3 stars - I liked it

Serena has spent her time trying to help her newly-pregnant friends and settling in. When she stumbles upon an alien forge and meets the quiet weapons master Xyan, she asks if she can study his Sea Sand biology. As they spend time together, Serena is focused less on science and more on Xyan. But can she still love him if he isn’t her mate. 

This was a pretty sweet romance between Serena and Xyan. Xyan knows she is his mate but is determined to not pressure her into anything because he wants her love more than just acceptance of a bond. I really like Xyan. He was sweet, kind, and protective. I adored that he wanted to build their feelings without the pressure of the mate bond. It was a nice change from some of the other characters who just expected full adoration and love upon announcement. Also drunk Xyan was really amusing. 

Serena is an older woman compared to everyone else. She was smart and was focused on learning how the Sea Sand men are different, but also wasn’t completely obsessed with her job, which I liked. While she doesn’t hate her body, she also doesn’t expect anyone to really like it and is really surprised when Xyan loves everything about her. I enjoyed their relationship and how Xyan’s complete acceptance of her gave her more confidence.

In this one we also finally get to see the start of the upcoming attack from humans. It is about time there was something on that front and I am very interested in seeing how this upcoming battle goes. Overall though, I enjoyed this book and this couple a lot. I look forward to finding out who falls in love next and how they deal with the humans. 

TW:  gun violence and injuries