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The Fating
I hate Galaxy 6781. HATE it!
One last job. The bounty of a lifetime.
It wasn’t supposed to end with me on a Skogari slave planet and my entire crew dead. So, after three months of misery, when the chance to escape presented itself, I took it. Had I known more about my fellow escapee, I might have reconsidered.
I don’t believe in fate or true love, so when Grantham, crowned prince of Ditali, tried giving me some schpiel about how the universe has chosen us to be together, as in together ‘together’, I shot that theory down stat. I mean, I’m not even into males. He’s so far off base it isn’t even funny. Except…now he says he’s dying, and I don’t mean in the dramatic sense of someone who got turned down by a handsome human bounty hunter. Dying in the sense that because said handsome bounty hunter rejected our so-called ‘fating’, he’s literally wasting away before my eyes.
Sad, but what do I care? We’re strangers.
I care because we’re the only two beings on this vessel we stole during our escape, and he’s the only one of us who knows how to fly it. The debris field we’re approaching can kiss my backside, right along with the damn universe and Grantham’s cockamamie fating theory because as much as I’m not into males, I’m not ready to die. They’d better throw me a parade when we get to his planet. Talk about taking a wrong turn.
Galaxy 6781, I really, really, really hate you.
A satirical, scifi, MM erotica romance.
One last job. The bounty of a lifetime.
It wasn’t supposed to end with me on a Skogari slave planet and my entire crew dead. So, after three months of misery, when the chance to escape presented itself, I took it. Had I known more about my fellow escapee, I might have reconsidered.
I don’t believe in fate or true love, so when Grantham, crowned prince of Ditali, tried giving me some schpiel about how the universe has chosen us to be together, as in together ‘together’, I shot that theory down stat. I mean, I’m not even into males. He’s so far off base it isn’t even funny. Except…now he says he’s dying, and I don’t mean in the dramatic sense of someone who got turned down by a handsome human bounty hunter. Dying in the sense that because said handsome bounty hunter rejected our so-called ‘fating’, he’s literally wasting away before my eyes.
Sad, but what do I care? We’re strangers.
I care because we’re the only two beings on this vessel we stole during our escape, and he’s the only one of us who knows how to fly it. The debris field we’re approaching can kiss my backside, right along with the damn universe and Grantham’s cockamamie fating theory because as much as I’m not into males, I’m not ready to die. They’d better throw me a parade when we get to his planet. Talk about taking a wrong turn.
Galaxy 6781, I really, really, really hate you.
A satirical, scifi, MM erotica romance.
ebook
First published November 15, 2023
130 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Dianna Roman
16 books717 followersRomcom author, Dianna Roman, believes in laughter, unsung heroes and heroines, chocolate, talking to yourself, hard work, and above all, love.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
She enjoys writing stories set in small and rural towns and about characters who don't have this thing called life quite figured out yet.
Dianna lives in the woods where sunsets and gardening are the reason her house may be a bit messy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
December 31, 2024
This was NOT a 5 star read, but I was 5 star levels of entertained!!!!!!
Okay, there is MANY spoilers ahead because I can’t stay silent about the fucking silly goosery, that is “The Fating” hahahahahaha
THIS BOOK IS R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S AND IN CAPITALS
I cannot stress enough how absolutely nonsensical this is, and there is so much about it, I should hate…. But I didn’t… ahahhahaha I needed something silly, and this fucking slapped in my time of need 🤭
The premise:
A 6 foot 7, love struck, 9.5 inch schlong-ed green alien falls in love with his ‘fated mate’ who is a super straight, chad-like human.
Naturally, Mr straight says no, so the alien who we (buddy read this with my lovely friend Sarah hehehe) nick named greenie, begins to wither and die… so….. obviously 💅🏼 mr hetero agrees to getting his ass plundered…. For rescue purposes only 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭
Omg…
This book was fucking ridiculous. The author really committed to making like… the most fucked and fucking entertaining book ever 🤣
The quotes/words that really make you giggle through this story include
- Plundering as the term for fucking 🤣
- “You wish for me to meld your teats?”
- “Divine virginal channel”
- “Fate juice”
- “Public lube fountain”
“Frowning, he studies me pityingly. Being studied pityingly while stuck to a cock gets one star. Do not recommend.”
YOU NEED TO READ THIS PURELY FOR THE SCENE WHERE THEY ARRIVE TO MEET GREENIES PARENTS 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 if you know, you know.
Ending the year with a bang, or should I say a ✨plunder✨
Thank you to Sarah for BR with me and thank you to Jackbee’s who put me onto this book for Christmas!!! I love you both dearly!!!
Thank you to all my GR friends for a wonderful 2024!!!! I hope we can giggle and laugh at more reviews in 2025!!!
Okay, there is MANY spoilers ahead because I can’t stay silent about the fucking silly goosery, that is “The Fating” hahahahahaha
THIS BOOK IS R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S AND IN CAPITALS
I cannot stress enough how absolutely nonsensical this is, and there is so much about it, I should hate…. But I didn’t… ahahhahaha I needed something silly, and this fucking slapped in my time of need 🤭
The premise:
A 6 foot 7, love struck, 9.5 inch schlong-ed green alien falls in love with his ‘fated mate’ who is a super straight, chad-like human.
Naturally, Mr straight says no, so the alien who we (buddy read this with my lovely friend Sarah hehehe) nick named greenie, begins to wither and die… so….. obviously 💅🏼 mr hetero agrees to getting his ass plundered…. For rescue purposes only 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭
Omg…
This book was fucking ridiculous. The author really committed to making like… the most fucked and fucking entertaining book ever 🤣
The quotes/words that really make you giggle through this story include
- Plundering as the term for fucking 🤣
- “You wish for me to meld your teats?”
- “Divine virginal channel”
- “Fate juice”
- “Public lube fountain”
“Frowning, he studies me pityingly. Being studied pityingly while stuck to a cock gets one star. Do not recommend.”
YOU NEED TO READ THIS PURELY FOR THE SCENE WHERE THEY ARRIVE TO MEET GREENIES PARENTS 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 if you know, you know.
Ending the year with a bang, or should I say a ✨plunder✨
Thank you to Sarah for BR with me and thank you to Jackbee’s who put me onto this book for Christmas!!! I love you both dearly!!!
Thank you to all my GR friends for a wonderful 2024!!!! I hope we can giggle and laugh at more reviews in 2025!!!
December 11, 2023
~3.5~
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions.
I laughed (often).
I cried (once).
I was frustrated and wanted to wring Cole's neck (always).
