What do you think?
Rate this book
Lords of Kassis #1
River's Run
River Knight was looking forward to a peaceful vacation in the mountains with her two best friends, Jo and Star, sisters of the heart. When she travels up into the mountains of North Carolina to the cabin Star has rented for them she is shocked when she finds the two sisters being abducted. Following them, she discovers their abductors are anything but human.
Sneaking aboard the shuttle in an attempt to rescue them she finds herself on an unplanned vacation to the stars. In desperation, River makes a deal with the leader of another alien race who had also been captured – she’ll release them if they promise to return the three girls to their home.
Torak Ja Kel Coradon, Leader of the House of Kassis and next ruler of the Kassis Galaxy, has other plans when he sees the blue-eyed warrior woman. He plans on claiming her for himself and the only home he has plans on her returning too is his.
The three women are believed to be the Prophesized warriors sent to join forces to bring peace to the House of Kassis. Worlds collide when the male dominated world meets three circus performers who use their talents to fight for those they love.
When an assassin threatens Torak’s life, River has to show him even a circus performer can be a warrior when challenged. The biggest challenge is to Torak’s mind as he discovers women from other galaxies are more than they seem.
Can their love overcome the chasm of a few million light years or will an assassin end it all?
Sneaking aboard the shuttle in an attempt to rescue them she finds herself on an unplanned vacation to the stars. In desperation, River makes a deal with the leader of another alien race who had also been captured – she’ll release them if they promise to return the three girls to their home.
Torak Ja Kel Coradon, Leader of the House of Kassis and next ruler of the Kassis Galaxy, has other plans when he sees the blue-eyed warrior woman. He plans on claiming her for himself and the only home he has plans on her returning too is his.
The three women are believed to be the Prophesized warriors sent to join forces to bring peace to the House of Kassis. Worlds collide when the male dominated world meets three circus performers who use their talents to fight for those they love.
When an assassin threatens Torak’s life, River has to show him even a circus performer can be a warrior when challenged. The biggest challenge is to Torak’s mind as he discovers women from other galaxies are more than they seem.
Can their love overcome the chasm of a few million light years or will an assassin end it all?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2010
405 people are currently reading
2047 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
259 books2,573 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
April 9, 2015
The characters are so ridiculous in this read
I had high hopes for this book. The blurb had me sold. While the storyline had tons of potential, this one just did not work for me. Here is my breakdown:
Pros:
* I love a badass heroine - unfortunately in this read, however, it was done in such overkill, it became pathetic
* It was a fast paced read
Cons:
* The characters.............ugh. They were so bad. We have 3 human women that refer to themselves as sisters (2 are, the other grew up with them), that coincidently enough encounter 3 alien men that are brothers and next in line to be leader, blah fucking blah. Well, they meet and are immediately connected to the aliens. The aliens felt more human in this read then the girls. The girls grew up in the circus. And because of this, they are knife throwing badasses who can do absolutely anything. They are fluent in multiple languages (6 or 7 I believe, I would go look it up but honestly I don't want to see this book on my kindle again), disengage systems, pick locks, out whit skilled warriors, and oh, and lets not forget they can deep throat giant alien cock, cause even though they are all un-experienced sexually, they leaned from the circus guys how to swallow a sword. Sigh.
* insta-love - it was brutal
* book virgin - and if this isn’t bad enough, when her alien mate takes her virginity, it was painless (even though he's huge), and then he proceeds to take her ass and mouth all in the same night. My, what a gentleman.
* I did not care for the main hero - he was bossy and dominant, which are normally traits I enjoy, but he was just a selfish asshole for the most part
* The sex in this book did nothing but repulse me - I have nothing against bondage, BDSM etc, but in this read, it just didn’t fit. It never worked for me. That, as with many other factors in this read, just felt unrealistic.
* The aliens never felt anything but human to me - we learned little of their world, or of any difference between the species
* This book is in desperate need of an editor
* over-priced at its current listing price of $3.99
* The cover just didn’t work for me
Overall, I did not care for this book. It had potential, but took a nose dive. It was so incredibly cliché from beginning to end. I have absolutely no interest in continuing this series. I've read a lot of S.E. Smith work that I have enjoyed, but this one doesn’t even feel as if it were written by same person. Definitely not one I'd recommend.
