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Resonance Mates #1
Hara's Legacy
It's a serious game of cowboys and aliens when three psychically gifted brothers try to protect the one fragile, empathic woman who holds all their hearts against a menacing ailen threat.
Resonance Mates, Book 1
Montana rancher Caleb O'Hara's precognitive abilities saved his family from an alien attach that annihilated almost everyone on Earth. Now the aliens have come to study the remnants of humanity. Caleb knows the only way to ensure the safety of his young wife, Janie, and his beloved brothers, Justin and Mick, is to keep the family together on their isolated ranch.
All three O'Hara brothers love Jane. They grew up next door to the young, empathic beauty and she stole all their hearts at one time or another, though she married Caleb. Caleb foresees the shocking truth of what they have to do in order to survive, and Caleb's visions never lie.
They'll have to come to terms with a new world, and an evolving relationship, all while finding a way to protect two newborn babies who are innocent pawns in the aliens' deadly game. Somehow, this one talented family holds the key for humanity's survival on this new, conquered world called Earth.
Warning: This book is intended for mature audiences as it contains explicit sex and menage a quatre
The Resonance Mates series consists of:
1. Hara's Legacy
2. Davin's Quest
3. Jaci's Experiment
4. Grady's Awakening
5. Harry's Sacrifice
Resonance Mates, Book 1
Montana rancher Caleb O'Hara's precognitive abilities saved his family from an alien attach that annihilated almost everyone on Earth. Now the aliens have come to study the remnants of humanity. Caleb knows the only way to ensure the safety of his young wife, Janie, and his beloved brothers, Justin and Mick, is to keep the family together on their isolated ranch.
All three O'Hara brothers love Jane. They grew up next door to the young, empathic beauty and she stole all their hearts at one time or another, though she married Caleb. Caleb foresees the shocking truth of what they have to do in order to survive, and Caleb's visions never lie.
They'll have to come to terms with a new world, and an evolving relationship, all while finding a way to protect two newborn babies who are innocent pawns in the aliens' deadly game. Somehow, this one talented family holds the key for humanity's survival on this new, conquered world called Earth.
Warning: This book is intended for mature audiences as it contains explicit sex and menage a quatre
The Resonance Mates series consists of:
1. Hara's Legacy
2. Davin's Quest
3. Jaci's Experiment
4. Grady's Awakening
5. Harry's Sacrifice
249 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2007
158 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Bianca D'Arc
178 books1,367 followersBianca D'Arc is the USA Today bestselling author of over 100 romance titles. She has been published traditionally, by a few notable small presses, and indie. Before becoming a full-time writer, she ran a laboratory, a legal department, and jetted around the country on business while working for a Fortune 500 engineering firm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 29, 2010
Hara’s Legacy is the story of three -very potent- brothers and one woman who loves to swallow. Said woman is also the wife of one the brothers.
The general message of the book is: sex is the answer to e-ve-ry-thing! You feel bad? Have sex with your brother's wife. You can't express your emotions? Have sex with your brother's wife, preferably with your brothers present. Alien attacks? Ask your brother to have sex with your wife. What?!?!?!
Like my GR friend Michelle M said: “I prefer my erotica to just be about the relationships, rather than inventing ludicrous reasons why folks have to get it on.”
This book was not for me.
The general message of the book is: sex is the answer to e-ve-ry-thing! You feel bad? Have sex with your brother's wife. You can't express your emotions? Have sex with your brother's wife, preferably with your brothers present. Alien attacks? Ask your brother to have sex with your wife. What?!?!?!
Like my GR friend Michelle M said: “I prefer my erotica to just be about the relationships, rather than inventing ludicrous reasons why folks have to get it on.”
This book was not for me.
November 30, 2021
DO NOT read this book.
Bravo Bianca – Bravo Samhain Publishing, I fell for your ploy. Browsing through Amazon, I found a copy of Hara’s Legacy and was sucked into the summary. I wish I hadn’t been though. This book was trying to be a sci-fi cock tease and the only of these this world needs are on Joss Whedon’s Firefly. On its own merit, it was like an inexperienced lot lizard, thinking a bunch of truckers running a train on her is foreplay and showing her boobs is worth a ride out of salt lake city…
Hara’s Legacy grabbed my attention, promising a plot-line that is right up my alley. On near future earth, aliens have decided to drop in and make themselves home. In order to makes the planet safe for them, they bombarded the planet with Crystalline seeds which vibrate and re-tune the planet to the benefit of their biology, and detriment of human. Some humans are able to survive the planetary reboot.
Those humans who survive often have levels of dormant and active psychic abilities. This novel centers on 3 brothers who have inklings of the alien resettlement and move to the boonies for survival. One brother has a wife, who they have all known since she was a child, so it was apparent from the beginning what part of the story would focus on.
And that is the end of the plot-line. The majority of this book is descriptions of circumcised cocks, vagina’s, clits, sexual positions, squishing noises, wet spots, alien sperm donors, and three brothers humping the same woman repeatedly.
This is an estimate, but out of 256 pages, I would guesstimate that only 60 pages of this book actually mattered.
