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Craving the Heveians #2

The Alien's Fire

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Harp
He’s my boss on this ship, but not the boss of me. At least that’s what I tell myself every time the gorgeous, icy-eyed—and hearted—Heveian warrior speaks to me. Or rather, growls at me. Despite his clear dislike of me, I have the dirtiest thoughts about the big guy. When he receives an invitation to visit an alien warlord’s fancy space lair, he shocks me by asking me to come with him, posing as his mate. How can I refuse?

Drave
She has no idea the power she holds over me. Each time I’m in her presence, I feel things I don’t want to feel. I want things I have no business wanting. No matter how harsh I am to her, Harp laughs it off. When I have to play nice with a warlord to get secret info vital to my species’ survival, I can’t resist the chance to bring her as my pretend mate. Maybe it will purge these feelings I have for her.

But navigating the dark and lavish world of wealthy trade lords and alien nobility (of which I am), is more dangerous than I thought. Secrets run deep and the information I came here for comes at a steep price. When Harp’s life is threatened, however, all bets are off. I will tear the station apart to keep her safe.

This is book two in the Craving the Heveians series. I write what I love to read so there is always consent and a HEA.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2023

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189 people want to read

About the author

Ella Blake

69 books331 followers

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5 stars
623 (50%)
4 stars
382 (30%)
3 stars
195 (15%)
2 stars
25 (2%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Chanel.
403 reviews62 followers
June 25, 2023
This was a very basic alien romance. The premise revolves around Drave who is a Heveien prince who had a bad childhood and is basically mean to everyone especially Harp. She doesn't let his meanness affect her and when an assignment comes up involving Drave having to put on a fake face he takes Harp as his fake mate.

I had to suspend a lot of my belief here because the story was pretty far fetched. Harp was portrayed as this human female that had previous military training and Drave was supposed to just be really badass but when they were caught up in a dangerous situation, neither of them really showed these skills? In fact there was one moment where they could have literally escaped easily after all the talk about time being of the essence and they stopped to have sex -- with guards right outside the door -- when they're supposed to be quiet...lol

It was entertaining enough for me to finish and I got a kick out of these aliens having a corkscrew 🍆 but other than that it wasn't anything special.
Profile Image for Hilda.
1,334 reviews294 followers
January 5, 2024
This story follows Drave Natzak and Harp Menendez. This time the head of communication who is and need to infiltrate an evil lair and see who wants to kill them. Spoiler alert, everyone. I’ve finally figured out what is bothering me about these stories. Mind you, stories I will continue reading. They are very basic. And not in a good way. Usually basic means comfort. It’s something you’re used to and welcome. This series is very basic. But again, I’m going to continue because I need to read Arria’s story!! So I guess I’m invested in this basic series.
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
3,002 reviews2,689 followers
August 26, 2025
Undercover Lovers in Alien Territory



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: ☺️🤣🙁
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

🦸🏻‍♂️ Hero Spotlight: Drave

Once a prince, now a pirate—Drave serves as the communications chief aboard a sprawling Heveian vessel that’s more outlaw fleet than diplomatic envoy. The ship hosts a motley crew of alien races, but its core allegiance lies with the Heveians. Drave renounced his title and inheritance after the death of his tyrannical father, a ruler whose cruelty soured Drave’s loyalty to his homeland. Now, he navigates the stars with a sharp tongue, a guarded heart, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

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🦸🏼‍♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Harp

Harp, a human abductee turned reluctant spacefarer, works under Drave in the ship’s communications sector. Her initial impression of him? Grumpy, aloof, and probably allergic to kindness. Their mutual disdain simmers until her subconscious betrays her—cue the steamy dreams starring her brooding boss. Harp’s awkward attempts to maintain professionalism while battling unexpected attraction add a delicious layer of tension to their dynamic. (Side note: “Harp” as a name feels more like a typo than a character choice—“Harper” would’ve hit the right note.)

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🔥 Plot Snapshot

When Drave receives a flurry of invitations from planetary warlords and political opportunists eager to exploit the mineral-rich lands he left behind, his captain sees a chance for espionage. Drave is tasked with infiltrating one warlord’s lair to gather intel—but concubines are off the table, thanks to their reputation as seductive assassins. Instead, Harp is recruited to pose as his mate, launching them into a high-stakes masquerade where danger lurks behind every velvet curtain and unresolved tension threatens to combust.

