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Earth Fathers #3
Earth In-Laws are Wary: Earth Fathers, #3
Max and Rick are travelling space with three children and one human friend they've promised to take home. They've overcome language barriers, confused surrogacy contracts and attacks from hostile aliens. And that includes political attacks and prejudice in addition to pirates boarding their spaceship.
But now the children want to see their home planet and Rick is getting stranger every second they draw near the Hidden world. Max knows his belchy husband well enough to know something is wrong, but nothing would prepare him for the political and familial disaster waiting for them. This time, circumstances may pull their little family apart at the seams.
But now the children want to see their home planet and Rick is getting stranger every second they draw near the Hidden world. Max knows his belchy husband well enough to know something is wrong, but nothing would prepare him for the political and familial disaster waiting for them. This time, circumstances may pull their little family apart at the seams.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
9 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
49 books1,171 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 15, 2026
Gosh this was so good!
I’ve been waiting for Earth In-Laws are Wary for years, and this installment did not disappoint! I absolutely loved following Max and Rick’s journey with their three sons through a whole new corner of the galaxy. As someone who craves new environments, exploring Rick’s origin planet was a highlight: the world-building felt fresh and unique. His backstory was genuinely interesting, and while I’ll admit I got a bit lost regarding his father’s complex motivations and end-game, the overall conclusion felt earned and appropriate for the series.
That being said, the ending definitely tugged at my heartstrings. As an enjoyer of sad moments and emotional weight... I’m still a tad sad about it! It was a bittersweet beat in an otherwise fantastic freak-functional family adventure. This was a solid read for me; Lyn Gala continues to deliver that perfect mix of caustic humor, domestic tenderness, and sci-fi intrigue that keeps me hooked.
I’ve been waiting for Earth In-Laws are Wary for years, and this installment did not disappoint! I absolutely loved following Max and Rick’s journey with their three sons through a whole new corner of the galaxy. As someone who craves new environments, exploring Rick’s origin planet was a highlight: the world-building felt fresh and unique. His backstory was genuinely interesting, and while I’ll admit I got a bit lost regarding his father’s complex motivations and end-game, the overall conclusion felt earned and appropriate for the series.
That being said, the ending definitely tugged at my heartstrings. As an enjoyer of sad moments and emotional weight... I’m still a tad sad about it! It was a bittersweet beat in an otherwise fantastic freak-functional family adventure. This was a solid read for me; Lyn Gala continues to deliver that perfect mix of caustic humor, domestic tenderness, and sci-fi intrigue that keeps me hooked.
February 10, 2026
I didn’t really understand what was going on for a large portion of the book and it kind of felt like a fever dream. I had a hard time picturing the Hidden planet. I don’t feel like this book added anything significant to the series other than getting Rick’s backstory. I’m still excited to read eventual future books because I love these characters and the humor.
February 6, 2026
I absolutely adore the Earth Fathers series and this is another installment full of weird aliens, cultural misunderstandings, adorable (and annoying) children, loud belches, and lots of tentacles.
I was surprised to find Max, Rick, and their family heading to the Hidden ones' home planet rather than to earth, given the title of the book and that they promised Dee to bring her back to earth at the end of the last book.
It was interesting to see more of the Hidden one home planet, though to be honest, we didn't learn much more about their culture. While the overall sillyness of the interactions fits the tone of the series, I was hoping for more depth, especially since I know that Lyn Gala writes amazing alien cultures.
I also found myself a bit frustrated by how close-lipped (metaphorically) Rick was about what was going on. It's clear from the very start that something is going on, and that he is very unhappy to be back on his home planet, but he straight up refuses to tell Max anything. There is an explanation for this, but the whole "well Hidden ones hide from confrontation" excuse can only be used so many times until it grows tired.
I enjoy Gala's writing style, but there were some details here or there that I found a bit confusing, but I hope I will be less confused on rereads.
Overall I am always happy to have more alien romances, and to see more from Rick, Max, and their kids, so while this isn't my favourite I still had a great time with this.
I was surprised to find Max, Rick, and their family heading to the Hidden ones' home planet rather than to earth, given the title of the book and that they promised Dee to bring her back to earth at the end of the last book.
It was interesting to see more of the Hidden one home planet, though to be honest, we didn't learn much more about their culture. While the overall sillyness of the interactions fits the tone of the series, I was hoping for more depth, especially since I know that Lyn Gala writes amazing alien cultures.
