What do you think?
Rate this book
A vrisha arrives in Grace's underwater city.
He takes over one of the substations, forcing the workers out.
At the whim of her job, Grace is unwillingly chosen to go below, maintain the station, and stay with the horned, devilish alien.
That is how she comes to encounter Xora. An alien born from a race of dominant fighters and fierce hunters. He is as terrifying as he is mysterious. While also commanding, stubborn, unrelenting...and oddly mesmerizing.
As her fear slips away, other emotions begin to take hold. And Grace finds she wants to know more.
Xora just wants to get off the cold, watery world as quickly as possible. Yet, despite his indifference to humans, he finds his attention captured by Grace. Against his own nature, he allows her near him. Closer than anyone. He's just too...curious.
For Grace, working with Xora could be dangerous. But when he desires her help on a secret mission, Grace can't refuse. Even if it could mean putting her job and life (and heart) at risk.
For Xora, Grace's help could be his best chance at getting home. Assuming he can keep his growing feelings for the bold woman from making him lose sight of why he's on Oceanus in the first place.
Xora is a standalone novel. Vrisha Warriors is a new series based in the Dark World Mates Universe. For better understanding and enjoyment of the universe, it is best to read books 1 - 4 in the Dark World Mates series starting with Heart's Prisoner. This book contains mature themes and is for mature readers only.
He takes over one of the substations, forcing the workers out.
At the whim of her job, Grace is unwillingly chosen to go below, maintain the station, and stay with the horned, devilish alien.
That is how she comes to encounter Xora. An alien born from a race of dominant fighters and fierce hunters. He is as terrifying as he is mysterious. While also commanding, stubborn, unrelenting...and oddly mesmerizing.
As her fear slips away, other emotions begin to take hold. And Grace finds she wants to know more.
Xora just wants to get off the cold, watery world as quickly as possible. Yet, despite his indifference to humans, he finds his attention captured by Grace. Against his own nature, he allows her near him. Closer than anyone. He's just too...curious.
For Grace, working with Xora could be dangerous. But when he desires her help on a secret mission, Grace can't refuse. Even if it could mean putting her job and life (and heart) at risk.
For Xora, Grace's help could be his best chance at getting home. Assuming he can keep his growing feelings for the bold woman from making him lose sight of why he's on Oceanus in the first place.
Xora is a standalone novel. Vrisha Warriors is a new series based in the Dark World Mates Universe. For better understanding and enjoyment of the universe, it is best to read books 1 - 4 in the Dark World Mates series starting with Heart's Prisoner. This book contains mature themes and is for mature readers only.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
179 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Riley
11books487followersOlivia loves the dark possibilities of space; of ferocious aliens and brave heroines. She writes sci-fi, horror, and fantasy.
Join her Newsletter:
Find more from her on social media:
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 25, 2022
This is a new spin-off series it’s set in the same world as the previous Dark World Series and focuses on the Vrisha warriors but is also a stand-alone. Xora has been demoted and exiled from his home planet his punishment collecting recourses on a fire world he is then given a chance to redeem himself. He’s Sent to Oceanus to mine Ulimir a rich mineral that’s found beneath the ocean in the underwater facility on this world.
Grace works on rig K32 it’s a thankless job with few advantages but it’s a roof over her head and food in her belly. Blackmailed by her supervisor to volunteer to work and live beside the Vrisha to maintain the lower level Grace has little choice in her assignment.
At first, scared of her new neighbour it’s not long before she’s decides to face her fears and Xora whose only original thoughts regarding humans is that they are weak strange creatures who stink of fear and not worth much of his concern soon learns that Grace is so much more than he originally expected.
Joining forces to complete Xora’s mission the two begin to connect first as reluctant partners on Xora’s behalf and then very slowly an accord begins to develop the two becoming sort of friends and comrades. Xora’s respect and interest increasing whilst Grace becomes less fearful of her lethal-looking workmate.
When outside forces threaten the base Xora will do what he must to protect the delicate female he is coming to care for and both find themselves drawn to each other in spite of their many differences. But a possible betrayal could threaten it all breaking the fragile bond of trust that has developed here.
This is an interesting read it’s a slow burn and not overly explicit but it does work and I did believe in the connections that formed here. It’s well written and easily kept my attention throughout. If you like real looking aliens and an imaginative sci-fi setting then this has that. I enjoyed this one and would recommend it.I voluntary reviewed a copy of Xora (Vrisha Warriors #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
May 20, 2024
4�
2🌶�
A great series opener, and a personal best yet of Olivia Riley for me! A forced proximity, surprisingly poignant romance between a human woman, our FMC Grace, and a vrisha male alien, MMC Xora. Both have preconceived notions of what the other's species is like, and they aren't nice thoughts, from either side. But as they spend more time together, in pursuit of a common goal, they start to get over their fear (Grace) and get over their resentment (Xora) and connect at the very elemental level, surpassing species. They have great physical chemistry, and their emotional bond as a couple was refreshingly developed and lovingly built.
I would highly recommend any alien romance lover to add this one to your lists!
