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Interstellar Brides Program #1
Assigned a Mate
When a potential threat against her life forces Eva Daily to seek shelter on another world, she has only one option available to her. She must offer herself to the Interstellar Bride Program. After a deeply humiliating assessment of her suitability, Eva will be assigned a mate and transported to his world to become his bride.
Upon arriving on the desert planet Trion, Eva soon learns that things are quite different than she is used to on Earth. Her assigned mate, the powerful, handsome High Councilor Tark, makes it clear that she will be expected to submit to him completely, and she quickly discovers that disobedience will earn her a painful, embarrassing spanking on her bare bottom.
An intimate examination from her new mate leaves Eva blushing crimson, but to her surprise Tark’s mastery of her body arouses her beyond anything she could have ever imagined. Soon enough she finds herself naked, bound, and unable to resist the urge to beg for more as his skillful lovemaking brings her to one shattering climax after another.
It doesn’t take long, however, for Eva to realize that there is much more to Tark than just a dominant brute who will not hesitate to take his misbehaving wife over his knee and redden her bare bottom thoroughly. But just as her passion for him begins to blossom into love, events back on Earth threaten to tear her away from him forever. Can Eva find a way to remain at Tark’s side and in his bed, or will she be left with nothing but memories of the man who has claimed both her body and her heart?
Publisher’s Note: Assigned a Mate is an erotic romance novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes, medical play, anal play, elements of BDSM, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
Upon arriving on the desert planet Trion, Eva soon learns that things are quite different than she is used to on Earth. Her assigned mate, the powerful, handsome High Councilor Tark, makes it clear that she will be expected to submit to him completely, and she quickly discovers that disobedience will earn her a painful, embarrassing spanking on her bare bottom.
An intimate examination from her new mate leaves Eva blushing crimson, but to her surprise Tark’s mastery of her body arouses her beyond anything she could have ever imagined. Soon enough she finds herself naked, bound, and unable to resist the urge to beg for more as his skillful lovemaking brings her to one shattering climax after another.
It doesn’t take long, however, for Eva to realize that there is much more to Tark than just a dominant brute who will not hesitate to take his misbehaving wife over his knee and redden her bare bottom thoroughly. But just as her passion for him begins to blossom into love, events back on Earth threaten to tear her away from him forever. Can Eva find a way to remain at Tark’s side and in his bed, or will she be left with nothing but memories of the man who has claimed both her body and her heart?
Publisher’s Note: Assigned a Mate is an erotic romance novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes, medical play, anal play, elements of BDSM, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2016
About the author
Grace Goodwin
89 books1,836 followersVisit Grace's Goodwin's website:
http://GraceGoodwin.com
Take the Brides' Test!
http://InterstellarBridesProgram.com
Printable reading list:
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All Series Books-Chronological Reading Order:
https://bit.ly/3bEQfAl
http://GraceGoodwin.com
Take the Brides' Test!
http://InterstellarBridesProgram.com
Printable reading list:
https://bit.ly/2Am6rJx
All Series Books-Chronological Reading Order:
https://bit.ly/3bEQfAl
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
July 6, 2020
3.5 stars?
This is what happens when I try to casually fill the endless void of self-quarantine. I pick up niche erotica and hope I get a giggle out of it. Turns out, I got a giggle but not because the author intended it. A lot of the time, erotica is written with a bit of tongue in cheek. Not this one though. This was really, really trying to make me buy into the seriousness of our main character's plight, and I just kept finding plot holes with it.
The plot was all over the place. I'm going to try to explain, but it's gonna get sloppy. Warning for incoming spoilers.
We have our main character, Eva, who witnessed a murder. A murder committed by someone connected to a big mob family. She therefore is terrified for her own safety, and has to go into hiding until it's her time to testify against him. You'd think that it would be a general witness protection thing, but no. She has to sign up for the Interstellar Brides Program instead. The catch with that though? They only deal in criminals. SO, Eva must pretend that she was convicted of murder in order to participate in this alternative to witness protection....am I crazy, or does that not make any damn sense?
