User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
HUZZAH!!!
AWESOME NEW AUTHOR ALERT!
HEADS UP AND PAY ATTENTION Y'ALL!! CHECK.THIS.BOOK.OUT!!
Victoria Aveline, I'M KEEPING MY EYES ON YOU!
I feel one of the biggest draws for me when reading Urban Fantasy or Sci-fi Alien romance is the absolute unpredictability of it. If done right, the writer can sell you absolute bullshit and make you love it. It's always so entertaining to read all the weird, freaky, impossible things that people come up with but in UF or Sci-fi you don't have to justify any of it-if you do, great-but you don't have to and that is the beauty of it, things can be just the way they are just because you said so.
At this point, I have read more than my fair share of alien romances and baring a couple exceptions they usually follow the same outline-they can be great just the same but just not original. What I'm trying to say is I have enough experience with the genre to proclaim I have never read something like this before!
A Matriarchal alien society where men out-number the women 20 to 1? Sure, of course I've read the type before. But the "selection" process? The idea of alien marriage? The intricate alien details? Oof! Mind-blown!
Yes, yes it's not something that's totally outta this world in the terms of imagination but the way it all gels together was brilliant. It was effort-less to read. No stupid misunderstandings. No angst-ridden, too-stupid-to-live heroine that thinks even on an alien world that she knows best and the hero? *just a sec-let me wipe all this drool*
Rating: really liked it
*4.5 stars!
Wow...I started reading the book thinking it would be an erotic kind of story. But I got a captivating romantic story with interesting characters. It was so much more than I expected. Alas, in reality if our education system would force men or women to learn to be ideal husband and wife in such a way in school, then some of the problems in our world would have been reduced to a great extent. Anyway, I liked the author's thoughtful idea a lot. So, it was a great read for me, and I will be reading more about this planet and it's people.
However, honestly, I didn't like the cover of the book at all because it didn't go with the story. I believe a good story deserves a beautiful cover! That's the main reason why I gave it 4.5 stars.
Rating: really liked it
3.5 could have been smuttier starsThe h (Jade) is stolen from her home by lizard-looking dudes and unloaded onto an alien planet where she is completely left to fend for herself. She understood she had been sold from the way the lizards acted, so she immediately decided to make a run for it, and she is able to get away from whatever creature she hears pursuing her. But Jade has no idea where to go or how to survive in a land so different from her own. She finally finds what appears to be a road and flings herself in front of what seems to be a transportation vehicle just before she faints from over-exhaustion and dehydration after being on the run for a couple of days. When she comes to, she learns that she is on a planet far from her own but with people that look startlingly similar to humans (with a few differences). She further learns that there are rules preventing her from returning to earth, and she is told she has to marry a male of her choosing and stay with him for at least 3 months as is the law on this planet where men outnumber women by a significant margin.
Faith decides her best bet is to play along for now and bide her time while looking for someone that would be willing to break the laws and return her to earth, so she enters the "marriage ritual" and views the available males. The one she finds that she is most attracted to is named Theo, and she soon learns that others find him repulsive because of his scars, which Faith thinks looks more like sexy tattoos. Faith chooses him anyway, and when Theo learns he has been selected, he believes it has to be for nefarious reasons as he is a merc that has employed similar tactics by setting honey pots for his targets to gain the information or items he needed to complete his missions. Thus, he deduces that she must be a spy, and he is instantly distrusting of her motives.
Will Theo believe Jade is genuinely attracted to him? Can they discover why Faith was sent to this planet illegally and who was behind it? And will Jade reconsider her stance on wanting to return to earth as she spends more and more time with Theo and finds herself attracted to far more than just his looks?
What I liked:
--- Likeable characters
--- Clear and palpable chemistry
--- Interesting story line with some mystery that made the book fly by
--- Steamy goodness (what we got of it) was good
What I didn't like as much:
--- Ending felt rushed - not much lead up to who was behind the abduction and why; an explanation was given, but it didn't seem to fit or maybe wasn't explained as well as it could have been to make more sense with the story; also, the villain basically came out of nowhere
--- Not enough smut for what I was hoping for - yeah there was some foreplay stuff, but other than the first time they got together, the other times were mostly skimmed over, alluded to, or discussed anecdotally - I wanted more smut in my smutty sci-fi (I would not categorize this as erotic)
Overall, a good steamy read with a solid plot, likeable characters, and some intrigue to move things along quickly.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing graphic or domestic
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Rating: really liked it
Audio 5 Stars
Story dnf @ 67%
I can't stand when authors drag out the inevitable 🙄
Rating: really liked it
4 ⭐️ I’m so hooked it’s insane! Perfect alien romance for all you Ice Planet Barbarian lovers!!!! Summary: Jade is abducted by aliens but escapes and is rescued by the Clecanians (who have the same ancestors as humans). Unfortunately, Jade can't go back to Earth and according to the rules of the Intergalactic Alliance, she must stay in Clecania for one year to learn how to take care of herself under these new circumstances.
