A grumpy alien single dad, a fearless diver, and a bond stronger than the tide.
Ariella was born to dive. Modified to withstand Cresca’s alien oceans, she’s always been at home in the deep—until the day she saves a drowning child and meets the girl’s father, a huge, brooding Vultor warrior with eyes like molten gold. Suddenly she wants more than just her isolated waters.
Valrek has spent years alone on the sea cliffs, shunned by both humans and Vultor. He’s devoted himself to raising his daughter in solitude—until a human female crashes into their world like a storm tide, fearless, bright, and far too tempting. She challenges him. She tempts him. And she makes his beast want something he swore he’d never have. A mate.
But Ariella’s past is surfacing—and if she doesn’t choose between her future and her heart, she could lose both. Because when a Vultor warrior loves, he doesn’t let go.
Each book in the Alien Wolf Tales series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and spicy fairy tale retelling is intended for mature readers.
I enjoyed reading the story, but I felt that my enjoyment declined after 70%, because the writing style suddenly included a lot of repititions. There were a lot of sentences that included more than two half-sentences using more than one "and". And there were many instances in which things were listed using no "and" but a comma. And this was done so excessively that the text felt too flowery and too big for the scenes that they were used in.
Other problems I had where that the MMC played a very passive role. The FMC was the one to come to him again and again. He never asked or tried to come to her. He also never appeared to have the natural curiosity of someone infatuated: he didn't ask where she came from and what she does when she isn't with him and his daughter. He actually never asked her anything about herself to get to know her. And she completely saved herself from every situation. When she and the MMC's daughter needed saving, she saved the daughter and herself while the MMC was busy running towards them and then kneeling in the water because the waves were too dangerous. And when the daughter needed chest compressions and ventilation because she just drowned the MMC didn't do any of that, but the FMC used her Siren powers to empty the child's lungs of sea water. When the FMC was hypothermic he waited for so long to really do something against it. He was just holding her in her wet wet suit. And then he started a fire and took of her wet clothes and warmed her skin to skin. Also, they had sex while Lilani, the MMC's six year old daughter was sleeping in her wet clothes (it was never mentioned that he changed her) in the same small cave.
The plot with the echo-pipe went no where (in this book). The implication that she couldn't run away from Merrick and her father, because they would find her everywhere went nowhere. ( I thought that when her father found her in the MMC's cave in the end that he would explain that she had a tracker or something but noooo) The plot with the supernatural connection between the MMC's daughter and the FMC went nowhere.
Excerpt: “I don’t know.” And that was the terrifying truth of it. His daughter had some connection to Ariella that he didn’t fully understand—an instinct that seemed to bridge the gap between their species. “She just… knew.”
? When was it introduced that his daughter can feel Ariella?
“The echo-pipes choose their wielders, yes, but they’ve only ever chosen Vultor. Never humans.” “But I am not entirely human,” she said quietly. “My voice can do things no other human voice can do.” “The Song.” Understanding dawned in Seren’s eyes. “You have the gift of the old sea-singers. Not Vultor-born, but Vultor-touched.” “I don’t understand.” “Neither do I. Not fully.”
Okay? Why don't you just say the little you know, Alpha? Ugh. Why are we learning this when the next book will be about another couple?
Excerpt:
“When the shuttle hit the water, when everything went dark… I thought of you. Standing on that beach, watching the lights go out.” “I was there.” The admission hurt more than he expected. “I saw it happen. I thought…”
Problem: Bro, you already told her that you watched the shuttle lights go out. And it was repeated a thousand times in your thoughts. Ugh.
Excerpt: “I’ll keep watch.” “Watch for what?” “Search parties. Merrick had resources. People will come looking for wreckage.”
Problem: Why is he explaining to her that Merrick had resources when that was her spiel (she literally said that as a reason why she couldn't run away) and he doesn't know the guy and had never heard of him before?
Problem: How the heck did her father find the sea cave that was supposed to be impossible to find?