I had high hopes for this book. The blurb had me sold. While the storyline had tons of potential, this one just did not work for me. Here is my breakdown:
Pros:
* I love a badass heroine - unfortunately in this read, however, it was done in such overkill, it became pathetic
* It was a fast paced read
Cons:
* The characters.............ugh. They were so bad. We have 3 human women that refer to themselves as sisters (2 are, the other grew up with them), that coincidently enough encounter 3 alien men that are brothers and next in line to be leader, blah fucking blah. Well, they meet and are immediately connected to the aliens. The aliens felt more human in this read then the girls. The girls grew up in the circus. And because of this, they are knife throwing badasses who can do absolutely anything. They are fluent in multiple languages (6 or 7 I believe, I would go look it up but honestly I don't want to see this book on my kindle again), disengage systems, pick locks, out whit skilled warriors, and oh, and lets not forget they can deep throat giant alien cock, cause even though they are all un-experienced sexually, they leaned from the circus guys how to swallow a sword. Sigh.
* insta-love - it was brutal
* book virgin - and if this isn’t bad enough, when her alien mate takes her virginity, it was painless (even though he's huge), and then he proceeds to take her ass and mouth all in the same night. My, what a gentleman.
* I did not care for the main hero - he was bossy and dominant, which are normally traits I enjoy, but he was just a selfish asshole for the most part
* The sex in this book did nothing but repulse me - I have nothing against bondage, BDSM etc, but in this read, it just didn’t fit. It never worked for me. That, as with many other factors in this read, just felt unrealistic.
* The aliens never felt anything but human to me - we learned little of their world, or of any difference between the species
* This book is in desperate need of an editor
* over-priced at its current listing price of $3.99
* The cover just didn’t work for me
Overall, I did not care for this book. It had potential, but took a nose dive. It was so incredibly cliché from beginning to end. I have absolutely no interest in continuing this series. I've read a lot of S.E. Smith work that I have enjoyed, but this one doesn’t even feel as if it were written by same person. Definitely not one I'd recommend.
February 19, 2013
Get an editor! Get an editor! Get an editor! Get an editor! For the love of all that is holy, the plural of Lady is Ladies not Lady's. And there are a number of misspellings/misused words. At least get a proof-reader!
March 15, 2017
This is a reread for me...not sure how many times at this point but it's been a while. This time however, the hero pissed me off. Could be my mood...but he was a dick. But as soon as he finds out then he's miraculously better. I don't know why it bothered me so much this time....not enough to change my rating though and I'm sure I will reread it again in the future because I do love Smith's series. Oh well...
dnf
July 31, 2019DNF!
I really enjoyed the premise for the girls backgrounds...but the male 'love interests' were complete jackasses. I've read a lot of alpha-male tropes, but it just made me sad/angry that it seemed like the male leads pretty much crushed the heroines independence.
*from what I read:
*alpha male bull
*intsa-love
*"mine- I own you - you do what I say"
*won't even consider taking her home because she 'belongs' to him
*virgin trope
*bdsm right off the bat
*lock the girl away to protect her- even though she can take care of herself
*isolates her from her family
*tries to get her pregnant to keep her
*talkes about 'punishing' her because she made him worry
*completely ignoring her- except to have sex..because he's 'so mad at her..but hormones!'
yeah...honestly there was more things that made me angry with the other two brothers, but whatever- can't read another page. Again, although the plot was interesting the romance seemed more like being trapped (because without that weird insta-love none of the girls seemed like they really wanted to stay) and the sex scenes were less steamy and more- ugh really?
no thanks.
I really enjoyed the premise for the girls backgrounds...but the male 'love interests' were complete jackasses. I've read a lot of alpha-male tropes, but it just made me sad/angry that it seemed like the male leads pretty much crushed the heroines independence.