Oh and also, by the end of the book, she finds herself back on Earth for a few weeks and has to then go into what we know as the normal witness protection program anyway. So, what was the point of her having to go mate an alien to begin with then? If the normal program was always available to her, why the hell did she have to jump through these other hoops that literally make no sense? The little ins and outs of the plot never really add up, but I suppose that not really what this book is meant for.
On to the good parts of the book. The steamy scenes. This book is mostly steam. It starts off immediately with a sex scene and then just ramps up from there. Maybe that's why the plot felt so random, there wasn't enough time dedicated to the details of the world building. Instead, we get super kinky smut, and we get it constantly. Let me tell you, I'm not complaining in that department. Not in the slightest. To be honest, that's what kept me reading.
If you're looking for a super intricate sci-fi romance, this ain't it. If you're looking for a romance with layered characters and nuance, this ain't it.
However, if you're looking for a very quick & BDSM heavy book to turn your brain off to, this is certainly entertaining enough for what it is. It's probably amusing for the wrong reasons, but I kinda got a kick out of over analyzing silly plot things I had no business over analyzing. Also, the smut was legitimately good. And, let's be real, the main reason I stuck with this read was because of said smut.
So pick it up or don't, it was fun for what it was.
This is what happens when I try to casually fill the endless void of self-quarantine. I pick up niche erotica and hope I get a giggle out of it. Turns out, I got a giggle but not because the author intended it. A lot of the time, erotica is written with a bit of tongue in cheek. Not this one though. This was really, really trying to make me buy into the seriousness of our main character's plight, and I just kept finding plot holes with it.
The plot was all over the place. I'm going to try to explain, but it's gonna get sloppy. Warning for incoming spoilers.
We have our main character, Eva, who witnessed a murder. A murder committed by someone connected to a big mob family. She therefore is terrified for her own safety, and has to go into hiding until it's her time to testify against him. You'd think that it would be a general witness protection thing, but no. She has to sign up for the Interstellar Brides Program instead. The catch with that though? They only deal in criminals. SO, Eva must pretend that she was convicted of murder in order to participate in this alternative to witness protection....am I crazy, or does that not make any damn sense?
Oh and also, by the end of the book, she finds herself back on Earth for a few weeks and has to then go into what we know as the normal witness protection program anyway. So, what was the point of her having to go mate an alien to begin with then? If the normal program was always available to her, why the hell did she have to jump through these other hoops that literally make no sense? The little ins and outs of the plot never really add up, but I suppose that not really what this book is meant for.
On to the good parts of the book. The steamy scenes. This book is mostly steam. It starts off immediately with a sex scene and then just ramps up from there. Maybe that's why the plot felt so random, there wasn't enough time dedicated to the details of the world building. Instead, we get super kinky smut, and we get it constantly. Let me tell you, I'm not complaining in that department. Not in the slightest. To be honest, that's what kept me reading.
If you're looking for a super intricate sci-fi romance, this ain't it. If you're looking for a romance with layered characters and nuance, this ain't it.
However, if you're looking for a very quick & BDSM heavy book to turn your brain off to, this is certainly entertaining enough for what it is. It's probably amusing for the wrong reasons, but I kinda got a kick out of over analyzing silly plot things I had no business over analyzing. Also, the smut was legitimately good. And, let's be real, the main reason I stuck with this read was because of said smut.
So pick it up or don't, it was fun for what it was.
March 27, 2020
*Not* available Kindle Unlimited.
$5 for 100 pages of story.
It was good, but not that good.
This is a “Spanky”.
You know, the alpha hero says the girl is misbehaving or being impertinent - so she gets spanked followed by either dicking or finger-banging.
Pierced nipples, bondage. I got kind of irritated on her behalf a few times, but orgasms make her happy.
Doesn’t do much for me, but if that’s your thing - here ya go!
$5 for 100 pages of story.
It was good, but not that good.
This is a “Spanky”.
You know, the alpha hero says the girl is misbehaving or being impertinent - so she gets spanked followed by either dicking or finger-banging.
Pierced nipples, bondage. I got kind of irritated on her behalf a few times, but orgasms make her happy.
Doesn’t do much for me, but if that’s your thing - here ya go!
December 17, 2018
Yummy Yummy Yummy!!!
Alien Sex with just the right touch of light BDSM.
High Councilor Tark is my kind of man. He is skilled in bed and takes ownership of his mate's pleasure. He is respectful, kind, sexy, and dominant. Sighs...he's my new book boyfriend!!
I'm not sure why I loved this novella so much, but I loved the characters. The hero was my kind of man and I loved the heroine. The plot was sound and the writing was spot on...I have a new favorite author.
Alien Sex with just the right touch of light BDSM.
High Councilor Tark is my kind of man. He is skilled in bed and takes ownership of his mate's pleasure. He is respectful, kind, sexy, and dominant. Sighs...he's my new book boyfriend!!
I'm not sure why I loved this novella so much, but I loved the characters. The hero was my kind of man and I loved the heroine. The plot was sound and the writing was spot on...I have a new favorite author.
April 14, 2019
I don’t think I’ve ever given a book 1 star before! This book was dreadful! She says no so many times and the dude still has sex with her (which is rape) and then she talks about how hot she is for him because he was a good fuck (while raping her)! This book has set feminism back 100 years! The synopsis sounded so good, but it was not at all as advertised! Needless to say, I will NOT be continuing the series.
December 15, 2018
I don’t mind some hot romance scenes that spice up a good story, but Assigned a Mate has the ratio all wrong: too much sex and not enough story. And the sex is in your face on page 1. Most of the time I like some literary foreplay and character development first. I will not be continuing this with this series.
May 14, 2023
3.5 stars
April 14, 2016
I was hoping for a good read but this was just okay. This is an alien romance with a ton of BDSM. It was just a little hard for me. My one reason I don't love a BDSM book is when both parties are not told of the rules or customs and then are punished when they do something wrong that they did not even know was wrong. It drives me crazy!!! Other than that it was just okay I couldn't get over the punishment thing when no rules were given.
August 19, 2024
Not a book for me....too much sex and not enough romance or plot.
December 18, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building: 📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really
Perspective: First person from both the hero and heroine (mostly heroine)
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from A Love Less Ordinary )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book in Godwin’s Interstellar Brides Program series
Basic plot:
Eva witness a murder on Earth and to protect her life so she can go to trial and testify, she goes into the Interstellar Brides Program to hide.
Give this a try if you want:
- Sci-fi romance
- Alien planet setting (mostly)
- Alien hero/human heroine
- Full figured heroine
- Doctor heroine
- Leader hero – he is a counsel leader
- Instalust
- BDSM and toys
- Hero is very ‘all in’ from the beginning, very possessive
- Some levels of dubious consent – the heroine is forced into what is basically a space mail brides program and must obey her husband
- Higher steam – 5 scenes within a lower page count
Ages:
- Heroine is 28, not sure about hero
My thoughts:
This is a short and steamy scifi romance. Being on the short side with high amounts of sex, there’s not a ton of world building, tension, or character depth, but I still ending up liking it!
I listened to the audio and loved our heroine narration by Audrey Conway. I wasn’t a big fan of the hero done by BJ Pottsworth but most of it was from the heroine’s perspective so that worked out for me ;)
I liked both main characters – it would have been better to learn a bit more about both of them, but especially the hero because I felt like I didn’t know anything about him by the end of the book. The sex was really developed and they were the focus of the story. It still gave them a push and pull element through the control the hero wanted and the fight back from the heroine as she adjusted to the alien society.
I am not super big on BDSM (I like it sometimes, but I usually prefer my books without it) and I’m not sure if all the books in the series focus on that element, but either way I’m definitely going to be trying more from this series.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/thoughts:
“I take care of what’s mine.”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
World Building: 📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really
Perspective: First person from both the hero and heroine (mostly heroine)
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from A Love Less Ordinary )
Should I read in order?
This is the first book in Godwin’s Interstellar Brides Program series
Basic plot:
Eva witness a murder on Earth and to protect her life so she can go to trial and testify, she goes into the Interstellar Brides Program to hide.