Excerpt showing that the MMC's home was hard to find: "The sea cave waited in the darkness, hidden among the cliffs where no search party would think to look. Safe. Sheltered."
Excerpt: The choice she’d made in the black water, reaching for a child instead of a future that would have been no life at all. Problem: Why are we constantly bringing up this "choice" when there was no question that she would choose to save Lilani? There was also way too much blabla for the urgency of the saving Lilani-scene. The girl was already unconscious and it felt like minutes of contemplating who Lilani and who Merrick is before the FMC saved Lilani. In the scene she herself say this: "The Prince of Port Cantor, she thought, looking at Merrick. Or the child of the cave. It wasn’t even a choice." ..... Girl. You are in danger of dying and Lilani is already dying and you seem to have enough wherewithal to think a whole essay and to not just use the characters names. So unbelievable and annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
We're back on Cresca with an exiled Vultor warrior and the daughter he gave up everything for. Valrek is surly and wary and he's completely devoted to his daughter. So when she ends up in the ocean and Ariella saves her, he's grateful. He and his beast side are also wildly attracted to the modified human woman who is at home in the water.
Did I mention he's wary? Because, yeah, the guy is careful. Mostly because life (and his former pack) have taught him some hard lessons. But Ariella is kind and she starts breaking through his walls. Bonus, she's as attracted to him as he is to her. She's also just as isolated as he is. The tentative friendship that blooms between them turns into a romance neither of them expected.
That said, Ariella's stuck in a terrible position. The man who financed her father's work considers the modifications done on her to be his property. Since those modifications are an intrinsic part of her, he considers her to be his. Which is gross on every level. While Ariella doesn't want to take part in anything he has planned, she feels a certain obligation to her father...you know what? It's messy and complicated. Her father might have basically sold her into slavery because he was desperate and didn't read the contract he signed as closely as he should have, but he also saved her life with the modifications. So, yeah. Complicated. Her father's actions weren't cool and Ariella definitely shouldn't have been forced into the position she was put in, but being desperate enough to do anything to save your child is also understandable.
Anywho. Let's get back to Ariella and Valrek. They're both isolated. They're both fiercely protective of Valrek's daughter. They're both wildly attracted to one another. A few steamy kisses, a little danger, and a couple of wild storms have them facing whether they're willing to fight to the end for this thing between them. *thumbs up*
I love this series - if you take a fairy tale and set it on a foreign world that is not only inhabited by humans but by wolf like featured beings who can morph into beasts you have the gist of the series. This read features a lonely modified human who is living in a scientific lab with her father whose only focus appears to be his research. Her ability to “live” in water brings both bad and good things into her life. The characters are great and the storyline is beautiful but emotional.
I’m going with 4.5 stars on this one. I enjoyed it just like I’ve enjoyed the rest of the series, but I would say this is my least favorite so far.
I think that’s mostly because it felt very different from the others. I understand that he was exiled and that this was meant to be a different town, but every other book I’ve read set on Cresca has taken place in the more remote settlements. So it felt a little jarring to suddenly have microphones and other technology introduced in this one.
The love story was just as beautiful as always — that part absolutely delivered — but the shift in setting and atmosphere pulled me out of the story a bit at times.
Even with its differences, this was still a love story worth diving into. 🧜♀️
A fantastic fairy-tale retelling with both tenderness and heat. Valrek’s journey from a lonely outcast to a fierce protector of his new family is incredibly touching. It’s sweet, spicy, and a perfect comfort read for alien romance lovers!
5 STARS! IMO I believe that Honey Phillips is better than this. She teases and upgrades the emotions in the following books. She's brilliant making you think this was your favorite in the series. Her mixture with paranormal/sci fi and old school (it's hot) romance never disappoints me.
I’ve been enjoying the Alien Wolf Tales series, but this one was a dud. In fact, if I hadn’t read so many of Honey Phillips’ other books, I might have thought this one was written by AI. There are several plot holes and soooo much repetition. I feel like half of the story is just the heroine coming and going from the hero’s cave. (Take a drink every time he growls “You came back!”)
Then there are the plot holes, like the daughter who was supposedly at the neighbor’s house suddenly being on a boat with the heroine, or the huge deal made out of the heroine trusting the hero enough to let him warm her with his naked body—days after they’ve had earth-shattering mate-bond sex!
I also found it frustrating that the heroine barely got to use any of her powers in her own defense and only seemed to escape the villain by happenstance. The hero’s abilities were also strangely neutered. Much hay is made of his scars and his past as a fighter, but he never fights once or does anything to rescue or defend the heroine other than growl a few threats!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
💜 “You are worth everything.” ~~~ Ariella is amazing! She’s so kind, caring and compassionate. Even more, Ariella is very brave, strong and resilient. She’s also not fully human, and for so long she’s been treated not as a person, but as an asset, a test subject and an investment. Nevertheless, Ariella is one extraordinary woman and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Valrek - the grumpy Vultor outcast who lives with his daughter on the sea cliffs. Valrek might appear grumpy and growly at first sight, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Because underneath his fearsome and brooding facade is a male who’s learned some hard lessons in life, a male who is caring, thoughtful, honorable and who fiercely protects what’s his. Valrek is an incredible male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Ariella and Valrek! One day, while exploring the ocean, Ariella saves a little half-human, half-Vultor girl and then meets her father - Valrek. He’s not very friendly in the beginning, but even then his beast knows the truth he’s not willing to accept yet - that the unusual human woman is meant to be theirs. I adored Ariella and Valrek together! Their chemistry was fantastic and the attraction between the two was so strong from the very beginning. Every moment Ariella and Valrek spent together was an absolute delight to read. Even more, I loved how they were so different and, yet, they had so much in common - two lonely beings who only wanted a place to belong. Valrek and Ariella’s journey towards happiness was not an easy one, but after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find love together!
In addition, I absolutely adored Valrek’s daughter - Lilani! That little girl was so adorable, fierce, brave, chatty and curious and won my heart the first moment I met her.
Overall, Alien Song is another spectacular addition to the series and I absolutely loved every single page of it!
I was highly anticipating Alien Song because it’s a Little Mermaid inspired alien romance. The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite fairy tales so I had to pic this up.
I was very delighted with the story. Phillips incorporated the fairy tale but made it her own too. I also liked the alien planet and cliff side setting.
I thought Ariella was a wonderful heroine. She’s been modified to have gills, bioluminescent skin and so forth which made her mermaid-like. She’s isolated and lonely but doesn’t let that tear her down. She lives for swimming in the sea; until she meets Valrek & his daughter Lilana. Valrek is in the same boat as Ariella emotionally. He’s a warrior and protector who’s willing to fight for his family and happiness.
I liked that these two really understood each other. They connected on an emotional level and through his daughter. I really thought their relationship was sweet and lovely. These two really spend the time to get to know each other and create a strong emotional connection. The few steamy moments in this were great. Very well written romance.
Plus I also loved the bond Ariella formed with Lilana. This is for the found family trope lovers.
The plot was interesting and kept me invested. The villain was formidable too. There are some good moments of the characters being in danger too that kept this exciting. The ending was very satisfying.
This could be a bit repetitive, especially when it came to descriptions. Otherwise I enjoyed the writing.
Would highly recommend reading! The Little Mermaid inspired alien single dad romance was very good! Can be read as a standalone.
