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First Contact #2
Stars Align
Clement's life has been predictable the last few years. Between his barista job and taking care of his sick mother, he doesn't have time to think about much else. But when his mother dies and leaves him a sizeable chunk of change, he does what any rational human would do and goes out into space, agreeing to move in with a stranger--a hot one, at that.
Qaed has had his fair share of difficulties, too. When his health robs him of his job, he starts to feel a little lost... until he finds himself with a new human roommate who wants to use him as inspiration for his romance novels. Jobless and frankly, a little bored, Qaed doesn't have much choice but to agree, taking Clement on fake dates and helping him get to know the galaxy.
It doesn't take long for fake feelings to develop into real ones--real feelings that neither man is ready for.
Qaed has had his fair share of difficulties, too. When his health robs him of his job, he starts to feel a little lost... until he finds himself with a new human roommate who wants to use him as inspiration for his romance novels. Jobless and frankly, a little bored, Qaed doesn't have much choice but to agree, taking Clement on fake dates and helping him get to know the galaxy.
It doesn't take long for fake feelings to develop into real ones--real feelings that neither man is ready for.
- GenresM M Romance
164 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2026
About the author
K.C. De la Rosa
3 books11 followersKC De la Rosa (he/him) is an author of alien and monster romance that is always queer and sometimes spicy. Sometimes he writes messy rom-com level romances, sometimes he writes high-octane sci-fi romances about bounty hunters. But you can always count on there being a happily ever after. He lives in Georgia with his author spouse and two dogs, Chai and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 11, 2026
Very sweet feel good read. Qaed was the quintessential jokester kinda-himbo, with a tendency to avoid deep conversations. Clement felt all his emotions deeply, very much the artsy type. They balanced each other and had good banter going. They both had to work through insecurity about their ability to be a good partner, for different reasons. Luckily, neither was one to avoid owning up to mistakes. They got their well earned HEA
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: mentions of heart injury, mentions of transphobia, discussion of past alcohol abuse, parental death from cancer (past), mentions of caregiver burnout, parentification (past), brief description of disordered eating in side character
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: mentions of heart injury, mentions of transphobia, discussion of past alcohol abuse, parental death from cancer (past), mentions of caregiver burnout, parentification (past), brief description of disordered eating in side character
February 18, 2026
Let's be honest the cover drew me in. I'm always on the hunt for gay scifi romance and if the book has a beautiful cover? Even better!
I have to say it was way too little world building for my taste. Okay, I didn't read the first book in this series but still, there was hardly any and everything felt very human/Earth-like. I have questions.
Speaking of Earth-like, why the fuck is Coffee such a big thing in every freaking book? Even on different planets. I despise coffee and even in outerspace I can't get a break from reading about it.
The story was kinda meta. It was about an author writing a book using typical book tropes to write his book, all in a book. Sometimes I disliked it, sometimes I liked it. Overall though the story didn't grab my attention. It was totally okay but nothing spectacular. The added drama towards the end was completely unnecessary or resolved way to quickly. I tend to lean to unnecessary. Third act breakups are stupid, especially in short books.
At first I didn't like Qaed that much. I'm so turned off by these 'i only want sex, one and done' characters. He became lovely though. Very much fell hard for Clement.
Clement on the other hand was very meh to me.
Most of the time I didn't enjoy their banter, but sometimes it added some fun.
Big huge bonus points for their crying. I love an emotional man and you get two in this story!
I was very confused about Clement. He is trans, has two holes and a penis, with cum but no bottom surgery? I'm still puzzled about it. It doesn't matter at the end of the day but it confused me. Maybe I don't know enough though.
I don't know if it was my mood or what but it wasn't my favorite story. I'm sure though, other people will like this low angst fake dating book!
I have to say it was way too little world building for my taste. Okay, I didn't read the first book in this series but still, there was hardly any and everything felt very human/Earth-like. I have questions.
Speaking of Earth-like, why the fuck is Coffee such a big thing in every freaking book? Even on different planets. I despise coffee and even in outerspace I can't get a break from reading about it.
The story was kinda meta. It was about an author writing a book using typical book tropes to write his book, all in a book. Sometimes I disliked it, sometimes I liked it. Overall though the story didn't grab my attention. It was totally okay but nothing spectacular. The added drama towards the end was completely unnecessary or resolved way to quickly. I tend to lean to unnecessary. Third act breakups are stupid, especially in short books.
At first I didn't like Qaed that much. I'm so turned off by these 'i only want sex, one and done' characters. He became lovely though. Very much fell hard for Clement.