Marketed as a Futuristic Sci-Fi and “Red Hot”, I assumed it would be more Sci-Fi with some standard adult themes peppered in. No biggie, I have read my share of steamy scenes. Heck, the description of the book from the publisher (here’s the ploy)deftly avoided the nature of the book, hinting at the contents and simply advising “Warning: this title contains explicit sex and ménage à quatre”. It caught my attention and I thought it was sweet to have a scene in the book that warranted forewarning..
Yeah… not sure if a prophetic-seer-fucking-an-empath,-who-is-double-entried-by-a-brother-who-is-psychic,-while-she-sucks-the-cock-of-a-third-brother-who-is-a-telepath-AND-A-Telekinetic for chapter after chapter is considered Sci-Fi by any stretch of the imagination. The uncomfortably long fuck-fest with one brother-spying-on-an-alien-who-wants-a-baby-and-fucks-for-two-days-straight-while-his-brother-psychically-listens-in-taking-notes chapters were unbearable.
The Sci-Fi is limited, the sex is overly saturated, far too detailed, and have the feeling of being written by someone who wishes they were an erotic writer, but never bothered to stop masturbating long enough to find an honest proofreader.
I had actually written a whole review prior to this, but scrapped it all as it was entirely too nice. Here is the best advice I can give, “Unless this book gets completely rewritten to focus more on the plot and less on the male curvature needed to hit a g-spot, don’t bother with it.”
--
xpost https://toastx2.blogspot.com/
Bravo Bianca – Bravo Samhain Publishing, I fell for your ploy. Browsing through Amazon, I found a copy of Hara’s Legacy and was sucked into the summary. I wish I hadn’t been though. This book was trying to be a sci-fi cock tease and the only of these this world needs are on Joss Whedon’s Firefly. On its own merit, it was like an inexperienced lot lizard, thinking a bunch of truckers running a train on her is foreplay and showing her boobs is worth a ride out of salt lake city…
Hara’s Legacy grabbed my attention, promising a plot-line that is right up my alley. On near future earth, aliens have decided to drop in and make themselves home. In order to makes the planet safe for them, they bombarded the planet with Crystalline seeds which vibrate and re-tune the planet to the benefit of their biology, and detriment of human. Some humans are able to survive the planetary reboot.
Those humans who survive often have levels of dormant and active psychic abilities. This novel centers on 3 brothers who have inklings of the alien resettlement and move to the boonies for survival. One brother has a wife, who they have all known since she was a child, so it was apparent from the beginning what part of the story would focus on.
And that is the end of the plot-line. The majority of this book is descriptions of circumcised cocks, vagina’s, clits, sexual positions, squishing noises, wet spots, alien sperm donors, and three brothers humping the same woman repeatedly.
This is an estimate, but out of 256 pages, I would guesstimate that only 60 pages of this book actually mattered.
Marketed as a Futuristic Sci-Fi and “Red Hot”, I assumed it would be more Sci-Fi with some standard adult themes peppered in. No biggie, I have read my share of steamy scenes. Heck, the description of the book from the publisher (here’s the ploy)deftly avoided the nature of the book, hinting at the contents and simply advising “Warning: this title contains explicit sex and ménage à quatre”. It caught my attention and I thought it was sweet to have a scene in the book that warranted forewarning..
Yeah… not sure if a prophetic-seer-fucking-an-empath,-who-is-double-entried-by-a-brother-who-is-psychic,-while-she-sucks-the-cock-of-a-third-brother-who-is-a-telepath-AND-A-Telekinetic for chapter after chapter is considered Sci-Fi by any stretch of the imagination. The uncomfortably long fuck-fest with one brother-spying-on-an-alien-who-wants-a-baby-and-fucks-for-two-days-straight-while-his-brother-psychically-listens-in-taking-notes chapters were unbearable.
The Sci-Fi is limited, the sex is overly saturated, far too detailed, and have the feeling of being written by someone who wishes they were an erotic writer, but never bothered to stop masturbating long enough to find an honest proofreader.
I had actually written a whole review prior to this, but scrapped it all as it was entirely too nice. Here is the best advice I can give, “Unless this book gets completely rewritten to focus more on the plot and less on the male curvature needed to hit a g-spot, don’t bother with it.”
--
xpost https://toastx2.blogspot.com/
March 16, 2008
WOW! If you are looking for a relationship-based menage story, then look no further.
The alien attack on planet Earth has resulted in a lack of females. The eldest O'Hara brother, Caleb, reluctantly realizes that if his family is going to survive, they will have to learn to live in this new reality and that means that his wife will become their wife. I truly enjoyed this book as it dealt just as much with the discomfort and guilt of the brothers as with the incredibly hot sex. The contrast of the feelings of each of the brothers as they adjust to their new life was emotionally satisfying. The (lucky, plucky) heroine and her growing relationship with each of the brothers was skillfully handled also. Don't miss this one. I will definately get the next in this series.
The alien attack on planet Earth has resulted in a lack of females. The eldest O'Hara brother, Caleb, reluctantly realizes that if his family is going to survive, they will have to learn to live in this new reality and that means that his wife will become their wife. I truly enjoyed this book as it dealt just as much with the discomfort and guilt of the brothers as with the incredibly hot sex. The contrast of the feelings of each of the brothers as they adjust to their new life was emotionally satisfying. The (lucky, plucky) heroine and her growing relationship with each of the brothers was skillfully handled also. Don't miss this one. I will definately get the next in this series.