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❤️‍🔥 What Worked

• The enemies-to-lovers arc delivers satisfying friction, with Drave and Harp’s banter and buried attraction keeping the emotional stakes taut.
• The off-ship mission adds suspense and a welcome shift in setting, placing the leads in genuine peril.
• The chemistry simmers nicely, even if the name “Harp” occasionally pulls focus for the wrong reasons.

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🤨 Room for More

• While the setup had promise, the execution felt like a retread of familiar alien romance beats. There’s potential here, but it’s playing it safe.
• Ella Blake’s previous works have sparkled with originality, but this series hasn’t quite found its footing. Whether it’s the plotting or the performance—or both—it’s not hitting the same highs.

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🎧 Narration Vibes

Narrated in dual POV by Dani California (Harp) and Eric MacArthur (Drave), the performance is competent but lacks emotional resonance. MacArthur’s voice skews older than Drave’s character suggests, and while his delivery is solid, it doesn’t quite capture the simmering intensity. California’s deeper tone may work for some, but it felt mismatched for Harp’s emotional arc. The reading style leans more “scripted” than immersive, which dulled some of the tension.

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📝 Final Thoughts

A serviceable entry in the alien romance genre with a few sparks of intrigue, but not enough to ignite a full-blown obsession. The dynamic between Drave and Harp has potential, and the espionage subplot adds flavor—but the narration and naming choices hold it back. Here’s hoping future installments lean harder into originality and emotional depth.

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Profile Image for Kimbot the Destroyer.
762 reviews17 followers
December 17, 2023
Grumpiness lasted like 10 pages. Boo.
I think if you want alien smut, this is fine. If you want more than a modicum of good sci-fi it's sorta meh.
We are expanding the overall plot nicely.
I also think authors forget to make the ship its own character sometimes. Maybe in engineer boy's book, which is next.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,663 reviews27 followers
September 12, 2023
It’s the little things

This deep well was hiding so much hurt and pain. Good thing the tiny human came along to shake things up. The author seamlessly added the story to the storyline, picking up where the last book ended. We got to reconnect with an unexpected ally and see how flawlessly these two work together when they want to. I love how they not only connected, but thrived when they got on the same page. But being held against your will does tend to drop a beings guard and allow a deeper connection with the one who is there for you, especially if you’re hiding a secret. But to find that out you’r going to need to read the story. Personally I can’t wait to see what happens next. I hope we get a story about our new friend.
Profile Image for Deb.
688 reviews
May 2, 2023
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have to say I enjoyed this book a lot, and the series as a whole. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
372 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2025
Icy Hevian meets Resourceful Human in an intergalactic caper of danger and intrigue

This was a great first foray into the world of the Hevians for me, though it is book two. Harp is a human, formerly a member of Earth's armed forces, rescued by a Hevian pirate ship of do-gooders. She has an unfortunate crush on her boss Drave, a situation not ideal given Drave's apparent disdain for the human. Drave, former "princeling" of Hevian was contacted by known heavies in the intergalactic trade world and Drave's team decide that it would be worthwhile for him to pose with a "mate" to get intel into the trade lords and nobility who often take advantage of the weak. Harp agrees to act as Drave's mated partner, which may pose a greater challenge for the Hevian than Harp could have anticipated, given how taken he is with her in general - but especially in her role as spy.

Drave's "ice king" routine is a clever cover for a man secretly in want of love and attention. His parents raised him without the love and affection that most of us would prefer for our own upbringing. Growing up in the twisted world of selfish overlords taught Drave to protect himself. It's a wonder that he managed to grow up wishing to do the right thing for those weaker than he is. Once Harp realizes Drave's icy exterior is an act, she has the opportunity to really pursue their mutual attraction better. They just have to keep themselves from getting caught. When the trade lords unexpectedly turn on Drave and Harp, they have their work cut out for themselves to escape and get the word out about the intergalactic baddies looking to gain power no matter the cost to others.