Cole of the Humans is the first-person narrator of the story (only one chapter toward the end is from Grantham's POV, which I wanted more of).
Grantham of Ditali is a gentle giant, a hopeless romantic, and a goddamn ray of sunshine. Cole didn't deserve him.
Grantham explains to Cole that they are fated and must mate. Cole claims he's not attracted to males and throws a hissy fit, even as he's riding Grantham's giant cock.
Cole is prickly, uses sarcasm as a weapon, and hurts Grantham again and again. He's also deeply lonely and believes that nothing gold can stay.
Most of this book is pure porn. Grantham and Cole cannot separate during the fating, so Cole sits on Grantham's dick for ... not a few hours but TWELVE days!! Grantham even fashions a pair of fating pants for Cole, so he can be carried around while attached to Grantham's cock.
None of this stops Cole from running his mouth, though. Oh no, he continues to complain, even as a motherfucking prince plunders him, worships his body, and puts up with his bullshit.
Some of the plot, like the expectation that Cole and Grantham would fuck during dinner as all and sundry watched, bordered on ridiculous.
I cringed. I facepalmed. And then I laughed some more. Rollercoaster, remember?
The epilogue is something else. I'm still not sure how exactly Ditali babies are born, but I think they hatch?
This book is set in a galaxy far, far away, after Earth 1, 2, and 3 were attacked and (I assume) destroyed. I think Earth 3 is still habitable though. The world building is vague.
It's part sci-fi, part sexy AF romance, part rom-com.
Also, there's a sort of koala who humps boots.
I'm so conflicted regarding my rating because Cole is just OTT whiny and annoying, but in the end I'm rounding up because Grantham is the sun & the moon and Cole finally sees the stars.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions.
I laughed (often).
I cried (once).
I was frustrated and wanted to wring Cole's neck (always).
Cole of the Humans is the first-person narrator of the story (only one chapter toward the end is from Grantham's POV, which I wanted more of).
Grantham of Ditali is a gentle giant, a hopeless romantic, and a goddamn ray of sunshine. Cole didn't deserve him.
Grantham explains to Cole that they are fated and must mate. Cole claims he's not attracted to males and throws a hissy fit, even as he's riding Grantham's giant cock.
Cole is prickly, uses sarcasm as a weapon, and hurts Grantham again and again. He's also deeply lonely and believes that nothing gold can stay.
Most of this book is pure porn. Grantham and Cole cannot separate during the fating, so Cole sits on Grantham's dick for ... not a few hours but TWELVE days!! Grantham even fashions a pair of fating pants for Cole, so he can be carried around while attached to Grantham's cock.
None of this stops Cole from running his mouth, though. Oh no, he continues to complain, even as a motherfucking prince plunders him, worships his body, and puts up with his bullshit.
Some of the plot, like the expectation that Cole and Grantham would fuck during dinner as all and sundry watched, bordered on ridiculous.
I cringed. I facepalmed. And then I laughed some more. Rollercoaster, remember?
The epilogue is something else. I'm still not sure how exactly Ditali babies are born, but I think they hatch?
This book is set in a galaxy far, far away, after Earth 1, 2, and 3 were attacked and (I assume) destroyed. I think Earth 3 is still habitable though. The world building is vague.
It's part sci-fi, part sexy AF romance, part rom-com.
Also, there's a sort of koala who humps boots.
I'm so conflicted regarding my rating because Cole is just OTT whiny and annoying, but in the end I'm rounding up because Grantham is the sun & the moon and Cole finally sees the stars.
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October 20, 2024
The Fating is a stand alone alien/human romance by Dianna Roman. This is my second book by Dianna and I have to say I’m pretty much in love with her writing. This is a sarcastic, steamy as heck, fun story and I loved it. This world she came up with is genius. How did she even dream this up?!
Cole Barnes is thirty two years old and though his life started out okay with his parents and his older brother living on a new Earth settlement, everything changed when he was thirteen. From then on, his life wasn’t really his own anymore and he did what he had to do to get by.
Three months ago he and his team were in a dangerous area of the galaxy when their ship was attacked by Skogari and now he is on a slave planet mining an ore they need. He was the only survivor of his ship. Things are looking pretty bleak for his survival when a new guy arrives on the planet, another non human captive from a race he doesn’t recognize. He catches the other being watching him frequently. Then the day comes when the perfect opportunity arises and he and the other man band together, grab one of the Skogari’s ships and make their getaway. Only now, this is when things get REALLY complicated!
Grantham claims to be the crowned prince of his planet, Ditali and claims that Cole is his fated mate. Even though Cole has never been interested in males before! No way is he falling for this. Except right before his eyes, Grantham begins fading away. He says it’s because Cole has rejected their fating. And there is one more small detail. Grantham is the only one who knows how to fly the ship.
This was so fun. Cole took some getting used to. He is VERY cynical but I had to tell myself that he deserves to be with all he’s endured. The world has not been kind to him. And here’s this male telling him that once again, the choice has been taken out of his hands and that the universe has paired them together.
This was a quick read but also was filled with so much. And Cole really did go through so many changes. And of course, there is the sweet Grantham who will do whatever is needed to make his Cole happy. Even if it means breaking his own heart in the process. I have big plans to explore so much more of Dianna’s library but just to throw this out there, I would love it if she expanded on this world. Maybe wrote about some of the other males on Ditali and how they found their fated mates! I would definitely be down for that!
“The universe may have found him for me, but it is our love that will keep us together.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Cole Barnes is thirty two years old and though his life started out okay with his parents and his older brother living on a new Earth settlement, everything changed when he was thirteen. From then on, his life wasn’t really his own anymore and he did what he had to do to get by.
Three months ago he and his team were in a dangerous area of the galaxy when their ship was attacked by Skogari and now he is on a slave planet mining an ore they need. He was the only survivor of his ship. Things are looking pretty bleak for his survival when a new guy arrives on the planet, another non human captive from a race he doesn’t recognize. He catches the other being watching him frequently. Then the day comes when the perfect opportunity arises and he and the other man band together, grab one of the Skogari’s ships and make their getaway. Only now, this is when things get REALLY complicated!
Grantham claims to be the crowned prince of his planet, Ditali and claims that Cole is his fated mate. Even though Cole has never been interested in males before! No way is he falling for this. Except right before his eyes, Grantham begins fading away. He says it’s because Cole has rejected their fating. And there is one more small detail. Grantham is the only one who knows how to fly the ship.
This was so fun. Cole took some getting used to. He is VERY cynical but I had to tell myself that he deserves to be with all he’s endured. The world has not been kind to him. And here’s this male telling him that once again, the choice has been taken out of his hands and that the universe has paired them together.