July 25, 2010
This book is erotica and sci fi. If that's not your thing, stop reading.
I don't think I've ever thought this before, but the story in this book was so interesting, I wish that the author had left out most of the erotica and spent more time developing the back story. It's a post-apocolyptic sci fi story where aliens colonize earth, killing most people in the process. These aliens first visited the early over a thousand years ago to scount planets, and are the origin of our elf stories. When they bred with humans, the resulting hybrids have magical powers. After the attack on earth, only a few human colonies still exist, mostly inhabited by the descendants of the hybrids, some of whom are precognitive and saw visions of the invasion, so they knew where to go to stay safe. Few women survived, so the erotica part of this book centers on a empath woman (Jane) and the three brothers who are her husbands. Menage ensues. There's also an alien woman who bears the child of one of the brothers, which provides them protection when the aliens come to do experiments on the hybrids.
I don't think I've ever thought this before, but the story in this book was so interesting, I wish that the author had left out most of the erotica and spent more time developing the back story. It's a post-apocolyptic sci fi story where aliens colonize earth, killing most people in the process. These aliens first visited the early over a thousand years ago to scount planets, and are the origin of our elf stories. When they bred with humans, the resulting hybrids have magical powers. After the attack on earth, only a few human colonies still exist, mostly inhabited by the descendants of the hybrids, some of whom are precognitive and saw visions of the invasion, so they knew where to go to stay safe. Few women survived, so the erotica part of this book centers on a empath woman (Jane) and the three brothers who are her husbands. Menage ensues. There's also an alien woman who bears the child of one of the brothers, which provides them protection when the aliens come to do experiments on the hybrids.
October 14, 2010
Overall, I liked this book. I did feel like a few of the sex scenes were put in just to have them in there and seeing as how I like reading gratuitous sex scenes I think that's saying something. Since the book takes place over a period of two-ish years some big chunks of time felt like they were skimmed over, which was a little distracting, but the story itself was fun and a different enough from what I've been reading lately that I found myself entertained.
Now I do have one thing that's sort of gnawing at me about this book- You find out that the aliens have a legend about Resonance Mates, a mate who balances them and keeps them sane, yet this book is ultimately about a family of human/alien half-breeds. In fact, Resonance Mates are only mentioned by one of the aliens in passing. So why is this series called "Resonance Mates"?
Yes, I ask the tough questions.
The point in all this is that I liked the book and I wouldn't be adverse to reading the others in the series.
Now I do have one thing that's sort of gnawing at me about this book- You find out that the aliens have a legend about Resonance Mates, a mate who balances them and keeps them sane, yet this book is ultimately about a family of human/alien half-breeds. In fact, Resonance Mates are only mentioned by one of the aliens in passing. So why is this series called "Resonance Mates"?
Yes, I ask the tough questions.
The point in all this is that I liked the book and I wouldn't be adverse to reading the others in the series.
December 9, 2015
OK, in all fairness, I'll say in advance, I know some people love this book and especially when it comes to erotica, I think different things make different people tick. As such, this one just had nothing to offer me. Now, onto my review...
Horrible! I absolutely hated it. Most of the sex scenes I rushed through, but I even found the dialogue distasteful. It's a shame because I really liked the premise. Elfish aliens attack the earth, destroying the major cities and decimating the population. Most of the survivors are those who have psychic powers. Caleb, who can see the future, relocates his wife and two brothers to the wilderness a little before the attacks. His brothers Justin and Mick are miserable because there are so few women to men now and they're stuck being celibate. It's even harder on them because they've both been in love with Jane (Caleb's wife) for years. Caleb eventually has a vision telling him that he has to let his brothers have Jane too. Jane has no objections (actually, the opposite, since she'd always been in love with all 3) and they engage in a lot of group sex. Wow, did I say that I liked that premise? I take it back. I only like the part through aliens destroying the earth and a precog relocating his family just in time.
She was constantly making comments like, "Mick, be patient, you can have my pussy soon." Gross... And then the brothers would make similar remarks, or internal observations like that their cum was still mixed up with her juices as they had another round. Ugh... Every other page, several times a page, there would be things like this. Not to mention Jane apparently LOVING having sex with all 3 at once. Seriously, at the same time, so she had to be creative with her orifices. I guess people who enjoy menage stories might be able to get into it... But I've read LKH who has a few menage scenes, and they didn't revolt me the way this did. Then on the side to all this nasty graphic sex was the brothers feeling guilty for sleeping with Caleb's wife and stuff. They want her...they don't want her...they want her...they don't want her...etc. I think I missed a lot of the emotional stuff though because the sex scenes repelled me so much that I started skimming.
There is slightly more to the plot than just that, with a local female alien one of them needs to impregnate and then Jane's parallel pregnancy and the two unique babies that result, but it was just an awful read. I could hardly stand finishing it, but I hate dropping books midway. This book has me reconsidering that sentiment though.