2🌶�
A great series opener, and a personal best yet of Olivia Riley for me! A forced proximity, surprisingly poignant romance between a human woman, our FMC Grace, and a vrisha male alien, MMC Xora. Both have preconceived notions of what the other's species is like, and they aren't nice thoughts, from either side. But as they spend more time together, in pursuit of a common goal, they start to get over their fear (Grace) and get over their resentment (Xora) and connect at the very elemental level, surpassing species. They have great physical chemistry, and their emotional bond as a couple was refreshingly developed and lovingly built.
I would highly recommend any alien romance lover to add this one to your lists!
January 12, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡�
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I like my scenes longer and more explicit)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
More character focused or plot focused? a mix of both but maybe a bit more plot
When mains are first on page together: Took a little bit � about 12% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Riley’s Vrisha Warriors series but I see an author note that readers will have more understanding of the setting if they read books 1-4 in Dark World Mates first. (Heart’s Prisoner is book 1)
Basic plot:
Xora and Grace are both just doing a job but eventually become curious about each other.
Give this a try if you want:
- science fiction romance
- alien setting
- hero nurses heroine to health
- work place romance
- language barrier
- never been kissed hero
- lower steam � 2 full scenes
First line:
The planet was on fire.
My thoughts:
So, I do kind of wish I had seen the author note about reading her Dark World Mates first before starting this (I saw that as I was writing my review for this haha) because I found myself a bit overwhelmed with the world building here � especially the hero’s culture? I ended up kind of not connecting with those parts at all and just wanting to move on back to Xora and Grace things.
This novel felt rather slow to me. And in some ways I liked that. So many alien romances I pick up are quite fast, with lots of plot pulling you here and there and this one had a slow growth of character development and relationship growth that I thought was a lot deeper than what I’ve read in many of my alien romances lately. So I loved that aspect to it. It was so much more rewarding to see these two get to know each other and fully CHOOSE each other � and not be forced in to a mating frenzy by a fated mates hormone circus. So I liked that and the relationship just had this ‘real� feeling to it that I really appreciated.
I guess I just got a bit bored with this one, though? There were a lot of slower parts to me and it did feel like I was waiting forever for them to grow closer. The steam was a bit of a let down to me � like it was fine but I guess I was expecting more? I’m not sure.
I did like a lot about the book and will definitely pick up some more by this author.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdowns mean, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡�
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I like my scenes longer and more explicit)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
How did the speed of the story feel? slow
More character focused or plot focused? a mix of both but maybe a bit more plot
When mains are first on page together: Took a little bit � about 12% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Riley’s Vrisha Warriors series but I see an author note that readers will have more understanding of the setting if they read books 1-4 in Dark World Mates first. (Heart’s Prisoner is book 1)
Basic plot:
Xora and Grace are both just doing a job but eventually become curious about each other.
Give this a try if you want:
- science fiction romance
- alien setting
- hero nurses heroine to health
- work place romance
- language barrier
- never been kissed hero
- lower steam � 2 full scenes
First line:
The planet was on fire.
My thoughts:
So, I do kind of wish I had seen the author note about reading her Dark World Mates first before starting this (I saw that as I was writing my review for this haha) because I found myself a bit overwhelmed with the world building here � especially the hero’s culture? I ended up kind of not connecting with those parts at all and just wanting to move on back to Xora and Grace things.
This novel felt rather slow to me. And in some ways I liked that. So many alien romances I pick up are quite fast, with lots of plot pulling you here and there and this one had a slow growth of character development and relationship growth that I thought was a lot deeper than what I’ve read in many of my alien romances lately. So I loved that aspect to it. It was so much more rewarding to see these two get to know each other and fully CHOOSE each other � and not be forced in to a mating frenzy by a fated mates hormone circus. So I liked that and the relationship just had this ‘real� feeling to it that I really appreciated.
I guess I just got a bit bored with this one, though? There were a lot of slower parts to me and it did feel like I was waiting forever for them to grow closer. The steam was a bit of a let down to me � like it was fine but I guess I was expecting more? I’m not sure.
I did like a lot about the book and will definitely pick up some more by this author.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdowns mean, where to find me, and book clubs
February 11, 2023
Oh man this setting is like my worst nightmare.
Being out in the vastness of space only shielded by a ship �
Being hundreds of miles down in an underwater station �
Both are essential the same- but my brain says no to the deep dark of the ocean and threat of drowning if a little crack ends in a flood. But regardless I loved the creepy atmosphere of the deck that our leads- Xora and Grace end up working on together.
So in this story we have our human Grace, who is working shit jobs on her stations level just trying to get use to the tedium of her routine until she can get enough money to move somewhere better. However, her boss is not only an asshole but a straight up weasel- framing her for banned substances in order to ensure she ends up working on a level that her other coworkers are scared of.
Why is this? Oh maybe because a giant terrifying alien 'devil' has set up residence, and no one wants to be working alone with him down there. That alien is Xora, a demoted warrior who has been sent to the planet Oceanus to collect materials to help his homeworld as a last ditch redemption effort to get him unexiled. As we were introduced in Xora is a Vrisha- tall, red, horned, and very deadly.
And although Grace is first terrified by his presence and appearance she eventually opens up to Xora, and although Xora might see humans as annoying pests in return- by getting to know each other they find that maybe they could be a different kind of partner to each other than just co-workers.
