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Office Aliens #2
The New Guy
Maggie works in Enquiries at DETI (The Department of Extra-Terrestrial Immigration) and they're a little under-staffed. She's confused but grateful when a handful of Teissian refugees fresh off the spaceship are allocated to her department. She is put in charge of training Ro, a charming, scaled alien with a sexy voice, cute dimples, and a lot of secrets.
She knows office romances are a bad idea, but she just can't resist after spending every day sitting opposite him. As the two get closer, however, questions arise that threaten their relationship. Why does his friend seem to hate her so much? What is he hiding about his life on his home planet?
Can Maggie get Ro to open up before it's too late? Or will his secrets overwhelm them both?
She knows office romances are a bad idea, but she just can't resist after spending every day sitting opposite him. As the two get closer, however, questions arise that threaten their relationship. Why does his friend seem to hate her so much? What is he hiding about his life on his home planet?
Can Maggie get Ro to open up before it's too late? Or will his secrets overwhelm them both?
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2017
67 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 15, 2022
TW: gaslighting, emotional abuse, potential to develop into physically abusive behaviour. Don't read this review if you think that will trigger you.
I'm so very tempted to give up on writing a review for this one, it's hard enough to go through a book that's left you in a foul mood once, let alone twice just to rehash all the bits that made you sad and mad.
I've tried writing this review thrice, and I'm tired. I don't see it worthy of more of my time. I'll keep it shorter than what I had originally planned:
This book romanticizes emotional abuse, using a chemical stimulant used by the MMC at a certain point in the book as a crutch to justify his messed up behaviour BUT having reached the end of the book I now see that he displayed problematic behaviours right from the get go, but was easy to misinterpret on my part as a heartbreaking backstory, an endearing trait, a desperate plea for something, a shit ton of non communication that will be resolved soon.
The resolution was beyond disappointing, almost zero accountability taken on the MMC's part, no proper detailed fight and boundaries set save for a very flimsy 'don't lie to me again' by the FMC. I don't hate her at all. I think she wasn't written well at the end.
I'm giving this book 3 stars solely for how much I felt for the FMC and for a good portrayal and insight into what it's like to slowly lose your mind when being gaslit, to question your reality repeatedly and to such a destructive extent that you morph into something unrecognisable just to keep the one you love so desperately in your life at any cost until the cost is too fucking high.
Considering the tone set by the first book I expected something light and fluffy, entertaining and smutty with hints of background heaviness, and then BAM, I was hit with badly handled emotional abuse in the second book. Not cool. It's misleading to the readers, discouraging enough to consider discontinuing said series.
There is also this one background character in this book that I HATE, who has been nothing but nasty to the FMC and turns out that HE is the MMC in book 4 of this series. I'm bummed. I'm also feeling like I can't trust this author to write a book as good as the first one in this series.
I think I will read the third book. Doubt I will read the fourth. Unless I find myself destructively curious. 😔
2 stars overall. I don't recommend this book.
I'm so very tempted to give up on writing a review for this one, it's hard enough to go through a book that's left you in a foul mood once, let alone twice just to rehash all the bits that made you sad and mad.
I've tried writing this review thrice, and I'm tired. I don't see it worthy of more of my time. I'll keep it shorter than what I had originally planned:
This book romanticizes emotional abuse, using a chemical stimulant used by the MMC at a certain point in the book as a crutch to justify his messed up behaviour BUT having reached the end of the book I now see that he displayed problematic behaviours right from the get go, but was easy to misinterpret on my part as a heartbreaking backstory, an endearing trait, a desperate plea for something, a shit ton of non communication that will be resolved soon.
The resolution was beyond disappointing, almost zero accountability taken on the MMC's part, no proper detailed fight and boundaries set save for a very flimsy 'don't lie to me again' by the FMC. I don't hate her at all. I think she wasn't written well at the end.
I'm giving this book 3 stars solely for how much I felt for the FMC and for a good portrayal and insight into what it's like to slowly lose your mind when being gaslit, to question your reality repeatedly and to such a destructive extent that you morph into something unrecognisable just to keep the one you love so desperately in your life at any cost until the cost is too fucking high.
Considering the tone set by the first book I expected something light and fluffy, entertaining and smutty with hints of background heaviness, and then BAM, I was hit with badly handled emotional abuse in the second book. Not cool. It's misleading to the readers, discouraging enough to consider discontinuing said series.
There is also this one background character in this book that I HATE, who has been nothing but nasty to the FMC and turns out that HE is the MMC in book 4 of this series. I'm bummed. I'm also feeling like I can't trust this author to write a book as good as the first one in this series.
I think I will read the third book. Doubt I will read the fourth. Unless I find myself destructively curious. 😔
2 stars overall. I don't recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2017
I really loved the first book in this series and while I enjoyed aspects of this book, it suffered from some logic problems in the world building and lack of communication between the characters.
The heroine is into the hero because of his sexy voice and he is nice. They move into dating. It is sweet.
And then they don't talk and she doesn't seek out knowledge about him and I can't believe the other couple wouldn't have talk to them and that basic knowledge about the aliens wouldn't be around... rant, rant, rant.
I like the premise and I like some of the new details of world building but I was frustrated. Communication would have made for a much better book with a much better set of conflict.
The heroine is into the hero because of his sexy voice and he is nice. They move into dating. It is sweet.
