A satisfying, sexy, and fast-paced alien romance.
A human woman is kidnapped by an alien who believes she's his mate.
Liz has had a pretty bad week—she was stolen from her Oklahoma farm by little green aliens and transported millions of miles from Earth. After something goes wrong on the ship, the green aliens abandon Liz and the rest of the human women on a cold ice planet with two distant suns. The planet’s local inhabitants, the sa-khui, are a small tribe of large blue aliens that have developed a symbiotic relationship with the khui, a glowing space worm that helps their bodies withstand the bitter climate. The tribe has suffered devastating population losses from hunting accidents and sickness, leaving them fewer than 30 members, only 4 of whom are women. Raahosh is a hunter who resigned himself to a life of loneliness, but when his khui resonates for Liz, he knows she is his mate. Rather than chance being separated from her, he spirits her away to his hidden cave, hoping to prove himself worthy of her. Liz is furious at being kidnapped again and is determined to make as many choices as she can for herself. She demands to hunt with Raahosh, making her own bow and arrows to prove her worth. Raahosh and Liz have explosive chemistry and learn to respect each other’s strengths. Liz is an especially appealing character: feisty, brave, and stubborn. She’s the perfect match for the taciturn Raahosh, who wants to be loved for who he is and valued as an equal partner. In the background of their romance, Dixon shows how the sa-khui and humans are beginning the hard work of building a new culture together.
A satisfying, sexy, and fast-paced alien romance.Pub Date: Jan. 25, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-54603-1
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: Nov. 29, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.
A reluctant princess is thrust into deadly political intrigue in Perry’s sweeping, high-stakes romantasy.
Odessa is the overlooked and underestimated princess of Quentis, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a deal is struck between her father and the formidable Turan warriors force her into an arranged marriage with their enigmatic prince, Zavier Wolfe. Intended as a mere formality to secure trade routes and military alliances, the betrothal spirals into something far more dangerous when ancient magic, a ruthless Guardian, and a looming war threaten to upend everything she knows. Finally emerging from the shadow of her seemingly perfect half sister, Mae, Odessa must navigate court politics, monstrous creatures, and her own uncertain place in a world where survival often depends on strategy rather than strength. As tensions rise, she finds herself entangled with the dangerous, enigmatic Guardian—a man whose silver eyes hold secrets of their own. Perry’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, crafting a kingdom rife with old magic, deadly beasts, and political machinations that add depth. The pacing is relentless, carrying Odessa from one life-altering event to another as she grapples with duty, defiance, and a destiny she never chose. Her internal conflict is compelling, torn between the expectations placed upon her and the fierce independence that threatens to make her an outcast in her own kingdom. Romance simmers as Odessa struggles to reconcile her obligations with her growing attraction to the Guardian, whose past is as shadowed as his reputation. Mae is introduced as Odessa’s political foil, and although her presence drives much of Odessa’s internal drama—being constantly overshadowed or underestimated—she’s mostly seen through Odessa’s perspective. Her motivations, ambitions, and political maneuverings might have benefited from deeper exploration to give more nuance to the power dynamics. However, Perry’s evocative prose and intricate plotting make for a gripping tale. Readers looking for a slow-burn romantasy with rich political intrigue and a protagonist forced to create her own fate will find much to enjoy.
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781649378514
Page Count: 528
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A playful romp and ode to all who believe in true love and happily-ever-afters.
A romantasy fanatic wants to find her own true love.
By day, Joonie works as a copywriter in the small seaside town of Mystic, Connecticut, but online she has a vibrant other life as a viral creator of fanfiction inspired by the popular romantasy A Tale of Salt Water & Secrets. She craves a partner as dedicated and passionate as merman Ryke, but men in the real world aren’t living up to that standard. When the book’s author reveals that Ryke is inspired by a friend of hers, Joonie sets out to meet him. That requires a trip to New York City, and her brother’s best friend, Nico—whose pessimism grates on Joonie’s optimistic nature—insists on tagging along. Growing up, Joonie had a huge crush on Nico, but she’s resented him since he broke her heart in high school. Now, as their road trip takes them in unexpected directions—physically and emotionally—Joonie has to figure out what her heart truly desires. Interspersed are excerpts from the romantasy book about Ryke and his human love interest, Merriah, who finds herself in the middle of a war between mer and sirens after she blows a special conch and finds her own power. While this 2-in-1 book means a double happily-ever-after, the real love story here is between a book and its reader. Hariri-Kia affectionately satirizes the romance genre and its tropes through use of absurd, over-the-top plotlines while also genuinely extolling how wonderful and empowering romance stories can be. Joonie’s first-person narration is downright hilarious while the romantasy sections purposely employ a vaguely formal, old-timey purple prose. The whole thing is ridiculous in the best ways while also being seriously addictive reading, with engaging, swoonworthy characters and well-developed worldbuilding.
A playful romp and ode to all who believe in true love and happily-ever-afters.Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781728270647
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Cosmo Reads
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2025
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