This was a quick read but also was filled with so much. And Cole really did go through so many changes. And of course, there is the sweet Grantham who will do whatever is needed to make his Cole happy. Even if it means breaking his own heart in the process. I have big plans to explore so much more of Dianna’s library but just to throw this out there, I would love it if she expanded on this world. Maybe wrote about some of the other males on Ditali and how they found their fated mates! I would definitely be down for that!
“The universe may have found him for me, but it is our love that will keep us together.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 2, 2025
I'm on a huge Dianna Roman kick right now, and I had to finally read this little sci-fi romance gem. I'm obsessed with Alexander Cendese's narration of her books, so I just had to grab this one in audio also.
Okay, for all of you old-school M/M romance readers, this book reminded me SO MUCH of "The Last Pure Human" (google it, if you are interested). It felt very, very similar in so many ways.
I loved how light-hearted and funny The Fating was throughout. It just made me smile, even when Cole was very doth protest too much. Yes, Cole was irritating as hell with his constant denial of his body's needs and his growing feelings (Grantham is a saint), but he also made me laugh.
Plus the sex!! Damnnnnn, Dianna Roman, you a spicy lady. If you like your romance heavy on the sex (they are literally suck together, banging), then you are in luck! You'll thank me later...
More sci-fi, please, Dianna Roman. I will literally buy them all.
goodreads|instagram
Okay, for all of you old-school M/M romance readers, this book reminded me SO MUCH of "The Last Pure Human" (google it, if you are interested). It felt very, very similar in so many ways.
I loved how light-hearted and funny The Fating was throughout. It just made me smile, even when Cole was very doth protest too much. Yes, Cole was irritating as hell with his constant denial of his body's needs and his growing feelings (Grantham is a saint), but he also made me laugh.
Plus the sex!! Damnnnnn, Dianna Roman, you a spicy lady. If you like your romance heavy on the sex (they are literally suck together, banging), then you are in luck! You'll thank me later...
More sci-fi, please, Dianna Roman. I will literally buy them all.
goodreads|instagram
January 23, 2025
This man really went through twelve days of magic universe sex goop gluing his ass to an alien dick and still had the audacity to try and call fate a fucking liar. I wish I could be that delusional and still find happiness
January 10, 2025
Omg this was so funny and whacky and hot and all the things! One quick question, where in the world and/or galaxies can I find a green sweetie like Grantham? Honestly, he was the most perfect book boyfriend human or otherwise that I’ve ever read 🥹 The way he was so patient, caring, loving and protective of Cole, he had me swooning the whole read. Ughh I just loved that big green bby so much!
Cole was soo frustrating for a while but I also understood him and wanted to protect him too. With his upbringing and life it was easy to understand why his walls built around him were the size of a mountain. That grumpy bby just didn’t know how to let someone love him 😭 I’m glad he got it together and accepted that he deserved to be loved by a huge, gentle green giant bc that last 3rd of the book had me happy crying for both these bbys.
Also it should be noted that the sex in the book is quite literally out of this world 🚀 I’ll see myself out after I tell y’all what you need to know and that is that this book had a 12 day sex-a-thon that you truly have to read to believe. Dianna Roman is a master at writing a hot, delicious, funny ass sex scene 🥵😍
This was book was such a treat for me after not being able to read much so far this year. I can always count on a Dianna Roman book to get me out of a heinous slump. Plz go read this lovely, wacky, unhinged story and thank me later 🫶🏾
Cole was soo frustrating for a while but I also understood him and wanted to protect him too. With his upbringing and life it was easy to understand why his walls built around him were the size of a mountain. That grumpy bby just didn’t know how to let someone love him 😭 I’m glad he got it together and accepted that he deserved to be loved by a huge, gentle green giant bc that last 3rd of the book had me happy crying for both these bbys.
Also it should be noted that the sex in the book is quite literally out of this world 🚀 I’ll see myself out after I tell y’all what you need to know and that is that this book had a 12 day sex-a-thon that you truly have to read to believe. Dianna Roman is a master at writing a hot, delicious, funny ass sex scene 🥵😍
This was book was such a treat for me after not being able to read much so far this year. I can always count on a Dianna Roman book to get me out of a heinous slump. Plz go read this lovely, wacky, unhinged story and thank me later 🫶🏾
May 4, 2024
4.25⭐ for a fantastic story! Anyone looking for good alien m/m romance books will love this one.
Wow, what a way to get me back in the game!
Why isn't this a series??
🟣 Alien Ditali/human
🔵 In the future, Earth as we know it no longer exists
🟢 Fated mates
🟡 Size difference
🟣 Gay/GFY
🟠 Planet with males only
🔵 No mpreg but still procreation
🟢 Funny, entertaining
🌶️ Fantastic smut! t/b for most of it, going vers for a while at the end
This was a really good, funny and pretty damn romantic story. Who would've thought?? Romance is pretty big in this one.
Cole is a bounty hunter in space who ends up on a mining planet as a slave - but just for a little while. He escapes after 3 months with Grantham, a big, green, polite muscled alien who claims Cole is the mate the Universe has chosen for him.
“‘Fated one’?”
“Yes. Your body called to mine from the moment I saw you, as only one’s fated one’s can. I was not certain at first, as I have hoped for my fating my entire life. I apologize for my caution at first. You see, I have had the urge to plunder others. And I have. I have plundered and plundered and plundered across many galaxies, searching earnestly for—”
“Yeah! I get it!” I cut him off, pinching my eyes shut to blot out the mental image. “You… plundered the fuck out of space. Get to the fated part. What exactly are you saying?”
So 😄 these two escape the mining planet and go to Ditali, Grantham's home - male population only, gay couples only, public celebratory sex mandatory. These guys celebrate by watching other people fuck. It's a thing. They're like ecstatic about it. They want to congratulate you for fucking your man so good he moans like an idiot for an hour!
So, Grantham is back home and Cole has a problem dealing with him being attracted to a male as it is
"Those damn planet rats. That’s it! It has to be. I knew eating rats was going to catch up with me. They must carry some toxin that messes with your dopamine levels. I bet that’s it." 😄
but come to find out Grantham is also a prince whose body scent is being sold as soap and the whole planet is fucking excited he's found a mate through Fating - a process where Cole and Grantham are connected sexually for days until the fated bond is complete.
Yup, that's right. They're hooked on each other, literally. Can't get off. Shower together. Eat together. Sleep together. Screw each other's brains out all the damn time.