I also found myself a bit frustrated by how close-lipped (metaphorically) Rick was about what was going on. It's clear from the very start that something is going on, and that he is very unhappy to be back on his home planet, but he straight up refuses to tell Max anything. There is an explanation for this, but the whole "well Hidden ones hide from confrontation" excuse can only be used so many times until it grows tired.
I enjoy Gala's writing style, but there were some details here or there that I found a bit confusing, but I hope I will be less confused on rereads.
Overall I am always happy to have more alien romances, and to see more from Rick, Max, and their kids, so while this isn't my favourite I still had a great time with this.
February 8, 2026
Reposted from DA
Max and Rick are travelling space with three children and one human friend they've promised to take home. They've overcome language barriers, confused surrogacy contracts and attacks from hostile aliens. And that includes political attacks and prejudice in addition to pirates boarding their spaceship.
But now the children want to see their home planet and Rick is getting stranger every second they draw near the Hidden world. Max knows his belchy husband well enough to know something is wrong, but nothing would prepare him for the political and familial disaster waiting for them. This time, circumstances may pull their little family apart at the seams.
Review:
Dear Lyn Gala,
The usual disclaimer to me reading these series applies. The only reason I am reading the series with male pregnancy in it is because there is your name on the cover and because the actual male pregnancy happened in book one and book two and three spared me from another vision of little octopuses like looking beings popping out of male body. At some point in this book Rick suggests thinking about new generation of the kids they may produce and all I could think about was please no, because I am going to run away screaming if that event takes place again :). I am joking obviously, writer decides what they want to write and reader decides whether they will like the topic or not.
However, since Rick and Max's kids are now teenagers in Hidden Ones years I certainly enjoyed watching this family going through growing pains. As always communication and miscommunication between different species are explored, often in an amusing way. I also always enjoy how this author often explored social issues familiar to us in her books about aliens, but looked at it under a different angle because those are aliens who behave like that.
For example, Rick's people insist on allowing their off spring full freedom to choose what they want to do and how they want to do it. It is usually a very wrong thing to insist that kids would be the exact copy of their parents, they must be allowed to choose their own way. Max though, who is a human parent is much more protective of their kids and would have hovered over them a lot if allowed. That mini conflict was interesting by itself, but it is not as if some human parents do not parent like Rick tries to do. I am not judging whether it is a good or a bad thing. Rick clearly loves his kids a lot too.
I found this book more tense than the second story. I was not bored while reading either. It is not as if I thought that they will die, but there was a moment in the story where I did worry about their well being. I also appreciated a somewhat darker turn the book made close to the end ( all main characters are fine, do not worry) and a little bit of melancholy at the end.
Grade: B
Max and Rick are travelling space with three children and one human friend they've promised to take home. They've overcome language barriers, confused surrogacy contracts and attacks from hostile aliens. And that includes political attacks and prejudice in addition to pirates boarding their spaceship.
But now the children want to see their home planet and Rick is getting stranger every second they draw near the Hidden world. Max knows his belchy husband well enough to know something is wrong, but nothing would prepare him for the political and familial disaster waiting for them. This time, circumstances may pull their little family apart at the seams.
Review:
Dear Lyn Gala,
The usual disclaimer to me reading these series applies. The only reason I am reading the series with male pregnancy in it is because there is your name on the cover and because the actual male pregnancy happened in book one and book two and three spared me from another vision of little octopuses like looking beings popping out of male body. At some point in this book Rick suggests thinking about new generation of the kids they may produce and all I could think about was please no, because I am going to run away screaming if that event takes place again :). I am joking obviously, writer decides what they want to write and reader decides whether they will like the topic or not.
However, since Rick and Max's kids are now teenagers in Hidden Ones years I certainly enjoyed watching this family going through growing pains. As always communication and miscommunication between different species are explored, often in an amusing way. I also always enjoy how this author often explored social issues familiar to us in her books about aliens, but looked at it under a different angle because those are aliens who behave like that.
For example, Rick's people insist on allowing their off spring full freedom to choose what they want to do and how they want to do it. It is usually a very wrong thing to insist that kids would be the exact copy of their parents, they must be allowed to choose their own way. Max though, who is a human parent is much more protective of their kids and would have hovered over them a lot if allowed. That mini conflict was interesting by itself, but it is not as if some human parents do not parent like Rick tries to do. I am not judging whether it is a good or a bad thing. Rick clearly loves his kids a lot too.
I found this book more tense than the second story. I was not bored while reading either. It is not as if I thought that they will die, but there was a moment in the story where I did worry about their well being. I also appreciated a somewhat darker turn the book made close to the end ( all main characters are fine, do not worry) and a little bit of melancholy at the end.
