30something_reads's reviews
676 reviews

What a surprising read! I am endeavoring to read through the shortlist for the '24 Ursula K Le Guin Fiction prize and I can see why this one is a contender.

Firstly, what this is NOT: A plot driven science fiction story

What this IS: Literary Fiction with a sci-fi setting.

A lovely and introspective meditation on humanity, our relationship with the world at large, and the passing of time told through a single day in the lives of six astronauts as they are orbiting Earth on one of the final space station missions of it's kind.

This was beautifully written.

More thoughts to come. 

 I'll take Cthulhu over you devils any day.

This was so eerie and atmospheric and I honestly had no idea where the story was heading. 

 Written pre 2020 but still 100% relevant given the ways in which our systems are continuing to dismantle health and safety precautions for the chronically ill. And you're only able-bodied until the day you aren't.

A great read for intersectional disability justice and building community care networks.

I do not even know how to rate this weirdo little book.The writing style is either going to work for you or you're going to hate it. I think I fall into the first camp. It's definitely a book you need to be in the correct mood to read.

It was everything that it claimed to be. (By that I mean if Ziggy Stardust was beamed up by aliens to participate in a galactic song completion a la Eurovision in order to save humanity.)

I had a good laugh. There were some lovely poignant moments. But there were also A LOT of bits that did not feel like crucial information. And maybe that's the point.  "Life is beautiful and life is stupid," and all that.

So while I do not know how to rate this, I do know that I'm going to bedazzle the shit out of it. Because if there is any book deserving of a glittery-as-fuck cover, it's this one. Decibel Jones would agree I think.

 He slid a hand over her neck and said, almost absently, “You’re perfect.”
She scowled. “Shut up.”
“Make me.”

Is this your love language? Then this book is for you.

Ruth Kabbah is autistic and the standoffish, loner/pariah of her small town. Evan Miller is new to town and her newest neighbor. Charmed by her prickly personality, he cannot help but bring her homemade meals every evening in a chance to get to know her a little better.

If there's three thing Talia's going to do, it's:
1. Give us an absolutely well-crafted, relatable MC (with some phenomenal disability rep)
2. Give that MC a love interest who is utterly irresistible, kind, and completely obsessed with them
3. Slip in some spine-tingling steamy moments that make you blush

*siiiiigghhhhhhh* I simply love them, your honor.

CW: ableism, racism, explicit sexual content, reference to sexual assault, toxic/abusive romantic relationship, slut-shaming, stalking, gaslighting, mentions of past death of a parent (cancer), terminal illness 

Veera may have fallen first but Deepak fell harder and we love that for her. I had so much fun with this one!

Full RTC. 

Just.... No.

I told myself I'd give it until she met the LI and I technically did that so I'm going to go ahead and tap out here.

There are too many inconsistencies- in the exposition, the dialogue, the characterization. The MC is trying my patience. She's just not like other girls. She's tough (but still the MOST gorgeous) and she drinks whiskey like a MAN (literally took a "manful gulp" at some point) and don't you dare think to put her in a DRESS- pants and boots only because she's dangerous. Ughh.

Also, I saw someone describe the LI as a grumpy shadow daddy and I- cannot do it anymore.

Boring. It's been done. Me 4 years ago after just getting back into reading probably would have liked this.

Also I'm not about to read 500+ more pages of book ONE to somehow find out that she is mysteriously part Fae and her LI is secretly royalty (or she is) because I just have a feeling that is where this is going and I don't care enough to find out.

Reread and I still love it.
The audiobook was delightful (duet narration!!)

Read this of you like:
✔️Blood drinking berserker aliens
✔️Older siblings doing everything to protect their families
✔️Marriage contract
✔️But he's secretly seeking revenge on her family
✔️Ofc they're mates and it's incredibly inconvenient because of the vengeance
✔️Hate banging that eventually becomes desperately obsessed banging

******

The original, more thorough review:

This was an absolutely smash of a beginning to a new alien romance series!

I have adored Zoey Draven's work and am so impressed with how she builds these immersive worlds. Each book has just been better than the last.

Gemma Hara is drowning under the weight of her father’s debts.To save her family, Gemma agrees to do something reckless: marry a wealthy and mysterious stranger, who offers her a wicked bargain she can’t afford to refuse.

However, this bargain comes with one terrifying catch. Because her husband-to-be is a Kylorr- one of the most fearsome alien races in the Four Quadrants. Beastly monsters, all muscle and menace, with powerful wings, depraved cravings, berserker-like rages that survive on blood.

Cold and cruel, Azur of House Kaalium, the High Lord of Laras, demands Gemma as his blood bride. To feed from her. To use her body in whatever way he wishes. For paying off her family’s debts, he expects her complete submission.

✔️ enemies to lovers
✔️ enemies with benefits
✔️ marriage contract
✔️ vengeance
✔️ fated mates

Gemma and Azur's story is electric- rife with angst and tension. The journey from enemies to lovers is perfectly paced. I love Gemma's character so much- she is strong, stubborn, and will do anything to protect her family… even to her own detriment. (It's also super refreshing to see a FMC in her 30s). The world building is fabulous and the side characters we meet/hear about are very promising 🤌🏻

So excited to see more from this series!

CWs:
Mild violence, Alcohol consumption, Elements of dubcon, Biting and blood drinking, Knotting, Light degradation, Mentions of parental suicide (off page, before story begins), Death (family member, off page, before story begins) 

Somewhere, in an alternate timeline, Kalu kept his ass at home and everyone lived happily ever after.

Goddamnit.

A deliciously indulgent summer romance. 

Rome is a top tier fictional man. Also, are we going to get more from these side characters? I'd love that.