"There is only so much patience a man can muster when he’s forced to eat his meals on another man’s lap, shower while he’s on that man’s dick, and fight to stay awake so he doesn’t fall asleep with a cock in his ass. In short, I will not be apologizing for any of my behavior today."
Cole decides he doesn't want the Fating to dictate his future, he doesn't want to be bound to someone just because the Universe decided that's how it's going to be, so Cole wants to destroy the bond, he's taking suppressants and leaves Grantham.
His time on Ditali is pretty great, overall every single minute he spends with Grantham is great. They're creating a wonderful, unconditional love bond along the way that I wholly appreciated. Grantham is a dream guy that's mature, knows how to talk to Cole and supports him in everything, no big ego, no funny games, nothing - so their relationship is one for the books, they're hilarious together but at the same time have that forever quality. I loved these two.
Cole comes back to Grantham and the reunion is hot and sweet, as is their sex life. A lot of sex in this book, just what I like! Fantastic sex. Interesting concepts too. Cole tops
Grantham near the end of the story but the scene doesn't really get the development I wanted. I really, really wanted them to experience that completely, but they had to stop half way in. 🫤 So that was a little disappointing.
Grantham's family had too little page time. They sounded funny and amazing and I would love to get more of this planet and this society. Cole and Grantham's dinner with the inlaws wasn't on-page, I felt the whole living in the palace part wasn't as developed. The end chapters left me a little down, except for the procreation scene.
“I fucking need you,” I rasp. “I don’t know what in the hell I’m going to do without you.”
“You will never be without me,” he pants, raking his open mouth across my cheek and groaning. “Stay, Cole. Stay with me. I will be so good to you.”
Cole is now a Prince consort and Grantham claims Cole in front of everyone. They're reproducing, so it's a special occasion and I was really sorry to then not reading about their life after this event. I'd really like to see them as dads and get a taste of their palace life.
One for those couples you simply always simp for. They're fantastic.
I definitely recommend this story. I liked, really liked both MMCs and feel like we should get an extended epilogue or at least a series out of this.
December 7, 2023
Hi. So this review is going to suck big time. The thing is, I read this book so long ago, but the thought of writing a review made me want to throw up. Now I’m going back and trying to write reviews for the books I read a million years ago, and I don’t remember a thing about this. That’s my bad, and I apologize. So I will tell you whatever I can remember. Please don’t say anything mean to me. Thank you!
So main character (don’t remember his name) is imprisoned on this planet. He was a bounty hunter I think, but his ship got overtaken by bad aliens. They killed his crew and took him to the prison planet. He’s been here for a month maybe mining this special gem in the caves. Then one day he has this new mining partner. This big (green?) alien (whose name I also don’t remember) that has stars on his chest that light up when human touches him. He claims that they light up because they’re mates. But we will get to that. Anyway an opening pops up where human and alien can escape and they steal a ship and leave prison planet. They are on their way to alien’s home planet, so they can get to safety. Alien has been gone a long time and his family and friends miss him. He’s also royalty. Alien tells human they’re mates. Human thinks this is hilarious because they’re not and he’s also straight. Alien then starts to die because his mate rejects him. Only way to save alien is to have sex. They are about to crash their ship because alien can’t fly it because he’s dying. So for the greater good, human has sex with alien and saves him. Human says it’ll never happen again. Then human gets overtaken with need and has sex with alien again. But plot twist! They become stuck together. Kinda like a knot but different. His penis gets attached to human’s insides. It’s a part of the mating process. It’s so they can connect! Get to know each other! Love each other! Human hates this. And since alien is all royal, their stuck together time is very long. Like 15 days I think? And that’s the majority of the book. They’re stuck together and having sex constantly. But I was fine with that. I quite liked it. It was fun watching human gripe about sitting on a dick, but then needing said dick to move desperately.
I wasn’t a fan of the ending. We got some pregnancy, but it wasn’t the mpreg kind sadly. There was some eggs involved. I’m not gonna explain it in case you want to read it, but I did not like that. The process of the whole baby thing was weird to me, too. I’m always salty when I read an alien romance, and I don’t get my dose of mpreg. But other than that, this was fun and different!
So main character (don’t remember his name) is imprisoned on this planet. He was a bounty hunter I think, but his ship got overtaken by bad aliens. They killed his crew and took him to the prison planet. He’s been here for a month maybe mining this special gem in the caves. Then one day he has this new mining partner. This big (green?) alien (whose name I also don’t remember) that has stars on his chest that light up when human touches him. He claims that they light up because they’re mates. But we will get to that. Anyway an opening pops up where human and alien can escape and they steal a ship and leave prison planet. They are on their way to alien’s home planet, so they can get to safety. Alien has been gone a long time and his family and friends miss him. He’s also royalty. Alien tells human they’re mates. Human thinks this is hilarious because they’re not and he’s also straight. Alien then starts to die because his mate rejects him. Only way to save alien is to have sex. They are about to crash their ship because alien can’t fly it because he’s dying. So for the greater good, human has sex with alien and saves him. Human says it’ll never happen again. Then human gets overtaken with need and has sex with alien again. But plot twist! They become stuck together. Kinda like a knot but different. His penis gets attached to human’s insides. It’s a part of the mating process. It’s so they can connect! Get to know each other! Love each other! Human hates this. And since alien is all royal, their stuck together time is very long. Like 15 days I think? And that’s the majority of the book. They’re stuck together and having sex constantly. But I was fine with that. I quite liked it. It was fun watching human gripe about sitting on a dick, but then needing said dick to move desperately.
I wasn’t a fan of the ending. We got some pregnancy, but it wasn’t the mpreg kind sadly. There was some eggs involved. I’m not gonna explain it in case you want to read it, but I did not like that. The process of the whole baby thing was weird to me, too. I’m always salty when I read an alien romance, and I don’t get my dose of mpreg. But other than that, this was fun and different!
August 25, 2024
3.5*** stars
Well, this was… something. It was so ridiculous I’m not quite sure I liked it. But the author’s note did explain a lot.
And witnessing this whole weird-ass story through Cole’s POV really was pretty amusing and I got a few good laughs in. And yes, I loved Bart too. ♡
It’s difficult to glare when your knees are suspended from sex straps attached to your arms and those straps are attached to assless pants so your bonding partner can plunder you while he pilots.
Well, this was… something. It was so ridiculous I’m not quite sure I liked it. But the author’s note did explain a lot.
As always, I remain baffled that anyone wants to check out the bizarre creations of my mind—this one probably takes the cake, but I needed a laugh, so that’s my only explanation for Cole and Grantham’s story. I blame my friend Marge’s distaste for koalas for Bart—she needed a laugh too.
