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30something_reads's Reviews (820)
adventurous
fast-paced
3.25 ⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the new book.
Plot Summary: Alice wakes up in a mysterious facility only to find out she's been abducted and brought to an alien world for reproductive research. When a Clecanian male recognizes her as his mate, she learns he is being held captive, drugged, and used as a research subject. Despite being unable to communicate with one another, Alice finds herself drawn to this male and can't help but wonder what life with him might be like. When an opportunity to free herself, Luka, and the other human prisoners presents itself, Alice takes it.
She thought being imprisoned would be the hardest part but once Alice is free, she realizes navigating her new life and delicate relationship with Luka might be more complicated than she originally thought.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this one a little bit more on my reread but I think it still is my least favorite from the series. I didn't love Alice as a character. I know her insecurities were reasonable but I often just found her agonizing annoying.
I did love the expansion of the world and introduction to the other characters though.
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the new book.
Plot Summary: Alice wakes up in a mysterious facility only to find out she's been abducted and brought to an alien world for reproductive research. When a Clecanian male recognizes her as his mate, she learns he is being held captive, drugged, and used as a research subject. Despite being unable to communicate with one another, Alice finds herself drawn to this male and can't help but wonder what life with him might be like. When an opportunity to free herself, Luka, and the other human prisoners presents itself, Alice takes it.
She thought being imprisoned would be the hardest part but once Alice is free, she realizes navigating her new life and delicate relationship with Luka might be more complicated than she originally thought.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this one a little bit more on my reread but I think it still is my least favorite from the series. I didn't love Alice as a character. I know her insecurities were reasonable but I often just found her agonizing annoying.
I did love the expansion of the world and introduction to the other characters though.
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
adventurous
fast-paced
3 ⭐
✅friends to lovers
✅fated mates
✅bodyguard hero
✅found families
Bishop is the prequel novella to the Rogues of Zathari series. I read this one after the first book (Havoc) so I don't think it matters where you read this one.
Serra runs away from Earth to escape a forced marriage to the son of a crime boss and finds herself a new start on another planet. It's there she makes friends, finds a job, and gets to work alongside a handsome Zathari named Bishop. Both have a dark past but Serra and Bishop strike up a sweet friendship despite secretly having feelings for one another. Then Serra's past catches up with her and threatens everything she's come to love about her new life.
This was a very cute additional peak into the series. I think it suffers the same way a lot of novellas suffer in that the plot felt rushed. Most of the characters prior relationship was built off-page (which, again, I get it since its a novella). Still a fun read. I'm ready for more :)
TWs (taken from authors website): explicit sex, BDSM, non-sexual assault (perpetrated by antagonist), kidnapping/abduction (antagonist), violence, abuse (familial, perpetrated by brother and antagonist), parent death, imprisonment/torture (hero backstory)
✅friends to lovers
✅fated mates
✅bodyguard hero
✅found families
Bishop is the prequel novella to the Rogues of Zathari series. I read this one after the first book (Havoc) so I don't think it matters where you read this one.
Serra runs away from Earth to escape a forced marriage to the son of a crime boss and finds herself a new start on another planet. It's there she makes friends, finds a job, and gets to work alongside a handsome Zathari named Bishop. Both have a dark past but Serra and Bishop strike up a sweet friendship despite secretly having feelings for one another. Then Serra's past catches up with her and threatens everything she's come to love about her new life.
This was a very cute additional peak into the series. I think it suffers the same way a lot of novellas suffer in that the plot felt rushed. Most of the characters prior relationship was built off-page (which, again, I get it since its a novella). Still a fun read. I'm ready for more :)
TWs (taken from authors website): explicit sex, BDSM, non-sexual assault (perpetrated by antagonist), kidnapping/abduction (antagonist), violence, abuse (familial, perpetrated by brother and antagonist), parent death, imprisonment/torture (hero backstory)
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adventurous
fast-paced
3.75 ⭐
✅enemies to lovers
✅fated mates
✅outlaw hero
✅found families
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I love when an alien series doesn't necessarily begin with an abduction and existential crisis.... It's just nice sometimes when the humans already have a semblance of understanding about the wider universe. And I am a sucker for MCs that are considered outcasts or dangerous in their societies but wind up being the honorable/reluctant heroes.