And then they don't talk and she doesn't seek out knowledge about him and I can't believe the other couple wouldn't have talk to them and that basic knowledge about the aliens wouldn't be around... rant, rant, rant.
I like the premise and I like some of the new details of world building but I was frustrated. Communication would have made for a much better book with a much better set of conflict.
January 6, 2022
It’s been a while since I read the first book. I’ve missed the inter species office. Ro was a great guy to get to know.
August 13, 2017
Not as good as the first book. The repeated issues between the mc's were essentially the same and became tedious. Almost dnf'd at 65%. Ending was a bummer making me wonder why I even bothered.
March 17, 2019
I'm really getting into this series and especially how we're learning about the various Teissian races. Ro is a Balin who live underground and have very dark scales with splashes of vibrant color.
Maggie trains Ro at his new job and she likes him right away. It's unfortunate that Ro has so many secrets and holds himself back. His lack of self-confidence makes him doubt Maggie's commitment and this leads to problems.
Maggie trains Ro at his new job and she likes him right away. It's unfortunate that Ro has so many secrets and holds himself back. His lack of self-confidence makes him doubt Maggie's commitment and this leads to problems.
September 22, 2017
I liked this one, but somehow didn't fully connect with the MCs. I also felt like Ro kept too many secrets... she's human why would she know about the heat cycles, unless she's an idiot and everyone in DETI knows?? Then that should be made clear. I'm not sure. I love this series though so I really hope the next one is even better.
Not a fan of the Balor, and not sure if she can introduce a hero that works with that race. I want more of the winged race :)
Not a fan of the Balor, and not sure if she can introduce a hero that works with that race. I want more of the winged race :)
August 14, 2020
Easy and entertaining. Love that author paints a picture of failed attempt to humanise alien nature. The point of the story is love and acceptance of partner as they are. Truly loved reading it.
December 5, 2020
You should read this for the first 67%, totally worth it. We can pretend this book ended on chapter 23. After that, Ro’s mysteriousness and deception is SO unattractive and toxic (he nearly dies, almost loses his job, almost loses Maggie... yeah, toxic). Maggie let him get away with not communicating with her for waaaaay too long. I don’t get why Ro wouldn’t just say, ‘Hey, I can only physiologically use my penis during heat which usually happens once a year back in Bala. Otherwise, meet my best men, Mr Rightie, Leftie, and tongue.’ On my second re-read I DNF at 67% because I knew Ro was drugging himself in order to have sex with Maggie. I could NOT enjoy any romance between them because that. Is. Not. Love. I wish we had some chapters from Ro’s point of view because I still don’t understand some of his cryptic messages he gives Maggie. I picked up that maybe he was talking about wishing he was in heat when she was googoogaga over his eyes during New Years Eve, but which Balin phrase did he teach her during the Christmas party? Also why did Kez hate Maggie so much in the beginning and not want her to have lunch with him and Ro? Honestly I totally thought that Maggie and Ro’s story would be more about the alien discrimination with the world, and with Maggie’s family. Especially when we had that whole passage about her parent’s lack of interest in Theisaans (I forgot how to spell it) as individuals and only caring about their freakish differences. I thought that was a perfect transition to depending their relationship and a great last third drama to overcome. GOLD material right there! But druggie Ro and stupid Maggie? Nope nope nope. Kez was right, she is a selfish bitch.
April 26, 2020
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3.5 stars!
This read is available on Kindle Unlimited
Boy, oh, boy was I relieved to find out about this series! Somehow, I got super behind in one of my year-long challenges (imagine that!), the Romance Roundabout Reading Challenge, and out of the five science-fiction reads I'm supposed to have completed by the years end... I had two: Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter, and Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Just TWO!! I had no idea I read so little science-fiction. But truth is, unless there's a new Ilona Andrews release... it's just not likely that I'll pick a sci-fi romance up. Sadly :(
Knowing that Suzanne from Under the Covers Book Blog was a self-professed alien-lover, I knew she'd be able to help me out. (Please poke around their site: it's so well done. These ladies are insane and some of t he best book bloggers to look up to and follow). Luckily, she had tons of blog posts and videos on the subject, filled with recommendations and I found this series. It appealed because it's definitely sci-fi, with the wholly alien, barely humanoid heroes that dominate the series, but it also reads like a contemporary romance. For a mood reader such as me, who is not in the mood for a space-age science-fiction adventure, this was a relief. As I stare down the barrel at less than a month left to complete my year-long challenges, a series of quick reads like this one was exactly what the doctor ordered.
The book opens up with Maggie, who works in the Enquires department of the Department of Extra-Terrestrial Immigration. She answered phones, emails and all kinds of ... well, enquires ... and tried to either direct them to the correct person to solve their problem, or do it herself. It's all customer service, and with all the new immigrants that arrived during the events of the first book, they are a busy and under-staffed department. So it's hardly surprising when she is tasked to train someone new - one of the new aliens.
HIs name is Ro, a Balin (which a species of alien), and they became fast friends. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. You do hear a friends-to-lovers romance in this one!! Their friendship was a fun one, full of easy banter and smiles, for the characters and the reader, and it was an easy decision to decide to get involved romantically.
Ro was a cutie in this one! He was absolutely adorable, as he showed his emotions so easily through his body language. In the beginning, it was almost like a toddler. If you say no: total dejection. If you agree: absolutely, unfettered joy. He made me smile many times with his almost childlike innocence in many ways. There was one scene where they were about to leave a building and he was saw the rain and was fascinated - something he'd never experienced. Maggie encouraged him to go and try it, and he eagerly stepped outside, but flinched and winced when the rain hit his face. He ran back under the roof and looked at her squarely and said "I don't like it." I had to burst out laughing - the scene reminds me so much of my nephew and mannerisms when he's eating something he doesn't want to, for instance.
He went through the most in the book, and I have to admit that I wasn't his biggest fan there in the middle. But it all gets wrapped up towards the end, so if you find yourself getting frustrated with him... it's all part of the book. You're definitely supposed to be. I was certainly intrigued as to what was going on, and I have to admit to getting completely taken by surprise when the book took it's turn; something that was an odd pleasure, because normally with fluffy contemporaries like these (even if it featured an alien), the twists are easy to spot. That was not the case here.
I loved the friends-to-lovers trope and the workplace romance in this one, too! It's not your typical workplace romance that's full of angst and yearning looks, but there were enough touches of it to keep me satisfied.
Maggie herself was a great female. She was patient, understanding, bubbly and very kind. There were a few times she could be a bit wishy-washy where Ro was concerned, which was a tad hard to understand, but it's probably more realistic than I would have liked to admit. She stood up for herself when she was supposed to, and that was appreciated.
This book is the second book in the Office Aliens series, and though each book follows a different character, I would recommend reading them in the order they were meant to be read. You woudn't miss anything too big by reading them as standalones or out of order, but there seems to be something building in the societal background that may get missed or overlooked if you don't do so. So: Please read these books in order :)
Overall, this book was quite a fun, flirty, twisty ride. I spent the whole first half with a big grin on my face, and the second half with a furrowed brow, which is exactly, I think, what the author intended. It was a ride, and I had no idea where it was going, but I applaud Ms. Lancaster's skill that kept me there and kept me intrigued.
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3.5 stars!
This read is available on Kindle Unlimited
Boy, oh, boy was I relieved to find out about this series! Somehow, I got super behind in one of my year-long challenges (imagine that!), the Romance Roundabout Reading Challenge, and out of the five science-fiction reads I'm supposed to have completed by the years end... I had two: Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter, and Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Just TWO!! I had no idea I read so little science-fiction. But truth is, unless there's a new Ilona Andrews release... it's just not likely that I'll pick a sci-fi romance up. Sadly :(
Knowing that Suzanne from Under the Covers Book Blog was a self-professed alien-lover, I knew she'd be able to help me out. (Please poke around their site: it's so well done. These ladies are insane and some of t he best book bloggers to look up to and follow). Luckily, she had tons of blog posts and videos on the subject, filled with recommendations and I found this series. It appealed because it's definitely sci-fi, with the wholly alien, barely humanoid heroes that dominate the series, but it also reads like a contemporary romance. For a mood reader such as me, who is not in the mood for a space-age science-fiction adventure, this was a relief. As I stare down the barrel at less than a month left to complete my year-long challenges, a series of quick reads like this one was exactly what the doctor ordered.
The book opens up with Maggie, who works in the Enquires department of the Department of Extra-Terrestrial Immigration. She answered phones, emails and all kinds of ... well, enquires ... and tried to either direct them to the correct person to solve their problem, or do it herself. It's all customer service, and with all the new immigrants that arrived during the events of the first book, they are a busy and under-staffed department. So it's hardly surprising when she is tasked to train someone new - one of the new aliens.
HIs name is Ro, a Balin (which a species of alien), and they became fast friends. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. You do hear a friends-to-lovers romance in this one!! Their friendship was a fun one, full of easy banter and smiles, for the characters and the reader, and it was an easy decision to decide to get involved romantically.
"You know, Balin do not kiss [...] I have never done it before."
"Well - "
"You will have to show me how," he interrupted. "By kissing me again. I may need many to learn. I am a slow learner. Not in most things, but in this I feel I will need lots of practice."
Ro was a cutie in this one! He was absolutely adorable, as he showed his emotions so easily through his body language. In the beginning, it was almost like a toddler. If you say no: total dejection. If you agree: absolutely, unfettered joy. He made me smile many times with his almost childlike innocence in many ways. There was one scene where they were about to leave a building and he was saw the rain and was fascinated - something he'd never experienced. Maggie encouraged him to go and try it, and he eagerly stepped outside, but flinched and winced when the rain hit his face. He ran back under the roof and looked at her squarely and said "I don't like it." I had to burst out laughing - the scene reminds me so much of my nephew and mannerisms when he's eating something he doesn't want to, for instance.
He went through the most in the book, and I have to admit that I wasn't his biggest fan there in the middle. But it all gets wrapped up towards the end, so if you find yourself getting frustrated with him... it's all part of the book. You're definitely supposed to be. I was certainly intrigued as to what was going on, and I have to admit to getting completely taken by surprise when the book took it's turn; something that was an odd pleasure, because normally with fluffy contemporaries like these (even if it featured an alien), the twists are easy to spot. That was not the case here.
I loved the friends-to-lovers trope and the workplace romance in this one, too! It's not your typical workplace romance that's full of angst and yearning looks, but there were enough touches of it to keep me satisfied.
Maggie herself was a great female. She was patient, understanding, bubbly and very kind. There were a few times she could be a bit wishy-washy where Ro was concerned, which was a tad hard to understand, but it's probably more realistic than I would have liked to admit. She stood up for herself when she was supposed to, and that was appreciated.
This book is the second book in the Office Aliens series, and though each book follows a different character, I would recommend reading them in the order they were meant to be read. You woudn't miss anything too big by reading them as standalones or out of order, but there seems to be something building in the societal background that may get missed or overlooked if you don't do so. So: Please read these books in order :)
Overall, this book was quite a fun, flirty, twisty ride. I spent the whole first half with a big grin on my face, and the second half with a furrowed brow, which is exactly, I think, what the author intended. It was a ride, and I had no idea where it was going, but I applaud Ms. Lancaster's skill that kept me there and kept me intrigued.
SERIES READING ORDER
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June 29, 2018
2.5-3 stars
Not as good as the first one, I feel???? because Ro annoyed me with his lack of communication but I still enjoyed the story somehow??? amazing
Not as good as the first one, I feel???? because Ro annoyed me with his lack of communication but I still enjoyed the story somehow??? amazing
November 28, 2022
I enjoyed this book for a lot of the same reasons as the first one, although I knocked it down a star due to some frustrations I'll get into.
Ro's appearance - black scales with pink eyes (and pink in other places) reminds me a lot of Xoknith from The Quarrymaster by Amanda Milo, which I found really intriguing. I was happy to see that combo in another alien romance.
The communication difficulties - almost entirely from Ro's end - were needlessly frustrating. While there's some language barrier in that Maggie does not know Balin and Ro is new to English, it stems more from stubbornness and refusal to talk. There may be cultural differences and this is the driving reason behind Ro's reluctance to admit anything the doesn't want Maggie to know, but it seems like those are differences that Ro OR Maggie could have taken steps to bridge the gap. Maggie kind of does by asking Kez but frankly as a DETI employee, I found her lack of knowledge of some cultural stuff disappointing and it felt like she should have been able to figure out more things on her own or with other people.
I found Maggie in general to be a tad frustrating. Not enough for me to be overly annoyed but I was a bit put off by some of her actions and behavior.
While these were frustrating, I do have to admit that the author Lancaster was good at stringing you along with the sense of mystery and wanting to know more about what's really going on. It definitely kept me reading.
As I mentioned in my review of book 1, the ET Guy, VC Lancaster also has a bad habit of writing a lot of filler detail in addition to the interesting detail. I don't really need every step of someone getting ready spelled out for me. I don't need an entire chapter of someone's inner thoughts when they aren't building character or plot or adding anything to the story. It felt like the 300+ page book could have been shorter because of that - and that's a weird thing for me to say. I'm usually always wishing for more! But when I say that, I don't mean mindless filler, I mean relevant story. The good shit.
Ro's appearance - black scales with pink eyes (and pink in other places) reminds me a lot of Xoknith from The Quarrymaster by Amanda Milo, which I found really intriguing. I was happy to see that combo in another alien romance.
The communication difficulties - almost entirely from Ro's end - were needlessly frustrating. While there's some language barrier in that Maggie does not know Balin and Ro is new to English, it stems more from stubbornness and refusal to talk. There may be cultural differences and this is the driving reason behind Ro's reluctance to admit anything the doesn't want Maggie to know, but it seems like those are differences that Ro OR Maggie could have taken steps to bridge the gap. Maggie kind of does by asking Kez but frankly as a DETI employee, I found her lack of knowledge of some cultural stuff disappointing and it felt like she should have been able to figure out more things on her own or with other people.
I found Maggie in general to be a tad frustrating. Not enough for me to be overly annoyed but I was a bit put off by some of her actions and behavior.
While these were frustrating, I do have to admit that the author Lancaster was good at stringing you along with the sense of mystery and wanting to know more about what's really going on. It definitely kept me reading.
As I mentioned in my review of book 1, the ET Guy, VC Lancaster also has a bad habit of writing a lot of filler detail in addition to the interesting detail. I don't really need every step of someone getting ready spelled out for me. I don't need an entire chapter of someone's inner thoughts when they aren't building character or plot or adding anything to the story. It felt like the 300+ page book could have been shorter because of that - and that's a weird thing for me to say. I'm usually always wishing for more! But when I say that, I don't mean mindless filler, I mean relevant story. The good shit.
November 28, 2019
Okay. We have another alien looking for love in all the office-y places and...he has a few secrets (that aren't really secrets, just cultural differences, kind of) that make hooking up with a human a little sticky.
First off, Ro's new to the planet. Literally new. Like, he's been on Earth a week. When he's assigned to Maggie's group in Enquiries, they hit it off and things seem to be going well. BUT...but there are a few fundamental physical differences between his type of alien and humans that makes their relationship a wee bit problematic.
On Maggie's end, she doesn't realize what's going on with her dude until it's almost too late. Really, though, if Ro had just talked to her and explained things, they could have avoided a lot of the unpleasantness they had to deal with. On the other hand, Ro's silence on the subject fit with how badly he wanted to blend in with the humans. He didn't want to be seen as different so he did what he thought he had to do to keep Maggie happy.
I'm seriously digging these office aliens. They're (mostly) sweet and dealing with a lot of stuff and I like them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
First off, Ro's new to the planet. Literally new. Like, he's been on Earth a week. When he's assigned to Maggie's group in Enquiries, they hit it off and things seem to be going well. BUT...but there are a few fundamental physical differences between his type of alien and humans that makes their relationship a wee bit problematic.
On Maggie's end, she doesn't realize what's going on with her dude until it's almost too late. Really, though, if Ro had just talked to her and explained things, they could have avoided a lot of the unpleasantness they had to deal with. On the other hand, Ro's silence on the subject fit with how badly he wanted to blend in with the humans. He didn't want to be seen as different so he did what he thought he had to do to keep Maggie happy.
I'm seriously digging these office aliens. They're (mostly) sweet and dealing with a lot of stuff and I like them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 5, 2019
Maggie and Ro. Co-workers. Slow building. Instant attraction.
Ro, a Balin, is a new coworker who Maggie is instantly attracted to. Their relationship wasn't without issues though. There is a major cultural difference that they gave to overcome, on top of dealing with Ro not telling all the facts.
This was a nice slow building alien romance. I really love the unique aliens in this world. I liked this couple but I didn't like that Ro wasn't honest and forthcoming from the beginning.
Ro, a Balin, is a new coworker who Maggie is instantly attracted to. Their relationship wasn't without issues though. There is a major cultural difference that they gave to overcome, on top of dealing with Ro not telling all the facts.
This was a nice slow building alien romance. I really love the unique aliens in this world. I liked this couple but I didn't like that Ro wasn't honest and forthcoming from the beginning.
August 5, 2017
Great story
This had a good story line. I like Ro and Maggie's interaction with each other. Wished we could have gotten a little more of the story to find out how Ro responded at the end.
This had a good story line. I like Ro and Maggie's interaction with each other. Wished we could have gotten a little more of the story to find out how Ro responded at the end.
August 3, 2017
Cannot get enough of this series
I've been waiting for this book! The author does such a good job with world building. There is a wonderful build up of the relationship.
I've been waiting for this book! The author does such a good job with world building. There is a wonderful build up of the relationship.
August 10, 2017
Somewhat Disappointing
I liked the title and expected to like the story but it wasn't possible. I am glad that I rented with Kindle Unlimited as I won't be re-reading this book. I made myself finish it--kept thinking it would get better. The attraction was not quite believable. The characters were not sufficiently developed like in the author's other books and at times whining in the dialogue. There was a great deal of mundane details that was boring and could have been more effective if summarized. I have enjoyed the author's other books and I hope the next one is better.
I liked the title and expected to like the story but it wasn't possible. I am glad that I rented with Kindle Unlimited as I won't be re-reading this book. I made myself finish it--kept thinking it would get better. The attraction was not quite believable. The characters were not sufficiently developed like in the author's other books and at times whining in the dialogue. There was a great deal of mundane details that was boring and could have been more effective if summarized. I have enjoyed the author's other books and I hope the next one is better.
September 15, 2017
This book was really frustrating to read. I almost gave up on it a few times, but hung in there.
My primary issue was with Maggie. She was nice, in a "bless her heart", kind of way. Meant well but was unbelievably dense. Ro wasn't much better honestly. I think ultimately the two of them deserved each other.
They were both ridiculously oblivious to context clues and neither seemed to have any clue how to communicate in a relationship.
When I say oblivious, I mean painfully oblivious. To the point it was literally unbelievable. I expect to exercise some suspension of disbelief but this exceeded my usually high tolerance. These two characters should be required to carry some sort of sign, to let people know that they're talking to someone who needs everything spelled out to them in minute detail.
Then, the worst part was that the book ended with almost no closure. It desperately needed an epilogue, or a couple more pages. Leaving it hanging where it did was just cruel.
I've generally really liked everything else by this author, but it's honestly going to be a long time before I pick up anything new from them.
My primary issue was with Maggie. She was nice, in a "bless her heart", kind of way. Meant well but was unbelievably dense. Ro wasn't much better honestly. I think ultimately the two of them deserved each other.
They were both ridiculously oblivious to context clues and neither seemed to have any clue how to communicate in a relationship.
When I say oblivious, I mean painfully oblivious. To the point it was literally unbelievable. I expect to exercise some suspension of disbelief but this exceeded my usually high tolerance. These two characters should be required to carry some sort of sign, to let people know that they're talking to someone who needs everything spelled out to them in minute detail.
Then, the worst part was that the book ended with almost no closure. It desperately needed an epilogue, or a couple more pages. Leaving it hanging where it did was just cruel.
I've generally really liked everything else by this author, but it's honestly going to be a long time before I pick up anything new from them.
August 10, 2017
I enjoyed this one more than the first! I really like these sweet, shy-like aliens who develop these crushes on the human woman of their choice. They get all protective and jealous if they so much as glance in the direction of another. The women are clueless to their culture, and don't understand that when another male is strutting around like a peacock, you're not supposed to watch as you're 'taken'. All we see is something pretty and different.
I swear though, these two have got to be the worst when it comes to communication in a relationship. Maggie tried, but Ro was closed up about a lot, and one of those things is a big deal. Don't want to give it away. I understand why he did it, but if he'd only talked to her. But other than that, their relationship is really sweet. This is a really fun series.
I swear though, these two have got to be the worst when it comes to communication in a relationship. Maggie tried, but Ro was closed up about a lot, and one of those things is a big deal. Don't want to give it away. I understand why he did it, but if he'd only talked to her. But other than that, their relationship is really sweet. This is a really fun series.
September 9, 2018
Maggie and Ro 's relationship is a storybook office romance with all the getting to know you, meeting outside of work and eventually sexual partner. But what do you do when the man you're falling in love with can only mate with you once a year? Jeepers!
This is one of the more realistic office alien romance that is out (yes sounds like an oxymoron) rite with intrigues of day to day working life and what sacrifices can be made for the people we love.
This is one of the more realistic office alien romance that is out (yes sounds like an oxymoron) rite with intrigues of day to day working life and what sacrifices can be made for the people we love.
June 25, 2020
Summary: Alien/human romance set on Earth in a customer service office. No I'm not joking. Yes it makes surprisingly good reading. Alien refugees have been taken in by Earth and are taking part in society. Some of them join a human/alien communication-y type business. Maggie, Ro's new boss, falls in love with him. Alien angst happens.
September 29, 2017
Ro such a sweet but misguided alien.
I have to say I enjoyed this one so much more than the first installment in the series. I had no problem believing the attraction between this couple since Maggie was captivated with him from the moment she heard his voice. Ro was such a sweet alien and the imagination of this author in creating her aliens was amazing. He has almost obsidian scales, pink upside down crescent moons on his cheeks, matching pink patterns covering his body and pink eyes which during the night everything pink on his body glows almost neon it must have been a truly beautiful sight to behold. A refugee to earth he desperately wants to fit in and be accepted especially by the opposite sex as he wants nothing more than for a woman to want him, to love him. He is a male with a tragic past full of many secrets that he keeps from Maggie even though she senses he is keeping something from her she has no idea what it could be. After Ro mysteriously doesn't show up to work Maggie confronts his friend Kez who doesn't like her because he believes she will hurt Ro in the end tells her why. That day sets into motion events that cause much confusion and angst to Maggie as she seems to believe something which couldn't be further from the truth and Ro to ease her torment instead of trusting her and telling her the truth takes matters into his own hands to almost devastating consequences. I liked Ro very much, he was so sweet, kind, insecure, polite, loving and with a jealous streak but underneath that adorable exterior hid a passionate sexual beast you would have never expected. The intimate scenes between them were sooooo HOT and STEAMY I thought oh my god I'm going to self combust from Ro's stamina and sexuality alone it was just that good especially a certain scene that takes place in their office building hot damn my pantys nearly caught on fire when I read it. Even though I guessed what Ro's reason was for what he did and what he ended up doing about it some of his other secrets were still a surprise to me when I learned them especially his motives for doing it and definitely the end result. What left me feeling a little disappointed was how the book just ended so abruptly leaving us in the dark to what happened with Ro which was frustrating. Overall this book was just a non stop roller coaster ride full of angst, romance, drama and misunderstandings galore a very entertaining read.
I have to say I enjoyed this one so much more than the first installment in the series. I had no problem believing the attraction between this couple since Maggie was captivated with him from the moment she heard his voice. Ro was such a sweet alien and the imagination of this author in creating her aliens was amazing. He has almost obsidian scales, pink upside down crescent moons on his cheeks, matching pink patterns covering his body and pink eyes which during the night everything pink on his body glows almost neon it must have been a truly beautiful sight to behold. A refugee to earth he desperately wants to fit in and be accepted especially by the opposite sex as he wants nothing more than for a woman to want him, to love him. He is a male with a tragic past full of many secrets that he keeps from Maggie even though she senses he is keeping something from her she has no idea what it could be. After Ro mysteriously doesn't show up to work Maggie confronts his friend Kez who doesn't like her because he believes she will hurt Ro in the end tells her why. That day sets into motion events that cause much confusion and angst to Maggie as she seems to believe something which couldn't be further from the truth and Ro to ease her torment instead of trusting her and telling her the truth takes matters into his own hands to almost devastating consequences. I liked Ro very much, he was so sweet, kind, insecure, polite, loving and with a jealous streak but underneath that adorable exterior hid a passionate sexual beast you would have never expected. The intimate scenes between them were sooooo HOT and STEAMY I thought oh my god I'm going to self combust from Ro's stamina and sexuality alone it was just that good especially a certain scene that takes place in their office building hot damn my pantys nearly caught on fire when I read it. Even though I guessed what Ro's reason was for what he did and what he ended up doing about it some of his other secrets were still a surprise to me when I learned them especially his motives for doing it and definitely the end result. What left me feeling a little disappointed was how the book just ended so abruptly leaving us in the dark to what happened with Ro which was frustrating. Overall this book was just a non stop roller coaster ride full of angst, romance, drama and misunderstandings galore a very entertaining read.
January 1, 2021
Very readable. Excellent construction. The first half of the novel is a cosy sort of of affair. Quite a way from the edginess of a lot of Lancaster’s work. I’ve not read any modern romance, but I get the impression we’re in that sort of territory.