And witnessing this whole weird-ass story through Cole’s POV really was pretty amusing and I got a few good laughs in. And yes, I loved Bart too. ♡
December 30, 2024
Utterly ridiculous and completely hilarious. This had me cackling like a goon the whole time, interspersed with frustration at Cole, indignation on Greenie’s behalf and awwws over the love koala. This surprised me with genuine romance feels in the end there and I couldn’t believe how weirdly attached I had become to chest stars man. The utter bizarreness pleased me greatly. The author absolutely delivered in her consistency and sticking to her theme. I kept thinking that it couldn’t get crazier but nope, each scene that occurred took the cake. This was a highly entertaining way to end the year, thanks Chelsea for a truly hilarious buddy read.
I’m not usually a fan of comedic books but this just tickled me the right way.
I’m not usually a fan of comedic books but this just tickled me the right way.
December 10, 2023
I’m fucking shameless
January 26, 2025
Solid 3.75 Stars
Okay... So, this one was definitely an onion read for me. It has a lot of layers. Many of them hilarious. Let's just say that Cole was definitely living in the armpit of Murphy's Law. I felt so bad that I was laughing so hard at his plight, but there you go. But as curmudgeonly as Cole is, he really is such a sweet soul. I found myself wanting to protect him the way Grantham does. Especially when more of his story comes clearer to us in snippets as the story progresses. Some of it was heartbreaking. Sad. And a real eye opener to what makes Cole tick and why.
Now Grantham? I love him. Period. I love the way he talks, thinks, reacts and cares. He's regal. Not because he's a Prince. It was just in his DNA. Simply put, he's the man and that's all that needs to be said.
Now, why this was not a 5-star read for me as entertaining and sweet as it was, is because I really hate that what pulled me to Cole in the first place, was lost in translation when the fating began. It was like he was a completely different man. I don't like when female authors write M/M in a way that turns one of the guys essentially into a female. That bugs me. Cause I always walk away with the thought that this should have just been a M/F story if you're gonna take that route...
Now, I'm VERY picky with this genre cause in most cases it's just not my bend. But I have read some truly great stories in this genre that were recommended to me. So, I feel like I know enough about the tone, to make this assessment. Two males falling in love do not have to compromise who they are to their cores, in order for the "Love that dare not speak its name" to flourish and be believable or acceptable. This is true for any setting in this genre. Real world themes, paranormal, or sci-fi..
It bothers me when the feminine energy is brought to the forefront so much that the journey between them (M/M) becomes ridiculous. And that's what I saw here, in the middle and towards the end.
Cole's personality transplant was one, in the middle of this story, and Again, this just serves in making me think you should have just used a chick if you wanted the story to go there.
That being said, I would still recommend this read to those who love this genre and those who don't. Cause it is crazy hilarious, and we all need a little more laughter in our lives. No matter in what package that laughter comes to us.
Okay... So, this one was definitely an onion read for me. It has a lot of layers. Many of them hilarious. Let's just say that Cole was definitely living in the armpit of Murphy's Law. I felt so bad that I was laughing so hard at his plight, but there you go. But as curmudgeonly as Cole is, he really is such a sweet soul. I found myself wanting to protect him the way Grantham does. Especially when more of his story comes clearer to us in snippets as the story progresses. Some of it was heartbreaking. Sad. And a real eye opener to what makes Cole tick and why.
Now Grantham? I love him. Period. I love the way he talks, thinks, reacts and cares. He's regal. Not because he's a Prince. It was just in his DNA. Simply put, he's the man and that's all that needs to be said.
Now, why this was not a 5-star read for me as entertaining and sweet as it was, is because I really hate that what pulled me to Cole in the first place, was lost in translation when the fating began. It was like he was a completely different man. I don't like when female authors write M/M in a way that turns one of the guys essentially into a female. That bugs me. Cause I always walk away with the thought that this should have just been a M/F story if you're gonna take that route...
Now, I'm VERY picky with this genre cause in most cases it's just not my bend. But I have read some truly great stories in this genre that were recommended to me. So, I feel like I know enough about the tone, to make this assessment. Two males falling in love do not have to compromise who they are to their cores, in order for the "Love that dare not speak its name" to flourish and be believable or acceptable. This is true for any setting in this genre. Real world themes, paranormal, or sci-fi..
It bothers me when the feminine energy is brought to the forefront so much that the journey between them (M/M) becomes ridiculous. And that's what I saw here, in the middle and towards the end.
Cole's personality transplant was one, in the middle of this story, and Again, this just serves in making me think you should have just used a chick if you wanted the story to go there.
That being said, I would still recommend this read to those who love this genre and those who don't. Cause it is crazy hilarious, and we all need a little more laughter in our lives. No matter in what package that laughter comes to us.
January 14, 2024
“Are you telling me that…if we don’t fuck, you’re going to die?”
First off that’s one of my favourite micro tropes and it was executed so flipping hilariously here!
Cole is a human bounty hunter that ends up getting captured and forced into slavery on a mining planet. When he’s paired up with green-skinned humanoid Grantham the opportunity to escape arises and together they grab a ship and head out. Only when they’re able to communicate does Cole learn that Grantham believes he’s his fated mate and if they don’t hook up he’ll die. Oh also they get stuck together… intimately for like 2 weeks - that’s the book! 🤣👌🏻
Super funny and heartwarming. I loved them getting to know each other between bursts of lust. Cole is the grumpiest grump and Grantham is a total simp from day one. Most of the book takes place on the ship but the bits that are on Grantham’s planet are super interesting and I love the world building and Cole’s frustration at Ditali culture while also swooning over how much Grantham adores him.
“You are written on my soul, my love. I do not know if the universe scripted you there or if it was by your own hand, but my story is not complete without you.”
First off that’s one of my favourite micro tropes and it was executed so flipping hilariously here!
Cole is a human bounty hunter that ends up getting captured and forced into slavery on a mining planet. When he’s paired up with green-skinned humanoid Grantham the opportunity to escape arises and together they grab a ship and head out. Only when they’re able to communicate does Cole learn that Grantham believes he’s his fated mate and if they don’t hook up he’ll die. Oh also they get stuck together… intimately for like 2 weeks - that’s the book! 🤣👌🏻
Super funny and heartwarming. I loved them getting to know each other between bursts of lust. Cole is the grumpiest grump and Grantham is a total simp from day one. Most of the book takes place on the ship but the bits that are on Grantham’s planet are super interesting and I love the world building and Cole’s frustration at Ditali culture while also swooning over how much Grantham adores him.