Clement on the other hand was very meh to me.
Most of the time I didn't enjoy their banter, but sometimes it added some fun.
Big huge bonus points for their crying. I love an emotional man and you get two in this story!
I was very confused about Clement. He is trans, has two holes and a penis, with cum but no bottom surgery? I'm still puzzled about it. It doesn't matter at the end of the day but it confused me. Maybe I don't know enough though.
I don't know if it was my mood or what but it wasn't my favorite story. I'm sure though, other people will like this low angst fake dating book!
February 9, 2026
This was such a nice read. I never remember just how much I love the fake dating trope until I actually read it, but each time I do I'm reminded of how it really is one of my favorites, and this one did it so well. Both Clement and Qaed were so sweet and lovely, and I just adored their bantering (and Clement sending heart eyes in Qaed's direction every time he did stuff like... breathing or, you know, existing), but I also liked how even though most of the book was fun and sweet, there were some heavier moments, too. Not too heavy, but enough to add that little dash of seriousness that these stories need.
A quick read (unless you're me and the slowest reader on earth) with lovely characters and some very relatable moments. Especially for us fellow authors. I think we can all see ourselves a little bit in Clement, and not gonna lie, I think we'd all like the kind of inspiration book boyfriend Qaed was offering with their cute little "fake" moments (which were most very real because these dumbasses liked each other way more than they would admit).
This review isn't turning out like I wanted, it feels like no words are the right ones, but I truly enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend it to all my reader friends!
A quick read (unless you're me and the slowest reader on earth) with lovely characters and some very relatable moments. Especially for us fellow authors. I think we can all see ourselves a little bit in Clement, and not gonna lie, I think we'd all like the kind of inspiration book boyfriend Qaed was offering with their cute little "fake" moments (which were most very real because these dumbasses liked each other way more than they would admit).
This review isn't turning out like I wanted, it feels like no words are the right ones, but I truly enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend it to all my reader friends!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished reading an ARC of Stars Align.
Overall, it's a really sweet, extremely low stakes story. The kind of book that makes for a nice detox between heavier reads, or if you want something that you can burn through quickly on a slow day or flight.
The main characters are all likable, and while the attraction was instant, the actual relationship development felt well paced and believable.
Going into it, I didn't quite realize that it was the second book in a series, so I may have missed out on some world building, etc, but nothing so egregious that I needed to put it down and get caught up on the previous installment.
Overall, it's a really sweet, extremely low stakes story. The kind of book that makes for a nice detox between heavier reads, or if you want something that you can burn through quickly on a slow day or flight.
The main characters are all likable, and while the attraction was instant, the actual relationship development felt well paced and believable.
Going into it, I didn't quite realize that it was the second book in a series, so I may have missed out on some world building, etc, but nothing so egregious that I needed to put it down and get caught up on the previous installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
***ARC Review***
This was such a cute story! Roommates to Lovers. I really found the almost instant connection between Clement and Qaed to be so sweet, even if they didn’t realize just how well they clicked in the beginning.
Clement is just a wonderfully written character. I love that I can can see myself as this character; someone struggling to reidentify themselves as the person they want to be, doing they things they want to do. He has this sweetness to him, behind the pain from his life on Earth, that just draws you in and makes you want to keep reading just to learn more about him.
Qaed practically falling for Clement at first sight is so relateable. Because, who wouldn’t fall for a sweet, handsome man making you coffee and spending time with you, helping you cook and just existing in your space in a way that feels warm and peaceful. His willingness to help Clem get inspired for his writing just added to his adorableness when it comes to his human love interest.
There is something so sweet about how these two fit so easily into each other’s lives, that makes me love their little bubble of domesticity that much more. There’s no unnecessary tension, or unbidden disagreements between them over things around their apartment. Qaed’s eager to help get Clement out of the house and experience things, while he’s also battling with his growing feelings for the other man. Both of them thinking that they’re not good enough, not the right fit for the other as a potential romantic partner. Before they finally have an emotional confession of feelings, not once, but twice, but to really solidify it.
Clement and Qaed have such a sweet story. I really fell in love with them and their adorable little bubble they call home.
5/5🌟 for the plot that brought a smile to my heart and had me kicking my feet
3.5/5🌶️ for the wonderfully written spicy scenes that felt just right
4.5/5🍬 for just how willing Qaed is to do anything for Clem to make him happy and help support his dreams
This was such a cute story! Roommates to Lovers. I really found the almost instant connection between Clement and Qaed to be so sweet, even if they didn’t realize just how well they clicked in the beginning.