Horrible! I absolutely hated it. Most of the sex scenes I rushed through, but I even found the dialogue distasteful. It's a shame because I really liked the premise. Elfish aliens attack the earth, destroying the major cities and decimating the population. Most of the survivors are those who have psychic powers. Caleb, who can see the future, relocates his wife and two brothers to the wilderness a little before the attacks. His brothers Justin and Mick are miserable because there are so few women to men now and they're stuck being celibate. It's even harder on them because they've both been in love with Jane (Caleb's wife) for years. Caleb eventually has a vision telling him that he has to let his brothers have Jane too. Jane has no objections (actually, the opposite, since she'd always been in love with all 3) and they engage in a lot of group sex. Wow, did I say that I liked that premise? I take it back. I only like the part through aliens destroying the earth and a precog relocating his family just in time.
She was constantly making comments like, "Mick, be patient, you can have my pussy soon." Gross... And then the brothers would make similar remarks, or internal observations like that their cum was still mixed up with her juices as they had another round. Ugh... Every other page, several times a page, there would be things like this. Not to mention Jane apparently LOVING having sex with all 3 at once. Seriously, at the same time, so she had to be creative with her orifices. I guess people who enjoy menage stories might be able to get into it... But I've read LKH who has a few menage scenes, and they didn't revolt me the way this did. Then on the side to all this nasty graphic sex was the brothers feeling guilty for sleeping with Caleb's wife and stuff. They want her...they don't want her...they want her...they don't want her...etc. I think I missed a lot of the emotional stuff though because the sex scenes repelled me so much that I started skimming.
There is slightly more to the plot than just that, with a local female alien one of them needs to impregnate and then Jane's parallel pregnancy and the two unique babies that result, but it was just an awful read. I could hardly stand finishing it, but I hate dropping books midway. This book has me reconsidering that sentiment though.
April 2, 2010
I ordered this an an e-book because I didn't think it would be worth buying the actual book. After reading it I was glad I did just that. I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis that I read initially. I have to say that the story in my opinion would have been rated higher if there was more story and less sex involved. The story had a lot of potential to be something more if the characters weren't so caught up in the bedroom. I don't usually go for books where the story is built around aliens, but this one I felt that the alien presence involved wasn't so typically alien. It was too short and the story needed to be better developed but the characters involved were intriguing and makes me want to read the rest of the series.
February 20, 2022
Center of their world
This is a post apocalyptic book like you’ve never read before! The characters are so emotionally connected and as their relationship evolves and grows, so does the intensity of the story. I love how they always seem to be one step ahead of the newest change, and use it as much as they can for the greater good. But they always put the family first. The author took the time to develop each character and I felt like they were going to jump out of the page at any moment. This book was absolutely fascinating and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring for the breeds.
This is a post apocalyptic book like you’ve never read before! The characters are so emotionally connected and as their relationship evolves and grows, so does the intensity of the story. I love how they always seem to be one step ahead of the newest change, and use it as much as they can for the greater good. But they always put the family first. The author took the time to develop each character and I felt like they were going to jump out of the page at any moment. This book was absolutely fascinating and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring for the breeds.
April 10, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/04/...
3.5 stars -- It's been a LOOOOONNNNNGGGG time since I read this book. So long that it must have been before I joined Goodreads, because I didn't even have these books on my TBR there.
Is it weird that I enjoyed the world-building/plot stuff more than the erotica? There were definitely some good steamy scenes, but I was more intrigued by everyone's abilities, and the visions, and the aliens, and the children...
I definitely saw some things that kind of irk me nowadays in this one. Some of the conflict with the brothers and with Jane skirted around sex shaming, without actually going all the way there. There was also some disturbing rape culture in the background, as there often is in these post-apocalyptic books -- not enough women, and apparently that means that men that have gone without will turn into rapists. *rolls eyes* I should fucking hope not, jesus. But alas.
So yeah. I'm definitely wanting to read more and remember where this is going, but I know the situations are probably going to be getting more and more on the line (ie not good for those with triggers). We'll see if it's still something that works for me or not.
3.5 stars -- It's been a LOOOOONNNNNGGGG time since I read this book. So long that it must have been before I joined Goodreads, because I didn't even have these books on my TBR there.
Is it weird that I enjoyed the world-building/plot stuff more than the erotica? There were definitely some good steamy scenes, but I was more intrigued by everyone's abilities, and the visions, and the aliens, and the children...
I definitely saw some things that kind of irk me nowadays in this one. Some of the conflict with the brothers and with Jane skirted around sex shaming, without actually going all the way there. There was also some disturbing rape culture in the background, as there often is in these post-apocalyptic books -- not enough women, and apparently that means that men that have gone without will turn into rapists. *rolls eyes* I should fucking hope not, jesus. But alas.
So yeah. I'm definitely wanting to read more and remember where this is going, but I know the situations are probably going to be getting more and more on the line (ie not good for those with triggers). We'll see if it's still something that works for me or not.
November 2, 2013
To be honest this book was rather bland, which is a sad thing to say about a menage with three hunky men and one lucky lady. Unfortunately, I found Jane's perfection to be dull as dishwater, Mick's angsty guilt to go on way too long, Caleb's role as patriarch left him rather one sided, and Justin - who was probably the most interesting character - left me unimpressed as well. Another reviewer used the word saccharin to describe the story, and I agree this is an apt description of interactions between the O'Hara brothers and their wife.
However, I did like the overall world building and background story. From the blubs I was more interested in the second book, Davin's Quest, but wanted to read this book for the background story. The writing is solid, but the story had too much telling and very little showing, leaving me unimpressed.