“You are written on my soul, my love. I do not know if the universe scripted you there or if it was by your own hand, but my story is not complete without you.”
November 23, 2023
This was... Not great. Maybe I'm more disappointed because I kept hearing such amazing reviews, but this book really didn't do anything well.
The entire middle of the book is erotica. I won't even call it smut, it's way beyond that. There's setup in the first couple chapters, and plot in the last couple chapters, but it's actually just erotica in the middle. That in itself isn't bad, but it wasn't particularly good erotica. It was actually really boring. There wasn't anything new or exciting happening, and it was also basically all dub con. It's not the aliens fault though, it's due to the Sex Pollen trope. He overtly doesn't want it, literally voices that over and over, but physically needs it. Really a disturbing choice. No matter how nice the alien is in waiting until he's ready and not pushing, the author forces the character to do it before he's ready.
The plot is incredibly scant. Also a bit weird that there's only one human language. And in a society that only has one sex, they call themselves males, and they adhere to the patriarchal notion of penetration being the role of the powerful (royals don't receive no matter how good it feels). It's not a well developed sci-fi universe, it doesn't bring forward new ideas or ways of looking at ourselves.
The book has its place, but it's really not interesting to me.
The entire middle of the book is erotica. I won't even call it smut, it's way beyond that. There's setup in the first couple chapters, and plot in the last couple chapters, but it's actually just erotica in the middle. That in itself isn't bad, but it wasn't particularly good erotica. It was actually really boring. There wasn't anything new or exciting happening, and it was also basically all dub con. It's not the aliens fault though, it's due to the Sex Pollen trope. He overtly doesn't want it, literally voices that over and over, but physically needs it. Really a disturbing choice. No matter how nice the alien is in waiting until he's ready and not pushing, the author forces the character to do it before he's ready.
The plot is incredibly scant. Also a bit weird that there's only one human language. And in a society that only has one sex, they call themselves males, and they adhere to the patriarchal notion of penetration being the role of the powerful (royals don't receive no matter how good it feels). It's not a well developed sci-fi universe, it doesn't bring forward new ideas or ways of looking at ourselves.
The book has its place, but it's really not interesting to me.
October 29, 2023
I’m going to start off by saying I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I was going to. I didn’t really have much interest in reading this but gave it a chance because it’s Dianna! I’m glad I did because it was actually a lot of fun and had some sad and romantic moments as well!
This is a mostly single POV story told by Cole. He was a fun character who is shoved into a situation that is completely crazy. I felt for him at some points having to do something he didn’t want to do. I’m glad that he chose on his own at the end to love Grantham.
Grantham was an absolutely hilarious and romantic character. He reminded me a lot of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy. The same “humour” and taking everything literally. Loved it! I was surprised how I felt for the characters and was sad at one point. It was more emotional than I was expecting.
The teasers I read for this book honestly didn’t do it justice, in the context of the story the teasers made so much more sense. It was also less sci-fi than I was expecting. So if that’s not really your jam it’s still worth a try to see if you’ll like it! Was more like a monster story to me. Note that there is a plot to this story but it’s clearly an erotica novel. Overall I recommend this book if you’re looking for something different!
This is a mostly single POV story told by Cole. He was a fun character who is shoved into a situation that is completely crazy. I felt for him at some points having to do something he didn’t want to do. I’m glad that he chose on his own at the end to love Grantham.
Grantham was an absolutely hilarious and romantic character. He reminded me a lot of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy. The same “humour” and taking everything literally. Loved it! I was surprised how I felt for the characters and was sad at one point. It was more emotional than I was expecting.
The teasers I read for this book honestly didn’t do it justice, in the context of the story the teasers made so much more sense. It was also less sci-fi than I was expecting. So if that’s not really your jam it’s still worth a try to see if you’ll like it! Was more like a monster story to me. Note that there is a plot to this story but it’s clearly an erotica novel. Overall I recommend this book if you’re looking for something different!
January 19, 2025
So, pirates plunder asunder but hunky green aliens plunder human men's arses. 12 straight days of cock in ass, like knotting but advanced. This book is filled with absolutely ridiculous and funny moments, as well as hot intimacy and the most romantic alien one could ask for. And a koala that changes colours. And making babies in pods in front of everyone.
I'm feral for this shit and I need everyone to read this.
I'm feral for this shit and I need everyone to read this.
April 26, 2024
Dnf. 50%
Cole really didn't like Grantham. And I didn't like Cole.
Grantham was a sweet baby angel.So sorry you got fated to an asshole.
Cole really didn't like Grantham. And I didn't like Cole.
Grantham was a sweet baby angel.So sorry you got fated to an asshole.
April 14, 2025
Oh my GOODNESS, this book was SO FREAKING FUN. I've been absolutely loving Dianna Roman's books lately, and The Fating takes her signature banter and humor to the next level. If you love alien romance, reluctant fated mates, and MMCs who are the ultimate simps for their partners, you are going to LOVE this short, smutty romp. Perfect summer/vacation read (I finished most of it by the pool over spring break, so I have first had experience)!
Y'all, I don't know what it is about a giant golden retriever of an alien with a language barrier, but I was GONE for Grantham pretty much immediately. He's big, green, and his little chest stars shine for clueless human Cole, so he's going to LOVE HIM. While Cole is definitely on the prickly side, Grantham takes all of his snark and rejections in stride as he is utterly devoted to his fated one. I honestly felt pretty bad for the guy for a lot of the book, as Cole (and his reluctance to accept the bond between them) definitely broke his (and my) heart a little bit. But I did love seeing the love beyond their fating grow throughout the story (and Cole's denial was honestly hilarious too). This book has A LOT of spice, but it honestly never got repetitive and all made sense for the story - if you like plot with your extra spicy reads, you'll love this book! And OMG, the sassy little alien koala Bart was MY FAVORITE THING EVER.
The Fating was such a fun change of pace from my recent reads, and I loved every minute. It's a perfect low angst read that will have you laughing out loud, and I already know I'll be yapping about it all over the place. I cannot wait to pick up my copy (with Bart on the cover!) from Dianna at Queers and Quills soon!