And during that time, Jade must follow Clecanians' customs and marry. But marriage is different on this planet. Due to a lack of females, their race is slowly dying, so marriages are seen as trial periods and only last 3 months.
Jade ends up choosing Theo, a sexy mercenary who has been previously passed over due to his scars (which look like beautiful tattoos to Jade). Theo thinks she's a spy sent by his enemies while Jade thinks he's a grumpy, sexy asshole. But something pulls them together and after a while, their chemistry becomes undeniable. However, Jade is determined to return to Earth, so she can't possibly fall in love with an alien. . . right?
My Thoughts: You're telling me this story is about a human woman who gets abducted and taken to a planet where there are sexy males who go to husbandry school to learn how to be the best possible partner???? Where they learn how to cook, clean, provide comfort and pleasure for their females??? Sign me up!
This is a fun story with an interesting romantic plot, fascinating world-building, and amazing sexual tension/spice! 🥵
If you like alpha males, banter, and the forced proximity trope, read this immediately!
Clecanian Series + Ratings 💎 = Favorites
1. Choosing Theo - 4/5 💎
2. Freeing Luka - 3/5
3. Saving Verakko - 4.5/5 💎
4. Tempting Auzed - 3.5/5
5. Using Fejo - 5/5 💎
Rating: really liked it
4 very enjoyable stars!
The MC's don't meet until 25% in, and its a bit cheesy... a little immature. But the romance was sweat with a strong MC, especially the heroine. Predictable but in a not annoying way. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for a solid romance that will fill an afternoon :)
Safety:
No cheating
H isnt a manwhore
h isnt a virgin and was said to be 'sexually free spirited' when she was on earth
h meets one of H's ex-bedmates but it was only for a quick second and it didnt bother me
h is very attractive to the other men on the alien planet so she gets a lot of attention, which causes the H to be very jealous and possessive.
H and h are fated mates.
Slight physical abuse to the heroine
HEA 5 months out with pregnancy
Rating: really liked it
Rating: 5 ~ Clecanian Stars! It’s been a while since I’ve been swept up in the alien romance sci-fi craze but this book/series has officially catapulted me into it!
The author did an amazing job of creating a unique planet, diverse characters and a believable plot that deepened and threw in a few twists to keep you glued to the pages. Much like Jade, I was intrigued by Theo at first glance. Who wouldn't love a big, gruff man with a heart of gold? He was hardened by the years of rejection and belittlement that he had to go through because of his outward appearance but inside, he was still an honorable man who hoped against all odds for someone to love. Trust me, you will not be disappointed in Theo!
Not to say he didn't have his faults, because he did but I loved that Jade saw both the good and the bad and she accepted him unconditionally. After all, she knew she wasn't perfect and I loved that she adapted and matured with each new encounter. She was such a strong character both for herself and for Theo. It's rare for me to completely 100% love both MCs but Theo and Jade made it so easy.
The more I read the more I kept having to add names to my growing list of Heroes that need their own HEA/mate. At the top of my list is horny *wink wink* romantic Rhaego! Followed by Fejo (space pirate, ladies!) and after meeting the rest of Theo's brothers, that whole clan, lol!
There is so much more to explore within this series and I'm hoping more is coming and soon! It will be interesting to see what happens with the test subjects that were rescued along with Jade at the end and also to see how/if they bring about any changes to the female dominated Clecanians. Highly recommend.
Memorable Moments: Jade teaching Theo how to kiss! It was sweet and steamy :)
Favorite Line(s): If he believed he’d be able to hold his sated female like this every night, then all the pain he’d been through in his life would’ve been worth it.
Would I recommend? Absolutely recommending. I loved Theo and the world he lives on is definitely interesting. I hope there’s be more soon that I can gush over, haha :)
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. SAFETY INFO: (view spoiler)
[
Ages : I didn’t catch any specific dates but based on certain comments I’d guess both MCs are in their mid-late 20s.
Cheating : None.
OM/OW drama : Mild. Clecanians have a very low birth rate and like 80% of their births are male. Females are highly valued and cherished. Because humans are highly compatible, she is coveted by other males.
Separation : Jade does end up kidnapped but only for a short time.
Push/Pull : Both push and pull. Theo because he can’t believe Jade would ever have picked him unless there was an ulterior motive and Jade because she’s determined to somehow get back to Earth.
Main Pursuer of relationship : Definitely mutual. In the beginning they both have less pure reasons for seducing the other, but it works out in the end, in the best way :)
Possible Triggers : kidnapping, mention of rape, captivity, death and murder.
Safe with exceptions, meaning : There is mention of Theo's training at husbandry school. Males go to school to learn to be the ideal husband, learning how to cook, clean and pamper their ladies. They even have childcare courses. This gives them a better chance of contracting a marriage and a chance of a wife/child. This included sexual training on how to please a wife. There is also mention of Theo servicing women over the years. Theo is basically a cross between the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Women sought him out as a thrillride, never as anything more. Every year he was rejected by the women as a husband candidate until he eventually gave up trying. There is no descriptive scenes of OP and both MCs are 100% only interested in each other from the beginning.