*from what I read:
*alpha male bull
*intsa-love
*"mine- I own you - you do what I say"
*won't even consider taking her home because she 'belongs' to him
*virgin trope
*bdsm right off the bat
*lock the girl away to protect her- even though she can take care of herself
*isolates her from her family
*tries to get her pregnant to keep her
*talkes about 'punishing' her because she made him worry
*completely ignoring her- except to have sex..because he's 'so mad at her..but hormones!'
yeah...honestly there was more things that made me angry with the other two brothers, but whatever- can't read another page. Again, although the plot was interesting the romance seemed more like being trapped (because without that weird insta-love none of the girls seemed like they really wanted to stay) and the sex scenes were less steamy and more- ugh really?
no thanks.
April 21, 2019
Ewwwwwww!
I had high hopes for this one. The premise sounded interesting, but that was it!
Controlling asshole heroes are bad, but top that with BDSM out of left field and "oh poor woman, need to protect her", it's downright horrible. Not to mention, that jerk isolated her from her family and paraded his whores around her and claimed her without asking what she wants.
That is not romance! That's the kind of behavior that needs to be stopped! Horrible! We don't live in the stone age anymore.
Not going to read any of this authors works!
I had high hopes for this one. The premise sounded interesting, but that was it!
Controlling asshole heroes are bad, but top that with BDSM out of left field and "oh poor woman, need to protect her", it's downright horrible. Not to mention, that jerk isolated her from her family and paraded his whores around her and claimed her without asking what she wants.
That is not romance! That's the kind of behavior that needs to be stopped! Horrible! We don't live in the stone age anymore.
Not going to read any of this authors works!
November 26, 2014
The only thing I can say about reading this book was that I thought it was okay. I went in thinking it would be this amazing adventure and all that, but that wasn't the case.
It's a bit different from most sci-fi romance books, but the thing with the differences that annoyed me is that they are unimportant differences. The profession of the girls, the way they meet the dudes, the way they deflect danger. It didn't have that spark that I was looking for. The story wasn't strong enough, it wasn't clever, it wasn't deep, and it didn't have enough emotion. They meet, they argue, they fall in love, bad thing happens, happy ever after.
It had plenty of action for normal readers. In fact, it had plenty of action for any type of reader, but it just got boring the more it progressed. The writing got dull and dragged on and we didn't get any details about the villain and whatever. We didn't know why the villain was jealous or why he hated the hero of the story.
Details! That is the key word to this story. It didn't have the details that I wanted. More explaining next time, please, it would make life so much simpler.
I'd recommend this book to a person who is either bored or just wants a book that they won't get too excited about. It was an okay read, just more details were needed and no more dull writng, either! If this book had been more descriptive it could have gone somewhere awesome and unimaginable. I'm not even going to bother with the second book.
It's a bit different from most sci-fi romance books, but the thing with the differences that annoyed me is that they are unimportant differences. The profession of the girls, the way they meet the dudes, the way they deflect danger. It didn't have that spark that I was looking for. The story wasn't strong enough, it wasn't clever, it wasn't deep, and it didn't have enough emotion. They meet, they argue, they fall in love, bad thing happens, happy ever after.
It had plenty of action for normal readers. In fact, it had plenty of action for any type of reader, but it just got boring the more it progressed. The writing got dull and dragged on and we didn't get any details about the villain and whatever. We didn't know why the villain was jealous or why he hated the hero of the story.
Details! That is the key word to this story. It didn't have the details that I wanted. More explaining next time, please, it would make life so much simpler.
I'd recommend this book to a person who is either bored or just wants a book that they won't get too excited about. It was an okay read, just more details were needed and no more dull writng, either! If this book had been more descriptive it could have gone somewhere awesome and unimaginable. I'm not even going to bother with the second book.
October 30, 2018
This is a good story if you can get past the editing errors and the repeating of some of the sentences (not just the claiming declaration). I've always been a sucker for sci-fi and strong heroines.
*****Re-read again for 3rd time*****
Read last on 12/28/2014
For days I was trying to rack my brain figuring out what book it was where three 'sisters' (only two were actual sisters and one was an honorary sister) who saved their mates from a ship and one of them was hiding in the vents of an alien ship. After looking for this book for days in my read/sci-fi book I realized it was this book.
Unfortunately, I think the reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars was because of that oath that Torak keeps saying to claim his mate that was just pretty annoying. I'm surprised that I didn't drop this down to 3 stars because it was annoying. There were other times that the author would repeat a sentence over again (maybe change a few words).