My only complaint, and it's probably super nitpicky, is sometimes the setting felt a little uninspired. There were just a lot of instances where minor things were so human and it would have been cool to flesh out some of it to be more alien.
Which is not to say all of the details were bad because there was some fabulous worldbuilding regarding the Zathari belief systems and star-bonded mates.
And I am super intrigued by the rest of Havoc's brothers and what their stories will entail. Will definitely be continuing the series!
TWs (taken from authors website): explicit sex, BDSM, sexual assault (implied or off-page, perpetrated by antagonist), captivity/imprisonment, trafficking/slavery (implied/threatened by other character), violence, abuse (off-page, perpetrated by antagonist), parental abandonment (hero and heroine)
✅enemies to lovers
✅fated mates
✅outlaw hero
✅found families
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I love when an alien series doesn't necessarily begin with an abduction and existential crisis.... It's just nice sometimes when the humans already have a semblance of understanding about the wider universe. And I am a sucker for MCs that are considered outcasts or dangerous in their societies but wind up being the honorable/reluctant heroes.
My only complaint, and it's probably super nitpicky, is sometimes the setting felt a little uninspired. There were just a lot of instances where minor things were so human and it would have been cool to flesh out some of it to be more alien.
Which is not to say all of the details were bad because there was some fabulous worldbuilding regarding the Zathari belief systems and star-bonded mates.
And I am super intrigued by the rest of Havoc's brothers and what their stories will entail. Will definitely be continuing the series!
TWs (taken from authors website): explicit sex, BDSM, sexual assault (implied or off-page, perpetrated by antagonist), captivity/imprisonment, trafficking/slavery (implied/threatened by other character), violence, abuse (off-page, perpetrated by antagonist), parental abandonment (hero and heroine)
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 ⭐
“I really don’t get why you want to have a baby when I’m literally right here. I’m a child, and I love being babied. Plus, I’m already housebroken. That’s a win-win.”
That's it. That's the story. And I loved it.
Okay, but for real. This was a super cute story despite the heavy topics of infertility, depression, and overall loneliness felt by the majority during the pandemic. Moriah and Lowell were so sweet together. Just two dummies in love that don't understand how fertility clinics are supposed to work.
“I really don’t get why you want to have a baby when I’m literally right here. I’m a child, and I love being babied. Plus, I’m already housebroken. That’s a win-win.”
That's it. That's the story. And I loved it.
Okay, but for real. This was a super cute story despite the heavy topics of infertility, depression, and overall loneliness felt by the majority during the pandemic. Moriah and Lowell were so sweet together. Just two dummies in love that don't understand how fertility clinics are supposed to work.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 ⭐
Series Overview:Taken to Evernor is the 8th book in Stephen's Xiveri Mates alien romance series. And while this book can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read the series in order to best enjoy the storyline (because its insane!).
One of the things I love most about the series is how the author has created an entire universe with varying species that are not just background characters (to a singular race that is the main focus.) Our FMCs end up with alien men from lots of difference species which makes for new and exciting interactions every time.
Plot Overview: Nalia, a human recently awakened after an abduction, manages to escape but finds herself on the planet, Evernor, with no idea how she got there or any memories of her past. And on top of all that, she is now a prize to be won in the planet's infamous gladiator competition.
Herannathon, a Niahhorru pirate (who we met in Taken to Kor) is on a mission to find Nalia at any cost. Including, entering himself into the gladiator games to win her back and make her his.
Thoughts: Oh wow. Wow wowowwowow. Elizabeth Stephens was not exaggerating when she said this was her spiciest book yet. 🥵🔥 It ABSOLUTELY delivers on the spice from the get-go. The chemistry between these two is instantaneous despite the initial language barrier (it was honestly better because of the language barrier). I loved Nalia as a character and the way she grows into her own throughout the story. Herannathon thinks she is a female that needs saving and she proves him wrong... which makes him fall even more in love with her in the process.
The setting of Evernor? Fabulous.
The world building? Insane.
The Shekurr?! Whew!!!! 🥵🔥 Loved that epilogue. (Also, super appreciative of the fact that it is an epilogue so if the group activities are not your thing, you can skip and not miss anything from the story)
Also, I cannot and will not get over the peeks into Ashmara and Jerrock. Every time they show up, I am OBSESSED. That final book is going to be SO GOOD!!!!
