Review: I was hoping for more
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 03 4, 2013
This book is about a human woman, Elise, who has recently been displaced on an alien planet due to Earth’s demise.  As she is out doing chores (and complaining about something like she does so often throughout the book) she is mistaken for a coveted, fabled “maned lioness” by Ja’real, a male from a sister planet.  After instant lust and consummation, the rest of the story centers on their relationship…or lack thereof.  I have read several other books with “alien romance” premises and this one just fell short to me in so many ways.  First, I thought there was a little too much emphasis on the setting and culture history rather than in developing the characters.  I actually didn’t like Elise that much…she seemed immature and unnecessarily hysterical at times. I felt like both characters never really listened to each other and it was difficult to believe a true mutual love connection would result.  Especially when they basically ignored each other for days, sometimes weeks on end…what?  Warning: Spoiler :I also feel confused about this one thing: It was never discussed why Elise always has a reaction to Ja’real’s pheromones (as do the other human females at her habitat) but once she is on his planet, no other male triggers the lustful reaction.  Why? Obviously, other males (especially the huge number of single males) would lust after her and she should react the same as she did to Ja’real.  In summary, I ended up skimming quite a bit to finally finish…even through the sex scenes.  It looks like there may be a way to make a series out this so I hope the books that follow have more likable characters and perhaps a more compelling scenario and storyline.