*****Re-read again for 3rd time*****
Read last on 12/28/2014
For days I was trying to rack my brain figuring out what book it was where three 'sisters' (only two were actual sisters and one was an honorary sister) who saved their mates from a ship and one of them was hiding in the vents of an alien ship. After looking for this book for days in my read/sci-fi book I realized it was this book.
Unfortunately, I think the reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars was because of that oath that Torak keeps saying to claim his mate that was just pretty annoying. I'm surprised that I didn't drop this down to 3 stars because it was annoying. There were other times that the author would repeat a sentence over again (maybe change a few words).
December 28, 2021
Loved the idea of circus women being badasses, but the misogyny and possessiveness is rampant in this one. 😬 I enjoy a dose of alpha/possessiveness but they are legit obnoxious and never improve. They even had several interventions about their behavior but they never change 🤣🤧
I also hate the trope "I don't know why, but I trust them for some reason🙃" and that line is used frequently 🤡
Normally I would 1 star something like this, but that circus idea is fire and now I need to see if I can find other books with circus women turning into warriors 💅🗡️
I also hate the trope "I don't know why, but I trust them for some reason🙃" and that line is used frequently 🤡
Normally I would 1 star something like this, but that circus idea is fire and now I need to see if I can find other books with circus women turning into warriors 💅🗡️
May 30, 2015
Soooooo. I loved the heroine's backstory in the circus. I adored her kickass knife skills and the bond she has with her sisters.
The hero is dumb. Even after his father tells him, he can't snuff out all she is, he keeps doing it. The erotica part of the plot really isn't needed. We get the falling in love parts in summary. The worldbuilding and cultural adjuments is undercooked.
It is a fun action adventure but not a great romance or Sciecne Fiction Romance.
The hero is dumb. Even after his father tells him, he can't snuff out all she is, he keeps doing it. The erotica part of the plot really isn't needed. We get the falling in love parts in summary. The worldbuilding and cultural adjuments is undercooked.
It is a fun action adventure but not a great romance or Sciecne Fiction Romance.
May 5, 2016
What could be better than a fast paced, action packed, suspense driven adventure in space? Ass some fierce circus performers and enough chemistry to overheat your ereader and you have it!
I love this new race. They are so much fun and so complex. The society is well developed and you get to see a lot about the ruling family. It makes for a fantastic backdrop to the unique tale that Smith develops. The pace never lets up throughout, yet I never felt as if we were racing forward. Vibrant descriptions bring the world to life as readers get drawn into the battle of a lifetime.
Fierce loyalty is a common thread among all of the major characters in this novel. Smith develops each character as an individual while also showing the clash of cultures and of classes. This was definitely a unique cast of characters. I love how River & Torak really stood out as well. They were both such vibrant individuals. Torak was strong and caring, with just enough arrogance to make life difficult at times. I fell for him from the get go. River’s strength in the face of everything that comes at her was fantastic. At the same time, her heart was so big that I simply wanted to get to know her better.
This novel is the perfect start for this series. It was a brilliant read on its own and has me dying to read more.
I love this new race. They are so much fun and so complex. The society is well developed and you get to see a lot about the ruling family. It makes for a fantastic backdrop to the unique tale that Smith develops. The pace never lets up throughout, yet I never felt as if we were racing forward. Vibrant descriptions bring the world to life as readers get drawn into the battle of a lifetime.
Fierce loyalty is a common thread among all of the major characters in this novel. Smith develops each character as an individual while also showing the clash of cultures and of classes. This was definitely a unique cast of characters. I love how River & Torak really stood out as well. They were both such vibrant individuals. Torak was strong and caring, with just enough arrogance to make life difficult at times. I fell for him from the get go. River’s strength in the face of everything that comes at her was fantastic. At the same time, her heart was so big that I simply wanted to get to know her better.
This novel is the perfect start for this series. It was a brilliant read on its own and has me dying to read more.
November 28, 2014
I loved this book! River was such a strong female lead without being annoying. I like that she stood up to Torak and protected her sisters at all costs. The drama was a little far fetched at times but I just accepted that early on. The relationship between River and Torak was great, they were a good balance for one another. I also loved the concept of a group of circus women being considered warriors in this male dominated society. Very awesome.
