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djinnduffy's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I want to start by saying that this book gave me some pretty strong white savior vibes, in that the white FMC comes to this foreign, less-developed, post-colonized, and struggling world with her new ideas and technology and SINGLE-HANDEDLY saves the lizard people and their community from starvation and ruin by using her tools and her cleverness. She is literally framed by multiple characters as the saving grace of the people, chosen and blessed by the spirits to show them a new way of living and helping them thrive.
I do think the alien people were well-developed, intelligent, empathetic characters. I enjoyed them a lot. I just also think there were some elements of this book that some folks may understandably take issue with.
That said, this was a well-written book with a tender romance and complete plot separate from the romance itself. It was spicy, it was sweet, I didn’t want to put it down. This was my first book by Regine Abel, and I would definitely read more from her. I really liked both of the main characters and the way their relationship grew through the story. They felt like real people to me, especially Olix, the MMC. I’d recommend, but with some caveats.
I do think the alien people were well-developed, intelligent, empathetic characters. I enjoyed them a lot. I just also think there were some elements of this book that some folks may understandably take issue with.
That said, this was a well-written book with a tender romance and complete plot separate from the romance itself. It was spicy, it was sweet, I didn’t want to put it down. This was my first book by Regine Abel, and I would definitely read more from her. I really liked both of the main characters and the way their relationship grew through the story. They felt like real people to me, especially Olix, the MMC. I’d recommend, but with some caveats.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Xenophobia and Slavery
The CWs are specifically re: the fact that the alien species we come to know and love were historically oppressed and enslaved, which is why they are all so opposed to farming. They are currently liberated and self-supported in the story, but their history is a major plot point and referred to often.karlasequec's review against another edition
5.0
Precioso! Una historia completamente bella!
La repetiría un millón de veces. Es perfecta.
Esa portada no se hace justicia! Pero si las ilustraciones :)
La repetiría un millón de veces. Es perfecta.
Esa portada no se hace justicia! Pero si las ilustraciones :)
katie_konneker's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mysakaeda's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
unamujerhabitada's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
whiskis's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
First monster book I read, changed my life, literally.
smuttymcbookface's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A surprisingly adorable book. Susan has a great "take everything in her stride" attitude, working hard to both understand and not offend her new family. Olix is willing to do anything to save his people, including marrying a species he feels is weak and extremely unattractive.
This was surprisingly well written, and really recreated the spirit of trying to integrate into a new community with different customs. There were some hilarious moments, and I loved how the author had these two handle differences in understanding.
This was surprisingly well written, and really recreated the spirit of trying to integrate into a new community with different customs. There were some hilarious moments, and I loved how the author had these two handle differences in understanding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Slavery
Minor: Misogyny
caitycatreads's review
3.0
My favorite part of this book was that the two had no immediate attraction. If I were meeting and marrying a Lizardman, I would feel the same way as Susan, but I loved that she went into the whole thing with such an open mind and a willingness to learn about his culture and ways.
Olix is admirable; he cares much about his people and the planet. He comes across as stubborn, but it's understandable from his people's history. I wish he hadn't immediately gotten upset and angry when Susan had tried to speak to him about farming. I also never understood why she didn't tell him immediately about the equipment that made it so she didn't have to get dirty in the dirt, which is the main issue for his people. It wouldn't have improved everything, but it would have helped ease his people's concerns. But I didn't feel like I ever got to know the characters beyond their feelings of duty to their people. I would have loved to read more about Olix and Susan, getting to know each other as people and seeing their relationship evolve.
The spice in the book wasn't crazy. There are a few explicit scenes, but it is pretty mild. I like that it addressed all the concerns for both of them, having never laid with someone from the other species (in Susan's case, she was a virgin!) So it was good to see them be awkward and nervous, but they seemed to get the hang of it.
The book had great pacing. I liked that there wasn't any 3rd act breakup or angst. It was a good book, and I will continue reading the series!
adelesteger's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
anotherstoryreader's review
5.0
Sweet surprise!
What a sweet surprise this book is! Again I'm a sucker for arranged/ marriage of convenience with cultural differences. This fits perfectly. I wasn't sure how I felt going forward just by looking at the cover. But both main characters were perfect and I
loved that they found their way together. It had a great spice level beginning with a lizard man who doesn't know what a kiss or four play is and a human with very little experience herself. It was very sweet and had a great story line.
What a sweet surprise this book is! Again I'm a sucker for arranged/ marriage of convenience with cultural differences. This fits perfectly. I wasn't sure how I felt going forward just by looking at the cover. But both main characters were perfect and I
loved that they found their way together. It had a great spice level beginning with a lizard man who doesn't know what a kiss or four play is and a human with very little experience herself. It was very sweet and had a great story line.