The story recounts a love affair between two morons. They really are just one pre-sentencing report away from being assigned social workers. The plot consists of a series of miscommunications between the lovers. Possessing even average intelligence, they could have avoided all the misunderstandings, but the plot demands slack-jawed idiocy. In Lancaster’s defence, they are convincingly stupid all the time and the misunderstandings are interesting – most of them stemming from the lovers being different species. The first Office Aliens book was allegorically about a love affair between a neuro-typical woman and an Autistic man. I think it would be a stretch to suggest that this book is allegorically about a relationship between two people with learning difficulties.
There are some amusing episodes. Maggie venturing into Ro’s house when he’s in heat would be a prime example. The humour is muted though in comparison with the first book. The intent appears to be more serious and there is some mild peril in the second half of the novel. Ultimately, I think it’s about the importance of communication. Something of a recurrent theme in Lancaster’s work – the Gandry books being a prime example, where no-one can understand anyone else.
The story recounts a love affair between two morons. They really are just one pre-sentencing report away from being assigned social workers. The plot consists of a series of miscommunications between the lovers. Possessing even average intelligence, they could have avoided all the misunderstandings, but the plot demands slack-jawed idiocy. In Lancaster’s defence, they are convincingly stupid all the time and the misunderstandings are interesting – most of them stemming from the lovers being different species. The first Office Aliens book was allegorically about a love affair between a neuro-typical woman and an Autistic man. I think it would be a stretch to suggest that this book is allegorically about a relationship between two people with learning difficulties.
There are some amusing episodes. Maggie venturing into Ro’s house when he’s in heat would be a prime example. The humour is muted though in comparison with the first book. The intent appears to be more serious and there is some mild peril in the second half of the novel. Ultimately, I think it’s about the importance of communication. Something of a recurrent theme in Lancaster’s work – the Gandry books being a prime example, where no-one can understand anyone else.
June 12, 2018
Potential spoilers ahead.
I started off really liking this book. I enjoyed the relationship and thought it was cute overall.
HOWEVER
Lack of communication is my BIGGEST pet peeve in book relationships and in real life relationships. So, when he made the choices he made because he THOUGHT she would react a certain way really dropped him in terms of likeness for me.
He acted like a desperate male when he had no reason to be desperate in the first place.
Just fucking talk to your partner. She would understand and would find a way to work it out.
Instead he became aggressive and verbally abusive until he finally got help.
Kudos to her for lasting as long as she did with him because she knew this wasn't him. Plus, her reaction when she found out what he did was perfect.
"when you wake up, I'm going to kill you" in her most sweet voice-LOVED it.
Honestly, she was the saving grace for me in this one.
I started off really liking this book. I enjoyed the relationship and thought it was cute overall.
HOWEVER
Lack of communication is my BIGGEST pet peeve in book relationships and in real life relationships. So, when he made the choices he made because he THOUGHT she would react a certain way really dropped him in terms of likeness for me.
He acted like a desperate male when he had no reason to be desperate in the first place.
Just fucking talk to your partner. She would understand and would find a way to work it out.
Instead he became aggressive and verbally abusive until he finally got help.
Kudos to her for lasting as long as she did with him because she knew this wasn't him. Plus, her reaction when she found out what he did was perfect.
"when you wake up, I'm going to kill you" in her most sweet voice-LOVED it.
Honestly, she was the saving grace for me in this one.
September 4, 2017
Very very s l o w moving.....
Not a bad story per say,but overloaded with too much description of things that are really important and inner angst and inner monologue...... the h spends most the books wondering what H is is thinking and feeling,while he holds back due to low self esteem...
To be the story wasn't all the interesting or compelling ,I felt like the h who at the end the story was seriously angry over his foolish behavior which could have easily resolved with a simple convo, I thought you and me both sister,a only I've felt that way the entire book ,only more soo because I found out this book I Never want to read again was an accidental purchase and NOT KU like I thought and amazon won't take it back....
Interesting story , I don't like a plot that drags on and on mainly because one or both the characters won't have a simple conversation....
Not a bad story per say,but overloaded with too much description of things that are really important and inner angst and inner monologue...... the h spends most the books wondering what H is is thinking and feeling,while he holds back due to low self esteem...
To be the story wasn't all the interesting or compelling ,I felt like the h who at the end the story was seriously angry over his foolish behavior which could have easily resolved with a simple convo, I thought you and me both sister,a only I've felt that way the entire book ,only more soo because I found out this book I Never want to read again was an accidental purchase and NOT KU like I thought and amazon won't take it back....
Interesting story , I don't like a plot that drags on and on mainly because one or both the characters won't have a simple conversation....
July 28, 2020
Maggie...Sighs
*****Spoilers*****
Maggie was the one thing about this story that detracted from my enjoyment and that's a big deal because she's one of the main characters. From her jumping to conclusions when it comes to Ro to her emotional outbursts for no reason, I spent a lot of this book being frustrated with her and wishing Ro would find someone else. Her misunderstanding and Ro's pretending things are fine, it's a disaster waiting to happen which does.
There was too much writing not broken up by action or interaction and got boring in several places. The tidbits about the guy running for office and the reasons for the ship exploding were included in too much of the story for some reason I can't figure out. Other than explaining potential racial tensions, which this book lacked, I didn't think it was needed.
*****Spoilers*****
Maggie was the one thing about this story that detracted from my enjoyment and that's a big deal because she's one of the main characters. From her jumping to conclusions when it comes to Ro to her emotional outbursts for no reason, I spent a lot of this book being frustrated with her and wishing Ro would find someone else. Her misunderstanding and Ro's pretending things are fine, it's a disaster waiting to happen which does.
There was too much writing not broken up by action or interaction and got boring in several places. The tidbits about the guy running for office and the reasons for the ship exploding were included in too much of the story for some reason I can't figure out. Other than explaining potential racial tensions, which this book lacked, I didn't think it was needed.
February 12, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book so much!
This isn't a cute office romance without angst, so if that is what you are looking for, I'd probably advice you to steer clear. The author tackles some tough topics along the way, like . I loved that the author dealt with real issues (much as she did in the first book in the series, The E.T. Guy).
My only complaint is that the book ends with a HFN but I didn't get the HEA vibe that I wanted. The two main characters still have a lot of stuff to deal with in their relationship.
This isn't a cute office romance without angst, so if that is what you are looking for, I'd probably advice you to steer clear. The author tackles some tough topics along the way, like . I loved that the author dealt with real issues (much as she did in the first book in the series, The E.T. Guy).
My only complaint is that the book ends with a HFN but I didn't get the HEA vibe that I wanted. The two main characters still have a lot of stuff to deal with in their relationship.
October 16, 2021
Read : October 16, 2021
Rating : 2 Stars
I struggled with this one, a lot.
Half of the book is basically the, hmm let's say misunderstanding, and honestly I was bored out of my mind with it.
Correct me if I'm wrong but would not almost anyone look into information about the alien species they're dating?
There must be information available after 6,7 years or something of them living on earth??? Right?! Seems kinda hinky if not..
The fact that that both weren't honest with each other about feelings and expectations got old pretty darn fast, felt very tstl to me.
All the issues could have been solved with one tiny conversation..
The ending was too open for my liking and I can't say it enticed me to continue this series..
Rating : 2 Stars
I struggled with this one, a lot.
Half of the book is basically the, hmm let's say misunderstanding, and honestly I was bored out of my mind with it.
Correct me if I'm wrong but would not almost anyone look into information about the alien species they're dating?
There must be information available after 6,7 years or something of them living on earth??? Right?! Seems kinda hinky if not..
The fact that that both weren't honest with each other about feelings and expectations got old pretty darn fast, felt very tstl to me.
All the issues could have been solved with one tiny conversation..
The ending was too open for my liking and I can't say it enticed me to continue this series..
May 10, 2023
I've just crowned the king of the cinnamon role heroes. Drum roll please, it's Ro. Maggie, you lucky girl.
There are two types of aliens that I like to read about, either the tough warrior alpha or the sweet shy stars in his eyes type. If you are looking for any sort of heart racing action or thrilling drama or high stakes this is not the current read for you. The New Guy is more of a slice of life alien relationship tour sort of journey. Ro will do anything to keep his human girl by is side while Maggie is patience and willing to accept the differences between the species. I loved these two together and even though
there are no space battles or giant beasts to slay the payoff is sweet love. Oh and also there is alien mating heats that's worth a mention.
There are two types of aliens that I like to read about, either the tough warrior alpha or the sweet shy stars in his eyes type. If you are looking for any sort of heart racing action or thrilling drama or high stakes this is not the current read for you. The New Guy is more of a slice of life alien relationship tour sort of journey. Ro will do anything to keep his human girl by is side while Maggie is patience and willing to accept the differences between the species. I loved these two together and even though
there are no space battles or giant beasts to slay the payoff is sweet love. Oh and also there is alien mating heats that's worth a mention.
December 23, 2018
Sweet
This was a funny and very sweet sci-fi romance. I will say I was a little worried in the beginning that To might have some nefarious plans, and I don't know if I was the only one picking up those vibes. But he turns out to be a bit shy with some insecurities I think everyone can relate with to some degree. I think the problems this couple faced were very believable and how they progressed and where solved made sense. And Maggie was a lovable and relatable heroine. So while this story was cute, sweet and funny it did have a sprinkling of some hot sexy times. So overall verycute, sweet funny sci-fi romance featuring aliens on earth with a HEA, would recommend.
This was a funny and very sweet sci-fi romance. I will say I was a little worried in the beginning that To might have some nefarious plans, and I don't know if I was the only one picking up those vibes. But he turns out to be a bit shy with some insecurities I think everyone can relate with to some degree. I think the problems this couple faced were very believable and how they progressed and where solved made sense. And Maggie was a lovable and relatable heroine. So while this story was cute, sweet and funny it did have a sprinkling of some hot sexy times. So overall verycute, sweet funny sci-fi romance featuring aliens on earth with a HEA, would recommend.
January 31, 2024
Wow this was really bad. He gaslighted her the entire book, thought she would leave him, didn't trust her at all, didn't communicate with her, made her feel unsafe during their relationship, she didn't understand a thing about him culturally and otherwise (the same for him). She didn't seem to really hold him accountable for all the shit he did, just a "don't lie to me again".
Just a quick note, even in fiction I don't think it would take only one or two centuries to solve all of humanity issues, but it seems it took just that long in the book. I wasn't convinced.
If I knew Maggie I would tell her to run far away because Ro is a giant flapping red flag.
Just a quick note, even in fiction I don't think it would take only one or two centuries to solve all of humanity issues, but it seems it took just that long in the book. I wasn't convinced.
If I knew Maggie I would tell her to run far away because Ro is a giant flapping red flag.
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