Being out in the vastness of space only shielded by a ship �
Being hundreds of miles down in an underwater station �
Both are essential the same- but my brain says no to the deep dark of the ocean and threat of drowning if a little crack ends in a flood. But regardless I loved the creepy atmosphere of the deck that our leads- Xora and Grace end up working on together.
So in this story we have our human Grace, who is working shit jobs on her stations level just trying to get use to the tedium of her routine until she can get enough money to move somewhere better. However, her boss is not only an asshole but a straight up weasel- framing her for banned substances in order to ensure she ends up working on a level that her other coworkers are scared of.
Why is this? Oh maybe because a giant terrifying alien 'devil' has set up residence, and no one wants to be working alone with him down there. That alien is Xora, a demoted warrior who has been sent to the planet Oceanus to collect materials to help his homeworld as a last ditch redemption effort to get him unexiled. As we were introduced in Xora is a Vrisha- tall, red, horned, and very deadly.
And although Grace is first terrified by his presence and appearance she eventually opens up to Xora, and although Xora might see humans as annoying pests in return- by getting to know each other they find that maybe they could be a different kind of partner to each other than just co-workers.
January 21, 2022
I expected this one to be more of a thriller since they are in an underwater base with the constant threat of drowning. But instead, most of the time is spent driving a sea drone around and mining caves. The book gets exciting in the last 20% or so, but by then I'm just ready for them to get out of dodge.
I enjoy Olivia Riley's worlds and the detail put into the various aliens and tech. The romance was a satisfying slow burn, but I do wish it took more than wine and fish to seduce a Vrisha, that bit has already been done in a previous book.
I enjoy Olivia Riley's worlds and the detail put into the various aliens and tech. The romance was a satisfying slow burn, but I do wish it took more than wine and fish to seduce a Vrisha, that bit has already been done in a previous book.
October 29, 2021
boring alien smut.
the smut was boring too....in case you're wondering.
the smut was boring too....in case you're wondering.
February 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
RTC
RTC
March 20, 2024
REREAD, ON AUDIO
eh. This was better as a book. Not a fan of the narration. The narrator does Xora's voice the same way I do a silly man voice when I'm joking around or telling a story (does that make sense?)
I would have preferred a male narrator I think. Her female narration was good, though! Not a fan of the misunderstanding and the ending. Kind of sad because I liked this one much better the first time. This time it's like a 3 star read ):
--------
This was really good! I have read some of the authors other books in the other series and they were just okay, but I loved this! Very Homebound (by Lydia Hope) esque. This takes place underwater, in these little oxegynated station places. Xora, the hero, is this scary looking red alien. The heroine is sent to work down below and they slowly fall in love. I love slowburns so this was perfect for me. It also had one of my fav things, learning each others languages! I wished that had been in more detail, and they used the translator as a crutch too much for my liking, but I did enjoy the hints of language learning we received. Much like Homebound, the ending happens kind of all at once. They escape the planet and then we get a brief glimpse of their new homelife. I would have loved to see their mating ritual, but we didn't get that! It seems like they cement their bond with a neck bite, which sounded really hot, but that happened off page. I loved the first steamy scene, where he was licking her wounds to heal them and performed oral on her afterwards. Hot, loved it! This had me on the edge of my seat for maybe the last 30% of the book. You can FEEL that something big/bad is about to happen, which stressed me out lol. But the characters handled it really well, and there wasn't a ~big misunderstanding~. They didn't jump to huge conclusions. Really great book! I loved the setting. Loved the characters. Would have liked to see a little more of their new home, but I loved the fact that there was no epilogue baby. Just a simple scene of their new life without tying everything up in a perfect bow with a white house and a picket fence
eh. This was better as a book. Not a fan of the narration. The narrator does Xora's voice the same way I do a silly man voice when I'm joking around or telling a story (does that make sense?)
I would have preferred a male narrator I think. Her female narration was good, though! Not a fan of the misunderstanding and the ending. Kind of sad because I liked this one much better the first time. This time it's like a 3 star read ):
--------
This was really good! I have read some of the authors other books in the other series and they were just okay, but I loved this! Very Homebound (by Lydia Hope) esque. This takes place underwater, in these little oxegynated station places. Xora, the hero, is this scary looking red alien. The heroine is sent to work down below and they slowly fall in love. I love slowburns so this was perfect for me. It also had one of my fav things, learning each others languages! I wished that had been in more detail, and they used the translator as a crutch too much for my liking, but I did enjoy the hints of language learning we received. Much like Homebound, the ending happens kind of all at once. They escape the planet and then we get a brief glimpse of their new homelife. I would have loved to see their mating ritual, but we didn't get that! It seems like they cement their bond with a neck bite, which sounded really hot, but that happened off page. I loved the first steamy scene, where he was licking her wounds to heal them and performed oral on her afterwards. Hot, loved it! This had me on the edge of my seat for maybe the last 30% of the book. You can FEEL that something big/bad is about to happen, which stressed me out lol. But the characters handled it really well, and there wasn't a ~big misunderstanding~. They didn't jump to huge conclusions. Really great book! I loved the setting. Loved the characters. Would have liked to see a little more of their new home, but I loved the fact that there was no epilogue baby. Just a simple scene of their new life without tying everything up in a perfect bow with a white house and a picket fence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2021
It was good, almost 4 star worthy, but a bit simple. Even the two main characters were fairly simple; just two people going about their jobs, overcoming their fear/disdain for each others species, getting to know each other, falling in love, then finally a little conflict as drama happens and they’re swiftly reunited.
