Review: A fun, action-y, and sweet alien romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 25, 2013
I love alien romances, especially ones where the h is human and the H is alien and NOT human-looking in appearance, and I got that in this story. From the book cover and the blurb, I wasn't really expecting that about the hero, so that was an added bonus for me. Whereas the heroine Sandrea is a red-haired Aussie, soft and curvy, the hero is definitely less human-looking, described as more reptilian in appearance, with green almond-shaped eyes with brow ridges, bold facial features, and a hairless skull with cranial ridges and scales. Bronzed scales cover most but not all of his big, beautiful body. He and his race are exotic to Sandrea, but she is equally fascinating to this alien general, as humans are unknown in this part of the galaxy.I loved this hero. Sandrea is smart and tough, seems to know a bit about everything, and I do enjoy when a heroine is underestimated but still saves the day; however, it was Eugen who really appealed to me the most, not only for the different appearance, but also for his character. I loved that he was practically smitten from the get-go, totally intrigued by this small, pale human with the long, beautiful hair, wanting to keep her near to him. It was very sweet to see this battle-ready general be protective and possessive of Sandrea. He's curious and bewildered by his attraction to Sandrea, but he can't fight it. He was so sweet in how he hungers for her.I thought the romance was well-played and not overshadowed by all the action and fighting going on in the story. There is a sweet and slow building of their connection, with some cultural misunderstandings along the way, and there was sweet heat to their love scenes. Not overly graphic but still on the page and nicely written with steam and romance. I enjoyed that sexual tension between them and couldn't wait for them to get to the bedroom. And that scene with the head and scalp massage? So cute and even funny and very sensuous. And I guess that's how I'd describe their romance: slow and steady, soft, sweet and sensual.Small quibbles-- I wanted more of Sandrea's reaction to Eugen's homeworld; I would have liked more discussion between h/H about their differences, especially how that may affect reproduction someday; and I wouldn't have minded an epilogue of some sort. I'm sure the author plans to continue the overall storyline (the Alliance fighting the Bluthens, etc.), and there are definitely more characters for her to write about (T'Hargen, Kulluk, Shrenk and more), so I will probably see this couple again and get an update that way.I read this book as a Prime rental, and I enjoyed it a lot, kind of got me out of a reading funk. Just something different in setting and hero and got my attention perked up from page one. I liked the off-world setting, the different aliens and environments encountered, and I liked that there was action and adventure to go along with a slow-burning and sensual romance. Once I started the story, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next to Sandrea, this human lost far from home, and this sexy, sweet alien hero who rescues her and captures her heart. Good, entertaining read all around.