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They weren't supposed to fall in love...

Still grieving the loss of his former mate, alien warrior Slate arrives on Earth with no intention of falling in love with the human female he's agreed to marry. He'll fulfill his duties to his people by procreating with the human, and he'll provide for her and protect her as any decent Vaxxlian warrior ought to do, but he cannot fathom opening his heart to her. That is, until he stares into her soulful brown eyes and tastes her lips for the first time. But he worries he's forsaking the memory of his former mate by allowing himself to develop tender feelings for the tiny human called Beth. Is it wrong to care for another female so soon?

Jilted by a cheating fiancé, B-list movie star Beth Spirit is eager for a fresh start away from the flashing lights of the paparazzi and the bad luck that seems to follow her everywhere. She signs up for Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides on a whim and is shocked when a huge, musclebound alien named Slate shows up on her doorstep the very next day. But she finds his businesslike approach to marriage refreshing and she soon agrees to become his mate. Love, shmlove. Who needs it?

But when Beth is offered the movie role of a lifetime, she's faced with a difficult decision--stay on Earth and rocket to stardom, or take a chance on the sexy alien warrior whose kisses leave her breathlessly longing for more?

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2019

119 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Sue Mercury

61 books242 followers
Sue Mercury writes sci-fi romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and children, where she hopes one day she'll turn on the television to find a breaking news report about sentient alien beings contacting Earth. She also writes romance of the much kinkier variety under the name Sue Lyndon.

**Sign up for Sue's newsletter & receive FREE reads!** Just copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

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5 stars
122 (48%)
4 stars
81 (32%)
3 stars
34 (13%)
2 stars
14 (5%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Vania Nunes.
2,322 reviews51 followers
October 23, 2019
Beth is a B-list actress who blacklisted in Hollywood because of her former cheater fiance.
Without many prospects - and also no family, she sees an announcement of an alien marriage agency (yes, the Earth is advanced in years and has had its alien contact). On impulse, she subscribes to the candidate.
Her surprise is that the next day, a huge and beautiful alien named Slate knocks on her door.
The proposal was for them to mate immediately to proceed to the huge vessel that would take them to his planet in a few weeks.

Slate had already a mate, but when his planet went to war, most females died, so the warriors needed new mates to have their children (and as always, the human females are the most compatible).
He didn't mean to fall in love. He considered this a betrayal of his former wife, whom he loved.
But Beth was charming with her sincere manner and her pet rodent.

As the departure time approaches, she receives several calls from her former talent agent (and her ex-fiance) calling her for a new role in a hit movie.
Knowing that Slate would never fall in love with her (he was honest about it from the start), Beth wonders if she should leave Earth forever and waste her big chance.

It's a cute alien story with no major issues to solve, except should I stay or should I go
5 stars
5,876 reviews28 followers
September 17, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Beth signed up for alien mail order bride and Slate went to earth to collect his bride. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough with twists and turns hot and steamy like a rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes you want more with the chemistry and romance.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,392 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2021
Another great book in this series! Slate comes to earth to find a mate and fulfill his obligation to his people. Beth, an actress, has been hurt by a cheating actor boyfriend publically and then he blacklists her so she can't find any more acting jobs. She decides to sign up for the Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Bride program. Beth and Slate decide to commit to a mating of convenience but love quickly changes that for both of them. Even though Beth now has an opportunity of a lifetime, she knows that Slate is the alien for her and love always wins.
Profile Image for Carmen.
2,020 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2020
Starring Role

Beth is a B-List movie star, down on her luck and questioning her career choice after her movie star ex breaks her heart and her career. A reckless and impulsive act finds her matched to a serious, hunky alien named Slate who happens to be mourning his dead mate. What follows is a delightful love story where two individuals find out that the role of a lifetime and a new love can only be found with each other.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,485 reviews308 followers
March 6, 2022
Mediocre. 2.5 stars. Full of tropes that annoy me.

Why are the women dead? In a war, it’s more likely the men would be dead.

I hate the arranged marriage “but I will never love you”.

“In our culture, we protect our women”. But also women aren’t safe to live alone? Hmmm. I would question your “protection”.

Why do so many of these alien romances remind me of my fundamentalist childhood? Bleck!
Profile Image for Livey.
1,392 reviews
January 4, 2023
escape for Beth

Beth is a Hollywood actress who has been cheated on by her fiancé and blacklisted because she won’t kiss tail. Signing up for the Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides was a spur of the moment deal until he shows up. Slate is a warrior who is grieving his lost mate. He will take one for the team and marry for convenience, which Beth agrees too. But will they travel to New Vaxx on a business arrangement or will their growing passion for each other lead to the love Beth was denied in Hollywood.

P
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews213 followers
March 28, 2020
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
129 reviews
October 28, 2024
Series 2

You will enjoy the story of Slate and Beth. Well written and very good reading book. Sue Mercury is becoming a great author I enjoy reading her books. Have fun reading book 2. Now I need to decide what book to read next.
Profile Image for Maggie May.
881 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2022
I liked this one better than the first story. Not a lot happens except two people working through their past hurts and having great sex, and that’s a nice chill, sexy read.
Profile Image for Michelle Vandal.
1,125 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2024
I’m enjoying these Vaxxlian mail order bride stories. Beth & Slate figure out that they can’t keep love out of their relationship as hard as they try. HEA is lovely.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.5k reviews354 followers
October 21, 2019
Beth Spirit enjoyed the smell of fresh brewed coffee as she stepped into the packed café on Sunset Boulevard and the customers all went silent. Then the camera phones started clicking away! Unfortunately, they only knew her name because she’d once been engaged to well-known action movie star Bradley Fennik and their failed relationship had been dragged through the gossip columns repeatedly. She sat down with her agent who flatly told her that Bradley had blacklisted her with all the producers and casting directors. It didn’t look good for her career. Her agent recommended apologizing to him – although he was the one caught cheating and who called off their wedding when she confronted him! She should also praise him to the reporters if she is interviewed, and say how much she misses him!!! Gag…. But Tracy said if she wouldn’t cooperate, the agency was dropping her.

She didn’t belong here anymore. She was returning home. With the TV on while she packed, a news story about Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides came on and she paused to watch. One of the brides stated that Vaxxlians are handsome, smart, and they mate for life and never cheat on their females. She checked the website on her computer where a testimonial talked about a fresh start – that was just what she needed!

Slate looked at the tall building where his soon-to-be mate lived, and a pang of guilt over his first mate, Chellsi, came over him. She had died on their world when the Irrcons attacked and destroyed Vaxxlia. His heart would never heal from her loss. He would treat his new mate well, have children with her, but he would never love her. He knocked on her door and she was stunned – she had signed up for the program only the day before! He suggested they talk and get each other’s desires about a marriage. If they don’t feel compatible, he will release her from her obligation. She appreciated his direct approach, and they finally agreed to a marriage of convenience which would help each of them, a simple business transaction.

But relationships don’t stay simple. Both of them feel the attraction. His kisses rock their world! And then she gets a call that could make her career dreams rocket into stardom with a leading role! And Bradley wants her back! What choice will she make? Has she come to realize Slate is the very best choice for her life, even if he doesn’t want to fall in love with her? Or will she want to take that offer and show everyone in the acting world that she is a star?

This was a very enjoyable story, putting Beth in a horrible situation, giving her hope for a new life and new start, then presenting the most difficult choice she will probably ever have to make! The reader is drawn into the story, can easily like both characters, and then has to watch as Beth makes her life-changing decision. Don’t miss this one!
403 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2019
“Slate” is the second book in the Vaxxlian Alien Male Order Brides (Intergalactic Dating Agency) and each book gets better and better! In this story we meet Beth, an aspiring actress, who has studied and acted for many years hoping for her break. She lands a role that has promise and all is well until she has a “falling out” with the lead actor and then she is not only hounded by the paparazzi  but is black listed in the industry. Her agency is about to drop her and she sees an ad on TV to become an Intergalactic Alien Mail Order Bride and impulsively fills out an application. Enter Slate! A HOT, gorgeous, sexy Vaxxlian Alien who is seeking a bride to insure the future of his race. His planet had been attacked by the Irrcons and was destroyed. His first mate had perished and he didn’t believe he could love another. But, the male Vaxxlians had a duty to his people so he would take a bride, treat his new mate well, have children, care for them but would his heart heal enough to love, again?
When, Beth and Slate meet the electricity that flows between them is amazing. Yes, they have strong feelings toward one another. And, here the plot develops twists and turns, keeps us guessing and is full of suspense. Sue Mercury gives her characters incredible depth , the story is filled with intrigue, mystery, romantic lovemaking, HOT, gorgeous sex scenes and is fast paced.

Beth gets the opportunity to have a role which will make her a star. Slate realizes that he loves her…….What will happen? Will she give it all up? Will he tell her his feelings? Guess, now is the time that you pick up the story and enjoy the read. Thank you Sue Mercury for another wonderful story!!
3,000 reviews
October 21, 2019
A romance for the ages and the galaxy….
Slate had still been grieving the loss of his mate and this had left him very despondent and sad and he was finding it at times difficult just to take his next breath however, he arrived on earth after he had agreed to marry an earth female he would protect her, care for her give her the necessities. However, he knew that he would not be able to love her his heart had been given to his first love and now he was simply going through the motions.
However, fate can sometimes play a cruel joke and when he had seen his female for the first time, he had been struck by how tiny Beth was in comparison to him, his gaze had been drawn into the depth oh he beautiful eyes and he could find his heart beginning to thaw.
Beth has had her heart broken and had decided that she was going to taker fate into her own hands she had joined the Vaxxlian Mail order Brides and hoped that she would be matched to a man that would be loyal, honest and that would care for her.
When she opens her door and finds Slate waiting there, she is a little more than surprised and is all set to start her new life but a decision comes along, which way will she go heart or fame.
Simply read this terrific book and discover for yourself….
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,324 reviews20 followers
October 17, 2019
I like Sue Mercury's Vaxxlians. The first series focused on 5 brothers scouring the universe for human females to mate and now that they have found the human homeworld, it is easier to find females but not so easy to win them.

Slate has to do some soul searching in this book, as he lost his first mate in the war but is determined to do his duty to his race to help rebuild their population. Slate loved his first mate and feels he is incapable of loving a new mate. Beth has decided on a new start for herself and her beloved pet (totally weird coincidence - Beth and my brother had the same pet, in the same colors, and with the same name) .

This second Vaxxlian mail order bride seemed shorter than the first (Rozar) and didn't have the action. It is a short sweet lunch or evening read of Slate and Beth getting to know one another. Thankfully, Rozar and Nadia lend a hand.

I am really looking forward to Thade's story. I can't imagine having 4 very energetic kids and can't wait to see how Alana deals with them.

I want to thank the author for allowing me a review copy of this book. I have been a Sue Lyndon/Sue Mercury fan for years and have bought, borrowed, and ARC'd many of her books (The SEAL's Captive Bride and Alien's Orphan Bride are among my favorites).
689 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2019
Another great book by Sue Mercury. This book has a great plot and is very well written. I am loving the series. Each one is a standalone.

This is Slate's and Beth's book. Slate had a previous mate who died in the war. Poor guy is still feeling the loss. He agrees to take a human mate, so his kind can be built up again, after the devastating loss they suffered. Though he agrees, he feels that he is disrespecting his former mate by falling in love again. Then he meets Beth, who turns his world upside down. She makes him feel...

Beth is trying to become a star actress. Though after she broke up with her cheating ex fiance, she finds out he blacklisted her. Now she can not get a job. Then her manager drops her. So she signs up for the Vaxxlian mail order bride service. The very next day Slate shows up, to her surprise. After they get back to the ship, her manager calls her with news.....

What do they each decide to do? Will they have love and a happily ever after or will their past spilt them up?

Read this wonderful book and find out what happens....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
986 reviews32 followers
Read
October 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this very short sci-fi romance. It would be an ideal waiting room read, in my opinion! The pacing, character development, and minimal plot worked perfectly for the very short format of this story. My favorite part was when the heroine was super honest with the hero about her torn feelings about giving up her potential great professional opportunities on Earth for a loveless marriage on New Vaxx with the hero. Her honesty is was forced the hero to acknowledge his true emotions and what he really wanted. She didn't pander to his desire to ignore his feelings and refusal to communicate honestly with her. I loved it, because most times in romance novels I feel like the author doesn't allow the heroine to give the hero the ultimatum of "treat me the way I deserve to be treated or I walk"

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leslie Sanchez.
1,774 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this sci-fi romance. My heart went out to Beth in the beginning. She got the short end of the paparazzi stick. Her famous fiance was caught cheating and she was the one that got dumped and blacklisted. To top it off, her agent dumped her too. So why not sign up for an alien husband. Steamy hot looks, total commitment, being treated like a queen, why not? When she meets Slate, her new mate, he's all business and after her recent experience that was fine by her. I loved some of the comments he made trying to figure out earth slang. Oh, don't forget her pet guinea pig that he kept calling a rodent. This was a short and engaging story. I laughed and cringed when she even thought about going back to her old life. If you like alien romance, this is a good one to read. I requested an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.
6,168 reviews57 followers
October 22, 2019
Slate has decided that he will marry again but will never love the tiny human like he did his first mate that was killed in the war. He believes that he must procreate so his offspring helps repopulate his species. Beth is a wanna-be actress who has been blacklisted from acting. She broke up with her no good cheating boyfriend and her agent releases her from her contract. She sees an ad for a mail order bride and send in an application. When a seven foot good looking alien shows up and looking to mate. They talk and decide to a marriage of convenience. Beth finds that he's very passionate and caring in bed. Will Slate ever love Beth? Will they find a HEA? Great addition to the Vaxxlian's series. Little shorter but just as good as the first book. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews65 followers
November 9, 2019
Sue Mercury writes quick scifi romance books. They are generally pretty low drama books, even when there is a bad guy who wants to get someone. They are pretty hot books too.

We're still with the Vaxxlians, but now we're in the mail order bride part of the series. Slate is one of the Vaxxlians who has come from New Vaxx to Earth to claim his bride. Beth is the bride he's there to claim.

Slate is an honorable male and he will treat Beth well, but he swears he won't fall in love with her, which, yeah, we all know how that's going to work out. He does take excellent care of her and he wants to make sure she's happy.

I really like Beth. She's trying to be the best person she can be, even when she's dealing with the insanity that is Hollywood and being in show business. I think that she's strong and very caring. And her pet is just too cute.
Profile Image for Jan.
2,021 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2019
Beth as a crappy agent and a jerk for an ex. She certainly doesn’t need this and makes a jump to start over on New Vaxx. Why not apply to be a mail order bride to a Vaxxlian and start over. She didn’t think her mate would be found so fast and that he was that handsome and tall. Slate had a mate and lost her. He truly does not want another mate but he will do his duty to his people. He and Beth strike up a deal. No love just a marriage of convenience. These two don’t come off as just wanting a “marriage of convenience.” From the moment they meet, there is a chemistry. But they both have to overcome their own insecurities. It took a bit but they found that love is what they truly needed. So sweet. I can’t wait to read about Thade and his mate.
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
943 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2019
Beth's a B movie rated actress and her fiancé cheats on her and her agent wants her to kiss up to him because he has blacklisted Beth and she is unable to work. After she refuses, she sees an ad about the Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides program and signs up. She is surprised when her mate shows up the next day. Slate lost his mate and doesn't believe he will ever love another. He has agreed to take a mate and do his part to repopulate his planet but will not love the new mate. The two of them decide to approach their relationship as a business transaction. Their story begins there. I love the story. I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,815 reviews
October 22, 2019
This is a fantastic story! I love reading about these brothers and the Vaxxlians. I loved the interactions between Slate and Beth.

Beth needs a change in her life. Her career as an actress isn’t going anyway. She signs up to be a bride/Mate for the Vaxxlians. She is surprised to be matched and meet him the next day. Slate is still not over the loss of his first mate but will do his duty to his people. He proposes something different which may cause his problems later. Will they realize that they are perfect for each other?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
154 reviews
October 22, 2019
This was an emotional read Slate has lost his mate and although he has agreed to marry a human he knows he can never love her. Beth is an actress who decides after a bad breakup to sign up to be a mail order bride to a Vaxxlian warrior and she does not mind Slates business like take on their mating. But things start to change between them and there may be more to their relationship than either though. When Beth is offered a huge role however she needs to decide if she will take a chance on love. I thought Slate was an amazing character with real emotions Beth however was not my favorite although she did redeem herself at the end.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,165 reviews9 followers
October 20, 2019
Enjoyable, pretty fast paced alien romance. It was kind of odd that they were on Earth though, lol. Their planet seems so peaceful when described drawing the desire to visit. I think this couple does a good job trying to figure things out, I also think they make the best decision especially considering his kiss & morals. I look forward to reading more about them and the future adventures of the aliens and their mail order mates. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,886 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2019
This was awesome read that I enjoyed.The story and characters grabbed me form the beginning, Slate wasn't looking for for a true love connection after having lost his first love when his planet was attacked. Finding Beth and as they begin to know one another his heart starts and he begins to love again. I loved how they gradually started to open up to one another and were able to talk thing through and I LOVED Princess!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.8k reviews8 followers
October 23, 2019
Book two of the Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides series and also the Intergalactic Dating Agency. A well written story with a good storyline, the story flowed smoothly across the pages. This is alien warrior Slate who has already lost a mate and human who is a B-list movie star Beth Spirit are matched as mates. These two will have alot to go through I enjoyed reading their story. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melody Hillier.
1,151 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2019
Slate and Beth are a great couple in the Mail order Alien bride series, they have a bit of a hard start both looking at this as a business arrangement but somehow along the way they both catch feelings. it is a great story that catches you in its web and before you know it you have read the last page and are anxious for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,873 reviews17 followers
October 16, 2019
Beth signs up to become a bride and the next day the warrior Slate appears at her door. As he explains his need for a bride he also says the relationship will be professional without love bring a factor. The story is a quick read that is romantic in that they both fall in love with the each other. The story is well written and entertaining. It is a good read and I would recommend it.
Rating - 4.5
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,117 reviews48 followers
October 22, 2019
Slate is going his duty of taking a mail order bride to procreate but he is still grieving the loss of his former mate and doesn’t plan on falling for his new bride. Beth isn’t looking for love and just wants a new start. Sparks fly between them but will Beth decide on her new path or stay on Earth? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and steamy chemistry. I liked both characters and they had great chemistry. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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