Clement is just a wonderfully written character. I love that I can can see myself as this character; someone struggling to reidentify themselves as the person they want to be, doing they things they want to do. He has this sweetness to him, behind the pain from his life on Earth, that just draws you in and makes you want to keep reading just to learn more about him.
Qaed practically falling for Clement at first sight is so relateable. Because, who wouldn’t fall for a sweet, handsome man making you coffee and spending time with you, helping you cook and just existing in your space in a way that feels warm and peaceful. His willingness to help Clem get inspired for his writing just added to his adorableness when it comes to his human love interest.
There is something so sweet about how these two fit so easily into each other’s lives, that makes me love their little bubble of domesticity that much more. There’s no unnecessary tension, or unbidden disagreements between them over things around their apartment. Qaed’s eager to help get Clement out of the house and experience things, while he’s also battling with his growing feelings for the other man. Both of them thinking that they’re not good enough, not the right fit for the other as a potential romantic partner. Before they finally have an emotional confession of feelings, not once, but twice, but to really solidify it.
Clement and Qaed have such a sweet story. I really fell in love with them and their adorable little bubble they call home.
5/5🌟 for the plot that brought a smile to my heart and had me kicking my feet
3.5/5🌶️ for the wonderfully written spicy scenes that felt just right
4.5/5🍬 for just how willing Qaed is to do anything for Clem to make him happy and help support his dreams
March 3, 2026
Late review cause I kept forgetting. I had the honor to read this before it was published, was supposed to Beta but life got busy and I was in a book slump. Disclaimer I am in a discord with the author and loved the first book so I may be slightly biased. Now on to the review.
First and foremost I absolutely love the trans rep, whole I am not part of that community myself I have many loved ones who are and I love how Clement is depicted.
It is kind of stand alone in that the story stands well on its own. Personally I think it helps to read the first one so you understand the references to other characters as well as knowing some things that are explained in the first book.
The characters once again really pulled me in but I loved his (KC’s) take of one of my favorite tropes which is fake dating.
Also I don’t think this is a spoiler but the fact that there is a story within the story that also pulled me in (like I want to read Clement’s work for sure) just shows the talent KC has of weaving compelling storylines.
Also I have said it once and I’ll say it again, his characters are relatable and endearing. In this book I could almost feel what Qaed and Clement were feeling at times. I loved learning more about the characters because they were mentioned in Starcrossed and as much as I love Candy and Votra and their story because go lesbians. I think Clement and Qaed are my favorite mcs of the stories he has shared thus far.
I look forward to more stories and am still so thankful to be able to read this because it is so refreshing how it is different than most of the alien & human stories I have read. I enjoy the universe he has created and that the aliens while different then us are relatable. I love the diversity and representation and that while there are hard topics discussed there isn’t a bunch of cws or triggers.
Also the spicy scenes are well written and as someone who has been having trouble reading such scenes lately I actually enjoyed them and read them rather than skimming over them.
First and foremost I absolutely love the trans rep, whole I am not part of that community myself I have many loved ones who are and I love how Clement is depicted.
It is kind of stand alone in that the story stands well on its own. Personally I think it helps to read the first one so you understand the references to other characters as well as knowing some things that are explained in the first book.
The characters once again really pulled me in but I loved his (KC’s) take of one of my favorite tropes which is fake dating.
Also I don’t think this is a spoiler but the fact that there is a story within the story that also pulled me in (like I want to read Clement’s work for sure) just shows the talent KC has of weaving compelling storylines.
Also I have said it once and I’ll say it again, his characters are relatable and endearing. In this book I could almost feel what Qaed and Clement were feeling at times. I loved learning more about the characters because they were mentioned in Starcrossed and as much as I love Candy and Votra and their story because go lesbians. I think Clement and Qaed are my favorite mcs of the stories he has shared thus far.
I look forward to more stories and am still so thankful to be able to read this because it is so refreshing how it is different than most of the alien & human stories I have read. I enjoy the universe he has created and that the aliens while different then us are relatable. I love the diversity and representation and that while there are hard topics discussed there isn’t a bunch of cws or triggers.
Also the spicy scenes are well written and as someone who has been having trouble reading such scenes lately I actually enjoyed them and read them rather than skimming over them.
March 17, 2026
“I wrote a whole book about you.”
Clement, a human author, is new in the planet so his roommate, Qaed an ex-bountry hunter, toured him around with the added 'fake dates' so Clement can write about the romance scenes in his book.
A queer alien-human romance book that's quick to read and fun.