Grade: B
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
“Husband is annoying.”
“I am. And I’ve missed annoying you.”
“I’ve missed being annoyed. I was too upset for annoyance, but annoyance is important in a healthy marriage.”
“Very important”
This was not the direction I expected them to go, but nevertheless, it was still an interesting one. I was excited for them to go to Earth, but going to the Hidden World was exciting as well. We've learned more stuff about Rick, my cuddly octopus. He was as exasperating as his offspring in this book. But that was because of how tight-lipped he was.
I felt sorry for Rick. I didn't know how to feel about Einstein, but I knew Rick didn't deserve any of it. I actually appreciated Max for his love for his family. His presence really made a lot of difference. I couldn't wait for them to go to Earth. I hope humans are much more welcoming than these hidden ones.
I would also like to mention Rick's unexpected lines, e.g. "He is not finger-licking good", "Sweet home Alabama", and "Double screwed with cherry on top." It was one of my favorites! He just took me by surprise sometimes. He was a funny octopus that one.
The ending was a bit bittersweet. I did shed a tear. I can feel the pain of a parent, even if I'm not one, but I have an attachment with these characters, not Dee, though. I sometimes don't like her.
“I am. And I’ve missed annoying you.”
“I’ve missed being annoyed. I was too upset for annoyance, but annoyance is important in a healthy marriage.”
“Very important”
This was not the direction I expected them to go, but nevertheless, it was still an interesting one. I was excited for them to go to Earth, but going to the Hidden World was exciting as well. We've learned more stuff about Rick, my cuddly octopus. He was as exasperating as his offspring in this book. But that was because of how tight-lipped he was.
I felt sorry for Rick. I didn't know how to feel about Einstein, but I knew Rick didn't deserve any of it. I actually appreciated Max for his love for his family. His presence really made a lot of difference. I couldn't wait for them to go to Earth. I hope humans are much more welcoming than these hidden ones.
I would also like to mention Rick's unexpected lines, e.g. "He is not finger-licking good", "Sweet home Alabama", and "Double screwed with cherry on top." It was one of my favorites! He just took me by surprise sometimes. He was a funny octopus that one.
The ending was a bit bittersweet. I did shed a tear. I can feel the pain of a parent, even if I'm not one, but I have an attachment with these characters, not Dee, though. I sometimes don't like her.
February 28, 2026
The title makes no sense. "Earth inlaws are wary" they do not, and I repeat do not meet Max's parents. They meet Rick's parent. There is no epilogue. They do not get to Earth.
I purchased book 2 in May 2023. It was published in 2020.
Was a summary too much to ask for in 2026? I had no idea what the kids names were anymore or who Dee was. I'm so shocked there was no "catch up" instead the book dives straight into it and it was off putting.
Besides that, I hope there's not another book. I don't want to wait 6+ years between releases.
Also, Max getting a broken leg that lasted a day was pointless? Then to mention at the party, it was his arm?
The Einstein section was weird...like so weird.
The family dynamic...is nasty. Max and Rick bitch about their kids none stop. Max bitches about Rick non stop. It's just....sad. it's always "hate my kids/husband but love them more then anything" rinse and repeat. It's sad that Max never touches his kids, never hugs them, holds them...he barely touches Rick.
I purchased book 2 in May 2023. It was published in 2020.
Was a summary too much to ask for in 2026? I had no idea what the kids names were anymore or who Dee was. I'm so shocked there was no "catch up" instead the book dives straight into it and it was off putting.
Besides that, I hope there's not another book. I don't want to wait 6+ years between releases.
Also, Max getting a broken leg that lasted a day was pointless? Then to mention at the party, it was his arm?
The Einstein section was weird...like so weird.
The family dynamic...is nasty. Max and Rick bitch about their kids none stop. Max bitches about Rick non stop. It's just....sad. it's always "hate my kids/husband but love them more then anything" rinse and repeat. It's sad that Max never touches his kids, never hugs them, holds them...he barely touches Rick.
February 12, 2026
On a world that's new to the reader, with a li'l bit of politicking and a lot of shenanigans, I love this family! It's a shorter read than the previous two books and I think the book does suffer emotionally for it. I feel like the book needed an on-planet character that was actually likeable. We meet many new aliens, but they all felt stand-offish, remote or impersonal. I mean, yes, they're aliens but they sentient, sapient aliens. There should have been at least one that had something relatable and approachable to the reader, even if not to the main characters.
February 26, 2026
I enjoy many of Lyn Gala's works. She has an incredible ability to make her aliens feel convincingly alien and yet still be relatable, even lovable. In this volume of Earth Fathers, it seems like the "sons" have reached their unreasonable "teen" stage -- cute, while making you want to strangle them with their own tentacles. But finding out about Rick's "parentage" and all the terrible things in his past was upsetting and brought Rick and Max closer together. Always an interesting and fun time reading Lyn Gala!
February 24, 2026
I was so happy to see the continuation of this series, and actually happy they detoured to Rick's home planet, since that means there should be at least one more tale when they return to Earth. We get to see some of Rick's home world, the kids continue to have real and distinct personalities, and we find out how and why Rick decided to leave his planet and go gallivanting around the galaxy. I really enjoyed the story.
February 11, 2026
While not as strong as the first two in the series, Earth In-Laws are Wary was still a treat to read. I just adore Max, Rick, and their annoyingly cute kids. Plus, the dynamic between Max and Rick is honestly super sweet and really well developed. I can't believe Lyn Gala has made me care so much about this little octopus alien-human family.
February 17, 2026
LOVED IT
Max (human), Rick (alien) and their children, Kohei, James and Xander. Along with Dee (human) visit the home world of the Hidden People, Rick‘s home planet. There we learn about Rick’s parent/non-parent. There is a bit of a sad ending, where James decides to stay on the planet, while the others go to earth and so that Dee can return to her family.
Max (human), Rick (alien) and their children, Kohei, James and Xander. Along with Dee (human) visit the home world of the Hidden People, Rick‘s home planet. There we learn about Rick’s parent/non-parent. There is a bit of a sad ending, where James decides to stay on the planet, while the others go to earth and so that Dee can return to her family.
February 21, 2026
This is my fave Lyn Gala series so it was such a joy to see there was a third. I would love to read as many as Lyn can write! As usual, the plot was interesting and the characters even more so. Had a few scenes that made me emotional, and I read this in about an hour and a half, I couldn't put it down.
(Lot of spelling errors in this, although it doesn't detract much.)
(Lot of spelling errors in this, although it doesn't detract much.)
February 24, 2026
Absolutely love this series! It's definitely one of my more unusual fav's and I love it. The fact that it doesn't shy away from different alien culture and looks, but yet there's so much common love. Really really adore this series!
So happy it continues on and we see more and more of the characters, and I'm already looking forward to the next one 🙌🤩
So happy it continues on and we see more and more of the characters, and I'm already looking forward to the next one 🙌🤩
March 12, 2026
Another solid book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. My favourite interaction is "what floor are we on". Fantastic.
The plot itself is a bit weird. I would have liked to spend more time understanding the in-law but I guess this works. The hidden planet is neat. But the book also feels like it's more of a filler than a full story.
The plot itself is a bit weird. I would have liked to spend more time understanding the in-law but I guess this works. The hidden planet is neat. But the book also feels like it's more of a filler than a full story.
February 14, 2026
I liked this better than the second one. The title confused me, because it sounds as though it takes place during an earth visit. It does not. It’s a story of the family plus Dee visiting Rick’s family on his planet.
Content warning: suicide, but no characters we truly care about are harmed.
Content warning: suicide, but no characters we truly care about are harmed.
March 6, 2026
I love this serie so much! it's my go-to when I need to feel better. thank you with all my heart for continuing their story, I was glad to see kohey more involved in this one! I can't wait for the next book!!
March 13, 2026
6 years later, we finally got the sequel! I love Max and Rick and their family. I loved them in this one as well.
Parts of this weren’t as enjoyable as the first two. I was confused for quite a bit of it, and I feel like the storyline itself wasn’t as planned out as before.
Parts of this weren’t as enjoyable as the first two. I was confused for quite a bit of it, and I feel like the storyline itself wasn’t as planned out as before.
March 22, 2026
Perfect continuation of our husbands across space.
I felt really sad that the in-law was so set in their ways,
but sometimes things just don't work out.
We got a kiddo independent ^^
Now we only got 2 more
I felt really sad that the in-law was so set in their ways,
but sometimes things just don't work out.
We got a kiddo independent ^^
Now we only got 2 more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
I’m so mad this is over. We have two more kids to go through. They didn’t make it to earth. They didn’t have more kids yet. How am I supposed to cope?!?!
March 6, 2026
The plot of this was all over the place and very repetitive. It was fine but not as good as the first two.
March 19, 2026
One of my favorite series! I love Rick’s need to add commercial jingles randomly, and I love Max’s loving support even if it annoys him. Not sure if this is the last in the series but I hope not!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews