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Alien Mate #1
Alien Mate
I'm Starr Elizabeth Conner. Earth's government falsely convicted me of a crime, packed me on a ship with other female felons, and sent us to Dakon, a primitive, frozen wasteland of a planet.
But I'm no barbarian’s 'mail order bride,' even if he is super tall, muscular, and the chief of his tribe. He doesn’t want a BBW blonde, either--it's written all over his chiseled face. He'll be truly angry if he ever learns what my 'crime' was.
I am Torg. I have waited 34 rotations for a mate of my own. With this shipment, I was sure to get a fine, sturdy mate who'll bear me many daughters. Instead, I receive a small, curvy, pale-haired female who looks at me with anger and fear.
It is only when we 'kiss' that I believe things may work out between us. But I'm hearing rumors that Starr and her shipmates are law-breakers. To survive, Dakonians must obey all laws … or be exiled into the frozen wasteland. Just when I have found my mate, will I have to banish her?
But I'm no barbarian’s 'mail order bride,' even if he is super tall, muscular, and the chief of his tribe. He doesn’t want a BBW blonde, either--it's written all over his chiseled face. He'll be truly angry if he ever learns what my 'crime' was.
I am Torg. I have waited 34 rotations for a mate of my own. With this shipment, I was sure to get a fine, sturdy mate who'll bear me many daughters. Instead, I receive a small, curvy, pale-haired female who looks at me with anger and fear.
It is only when we 'kiss' that I believe things may work out between us. But I'm hearing rumors that Starr and her shipmates are law-breakers. To survive, Dakonians must obey all laws … or be exiled into the frozen wasteland. Just when I have found my mate, will I have to banish her?
271 pages, ebook
First published April 10, 2017
1007 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Cara Bristol
107 books939 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol writes science fiction romance about tough alien and cyborg heroes who fall hard for sassy heroines.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
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November 1, 2019
RATING 4.5 STARS
Alien Mate is book one in the Alien Mate series by Cara Bristol. This can either be purchased alone or in a box set which includes all four books in the series! I’ve had this for awhile but hadn’t had a chance to start it. I wasn’t sure what I was going to be getting. What ended up happening, though, is that I fell in love with it. There was suspense, sweet swoony moments, an alpha hero that was all growly and possessive, and plenty of sexy times.
Centuries before, the planet Dakon was hit by an asteroid which plunged them into an eternal winter. Millions were killed and a virus from the asteroid seemed to only affect the females, killing most of them. Almost all of the inhabitants left were male. And, the few females that survived only seemed to bear male children. They lived in primitive caves. They had no modern amenities as those on earth. When earth, called Terra, discovered this planet, they also discovered it contained an ore they needed for energy. So they proposed a trade. Fifty women in exchange for ore. Only they tricked the men of Dakon and sent fifty women that had been sent to prison for various crimes.
Starr Conner was one of those women. She was innocent, falsely accused of murder. But she was rushed through the judicial system and packed onto a ship and sent to Dakon to be mated to an alien. All the other women were tall and dark haired, where she was short, curvy with blonde curly hair. Something the Dakonians had never seen before. When her intended mate first saw her, she saw disappointment in his eyes.
Torg was a clan chief. It was only luck that had allowed him to be one of the fifty men chosen to choose one of the women. When he first saw Starr, he was sure she could never survive the life they led here on this frozen planet. But, he soon came to see her uniqueness as beauty. And, when their lips met for the first time, he knew she was the one and only mate for him.
There are those, though, that opposed the women being brought to their planet. Not to mention, what would happen when they discovered that these were all women convicted of crimes, especially Starr, the only one convicted of murder. They had very strict rules on Dakon. If they knew of her conviction, they would surely send her away.
I truly fell in love with this. I loved both Starr and Torg. There were plenty of surprises to keep me turning the pages as well as swoony times. It was well written, perfectly edited, and fun to read. I can’t wait to continue the series with Torg’s brother, Darq, in book two, Alien Attraction.
“My Starr, my only, my forever.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Alien Mate is book one in the Alien Mate series by Cara Bristol. This can either be purchased alone or in a box set which includes all four books in the series! I’ve had this for awhile but hadn’t had a chance to start it. I wasn’t sure what I was going to be getting. What ended up happening, though, is that I fell in love with it. There was suspense, sweet swoony moments, an alpha hero that was all growly and possessive, and plenty of sexy times.
Centuries before, the planet Dakon was hit by an asteroid which plunged them into an eternal winter. Millions were killed and a virus from the asteroid seemed to only affect the females, killing most of them. Almost all of the inhabitants left were male. And, the few females that survived only seemed to bear male children. They lived in primitive caves. They had no modern amenities as those on earth. When earth, called Terra, discovered this planet, they also discovered it contained an ore they needed for energy. So they proposed a trade. Fifty women in exchange for ore. Only they tricked the men of Dakon and sent fifty women that had been sent to prison for various crimes.
Starr Conner was one of those women. She was innocent, falsely accused of murder. But she was rushed through the judicial system and packed onto a ship and sent to Dakon to be mated to an alien. All the other women were tall and dark haired, where she was short, curvy with blonde curly hair. Something the Dakonians had never seen before. When her intended mate first saw her, she saw disappointment in his eyes.
Torg was a clan chief. It was only luck that had allowed him to be one of the fifty men chosen to choose one of the women. When he first saw Starr, he was sure she could never survive the life they led here on this frozen planet. But, he soon came to see her uniqueness as beauty. And, when their lips met for the first time, he knew she was the one and only mate for him.
There are those, though, that opposed the women being brought to their planet. Not to mention, what would happen when they discovered that these were all women convicted of crimes, especially Starr, the only one convicted of murder. They had very strict rules on Dakon. If they knew of her conviction, they would surely send her away.
I truly fell in love with this. I loved both Starr and Torg. There were plenty of surprises to keep me turning the pages as well as swoony times. It was well written, perfectly edited, and fun to read. I can’t wait to continue the series with Torg’s brother, Darq, in book two, Alien Attraction.
“My Starr, my only, my forever.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 21, 2017
4.5 stars
Ah! I completely loved this book!
The book follows the heroine, Starr, who has been wrongly accused of a crime- murder. For her punishment, she is sent away to an alien planet called Dakon. Dakon lost most of it's females due to illness and is in desperate need of 'mates'. Starr gets placed with Torg, an alien who looks much like Earth men, but just much bigger in size...oh, and he has horns.
I completely loved these two together. Torg was totally swoon worthy and Starr was funny and VERY relatable. I do love reading about heroines who aren't model skinny and gorgeous- and that just made Starr that much more relatable.
I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future!
Ah! I completely loved this book!
The book follows the heroine, Starr, who has been wrongly accused of a crime- murder. For her punishment, she is sent away to an alien planet called Dakon. Dakon lost most of it's females due to illness and is in desperate need of 'mates'. Starr gets placed with Torg, an alien who looks much like Earth men, but just much bigger in size...oh, and he has horns.
I completely loved these two together. Torg was totally swoon worthy and Starr was funny and VERY relatable. I do love reading about heroines who aren't model skinny and gorgeous- and that just made Starr that much more relatable.
I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future!
April 12, 2017
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Copy received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Sci-Fi. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone - although a possible series?
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
SO we have the typical set up, deadly virus/catastrophe etc that means on some alien world light years away, there is a planet full of hunky, humanoid, yet lonely yearning for a mate gorgeous men. It is not a new or original premise really - but oh how I love them!
I really enjoyed this one. It is quick, insta lust/love but the characters are just so endearing that it was a lovely story to read. It is not overly deep, but it IS engaging and fun to read.
The hero was lovely. At times bossy and alpha, at times a bit awkward and unsure of himself. The heroine equally likeable and you were rooting for these two to have their HEA.
I hope it continues as a series as I would definitely read more.
4 stars.
Copy received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Sci-Fi. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone - although a possible series?
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
SO we have the typical set up, deadly virus/catastrophe etc that means on some alien world light years away, there is a planet full of hunky, humanoid, yet lonely yearning for a mate gorgeous men. It is not a new or original premise really - but oh how I love them!
I really enjoyed this one. It is quick, insta lust/love but the characters are just so endearing that it was a lovely story to read. It is not overly deep, but it IS engaging and fun to read.
The hero was lovely. At times bossy and alpha, at times a bit awkward and unsure of himself. The heroine equally likeable and you were rooting for these two to have their HEA.
I hope it continues as a series as I would definitely read more.
4 stars.
September 20, 2018
Alien Mate is book one in the Alien Mate series by Cara Bristol.
I’ve been in an Alien reading mood lately. I’ve been skimming through those freebies I’ve picked up over the years and giving new authors a try.
Alien Mate is a mail order bride / trafficking. It's kinda both types. The women on the ship are being traded for an item one plant wants/needs. And, yes most of the women have agreed to go to Dakon a frozen arctic plant where women are needed, but also the other plant is getting ride of it's small time criminals.
The planet we find ourself on is Dakon. It used to be a modern planet, but an asteroid destroyed it all, changed the weather, and only a few Dakonian people survived and now with each generation their are few and fewer females born, so they are in need of women. I liked the world building and learning about this planet and it's people.
Starr Conner starts off being convicted of murder and then finds herself shiped off to this frozen planet. Their’s more going on with her conviction and being sent away then we know, but we soon learn the details.
Torg is Chef of his village. He won the lottery to be third in line to pick a women, but due to his states he ended up being late and gets the only woman left. She’s not what he expected. Small and blonde, nothing like the Dakonian women.
Alien Mate treats us to a little suspense, romance, and a Dakonian women who likes to cause trouble. Starr and Torg are opposites, but they soon learn to to like/love each other and come together. They do have cultural differences to work out and I liked seeing Starr take an interstate in learning to read their language. The sex scenes are tender and hot.
One thing I didn’t like is that Starr continues to think about getting home, clearing her name and fighting her case, but she also continues to move the relationship forward. I felt she shouldn’t have done this if she wanted to still go home.
All in all I had a wonderful time reading. It’s a quick read. I liked the world building and the romance. I’m curious enough to pick up the next book.
Rated: 4 Stars
I’ve been in an Alien reading mood lately. I’ve been skimming through those freebies I’ve picked up over the years and giving new authors a try.
Alien Mate is a mail order bride / trafficking. It's kinda both types. The women on the ship are being traded for an item one plant wants/needs. And, yes most of the women have agreed to go to Dakon a frozen arctic plant where women are needed, but also the other plant is getting ride of it's small time criminals.
The planet we find ourself on is Dakon. It used to be a modern planet, but an asteroid destroyed it all, changed the weather, and only a few Dakonian people survived and now with each generation their are few and fewer females born, so they are in need of women. I liked the world building and learning about this planet and it's people.
Starr Conner starts off being convicted of murder and then finds herself shiped off to this frozen planet. Their’s more going on with her conviction and being sent away then we know, but we soon learn the details.
Torg is Chef of his village. He won the lottery to be third in line to pick a women, but due to his states he ended up being late and gets the only woman left. She’s not what he expected. Small and blonde, nothing like the Dakonian women.
Alien Mate treats us to a little suspense, romance, and a Dakonian women who likes to cause trouble. Starr and Torg are opposites, but they soon learn to to like/love each other and come together. They do have cultural differences to work out and I liked seeing Starr take an interstate in learning to read their language. The sex scenes are tender and hot.
One thing I didn’t like is that Starr continues to think about getting home, clearing her name and fighting her case, but she also continues to move the relationship forward. I felt she shouldn’t have done this if she wanted to still go home.
All in all I had a wonderful time reading. It’s a quick read. I liked the world building and the romance. I’m curious enough to pick up the next book.
Rated: 4 Stars
March 22, 2017
Well this is a mail order bride unlike any other I've read! In fact you could consider it to be 'trafficking ' although to be fair the majority of the women on board the SS Australia are there voluntarily except for Starr. Starr never had a choice and has resigned herself to the idea of an alien husband but her very first meeting with Torg is anything but happy because the horned brute definitely doesn't like what he sees!
I really liked the idea of this but will admit I was disappointed that the couple got frisky very quickly. I guess I just prefer a build up when it comes to romance but can happily state that the story became very interesting. Not only is Starr on a primitive, inhospitable, almost caveman like planet but she has to deal with natives who are anything but friendly! Yet the author rolled out a far more complex plot then just a standard alien mating story. There's a reason Starr is mated to Torg and all started before she set foot on a spaceship and her troubles are still not quite over!
This was a fun sci fi romance with plenty of steamy interludes . The Dakonians really do seem to want to do anything to get and keep women with very good reason but the trouble is let's be honest not all women are particularly nice. I really liked that the author showed the other side as it made it feel more realistic and then had enough up her sleeve to genuinely surprise this reader as the end drew near. Yes they get busy too quick for my liking but it's a story with danger, intrigue, shocks and of course love. I'm a sucker for happy endings and got exactly that with this book.
This voluntary take is of a copy provided for me and these thoughts are my own honest opinion
I really liked the idea of this but will admit I was disappointed that the couple got frisky very quickly. I guess I just prefer a build up when it comes to romance but can happily state that the story became very interesting. Not only is Starr on a primitive, inhospitable, almost caveman like planet but she has to deal with natives who are anything but friendly! Yet the author rolled out a far more complex plot then just a standard alien mating story. There's a reason Starr is mated to Torg and all started before she set foot on a spaceship and her troubles are still not quite over!
This was a fun sci fi romance with plenty of steamy interludes . The Dakonians really do seem to want to do anything to get and keep women with very good reason but the trouble is let's be honest not all women are particularly nice. I really liked that the author showed the other side as it made it feel more realistic and then had enough up her sleeve to genuinely surprise this reader as the end drew near. Yes they get busy too quick for my liking but it's a story with danger, intrigue, shocks and of course love. I'm a sucker for happy endings and got exactly that with this book.
This voluntary take is of a copy provided for me and these thoughts are my own honest opinion
March 30, 2017
I've already fallen in love with her cyborgs so it was not a huge leap to grab her fun and exciting alien mail-order bride romance.
The mail-order bride trope is a favorite of mine because I love seeing two strangers who might be vastly different find a way to work together and even fall in love. Add in a primitive alien setting and a dangerous suspense thread and, brothers and sisters, I'm hooked.
Starr's not the typical mail-order bride in that she didn't sign up for all this, but she's a fair and compassionate person just as Torg is so they handle things pretty well once they get over the shock. She lands in the middle of it all without a clue beyond to fact that the mafia family back on earth thought this was fitting punishment beyond her already cruel long life prison sentence for a crime she didn't commit. Starr keeps all this a secret when she gets with her handsome Dakonian. Normally, I'm not one for secrets, but I really couldn't judge her in this instance because she's a bit stuck in her situation and she got a good up close and personal what happens when someone is guilty of murder around there.
As I had hoped, the differences between their races and their thinking was addressed even as this pair were a hot commodity together. The story is a quick read, but an engaging one. Loved the mystery that started coming out near the middle. And the twist? Didn't see that coming at all. Well played.
So, if a moderately light, but very fun and exciting sci-fi romance is your craving, I can recommend this one whole-heartedly.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
The mail-order bride trope is a favorite of mine because I love seeing two strangers who might be vastly different find a way to work together and even fall in love. Add in a primitive alien setting and a dangerous suspense thread and, brothers and sisters, I'm hooked.
Starr's not the typical mail-order bride in that she didn't sign up for all this, but she's a fair and compassionate person just as Torg is so they handle things pretty well once they get over the shock. She lands in the middle of it all without a clue beyond to fact that the mafia family back on earth thought this was fitting punishment beyond her already cruel long life prison sentence for a crime she didn't commit. Starr keeps all this a secret when she gets with her handsome Dakonian. Normally, I'm not one for secrets, but I really couldn't judge her in this instance because she's a bit stuck in her situation and she got a good up close and personal what happens when someone is guilty of murder around there.
As I had hoped, the differences between their races and their thinking was addressed even as this pair were a hot commodity together. The story is a quick read, but an engaging one. Loved the mystery that started coming out near the middle. And the twist? Didn't see that coming at all. Well played.
So, if a moderately light, but very fun and exciting sci-fi romance is your craving, I can recommend this one whole-heartedly.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
September 6, 2018DNF
This was free, so I decided to give it a shot after reading the sample.
Slightly entertaining, but I lost interest. Also, it seems like every time I try a sci-fi romance the aliens are humanoid just really, really big. (This guy had little horns on his head, too).
There were some cute parts to this, but not enough to hold my interest.
DNF
This was free, so I decided to give it a shot after reading the sample.
Slightly entertaining, but I lost interest. Also, it seems like every time I try a sci-fi romance the aliens are humanoid just really, really big. (This guy had little horns on his head, too).
There were some cute parts to this, but not enough to hold my interest.
DNF
September 11, 2023
Amazing book!!!
This has everything I was looking for. Amazing plot, fantastic spicy scenes - though more details would be nice - and it's a stand-alone!!
Everything I needed. Though I do want to read on with the next book!!
This has everything I was looking for. Amazing plot, fantastic spicy scenes - though more details would be nice - and it's a stand-alone!!
Everything I needed. Though I do want to read on with the next book!!
April 19, 2017
What’s worse than being accused and convicted of a murder you didn’t commit? Maybe being shipped off to an alien planet with the climate of the Antarctica and a population mostly consisting of primitive males in desperate need of women. That’s exactly the situation that Starr finds herself, but can this alien planet really be any worse than prison?I love an alien story! Especially of the we-need-women variety, although people may scoff and roll their eyes at them, I think they’re a lot of fun. Alien Mate was exactly that; a lot of fun. If you fancy a quick read which is a little sweet, a little sexy and has gorgeous aliens with horns, then give this a go.
The relationship between Torg and Starr didn’t start too well for either of them as both were taken aback by the other’s ‘alien’ appearance. But, I would almost put this in the insta-love category with the ease in which they manage to overcome this. All it took was a kiss and some horn rubbing. After this the story does fall into predictable lines. But, that didn’t stop me enjoying it.
I really liked this, if you are a fan of alien romances then definitely give this one a try.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
November 16, 2017
Wow. This was bad. And not in a the writing quality sucked (which it does), because I can ignore that when reading romance. So, the fact that even when I put aside the normal lack of character development, unoriginal plot, insta-love, gender norms, common character tropes (ie annoying female lead who hates her body and male hero who thinks skinny is an insult/disgusting), and severe lack of world/culture building (because let's be honest, the "aliens" have American values), this story STILL has some major issues is telling.
Perhaps this is something I'm only beginning to notice, and maybe it's been similarly done in other stories, but this book is generally racist and imperialist.
Yep. I said it. Now let me explain.
I'm not suggesting Ms. Bristol is being purposefully racist/prejudice. In fact, I think it was quite unintentional. But the fact remains that she white-washed aliens.
Aliens are completely different life-forms. As an author, Ms. Bristol could have chosen to make her aliens any shape, form, color, texture, size, etc. Did she. Nope! Instead, she actually made her aliens taller-than-average white Caucasian males. Why? Because that's what she unconsciously thinks of as the norm for men. I bet you she never thought that if she was to make aliens similar to human men, she'd make them black-looking? or Asian?
Ms. Bristol is also unfortunately acting imperialist. She's probably one of the people who buys toms shoes thinking she's helping a poor African child when in reality she's contributing to ruining the domestic shoe industry and making African countries even more dependent on foreign aid.
In this novel, Starr mentioned several times something along the lines of:
"These people needed our help more than they realized"
holy nope. I read that and had to breathe for a moment because I was about to scream. They don't need shit from you. I think this is an incredibly insulting notion. Ms. Bristol showed that she takes an imperialist standpoint towards other countries. The idea goes that 'if they're not as advanced as us [what exactly does it mean to be advanced?] we should help them.' That's taking a very paternalistic role in a society that note-> DID NOT ask for their help. Perhaps the girls should ask if the aliens wanted all that technology. It's pretty entitled and a form of imposing your culture to just assume they want your life style. They could be very happy the way they are. The girls proceeded to make changes to their lives as if that was a good thing. They never asked the aliens, they just imposed their desires on them.
Now- if the girls in the book wanted that for themselves, that's fine. But no, they were doing it in the name of "helping" a "primitive" society. If the girls had asked the aliens if they wanted that technology instead of assuming, that would have been fine. But no, they did it in secret without approval and once it would arrive, there'd be no chance to say no.
To put this situation in a metaphor, it's like ordering a chocolate cake for a friend. You love chocolate cake, and you think it's better than apple crumble, so that's why you ordered it. Your friend on the other hand loves apple crumble. Sheesh. How primitive. You'll just order them the chocolate cake and not tell them and force it on them despite their wishes because you know in your heart, it's what's best for them. Your friend may be put in the awkward position of being forced to eat something they hate. You tell them that chocolate cake is better for them than apple crumble and it'll get better the more they eat it. Or your friend might be okay with the chocolate cake, but thinks it's pretty damn rude you ordered it for them without asking.
In the end, neither chocolate cake nor apple crumble are bad, and we all have our preferences, but they are different. Different does not equal bad. What Ms. Bristol needs to recognize is that apple crumble isn't necessarily a bad choice for her characters. She needs to also recognize that "primitive" people may be happy the way they are and don't need her paternalistic guidance. Let the aliens decide for themselves.
Perhaps this is something I'm only beginning to notice, and maybe it's been similarly done in other stories, but this book is generally racist and imperialist.
Yep. I said it. Now let me explain.
I'm not suggesting Ms. Bristol is being purposefully racist/prejudice. In fact, I think it was quite unintentional. But the fact remains that she white-washed aliens.
Aliens are completely different life-forms. As an author, Ms. Bristol could have chosen to make her aliens any shape, form, color, texture, size, etc. Did she. Nope! Instead, she actually made her aliens taller-than-average white Caucasian males. Why? Because that's what she unconsciously thinks of as the norm for men. I bet you she never thought that if she was to make aliens similar to human men, she'd make them black-looking? or Asian?
Ms. Bristol is also unfortunately acting imperialist. She's probably one of the people who buys toms shoes thinking she's helping a poor African child when in reality she's contributing to ruining the domestic shoe industry and making African countries even more dependent on foreign aid.
In this novel, Starr mentioned several times something along the lines of:
"These people needed our help more than they realized"
holy nope. I read that and had to breathe for a moment because I was about to scream. They don't need shit from you. I think this is an incredibly insulting notion. Ms. Bristol showed that she takes an imperialist standpoint towards other countries. The idea goes that 'if they're not as advanced as us [what exactly does it mean to be advanced?] we should help them.' That's taking a very paternalistic role in a society that note-> DID NOT ask for their help. Perhaps the girls should ask if the aliens wanted all that technology. It's pretty entitled and a form of imposing your culture to just assume they want your life style. They could be very happy the way they are. The girls proceeded to make changes to their lives as if that was a good thing. They never asked the aliens, they just imposed their desires on them.
Now- if the girls in the book wanted that for themselves, that's fine. But no, they were doing it in the name of "helping" a "primitive" society. If the girls had asked the aliens if they wanted that technology instead of assuming, that would have been fine. But no, they did it in secret without approval and once it would arrive, there'd be no chance to say no.
To put this situation in a metaphor, it's like ordering a chocolate cake for a friend. You love chocolate cake, and you think it's better than apple crumble, so that's why you ordered it. Your friend on the other hand loves apple crumble. Sheesh. How primitive. You'll just order them the chocolate cake and not tell them and force it on them despite their wishes because you know in your heart, it's what's best for them. Your friend may be put in the awkward position of being forced to eat something they hate. You tell them that chocolate cake is better for them than apple crumble and it'll get better the more they eat it. Or your friend might be okay with the chocolate cake, but thinks it's pretty damn rude you ordered it for them without asking.
In the end, neither chocolate cake nor apple crumble are bad, and we all have our preferences, but they are different. Different does not equal bad. What Ms. Bristol needs to recognize is that apple crumble isn't necessarily a bad choice for her characters. She needs to also recognize that "primitive" people may be happy the way they are and don't need her paternalistic guidance. Let the aliens decide for themselves.
September 27, 2017
3 Stars!
I enjoyed this. It didn't blow my mind or melt my heart... It was what it was. Easy guilty pleasure read.
I like Cara's writing style. It was fast paced and really easy going.
Not too complicated and I didn't find myself bored with the obvious Mars-needs-women theme. If you like the genre, you'll understand that you read so many that eventually most of them sound the same.
But this was fun. Had some good twists but some predictable villains.
The hero was the most down to earth male. An alpha who actually reasons and evaluates the decisions he must take. Loved that about him.
An alpha is not only supposed to lead or give orders ladies... Going nerd here! He's supposed to think, to plan, to be calmer than the rest of his hot-headed followers. And I saw that here and it was truly a blessing!
I like you Torg...
I like you a lot. A wise leader indeed and a true gentleman!
Heroin... well she's not boring. I can't find memorable things about her. I think she was poorly developed compared to Torg. Her background is so fuzzy. And when we get to know why she's in her current circumstances, it's like...
Sure, whatever you say Star...
The plot was simple...
World building is poor, but you get the idea.
The romance is sort of quick.
The sex... Nice!
But I definitely recommend this fun read!
I enjoyed this. It didn't blow my mind or melt my heart... It was what it was. Easy guilty pleasure read.
I like Cara's writing style. It was fast paced and really easy going.
Not too complicated and I didn't find myself bored with the obvious Mars-needs-women theme. If you like the genre, you'll understand that you read so many that eventually most of them sound the same.
But this was fun. Had some good twists but some predictable villains.
The hero was the most down to earth male. An alpha who actually reasons and evaluates the decisions he must take. Loved that about him.
An alpha is not only supposed to lead or give orders ladies... Going nerd here! He's supposed to think, to plan, to be calmer than the rest of his hot-headed followers. And I saw that here and it was truly a blessing!
I like you Torg...
I like you a lot. A wise leader indeed and a true gentleman!
Heroin... well she's not boring. I can't find memorable things about her. I think she was poorly developed compared to Torg. Her background is so fuzzy. And when we get to know why she's in her current circumstances, it's like...
Sure, whatever you say Star...
The plot was simple...
World building is poor, but you get the idea.
The romance is sort of quick.
The sex... Nice!
But I definitely recommend this fun read!
Read
August 5, 2019DNF @78%
While I understand there isn't much point of not reading ending of the book but I don't see keep myself dragging, just to finish a book, while not enjoying it at all. That would 30 minutes of my life, I value too much....
It started really fine but somewhere along the line, I start losing interest....It stopped working for me so I stopped reading, invoking Daniel Pennac's Inalienable Rights of the Reader...
The right to not read,
The right to skip pages,
The right to not finish a book,
The right to reread,
The right to read anything,
The right to "Bovary-ism," a textually-transmitted disease,
The right to read anywhere,
The right to sample and steal ("grappiller")
The right to read out-loud, and,
The right to be silent.
While I understand there isn't much point of not reading ending of the book but I don't see keep myself dragging, just to finish a book, while not enjoying it at all. That would 30 minutes of my life, I value too much....
It started really fine but somewhere along the line, I start losing interest....It stopped working for me so I stopped reading, invoking Daniel Pennac's Inalienable Rights of the Reader...
The right to not read,
The right to skip pages,
The right to not finish a book,
The right to reread,
The right to read anything,
The right to "Bovary-ism," a textually-transmitted disease,
The right to read anywhere,
The right to sample and steal ("grappiller")
The right to read out-loud, and,
The right to be silent.
November 22, 2019
alien romance is not my thing...
maybe in the future...
maybe in the future...
Want to read
September 17, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/25/2022)! 🎁
June 15, 2022
I was in the mood for some angst-free cute alien romance, and this delivered!
April 23, 2019
The Dakon people used to be thriving but an asteroid hit a few centuries ago decimated them. They are barely hanging on and are facing extinction as the female population dwindles. Terra comes to the rescue with an exchange program setup to give them women in exchange for some metal ore.
Starr has gotten the shaft...she's been wrongly convicted of murder and sent off-world as a alien bride. Thanfully, Torg is wonderful and their feelings deepen quickly. Lots of drama and suspense ensues...
Starr has gotten the shaft...she's been wrongly convicted of murder and sent off-world as a alien bride. Thanfully, Torg is wonderful and their feelings deepen quickly. Lots of drama and suspense ensues...
March 29, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the author through netgalley.
This book was such a fun read! I had read one of Care Bristol her short stories in the anthology Pets in Space and had been planning to pick up one of her full length books, so when I saw this one on netgalley I couldn't resist requesting it. Alien Mate is basically a mail-order bride plot line set in space. Terran decided to solve one of their problems and gain some valuable mineral they need. They sent some convicted females to Dakon who had a female shortage and gain the mineral in exchange.
I really liked the concept for this one, it made for a fun set-up for a story and I enjoyed seeing how things played out. From the first chapter it grabbed my attention and I just wanted to keep reading. It's an enjoyable read, well written and paced nicely. There is a bit of mystery surrounding Starr's past, what she has done and why she's sent to Dakon, while the others had a choice in the matter. Then there is a good romance between Star and Torg. Getting to know an alien planet and there are a few interesting plot twists at the end as well.
Starr and Torg literally come from different worlds, but when they meet sparks fly. Their romance develops quickly, but I didn't mind. I could feel their connection and chemistry and given the situation I thought things progressed believable, although I did think Starr changed her mind a bit quickly. The romance is very low on drama and conflict, which fit the kind of read I was in the mood for. You could say things got resolved a bit quickly, but I thought it was refreshing not to have things blown out of proportion and the characters actually talked things through after their initial reaction.
Starr and Torg were so fun together. I liked reading about them getting to know the other and learning about the other their planet and customs. There's a fun misunderstanding at first when Torg doesn't understand the wording of something Starr says and a few differences between their cultures that cause some funny situations.
While the focus is on the romance, I did like that the author also spend some time building the world of Dakon and how she gave the reader a feel for the planet and it's people. There's still some things left open, but I am hoping this might become a series as I would love to read more books in this universe. I could visualize the planet Dakon well and I enjoyed learning a bit about how they lived and what caused their current situation. I only was a bit mixed about the direction things took at the end. Not sure why, but it didn't set quite well with me. I do understand it was a good change for them, but at the same time it felt like it changed their whole way of living.
To summarize: This was a fun read that grabbed my attention from page one. It's well written and nicely paced. I enjoyed reading about Starr and Torg. They have chemistry and while their romance developed a bit quickly I didn't mind too much as I could feel their connection and how much they cared about each other. There are quite some hot scenes, but very little drama and conflict. There are some fun situation caused by cultural differences or misunderstandings which were fun to read. And I like how the author took a bit of time to describe the planet Dakon and give us a feel for it's people. I had a lot of fun reading this one and plan to pick up more of Cara Bristol's books in the future. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a fun and hot alien sci-fi romance book.
This book was such a fun read! I had read one of Care Bristol her short stories in the anthology Pets in Space and had been planning to pick up one of her full length books, so when I saw this one on netgalley I couldn't resist requesting it. Alien Mate is basically a mail-order bride plot line set in space. Terran decided to solve one of their problems and gain some valuable mineral they need. They sent some convicted females to Dakon who had a female shortage and gain the mineral in exchange.
I really liked the concept for this one, it made for a fun set-up for a story and I enjoyed seeing how things played out. From the first chapter it grabbed my attention and I just wanted to keep reading. It's an enjoyable read, well written and paced nicely. There is a bit of mystery surrounding Starr's past, what she has done and why she's sent to Dakon, while the others had a choice in the matter. Then there is a good romance between Star and Torg. Getting to know an alien planet and there are a few interesting plot twists at the end as well.
Starr and Torg literally come from different worlds, but when they meet sparks fly. Their romance develops quickly, but I didn't mind. I could feel their connection and chemistry and given the situation I thought things progressed believable, although I did think Starr changed her mind a bit quickly. The romance is very low on drama and conflict, which fit the kind of read I was in the mood for. You could say things got resolved a bit quickly, but I thought it was refreshing not to have things blown out of proportion and the characters actually talked things through after their initial reaction.
Starr and Torg were so fun together. I liked reading about them getting to know the other and learning about the other their planet and customs. There's a fun misunderstanding at first when Torg doesn't understand the wording of something Starr says and a few differences between their cultures that cause some funny situations.
While the focus is on the romance, I did like that the author also spend some time building the world of Dakon and how she gave the reader a feel for the planet and it's people. There's still some things left open, but I am hoping this might become a series as I would love to read more books in this universe. I could visualize the planet Dakon well and I enjoyed learning a bit about how they lived and what caused their current situation. I only was a bit mixed about the direction things took at the end. Not sure why, but it didn't set quite well with me. I do understand it was a good change for them, but at the same time it felt like it changed their whole way of living.
To summarize: This was a fun read that grabbed my attention from page one. It's well written and nicely paced. I enjoyed reading about Starr and Torg. They have chemistry and while their romance developed a bit quickly I didn't mind too much as I could feel their connection and how much they cared about each other. There are quite some hot scenes, but very little drama and conflict. There are some fun situation caused by cultural differences or misunderstandings which were fun to read. And I like how the author took a bit of time to describe the planet Dakon and give us a feel for it's people. I had a lot of fun reading this one and plan to pick up more of Cara Bristol's books in the future. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a fun and hot alien sci-fi romance book.
April 20, 2017
What’s worse than being accused and convicted of a murder you didn’t commit? Maybe being shipped off to an alien planet with the climate of the Antarctica and a population mostly consisting of primitive males in desperate need of women. That’s exactly the situation that Starr finds herself, but can this alien planet really be any worse than prison?
I love an alien story! Especially of the we-need-women variety, although people may scoff and roll their eyes at them, I think they’re a lot of fun. Alien Mate was exactly that; a lot of fun. If you fancy a quick read which is a little sweet, a little sexy and has gorgeous aliens with horns, then give this a go.
The relationship between Torg and Starr didn’t start too well for either of them as both were taken aback by the other’s ‘alien’ appearance. But, I would almost put this in the insta-love category with the ease in which they manage to overcome this. All it took was a kiss and some horn rubbing. After this the story does fall into predictable lines. But, that didn’t stop me enjoying it.
I really liked this, if you are a fan of alien romances then definitely give this one a try.
April 23, 2017
Short and sweet, it's an ok read regarding nearly extinct aliens looking for female earthlings. Story flows well and I enjoyed it, though to be honest, I've read this theme a bit too much and because of the length of it, it's not really got too much packed in it.
I like the H, whom is more or less our standard alien guy, adores the ground h walks on, bends over backwards to take care of our h. While he is decent and good to the core, he doesn't especially stand out much either to be honest as we're not given too much of a character depth to him besides the basic package.
Not as much the h. She seems pretty lazy and useless to me in this new world, to be honest, if she doesn't even bother to learn even the basic things like starting a fire or cooking over the fire to help out in the house, instead have to get the boys to do it. Fine if she isn't domestic, but seems she isn't good at anything else and knows only to scream in times of danger...
On top of that, I do not understand why she did what she did towards the end, it seems a tstl moment just to convenient the plot going along, and honestly, there should be a better way to do this in my opinion.
Plot is good with a little twist and it's entertaining to see a new world, yet it's decent but it's nothing special :T
I like the H, whom is more or less our standard alien guy, adores the ground h walks on, bends over backwards to take care of our h. While he is decent and good to the core, he doesn't especially stand out much either to be honest as we're not given too much of a character depth to him besides the basic package.
Not as much the h. She seems pretty lazy and useless to me in this new world, to be honest, if she doesn't even bother to learn even the basic things like starting a fire or cooking over the fire to help out in the house, instead have to get the boys to do it. Fine if she isn't domestic, but seems she isn't good at anything else and knows only to scream in times of danger...
On top of that, I do not understand why she did what she did towards the end, it seems a tstl moment just to convenient the plot going along, and honestly, there should be a better way to do this in my opinion.
Plot is good with a little twist and it's entertaining to see a new world, yet it's decent but it's nothing special :T
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2017
There were many moments throughout where I had to remind myself that the suspension of disbelief was key to enjoying this space-order brides story.
Cara Bristol's imagination certainly works here, though it's harder to believe that Earth women - convicted criminals no less - would be happy being shipped off as mates to aliens who live on an arctic planet without having met them or know about their culture. Near-instalove ensues and the mated couples actually get on swimmingly despite the cultural and physical differences.
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what of make of this novella yet, because it was interesting in some parts and utterly unbelievable in others, perhaps in part due to the brevity of the story.
*ARC by netgalley
(grateful as aliens, mind)
Cara Bristol's imagination certainly works here, though it's harder to believe that Earth women - convicted criminals no less - would be happy being shipped off as mates to aliens who live on an arctic planet without having met them or know about their culture. Near-instalove ensues and the mated couples actually get on swimmingly despite the cultural and physical differences.
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what of make of this novella yet, because it was interesting in some parts and utterly unbelievable in others, perhaps in part due to the brevity of the story.
*ARC by netgalley
(grateful as aliens, mind)
August 16, 2017
It wasn't an exhilarating read as I'd hope, but it wasn't bad either. Soooooo, 50-50?
The writing was great; The characters were ok. But what had me reading till the end was the amazing plot. Cara Bristol could pack a hefty plot I tell ya. I was like ohhh... ahhh... noooo... whatttt? how could she?... That bitch!!!...
This book invoked my inner me mainly a lot of hate, but that's ok. The antagonist was dealt with so all's well.
The writing was great; The characters were ok. But what had me reading till the end was the amazing plot. Cara Bristol could pack a hefty plot I tell ya. I was like ohhh... ahhh... noooo... whatttt? how could she?... That bitch!!!...
This book invoked my inner me mainly a lot of hate, but that's ok. The antagonist was dealt with so all's well.
April 4, 2017
ROCKS-FOR-BRIDES
Once again, Cara Bristol has spun an amazing Sci-fi tale. Two planets, each needing something, and working out an exchange program. One is trusting, and the other is devious in how they handle their part of the exchange. Earth or Terra needs the illuvian ore to power things on earth, and Dakon needs females to help populate their planet after an asteroid centuries ago wiped out so many of their people. Along with it came a virus that killed out females, leaving them with only a few, and even fewer children being born. The story will grab you from the beginning to the end and keeps you guessing as unexpected details emerge.
On Earth, Starr Conner will be falsely accused of murder, tried, convicted and before she knows what is happening, placed aboard USS Australia to become a court-ordered-bride to an alien. She is on the first transport, along with forty-nine other women that were also incarcerated, except their crimes were more in line with cyber crimes, hacking, money laundering, etc., and they were given a choice to go.
Dakon needs females to mate, and hopefully, they will produce female children to help repopulate the planet. What was once an advanced planet, is now in winter twelve months out of their fifteen months rotation. Their infrastructure has been wiped out, and now survival has returned to a more primitive time. A drawing was held for the first fifty women, and each winner was given a chit to determine the order of choice for female. A tribal leader of one clan, Torq, has won a mate in the first flight of females.
The plot will have plenty of angst, uncertainty, deception, and new beginnings. As the fifty female prisoners travel to Dakon, three will become good friends, Tessa, Andrea, and Starr. There is some vague information about the aliens of Dakon, and even for the men of Dakon on Terra women. While preliminary testing show they are compatible, life on a new planet comes with anxiety. No different than mail-ordered brides of the eighteen hundred, these convicted women will be entering the unknown with their new alien mates. Torq is disappointed when he first sees Starr, and he worries about her small size, even thought on Terra One, she is considered a BBW. When Torq refers to Starr as skinny, her heart will melt at the compliment.
The story will keep the pages turning as details unfold of the crime Starr has been accused of, and how on Dakon, all laws must be obeyed, or you will be banished into the wasteland and left on your own. What will happen when the Dakonians learn that their shipment of mates is all convicted criminals? And one among them for the crime of murder? The difference between species is minor and learning new things interesting, such as kissing. There is a great cast of characters, unique characteristics of Dakonian men, and a love story in the works. “I would give you everything I have. You’re my mate.” “Forever and always.”
Once again, Cara Bristol has spun an amazing Sci-fi tale. Two planets, each needing something, and working out an exchange program. One is trusting, and the other is devious in how they handle their part of the exchange. Earth or Terra needs the illuvian ore to power things on earth, and Dakon needs females to help populate their planet after an asteroid centuries ago wiped out so many of their people. Along with it came a virus that killed out females, leaving them with only a few, and even fewer children being born. The story will grab you from the beginning to the end and keeps you guessing as unexpected details emerge.
On Earth, Starr Conner will be falsely accused of murder, tried, convicted and before she knows what is happening, placed aboard USS Australia to become a court-ordered-bride to an alien. She is on the first transport, along with forty-nine other women that were also incarcerated, except their crimes were more in line with cyber crimes, hacking, money laundering, etc., and they were given a choice to go.
Dakon needs females to mate, and hopefully, they will produce female children to help repopulate the planet. What was once an advanced planet, is now in winter twelve months out of their fifteen months rotation. Their infrastructure has been wiped out, and now survival has returned to a more primitive time. A drawing was held for the first fifty women, and each winner was given a chit to determine the order of choice for female. A tribal leader of one clan, Torq, has won a mate in the first flight of females.
The plot will have plenty of angst, uncertainty, deception, and new beginnings. As the fifty female prisoners travel to Dakon, three will become good friends, Tessa, Andrea, and Starr. There is some vague information about the aliens of Dakon, and even for the men of Dakon on Terra women. While preliminary testing show they are compatible, life on a new planet comes with anxiety. No different than mail-ordered brides of the eighteen hundred, these convicted women will be entering the unknown with their new alien mates. Torq is disappointed when he first sees Starr, and he worries about her small size, even thought on Terra One, she is considered a BBW. When Torq refers to Starr as skinny, her heart will melt at the compliment.
The story will keep the pages turning as details unfold of the crime Starr has been accused of, and how on Dakon, all laws must be obeyed, or you will be banished into the wasteland and left on your own. What will happen when the Dakonians learn that their shipment of mates is all convicted criminals? And one among them for the crime of murder? The difference between species is minor and learning new things interesting, such as kissing. There is a great cast of characters, unique characteristics of Dakonian men, and a love story in the works. “I would give you everything I have. You’re my mate.” “Forever and always.”
May 6, 2022
l really enjoyed this series. There's nothing earth shatteringly different to it, it's just fun and has good characters who are solidly playing their lanes.
Really well done, I was sad to see there were only four! They do have a spin-off series, but I'm not a fan of earth-bound or earth-central sci-fi love stories, so I probably won't pursue those.
...unless I get super bored.
Do recommend!
They might make the reread list!
Really well done, I was sad to see there were only four! They do have a spin-off series, but I'm not a fan of earth-bound or earth-central sci-fi love stories, so I probably won't pursue those.
...unless I get super bored.
Do recommend!
They might make the reread list!
November 29, 2018
The story flowed well, good pacing and I liked the alien characters. I liked it but if felt like so many other alien sci-fi books, except the aliens in this weren't blue. I guess I'm little tired of Terrans always being the bad guys, and and human women acting so stupidly, when they are supposed to be smart. Do it was just OK.
March 17, 2017
I'm on a sci-fi high!
Starr Conner, targeted by the powerful Carmichael family, is unjustly convicted of 2nd degree murder. Now she's on her way across the galaxy, one of 50 criminal women destined to become Dakon brides. When it's time for mates to be chosen, she realizes she's the only one in the group who is not tall, dark haired and dark eyed. And no one wants her.
What a position to be in. She is on an inhospitable planet, unwanted, nowhere near the few friends she made on the trip! I think you'll find her story and her mate, Torg's story as fascinating as I do. The situations get pretty hilarious as Torg tries to use some of her idioms. Life here is not easy and there are those who don't want her around. I love how her relationship with Torg grows into something she wants to keep.
This is a delightful sci-fi adventure filled with intrigue, dangers, betrayal and best of all, love! Don't miss it! I voluntarily reviewed an author's copy of this book.
Starr Conner, targeted by the powerful Carmichael family, is unjustly convicted of 2nd degree murder. Now she's on her way across the galaxy, one of 50 criminal women destined to become Dakon brides. When it's time for mates to be chosen, she realizes she's the only one in the group who is not tall, dark haired and dark eyed. And no one wants her.
What a position to be in. She is on an inhospitable planet, unwanted, nowhere near the few friends she made on the trip! I think you'll find her story and her mate, Torg's story as fascinating as I do. The situations get pretty hilarious as Torg tries to use some of her idioms. Life here is not easy and there are those who don't want her around. I love how her relationship with Torg grows into something she wants to keep.
This is a delightful sci-fi adventure filled with intrigue, dangers, betrayal and best of all, love! Don't miss it! I voluntarily reviewed an author's copy of this book.
September 7, 2018
Nice riff on Alien-hunks-need-brides. In this case, earth government is shipping prisoners to the far end of the galaxy in return for fuel. Throw in organized crime and a wrongly condemned heroine and both the action and the smexy are hot.
September 25, 2017
Review originally posted at RabidReads.ca.
I first heard of this book with reviews from both Lola and Sophia, who are both better at reading and reviewing close to release date. That allowed me to be able to still request this book from NetGalley. I’m so glad that I did, because I found this book to be very sweet and fun.
The story starts with Starr Connor getting convicted of killing Jaxon Carmichael. She swears it was self defense and that she didn’t hit him that hard. However, the Carmichaels are a very powerful family. Starr is quickly sentenced and shuttled to a ship headed for another planet. She quickly learns that she is the only woman who didn’t volunteer for this trip. These women convicts were offered to live free as mates on an alien planet instead of living behind bars on Earth. Starr wasn’t given this offer, just forced onto the ship.
Dakon is a primitive planet. It used to have more modern conveniences, but was struck by an asteroid, which killed all of their technology and even drastically changed their weather. Now, the planet is much like Antarctica. Right after the asteroid hit, they were in perpetual winter for a while, but now they have some summer. They lost most of their population and pretty much all the women (they think a virus was on the asteroid that affected only affected the women). Dakon is rich in an illuvian ore, which Earth uses to power its technology. So the planets agreed on a trade.
Starr quickly becomes friends with two girls on the ship, Tessa and Andrea. Once they arrive on the new planet, the women are lined up and the men select their mates based on a lottery. Torg was third in line to pick, but as clan chief, he had some matters to deal with before he could head to find his mate. When he arrives, he gets the only woman that was left. She was nothing like he expected. She is small and blonde (the Dakonian women are large and darker skinned and hair color).
This was a fun story. Even those these two were complete opposites, they quickly come together. Starr make me mad when she’s thinking about nothing but getting home and fighting her case (which for that I don’t blame her), but she then continues to move the relationship forward. She even encourages sex with Torg (which she shouldn’t have done if she wanted to still go home). As this is a romance, I will say that it isn’t a spoiler that she ends up not wanting to leave in the end, so she doesn’t break his heart, but she didn’t know that when pushed things along.
There is also some suspense in this story. There is a Dakonian woman, Icha, who is used to the men falling all over her because she is one of the few women left on the planet. She likes to cause trouble. I was not a fan. Then there are booby traps that were set up. So there is the search for who did it.
This is a quick read, but a lot of fun. I like how Starr and Torg work to overcome their differences to become a couple. You see the cultural differences between the two. I liked seeing Starr taking an interest in learning to read and write in their language (she had a oral translator implanted, so speaking wasn’t an issue, though some words and phrases didn’t translate well). I would’ve like to see her try to learn more like making fires, cooking and other things like that. Her friends took to those tasks quickly.
I don’t know if there will be more books set in this world, but I would be up to reading them. I’m also going to look into more books by this author. She has another (that I also remember Lola reviewing), called Pets in Space. How cool does that sound??
**Book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway.
I first heard of this book with reviews from both Lola and Sophia, who are both better at reading and reviewing close to release date. That allowed me to be able to still request this book from NetGalley. I’m so glad that I did, because I found this book to be very sweet and fun.
The story starts with Starr Connor getting convicted of killing Jaxon Carmichael. She swears it was self defense and that she didn’t hit him that hard. However, the Carmichaels are a very powerful family. Starr is quickly sentenced and shuttled to a ship headed for another planet. She quickly learns that she is the only woman who didn’t volunteer for this trip. These women convicts were offered to live free as mates on an alien planet instead of living behind bars on Earth. Starr wasn’t given this offer, just forced onto the ship.
Dakon is a primitive planet. It used to have more modern conveniences, but was struck by an asteroid, which killed all of their technology and even drastically changed their weather. Now, the planet is much like Antarctica. Right after the asteroid hit, they were in perpetual winter for a while, but now they have some summer. They lost most of their population and pretty much all the women (they think a virus was on the asteroid that affected only affected the women). Dakon is rich in an illuvian ore, which Earth uses to power its technology. So the planets agreed on a trade.
Starr quickly becomes friends with two girls on the ship, Tessa and Andrea. Once they arrive on the new planet, the women are lined up and the men select their mates based on a lottery. Torg was third in line to pick, but as clan chief, he had some matters to deal with before he could head to find his mate. When he arrives, he gets the only woman that was left. She was nothing like he expected. She is small and blonde (the Dakonian women are large and darker skinned and hair color).
This was a fun story. Even those these two were complete opposites, they quickly come together. Starr make me mad when she’s thinking about nothing but getting home and fighting her case (which for that I don’t blame her), but she then continues to move the relationship forward. She even encourages sex with Torg (which she shouldn’t have done if she wanted to still go home). As this is a romance, I will say that it isn’t a spoiler that she ends up not wanting to leave in the end, so she doesn’t break his heart, but she didn’t know that when pushed things along.
There is also some suspense in this story. There is a Dakonian woman, Icha, who is used to the men falling all over her because she is one of the few women left on the planet. She likes to cause trouble. I was not a fan. Then there are booby traps that were set up. So there is the search for who did it.
This is a quick read, but a lot of fun. I like how Starr and Torg work to overcome their differences to become a couple. You see the cultural differences between the two. I liked seeing Starr taking an interest in learning to read and write in their language (she had a oral translator implanted, so speaking wasn’t an issue, though some words and phrases didn’t translate well). I would’ve like to see her try to learn more like making fires, cooking and other things like that. Her friends took to those tasks quickly.
I don’t know if there will be more books set in this world, but I would be up to reading them. I’m also going to look into more books by this author. She has another (that I also remember Lola reviewing), called Pets in Space. How cool does that sound??
**Book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway.
Read
March 19, 20175 Boundless Stars, Review to follow on Boundless Book Reviews
April 4, 2018
SEXY SCI-FI ROMANCE!!!
Title: Alien Mate
Author: Cara Bristol
Designation: Full-Length Standalone Science Fiction Romance, NO CLiffhanger, HEA #BBW #hotaliens #iceplanet
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Super Sexy Sci-Fi Stars*****
I discovered Cara Bristol in the first Pets In Space Anthology in 2016. I began reading my way through her published library of work and have become quite a fan. Alien Mate is somewhat of a departure from her usual romantic action-adventure science fiction cyborg storylines but it's still a creative, fast-paced, easy to follow, well crafted standalone sci-fi romance enhanced by snappy dialogue, a vividly depicted alien world, a large cast of engaging characters, and a beautifully written, clearly discernible, first person his and her narrative. I was immediately smitten with feisty, curvaceous Starr Elizabeth Conners from Earth who was falsely accused and wrongly convicted of a crime she didn't commit but instead of going to prison, Starr was deported to Dakon, a backward frozen alien planet with NO modern conveniences, and pledged as an unwilling bride to one of the Dakonian aliens for payment of a rare mineral. Oh dear! And huge, handsome, hunky Dakonian Clan Chief Torg was such a sweetie pie! Swoon! Poor Torg had never met a human and had no idea what to expect, but there were very few females left on his planet so he couldn't afford to be choosy. The interaction between this unconventional couple was beyond entertaining and so darn cute! Torg may have been late to the party and ended up with the smallest of the human females, and unfortunately the one no one else wanted, but he didn't walk away with the booby prize! Torg walked away with the real prize! Oh my! I fell in love with Starr and Torg along with all the other characters in this sexy sci-fi romp and would love to read more about the frozen alien planet Dakon, the Dakonians, and especially its newest human residents! lol...
Did I like this book? Yes, I loved it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language and steamy sex. After all, this is a Cara Bristol book we're talking about! lol... Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I just purchased her newest release, Hunted by the Cyborg, and can hardly wait to dive in! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! If you enjoy mail order bride/arranged mating tropes and super sexy, action-packed science fiction romance filled to the brim with action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, angst, humor, passion, strong sexy aliens, sassy independent humans, and a heartwarming happy ending, then this book is screaming your name! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: Alien Mate
Author: Cara Bristol
Designation: Full-Length Standalone Science Fiction Romance, NO CLiffhanger, HEA #BBW #hotaliens #iceplanet
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Super Sexy Sci-Fi Stars*****
I discovered Cara Bristol in the first Pets In Space Anthology in 2016. I began reading my way through her published library of work and have become quite a fan. Alien Mate is somewhat of a departure from her usual romantic action-adventure science fiction cyborg storylines but it's still a creative, fast-paced, easy to follow, well crafted standalone sci-fi romance enhanced by snappy dialogue, a vividly depicted alien world, a large cast of engaging characters, and a beautifully written, clearly discernible, first person his and her narrative. I was immediately smitten with feisty, curvaceous Starr Elizabeth Conners from Earth who was falsely accused and wrongly convicted of a crime she didn't commit but instead of going to prison, Starr was deported to Dakon, a backward frozen alien planet with NO modern conveniences, and pledged as an unwilling bride to one of the Dakonian aliens for payment of a rare mineral. Oh dear! And huge, handsome, hunky Dakonian Clan Chief Torg was such a sweetie pie! Swoon! Poor Torg had never met a human and had no idea what to expect, but there were very few females left on his planet so he couldn't afford to be choosy. The interaction between this unconventional couple was beyond entertaining and so darn cute! Torg may have been late to the party and ended up with the smallest of the human females, and unfortunately the one no one else wanted, but he didn't walk away with the booby prize! Torg walked away with the real prize! Oh my! I fell in love with Starr and Torg along with all the other characters in this sexy sci-fi romp and would love to read more about the frozen alien planet Dakon, the Dakonians, and especially its newest human residents! lol...
Did I like this book? Yes, I loved it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language and steamy sex. After all, this is a Cara Bristol book we're talking about! lol... Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I just purchased her newest release, Hunted by the Cyborg, and can hardly wait to dive in! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! If you enjoy mail order bride/arranged mating tropes and super sexy, action-packed science fiction romance filled to the brim with action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, angst, humor, passion, strong sexy aliens, sassy independent humans, and a heartwarming happy ending, then this book is screaming your name! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
March 20, 2017
This book is great! The Dakonians need mates. Centuries ago a meteor hit their planet and destroyed their world, and killed most of their women. Terra needs an ore that Dakonia has, and has sent women as trade. What they don't tell the Dakonians is that the Terran women are criminals. At least, most of them are. Torq is his tribe's leader and Starr is his new mate. Torq and Starr try to learn about each other and they fall in love. Starr doesn't tell Torq she, and the other women, were criminals. When Torq finds out and she tells him what she was convicted of, Torq has to decide what to do. I liked this book very much. I hope this is the first in a series. I love the Drakonians and how they have survived all this time and I enjoyed watching Torq and Starr fall in love.
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