However, I did like the overall world building and background story. From the blubs I was more interested in the second book, Davin's Quest, but wanted to read this book for the background story. The writing is solid, but the story had too much telling and very little showing, leaving me unimpressed.
March 4, 2011
It would appear I will read anything if I am feeling apathetic and the book is free.
I like SF and there was the potential for a good story here. Except the whole alien invasion plot seems like it was just part of an elaborate reason to explain why the heroine had to end up having sex with three brothers.
I don't hink I am too prudish but this was actually pretty boring and even saccharine with the ultimate aim being the holy grail of triple penetration. She remembers before the invasion her girlfriends talking about it - 'cos of course that is what young women do... talk about triple penetration.
I thought this might be a bit racy - it was actually kind of pedestrian with an OMG taboo theme (sort of). Meh
I like SF and there was the potential for a good story here. Except the whole alien invasion plot seems like it was just part of an elaborate reason to explain why the heroine had to end up having sex with three brothers.
I don't hink I am too prudish but this was actually pretty boring and even saccharine with the ultimate aim being the holy grail of triple penetration. She remembers before the invasion her girlfriends talking about it - 'cos of course that is what young women do... talk about triple penetration.
I thought this might be a bit racy - it was actually kind of pedestrian with an OMG taboo theme (sort of). Meh
February 10, 2011
There are parts of the story that I found interesting and even hot. But the excessive sex, M/M/M/F, (I cannot believe I said that!) drowned out the story. Aliens are coming to invade the planet and the gifts that the O'Hara family possess of precognition/telepathy/empathy allow them to begin planning ways to save their family once the invasion begins. However, it seems EVERYTHING required to save the O'Hara family involves the three O'Hara brothers enjoying sex-play with the eldest brother's wife.
The overall story was okay, especially if you are looking for lots of sex-play with multiple partners.
The overall story was okay, especially if you are looking for lots of sex-play with multiple partners.
August 8, 2009
I think of these kind of romance novels as porn, this one is a mix of sci-fi and romance/porn. If that's your thing than enjoy, otherwise save your sensibilities and read no more. I enjoyed this book enough to read it through with out putting it down. It had a good story and good sex scenes. It has a whole post apocalyptic, aliens vs. humans thing going. I'll probably read the next to find out how the battle for humanity goes, and not to mention the weird relationship the main characters are involved in with one another.
April 23, 2013
This one was pretty hot (hence the 4 starts) the character's though fell flat for me. But it did make up for it in other areas. Recommend it if you're in the mood for something steamy without and intricate plot.
March 24, 2009
WOwowowowowo Is all I can say!!!!
New Fav. Author to add to my keepers!!!!!!!!!
Look forward to reading all of her books!!!!!
New Fav. Author to add to my keepers!!!!!!!!!
Look forward to reading all of her books!!!!!
February 6, 2011
Um. It was free. And worth every penny.
March 21, 2024
DNF at 21%. Hara's Legacy is full of homophobia masquerading as a taboo sci-fi erotic romance.
The setup is a dystopian world where human-like aliens come back to Earth (after some of their ancestors lived there and had babies with human millennials ago), and that destroys Earth and human civilization. The only people who really survive are those with mind powers (pre-cognition, telepathy, telekinesis, empathetic sensing, etc.) due to alien DNA from that original visit. Less human women have survived the dystopia, and women are few and far between.
The story follows three brothers, Caleb, Justin, and Mick, and Caleb's wife, Jane, who all have these powers. Caleb's pre-cognitive abilities save and guide the family. (Even though he's a cis man, Caleb is the eldest daughter here.) For superpower reasons, Jane has deeply bonded with all three brothers, and while she's married to Caleb throughout her life, she's been romantically emotionally-only bonded with all three. And because there are no women, Justin and Mick are also in love with their brother's wife.
Caleb gets visions that Justin must impregnate an alien woman, Mara, and he also gets visions that his brothers should have sex with Jane. All those things happen.
Okay, let's talk about the homophobia.
First, D'Arc tells us that all the men are cranky because they are single. When Justin goes to the village bar, he notes that the men are drinking to try to drown their angry horniness that they haven't gotten laid in forever. Apparently, none of these men are gay or bisexual.
Not to mention, in situations of extreme sex-based segregation (the military, boarding schools, frats, prisons, colonialist projects, etc.), it's well documented that cis men of all sexualities, including straight ones, will often engage in homosexual behaviors to get sex or even soothe loneliness and other emotional needs. In these situations, the acts do not necessarily signal to his peers that the man is queer. And for the straight ones, when the situation ends (tour of duty, graduation, release from prison), so does their engagement in homosexual behavior. These men would have sex with each other.
It is also a gross implication that men need sex from women and that we'd excuse bad behaviors because of this. Not to mention that anger would be the only emotion cis men could express when not getting laid. (TBF, Jane's empathic abilities read more than anger and horniness from Justin and Mick.)
Second, Hara's Legacy prizes cisnormative heterosexual marriage. I went into this knowing it would have a breeding kink trope, but I did not expect the jump scare of putting cisnormative heterosexual marriage and it leading to children above all things.
In the brothers' lust toward Jane, Jane's attraction to them, and her and Caleb's discussions about the situation, Jane and Caleb's marriage is presented as the precious thing stopping this from happening. Or what should be the biggest barrier and truest sign of who Jane loves is who she chose to be her husband. Listen, your polycule can be a mess and may have a hierarchy.
But it wasn't until D'Arc interjected an entire speech by Justin waxing about cisnormative heterosexual marriage during the sex scenes with him and Mara that it got misogynistic and homophobic.
"'In the old days,' he tried to explain, 'when there were about equal numbers of men and women, most civilized people believed that one man and one woman formed the family unit with their children. A man and woman would get married and their union would be legally recognized by the state and everyone else. Before your people came, Jane married my brother. They are together and faithful to each other according to the old traditions.'
'But I've noted in my research that many Breed men will share the same woman,' She looked simultaneously confused and fascinated, as if the survivors of humanity were lab subjects to be studied.
'Only out of desperation. Most women in the old days would have only one man after they married him. They might have sex with others before marriage, as did men, but after marriage, they were supposed to be faithful to each other.'"
This was published in 2007, before many countries, including the US, had marriage equality. However, by that time, legislation was brewing. Massachusetts had marriage equality in 2004. Marriage in Hara's Legacy is presented as for heterosexuals only and prized above all things. It's also interesting how a woman's fidelity in marriage is more emphasized than a man's and implied that the only reason men are faithful is because women demand it.
Third, because of these first two factors, D'Arc making these men all biologically related brothers prevents the men from having romantic and sexual relationships with each other, which comes off as homophobic. Common taboo romance tropes do feature pseudo-incest (step-siblings, guardian/ward, ex's parent, etc.), and I'm sure some cross the lines into incest, especially if sex cannot be procreative. The brothers' genetic relationship means that D'Arc can further avoid addressing queerness in this world and never have to explore homosexuality in her MCs.
The setup is a dystopian world where human-like aliens come back to Earth (after some of their ancestors lived there and had babies with human millennials ago), and that destroys Earth and human civilization. The only people who really survive are those with mind powers (pre-cognition, telepathy, telekinesis, empathetic sensing, etc.) due to alien DNA from that original visit. Less human women have survived the dystopia, and women are few and far between.
The story follows three brothers, Caleb, Justin, and Mick, and Caleb's wife, Jane, who all have these powers. Caleb's pre-cognitive abilities save and guide the family. (Even though he's a cis man, Caleb is the eldest daughter here.) For superpower reasons, Jane has deeply bonded with all three brothers, and while she's married to Caleb throughout her life, she's been romantically emotionally-only bonded with all three. And because there are no women, Justin and Mick are also in love with their brother's wife.
Caleb gets visions that Justin must impregnate an alien woman, Mara, and he also gets visions that his brothers should have sex with Jane. All those things happen.
Okay, let's talk about the homophobia.
First, D'Arc tells us that all the men are cranky because they are single. When Justin goes to the village bar, he notes that the men are drinking to try to drown their angry horniness that they haven't gotten laid in forever. Apparently, none of these men are gay or bisexual.
Not to mention, in situations of extreme sex-based segregation (the military, boarding schools, frats, prisons, colonialist projects, etc.), it's well documented that cis men of all sexualities, including straight ones, will often engage in homosexual behaviors to get sex or even soothe loneliness and other emotional needs. In these situations, the acts do not necessarily signal to his peers that the man is queer. And for the straight ones, when the situation ends (tour of duty, graduation, release from prison), so does their engagement in homosexual behavior. These men would have sex with each other.
It is also a gross implication that men need sex from women and that we'd excuse bad behaviors because of this. Not to mention that anger would be the only emotion cis men could express when not getting laid. (TBF, Jane's empathic abilities read more than anger and horniness from Justin and Mick.)
Second, Hara's Legacy prizes cisnormative heterosexual marriage. I went into this knowing it would have a breeding kink trope, but I did not expect the jump scare of putting cisnormative heterosexual marriage and it leading to children above all things.
In the brothers' lust toward Jane, Jane's attraction to them, and her and Caleb's discussions about the situation, Jane and Caleb's marriage is presented as the precious thing stopping this from happening. Or what should be the biggest barrier and truest sign of who Jane loves is who she chose to be her husband. Listen, your polycule can be a mess and may have a hierarchy.
But it wasn't until D'Arc interjected an entire speech by Justin waxing about cisnormative heterosexual marriage during the sex scenes with him and Mara that it got misogynistic and homophobic.
"'In the old days,' he tried to explain, 'when there were about equal numbers of men and women, most civilized people believed that one man and one woman formed the family unit with their children. A man and woman would get married and their union would be legally recognized by the state and everyone else. Before your people came, Jane married my brother. They are together and faithful to each other according to the old traditions.'
'But I've noted in my research that many Breed men will share the same woman,' She looked simultaneously confused and fascinated, as if the survivors of humanity were lab subjects to be studied.
'Only out of desperation. Most women in the old days would have only one man after they married him. They might have sex with others before marriage, as did men, but after marriage, they were supposed to be faithful to each other.'"
This was published in 2007, before many countries, including the US, had marriage equality. However, by that time, legislation was brewing. Massachusetts had marriage equality in 2004. Marriage in Hara's Legacy is presented as for heterosexuals only and prized above all things. It's also interesting how a woman's fidelity in marriage is more emphasized than a man's and implied that the only reason men are faithful is because women demand it.