Alien Song is the fifth book in the Alien Wolf Tales series whose Sci-Fi romance unfolds on the colonized planet of Cresca between a Vultor warrior named Vairek, and Ariella a modified human created by her scientist father to be able to survive beneath the planets oceans. Each journey she takes into its depths was to find more and more valuables that her father needed to provide his sponsor in order to continue receiving the funding for his research. On one of those days and forays Ariella finds a mysterious bone flute she decides to hold secret for the moment. After rising to the surface again she discovers a raging storm and a drowning child. In the saving of that young one amazing changes will soon be entering her solitary life one of which was the touch from the hand of Lilani’s father which will overturn the world for them both. Loved the story which was beautifully written, whose characters were well developed, and held close by a narrative that provided an immersive read as the obstacles, family dynamics, intrigue, drama, revelations, emotion and passions took this reader on another of the author’s emotional journeys which as always reached a wondrous HEA, and what a sweet song that will be!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun to be back on Cresca. I liked the new twist on the same formula of the previous books with Ariella not being a typical human. BUT a few plot holes are driving me nuts. 1. Valrek said Lilani was with the fishermen family right before he went to talk to Korrin and Ariella went to check on her dad. But then Lilani supposedly was left alone at the cave while both adults did their part of the plan??? And she just walked away?? When did she get back from the fishermen?? Valrek would never leave her at the cave alone just a week or 2 after she almost DROWNED. Definitely a plot hole with her just appearing.
2. Ariella was strapped to her chair on Merrick’s ship with metal restraints… but once the ship is going down they just disappear? How did she get out of that chair??
3. All throughout this book the cave is described as being remote enough that no one would ever be able to find it…. And yet her dad just walks up to it one morning?? wtf?
4. Her dad faked her death, but they aren’t leaving and starting a new life somewhere else?? How is she supposed to live her life and not get recognized?? She has freaking gills, webbed fingers, and skin that GLOWS it’s not like she blends in with all the humans?? Is she just literally never leaving their cave/beach??
5. Why did literally nothing happen with the echo pipe? The echo-pipe added nothing to the story?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a fun sci-fi romance fairy-tale reimagining. It’s the fifth book in the Alien Wolf Tales series of interconnected standalones.
FMC Ariella is a modified human who has been given gills and other adaptations that allow her to be the perfect diver. While out in a storm, she hears a scream and goes to rescue Lilani, a small six-year-old Vultor/human hybrid. Her father, MMC Vultor warrior Valrek, is not far behind, and he and Ariella have an instant connection.
I really enjoyed this Little Mermaid inspired sci-fi story. The MCs were great together, and it was a joy watching them learn about each other and create their own found family. It’s set in a different location than others in the series and has more sci-fi tech, which was a lot of fun. The story connects well to the others in the series and nicely sets things up for more to come.
Another great read in the series! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Alien’s Bargain, scheduled for release in February 2026.
Spice 4/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Writing: 4.5/5 My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
My favorite yet from this series, though Korrin and Tessa still have my heart. This installment had so much more meat on its bones, the characters were better defined, the plot more developed, and the romance actually took some time to grow. I love a grumpy single dad trope, and Valrek was perfect. Lilani was the perfect sprinkle of innocence and a bridge between Ariella and Valrek as they got to know each other.
The science part of this was a little off the rails, but these stories are more about the quick pallet cleanser romance for me than the minutiae. Still, she’s able to pack a lot of plot into a short book. I enjoyed Valrek and Ariella’s simple banter, their quiet communication with little drama. They had obstacles, but were open with one another. Their romance was fun to watch grow.
Some pacing felt off, with chapters jumping scenes ahead and leaving me confused about how much time has passed. But this was a quick easy read with likable developed characters, a substantial plot that keeps you hooked, and a steamy romance you’ll be rooting for.
