Luna Touched (Brides of the Aashi, #1) in Reverse Harem Readers

Oct 19, 2019 OneDayI'll rated it liked it

Luna in space

Luna had nothing that holds her down to one place. So when a billboard catches her eye for travel she decides to follow up on it. Little did she know going in that it wasn't to remote locations here on Earth. Nope, it was a mail order bride system for a dying alien race. Another alien species was facilitating. M'Mor (not sure I spelled that right) want rocks they use as fuel (think dilithium crystals, my fellow geeks) and are willing to help them find mates from compatible and willi Luna in space

Luna had nothing that holds her down to one place. So when a billboard catches her eye for travel she decides to follow up on it. Little did she know going in that it wasn't to remote locations here on Earth. Nope, it was a mail order bride system for a dying alien race. Another alien species was facilitating. M'Mor (not sure I spelled that right) want rocks they use as fuel (think dilithium crystals, my fellow geeks) and are willing to help them find mates from compatible and willing (nice change there from the usual kidnapping) human females, as the Aashi (can't remember and stupid Kindle review system won't let me leave this then come back to go look it up so if I'm wrong I'm sorry) don't have the technology for space travel. But, even with the best of intentions, and a lot more technology, misunderstandings can happen. And the arrival of 6 human women starts that ball rolling. Because, that 1 husband Luna thought she'd have? Well, turns out it's supposed to be 5.

Spoilers ahead.
This was at times fun and...odd. The premise was great. Thank you for a non kidnapping themed "Mars needs women" tale. That was a nice change from the usual KU in this trope. I really liked Luna at first. Upbeat, ready for change, calm and collected. And then on arrival, after the sorting starts and she's left with her guards, the shouting and stomping starts. Stomping? Really? Like a toddler? And, knowing that they are matriarchal, she does this, causing them to panic. She doesn't try to run off, at least. But the shift in personality bothered me. I like that she tried to learn their culture, became aware of how touch affected their hormones. But, that personality shift I mentioned really came out in bedroom scenes. The lines were corny, and she controlled them. It was uncomfortable to read. While I adored the escape and banding together, the scenes with intimacy and those that were supposed to be emotional didn't work. Also, I know this is probably intended as a quick and light read but there is very little world building.
*Why are stone age aliens making deals with space faring aliens? Wouldn't they be fearful?
*If the other aliens could travel through space why were their translators solar powered? And ridiculously low battery solar powered, at that. Daily charging!
*The humans had weeks to learn about the culture they were going to be living in. They already knew that those that backed out disappeared. Why wouldn't the first aliens tell them that they'd have multiple mates? What could the humans possibly do about it?
*Even with fast healing, a spear through the side is going to do some damage. Organs punctured (it was a gut wound, bowel perforation is a serious and often fatal thing), sepsis, hemorrhage, any number of possible complications. That he fully recovered in days is crazy. And without protein? These aliens don't eat a lot, and unless mates they don't eat meat but on special occasions. Super powered healing would have to burn calories like a wildfire.
*Why the culture shift? The aliens all live on the ground. They discuss, internally, that their arms and 2 tails are left from their tree dwelling days. They mention how they move so much better in the trees. So why are they on the ground?
*What meat are they eating? They never mention any other animals. Vegetation? Sure. Trees, flowers, fruits, all described.
*Why are females not being born? They don't even have any theories. Angry deities? Can't be pollution, stone age here. Dietary changes? Maybe food sources got scarce due to natural climate change? Or other aliens poached their protein sources?
*How did they determine 5 husbands? Is it an important number? Or a ratio to make things more fair for otherwise unmated males?
*I'm with Luna, how did the mate marks know the first one touched in order to get the extra marks? I could understand a more testosterone fueled male getting darker marks, or a fruit eaten that would release a hormone that made them more vibrant, something.

I have a lot more questions. Those were just the first that popped into my head. I still enjoyed the humor that popped up throughout. Especially at the end, where another character came into their village and had an army of males following her. She, of course, has no clue about the touch thing and is handing out hugs because they cheer her and it makes them happy. While hysterical it is also sad and I want it to be resolved. I really don't want see all these poor guys pine and get hurt. It will be interesting to see what the other ladies have gone through from their POV. Also, to see if more females agree to the bride program. Because otherwise, there's still not near enough ladies. ...more

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Jun 27, 2025 Melanie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

No touchie touchie

Well this book is sure an adventure, alien planet and no instruction manual on what to and what not to do... It sure makes this a challenge.

Belle Harper is one of my favourite authors her books always hold my attention and draw me in. I can't wait to read more of her books. Well worth the read ...more

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