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Cosmos Resort and Dating Agency, a place where aliens come to win the heart of a beautiful and rare human mate.

Or that’s what the brochure says.

The Intergalactic Intelligence Agency isn’t so sure since humans are being sold on the black market. They send Trace and his team undercover to the primitive world of Earth as potential customers to investigate the resort. But the universe has a sick sense of humor, because the first human Trace meets seems closer to cracking the case than his team, and also cracking the cold walls surrounding his heart.

Working together, he and Lily discover they have a lot more in common than a mystery to solve.

Lily Johnstone is an investigative journalist on the hot trail of a slave trafficking ring based on a remote island in the Pacific. When she arrives, she’s shocked not to find pirates or terrorists, but a luxury resort run by…wait for it…aliens. Nobody will ever believe her story except for the tabloids. Unless she brings home proof like a certain sexy alien named Trace.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2019

80 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Annie Nicholas

73 books1,134 followers
Annie Nicholas hibernates in the rural, green mountains of Vermont where she dreams of different worlds, heroes, and heroines. When spring arrives the stories pour from her, in hopes to share them with the masses one day.

Mother, daughter, wife are some of the hats she happily wears while trudging after her cubs through the hills and dales. The four seasons an inspiration and muse.

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5 stars
69 (45%)
4 stars
40 (26%)
3 stars
30 (19%)
2 stars
12 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren Seiberling (Romance Novel Giveaways).
647 reviews407 followers
September 20, 2019
This is gonna be a FUN series!

Just like with each of Annie's books, I was pulled into the story from word one and craving more by The End.

I really enjoyed reading Lily. She was a human thrown into a weird situation and she made the best of it. At the same time, she never strayed from the stubborn, clever and hilariously sarcastic person she truly was.

Trace was the perfect match for Lily because, while he was very protective of her and wanted nothing more than her safety, he understood her nature and worked together WITH her instead of trying to control or limit her.

I also met Hack and Crypto, who I assume will get their own stories, and I could not be more excited! Each has quite the personality and I can't wait to read how they find their mates.

Though Trace and Lily get their Happily Ever After, the underlying mystery of the story is unresolved. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "cliffhanger," but just know that not all loose ends are tired up by the end.

Can't wait for more!!!

(I was given this book in consideration of my honest thoughts)
Profile Image for Cara Bristol.
Author 108 books940 followers
September 27, 2019
This was a fun story. I liked that the hero and heroine were equal partners working together. Lilly is a reporter investigating human trafficking. Her leads have brought her to the Cosmos Resort. Trace is an undercover alien investigating the same. Suspicious of each other at first, they team up to try to figure out the mystery. A fun, fast-paced, light read.
Profile Image for Malkhai.
231 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2021
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...

Sci-Fi Romance: Cosmos Resort and Dating Agency is part of the Intergalatic Dating Agency, an organization that invests all its time to find human mates to the richest aliens out there. But there is something fishy going on in that resort and Lily, an undercover journalist, is eager to discover what it is. She had no idea that three bigger than life aliens where also investigating the same disappearances. That is how she met Trace. Will their team-up be the excuse for something else or the downfall for the both of them?

Great worldbuilding, Frenzy: I still don’t know if all the sagas of the Intergalatic Dating Agency universe are related to each other or not. This is just the second saga I read and it feels that they wouldn’t work together. That is a shame, but we are in front of a series of books whose main goal is entertain the reader without the need of fireworks or anything similar; so it is better if we do not try to make it deeper than it is. With that in mind, I honestly can say that I have enjoyed the easiness displayed to create a simple but detailed lore around the resort and its clients. It may be crazy, but it is fun and full of possibilities.

Another point in its favour is the short lenght of the book saturated with action scenes that won’t let the reader to feel anykind of boredom even though there is not much going on.

Boom: What I wasn’t expecting at all is the cliffhanger. Be warned that the story doesn’t end. I do not mind that kind of gut punches, but some people are pretty against them. It was unexpected, because I thought it was going to be three short stories related to each other. It seems the author is going to tell a larger story divided in three parts. That’s OK on my side.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,793 reviews46 followers
June 25, 2020
At the Cosmos Resort and Dating Agency, you can find a place where aliens come to win the heart of a beautiful and rare human mate. It's supposed to be safe and protects the rest of the Earth from the knowledge of aliens. However, the Intergalactic Intelligence Agency (IIA) have grave doubts as they have discovered humans being sold on the black market and so three agents in the form of Trace and his 2 team members are sent there undercover in order to crack the case. However, the first human Trace meets appears to be much closer than they are at cracking the case. Lily Johnstone is an investigative journalist on the hot trail of a slave trafficking ring based on a remote island in the Pacific. However, when she arrives she is shocked to not find pirates or terrorists, but a luxury resort tun by aliens. No one will ever believe her story unless she gives proof to asexy alien called Trace/ Can Lily and Trace work together to crack the case?

This was a sweet story with a mystery to solve behind the scenes of the romance between Trace and Lily. Well written and easy to read it was easy to read and clear to understand. An enjoyable read. Does contain some sexual content.
Profile Image for Carmen.
2,049 reviews11 followers
May 2, 2021
Race to Trace

Lily is an investigative reporter chasing the story that could make her a household name. What she doesn’t know is that she is in over her head. Trace is an intergalactic agent come to Earth to figure out where human slaves are coming from. Lily is thehey to his heart and solving the mystery. It was a cute story, not overly steamy, humorous and full of misconceptions. The cast of characters are interesting and the world building was believable. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Nicholas comes up with next.
120 reviews
January 5, 2025
Too short and incomplete

It’s too short. Most importantly, it’s missing an ending. It leaves too many questions. It’s as if the author just decided she was done and just wanted to end it. The premise was good. The author was not able to pull it off ultimately. If it could be written again (won’t say re-written because it’s missing an ending) then it would be worth the time. As it is, I wish I had not bothered.
Profile Image for Laurie.
13 reviews
August 13, 2020
Again spy meets love match

I loved this book trace because it brought romance and patio along with spying to a new level intriguing writing Annie Nicholas, having trouble uploading on amizon
Profile Image for Blue Rose.
1,518 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2021
Exiting adventure

This was a really fun story and Trace and Lily were enjoyable leads. Hack and Crypto will also be fun to read about next. I like the idea of their nanobots. I hope to see more world building in the next book.
Profile Image for LuDena .
2,411 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2020
Trace

I stumbled into this series not expecting anything as the first book in a series .. But was pleased to discover that it is really fun read with awesome characters .
Profile Image for Sharon Sommer.
36 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2020
Liked it and it leads right. Into the next book. Was a fast read.
Profile Image for shannon  Stubbs.
1,945 reviews12 followers
March 13, 2025
So far so good

The story is so far so good. It starts the story line with a great beginning. It ends with a cliff hanger. I guess I'll have to read the next book.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,087 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2019
This was a fun little humorous sci-fi insta-romance mystery novel!

I was a bit confused by the two sub or series titles for this book — Cosmos Alien Mail Order Bride and Intergalactic Dating Agency — since it had nothing to do with mail order brides and only indirectly the intergalactic dating agency.

The story actually begins with Lily, who is investigating the apparent disappearance of a number of contestants from the beauty pageant circuit. She's afraid it is some sort of sex trafficking ring, but the truth is much more complicated and sinister. Lily comes across overall as a very put-together, intelligent, resourceful individual. But then there are a couple of times when she comes completley unglued that just seem totally out of character for her.

Trace is approaching the mystery from an entirely different perspective, his team having been made aware of human females being sold on the intergalactic black market. The truth is not exactly what they were expecting to find. Trace is a seasoned professional, good at his job, and with an inspiring repoire with his team. He also comes across as a total sweetheart, at least where Lily is concerned; his main focus is keeping her safe and getting her to accept him.

The main peripherary characters, Trace's fellow agents Hack and Crypto, are both interesting characters in their own right. I was happy to hear that Hack's will be the next story in the series, and I assume that Crypto's will follow.

There is just enough intrigue and perceived danger in the tale to keep things interesting, but not enough to take away too much from the light, happy feel of the book. The main mystery of the tale is somewhat explained, but not entirely solved, by the end of the book. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger by any means, but definitely with more to be explained. If I didn't know this was the first in a series then I'd have been upset, but as it is I just can hardly wait for the next fun installment.

I received an eBook copy of this title from the author, and have willingly provided an honest review.

This review was originally posted on the So Few Books blog at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2019/...!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,347 reviews14 followers
November 5, 2019
Never fear your mate is near!

Annie Nicholas does it again. This is an awesome start/addition to the Intergalactic series. I had so much fundraising this story. Can't wait for book 2!!
1,239 reviews10 followers
September 25, 2019
Trace is the first book in the Cosmos Alien Mail Order Brides series, a new addition to the Intergalactic Dating Agency universe! Lily has traveled undercover to an exclusive island to investigate the disappearance of several men and women, but to everyone else, she’s looking for a rich husband. She’s shocked when she realizes that aliens exist, but when she keeps stumbling into danger, will she be able to trust Trace?

I really enjoyed this book, as it really takes you on an adventure! There’s mishaps, there’s an element of danger, not knowing who Lily can trust, and I loved the connection that forms between Lily and Trace! Lily is brave, in a little over her head, but she keeps her cool (mostly), and I love that she uses her head when she gets into trouble. Smart, beautiful, and having similar interests as himself, Trace can’t resist Lily! Trace was fun because he wanted to keep Lily safe, wanted to value her independence, was fascinated by her analytical mind, and I liked his connection with his men. I liked that not only were these males aliens, but they also had technology that made them unique. I loved that Lily had no idea that aliens existed and I giggled at some of the issues that came from that. There’s passion, intrigue, connection, and I loved flipping through these pages! I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to what the next book will bring!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
September 24, 2019
I had fun reading Trace. It was a storyline that I certainly wasn’t expecting when I picked it up. I was pleasantly surprised. I was rooting for Lily as she was on assignment to investigate missing ladies and what she finds.. I felt like I was along for the ride with a grown up Nancy Drew that was also being romanced. Trace was great along with the other agents seeking out their own investigation. I enjoyed how it played out between Lily and Trace. How they all worked together to track down the mystery.

But in the end... URGH!! Lily’s story wasn’t a cliff hanger as she got her HEA. I felt like I wasn’t at the end since there was more that need resolution for me. I still had questions. Maybe I need to be the reporter. Either way, bring on the next story! 4 1/2 stars!
1,883 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2019
Working undercover to investigate possible kidnapped women brought a perk to Trace. An intriguing woman with a suspicious behavior caught his eye and something else. A risky situation! But things were more difficult than he thought. The woman didn’t follow the rules and really didn’t know what she had gotten into. Things are not always as they seem. The first story of three different alien agents in a mission through the galaxy. Interesting and entertaining with intriguing and skilled aliens, a female protagonist ready for adventure, suspense, amusing scenes and a mission yet to complete. Enjoyed the banter, the amusing comments, the strange aliens and the mystery. We need to follow Hack and Crypto for the outcome of the mystery
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
September 23, 2019
Book Review: Trace
Author: Annie Nicholas
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
Fantastic first in a new series...
We have gorgeous, rich aliens wanting human wives however when many of those women go missing someone comes looking for them.
What Lilly thinks she finds is totally what she isn't prepared for.
Trace and his brothers are off for a much-needed vacation. Little do they know they are stumbling upon something they do every day of their lives. Kidnapped women?
This story has some action and some hotness, a great new beginning.

Annie Nicholas
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,526 reviews51 followers
August 23, 2019
Lily has gone undercover to track down a slew of women who have disappeared into an alien slave market. she bit off more than she bargained for though!

The Cosmos resort is a way for relationship/mate minded Earthlings and Aliens to meet and see if they could have a HEA. It would also be a great cover for a human slavery ring! The IIA has sent Trace and his team undercover as a wealty playboy alien and his entourage to see if there are any truths to the rumours. But getting matched with Lily is not what he expected!

Lily is like Nancy Drew in steroids! Trace, Hack and Crypto will light up your girly bits. There is plenty of twists as to who the bad guys might be.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2019
A good start to a new series

Lily, an investigative newspaper reporter, runs into Trace, an intergalactic intelligence agent, quite literally when she travels to a tropical island looking for information on missing women. As the story progresses eyes are opened, secrets revealed, and finding the culprit is more difficult than any of them knows. Annie Nicholas’ new series gets started with a mystery right from the start and includes some unforgettable characters with plenty of room for the series to grow. I can’t wait to read Hack, just to see what type of gal he finds.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Profile Image for Nicole Henderson.
770 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2019
Wow a start to a new series and I guess you could say a new genre for Ms Nicholas and what an amazing read it has been. Instead of Vampires and werewolves we’re reading about aliens. Is Area 51 really an island resort for the rich to meet off world mates/ partners. Loved Lily she was an awesome character and I’m liking the 3 IIA agents Trace, Crypto and Hack. And well Pete who runs the dating agency resort well I’m warming up to him. I can saying I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Linda.
374 reviews
August 25, 2019
A new type of story for Nicholas and a outstanding start to the series.
Lily is going undercover for a story about missing woman that have gone to meet possible future husbands on a island.
Trace is a undercover agent with two others working for the IIA, their investigating the same thing but they're Aliens.
Lily's not sure about making out with a Alien and she's even more nervous about seeing him in his Alien form after her reaction to Pete.
Their working together to solve they case and Lily has a few choices to make.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
812 reviews15 followers
August 31, 2019
Such a fun book! Lily is an investigative journalist that goes undercover to write a story about women being kidnapped while signing up for the intergalactic dating agency. But things don't go as planned for her and she is matched up with an alien called Trace who is on assignment with two others to put a stop to what is going on. Sparks fly with these two and life has a fun way of making things happen. Loved it nice and fast read. Looking forward to reading the stories of the other two agents they should be fun as well.!
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,789 reviews23 followers
September 25, 2019
Rare Humans Date Alien Catches

With both an alien and a human investigating the Cosmos Resort and Dating agency, what can go wrong?

Annie Nicholas entertains us with Trace: Cosmos Mail Order Bride #1: Intergalactic Dating Agency.

Lily finds herself in over her head, in more ways than one, as she can prove that the luxury resort is not what it seems. And Trace is not who she thinks he is, as he too finds mystery and intrigue undercover.

What this give us is a unique, fun, and sexy breather from our normal lives!
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,374 reviews17 followers
September 9, 2019
Resorts, aliens and a story worth getting. A wonderful and fun start to a new series. When investigating for a new story Lily doesn't expect to find out aliens are actually real and when Agent Trace is sent to investigate the same thing he doesn't expect to find love. Lots going on in this story but WOW what a read! The characters are all great and it's a great introduction to them. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,071 reviews64 followers
September 24, 2019
Well written fast paced story has me wanting more
This was such a great read! I really enjoyed the humour, the banter and the mystery that they were all working to solve - just not together, initially. That sure changed when Trace and Lilly acknowledged, not only their skills, but also their chemistry. Action, mystery, humour and a fab romance fill they pages of this book to the brim and I loved it
3,027 reviews17 followers
September 24, 2019
Fun Alien Mystery/Romance!!

Lily is chasing a big news story. Trace is an alien investigating missing humans. Cosmos Dating Agency is in the middle somehow, and their island is not subject to human law. No one is what they seem, yet there is an undeniable attraction. When the truth is revealed will the attraction be real?!?

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Profile Image for Miranda Beazley.
666 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2019
Humans being kidnapped, an island used for a dating agency, and aliens everywhere. Lily is investigating what she suspects is a slave trafficking ring, only to discover an alien dating island.

I loved Trace and Lily, they are both strong characters. Both working hard to protect. Whilst the book ends on a small cliffhanger I loved every second.
781 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2019
EASY 5 STARS
I could not put this book down. It was facinating and  so interesting. Can't wait for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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