This new gale had little mermaid vibes but with its own unique spin. Ariella , is the daughter of a brilliant scientist and when she was just a child was hurt in an accident. Her father saved her life the only way he new how with science. He genetically modified and enhanced her for life in the water. Over time she felt more like a lab rat than his daughter. But modifications do not come cheap and her father made a deal with a man who. Wanted her soul! Valrek is a Vultor living in exile because he chose his half human daughter over the pack. He doesn't regret his choice but it is lonely for both father and daughter. Until the day they meet Ariella. How do two beings so different from one another find a connection that feels fated by the stars? Connection, trust and belonging isn't that what we all want? If you read this latest book in the series you'll find it! I adore the Vultor and can't wait for the next book in the series! Totally recommend🌟💖🔥💖💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖
I love the retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales , the little mermaid. With everything that Ariella has gone through in her life she is still sweet and compassionate. I loved her determination and her special gifts. Saving the life of a half-breed little girl was the beginning of a life she could only dream about. Valrek is an exile, struggling to make a life for his little girl. I loved the protective nature he had with his daughter. Even being his usual grumpiness when Ariella saved her life. I loved little Lilani. Her unquestioning love for both her father and Ariella was heartwarming. This is a wonderful standalone story of finding what was lost and cherishing it. I loved the worldbuilding, the twists and yes there is steam to the eventual romance. The HEA was perfect ,as all fairy tales stories should be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"This is my place, my purpose. Someone has to support others."
Diesel has what it takes to give his fellow cyborgs extra energy when they need it, or a jump start when they are nearly gone, but in a world with few who can truly repair Cyborgs, who cares for the one who suffers in silence while putting his brother's needs before his own?
Rhee doesn't want to live in a Universe at war. She's seen first hand how destructive war is, and how not just dangerous but imperfect and hard to control the weapons are, so why does the Universe insist on throwing her out of the frying pan and into the fire?
What I loved about this story wasn't just the bold perspectives of the two lead characters, but how they listened to each other, and others, and allowed their understanding to evolve with the new information. Painful as it might be, they accepted the complexities of their universe, and the harsh realities... and through it all found a way to truly see one another.
This was a great read again for this series and author. I love the slight references to Disney tales but with a great twist. Ariella is in a bad situation cause of the deal her father made to save her as a child. Their relationship has been nothing but doctor/experiment since. It isn’t a happy or healthy relationship at all. Then things go from bad to just down right horrible. A forced marriage is the last straw. Rescuing little Lilani is the happiest turn point in her life. She for the first time in her life doesn’t get treated like a fish freak. Valrek is the male that helps her see herself as something more. He not only is attracted to her he sees what they can be together and wants her to choice him and his daughter. Being an outcast himself for wanting his daughter when his pack sees her as an abomination is right where they are just wrong. I love that they find a family while awaking to each other in the process.
I was so glad to see another book in this series. Every book has been great and I love the fairytale bones of each story also. This one (a Little Mermaid retelling) though was a bit different from the others in that it had more of a sci-fi element to it. It took the almost rural low tech pastoral settings found in the first books and brought out the fact that both the humans and the wolf/werewolf like Vultor were both technologically advanced space faring people before landing on planet Crestor. While many of the colonists have chosen to forget their more advanced technology it becomes apparent that there are still some strong enclaves of those who haven’t. This, I, think has given much spice to this story that is different from many fairytale retellings. Looking forward to the next book!
I absolutley loved this fairytale-retelling. We meet Ariella in the beginning of the book, she loves the ocean and she is modified to survive under water even in harsh conditions. No matter what,the ocean is home to her. One day she resuces a small child and that leads to meeting the girls father, a Vultor who is used to living only with his daughter and when Ariella turns up with his daughter, life might take a new turn, for both of them. But both has baggage and pasts with other factors to consider, so the connections that begins that day is fragile, but grows. A Vultor knows when a mate is close, but can he trust her and will her obligations be a hinder for them. You will find out in this "I can't stop reading even if I have too"book that I loved, filled with love, laughter, hardship and tears.
Ariella and Valrek. Right off the top I have to say I love Lilani! I just plain love these Alien Wolf Tales books. I've really enjoyed all of them but this one with the taste of The Little Mermaid is my favorite. Valrek is grumpy and distrusting of everyone except his daughter Lilani. When she almost drowns and Ariella saves her he discovers someone worth his trust. Ariella has been modified by her father and feels at home in the sea, when she hears a little cry for help she rescues the little girl without a thought. Get ready for all the feels with this one! I got teary and I swooned. I smiled and got angry. It is filled wonderful characters and a storyline that kept me glued to the page. I loved it!