I need more from a book. More conflict, a legit villain, more action, more development, just more.
Still, it was entertaining, the writing was fine, I enjoyed watching them overcome their species differences. Since these books are KU, I’ll continue to read the series as they are released.
I need more from a book. More conflict, a legit villain, more action, more development, just more.
Still, it was entertaining, the writing was fine, I enjoyed watching them overcome their species differences. Since these books are KU, I’ll continue to read the series as they are released.
April 13, 2025
I enjoyed it! More sci-fi than romance.
I think the first half was great but the ending dragged on a little.
I think the first half was great but the ending dragged on a little.
October 16, 2021
Another winner from Riley! I squealed when I got the newsletter update that she had released the first book in a spin-off series focusing on the Vrisha, because I found the species both fascinating and, as our heroine Grace so accurately put it, terrifyingly beautiful.
In this book we get another slow-burn, which I appreciate so so much amid the sea of insta-love/lust and/or fated mate alien romances I come across (and am not a huge fan of). I also love how Riley's heroes are actually inhuman looking and that the heroine is, accurately, terrified and not attracted to them at first. It forces the author to show a believable emotional build-up in order to convince readers why these two would then develop a romantic and sexual attraction, and Riley succeeds in that build-up every single time!
My one consistent critique of her past novels was that I wanted a bit more steam, and y'all, I'm happy to say she did bump it up a notch in this one! Two full on smut scenes made me one happy camper (and daaaang did I love the one against the glass) . If you're looking for slow burn alien romances with great world building and a decent amount of action/plot to go along with the romance, then look no further! I'd definitely recommend reading at least her debut, Heart's Prisoner, before picking up this one, since it introduces you to the Vrisha (not to mention it's also a fantastic novel).
I'm so excited to see what Riley writes next!
In this book we get another slow-burn, which I appreciate so so much amid the sea of insta-love/lust and/or fated mate alien romances I come across (and am not a huge fan of). I also love how Riley's heroes are actually inhuman looking and that the heroine is, accurately, terrified and not attracted to them at first. It forces the author to show a believable emotional build-up in order to convince readers why these two would then develop a romantic and sexual attraction, and Riley succeeds in that build-up every single time!
My one consistent critique of her past novels was that I wanted a bit more steam, and y'all, I'm happy to say she did bump it up a notch in this one! Two full on smut scenes made me one happy camper (and daaaang did I love the one against the glass) . If you're looking for slow burn alien romances with great world building and a decent amount of action/plot to go along with the romance, then look no further! I'd definitely recommend reading at least her debut, Heart's Prisoner, before picking up this one, since it introduces you to the Vrisha (not to mention it's also a fantastic novel).
I'm so excited to see what Riley writes next!
August 2, 2023
The first 60% was brutal had I not read the other 2 books in this series I might have liked it but I didn’t like the dynamic in this one compared to the other two.
Xora was a prejudice asshole he did not do ONE thing that could be considered worthy of Grace until the VERY END.
Grace made ALL THE EFFORT.
She started talking to him first
Learned his language
Helped him with his mission
Feed him food and wine
Apologized every time he was an ass to her
Looked up Everything she could learn about his culture and tried to understand him
She basically threw herself at him WHILE HE WAS MEAN AND DISMISSIVE.
While Xora�
Called her names like pest
Treated her less than cause she was human
Was dismissive to her
Made no effort to learn anything about her
Yelled and blamed her to things that went wrong.
Used her to complete his mission
And never thought to treat her as anything but a worker
Basically he didn’t give a shit about her.
He was like a freaking robot. He was boring and unlikable.
⭐️Now at about 70% he got a lot better once sex started and by the end I do really like him. But that first 2/3 of the book was tough going.
The whole under water world wasn’t my favorite and wasn’t as adventurous as the next two books.
Overall I ended up liking it but I def didn’t love this.
Totally safe
No OP anything
Xora was a prejudice asshole he did not do ONE thing that could be considered worthy of Grace until the VERY END.
Grace made ALL THE EFFORT.
She started talking to him first
Learned his language
Helped him with his mission
Feed him food and wine
Apologized every time he was an ass to her
Looked up Everything she could learn about his culture and tried to understand him
She basically threw herself at him WHILE HE WAS MEAN AND DISMISSIVE.
While Xora�
Called her names like pest
Treated her less than cause she was human
Was dismissive to her
Made no effort to learn anything about her
Yelled and blamed her to things that went wrong.
Used her to complete his mission
And never thought to treat her as anything but a worker
Basically he didn’t give a shit about her.
He was like a freaking robot. He was boring and unlikable.