Harp was an excellent character: she posessed inner strength and the emotional maturity necessary to realize who Drave really was inside. Drave is such a sweetheart - I'd compare him to a black cat/guard dog who is a danger to others but completely a puddle on the floor for Harp. Their relationship's progression was excellent and I loved all the little snippets of background information peppered throughout the story. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series!

The audiobook was narrated by Dani California and Eric MacArthur - these voice actors did a wonderful job of emoting where necessary, whilst providing an excellent delivery of Harp and Drave's voices. This is my first experience with either voice actor and I look forward to hearing their work again, where possible.

Four stars
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,875 reviews20 followers
April 30, 2023
Good

Drave and Harp

Once a Heveian Prince, Drave put aside that life for one as a spacefaring smuggler, but now his past might prove useful in figuring out which races can be trusted, and what connections can keep the Heveian homeworld safe from those who want to take advantage of them.
Harp is one of the humans rescued by the Heveians. She is asked by Drave to accompany him in his fact finding mission, by posing as his mate.
Neither of them is quite prepared for the danger, or the romance they find…

This is the second book in the series, and third story set in the Heveian world. It is a standalone romance, but part of a bigger story arc, and works best when read in order.
It’s an enjoyable romance, with plenty of action and adventure too. As usual, Hoc is definitely the best character, but there are a couple of intriguing side characters I’m hoping we’ll hear from later too!
A fun, fantastical read, featuring an alien hero, human heroine, and plenty of space action.
Recommended for sci-fi romance lovers.
89 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2023
Good story, but….

I seldom write reviews, but was reminded by an author friend that writers do appreciate honest views of their work. This was a good story and entertaining enough, but a little trite. OK, most alien abduction romances somehow boil down to ‘gorgeous alien guys from a world where females are rare or gone altogether rescue gorgeous human women. Surprise! They are genetically (and physically) compatible.’

I generally like this trope, but here the story stretching from dislike between H and h to life changing love was pretty weak. Love/sex scenes were good. But the intrigue/danger in between was tepid. It was too easy for the alien & girl to escape the bad guy. Character development was barely there.

Still, I enjoyed the read enough to finish the book.
1,893 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2023
Loved

The Hevelian lead character. He was grouchy and secretly deep, shy. Glad his human mate did not let up on him. Great balance to their coming together and the adventures in the story.
Looking forward to others in series and hopefully another down the line with there new allies. Definitely want to see some earth based stories with new mix and mingle with both species. As well as others. As they build new defenses in the new galaxy, working to keep humans safe and explore area
2 reviews
July 19, 2023
Excellent Read

I enjoyed reading the banter between the two main characters, it enriched the story and drew me into the story as if I were a part of it. The part of the story that most captivated me was how the characters were portrayed as playing the part of royalty and how the story line walked you through the crowd of allies and enemies. The build up of the dangers they faced together kept reading through as much as possible before breaking for work. I hope that there is a follow on book continuing their life together.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews35 followers
February 14, 2024
ice is no match for the heat

I had a lot of fun reading this one. Drave is ice cold, dismissive, and unavailable emotionally. Impulsive, outspoken Harp gets that. She also gets under his skin, gets into his head, and gets a rise out of him any way she can. When they undertake a dangerous spy mission together, Drave's ice sheet finally cracks. The resulting steam and heat make this one explosive alien romance, as well as a thrill ride of espionage and escape. Grab this book and hang on for the ride.
Profile Image for Sky Robert.
Author 11 books153 followers
March 1, 2024
I'm enjoying following this world and the mating pairs as the universe plot unravels book by book.
I look forward to reading more in Craving the Heveians and the little taste what to look forward to with the Mitrans claiming some human women and worshiping them. Not going to lie, I'm probably going to pause my journey in the Heveians series and jump on over to Ruzak's Claim next, pretty excited that his book is already out!