May 7, 2016
I was hoping for more but...
The heroine annoyed me a few times,I mean seriously you're pregnant therefore don't go running after the bad guy no matter how supposedly awesome you are. Baby is priority number 1, revenge second.
The heroine annoyed me a few times,I mean seriously you're pregnant therefore don't go running after the bad guy no matter how supposedly awesome you are. Baby is priority number 1, revenge second.
June 12, 2019
Possibly the worst book ever written. Its like a 14 year old met Danielle Steel, and they decided to try to write a sci-fi book.
February 4, 2017
5 River’s Run
Audiobook Listen –Author: S.E. Smith Narrator: Samantha Cook
This is romance/fantasy/sci-fi like no other. I have read other S.E Smith books before and LOVED them this book is right up that ally. I can’t even describe how well written this book is.
One of the reason I usually stay away from fantasy/ sci-fi is I get to lost in the world building. And I get confused. I can’t be the only one this happens too. But I can say S.EE Smith has a way of throwing you in to the book and you just get it.
River is a circus performer, and so were her parents. She grew up doing crazy outlandish death defying things. That were normal to her and her best friends more like sisters Star and Jo.
Star and Jo get kidnapped by creature like beings and there is no way River is going to let that happen so she sneaks on the ship to rescue her sisters.
She is patient but sneaky she hides in the vents for weeks trying to find a way for them to get off this ship.
Torak and his crew also were attacked by these creatures. And it just so happens, that River and her sisters save them from death.
This is a love story like no other two different species that just feel right together. There is a lot of learning curves along the way for both of them but wow what a story it packs a punch.
My favorite scene has to be when River, Star and Jo, just wanted to work out and did there circus act in front of the security team. That was funny and frustrating for the poor guys. I can’t believe they even made some of them faint! I laughed myself silly.
I also found a new narrator Samantha Cook she really brought these characters to life with subtle and unique voices. Her male voices are perfect not overly done thank you for that! I knew who it was just by the tone of her voice. I didn’t hear anything but her voice it was perfect. I could almost visualize what she was reading. She is one heck of a story teller.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
Audiobook Listen –Author: S.E. Smith Narrator: Samantha Cook
This is romance/fantasy/sci-fi like no other. I have read other S.E Smith books before and LOVED them this book is right up that ally. I can’t even describe how well written this book is.
One of the reason I usually stay away from fantasy/ sci-fi is I get to lost in the world building. And I get confused. I can’t be the only one this happens too. But I can say S.EE Smith has a way of throwing you in to the book and you just get it.
River is a circus performer, and so were her parents. She grew up doing crazy outlandish death defying things. That were normal to her and her best friends more like sisters Star and Jo.
Star and Jo get kidnapped by creature like beings and there is no way River is going to let that happen so she sneaks on the ship to rescue her sisters.
She is patient but sneaky she hides in the vents for weeks trying to find a way for them to get off this ship.
Torak and his crew also were attacked by these creatures. And it just so happens, that River and her sisters save them from death.
This is a love story like no other two different species that just feel right together. There is a lot of learning curves along the way for both of them but wow what a story it packs a punch.
My favorite scene has to be when River, Star and Jo, just wanted to work out and did there circus act in front of the security team. That was funny and frustrating for the poor guys. I can’t believe they even made some of them faint! I laughed myself silly.
I also found a new narrator Samantha Cook she really brought these characters to life with subtle and unique voices. Her male voices are perfect not overly done thank you for that! I knew who it was just by the tone of her voice. I didn’t hear anything but her voice it was perfect. I could almost visualize what she was reading. She is one heck of a story teller.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
April 5, 2018
Usually I'm all for alpha, dominant, arrogant, maybe massive asshole typed hero but boy did I HATE HATE HATE Torak and to a lesser extent most of the aliens. River and her sisters while badass also were just a little too unbelievable. The insta-love took a lot away from their characters, they would keep flipping back and forth between badass circus performers who could out wit trained career soldiers to bug eyed damsels. The way the sisters are characterized makes it feel like they are the aliens instead and humanizes the actual aliens. Side note River just isn't relatable with all her blushing and blurting, the girl solely communicated by blurting things out when she wasn't turning red. The Lords misogynistic views were somewhat irritating but what really blew my mind was the complete lack of understanding. They kept calling these women warriors, unlike any females in their species, yet treating them as anything but. The men knew these girls were from a different planet yet made absolutely no effort to try and learn about who they were and what they're customs and cultures are. Eventually the men figure out differences but that's not before forcing them to wear dresses in order to leave their room, forcefully removing them from the training area (because women shouldn't do dangerous things like exercise even if you call them warrior women), and lock them in the men's rooms which leads to them trying to get back to Earth and failing miserably.