Y'all, I don't know what it is about a giant golden retriever of an alien with a language barrier, but I was GONE for Grantham pretty much immediately. He's big, green, and his little chest stars shine for clueless human Cole, so he's going to LOVE HIM. While Cole is definitely on the prickly side, Grantham takes all of his snark and rejections in stride as he is utterly devoted to his fated one. I honestly felt pretty bad for the guy for a lot of the book, as Cole (and his reluctance to accept the bond between them) definitely broke his (and my) heart a little bit. But I did love seeing the love beyond their fating grow throughout the story (and Cole's denial was honestly hilarious too). This book has A LOT of spice, but it honestly never got repetitive and all made sense for the story - if you like plot with your extra spicy reads, you'll love this book! And OMG, the sassy little alien koala Bart was MY FAVORITE THING EVER.
The Fating was such a fun change of pace from my recent reads, and I loved every minute. It's a perfect low angst read that will have you laughing out loud, and I already know I'll be yapping about it all over the place. I cannot wait to pick up my copy (with Bart on the cover!) from Dianna at Queers and Quills soon!
November 8, 2023
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
How can this be anything less than five stars?
Humorous, fun, sexy, heart-warming. This was everything.
I was extremely skeptical because the cover and blurb weren’t really giving a 5, but I should know better than to judge a book by its cover because I was oh so wrong.
Cole’s personality really reminded me of Brad from Bro and the Beast 1 — witty and ridiculous and adorable.
The cultural differences added that hilarious nuance that alien romances have, paired with Cole’s OTT denial and Grantham’s sweetness made this such an entertaining read.
Add in the cutest alien koala love pet (I was picturing Stitch in my head), and I couldn’t be more in love with this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Alien vs Human
- Fated mates
- Public sex
- Mostly strict top/bottom (except for one switch scene)
“I know all of your tomatoes, remember? That is what one’s true love does.”
How can this be anything less than five stars?
Humorous, fun, sexy, heart-warming. This was everything.
I was extremely skeptical because the cover and blurb weren’t really giving a 5, but I should know better than to judge a book by its cover because I was oh so wrong.
Cole’s personality really reminded me of Brad from Bro and the Beast 1 — witty and ridiculous and adorable.
“That’s all this’ll be. One little lifesaving plundering between bros.”
The cultural differences added that hilarious nuance that alien romances have, paired with Cole’s OTT denial and Grantham’s sweetness made this such an entertaining read.
Add in the cutest alien koala love pet (I was picturing Stitch in my head), and I couldn’t be more in love with this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Alien vs Human
- Fated mates
- Public sex
- Mostly strict top/bottom (except for one switch scene)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I couldn't put this down! I had such a fun time 😂
...
Narrator: Alexander Cendese
I couldn't put this down! I had such a fun time 😂
...
Narrator: Alexander Cendese
January 22, 2024
Well, that was certainly a fun and entertaining read. I have to admit that Cole got on my nerves with how long it took him to come to his senses.
However, I loved the story and fund the world building creative and adorable. I loved Grantham from the beginning and little Bart just touched my heart. I will admit I cried lots of happy tears. This was my first book by Dianna but it won’t be my last. I love finding a new author I love.💕
However, I loved the story and fund the world building creative and adorable. I loved Grantham from the beginning and little Bart just touched my heart. I will admit I cried lots of happy tears. This was my first book by Dianna but it won’t be my last. I love finding a new author I love.💕
Read
August 6, 2025DNF 50%
This is very much not for me and Cole (the human) is one of the most abrasive and annoying MCs I’ve ever read.
This is very much not for me and Cole (the human) is one of the most abrasive and annoying MCs I’ve ever read.
April 29, 2025
What did I just read 😂
November 24, 2023
✨💚 The Fating by Dianna Roman 💚✨
Wow. Just wow. I’m blown into smithereens across the Universe over the Fating.
I don’t know what just happened but I think I had some sort of a mixture between a love-induced high and an epiphany.
This book is just so goddamn beautiful. I’ve just cried over a grumpy, insecure, intergalactic bounty hunter who is wooed and courted like nobody’s business by the dreamiest green alien ever! Dearest is my new favorite endearment and I want a freaking blue space koala for Christmas.
I’m not sure what I’ve just read but I couldn’t put this book down. For the past 24 hours I have stared into the dark nightsky and it has whispered my own longing and uncertainty back to me.
Dianna’s words are beautiful. There’s a timelessness to her writing. Featherlight and poetic at times, making me dream of foreign worlds, strange tongues and unbelievable truths that my simple human mind cannot wrap itself around.
Then the superior humor hits you, my entire being lighting up with laughter one minute, then ripping me apart at the irony of the Universe knowing what we need, and still we fight this immense power tooth and nail, thinking we know better.
When we don’t. Because there’s only one truth. In our insignificance in the bigger picture lies also our significance if we choose togetherness instead of solitude. We all need somebody. Whether they are green, purple or pink. We all need someone.
FYI, Grantham’s chapter contains some of the most stunning writing I’ve encountered in a long time. I wish I could give you all the stars in the Universe, Dianna, because this book is nothing short of spectacular.
The Fating is one of my favorite reads this year and I have so much respect for authors who write what they believe in and not what is “the shit” at the moment ✨💚
Wow. Just wow. I’m blown into smithereens across the Universe over the Fating.
I don’t know what just happened but I think I had some sort of a mixture between a love-induced high and an epiphany.
This book is just so goddamn beautiful. I’ve just cried over a grumpy, insecure, intergalactic bounty hunter who is wooed and courted like nobody’s business by the dreamiest green alien ever! Dearest is my new favorite endearment and I want a freaking blue space koala for Christmas.
I’m not sure what I’ve just read but I couldn’t put this book down. For the past 24 hours I have stared into the dark nightsky and it has whispered my own longing and uncertainty back to me.
Dianna’s words are beautiful. There’s a timelessness to her writing. Featherlight and poetic at times, making me dream of foreign worlds, strange tongues and unbelievable truths that my simple human mind cannot wrap itself around.
Then the superior humor hits you, my entire being lighting up with laughter one minute, then ripping me apart at the irony of the Universe knowing what we need, and still we fight this immense power tooth and nail, thinking we know better.
When we don’t. Because there’s only one truth. In our insignificance in the bigger picture lies also our significance if we choose togetherness instead of solitude. We all need somebody. Whether they are green, purple or pink. We all need someone.
FYI, Grantham’s chapter contains some of the most stunning writing I’ve encountered in a long time. I wish I could give you all the stars in the Universe, Dianna, because this book is nothing short of spectacular.
The Fating is one of my favorite reads this year and I have so much respect for authors who write what they believe in and not what is “the shit” at the moment ✨💚
January 24, 2024
4.5 stars. Sci-fi goodness and wonderfully irreverent inner dialogue makes this a fun read. Imagine escaping a work camp only to land in a bizarre situation of fated mates, aliens and interstellar travel. Utterly ridiculous yet incredibly entertaining! I laughed and chuffed through this whole book, great word choices like melding and plundering make the book that much better. Super high spice, super ridiculous, unlikely, over the top situation, but bursting with fun dialogue, sexy scenes and finally tenderness. A well written, super low angst, fast flowing, interesting, entertaining read.