Picked this up bc ofc the cover is gorgeous. And it's short, and I was just looking for a bedtime read.
This book is very straight-forward that there's a lot of similar books out there with the same plot but this one was alien. I didn't mind, I knew going into this was just gonna be an entertaining fun time.
I did appreciate that both characters are a bit layered, with Clement not knowing what to do after being a caretaker for most of his twenties and he's a bit lost as to who he is. While Qaed is also struggling with his identity after losing his job, and always reaching for the bottle. I love that aspect because we can read the characters are dimensional.
Not closing my doors for reading the rest of the series, but at least I am aware of it know. I might come back to it.
Clement, a human author, is new in the planet so his roommate, Qaed an ex-bountry hunter, toured him around with the added 'fake dates' so Clement can write about the romance scenes in his book.
A queer alien-human romance book that's quick to read and fun.
Picked this up bc ofc the cover is gorgeous. And it's short, and I was just looking for a bedtime read.
This book is very straight-forward that there's a lot of similar books out there with the same plot but this one was alien. I didn't mind, I knew going into this was just gonna be an entertaining fun time.
I did appreciate that both characters are a bit layered, with Clement not knowing what to do after being a caretaker for most of his twenties and he's a bit lost as to who he is. While Qaed is also struggling with his identity after losing his job, and always reaching for the bottle. I love that aspect because we can read the characters are dimensional.
Not closing my doors for reading the rest of the series, but at least I am aware of it know. I might come back to it.
March 7, 2026
After his mom's passing, Clement leaves Earth and makes his way to an alien planet where his childhood bestfriend, Candy, resides with her partner. Taking him under her wing, Candy secures Clement an apartment. Ambivalent at first at the prospect of living with a roommate, Clement's feelings quickly change when he realizes his roommate, Qaed, is a hottie-with-a-body. Sparks flu as these roommates go on a series of fake dates, all for the purpose of inspiring Clement who's in the middle of writing a romance novel.
I loved the banter between both MMCs, they're adorable together. Spicy sex scenes (featuring an alien with two penises. yes, please.). Slice-of-life vibes, relatable characters, realistic character growth, and loved the trans rep!
What to expect:
- fake-dating
- roommates-t0-lovers
- "one bed"
- slow-burn
- creative anatomy
- mental health rep
- j*rking off in the shower
- sensitive horns
- mc in recovery
- so much banter
- cozy vibes
- "you take my c*ck so well"
- hot nerdy guy
- cooking together
I loved the banter between both MMCs, they're adorable together. Spicy sex scenes (featuring an alien with two penises. yes, please.). Slice-of-life vibes, relatable characters, realistic character growth, and loved the trans rep!
What to expect:
- fake-dating
- roommates-t0-lovers
- "one bed"
- slow-burn
- creative anatomy
- mental health rep
- j*rking off in the shower
- sensitive horns
- mc in recovery
- so much banter
- cozy vibes
- "you take my c*ck so well"
- hot nerdy guy
- cooking together
Review of advance copy received from Author
He’d forgotten what this felt like, to see something so beautiful he wanted to immortalize it in words.
Stars Align by KC De La Rosa is a sweet roommate to lover’s romance set on an alien planet between a human and a horned alien. It’s full of banter, sweet romantic moments and of course plenty of spicy moments too. At under 200 pages this is a great book to binge read and get that sweet and spicy romantic hit we all love.
I loved this book and I’m excited to read more from this author- By any chance is To Spite a Raven’s Heart getting an actual book because I am invested.
3 🔥
💜Fake dating
🧡Spicy research
💜Virgin mc
🧡Two dicks
💜Alien x human
🧡Cozy vibes
💜Trans Mc
🧡Sensitive horns
💜One bed
Thank you for the arc opportunity 💜
Stars Align by KC De La Rosa is a sweet roommate to lover’s romance set on an alien planet between a human and a horned alien. It’s full of banter, sweet romantic moments and of course plenty of spicy moments too. At under 200 pages this is a great book to binge read and get that sweet and spicy romantic hit we all love.
I loved this book and I’m excited to read more from this author- By any chance is To Spite a Raven’s Heart getting an actual book because I am invested.
3 🔥
💜Fake dating
🧡Spicy research
💜Virgin mc
🧡Two dicks
💜Alien x human
🧡Cozy vibes
💜Trans Mc
🧡Sensitive horns
💜One bed
Thank you for the arc opportunity 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to KC de la Rosa, for providing me with an ARC of Stars Align.
This was a sweet, cosy queer romance that I overall enjoyed. The relationship between the alien love interest and the human trans man was handled thoughtfully, and I appreciated the emotional maturity of the characters and their open communication.
While the pacing felt a little slow for my personal taste, it suited the cosy, comforting tone of the story. The early fake-dating scenes were especially fun and added some very humorous moments. Overall Stars Align is a charming, feel-good read for those looking for a soft and emotionally open romance.
Plot rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a sweet, cosy queer romance that I overall enjoyed. The relationship between the alien love interest and the human trans man was handled thoughtfully, and I appreciated the emotional maturity of the characters and their open communication.
While the pacing felt a little slow for my personal taste, it suited the cosy, comforting tone of the story. The early fake-dating scenes were especially fun and added some very humorous moments. Overall Stars Align is a charming, feel-good read for those looking for a soft and emotionally open romance.
Plot rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is not my usual read but something about these characters really sucked me in. i enjoyed the easy roommate relationship between the two main characters and how they drifted closer to one another. At times I did get a little confused with all the different world building things but this is my first time reading an alien love story so that is more on me than the author.
I'll admit that it took me a bit to get into the reading but once I was at the end I was on the end of my seat! and let's just say, the spice? it was spicing!
I'll admit that it took me a bit to get into the reading but once I was at the end I was on the end of my seat! and let's just say, the spice? it was spicing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC READER*
Awww Clement and Qaed are adorable. I love the roommates to lovers trope, it’s so cute. Both of these trauma babies found eachother and I couldn’t be happier.
Clement is getting off Earth for a fresh start that Qaed has already started on it. There is a little miscommunication issue but these guys are very good at making sure they don’t leave things unconfirmed or corrected. If you want a cute short Alien/Human mm romance this is a cute one to pick up for sure!
Awww Clement and Qaed are adorable. I love the roommates to lovers trope, it’s so cute. Both of these trauma babies found eachother and I couldn’t be happier.
Clement is getting off Earth for a fresh start that Qaed has already started on it. There is a little miscommunication issue but these guys are very good at making sure they don’t leave things unconfirmed or corrected. If you want a cute short Alien/Human mm romance this is a cute one to pick up for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks so much to the author for sending me an ARC for this book!
this was SUCH a sweet and lovely romance that gave me all the cozy feels
Clement and Qaed are fucking adorable together and I always love a good "this 'dating' is definitely just for 'research'" trope lmao
i didn't even realise Candy has her own book too and I'm gonna need to read that too now because I LOVE her
would definitely read more from this world can we do Vendi next??
this was SUCH a sweet and lovely romance that gave me all the cozy feels
Clement and Qaed are fucking adorable together and I always love a good "this 'dating' is definitely just for 'research'" trope lmao
i didn't even realise Candy has her own book too and I'm gonna need to read that too now because I LOVE her
would definitely read more from this world can we do Vendi next??
February 11, 2026
Adorable MM alien romance
Starcrossed was fun and super sweet, but I think I enjoyed Stars Align even more! Qaed and Clement were adorbs and I'm an absolute sucker for the fake dating trope hahaha
The excerpts were fun and although there was a small bit of miscommunication, it was really just enough to add a little dramatic flair!
It was a bit of a slow burn, but the spice came in hot 🔥
If youre looking for a cute, spicy, fun MM alien romance check it out!
Starcrossed was fun and super sweet, but I think I enjoyed Stars Align even more! Qaed and Clement were adorbs and I'm an absolute sucker for the fake dating trope hahaha
The excerpts were fun and although there was a small bit of miscommunication, it was really just enough to add a little dramatic flair!
It was a bit of a slow burn, but the spice came in hot 🔥
If youre looking for a cute, spicy, fun MM alien romance check it out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stars Align is a sweet, charming treat of a read! Clement and Qaed are such wonderful relatable characters while still having the fun rom-com moments. And the low-stakes story is such a relaxing read!
All in all, Clement and Qaed are definitely in my top ten book characters.
All in all, Clement and Qaed are definitely in my top ten book characters.
April 18, 2026
This was so fun, I loved Qaed and Clem so much and getting glimpses of Clems book was a fun touch. If you are looking for a fun alien romance this series is definitely for you. I connected with these characters so much and even had a tear in my eye at one point in the book.
January 18, 2026
This was such a great read. Seeing how it went from research for Clement to them actually confessing their feelings to each other.
Love Clement and Qaed 🫶🏻
Love Clement and Qaed 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute, easy, cozy read
Did Not Finish
March 7, 2026Just me and the writing not meshing.
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