August 14, 2015
After reading a rather violent book before hand I needed something to lighten my mood and this is the perfect read.
Circus performers River, Star (really irritated me) and Jo try to meet together every year. They sisters of blood (Star and Jo) and of the heart (River).
River watches how Star and Jo are kidnapped and taken to a spaceship as they are the only family that she has left she follows and tries to free them. The race that kidnapped them are called "Tearnats" and are a kind of lizard race and very intelligent. In that part of the galaxy there was a war for a long time but with an alliance met there was peace.
Over a time span of 3 weeks River gets to know the ship pretty well. All 3 set up a plan for an escape. Luckily enough they get some support from another alien race "Kassians" are captured and River has a feeling that they need help and that they can help them back. They set there plan in motion to help them (but only if they take the three ladies back to earth)and there is a instant attraction between River and Torak, Star and Jazin and later on with Jo and the other brother (can't think of the name at the moment)
Ok so for some this might not be very believable but it was fun to read and I found a lot of situations very funny. It didn't remind of a similar book but thankfully changed when the father came back with a prophecy.
Circus performers River, Star (really irritated me) and Jo try to meet together every year. They sisters of blood (Star and Jo) and of the heart (River).
River watches how Star and Jo are kidnapped and taken to a spaceship as they are the only family that she has left she follows and tries to free them. The race that kidnapped them are called "Tearnats" and are a kind of lizard race and very intelligent. In that part of the galaxy there was a war for a long time but with an alliance met there was peace.
Over a time span of 3 weeks River gets to know the ship pretty well. All 3 set up a plan for an escape. Luckily enough they get some support from another alien race "Kassians" are captured and River has a feeling that they need help and that they can help them back. They set there plan in motion to help them (but only if they take the three ladies back to earth)and there is a instant attraction between River and Torak, Star and Jazin and later on with Jo and the other brother (can't think of the name at the moment)
Ok so for some this might not be very believable but it was fun to read and I found a lot of situations very funny. It didn't remind of a similar book but thankfully changed when the father came back with a prophecy.
April 14, 2014
This book started off great. I was really enjoying it.
The action was great and the story line was pretty good too.
I think the downside for me was in the end it was too predictable.
I loved that they were circus performers. Something I don't think I have ever read before or would have thought to have as hero's or great warriors. That part was well written. The capture, escape and the saving of the rogues father at the beginning of this book set it up to be an a great action packed story.
Then I don't know what happened. I'm not sure if it was the backing down of River when he takes them to his home and not her's like he promised or the way she accepted his treatment of her when she as just being herself but to me the last half of the book seemed rushed, filled in just for the sake of putting something to paper and the love they feel for each other at the end seems too forced. She's pregnant so now she must accept and love him. Yeah no thanks. I think I'll pass on book 2.
The action was great and the story line was pretty good too.
I think the downside for me was in the end it was too predictable.
I loved that they were circus performers. Something I don't think I have ever read before or would have thought to have as hero's or great warriors. That part was well written. The capture, escape and the saving of the rogues father at the beginning of this book set it up to be an a great action packed story.
Then I don't know what happened. I'm not sure if it was the backing down of River when he takes them to his home and not her's like he promised or the way she accepted his treatment of her when she as just being herself but to me the last half of the book seemed rushed, filled in just for the sake of putting something to paper and the love they feel for each other at the end seems too forced. She's pregnant so now she must accept and love him. Yeah no thanks. I think I'll pass on book 2.
November 2, 2015
I loved this the first time I read it but the second time I dropped my rating. Why?