Ariella has become nothing but a test subject to her scientist father due to the alterations he made to her when she was a child and her lungs were failing. She saves a child drowning in the water. But the child, Lilani, isn't just human, she's half Vultor. Valrek is the father and the three of them slowly build a relationship but that does not go smoothly because of the contract her father signed. They have quite a bit of struggles to get through in order to be together but love is always worth the fight. What a great story and the descriptions bring everything into detailed pictures in your mind while reading. I loved this so much and can't wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another wonderful addition to the series and a fab Little Mermaid inspired romance. Ariella was fascinating to me. She's gone through a lot in her life, including genetic mods to enable her to deep dive, but she's stayed such a lovely gal. Kind and compassionate. Grumpy Valrek has a hybrid daughter, Lilani, that has him not accepted by his people. He may be struggling to make a good life for his daughter but he's thankful Ariella saved her from drowning. This event brings three unlikely souls together and sends them on a journey they never expected. I loved the world building, tech, love and passion that unfolded in this engaging romance. And a fairytale HEA was the icing on the cake ;) All great fun and I'm looking forward to the next book :D
This is another fantastic book! I have to say, Valrek and Ariella's lives were heartbreaking. From the first page, it grabbed my heart. Ariella has essentially been a lab experiment for her father, a research doctor. Valrek and his young daughter were banished from their pack because she was a half-breed. Now, Valrek and Ariella are forging a new path together. But before that can happen, serious issues must be resolved. I love how Ariella sings and how sweet the attraction between Valrek and Ariella is. There is action and some really bad people in this story, and they get dealt with. Excellent book with plenty of steam and a perfect HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
loved it !! love Ariella and Valrek but , especially Lilani !! this is their story.... a fun fast paced heart breaking rom/com drama... Ariella has been transformed into a unique creature by her scientist father, it started out to save her life but, it turned into an ongoing experiment.. not a life... now, she is forced to marry Merrick, the creepy investor to pay her fathers debt.. the contract... she escapes into the sea.. she hears a cry.. a child drowning.. she goes to rescue her... and finds Lilani.. a half vultor/half human child... Valrek and Lilani live in the caves.. isolated.. no pack.. rejected.. until, the Star Lady enters their life... this is their story.. and what a story it is !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always, this was a fantastic page turner by Ms. Phillips.
I love the world of Cresca since it's inception with the 7 Brides for 7 Aliens, but I especially like the Vultor.
Once started, I couldn't put Alien Song down as I immediately fell in love with Valrek, his daughter Lilani, and of course Ariella. I love a good sci-fi romance with a dash of fairytale theme addition as Ariella was forced as a child to undergo certain modifications to survive after a near death drowning, which turns her into the "fish girl" per the locals, but is seen as the "star lady" by a 6 year old outcast human/Vultor child.
This book had all the feels and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this steamy alien “version” of The Little Mermaid. Honey Phillips always makes her stories intriguing and un-put-down-able. Ariella is a strong woman who was used by her father for his scientific modifications. I do believe that he did love her, but was so focused on himself & his goals, that he lost sight of that for a while. Valrek is a werewolf-like alien who knows immediately that she is his mate. They have lots of baggage to get through before they get their HEA, but they eventually get there. I recommend this story for those who like steamy alien romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was quite the emotional read and a tough pill to swallow. We have two male role models who would do anything for their child. Unfortunately one is absorbed in science the other solely focused on protecting from the harsh realities of their world.
This underwater adventure brings heartbreak for all involved. Honey's touching story is poignant and uplifting. The characters and world building are phenomenal !
A story that brings a family together against all the odds. 💜
Sometimes though the ends don't justify the means.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.