⭐️Now at about 70% he got a lot better once sex started and by the end I do really like him. But that first 2/3 of the book was tough going.
The whole under water world wasn’t my favorite and wasn’t as adventurous as the next two books.
Overall I ended up liking it but I def didn’t love this.
Totally safe
No OP anything
January 1, 2022
DNF 60%
I think it was a mistake to read this right after the first one cos it is /identical/. All of the beats, completely the same to the point that I feel zero investment in continuing cos I know exactly how all of it is going to go.
Also it's so fucking heteronormative. I'm so tired of this manly man invincible protector and soft gentle kitchen maid vibe Jesus Christ. This author has weird, almost religious ideas about wine, dresses and cooking for men and it's not vibing with me at all. It feels oddly juvenile, like it's all written by someone who hasn't experienced adulthood or adult relationships.
Also, given that this is all supposed to be intergalactic and shit, it's extremely English centric. Everyone is white, with Western names and it's like where are all the brown people? If humans are all colonized together I feel like there should be way more racial representation - this isn't even a thing I normally complain about but God it's so Caucasian it bugs me.
It sucks cos there's a lot I like about it but the repetitiveness and surprisingly bad approach to romance just kills it for me.
Maybe I'll try rereading and finishing it in a couple years once the plot isn't so firmly fixed in my mind but. I doubt it.
I think it was a mistake to read this right after the first one cos it is /identical/. All of the beats, completely the same to the point that I feel zero investment in continuing cos I know exactly how all of it is going to go.
Also it's so fucking heteronormative. I'm so tired of this manly man invincible protector and soft gentle kitchen maid vibe Jesus Christ. This author has weird, almost religious ideas about wine, dresses and cooking for men and it's not vibing with me at all. It feels oddly juvenile, like it's all written by someone who hasn't experienced adulthood or adult relationships.
Also, given that this is all supposed to be intergalactic and shit, it's extremely English centric. Everyone is white, with Western names and it's like where are all the brown people? If humans are all colonized together I feel like there should be way more racial representation - this isn't even a thing I normally complain about but God it's so Caucasian it bugs me.
It sucks cos there's a lot I like about it but the repetitiveness and surprisingly bad approach to romance just kills it for me.
Maybe I'll try rereading and finishing it in a couple years once the plot isn't so firmly fixed in my mind but. I doubt it.
April 4, 2023
DAMN Why did I wait so long to read this one?? This was GOOD! Everything was decent or better.
* A proper slow burn with delicious build up
* A solid alien that looks alien and is definitely alien badass but also turns out to be kinda funny and sweet
* Female main character that has personality and thoughts of her own besides the alien
* Cute moments between the two as the slow burn unfolds
* Some decent spicy scenes
* Female side character who is supportive of main female character but also has her own life and personality and her own xenophobia to xenophile journey to go through
* Some background action and political intrigue stuff going down
* Scary ass deep sea stuff
* Minor communication issue that was handled really well as part of the plot and didn't make me want to tear my hair out or shake the characters
* Happily Ever After, no cliffhanger, no cheating, nothing like that
* A proper slow burn with delicious build up
* A solid alien that looks alien and is definitely alien badass but also turns out to be kinda funny and sweet
* Female main character that has personality and thoughts of her own besides the alien
* Cute moments between the two as the slow burn unfolds
* Some decent spicy scenes
* Female side character who is supportive of main female character but also has her own life and personality and her own xenophobia to xenophile journey to go through
* Some background action and political intrigue stuff going down
* Scary ass deep sea stuff
* Minor communication issue that was handled really well as part of the plot and didn't make me want to tear my hair out or shake the characters
* Happily Ever After, no cliffhanger, no cheating, nothing like that
Shelved as 'gave-up'
December 31, 2021Pushover heroine whose actions don't make sense. Why would she risk her own safety and job in a totalitarian environment, just to help the alien? She keeps breaking the rules and risking her position for him, for nothing in return. He "blackmails" her a little but she holds zero anger or resentment and never tries to get out of it. That's the second time she's blackmailed btw.
I had to stop reading when she get's blackmailed/coerced a THIRD time by a third party, to spy on the alien. And she is fine with her "close friend" betting on her possible death.
This girl either has zero self worth or she's extremely stupid.
I had to stop reading when she get's blackmailed/coerced a THIRD time by a third party, to spy on the alien. And she is fine with her "close friend" betting on her possible death.
This girl either has zero self worth or she's extremely stupid.
April 7, 2023
Y'all, I'm really liking these Vrisha warriors. I don't know if I liked this one as much as Heart's Prisoner (the first 50% was 5 stars for me), but I feel like it was more solid from beginning to end than HP. I love it when alien saliva has a healing effect; it is definitely a good device to promote some intimate contact. I think aspect I have to most issue with is it is hard to imagine the vrisha appearance being SOOOO terrifying that they cause people to flee in terror with a look. I don't think that would bother me at all. Maybe that's why I love alien romances so much? 🤷♀�
Will definitely be continuing this series!!
Will definitely be continuing this series!!
July 28, 2024
3.75 ulimir stars
Grace is poor and doesn't want to go to prison. Also, for some reason, her boss hates her.