Strong heroine turning to mush by alpha alien. Lots of assuming and knowing things that hadn't been explained. Advanced aliens that still had projectile weapons with casings and medical use of blood transfusions--even the technology now is advancing past needing blood. The The telling instead of showing. The unending supply of knives. The bad guys threats of rape.
Mature content
Strong heroine turning to mush by alpha alien. Lots of assuming and knowing things that hadn't been explained. Advanced aliens that still had projectile weapons with casings and medical use of blood transfusions--even the technology now is advancing past needing blood. The The telling instead of showing. The unending supply of knives. The bad guys threats of rape.
Mature content
September 9, 2019
2.75 stars
The first two thirds of this book was fun, fast and smart. Then the protagonists’ relationship began to develop and for me it started to crash and burn. Again, for me.
-I’ll sex you to death. - Torak thought as a way to control her.
-If your knocked up you’ll do what I say. - Torak thought to control her.
-An experienced space traveler who meets other races and yet Torak still has no idea other(her) people may have different customs.
-Earth girls are ridiculous even if they have skills.
-The ending was abrupt and sadly unsatisfying. Will I read the next in the series? I doubt it.
The first two thirds of this book was fun, fast and smart. Then the protagonists’ relationship began to develop and for me it started to crash and burn. Again, for me.
-I’ll sex you to death. - Torak thought as a way to control her.
-If your knocked up you’ll do what I say. - Torak thought to control her.
-An experienced space traveler who meets other races and yet Torak still has no idea other(her) people may have different customs.
-Earth girls are ridiculous even if they have skills.
-The ending was abrupt and sadly unsatisfying. Will I read the next in the series? I doubt it.
December 5, 2017
Nowhere in the description of the story did it mention BDSM...which this book has. Now, I’m all for this in stories; but it just seems out of place and way too contrived. I was expecting a me-man-she-women type of romance with lots of science fiction. I got shitty one dimensional character development and BDSM.
The backstory of the girls is neat; but they all sound like 14 year olds...all in all...needs improvement.
The backstory of the girls is neat; but they all sound like 14 year olds...all in all...needs improvement.
March 25, 2019
This is a big yikes from me.
Sexism, rape, and a MC who everyone is either jealous of, or completely attracted to. Also good at everything she tries.
There's so much wrong with this story, and no worldbuilding.
Also her ~*tragic backstory *~ was just shoehorned in there.. it had no relevance
Sexism, rape, and a MC who everyone is either jealous of, or completely attracted to. Also good at everything she tries.
There's so much wrong with this story, and no worldbuilding.
Also her ~*tragic backstory *~ was just shoehorned in there.. it had no relevance
June 25, 2014
First book I read by this author and I loved it when I read it awhile back still one of my fave alongside Capturing Cara.
July 27, 2018
Too much erotica, not enough alien sci fi romance. No build up,no tension. They didn’t even seem alien just male chauvinist .
Not my thing
Not my thing
April 14, 2014
This book started off great. I was really enjoying it.
The action was great and the story line was pretty good too.
I think the downside for me was in the end it was too predictable.
I loved that they were circus performers. Something I don't think I have ever read before or would have thought to have as hero's or great warriors. That part was well written. The capture, escape and the saving of the rogues father at the beginning of this book set it up to be an a great action packed story.
Then I don't know what happened. I'm not sure if it was the backing down of River when he takes them to his home and not her's like he promised or the way she accepted his treatment of her when she as just being herself but to me the last half of the book seemed rushed, filled in just for the sake of putting something to paper and the love they feel for each other at the end seems too forced. She's pregnant so now she must accept and love him. Yeah no thanks. I think I'll pass on book 2.
The action was great and the story line was pretty good too.
I think the downside for me was in the end it was too predictable.
I loved that they were circus performers. Something I don't think I have ever read before or would have thought to have as hero's or great warriors. That part was well written. The capture, escape and the saving of the rogues father at the beginning of this book set it up to be an a great action packed story.
Then I don't know what happened. I'm not sure if it was the backing down of River when he takes them to his home and not her's like he promised or the way she accepted his treatment of her when she as just being herself but to me the last half of the book seemed rushed, filled in just for the sake of putting something to paper and the love they feel for each other at the end seems too forced. She's pregnant so now she must accept and love him. Yeah no thanks. I think I'll pass on book 2.
