I sped through this book so fast! That and the fact that I'm chomping at the bit to read the next book is why it ended up with 5 stars. I'd like to start off by acknowledging that there are a LOT of similarities to Ruby Dixon's IPB series (mostly in the aliens, cultural and language barriers, and the fated mates/dying race aspects), but that the overarching storylines are very, very different. So if you're interested in the general theme of sci-fi and can overlook all the no-nos in Dixon's universe, I'm sure you'll find a home here. I think the biggest excitement for me and real turning point in my loving this book was the emotional maturity we're granted from the tough Alpha lead. He's 100% a Stern Brunch Daddy (will be gruff, but cares for you enough to provide morning after bottomless mimosas-and food, obvi) and we are give this amazing apology scene-with some groveling-about how he needs to do better, step up for mistakes made, and basically doesn't deserve our girl Miari. There is some difficult alien language throughout the book, but I kind of enjoyed the challenge of pronunciation since we were given a short instruction in the beginning. Overall, I found this book to be on par with others I've read in the genre vis-à-vis relationship and character development, world building, and plotting for additional books. I look forward to reading more by Stevens and watching this world grow.


CW: talk of r*pe and sexual assault (off page), attempted r*pe (on page), kidnapping, sexual coercion, somewhat dubious power dynamic between MCs

I was put off by how graphic one scene towards the end got (dealing with attempted r*pe), so I'd like to make sure protentional readers are aware this is included.