appeared strong, confident, and very true to his beliefs and values. Don’t get me wrong, he was every single one of those, except his allegiance to Leon made him a little weaker imo.
“𝔑𝔬, ℑ 𝔡𝔬𝔫’𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔨 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔡 𝔞𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔣𝔢𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔭𝔬𝔰𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔞 𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔟𝔩𝔢𝔪.”
The continued storyline was everything! The author really grasps your attention and allows you to feel the emotions of the characters. The intensity of the war was nerve wrecking, adding in the severity of the weapon choices, and the difficulty of the combat was fierce. I especially appreciated learning more about the background, what and why the resistance was fighting.
“𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 ℑ 𝔴𝔞𝔫𝔱 𝔣𝔯𝔬𝔪 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 ℑ’𝔪 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔤𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤.”
On the other hand, Leon and Sebastian’s chemistry was ablaze throughout the entire show. Their level of intimacy was untamed and dangerous to themselves and to those around them. And, can we please comment on how exceedingly hot chapter ten was?!?! Their heightened connection was fiercely alive, emotions flowing freely through them both, and their intimacy was so powerful!
“𝔑𝔬, ℑ 𝔡𝔬𝔫’𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔨 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔡 𝔞𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔣𝔢𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔭𝔬𝔰𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔞 𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔟𝔩𝔢𝔪.”
The continued storyline was everything! The author really grasps your attention and allows you to feel the emotions of the characters. The intensity of the war was nerve wrecking, adding in the severity of the weapon choices, and the difficulty of the combat was fierce. I especially appreciated learning more about the background, what and why the resistance was fighting.
“𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 ℑ 𝔴𝔞𝔫𝔱 𝔣𝔯𝔬𝔪 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 ℑ’𝔪 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔤𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤.”
On the other hand, Leon and Sebastian’s chemistry was ablaze throughout the entire show. Their level of intimacy was untamed and dangerous to themselves and to those around them. And, can we please comment on how exceedingly hot chapter ten was?!?! Their heightened connection was fiercely alive, emotions flowing freely through them both, and their intimacy was so powerful!
February 10, 2023
Leon was not redeemable. Sebastian was a pushover for him. Sex was dull and repetitive. Unsatisfying ending.
Very different compared to previous books in series.
Very different compared to previous books in series.
January 12, 2023
3.5
This has been such a good series, but Sebastian and Leon's story, didn't hit quite as well for me as the previous two, but the plot was interesting
This has been such a good series, but Sebastian and Leon's story, didn't hit quite as well for me as the previous two, but the plot was interesting
January 9, 2023
Sorry, I couldn't get past the fact that Sebastien is basically a parasitic worm.
January 17, 2023
This series is a lot of fun for me, even if it deals with serious issues of war. The first book involves mech-tentacles that are used for sexy purposes, so it’s alien romance that really goes there.
This third installment in the series is actually book length, while the first two were novella-length. This book definitely benefitted from having more page time to explore the main characters and the more complex plot that has been built through the previous two books.
I was very excited to see how this installment played out because of who (and what) one of the main characters was.
Sebastian is a type of alien race called torvars that is worm-like and lives by inhabiting the bodies of other sentient life forms. He is the Resistance’s most valued spy and he’s really, really good at his job. The person he most wants to impress, Leon, the Resistance leader, never seems to be satisfied with his efforts and appears to resent and dislike him.
But what Sebastian doesn’t know is that Leon has been fighting a growing attraction toward him and struggles to push it aside so that he can successfully lead the human resistance on their planet.
This book was always going to be really interesting because Sebastian, by nature of what he is, is constantly changing bodies. How would that work with the romance and attraction aspect of his budding relationship with Leon? Well, Eryn Ivers does an amazing job of having Leon truly recognize Sebastian regardless of what type of body he is currently inhabiting. Sebastian’s mannerisms and personality show through and Leon always recognizes him.
The pair also line up perfectly in the bedroom, with Sebastian’s more submissive needs aligning perfectly with Leon’s more dominant ones. And since this series has already established that it’s down for some weird sex stuff, this book has a scene that aligns with that (I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s say there’s a scene that takes self-pleasuring to new levels.)