This author penned one of my all time favorite books, The Shutout, which has the best bi-awakening freak out of all time. Highly recommend.
Sci-fi, alien species, space travel, forced proximity, fated mates, m/m, HEA, spicy, human/alien, vers.
This author penned one of my all time favorite books, The Shutout, which has the best bi-awakening freak out of all time. Highly recommend.
Sci-fi, alien species, space travel, forced proximity, fated mates, m/m, HEA, spicy, human/alien, vers.
November 25, 2023
This was wayyy wayyy out there, but I couldn't put it down. It just kept getting more bizarre as I read. My first by this author and it was a doozy!
November 21, 2024
4.5 plundering stars. Funny and spicy and stupidly romantic. This book would be the perfect slump buster or refresh
November 16, 2023
Okay, so first disclaimer is that I'm a Dianna Roman super-fan. I mean, everything she has written is gold in my eyes. That said, when she teased that she was going to write a sci-fi erotica, I did what all good readers do and started reading within the genre to get a feel for the tropes, styles, settings, etc. What I didn't expect was to actually really like it? But, apparently I do #newreadingkinkunlocked
So, how does The Fating stack up? It is both true to the genre and uniquely Dianna's style which is *chef's kiss perfection* for me. So let's checklist this a bit (blame it on my day job):
- Isolation/Untethering: check. Cole has lost his crew, has been taken captive, and enslaved by the worst enemy aliens ever. Despair is established up-front and clearly. Lost in the universe's outer reaches with no home, no family really, and no one else to turn to.
- Language Challenges: check. There are a million alien species, with a million languages. Not everyone speaks English and that limitation/barrier has to cause strife for our MC. Eventually the fated mate(s) must find a way to overcome this- usually with some AI help or just a superior species knack for language learning.
- Instalust/Instalove: I mean, the title is "The Fating" so there better be some insta-something happening; and there is! Grantham claims immediate connection and fated mating with Cole. Watching the battle between free will and determinism is what drives this storyline forward.
- Mashing of 'parts': honestly, my favorite is reading how an author tackles the mashing of 'parts' together in alien/monster/sci-fi romances. This MMRomance is between human/humanoid so not much imagination needed there (no knots, ridges, nubs) but their mating during the Fating is interestingly handled and did help to hand-wave over some of those pesky "real-sex" problems that may have come up. =)
But surely there must be some critique even though you've given it 5 stars? Okay okay. My only slight criticism is that I would have loved to hear more of Grantham's internal monologue or read from his POV more. I feel like how he presented to Cole (of the humans) couldn't have always been reflective of his internal struggle. The potential rejection of his fated lover, his dearest (swoon!), had to have been killing him (literally and figuratively).
Overall, I loved the story. It's erotica, so there's a lot of steam - but it's unique enough that it's not repetative/boring. And the levity from Cole and his frustrations, his internal and external struggle to resolve what is happening and why... and ultimately how he processes his emotions makes him a likeable character. It's romcom: it strikes the right balance between humor and danger that I can safely concur with it being a 'romcom' without being shtick. And, it's cute! No spoiler, but their love koala may be my new favorite made-up pet ever. I want one. Lastly, Grantham is kind of the best book boyfriend - how can you not fall in love with someone who says, "You are written on my soul, my love. I do not know if the universe scripted you there or if it was by your own hand, but my story is not complete without you." Cue the waterworks and hugs that last forever!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. My opinions are my own.
So, how does The Fating stack up? It is both true to the genre and uniquely Dianna's style which is *chef's kiss perfection* for me. So let's checklist this a bit (blame it on my day job):
- Isolation/Untethering: check. Cole has lost his crew, has been taken captive, and enslaved by the worst enemy aliens ever. Despair is established up-front and clearly. Lost in the universe's outer reaches with no home, no family really, and no one else to turn to.
- Language Challenges: check. There are a million alien species, with a million languages. Not everyone speaks English and that limitation/barrier has to cause strife for our MC. Eventually the fated mate(s) must find a way to overcome this- usually with some AI help or just a superior species knack for language learning.
- Instalust/Instalove: I mean, the title is "The Fating" so there better be some insta-something happening; and there is! Grantham claims immediate connection and fated mating with Cole. Watching the battle between free will and determinism is what drives this storyline forward.
- Mashing of 'parts': honestly, my favorite is reading how an author tackles the mashing of 'parts' together in alien/monster/sci-fi romances. This MMRomance is between human/humanoid so not much imagination needed there (no knots, ridges, nubs) but their mating during the Fating is interestingly handled and did help to hand-wave over some of those pesky "real-sex" problems that may have come up. =)
But surely there must be some critique even though you've given it 5 stars? Okay okay. My only slight criticism is that I would have loved to hear more of Grantham's internal monologue or read from his POV more. I feel like how he presented to Cole (of the humans) couldn't have always been reflective of his internal struggle. The potential rejection of his fated lover, his dearest (swoon!), had to have been killing him (literally and figuratively).
Overall, I loved the story. It's erotica, so there's a lot of steam - but it's unique enough that it's not repetative/boring. And the levity from Cole and his frustrations, his internal and external struggle to resolve what is happening and why... and ultimately how he processes his emotions makes him a likeable character. It's romcom: it strikes the right balance between humor and danger that I can safely concur with it being a 'romcom' without being shtick. And, it's cute! No spoiler, but their love koala may be my new favorite made-up pet ever. I want one. Lastly, Grantham is kind of the best book boyfriend - how can you not fall in love with someone who says, "You are written on my soul, my love. I do not know if the universe scripted you there or if it was by your own hand, but my story is not complete without you." Cue the waterworks and hugs that last forever!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. My opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
Ok this story was completely ridiculous but also a lot of fun. It was just outrageous and over the top but I needed a good laugh.
Along with the laughs and the 12 days of Cole having to ride Grantham’s huge green dick, we get emotional growth for Cole. And it’s lovely.
My only quibble? “Cum” as a verb. No.
Along with the laughs and the 12 days of Cole having to ride Grantham’s huge green dick, we get emotional growth for Cole. And it’s lovely.
My only quibble? “Cum” as a verb. No.
January 2, 2025
Please have a book two, I would like to hear about his brother getting hitched. Would it be great if the Queen was a hermaphrodite
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