Xora is a scary looking alien, terrifying most humans. He's also a warrior who's been demoted from his rank for a reason we'll learn at the end of the book. To regain a warrior position he's tasked with collecting some crystals in underwater caves on the planet Grace is working on.
They end up together (alone) on the station.
Initially terrified of Xora, Grace decides that she should get to know the alien before judging him. (Smart).
Shenanigans ensue.
I liked that it was not a fated mates thing, which is common in alien romance. I do like those but it's a nice change. Grace and Xora learn to know each other and choose each other. It was kind of a slow burn, and quite realistic in how their relationship blossoms and evolves.
Grace is poor and doesn't want to go to prison. Also, for some reason, her boss hates her.
Xora is a scary looking alien, terrifying most humans. He's also a warrior who's been demoted from his rank for a reason we'll learn at the end of the book. To regain a warrior position he's tasked with collecting some crystals in underwater caves on the planet Grace is working on.
They end up together (alone) on the station.
Initially terrified of Xora, Grace decides that she should get to know the alien before judging him. (Smart).
Shenanigans ensue.
I liked that it was not a fated mates thing, which is common in alien romance. I do like those but it's a nice change. Grace and Xora learn to know each other and choose each other. It was kind of a slow burn, and quite realistic in how their relationship blossoms and evolves.
Want to read
November 8, 2021😏
July 20, 2024
slow but better than the others
Much better than the last one she put out. She hits really good or just really off the mark but I will continue to read it
Much better than the last one she put out. She hits really good or just really off the mark but I will continue to read it
October 1, 2024
This was a cute read 🥰
Warm and fuzzzyyyy romance.
Warm and fuzzzyyyy romance.
January 27, 2022
Oh these Vrisha! Xora is cautious and intimidating to Grace but they come together, get to know each other and stand by each other. Loved it.
September 9, 2022
Loved it ! It was a 5/5 up to 75% of the book, but then the plot started to slow down and I skimmed some paragraphs. But still, a great book ! I really liked heart's prisonner by the same author, and this one was even better. The characters were likable and the way she writes alien romances are always so believable. I loved that Xora thought that Grace was an odd alien to him (even tho she's human) and that he wasn't attracted to her at all. Same for Grace. The chemistry and bond between them developped before any lust blossomed, which is more logical and why I love Olivia Riley's books so much.
Anyway, it was an amazing book !
Anyway, it was an amazing book !
November 24, 2023
Edited to 3.75 Stars !
November 10, 2021
'Creo que ... Creo que eres terriblemente hermoso'.
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen
XORA de Olivia Riley Serie Vrisha Warriors libro 1
Argumento:
Como si no hubiera suficientes monstruos en las profundidades, ahora Grace tiene que trabajar junto a uno.
Debajo de la superficie de Oceanus, Grace Monrow pasa sus días en una ciudad submarina trabajando dentro de las plataformas, limpiando y manteniendo máquinas, esperando que el lugar no se inunde y la ahogue mientras duerme. Todo lo que quiere es ganar suficientes créditos para salir del frío mundo acuático para siempre y hacer una vida en algún lugar lejano, donde no tenga que ver otra monstruosidad con tentáculos o preocuparse por los espeluznantes piratas de las profundidades marinas nunca más.
Desafortunadamente, ella depende del capricho de su trabajo. Mientras se mantenga alejada de los problemas, Grace confía en que saldrá ilesa.
Pero luego un vrisha llega a la ciudad y estropea todo, obligando a los trabajadores a salir de su subestación para cumplir una misión secreta. Los rumores sobre ellos son suficientes para asustar incluso a los más valientes de la ciudad, pero la empresa necesita un voluntario para mantener el edificio. Y Grace es la afortunada elegida. Los piratas son ahora la menor de sus preocupaciones, ya que el alienígena vicioso y mortal se convierte en su nuevo compañero de trabajo.
Cuernos retorcidos, ojos rojos, colmillos oscuros. Cuando se encuentra con el demonio espacial de la vida real, se asusta un poco, por decir lo menos. Ella también llega a encontrarlo arrogante, impaciente y terco. Sin embargo, curiosamente fascinante. Su curiosidad podría vencerla, y el vrisha podría ser el tipo de problema que ha estado tratando de evitar. Ella sabe muy bien que él no tiene ningún interés en los humanos, pero está dispuesto a estar cerca de ella, incluso a hablar. Su mirada extrañamente intensa hace que ella se pregunte qué está pensando realmente.
Trabajar con él podría ser peligroso.
Xora está comprometido a expiar su ofensa pasada. Cuando tiene la oportunidad de regresar a casa y recuperar su rango de guerrero, emprende una misión que podría restaurar la vida que una vez tuvo.
Lástima que la misión lo obligue a viajar a un mundo dirigido principalmente por humanos, una raza a la que se siente indiferente en el mejor de los casos y desprecia en el peor. Su esperanza es terminar la tarea rápidamente y salir del miserable planeta lo más rápido posible. Al menos los humanos tienen demasiado miedo de trabajar cerca de él.