TWs: Violence, Death, past mentions of war, past mentions of trauma
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Series Overview:Taken to Evernor is the 8th book in Stephen's Xiveri Mates alien romance series. And while this book can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read the series in order to best enjoy the storyline (because its insane!).
One of the things I love most about the series is how the author has created an entire universe with varying species that are not just background characters (to a singular race that is the main focus.) Our FMCs end up with alien men from lots of difference species which makes for new and exciting interactions every time.
Plot Overview: Nalia, a human recently awakened after an abduction, manages to escape but finds herself on the planet, Evernor, with no idea how she got there or any memories of her past. And on top of all that, she is now a prize to be won in the planet's infamous gladiator competition.
Herannathon, a Niahhorru pirate (who we met in Taken to Kor) is on a mission to find Nalia at any cost. Including, entering himself into the gladiator games to win her back and make her his.
Thoughts: Oh wow. Wow wowowwowow. Elizabeth Stephens was not exaggerating when she said this was her spiciest book yet. 🥵🔥 It ABSOLUTELY delivers on the spice from the get-go. The chemistry between these two is instantaneous despite the initial language barrier (it was honestly better because of the language barrier). I loved Nalia as a character and the way she grows into her own throughout the story. Herannathon thinks she is a female that needs saving and she proves him wrong... which makes him fall even more in love with her in the process.
The setting of Evernor? Fabulous.
The world building? Insane.
The Shekurr?! Whew!!!! 🥵🔥 Loved that epilogue. (Also, super appreciative of the fact that it is an epilogue so if the group activities are not your thing, you can skip and not miss anything from the story)
Also, I cannot and will not get over the peeks into Ashmara and Jerrock. Every time they show up, I am OBSESSED. That final book is going to be SO GOOD!!!!
TWs: Violence, Death, past mentions of war, past mentions of trauma
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
fast-paced
Sometimes you just need Katee Robert's erotica, okay?
It gave what it was meant to give. Everyone had a great time.
It gave what it was meant to give. Everyone had a great time.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 ⭐
After reading all of the author's works, it is very clear that Ms Hazelwood has a type:
✅ tall, strapping, strong man
✅ intimidatingly intelligent
✅ scary-handsome
✅ not the best at communicating (but he's working on it)
✅ will commit violence for love
✅ a total himbo for the leading lady
And I love all of these things so you can just sign me up for whatever comes next, thanks.
Overall Love on the Brain was super sweet with funny banter, great side characters, and was just a bit spicier than TLH. 😚🤌🏻
Ali Hazelwood definitely has her style locked in. And I think at this point, we know what we're going to be getting into (and that it will just continue to get better as she continues). Her voice is either going to work for you or it won't.
After reading all of the author's works, it is very clear that Ms Hazelwood has a type:
✅ tall, strapping, strong man
✅ intimidatingly intelligent
✅ scary-handsome
✅ not the best at communicating (but he's working on it)
✅ will commit violence for love
✅ a total himbo for the leading lady
And I love all of these things so you can just sign me up for whatever comes next, thanks.
Overall Love on the Brain was super sweet with funny banter, great side characters, and was just a bit spicier than TLH. 😚🤌🏻
Ali Hazelwood definitely has her style locked in. And I think at this point, we know what we're going to be getting into (and that it will just continue to get better as she continues). Her voice is either going to work for you or it won't.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Death of parent
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25⭐
What a wonderfully cozy monster romance novella!!
Truly, this was such a sweet little slice of life fantasy romance. Very reminiscent of CM Nascosta.
I'm so glad I stumbled onto this. Now I think I need to check out this authors full length works in the same series 💚
What a wonderfully cozy monster romance novella!!
Truly, this was such a sweet little slice of life fantasy romance. Very reminiscent of CM Nascosta.
I'm so glad I stumbled onto this. Now I think I need to check out this authors full length works in the same series 💚
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Surprisingly I think this is my least favorite in the series so far. LOVED Deena and Rhork but I just think that there was less time spent on their relationship and more time spent on setting up the stories for the next books. Which, hey, that's okay because Stephens does some fucking fabulous world-building 🫶🏻
Deena and Rhork are super fun characters. I love how they meet and fall in love before they even meet in person. Both are so funny and I love their pirate lifestyle 😆❤️
Loved getting to see my babies Svera and Krisxox again and the peaks into characters for the next books.☺️