I liked how Leon and Sebastian open up to each other more and more throughout the book, but also that Sebastian doesn’t let Leon get away with being insensitive and bull-headed. Their relationship feels inevitable and it’s satisfying to see that play out.
As for the overarching plot — it was great! Sebastian goes on some really cool missions and the author does a great job articulating what it’s like for Sebastian to take over a body and either cohabitate it with its original owner or dominate it by himself. There were many heart-pounding scenes and situations that were handled very well and I wasn’t sure how things were going to be resolved. Leon and Sebastian ended up making an incredible team, and it was great to see Sebastian getting support after so many missions on his own.
Overall, a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series (which I think is going to be deliciously angsty!)
| I received an ARC and this is my honest, freely given review. |
This third installment in the series is actually book length, while the first two were novella-length. This book definitely benefitted from having more page time to explore the main characters and the more complex plot that has been built through the previous two books.
I was very excited to see how this installment played out because of who (and what) one of the main characters was.
Sebastian is a type of alien race called torvars that is worm-like and lives by inhabiting the bodies of other sentient life forms. He is the Resistance’s most valued spy and he’s really, really good at his job. The person he most wants to impress, Leon, the Resistance leader, never seems to be satisfied with his efforts and appears to resent and dislike him.
But what Sebastian doesn’t know is that Leon has been fighting a growing attraction toward him and struggles to push it aside so that he can successfully lead the human resistance on their planet.
This book was always going to be really interesting because Sebastian, by nature of what he is, is constantly changing bodies. How would that work with the romance and attraction aspect of his budding relationship with Leon? Well, Eryn Ivers does an amazing job of having Leon truly recognize Sebastian regardless of what type of body he is currently inhabiting. Sebastian’s mannerisms and personality show through and Leon always recognizes him.
The pair also line up perfectly in the bedroom, with Sebastian’s more submissive needs aligning perfectly with Leon’s more dominant ones. And since this series has already established that it’s down for some weird sex stuff, this book has a scene that aligns with that (I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s say there’s a scene that takes self-pleasuring to new levels.)
I liked how Leon and Sebastian open up to each other more and more throughout the book, but also that Sebastian doesn’t let Leon get away with being insensitive and bull-headed. Their relationship feels inevitable and it’s satisfying to see that play out.
As for the overarching plot — it was great! Sebastian goes on some really cool missions and the author does a great job articulating what it’s like for Sebastian to take over a body and either cohabitate it with its original owner or dominate it by himself. There were many heart-pounding scenes and situations that were handled very well and I wasn’t sure how things were going to be resolved. Leon and Sebastian ended up making an incredible team, and it was great to see Sebastian getting support after so many missions on his own.
Overall, a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series (which I think is going to be deliciously angsty!)
| I received an ARC and this is my honest, freely given review. |
January 24, 2023
To była zdecydowanie najlepsza część i zaraz po zakończeniu miałam ochotę otworzyć kindla i zacząć czytać jeszcze raz :) Kiedy przeczytałam opis, miałam mieszane uczucia. Sebastian był w końcu pasożytem, robalem który aby przeżyć musiał korzystać z ludzkiego ciała. Wszystkie horrory o obcych odżyły w mojej głowie :D Jednak Sebastiana można tylko kochać :) Jest zabawny, inteligentny, czasami bardzo pewny siebie, a czasami wręcz przeciwnie i jest jednym z najlepszych żołnierzy, jakimi dysponuje Ruch Oporu. Jego fascynacja Leonem jest głęboko ukryta przez długi czas. W końcu, kto odwzajemni uczucia torvara, rasy tępionej jak karaluchy? Faceta, który po powrocie z misji może mieć już inną twarz, bo wcześniejszy żywiciel zginął? Jego rasa żyje w ukryciu, często przez całe życie w jednym nosicielu. Tak jest bezpiecznie, przeżyć jak normalny człowiek i nie dać się poznać. Sebastiana znają wszyscy, jest jawnym torvarem, kochanym i nienawidzonym, Na pewno idealnym szpiegiem i jedyną osobą zdolną zinfiltrować obóz wroga.
Leon Hess jest przywódcą Ruchu Oporu. Zimny, nieprzystępny, twardy facet, który nie lubi sprzeciwu i na każdym kroku pokazuje swą niechęć do torvara. Jest też jednym z nielicznych, którzy rozpoznają go pomimo zmiany ciała. Leon zna Sebastiana lepiej niż inni. Od razu rozpoznaje jego chód, uśmiech i gestykulację. Jak wiele jest prawdy w tym, co widać na pierwszy rzut oka?
Super. Czytałam prawie do rana, uff! Świetne dialogi, niesamowita chemia pomiędzy Sebastianem i Leonem i wciągająca fabuła. Spotkanie Hessa z rodziną Sebastiana bezcenne :D Ciężko było być cicho i nie obudzić nikogo śmiechem :D Na pewno długo tego nic nie przebije ;) Jestem bardzo ciekawa kolejnej części i już nie mogę się doczekać historii Maxwella i Garretta, chociaż też trochę się boję ;) Ta książka trafia na listę moich ulubionych opowieści sf :)
Chociaż każda z książek opowiada o innej parze, to jednak należy je czytać po kolei, gdyż tworzą wspólną całość historii okupacji i walki o odzyskanie suwerenności planety.
Leon Hess jest przywódcą Ruchu Oporu. Zimny, nieprzystępny, twardy facet, który nie lubi sprzeciwu i na każdym kroku pokazuje swą niechęć do torvara. Jest też jednym z nielicznych, którzy rozpoznają go pomimo zmiany ciała. Leon zna Sebastiana lepiej niż inni. Od razu rozpoznaje jego chód, uśmiech i gestykulację. Jak wiele jest prawdy w tym, co widać na pierwszy rzut oka?
Super. Czytałam prawie do rana, uff! Świetne dialogi, niesamowita chemia pomiędzy Sebastianem i Leonem i wciągająca fabuła. Spotkanie Hessa z rodziną Sebastiana bezcenne :D Ciężko było być cicho i nie obudzić nikogo śmiechem :D Na pewno długo tego nic nie przebije ;) Jestem bardzo ciekawa kolejnej części i już nie mogę się doczekać historii Maxwella i Garretta, chociaż też trochę się boję ;) Ta książka trafia na listę moich ulubionych opowieści sf :)
Chociaż każda z książek opowiada o innej parze, to jednak należy je czytać po kolei, gdyż tworzą wspólną całość historii okupacji i walki o odzyskanie suwerenności planety.
December 28, 2022
Argh, I'm struggling with my rating for this because on the one hand, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first two in the series - primarily because I didn't care for Leon much and the story as a whole didn't have the kind of FEELINGS I want in a romance - but otoh, it was very well written, had a well thought out and interesting continuation of the alien species sci fI world building intrigue plot, and was a wonderfully unique take on the parasitic torvar pov character. So... there was a lot to like about this book, but I didn't actually... LIKE it, on a personal enjoyment/I'm here for the romantic connection level. I thought the author did a great job of building believable backstory for each main character to explain the way they interacted, I just wanted... more. Like, I would have happily traded some of the pages of the lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng d/s sex scenes (which I mostly skimmed - they were hot and well-written and incorporated some emotional character growth that advanced the story, but I just wasn't in the mood for how drawn out they were with so much else going on in the plot, but anyway...) I'd have preferred less page-time for sex and more for a deeper dive into both men's emotional pull toward the other. And yet, for all my grumbling and dissatisfaction over how I feel after reading it - yeah, I still downloaded the bonus short and want to read more by this author and in this world.
tl;dr objectively I'd call it a 5☆ book, but for me personally it was a 3☆ reading experience, so I'll go with a 4☆ rating.
tl;dr objectively I'd call it a 5☆ book, but for me personally it was a 3☆ reading experience, so I'll go with a 4☆ rating.
January 30, 2023
This story felt so very different than the ones before. As we’ve had two other couples find love, we’ve also had a lot of build up and periphery stuff regarding the resistance and upcoming battle for Tava and this book drops us right into the middle of the Resistance and the war with two fighters finding love amidst the chaos and violence of the fight against the Klah’Eel. Sebastian and Leon have known each other for around 10 years, Leon has been fighting deep feelings for Sebastian since they met, but has been raised by resistance fighters in the thick of it, and was taught to harden his heart against any softness and to think he cannot have a significant other as they would only be a distraction from his duty to lead the resistance fighters. Because he finds it hard to stay away from Sebastian he has gone out of his way to be dismissive which saddens Sebastian who doesn’t know why he’s treated so badly by someone he respects. As Sebastian is sent out on another mission, Leon finally gives into his feelings and things progress quickly but not at all smoothly between the two due to circumstances. This story is NOT meant to be read as a standalone as the overarching storyline connects through the series. This ends with an HFN for our couple. Unfortunately there are some grammar and spelling issues that kept pulling me out of the story but I was entertained. CW: war, use of chemical warfare, violence. I am looking forward to the continuation of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 29, 2025
WTF. My favorite series might actually end up being one I can’t even recommend to my family and friends lol.
Each book in this series has brought something totally unique to the table, which makes them such fun reads. I won’t spoil anything, but this installment does some really creative things with its alien species — the Torvar are incredible.
The first book gave us visual emotions, the second had practically mind-reading levels of super-smell, and this one tops both of those concepts in the coolest way yet.
This book has also introduced me to so many tropes I didn’t even know I’d love. The best part, though, is that it doesn’t feel like a story built around tropes. It just has them woven in naturally. Every character feels like their own person, not just a cardboard cutout.
Sebastian might honestly be one of my favorite characters in all of fiction. He feels so real, and I just fell in love with him. GOD, I love this book.
I was cheesing hard during some of the steamy scenes. Full-on kicking my feet and giggling.
Don’t even think about reading it as a standalone. The impact is so much stronger if you’ve read the previous installments. I’m rushing to pick up the next one, so I’ll keep this short and sweet: read it. It’s phenomenal.
(Now that I'm reading this back I see that I look like a friend of the author trying to hype it up lol. I am NOT. This is unbiased praise for the book. Once you've read it, you'll understand.
Each book in this series has brought something totally unique to the table, which makes them such fun reads. I won’t spoil anything, but this installment does some really creative things with its alien species — the Torvar are incredible.
The first book gave us visual emotions, the second had practically mind-reading levels of super-smell, and this one tops both of those concepts in the coolest way yet.
This book has also introduced me to so many tropes I didn’t even know I’d love. The best part, though, is that it doesn’t feel like a story built around tropes. It just has them woven in naturally. Every character feels like their own person, not just a cardboard cutout.
Sebastian might honestly be one of my favorite characters in all of fiction. He feels so real, and I just fell in love with him. GOD, I love this book.
I was cheesing hard during some of the steamy scenes. Full-on kicking my feet and giggling.
Don’t even think about reading it as a standalone. The impact is so much stronger if you’ve read the previous installments. I’m rushing to pick up the next one, so I’ll keep this short and sweet: read it. It’s phenomenal.
(Now that I'm reading this back I see that I look like a friend of the author trying to hype it up lol. I am NOT. This is unbiased praise for the book. Once you've read it, you'll understand.
January 2, 2023
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Interspecies Alliances series, and I STRONGLY recommend you are least read book 2, The Alien Bodyguard, before this one. This picks up immediately where that one finishes. But book 1 is really really good too, so maybe just read them both.
Sebastian is a worm that cannot survive without the use of another's body. Leon has inherited the leadership of the Resistence. That they clash is an understatement. That they are attracted to each other is also an understatement! But sacrifices must be made in war, and Leon and Sebastian must work together, to get the job done. After, they can sort themselves out.