Excepto por uno. Una mujer humana. Asombroso como es. Es insistente, morbosa y demasiado atrevida para su propio bien. Sin embargo, no encuentra su presencia del todo desagradable. De alguna manera ha captado su atención, por desconcertante que parezca. Pero con su ayuda, ella podría ser su mejor oportunidad de regresar a casa.
Mí humilde opinión:
Este libro tenía una gran construcción del mundo y personajes, choque de culturas, acción, suspenso y romance.
Tenía esa gran aventura que me me atrae en estos libros pero a mí se me hizo realmente largo el romance!
Me gustaba como se fue construyendo la relación entre Xora y Grace, pasaron de él detestar a los humos, ella tenerle terror a los de su raza, a amigos y luego al amor. Sus diferencias era lo que más me gustaba y fue divertido verlos enamorarse. Ellos eran la mezcla dulce y caliente. Sin embargo, si bien disfruto de la combustión lenta, fue alargado, sentí que esperaba demasiado.
En general es una historia con una emocionante aventura que no puedes soltar desde el comienzo!
March 19, 2025
Coming off Ice Planet Barbarians, my first alien romance , I went into Xora expecting something similarly cheesy and smutty (which is fine and good). But this one pleasantly surprised me. It’s a plot-heavy, slow burn romance (my favorite kind), with deeper emotional investment than I anticipated.
I just found out this is actually the first book of a spinoff series, and while it technically works as a standalone, I wish I’d read the original series first to get a better grasp of the worldbuilding. That was one of my initial complaints. The world felt a little under-explained, but now I realize that’s more on me for diving in without doing my homework. Oops.
I knew the MMC was an alien, but I’ll be honest: the physical descriptions of Xora were a bit off-putting. I ended up mentally tweaking his appearance to something more human-adjacent to get through it. Maybe that’s just my newbie brain still adjusting to the monster romance genre.
The romance itself was a slow burn � and while I appreciated that it leaned more on emotional buildup than smut, I kinda wish the door was a little bit more open. It was just ajar. Slow burns hit best when the payoff kicks the door wide open, you know? That said, the scene where he’s “healing� her? So. Fckn. Hot. I wanted more of that energy.
Beyond the romance, I loved the deeper themes � especially the way the story explores racial stereotyping and the assumptions the characters are forced to unlearn. It never felt preachy, just honest and raw. There’s a miscommunication trope too, but it’s refreshingly reasonable and doesn’t drag on forever, which I appreciated.
Overall, Xora delivered a thoughtful, emotionally charged slow burn with just enough spice to keep things interesting, even if I wanted a little more fire in the end. I’m probably going to backtrack to the original series now before continuing this one because I feel like I’d enjoy it even more with the full context.
I just found out this is actually the first book of a spinoff series, and while it technically works as a standalone, I wish I’d read the original series first to get a better grasp of the worldbuilding. That was one of my initial complaints. The world felt a little under-explained, but now I realize that’s more on me for diving in without doing my homework. Oops.
I knew the MMC was an alien, but I’ll be honest: the physical descriptions of Xora were a bit off-putting. I ended up mentally tweaking his appearance to something more human-adjacent to get through it. Maybe that’s just my newbie brain still adjusting to the monster romance genre.
The romance itself was a slow burn � and while I appreciated that it leaned more on emotional buildup than smut, I kinda wish the door was a little bit more open. It was just ajar. Slow burns hit best when the payoff kicks the door wide open, you know? That said, the scene where he’s “healing� her? So. Fckn. Hot. I wanted more of that energy.
Beyond the romance, I loved the deeper themes � especially the way the story explores racial stereotyping and the assumptions the characters are forced to unlearn. It never felt preachy, just honest and raw. There’s a miscommunication trope too, but it’s refreshingly reasonable and doesn’t drag on forever, which I appreciated.
Overall, Xora delivered a thoughtful, emotionally charged slow burn with just enough spice to keep things interesting, even if I wanted a little more fire in the end. I’m probably going to backtrack to the original series now before continuing this one because I feel like I’d enjoy it even more with the full context.
May 16, 2022
3.5 stars! This book has Olivia Riley’s trademark slow-build romance with a bit of worldbuilding and plot thrown in. The hero looks like a “space devil,� horns, red skin, tail, and all. The story takes place in an underwater facility where the heroine and prickly hero are both working, with only each other for company.
I was excited by the slow-burn slice-of-life scenes in the first half of the book, because I love it when there's a nice build-up to the romantic relationship. We see them develop from the heroine being afraid, to mutual toleration of the other’s presence, to reluctant partnership, to friendship. That gradual development was fantastic. However, I found the romantic physical relationship to be a bit anticlimactic.
Because of the slow-build of their relationship, I was expecting that to extend to their romance as well. But when they hook up for the first time, there wasn’t any “exploration� of each others� bodies, and it just felt a bit rushed. For individuals who have very different anatomy, I would’ve appreciated more time dedicated to them exploring each other with the level of description that was present when they were going about their daily work tasks, lol. Overall, I still enjoyed, it was just the second half that didn't land as well for me.
I was excited by the slow-burn slice-of-life scenes in the first half of the book, because I love it when there's a nice build-up to the romantic relationship. We see them develop from the heroine being afraid, to mutual toleration of the other’s presence, to reluctant partnership, to friendship. That gradual development was fantastic. However, I found the romantic physical relationship to be a bit anticlimactic.