I'm here for it! Give Ella Blake's alien romances a whirl for adventure, plot and spice!
298 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
So much angst

I have to say it up front, this story had the potential to be so much longer. So many things could have been expanded on and their escape from the base could have gone a lot differently. At least a little chase by the UCP or someone? But anyway, I love the character of Draze and Harp is an obviously good fit for him. I also love our little cybot Hoc. He is always on top of things. All in all a great story and I look forward to more, especially on the Mitrans and Earth.
Profile Image for Cynkris.
594 reviews
April 28, 2023
I am so happy Drave and Harp's book was second since I NEEDED Drave's story. And it was AWESOME! Ella Blake writes such fascinating characters. They're people I want to know. Her world building is amazing. She paints a picture that I can see in my mind. But above all else her stories are engrossing! They hold my attention and keep me begging for more. The Alien's Fire is full of action and romance. It's steamy and exciting. I loved it!
Profile Image for Vicki.
577 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2023
Omgoodness.

This book! I giggled all the way through it. Drave was all kinds of awkward and icy. Harp was full of sassy comments and bold moves. The miscommunication was stellar. The banter was awesome. The fact that they both thought the other one hated them made for some great moments. The spice was off the charters. And the plot was just soo good! Loved it.
Profile Image for JP.
1,835 reviews14 followers
June 23, 2023
Totally Awesome 😁

It had been so long since I'd read the first book that I had to go back and read the end again, so I knew what to expect 😉. But, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story 😄. Not only did the leads get together, but there was intense action, great characters and the end of a nasty bad guy 😊. Thanks again Ella, I'm really looking forward to reading the next book 🤓.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,689 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2023
Hate or love

This story is about an alien and a human woman who work together but are constantly arguing or snipping at each other. He is an a** and she is not taking any crap from him. Everyone is expecting her to quit or be fired. No one saw what happened coming, not even them. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Heather.
14 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2024
Great story. Uplifting. Fun. Exciting.

This story is special for two main reasons. The two characters who fall in love have a genuine relationship first and their personalities seem to fit each other. Secondly the back story doesn’t feel contrived. It’s an exciting sci-fi adventure reminiscent of swashbuckling pirates sailing the seven seas.
27 reviews
April 11, 2025
So far so good

I live this series
The characters are outstanding, the action is great and the sex scenes are great without being too graphic. I actually enjoy leaving a little to the imagination. Sort of like fade to black in old movies but with more details to make It nteresti.. i'm looking forward to the next book which I've already downloaded. ENJOY!!!
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,219 reviews
April 28, 2023
Well I’ll be! Our ice cold Heveians was hiding his fire. It just took his human mate to bring it out. 🥰

Lots of action here and a daring escape for our heroes, assisted by allies, old and new. It was nice knowing that our stoic hero can smile after all and knows the the meaningful of “fun”.
Profile Image for Josie.
2,002 reviews
April 30, 2023
And the story continues...

So much information and yup, politics is still an ugly beast. I loved the new creatures, the sinister by play, and please tell me Ruzak gets his own story. Still it was great to see Drave letting down those walls.
122 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2023
like this series so far

Entertaining story, characters and ongoing minor plot line. Not a cliffhanger. Hope there are more than 3 stories planned for this series. Would love to see Ruzak again in future offerings.
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,388 reviews330 followers
May 17, 2023
Quick(ish) Review

I am really enjoying this series, even more than I thought I would. Chemistry between the MCs is good, the Firsts are solid, even the overarching storyline has good potential. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,790 reviews9 followers
May 19, 2023
I‘m overjoyed to have found a new to me author that really rocks my world. I’m loving this series and highly recommend it. The romance is hot and sweet and the world building is exciting, and the crew are a little like pirates that work for good. Loads of excitement and fun going on.
3,323 reviews30 followers
May 27, 2023
The Alien's fire

The old worshipping by pretending to be her mean boss. Then Harp comes across a communication infecting Grave is a Heveian prince. That gets a whole ball rolling and it's epic.
1,869 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2023
Big! Like BIG, BIG! LOL!

The Alien’s Fire is a solid read. It has plenty of gut churning action but the chemistry between Drave and Harp did not seem as heightened as Book One with Ryland and Kora. Can’t wait to read Book 3 and really hope Ruzak gets a book!
153 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2023
Great adventure

A well written adventure with some great romance ! The characters are also well written, likeable and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend especially if you like alien romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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