Give this a try if you want:
- Sci-fi romance
- Alien planet setting (mostly)
- Alien hero/human heroine
- Full figured heroine
- Doctor heroine
- Leader hero – he is a counsel leader
- Instalust
- BDSM and toys
- Hero is very ‘all in’ from the beginning, very possessive
- Some levels of dubious consent – the heroine is forced into what is basically a space mail brides program and must obey her husband
- Higher steam – 5 scenes within a lower page count
Ages:
- Heroine is 28, not sure about hero
My thoughts:
This is a short and steamy scifi romance. Being on the short side with high amounts of sex, there’s not a ton of world building, tension, or character depth, but I still ending up liking it!
I listened to the audio and loved our heroine narration by Audrey Conway. I wasn’t a big fan of the hero done by BJ Pottsworth but most of it was from the heroine’s perspective so that worked out for me ;)
I liked both main characters – it would have been better to learn a bit more about both of them, but especially the hero because I felt like I didn’t know anything about him by the end of the book. The sex was really developed and they were the focus of the story. It still gave them a push and pull element through the control the hero wanted and the fight back from the heroine as she adjusted to the alien society.
I am not super big on BDSM (I like it sometimes, but I usually prefer my books without it) and I’m not sure if all the books in the series focus on that element, but either way I’m definitely going to be trying more from this series.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/thoughts:
“I take care of what’s mine.”
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
September 16, 2018
OMG super sexy alien erotica......do I really need to say more. This may be an acquired taste but I LOVED it and can't wait to dive into the rest of the series that I can get my hands on!
This specific video review will be included in the September 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the September 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
June 21, 2021
3.5 - 4 stars!
What you'll find:
- Lots of smut
- Light BDSM (spanking, bondage, dominance/submission)
- Mates
- Decent plot/world
For what this is, it was delightfully entertaining and erotic. If you are looking for a short and smutty Sci-fi read, have at it! I wish this series was in KU since there are 22 books. However, they seem to go on sale now and again.
What you'll find:
- Lots of smut
- Light BDSM (spanking, bondage, dominance/submission)
- Mates
- Decent plot/world
For what this is, it was delightfully entertaining and erotic. If you are looking for a short and smutty Sci-fi read, have at it! I wish this series was in KU since there are 22 books. However, they seem to go on sale now and again.
November 23, 2019
Okay, but I much prefer Brides of the Kindred. It's also prime space smut but somehow more humourous, imaginative and sweeter.
June 1, 2023
This was… OK. I listened to Goodwin’s The Beasts series (kind of a Bachelor/Bachelorette show style matching) and enjoyed those so thought I’d go back to the beginning.
This just didn’t quite work for me. The set up was strange and didn’t make sense - to escape danger on earth they “fake” her being a murderer so she can qualify for the Interstellar Brides program. While later they put her into traditional WITSEC.
I’m all for kinky - *consensual* kinky. Spanking someone who is brand new to you, your planet, your culture for refusing to be sexually assaulted by a doctor because it was your job as her “master” to speak up for her (which you failed to do?!?!) is not sexy, it’s abuse. There was a lot of expecting her to comply without question to anything and everything without spending any time getting to know one another. Then *bam* it’s been 3 days and they’re madly in love?
I’ll try another as authors usually improve over time, but I wouldn’t encourage anyone to start here - especially if consent is important to them.
Narration:
BJ Pottsworth & Audrey Conway were good. I enjoyed the dual narration.
This just didn’t quite work for me. The set up was strange and didn’t make sense - to escape danger on earth they “fake” her being a murderer so she can qualify for the Interstellar Brides program. While later they put her into traditional WITSEC.
I’m all for kinky - *consensual* kinky. Spanking someone who is brand new to you, your planet, your culture for refusing to be sexually assaulted by a doctor because it was your job as her “master” to speak up for her (which you failed to do?!?!) is not sexy, it’s abuse. There was a lot of expecting her to comply without question to anything and everything without spending any time getting to know one another. Then *bam* it’s been 3 days and they’re madly in love?
I’ll try another as authors usually improve over time, but I wouldn’t encourage anyone to start here - especially if consent is important to them.
Narration:
BJ Pottsworth & Audrey Conway were good. I enjoyed the dual narration.
July 29, 2018
My first read from Grace Goodwin.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a program pick your perfect mate. Eva/Evelyn gets put in this situation and has to go through a very weird testing process. Not too sure how I feel about that...
Once the match is complete, she's whisked away and given to her alien mate. If you're into BDSM, spankings and the premise of owning your mate's pleasure then this is a book for you.
Not so much for me, so this was a little disappointing. I might still check out the next book to see how that one goes.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a program pick your perfect mate. Eva/Evelyn gets put in this situation and has to go through a very weird testing process. Not too sure how I feel about that...
Once the match is complete, she's whisked away and given to her alien mate. If you're into BDSM, spankings and the premise of owning your mate's pleasure then this is a book for you.
Not so much for me, so this was a little disappointing. I might still check out the next book to see how that one goes.
December 18, 2021
First scene is incredibly disturbing. Didn’t even listen past a minute. Nope. Not for me
September 4, 2020
I know this was alien smut with some BDSM so I knew what I was getting into but I didn't like that nothing here made much sense:
1. You have the technology to teletransport somebody light years away to different planets but you cannot protect them from an assassin?
2. If this is freaking program, why wouldn't you have a system for mates to learn a bit about each other and their cultures before they meet so the culture shock is not as severe? You know, having a a pamphlet like "what to expect in your new planet" so both are not surprised when their alien mates don't behave like the people they're used to?
3. This was set in the future! Why are standards of beauty still the same as today? And why is a doctor -which you assume has seen all sorts of people and has had extensive education - doesn't even think that different cultures have different tastes? Why would she assume that the aliens find the same traits attractive as men on Earth?
4. The world wasn't that interesting. He spent most of his time in meetings!! That would have been ok if this was set in the corporate world but in space??
5. Even though there was a lot of sex, it wasn't that imaginative. The guy relied on funky vibrators to get her 95% of the way there and then just stuck it in.
6. Are medical examinations a kink? Because they seem to be prominent in this series (reading by the descriptions of the rest of the books.) I guess I can say I learned something new!!
7. Narration was sub-par. She always called him "Master!" (exclamation sign included.)
Unlikely to continue the series, given that all the books seem very similar to this one (but with menage!)
1. You have the technology to teletransport somebody light years away to different planets but you cannot protect them from an assassin?
2. If this is freaking program, why wouldn't you have a system for mates to learn a bit about each other and their cultures before they meet so the culture shock is not as severe? You know, having a a pamphlet like "what to expect in your new planet" so both are not surprised when their alien mates don't behave like the people they're used to?
3. This was set in the future! Why are standards of beauty still the same as today? And why is a doctor -which you assume has seen all sorts of people and has had extensive education - doesn't even think that different cultures have different tastes? Why would she assume that the aliens find the same traits attractive as men on Earth?
4. The world wasn't that interesting. He spent most of his time in meetings!! That would have been ok if this was set in the corporate world but in space??
5. Even though there was a lot of sex, it wasn't that imaginative. The guy relied on funky vibrators to get her 95% of the way there and then just stuck it in.
6. Are medical examinations a kink? Because they seem to be prominent in this series (reading by the descriptions of the rest of the books.) I guess I can say I learned something new!!
7. Narration was sub-par. She always called him "Master!" (exclamation sign included.)
Unlikely to continue the series, given that all the books seem very similar to this one (but with menage!)
August 4, 2017
5 Star… Holy Hotness Where Do I Sign Up?!!!!!
“Assigned A Mate” was my introduction to Grace Goodwin, sci-fi romance books and more heat than the average Kindle can handle. No, seriously… I had to replace my Kindle and I’m certain it was connected to the extreme heat in this book! Since this random purchase, nearly a year after the book was published, I’ve ravenously consumed almost every one of Ms. Goodwin’s books (except the ménage story-lines… yeah, I get a little overwhelmed when required to split my focus…) and stalked her relentlessly (please, don’t tell anyone I tend to do that…). Ok, major run on sentence (I tend to do that too…) but hey, I’m not an author and now, you know why not! Professionally written, “Assigned A Mate” flows seamlessly with the hottest alien hero ever written and a totally lovable heroine. The world building is fantastic and the length is perfect for my hectic life… I also have book commitment issues, to many pages have me running in the opposite direction. I’ve read many alien romance novels since “Assigned A Mate” and only a few can compete with Grace Goodwin’s work.
So, if you’re looking for a really good-time… err um, I mean a well written, fast paced story that will leave you… ah... breathless (among other things) one-click “Assigned A Mate” you’ll be so glad you did!
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only!
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… the term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 HOLY HOTNESS STARS
WRITING STYLE: 5 PROFESSIONAL FAST PACED STARS
PLOT: 5 WONDERFUL WORLD BUILDING STARS
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 BE STILL MY BEATING HEART STARS
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 DELIGHTFUL (SIGH) STARS
“Assigned A Mate” was my introduction to Grace Goodwin, sci-fi romance books and more heat than the average Kindle can handle. No, seriously… I had to replace my Kindle and I’m certain it was connected to the extreme heat in this book! Since this random purchase, nearly a year after the book was published, I’ve ravenously consumed almost every one of Ms. Goodwin’s books (except the ménage story-lines… yeah, I get a little overwhelmed when required to split my focus…) and stalked her relentlessly (please, don’t tell anyone I tend to do that…). Ok, major run on sentence (I tend to do that too…) but hey, I’m not an author and now, you know why not! Professionally written, “Assigned A Mate” flows seamlessly with the hottest alien hero ever written and a totally lovable heroine. The world building is fantastic and the length is perfect for my hectic life… I also have book commitment issues, to many pages have me running in the opposite direction. I’ve read many alien romance novels since “Assigned A Mate” and only a few can compete with Grace Goodwin’s work.
So, if you’re looking for a really good-time… err um, I mean a well written, fast paced story that will leave you… ah... breathless (among other things) one-click “Assigned A Mate” you’ll be so glad you did!
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only!
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… the term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 HOLY HOTNESS STARS
WRITING STYLE: 5 PROFESSIONAL FAST PACED STARS
PLOT: 5 WONDERFUL WORLD BUILDING STARS
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 BE STILL MY BEATING HEART STARS
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 DELIGHTFUL (SIGH) STARS
June 14, 2022
6/14/2022 — reread 3 stars. I’ve listened to several books in this series and others by this author, but I think this is the only book I’ve ever written a review for. I think most of the other books I’ve read are a little less… misogynistic. This heroine in this one is constantly told to stfu and do as she’s told, and it’s just very disturbing to me on some level. I actually really like a dominant man in my romance books, but this book somehow made it feel icky, especially at the beginning. Thankfully her other books never really gave me the same impression.
2/21/2021 — 2.5 stars. This book had a lot of dubcon happening and that partly ruined the story for me. I’m guessing this author is really into the dom/sub lifestyle because this book seemed to really praise many aspects of that lifestyle. There was a lot of telling the heroine to just “let go” and let the hero take care of her pleasure and her body. He was very dominant over her and expected her to submit to him immediately upon meeting. I actually did really like the heroine’s backstory and the reason for her joining the interstellar brides program. The idea behind the book was really good but the execution wasn’t to my personal tastes.
Safe; There’s one OW who tries to mislead the heroine about what the word harem means on this other planet... and causes some issues for the couple. Turns out, it’s just a place to keep the women safe in this other world. He is only with the heroine, not the other women in the harem.
2/21/2021 — 2.5 stars. This book had a lot of dubcon happening and that partly ruined the story for me. I’m guessing this author is really into the dom/sub lifestyle because this book seemed to really praise many aspects of that lifestyle. There was a lot of telling the heroine to just “let go” and let the hero take care of her pleasure and her body. He was very dominant over her and expected her to submit to him immediately upon meeting. I actually did really like the heroine’s backstory and the reason for her joining the interstellar brides program. The idea behind the book was really good but the execution wasn’t to my personal tastes.
Safe; There’s one OW who tries to mislead the heroine about what the word harem means on this other planet... and causes some issues for the couple. Turns out, it’s just a place to keep the women safe in this other world. He is only with the heroine, not the other women in the harem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
What was I reading? Cringy, silly, simple, unbelievable porn for ladies. That's all that it was. If you like that sort of stuff with basically only sex scenes and relatively no plot, with BDSM, forced orgasms, slave/master dynamics, then this is for you. It didn't do anything for me. I was laughing. I mean, don't get me wrong. I knew I would be getting sex scenes and maybe a little kink, but I did expect there to be a plot at least and I thought the romance would be a bigger factor, but it was honestly only "oh you look and feel so perfect, you are my mate and I love you even though I just met you yesterday." Truly. That pretty much sums it up. I hoped there would be some character development in there, but there was none. Just fucking. So... I guess I just didn't know what I was getting myself into. In my innocense I thought that even though this was erotica, that this was a real story, just with sex in it too, but nooooh, it was just porn in words, like those porn movies made by girls for girls. Yay - not. The scenes were too cringy though to be enjoyed
P.S. I listened to the audiobook and the voice actors chosen probably didn't help the book. The lady wasn't so bad. She wasn't great though, just sounded a little to old for her part. The guy, hoever, sounded like a total geek, not the hot, tall and bulky steed that he was made out to be. I was like nooooo when the guy started talking. It was so funny!
P.S. I listened to the audiobook and the voice actors chosen probably didn't help the book. The lady wasn't so bad. She wasn't great though, just sounded a little to old for her part. The guy, hoever, sounded like a total geek, not the hot, tall and bulky steed that he was made out to be. I was like nooooo when the guy started talking. It was so funny!
March 6, 2017
"Assigned a Mate" received 4 stars.
The novel gained *STARS* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I want more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for these items:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author I will automatically buy anything s/he writes." (Not hooked yet, bit definitely intrigued.)
The novel gained *STARS* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I want more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for these items:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author I will automatically buy anything s/he writes." (Not hooked yet, bit definitely intrigued.)
March 29, 2017
Love this book and series. Eva goes into the Interstellar Bride program for witness protection, where she meets her match in Tark. I really loved these two, they both had so much spirit and were both so enamoured with each other. This is one of my favorite sci-fi series. These are some of the hottest books for sure, and that always starts out during the first chapter because all brides have to go through "testing"......wow and what test they go through.
Love, love this series.
Love, love this series.
February 3, 2024
Huh. So I've seen this series recced a few times when people have asked for sci-fi/space opera romance. I guess I wasn't expecting it to be so... for it to be basically spanking erotica. It's a long series, are they all spanking erotica? I mean, it's short but it also managed to pack in some likable characters, a bit of interesting worldbuilding, and the brides program is a fun hook for people wanting human/alien pairings without the whole abducted by aliens premise. I'm just not into spanking enough to sustain my interest over 24+ volumes. Lol.
December 16, 2018
Wow! This book really started with a bang. Hotness from page one! I was pleasantly surprised by this series. I avoided it for a while thinking I wouldn’t like it. Pnr non-consent really isn’t my thing, but I really enjoyed this book. I mean it’s erotica people, it’s not a long drawn out storyline or anything but I liked the premise.
Eva signs up for The Interstellar Bride Programme in order to hide out before giving testimony at a trial. Everyone thinks she’s a murderess whose run out of options. Apparently the programme is a way for convicts to avoid jail time, but it’s a forever deal. A computer algorithm monitors your brainwaves and works out your perfect mate.
Oh no, this can’t be right, something so depraved could not float Eva’s boat could it? Aya Carumba! Suddenly it’s it’s all hot alien BDSM action.
I did feel a bit sorry for Eva. No one really seemed to explain the bride programme nor the BDSM rules, but she was pretty strong and feisty throughout. I would say it was pretty light BDSM and I felt that it worked well for Eva and Tark creating some pretty hot scenes.
There is a little bit of angst in getting everyone to accept Eva and a bit more when she reveals her true reasons for being there but everything works out to a big HEA.
I really hope there are 20 in this series because I am hooked! Great idea.
Eva signs up for The Interstellar Bride Programme in order to hide out before giving testimony at a trial. Everyone thinks she’s a murderess whose run out of options. Apparently the programme is a way for convicts to avoid jail time, but it’s a forever deal. A computer algorithm monitors your brainwaves and works out your perfect mate.
Oh no, this can’t be right, something so depraved could not float Eva’s boat could it? Aya Carumba! Suddenly it’s it’s all hot alien BDSM action.
I did feel a bit sorry for Eva. No one really seemed to explain the bride programme nor the BDSM rules, but she was pretty strong and feisty throughout. I would say it was pretty light BDSM and I felt that it worked well for Eva and Tark creating some pretty hot scenes.
There is a little bit of angst in getting everyone to accept Eva and a bit more when she reveals her true reasons for being there but everything works out to a big HEA.
I really hope there are 20 in this series because I am hooked! Great idea.
Read
September 29, 2020You know, sometimes I do get in the mood to read some sexy stuff. Sometimes that sexy stuff involves aliens, big deal.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t MY kind of sexy. this was just...... weird. And I know what you’re thinking: “Caro, this is alien erotica of course it’s weird.”
Alright SURE. You’ve got me there. But when there are forced nipple piercings, dildo-shaped medical devices, and a rule that all women walk around naked 24/7 you can’t really blame me for having some second thoughts.
That being said, I don’t want to yuck anyone’s yum. So if the aforementioned items interest you, this book may be your next favorite read.
Also, maybe off-topic, but I really wanted to know about these dudes’ cultures. Where are all the women? how do they source their water if they live in the desert? Do they even drink water? if they get a human woman pregnant, will she be able to deliver those giant Sasquatch babies naturally or will it burst out of her abdomen? Will they ever dismantle the patriarchy?!?
I have so. many. questions.
But I digress.
DNF’d this at around 30% or so. Maybe this will be your cup of tea. Maybe it won’t. In the meantime I’ll continue searching the galaxies far and wide for that one perfect alien romance.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t MY kind of sexy. this was just...... weird. And I know what you’re thinking: “Caro, this is alien erotica of course it’s weird.”
Alright SURE. You’ve got me there. But when there are forced nipple piercings, dildo-shaped medical devices, and a rule that all women walk around naked 24/7 you can’t really blame me for having some second thoughts.
That being said, I don’t want to yuck anyone’s yum. So if the aforementioned items interest you, this book may be your next favorite read.
Also, maybe off-topic, but I really wanted to know about these dudes’ cultures. Where are all the women? how do they source their water if they live in the desert? Do they even drink water? if they get a human woman pregnant, will she be able to deliver those giant Sasquatch babies naturally or will it burst out of her abdomen? Will they ever dismantle the patriarchy?!?
I have so. many. questions.
But I digress.
DNF’d this at around 30% or so. Maybe this will be your cup of tea. Maybe it won’t. In the meantime I’ll continue searching the galaxies far and wide for that one perfect alien romance.
April 11, 2020
I was in the mood for an easy, quick, steamy, fated mates read and this seemed Ice Planet Barbarians enough to fulfill that need.
And, I mean, it did. I honestly don’t know what else to say about a mail-order brides in space book aside from it’s ridiculous, but not nearly as ridiculous and good as Ice Planet Barbarians. I don’t see myself binging this series like I did Ruby Dixon’s.
And, I mean, it did. I honestly don’t know what else to say about a mail-order brides in space book aside from it’s ridiculous, but not nearly as ridiculous and good as Ice Planet Barbarians. I don’t see myself binging this series like I did Ruby Dixon’s.
October 24, 2017
Short story H is powerful from a culture that appears to be mix of future and feudal. The h is doctor, in witness protection and is hidden off world. They are matched mates, she saves others - very simplistic. Just Ok
August 19, 2019
I did not enjoy this. I think part of my dislike was the audio version. I typically don't really like audio, no one sounds as they do in my head and I found Eva particularly annoying. Overall, I think I was just bored, even the sex was meh. This just wasn't my jam.
July 8, 2016
New to me author. I really enjoyed this book. 10 stars for the steam factor.
August 27, 2017
Mehh, it was ok. 2.5 stars
June 3, 2018
This is kind of fun but repeated use of the word “bottom” makes me uncomfortable
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