What I especically loved about this was that, whatever outer Sebastian was in, Leon knew it was Sebastian (oh, just to go off on one, loved that Sebastian is not shortened!) inside, and treated him the same. Didn't matter what the outer skin was, Sebastian was inside and that was all that mattered. LOVED that Sebastian's history was far longer reaching than Leon knew about.
Loved it when Sebastian and Leon share the same body. That has to be the best bit of the book!
This particular battle is won, but the war is not, so PLEASE tell me there will be more!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Interspecies Alliances series, and I STRONGLY recommend you are least read book 2, The Alien Bodyguard, before this one. This picks up immediately where that one finishes. But book 1 is really really good too, so maybe just read them both.
Sebastian is a worm that cannot survive without the use of another's body. Leon has inherited the leadership of the Resistence. That they clash is an understatement. That they are attracted to each other is also an understatement! But sacrifices must be made in war, and Leon and Sebastian must work together, to get the job done. After, they can sort themselves out.
What I especically loved about this was that, whatever outer Sebastian was in, Leon knew it was Sebastian (oh, just to go off on one, loved that Sebastian is not shortened!) inside, and treated him the same. Didn't matter what the outer skin was, Sebastian was inside and that was all that mattered. LOVED that Sebastian's history was far longer reaching than Leon knew about.
Loved it when Sebastian and Leon share the same body. That has to be the best bit of the book!
This particular battle is won, but the war is not, so PLEASE tell me there will be more!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
January 8, 2023
As the new head of the Resistance, Leon Hess is forced to make many decisions and use many tools. He is willing to make these decisions to help defeat the Klah’Eel. Among his best tools is Sebastian, a torvar. A torvar is a parasitic worm capable of body hopping, making him not only a great infiltrator but also one of the most hated and distrusted races. Leon and Sebastian have a troubled relationship. They feel for each other but neither wants to make a step to change that relationship. Leon keeps Sebastian at arm’s length while Sebastian feels as if that is because he is a torvar. Then they are forced to work together to take steps necessary to stop the Klah’Eel and everything changes.
Each of these men carried scars deep inside. Leon has had to make some decisions that are extremely difficult and they weigh on him even as he knows they are necessary. Sebastian is a member of a race that is hated. He was willing to out himself to help his country, but he is still a man who wants more than being a good infiltrator. The plot was incredibly well done and much was revealed throughout the story. This is the third in the series and each one is unique and well written. The world building is phenomenal and richly filled with different species. It makes for an Intense and fantastic story.
Each of these men carried scars deep inside. Leon has had to make some decisions that are extremely difficult and they weigh on him even as he knows they are necessary. Sebastian is a member of a race that is hated. He was willing to out himself to help his country, but he is still a man who wants more than being a good infiltrator. The plot was incredibly well done and much was revealed throughout the story. This is the third in the series and each one is unique and well written. The world building is phenomenal and richly filled with different species. It makes for an Intense and fantastic story.
May 17, 2023
Ok. I’m tapping out of this series…
Human resistance leader Leon Hess can’t allow himself the luxury of falling for Sebastian, a skilled infiltrator….and a shape-shifting torvar. Leon has a duty to his rebels to save the planet (or at least the southern part of it) from the Klah’Eel. Sebastian yearns for Leon’s affection, but knows that there can’t ever be anything between them. When the Klah’Eel prepare to invade, both Leon and Sebastian are forced to confront their deepest feelings, and Leon realizes that he’s allowed to have a life beyond leading a rebel army, and he’s allowed to have it with Sebastian.
In some parts, there’s an actual story with good action and suspense, with some sexy times thrown in for fun.
But mostly there’s a LOT of unanswered questions about these guys and how they got to where they are. There’s Farlon, who plays a huge part in making Leon who he is, but we don’t know who Farlon is until way late in the book. Initially I thought he’d been Leon’s lover; turns out he was a father-figure and previous rebel leader. We don’t know why Leon and Sebastian have been yearning for each other for so long. Or why and how they even KNOW each other. And then there’s Sebastian, who can switch bodies when necessary, and Leon always recognizes him - which I guess is kind of sweet, even if highly unlikely.
So…a solid two stars!
Human resistance leader Leon Hess can’t allow himself the luxury of falling for Sebastian, a skilled infiltrator….and a shape-shifting torvar. Leon has a duty to his rebels to save the planet (or at least the southern part of it) from the Klah’Eel. Sebastian yearns for Leon’s affection, but knows that there can’t ever be anything between them. When the Klah’Eel prepare to invade, both Leon and Sebastian are forced to confront their deepest feelings, and Leon realizes that he’s allowed to have a life beyond leading a rebel army, and he’s allowed to have it with Sebastian.
In some parts, there’s an actual story with good action and suspense, with some sexy times thrown in for fun.
But mostly there’s a LOT of unanswered questions about these guys and how they got to where they are. There’s Farlon, who plays a huge part in making Leon who he is, but we don’t know who Farlon is until way late in the book. Initially I thought he’d been Leon’s lover; turns out he was a father-figure and previous rebel leader. We don’t know why Leon and Sebastian have been yearning for each other for so long. Or why and how they even KNOW each other. And then there’s Sebastian, who can switch bodies when necessary, and Leon always recognizes him - which I guess is kind of sweet, even if highly unlikely.
So…a solid two stars!
January 11, 2023
This was the longest of the books and my favourite overall. It starts pretty much directly after the end of book two, and involves the most "alien" of the aliens - a creature that exists by taking over the body of another being.
The characters in this story were excellent, with interesting takes on the stress and pressure of being involved in a long term conflict - Leon lost his parents to the war when he was 8 and has basically been fighting ever since - as well as what is important for leadership. Sebastian makes a solid point that Leon doesn't care about a single person, but he does care very much about a concept. The way this is shown and resolved in the story is great. One of the cool things about Leon is that (once he gets his head out of his own butt about it) he really does care about Sebastian and not about the body that he's in. Which is great because he goes through a few bodies in this book. Sebastian really cares about the people and the cause, and the chemistry and heat between the two of them could cause a housefire!
Overall, a very enjoyable and well paced warfare plot alongside the relationship aspect. The ending was really satisfying - I love a good look at what happens once the explosions stop.
The characters in this story were excellent, with interesting takes on the stress and pressure of being involved in a long term conflict - Leon lost his parents to the war when he was 8 and has basically been fighting ever since - as well as what is important for leadership. Sebastian makes a solid point that Leon doesn't care about a single person, but he does care very much about a concept. The way this is shown and resolved in the story is great. One of the cool things about Leon is that (once he gets his head out of his own butt about it) he really does care about Sebastian and not about the body that he's in. Which is great because he goes through a few bodies in this book. Sebastian really cares about the people and the cause, and the chemistry and heat between the two of them could cause a housefire!
Overall, a very enjoyable and well paced warfare plot alongside the relationship aspect. The ending was really satisfying - I love a good look at what happens once the explosions stop.
January 20, 2023
In this third book of the Alien Interspecies series, with the help of Oliver and Mal'ik, the Torvar Sebastian has escaped the Klah'eel prison and is back with the resistance in Southern Tava. Sebastian just wants justice and eventually peace for his home, even if it takes violence to help his people. Human Leon is the head of the resistance and he is relieved that Sebastian is safe, but torn that he has to keep putting himself (and the bodies he takes over to inhabit) in danger. Leon and Sebastian, in every iteration of his physical appearance, are constantly drawn to each other until it finally comes to a head in a fiery explosion of passion and lust.
All I could say is wow. It was mind blowing to consider the existence of the torvar and the methods that they have to utilize in order to simply exist. I can understand how human Leon can be attracted to the Torver Sebastian, but it still takes quite a bit of imagination to get over falling in love with a parasite. Essentially Leon falls in love with Sebastian at his core essence. He truly did not fall in love with Sebastian’s physical appearance but with his mind. This was such a good book and a great series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All I could say is wow. It was mind blowing to consider the existence of the torvar and the methods that they have to utilize in order to simply exist. I can understand how human Leon can be attracted to the Torver Sebastian, but it still takes quite a bit of imagination to get over falling in love with a parasite. Essentially Leon falls in love with Sebastian at his core essence. He truly did not fall in love with Sebastian’s physical appearance but with his mind. This was such a good book and a great series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2023
Amazing!!
I loved this book! I love when Alien's are just that, alien. Sebastian was an amazing species and getting to learn about him and his kind was so fun. I can appreciate folks being afraid of him and loved how many times he changed bodies. No matter how he looked on the outside, Sebastian was funny, opinionated, vibrant, and always loved the escape...since, for him, that was the best part.
The way Hess always recognized Sebastian no matter what and what Hess actually loved about him was super lovely to read. It made their love go so much deeper than skin deep. They had an amazing bond and dynamic. I also appreciated reading about Hess' struggle as a leader of a resistance. There was a lot on his shoulders and sometimes he did have to make the hard and unpopular decision. I loved how that was highlighted and showed the complexity of his position. I could absolutely understand why a simple boy meets boy and falls in love story was not in his cards. Not with the expectations laid on him.
Can't wait for book 4! Didn't expect to fall so in love with this series. But every book has gotten better and now I'm just in love with it all.
I loved this book! I love when Alien's are just that, alien. Sebastian was an amazing species and getting to learn about him and his kind was so fun. I can appreciate folks being afraid of him and loved how many times he changed bodies. No matter how he looked on the outside, Sebastian was funny, opinionated, vibrant, and always loved the escape...since, for him, that was the best part.
The way Hess always recognized Sebastian no matter what and what Hess actually loved about him was super lovely to read. It made their love go so much deeper than skin deep. They had an amazing bond and dynamic. I also appreciated reading about Hess' struggle as a leader of a resistance. There was a lot on his shoulders and sometimes he did have to make the hard and unpopular decision. I loved how that was highlighted and showed the complexity of his position. I could absolutely understand why a simple boy meets boy and falls in love story was not in his cards. Not with the expectations laid on him.
Can't wait for book 4! Didn't expect to fall so in love with this series. But every book has gotten better and now I'm just in love with it all.
January 14, 2023
The final book in this series were Leon and Sebastian get their HEA. Leon is having a tough time, as a new leader trying to fight a war the appears to be never ending. Throw in to his chaotic world is all consuming feelings for the Sebastian, a tover spy. The only way Leon can deal with his emotions is by pushing Sebastian away with harsh comments about his execution of missions, his very core of his species. Sebastian has the same feelings for Leon, but he hides them behind his cocky, spy demeanor. Pretending to care about anything but a means to an end to winning this war. After a confrontation Leon has to make a choice, keep hurting Sebastian or admit his feelings. This is when this book gets hot, Leon and Sebastian have a lot of feelings to work out and they are up to task.
I liked this series and this third book makes me want more. The only hurdle I had was Sebastian being of a parasitic species. Not my favourite choice of character but Sebastian helped me read past my discomfort. I would recommend this series. This is my review; I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
I liked this series and this third book makes me want more. The only hurdle I had was Sebastian being of a parasitic species. Not my favourite choice of character but Sebastian helped me read past my discomfort. I would recommend this series. This is my review; I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
December 27, 2022
The previous books in this series have been excellent, but this one is the best of the bunch. This is one author who hasn't slacked off on the final book as sometimes happens with a series. The character of Leon feels so right in this war torn world. He's doing the best he can to lead and win, but he's no superhero and he doesn't always make the best choices or make the best use of the talents available to him such as Sebastian. Ah, Sebastian - one of my favorite characters. His abilities are frightening and it isn't a good thing to have him fighting against you. He's one of the talented ones it takes Leon a good while to figure out and when these two finally do get into harness together both professionally and personally, they make an unstoppable team. Read the previous books first, so you know where this one comes from, but do not miss the amazing characters and world building in this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews