Love, loss, and love again

This book deals a lot with overcoming the loss of a loved one. It could be rough for those still processing grief of this kind (I had my moments for sure).

The story is pretty brutal at the beginning and the violence/torture was graphic, but there is no rape or sexual assault scenes. The universe that is built seems to be very dangerous for everyone, however after the initial setup, there isn't really much more in the rest of the story and none at that same intensity.

It is a really good slow romance with a mature (40+) female main character which brings a new dynamic to the typical abducted by aliens theme. This is about overcoming loss of not just a loved one, but of everything familiar and learning how to move forward and embrace the new. Solid sci-fi romance with a nod to fantasy, but not erotica. Again, this is a slow building relationship story.

I enjoyed it and was very surprised at the ending as I was expecting some of the characters to be the next stories in the series (and maybe they will), but it ties a lot of them up in a bow enough for this to be a solid stand-alone book.

My only criticism is of Tor Thom's narration. His voice is so very rich and masculine that his female and child characters sometimes sound too rough and similar. I really wish they had done a duet narration style for this book as I think it would have been more effective for the storytelling.

6 people found this helpful

Almost really good

The story line is good but needed more development. Wanted to see more of DaR’s world/life. Kira’s integration to her new world had too much focus. Why was Kira’s voice so accented. Distracted from overall performance.

Ok ending

This book has promise. It’s cultivating and imaginative. However, a tad gory with the details of the trauma that had occurred. Loved the relationships forming but felt towards the end it was rushed. You build up such characters & then it just ends. The twos relationship was just getting started and then I felt as if nothing came about it bc the ending was cut short. Could have been better

Ok

This book begins on such a traumatic note; so graphic and terrifying. The storyline was interesting with similarities as other books in this genre. Emily’s narration was a bit dry but ok; Tor’s was ok.

I'm... conflicted

Though I gave a 4 star rating across the board, for the story and overall, I think I'd rate as 3.5.

The problem is not with the performance, that was pretty good, actually. I take issue with the story. The characters are pretty well-thought-out; by the end I came to appreciate the thoughtful individual character traits and background stories, and I can imagine lots of interesting directions where the sequels could go.

Initially, the story is challenged by this "what is this creature" kind of mentality that these supposed aliens, who are exposed to multitudes of species from across the universe, has toward these women when they first see them. When it seems clear that the planet's inhabitants are basically humanoid, walking upright with arms and legs (mostly 2 and 2, but not always), why would they look at these women and think, "pet" or "slave" or "unintelligent creature?"

Now the worst part, the description of physical torture, abuse, and intentional slaughter of the females captured (and the males killed/sacrificed during the abduction) is incredibly graphic, over-the-top, and in my opinion, unnecessary. And nonsensical, when you consider that later in the story, there's reference to the "rarity" and "high desirability" of the human females. Then why would the abductors have been so utterly cruel and careless with the "precious" species? Doesn't make sense.

There are parts of this story that go completely off the rails, if you're someone who (like me) is hyper aware of point of view changes. One minute, Kira is speaking and expressing thoughts, then suddenly (still in the female narrator's voice), we're in the mind of DaR, with no preamble or suggestion that POV was changing, then suddenly, back to Kira's POV. For a writer, or an educated listener, this is frustrating as hell.

I'm not sure why this story popped up on my "based on your reading/listening, we recommend" list. Yes, I listen to/read alien romances, but to say that this is a romance book? That's quite a stretch. Nothing at all romantic happens between the two lead characters until the epilogue. If you're looking for steamy/sexy times... look elsewhere.

Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest, and as I want to provide a balanced review, I confess that I'm not all that disappointed with the story. Despite the flaws described above, I did enjoy the story enough to stick to the end, and I might be inclined to read/listen to a sequel (according to Kindle unlimited, there are at least two more books in the series). Perhaps I'll read them and save my Audible credits for something else, though.

I was completely surprised

This book was so much better than I expected. Tor Thom did the job expected from him (great) and I found Emily great also at the female voice. the world and the direction this story took was believable. lots of trauma but it is necessary for the effect of the relationship growing in this book. the description is no way as good as the book really is worth a credit. worth the Read

Wish the others were in audible.

I surprisingly enjoyed this story and would love to pick up the rest of the series and her other series, but this is the only Audible. Let me know when you have the others in a Audible format and I will gladly pick up the rest.

Well I’m just going to say it…. This is a damn good Book

I was never a fan of alien love stories, but this book as changed my closed mind. I love the plot, characters, and narration. Now I can’t wait for the next one to become available. If you like a good romantic reading, this is the book for you, it is really a good read and well worth the credit.

Beautiful Love Story

I'm so glad I read/listened to this book. It's so heartwarming 💕 and and heartbreaking 💔 😢 .Great writing. There are some torture & Horror filled part's. very Graphic. but a it is a HEA ~

Very good

I was really surprised the story line was not typical and the narration is very good, very good story keep up the great writing JM