Third, because of these first two factors, D'Arc making these men all biologically related brothers prevents the men from having romantic and sexual relationships with each other, which comes off as homophobic. Common taboo romance tropes do feature pseudo-incest (step-siblings, guardian/ward, ex's parent, etc.), and I'm sure some cross the lines into incest, especially if sex cannot be procreative. The brothers' genetic relationship means that D'Arc can further avoid addressing queerness in this world and never have to explore homosexuality in her MCs.
January 20, 2022
I am a longtime fan of this author and her books, going back probably 15 years or more. I read this book when it was first published many years ago and only recently reread it again. Bianca was writing apocalypse stories like this one before they were cool and made mainstream.
I absolutely love the story line. The characters are so real and believable. The way they interact with each other and other characters is credible and I found relatable. While I hope to never face an alien invasion, as what happened in this story, the characters reactions were completely authentic and realistic.
If you are a fan of romance books you will enjoy the romantic scenes as well. The author does not shy away from the sex scenes. They are incredibly hot, so be prepared to bring a fan. But it's about more than justbsex between the maim characters. They have known each other all their lives and share a very deep emotional connection. Because of their special abilities those feelings are amplified.
At times, the feminist in me was a bit upset at the way the main female character was treated, because I am a very independent woman. But you have to remember because of her empathetic talent, Jane needed to be protected more as she was a little more fragile at times. Intense feelings could physically cripple her.
Overall, I love this book. I absolutely hated the evil snippets we got from what the aliens were doing, but I understand how those were necessary to be shown. If you are looking for a book that is not like any other out there, that is full of great characters, has an interesting story and some steamy love scenes, look no further.
I absolutely love the story line. The characters are so real and believable. The way they interact with each other and other characters is credible and I found relatable. While I hope to never face an alien invasion, as what happened in this story, the characters reactions were completely authentic and realistic.
If you are a fan of romance books you will enjoy the romantic scenes as well. The author does not shy away from the sex scenes. They are incredibly hot, so be prepared to bring a fan. But it's about more than justbsex between the maim characters. They have known each other all their lives and share a very deep emotional connection. Because of their special abilities those feelings are amplified.
At times, the feminist in me was a bit upset at the way the main female character was treated, because I am a very independent woman. But you have to remember because of her empathetic talent, Jane needed to be protected more as she was a little more fragile at times. Intense feelings could physically cripple her.
Overall, I love this book. I absolutely hated the evil snippets we got from what the aliens were doing, but I understand how those were necessary to be shown. If you are looking for a book that is not like any other out there, that is full of great characters, has an interesting story and some steamy love scenes, look no further.
October 24, 2022
2.5 Stars- Had potential but sex with an ick factor killed it for me
Aliens invade. Only those humans with special abilities (telekinesis, precognition, empathy) survive because they knew to hide in the "wilds." Three brothers have always loved the same woman but only one married her. Now, because of a vision they will share her, (even though two of the three are uncomfortable with this) and bring hope to humans everywhere.
The storyline was actually good and well written enough to be believable and kept my interest. However, the brother's being so uncomfortable and feeling so much guilt about sharing the female caused me to feel uncomfortable with it too. There was A LOT of repetition of how bad and guilty these men felt. I like sex scenes and these were well written. I just couldn't get past the fact they were brothers. I have read other books where brothers have shared a partner and was fine with it. I think the characters discomfort is what made me uncomfortable too. Also, it should be mentioned that the female character is a bit of a doormat and the men coddle her like she is a child. That didn't really bother me as some people are this way but if you are looking for a strong, capable, a**kicking girl this is not your book.
Aliens invade. Only those humans with special abilities (telekinesis, precognition, empathy) survive because they knew to hide in the "wilds." Three brothers have always loved the same woman but only one married her. Now, because of a vision they will share her, (even though two of the three are uncomfortable with this) and bring hope to humans everywhere.
The storyline was actually good and well written enough to be believable and kept my interest. However, the brother's being so uncomfortable and feeling so much guilt about sharing the female caused me to feel uncomfortable with it too. There was A LOT of repetition of how bad and guilty these men felt. I like sex scenes and these were well written. I just couldn't get past the fact they were brothers. I have read other books where brothers have shared a partner and was fine with it. I think the characters discomfort is what made me uncomfortable too. Also, it should be mentioned that the female character is a bit of a doormat and the men coddle her like she is a child. That didn't really bother me as some people are this way but if you are looking for a strong, capable, a**kicking girl this is not your book.
January 16, 2022
Alien invasion of earth - what an awesome story!
What an invasion this is! I really enjoy the allusion to the explorers from centuries past and the genes they passed down to the next generations.
One thing that differs in the hybrid humans and the alien invaders, is the varied psychic abilities that hybrid humans have. This story builds a foundation for upcoming books in the Resonance Mates series, so, much of the story covers relationship issues with the main family: the O'Haras. Caleb, Justin and Mick each have different strengths and psychic gifts. They work together, along with Jane, Caleb's wife, to create the safest possible situation for their family amid the emotionless aliens. It's fascinating to see how these gifts work for them and the outcome as time goes on. I'm eager to see what happens next!
What an invasion this is! I really enjoy the allusion to the explorers from centuries past and the genes they passed down to the next generations.
One thing that differs in the hybrid humans and the alien invaders, is the varied psychic abilities that hybrid humans have. This story builds a foundation for upcoming books in the Resonance Mates series, so, much of the story covers relationship issues with the main family: the O'Haras. Caleb, Justin and Mick each have different strengths and psychic gifts. They work together, along with Jane, Caleb's wife, to create the safest possible situation for their family amid the emotionless aliens. It's fascinating to see how these gifts work for them and the outcome as time goes on. I'm eager to see what happens next!
September 5, 2019
I struggled in assigning my rating on this book. I almost never write a review, just assign stars & move on. I felt the story was fantastic , worthy of 5 stars, and so I will add my comments. The Alvians, their lack of emotions, & how they came to Earth was quite interesting. I would love to see more interactions in future books. Character development of the 4 main characters was good. The sex scenes were certainly riveting, but I must say that sometimes - unlike the saying more is better - more is just more, not better. There was just too much sex; I found my self skimming or skipping past them starting about 2\3 into the book. . And yes, i do like to see sexy times in books! I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you Bianca for your creativity.
December 28, 2023
Interesting read
The topic of the book is well-presented. The world-building, the characters, it’s all well-developed. I would like to see more dialogue in certain chapters where descriptions are prevalent, but of course, this is the author’s choice. Post-apocalyptic, sci-fi and alien invasion. Given the outcome, it’s not surprising that the remaining humans on earth (“The Waste”) have to share women, and this is well-explored in this book. Of course, this book touches a lot on the intimacy part of it all, perhaps too much to make this a real sci-fi read for me. It is a sci-fi hardcore fantasy for me. With a few scene exceptions, I would say this read makes it a good holiday book.
The topic of the book is well-presented. The world-building, the characters, it’s all well-developed. I would like to see more dialogue in certain chapters where descriptions are prevalent, but of course, this is the author’s choice. Post-apocalyptic, sci-fi and alien invasion. Given the outcome, it’s not surprising that the remaining humans on earth (“The Waste”) have to share women, and this is well-explored in this book. Of course, this book touches a lot on the intimacy part of it all, perhaps too much to make this a real sci-fi read for me. It is a sci-fi hardcore fantasy for me. With a few scene exceptions, I would say this read makes it a good holiday book.
January 20, 2022
In the far future, the world as we know it no longer exists. Most of the population has been killed and those that have survived face dangers, both from themselves and from the aliens (Alvians) who's own planetary homeland has been destroyed. One family, the O'Hara's, quietly thrives under restrictive measures due to their paranormal abilities. Precognition, telekinesis and telepathy form the basis of their new reality. But more is involved than just one man, his wife and his two brothers. Can their unity provide the protection needed when the alien named Mara comes? Can the relationship they have survive the scientific curiosity of the emotionless invaders?
January 14, 2018
The world the O'Haras live in is interesting and full of future promise of good plot lines. The people were not one-dimensional and the relationships were almost shown enough. I think there might have been too much to cover in this book and some things were left out that should have been left in.
Too much of the book was the author telling us instead of showing us what was going on. I know that is so we get enough info to know what's going on later in the book but it was jarring when reading it.
I will read the next book and hope it is better than this one.
Too much of the book was the author telling us instead of showing us what was going on. I know that is so we get enough info to know what's going on later in the book but it was jarring when reading it.
I will read the next book and hope it is better than this one.
June 28, 2018
This has been on my to-read shelf for a long time. I'm glad I finally read it.
The world building was dystopian -- which I normally despise but this one had hope for redemption.
The characters were pretty good and well-rounded. Good plot.
In all a good story.
The world building was dystopian -- which I normally despise but this one had hope for redemption.
The characters were pretty good and well-rounded. Good plot.
In all a good story.
September 21, 2022
Uma história de amor
Gostei muito da história,uma família que luta pra se adaptar a um novo mundo ocupado por alienígenas .Um harem reverso com romance,paixão ,cenas fumegantes e obstáculos a superar.Recomendo!
Gostei muito da história,uma família que luta pra se adaptar a um novo mundo ocupado por alienígenas .Um harem reverso com romance,paixão ,cenas fumegantes e obstáculos a superar.Recomendo!
March 18, 2023
This is one of the first science fiction romances I read and it sets the bar for me for science fiction romances and menage romances for me. The author did a wonderful job of creating characters which resonate with me (no pun intended), building a romantic relationship that feels authentic, while making her story seem plausible in the society of the world and its new alien overlords she created. This joins SE Smith's books on my TBR (to be re-read) sci-fi romance pile.
October 16, 2023
Very Bianca DArc
This is typical of this author’s writing. I like the Dragon Rider series better. While “like” may be extreme, I consume her books like grilled cheese sandwiches: easy, yummy, quick, satisfying but gives no real nutritional value.
This is typical of this author’s writing. I like the Dragon Rider series better. While “like” may be extreme, I consume her books like grilled cheese sandwiches: easy, yummy, quick, satisfying but gives no real nutritional value.
July 26, 2018
This took me a little bit of time to get into. I'm not accustomed to stories of this type. Had it not been a gift, I don't think I'd have bought it for myself.
It's an interesting read
It's an interesting read
January 17, 2022
Really loved this book, have actually read this series several times and it seems to get better every time. You won't be disappointed in this or any of Bianca's stories.
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