February 28, 2013
This was a great adventure, based on 3 young women who perform in a circus, who have been kidnapped by aliens! Ugly green lizard monsters! But the are rescued by big, strong, handsome men who live on an idyllic planet with advanced technology and archaic values. The culture clash it predictable but still fun. After a bit of a build-up, the sex is hot.
This could have been a 5-star, except...
After a few intense sessions, the sex tailed off to "I woke up sore."
And the writing had some big annoyances that go past simple editing for typos. The worst was when the exact same phrase was used when switching perspectives:
"He let out a deep growl of jealousy."
"She heard his deep growl..."
Honest, this happened several times.
I'm going to read the second book, in hopes that the quality improves, and the adventure continues.
This could have been a 5-star, except...
After a few intense sessions, the sex tailed off to "I woke up sore."
And the writing had some big annoyances that go past simple editing for typos. The worst was when the exact same phrase was used when switching perspectives:
"He let out a deep growl of jealousy."
"She heard his deep growl..."
Honest, this happened several times.
I'm going to read the second book, in hopes that the quality improves, and the adventure continues.
January 20, 2016
River's Run by S. E. Smith
Not to my taste.
Me, male. Strong warrior. You, delicate incapable female. Ha. Neanderthal.
Okay, it's an alien world and its what they know. But it pissed me off constantly when the males continually forbade, commanded, and then treated the woman as sex objects with a slap on the ass and not let the women be the independent "warriors" they are.
Not really fitting the naive, no previous boyfriend, virgin - soon was turned on by being tied up, clamps, plugs, anal. And then forbidden to leave her room for days without a protest? Didn't fit.
The good is that they fell in love with each other so nothing forced. They care for each other and want to protect the other.
Not to my taste.
Me, male. Strong warrior. You, delicate incapable female. Ha. Neanderthal.
Okay, it's an alien world and its what they know. But it pissed me off constantly when the males continually forbade, commanded, and then treated the woman as sex objects with a slap on the ass and not let the women be the independent "warriors" they are.
Not really fitting the naive, no previous boyfriend, virgin - soon was turned on by being tied up, clamps, plugs, anal. And then forbidden to leave her room for days without a protest? Didn't fit.
The good is that they fell in love with each other so nothing forced. They care for each other and want to protect the other.
July 23, 2012
This was another great new series opener from SE Smith.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the "can do" proactive attitude of the women in this book. They didn't wait for a hero, they figured out a plan and followed it. My only annoyance and it's a small one was the repetition of the claiming phrase the males use in this book. I understand it's importance, but it seems to be said ALL the time. I would have greatly preferred some honest expression of his feelings NOT a reinforcement of his claim. All the emotion seems to fall on the women.
I'm looking forward to next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the "can do" proactive attitude of the women in this book. They didn't wait for a hero, they figured out a plan and followed it. My only annoyance and it's a small one was the repetition of the claiming phrase the males use in this book. I understand it's importance, but it seems to be said ALL the time. I would have greatly preferred some honest expression of his feelings NOT a reinforcement of his claim. All the emotion seems to fall on the women.
I'm looking forward to next book in the series.
August 14, 2014
Interesting concept and overall not too bad, not great but not the worst thing I've read.
I liked the idea of making the girls circus performers and how they use that to fight but I think the idea was ruined by having River carry around a duffel bag full of throwing knives and for some reason a crossbow. Overkill. it would have been better if she had a small amount of knives that she used really wisely then a seemingly never ending supply of them.
I liked the idea of making the girls circus performers and how they use that to fight but I think the idea was ruined by having River carry around a duffel bag full of throwing knives and for some reason a crossbow. Overkill. it would have been better if she had a small amount of knives that she used really wisely then a seemingly never ending supply of them.
March 15, 2017
Nope. Just nope. I'm sorry, but this one really didn't do it for me. Everything was just too...convenient. The fact that Star, Jo and River were able to fight like they did and all that was kinda ridiculous. Also the fact that the aliens had tools and gadgets for EVERYTHING was not very logical. I just didn't like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews