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lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
4.5 stars - I've been kindly gifted 3 stories from the book to review but had already got this book on pre-order based on the amazing line-up of authors involved and the FANTASTICALLY cheap pre-order price.
******This is a review for Fated Possession by Cari Silverwood - 5 stars (read 6th Jan)
This is a quick but engaging, hot and fantastic story from the Machinery of Desire series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, and indeed Cari managed to briefly fill in the important details of this world, having read the other books will really enhance this story. (Book 1 world builds and Book 2 has Sassik as a side character).
I know it's a short story but there was no way I was putting this down and going to sleep - it had me gripped. Blue was such a strong heroine, never giving up or giving in and I'd love to see more of her. Sassik was as honourable a man as you are going to find on Aerthe and I'd love a Sassik of my own. The characters spoke to me, drew me in and made me love this story.
******This is a review for Stangeways by Addison Cain - 4 stars (read 4th Jan)
Well what do I say? As this is an anthology the stories are all fairly short, which limits what can be done in the space available. I definitely enjoyed this (I think) and it certainly left me wanting more, and also with a few questions (though not in a bad way).
This is most definitely NOT your typical alpha alien romance, where the heroine is dragged off to some alien planet/ship and spanked regularly. In fact it was a more than a little sinister and slightly eerie, leaving me with that 'Matrix' feeling of what is truth and what is make believe?
I loved Emily, she had good mental strength, though did she choose freedom or captivity? Hmmm. We see everything 'through' her eyes so I struggled with Phi. I still wasn't sure I trusted and totally believed him by the end of the story - though it wouldn't surprise me if that wasn't Jennifer's intention all along.
So why should you read the book? Well it was thought provoking, it was steamy AND had tentacular sex (I don't care if I made the word up, I like it!). If we take everything Phi says at face value and as truth it was very romantic. However, if we question the 'mind games', then it was definitely NOT a romance. There was excellent character and world building, the plot has a few unexpected twists (as does Phi's 'penis' LOL) and I definitely want more of Emily, Phi and this 'world'.
************This is a review for Their Zandian Mate by Renee Rose (read 13th Jan)
I've only read the previous book in this series (His Zandian Pet) but that did help give some background to this story, and indeed the ending of that book sets up this tale. This can be read as a standalone, and is one very hot, steamy and fast paced read. Despite it being short, I did feel I got to know the characters quite well and I definitely liked them all. The story drew me right in and held my attention throughout. The only 'bad' thing was that it was so short. I would love this to eventually be worked into a longer story, seeing the 4 characters before they met and getting to know them when they were younger.
Eslyn (the heroine) has appeared in a previous zandian book. I haven't read it but managed to pick up her backstory easily in this one. She has been the captive mate of 3 rough and uncaring Zandian males. All 4 are currently prisoners of the Zandian ruler, accused of attempted kidnap of another Zandian female. As part of her rehabilitation, Eslyn is 'given' to 3 Zandian males. Their job is to punish her and make her fit to rejoin society. If you know Renee Rose you know this 'punishment' will not only be enjoyable but will steam up your e-reader!
The guards are 3 very close friends, they are Laake, who is quite young and naive, Granit, who is badly scarred but who Eslyn finds calming and attractive and also Damon, the leader of the three and a real alpha male. They blend together perfectly and soon decide they would like to keep Eslyn. But that choice isn't theirs, and if Eslyn's 3 imprisoned 'mates' are released she might not have a choice either.
******This is a review for Fated Possession by Cari Silverwood - 5 stars (read 6th Jan)
This is a quick but engaging, hot and fantastic story from the Machinery of Desire series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, and indeed Cari managed to briefly fill in the important details of this world, having read the other books will really enhance this story. (Book 1 world builds and Book 2 has Sassik as a side character).
I know it's a short story but there was no way I was putting this down and going to sleep - it had me gripped. Blue was such a strong heroine, never giving up or giving in and I'd love to see more of her. Sassik was as honourable a man as you are going to find on Aerthe and I'd love a Sassik of my own. The characters spoke to me, drew me in and made me love this story.
******This is a review for Stangeways by Addison Cain - 4 stars (read 4th Jan)
Well what do I say? As this is an anthology the stories are all fairly short, which limits what can be done in the space available. I definitely enjoyed this (I think) and it certainly left me wanting more, and also with a few questions (though not in a bad way).
This is most definitely NOT your typical alpha alien romance, where the heroine is dragged off to some alien planet/ship and spanked regularly. In fact it was a more than a little sinister and slightly eerie, leaving me with that 'Matrix' feeling of what is truth and what is make believe?
I loved Emily, she had good mental strength, though did she choose freedom or captivity? Hmmm. We see everything 'through' her eyes so I struggled with Phi. I still wasn't sure I trusted and totally believed him by the end of the story - though it wouldn't surprise me if that wasn't Jennifer's intention all along.
So why should you read the book? Well it was thought provoking, it was steamy AND had tentacular sex (I don't care if I made the word up, I like it!). If we take everything Phi says at face value and as truth it was very romantic. However, if we question the 'mind games', then it was definitely NOT a romance. There was excellent character and world building, the plot has a few unexpected twists (as does Phi's 'penis' LOL) and I definitely want more of Emily, Phi and this 'world'.
************This is a review for Their Zandian Mate by Renee Rose (read 13th Jan)
I've only read the previous book in this series (His Zandian Pet) but that did help give some background to this story, and indeed the ending of that book sets up this tale. This can be read as a standalone, and is one very hot, steamy and fast paced read. Despite it being short, I did feel I got to know the characters quite well and I definitely liked them all. The story drew me right in and held my attention throughout. The only 'bad' thing was that it was so short. I would love this to eventually be worked into a longer story, seeing the 4 characters before they met and getting to know them when they were younger.
Eslyn (the heroine) has appeared in a previous zandian book. I haven't read it but managed to pick up her backstory easily in this one. She has been the captive mate of 3 rough and uncaring Zandian males. All 4 are currently prisoners of the Zandian ruler, accused of attempted kidnap of another Zandian female. As part of her rehabilitation, Eslyn is 'given' to 3 Zandian males. Their job is to punish her and make her fit to rejoin society. If you know Renee Rose you know this 'punishment' will not only be enjoyable but will steam up your e-reader!
The guards are 3 very close friends, they are Laake, who is quite young and naive, Granit, who is badly scarred but who Eslyn finds calming and attractive and also Damon, the leader of the three and a real alpha male. They blend together perfectly and soon decide they would like to keep Eslyn. But that choice isn't theirs, and if Eslyn's 3 imprisoned 'mates' are released she might not have a choice either.
jigsawgirl's review against another edition
4.0
This review is currently for Their Zandian Mate only. I will update as I complete the other books in the set.
A short, quick continuation in the Zandian Masters series. Granit, Laake, and Damon are given the responsibility of reconditioning Eslyn to reenter Zandian society. Follow along as they establish a relationship with Eslyn and her children, and reach their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
A short, quick continuation in the Zandian Masters series. Granit, Laake, and Damon are given the responsibility of reconditioning Eslyn to reenter Zandian society. Follow along as they establish a relationship with Eslyn and her children, and reach their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
nikiryther's review against another edition
5.0
❤️
I purchased this book solely for Cynthia Sax’s portion of it. First off, I read all the books in this collection, and I’m really glad I did. There are some great new authors here I’ll be looking up! Mrs. Sax’s portion was Batu and Genies story, and I loved it. It was short, sweet, and to the point, but it was also gritty and sexy, and I don’t feel cheated by the length. I highly recommend this for anyone into Sci-Fi romances!
I purchased this book solely for Cynthia Sax’s portion of it. First off, I read all the books in this collection, and I’m really glad I did. There are some great new authors here I’ll be looking up! Mrs. Sax’s portion was Batu and Genies story, and I loved it. It was short, sweet, and to the point, but it was also gritty and sexy, and I don’t feel cheated by the length. I highly recommend this for anyone into Sci-Fi romances!
triciacoker's review against another edition
5.0
I'll admit to a fascination with how aliens might view humanity and that's naturally spawned a few fantasies of human and alien sexual situations. When I heard an entire book was coming out to cater to that fantasy I was intrigued. Finding out some of my favorite romance authors were also involved just sweetened the deal. I loved Addison Cain's Strangeways as she dabbled in areas that most don't outside of hentai. I also loved Sophie Kisker's The Ghost in the Stars. With so many novellas to read, it's an amazing collection for any sci-fi romance reader.
bri_839's review against another edition
This book contains 23 novellas which give a taster of what each author has to offer.
I absolutely loved Grace Goodwin's instalment.
Sue Lyndon - Promised To The Alien: I did not enjoy at all, after reading the amazing work of Goodwin's world building and steamy scenes, this novella just fell flat. I didn't enjoy the world, the hero, the development was non-existent and the "steamy" scenes left me feeling uncomfortable and totally turned off. will not be checking out more of the author's works.
I'm interested to try the other offerings in this collection some other time!
I absolutely loved Grace Goodwin's instalment.
Sue Lyndon - Promised To The Alien: I did not enjoy at all, after reading the amazing work of Goodwin's world building and steamy scenes, this novella just fell flat. I didn't enjoy the world, the hero, the development was non-existent and the "steamy" scenes left me feeling uncomfortable and totally turned off. will not be checking out more of the author's works.
I'm interested to try the other offerings in this collection some other time!
tacuazin's review against another edition
3.0
So far,
Promised to the Alien by Sue Lyndon. 3*
Sold to the Enemy by Sara Fields. 3.5*
Their Zandian Mate by Renee Rose. Skipped.
Fated Possession by Cari Silverwood. 4*
Claiming His Virgin by Grace Goodwin. Skimmed.
Dark Warlord by Cynthia Sax. 4*
Draekon Rescue by Lee Savino and Lili Zander. 3.5*.
Strangeways by Addison Cain. 4*
Her Savage Mate by Kallista Dane. 3*
Promised to the Alien by Sue Lyndon. 3*
Sold to the Enemy by Sara Fields. 3.5*
Their Zandian Mate by Renee Rose. Skipped.
Fated Possession by Cari Silverwood. 4*
Claiming His Virgin by Grace Goodwin. Skimmed.
Dark Warlord by Cynthia Sax. 4*
Draekon Rescue by Lee Savino and Lili Zander. 3.5*.
Strangeways by Addison Cain. 4*
Her Savage Mate by Kallista Dane. 3*
honeysbookobsession's review against another edition
4.0
Good Collection
This was a pretty good collections of stories. I only wish it wasn't all BDSM sex. Other than that I enjoyed this book.
This was a pretty good collections of stories. I only wish it wasn't all BDSM sex. Other than that I enjoyed this book.
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
3.0
The rating is the average from the ratings below. (2.75 stars)
This anthology had a couple good stories but as you can see a lot of them are just ok. I feel like there was way to many stories for this anthology. I think it would have been better if this had been broken down into two anthologies because having 23 in one is just exhausting. I took me a whole month to read this anthology because I had to take frequent breaks between the stories. I realized by about story 6 that I was starting to give lower ratings because I wasn't really reading to enjoy the content anymore. I was forcing myself to read just to finish.
Promised to the Alien by Sue Lyndon: 3/5
Sold to the Enemy by Sara Fields: 4/5
Their Zandian Mate by Renee Rose: 3/5
Fated Possession by Cari Silverwood: 3/5
Claiming his Virgin by Grace Goodwin: 5/5
Dark Warlord by Cynthia Sax: 4/5
Draeken Rescue by Lee Savino and Lili Zander: 3.5/5
Strangeways by Addison Cain: 1/5
I just couldn't get into this one and actually didn't finish it.
Her Savage Mate by Kallista Dane: 2/5
Her Consort by Maren Smith: 2/5
Vanquished Mate by Ava Sinclair: 2.5/5
The Warrior's Pleasure-Girl by Emily Tilton: 2.5/5
The Enforcer by Ashe Barker: 3/5
Conquering Kayla by Korey Mae Johnson: 3/5
Finding Sitra by Jane Henry: 2/5
Under Contract by Jaye Peaches: SKIPPED
So by this point I am getting pretty tired of reading this anthology and the stories are not as interesting anymore. This story didn't really capture my attention within the first few pages so I am skipping it.
Her Biker from Mars by Katie Douglas: 3/5
Doubly Dominant by Loki Renard: 3/5
His Human Bride by Maria Monroe: 2/5
Dravven's Submissive by Megan Michaels: 2/5
Swallowed by Darkness by Myra Danvers: 3/5
I really liked this heroine and her attitude to being kidnapped by aliens.
The Ghost in the Stars by Sophie Kisker: 2/5
This anthology had a couple good stories but as you can see a lot of them are just ok. I feel like there was way to many stories for this anthology. I think it would have been better if this had been broken down into two anthologies because having 23 in one is just exhausting. I took me a whole month to read this anthology because I had to take frequent breaks between the stories. I realized by about story 6 that I was starting to give lower ratings because I wasn't really reading to enjoy the content anymore. I was forcing myself to read just to finish.
Promised to the Alien by Sue Lyndon: 3/5
Sold to the Enemy by Sara Fields: 4/5
Their Zandian Mate by Renee Rose: 3/5
Fated Possession by Cari Silverwood: 3/5
Claiming his Virgin by Grace Goodwin: 5/5
Dark Warlord by Cynthia Sax: 4/5
Draeken Rescue by Lee Savino and Lili Zander: 3.5/5
Strangeways by Addison Cain: 1/5
I just couldn't get into this one and actually didn't finish it.
Her Savage Mate by Kallista Dane: 2/5
Her Consort by Maren Smith: 2/5
Vanquished Mate by Ava Sinclair: 2.5/5
The Warrior's Pleasure-Girl by Emily Tilton: 2.5/5
The Enforcer by Ashe Barker: 3/5
Conquering Kayla by Korey Mae Johnson: 3/5
Finding Sitra by Jane Henry: 2/5
Under Contract by Jaye Peaches: SKIPPED
So by this point I am getting pretty tired of reading this anthology and the stories are not as interesting anymore. This story didn't really capture my attention within the first few pages so I am skipping it.
Her Biker from Mars by Katie Douglas: 3/5
Doubly Dominant by Loki Renard: 3/5
His Human Bride by Maria Monroe: 2/5
Dravven's Submissive by Megan Michaels: 2/5
Swallowed by Darkness by Myra Danvers: 3/5
I really liked this heroine and her attitude to being kidnapped by aliens.
The Ghost in the Stars by Sophie Kisker: 2/5
honeysbookobsession's review
4.0
Good Collection
This was a pretty good collections of stories. I only wish it wasn't all BDSM sex. Other than that I enjoyed this book.
This was a pretty good collections of stories. I only wish it wasn't all BDSM sex. Other than that I enjoyed this book.
sjransom's review
5.0
Interesting indeed!
I came about Sara Fieldstone from a suggestion in a Facebook post. I was skeptical at first but this turned out better than I expected.
I came about Sara Fieldstone from a suggestion in a Facebook post. I was skeptical at first but this turned out better than I expected.