HEA/HFN : Ends on a HEA/Mating and an epilogue 5 months later that was adorable! (hide spoiler)]
Rating: really liked it
Liked it enough that I will read the next book in this series.
The women have all the power in this one as they are the minority in population with an abundance of males.They actually have to go to husband school as part of their formal education.
Rating: really liked it
4.5 stars
This book made me so happy??? I loved it. If you liked the relationship dynamics in ice planet barbarians you’ll adore this book. TW: talk of parent/family death, attempted SA
Jade is kidnapped from her home in the first chapter of this book, it’s clear that the reptile aliens who stole her have negative plans for her but they don’t harm her in any way. When they put her in a pod and send her to land on an alien planet, she escapes her intended captor and runs towards the closest city where she’s rescued. The aliens on the planet she’s on look a lot like humans but just more beautiful basically, and some have horns wings or pointed ears etc. Turns out, this planet has much more men than woman (like 70-30) so there are a lot of customs that favor women and ensuring a lot of .. breeding? Men go to “husband school” (like yes we need this lol) to learn how to treat their wife and to be a good father. Women select men to be their husbands every three months, and they leave after that amount of time usually. In this planet, mating is for life (and is fated but has been rare the past centuries) and marriage is a few month venture. So, Jade has to choose a husband so she can acclimate to the planets customs before she’s allowed to live her life out on her own. She immediately is enraptured by Theo and his sexy warrior god vibes. But other women find him repulsive. He has scars that look more like tattoos to Jade but are unappealing to the alien women. Jade finds them hot, and she also finds the “beasty” side of his personality due to him being half of another alien species enrapturing.
Theo thinks Jade is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, but he’s never been actually loved and desired before. So when jade selects him he’s suspicious, and tries to push her away. He thinks she has some ulterior motive and is trying to spy on his work or is working for someone. But he’s obsessed with her. It’s so fucking cute. He’s broody but a cinnamon bun, rough but gentle, attentive, possessive, and a good cook. I loved them together and they were very hot as well. Loved it
Rating: really liked it
Not sure if it’s 3.5 or 4 stars. But I DID really enjoy it! There were a few things that could’ve been done better, however,.... it was still really entertaining. Kept me engaged and I was invested in the story and the two main characters.
Ill for sure be giving the next one a try.
(I have one more month of kindle unlimited so I’ll see what else I can get read during this time)
Rating: really liked it
First book, if I’m not mistaken, from a new author. I really loved the story and the characters. Theo and Jade complement each other so so SO well.
I also loved all the details that the author put into building this new alien world. Very well thought out and very well done!
I can’t wait to read more from this series!!!
Rating: really liked it
Reread 7/9/21:
Did the audio this time. Some bits were cheesier than I remembered lol but still a good time. Stephen Dexter is a wonderful narrator and I can't wait for the audio of Tempting Auzed!
~~~~
Read 10/10/20:
The premise is really interesting: marriage of convenience & a speed dating situation (but swap that with a marriage of 3 months instead of a date!) and on a planet where
men go to husband-ry school (yes, you read that right). And it was glorious.
A somewhat long book but a (surprisingly) quick read and quite well written. I really liked both the main characters, especially Theo! The stuff at the end was a bit too rushed and convenient, so 1 star off for that.
I highly recommend this to Ruby Dixon fans or scifi romance fans in general. I'm still in search for quality scifi romances like this 🥺
Rating: really liked it
Went in expecting smutCame through with a wholesome well thought out story. The smut is there but it is definitely not the focus, which was surprising enough to have me intrigued to go further. I really liked the story, but I did NOT like Jade at the beginning. She did a lot of idiotic things, especially when she didn’t know the lay of the land. She ran off, wandered on her own, attacked people and all sorts of things. Her attitude was annoying. Theo had his own issues what with him thinking she was a spy. I like that the story though wasn’t too negative, or bad, the conflict that happens lends us characters for the subsequent books I see on the horizon. Even with Jade and Theo’s attitudes I still really enjoyed this book. Really easy read. Pleasant.
Rating: really liked it
I am so pleasantly surprised by loving this alien romance!!!!
Rating: really liked it
Ok before I start, I liked this book just fine. It’s an alien romance, I’m not expecting more than a good time. But all that said…
Here’s how I think the writing process for this book went:
Group of people while drinking very strong margaritas:
Person 1- “She should be like abducted by aliens or something “
Person 2- “But like super hot aliens”
Person 3- “and have to marry one”
1- “but like she doesn’t want to…”
2-“but she does bc he’s super hot!”
3-“and he doesn’t know it! Also he’s a good cook! And had to graduate husband school so he’s like the best husband ever”
1-“then she gets kidnapped”
3-“ALSO THEY ARE MATES”
1-“I thought they were married”
3-“… they’re both cause it’s special…”
2-“and he’s hot”
Me in the back- *hiccup* “can there be a dog?”
Also in this world where women are basically worshiped and men will do anything for them, 99% of the males we encountered were douche-nozzles 🤷♀️