Because of the slow-build of their relationship, I was expecting that to extend to their romance as well. But when they hook up for the first time, there wasn’t any “exploration� of each others� bodies, and it just felt a bit rushed. For individuals who have very different anatomy, I would’ve appreciated more time dedicated to them exploring each other with the level of description that was present when they were going about their daily work tasks, lol. Overall, I still enjoyed, it was just the second half that didn't land as well for me.
He still caught her humming or singing from time to time when she was working on some mundane task, and he would sometimes stop and listen. She started to hum now, perhaps out of habit, and he listened again in silence.
March 22, 2024
3,5 stars ⭐️
I feel like it’s a common occurrence with Olivia Riley’s books (well at least the two I have now read) with the first 50-60 % being very intriguing and immersive, only for it all to fall flat in the last 50-40% of the book. I can’t quite pinpoint what exactly it is that makes me lose interest but the story often takes a different turn than I anticipate. And then I slowly lose interest in the characters, how sad that might be and up skimming the last few chapters. And I’m really sad that this is only a 3,5 star read (3,5 stars in my book is a good book btw) because I really thought that this was going be my newest obsession and possibly a 5 star read even 🥲
I liked Grace and Xora well enough to keep going with the story but their connection felt flat. I wished they had more time with both dialogue and scenes together than they had. Sure they had some very cute scenes with one another (etc them playing video games, or him taking care of her after the venom situation). But overall, they didn’t stick with me or struck at my heartstring. And maybe this author just isn’t for me? I don’t know, but I’m not ready to give up on this author just quite yet.
The audiobook was great and put me out of my slump. I just wished that it was duel narration instead of single narration.
I feel like it’s a common occurrence with Olivia Riley’s books (well at least the two I have now read) with the first 50-60 % being very intriguing and immersive, only for it all to fall flat in the last 50-40% of the book. I can’t quite pinpoint what exactly it is that makes me lose interest but the story often takes a different turn than I anticipate. And then I slowly lose interest in the characters, how sad that might be and up skimming the last few chapters. And I’m really sad that this is only a 3,5 star read (3,5 stars in my book is a good book btw) because I really thought that this was going be my newest obsession and possibly a 5 star read even 🥲
I liked Grace and Xora well enough to keep going with the story but their connection felt flat. I wished they had more time with both dialogue and scenes together than they had. Sure they had some very cute scenes with one another (etc them playing video games, or him taking care of her after the venom situation). But overall, they didn’t stick with me or struck at my heartstring. And maybe this author just isn’t for me? I don’t know, but I’m not ready to give up on this author just quite yet.
The audiobook was great and put me out of my slump. I just wished that it was duel narration instead of single narration.
June 23, 2024
The story was sluggish and overdescriptive at times, but I also think it was entertaining enough.
I loved the concept of the underwater station and how fragile it felt. It just gave you this nightmarish combination of thasalophobia and claustrophobia.
🚨
🚨
⚠️↘️SOME SPOILERS↙️⚠️
I actually liked the way the attacks around the city were somewhat connected to the main male character. Everything just felt like it had a purpose, even if it wasn't that well-established.
I didn't like the main male character. He was just too dismissive and arrogant - not in a funny way - for my taste, but I liked the relationship and how they progressively got to know the other. Spicy scenes weren't that descriptive compared to many other books with alien smut, but they were still good. I felt the chemistry between the main characters 🤷🏻♀�
I feel like there's a lot to more to explore. We'll see what happens with the others
I loved the concept of the underwater station and how fragile it felt. It just gave you this nightmarish combination of thasalophobia and claustrophobia.
🚨
🚨
⚠️↘️SOME SPOILERS↙️⚠️
I actually liked the way the attacks around the city were somewhat connected to the main male character. Everything just felt like it had a purpose, even if it wasn't that well-established.
I didn't like the main male character. He was just too dismissive and arrogant - not in a funny way - for my taste, but I liked the relationship and how they progressively got to know the other. Spicy scenes weren't that descriptive compared to many other books with alien smut, but they were still good. I felt the chemistry between the main characters 🤷🏻♀�
I feel like there's a lot to more to explore. We'll see what happens with the others
December 19, 2024
3 stars
This was definitely a slower paced alien romance and I think it made their relationship more believable. It was definitely on the tamer side when it comes to the spicy content but I still liked both characters chemistry. The ending didn’t go quite as I predicted, which is a rarity for this genre, but I don’t think the book as a whole did anything groundbreaking. I wouldn’t mind reading more in this universe in the future but I’m also not chomping at the bit to get into the next book. A fun read!
This was definitely a slower paced alien romance and I think it made their relationship more believable. It was definitely on the tamer side when it comes to the spicy content but I still liked both characters chemistry. The ending didn’t go quite as I predicted, which is a rarity for this genre, but I don’t think the book as a whole did anything groundbreaking. I wouldn’t mind reading more in this universe in the future but I’m also not chomping at the bit to get into the next book. A fun read!
August 4, 2022
I love this book. It gave me that feeling from the very first one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.