Episode 05: Saving His Mate by Ivy Knox

Welcome to Morally Gray Babes, where we dive into the spiciest reads, hottest book boyfriends, and the steamy moments that make our hearts race. Today, we’re breaking down Saving His Mate by Ivy Knox, the first book in the Aliens of Ilura series. If you’re into sci-fi romance with golden-skinned aliens, curvy heroines, and fated mates, this one’s for you!

BLURB

When Chloe, a curvy 35-year-old fed up with life on Earth, gets abducted and sold at auction on an alien planet, she finds herself face-to-face with Varric—a seven-foot-tall alien with shimmering gold skin, a tragic past, and an undeniable attraction to her. As Varric vows to keep Chloe safe in his enchanted village of treehouses, their bond deepens. But can they overcome the shadows of Varric’s past and the dangers of their world?

WHAT WE LOVED

1. Representation of Curvy, Older Women

We adored the representation of curvy, older female characters. Chloe, at 35, and her friends, Ava and Kate, are all plus-sized women in their 30s, navigating their abductions with grit and determination. It’s refreshing to see heroines who feel relatable and confident while facing extraordinary circumstances.

2. The Clan and Its Unique Traditions

The world-building in this book was stunning. From the treehouse villages to the poignant tradition of planting trees on loved ones’ graves, Ivy Knox crafted a vivid and emotional setting. The line “The bigger the tree, the longer they have passed” hit us right in the feels.

3. Fated Mates

The “fated mate” trope was executed beautifully here. The physical and emotional tether between Chloe and Varric was a standout element, giving their romance an undeniable pull that kept us hooked. And when Varric said, “Females, all females are to be revered. They are the life bringers. Without them, we are lost,” we swooned. Hard.

4. The Bond Between the Women

The friendship among Chloe, Ava, and Kate was a highlight. Despite their terrifying circumstances, these women supported each other fiercely, creating a sisterhood that added depth to the story.

WHAT WE QUESTIONED

1. Repeated Mispronunciation of Names

One aspect that pulled us out of the story was the aliens’ inability to pronounce human names correctly. Chloe became “Co-E” throughout much of the book. While it made sense for the aliens’ culture, it felt inconsistent when their internal thoughts also reflected the mispronunciation.

2. Varric’s Self-Loathing

Varric’s guilt and self-loathing, rooted in his father’s actions, dragged on a bit too long for our liking. While it served as a key part of his character development, it occasionally overshadowed the romance, making us wish Chloe would give him a shake and tell him he’s worthy.

3. Lack of Children in the Clan

For a clan struggling with population issues, the absence of children in the story stood out. While this might have been due to the planet’s history, it wasn’t addressed in the narrative, leaving us with questions.

And of course, the line that had us blushing:

SPICE RATING

We give Saving His Mate a 2/5 for spice. While there were several steamy moments, the focus remained on the plot, character development, and world-building. That said, certain scenes (ahem, “special alien anatomy”) might bump this up to a 3 for some readers.

BOOK RATING

We rate this book a 4/5 for its captivating world-building, strong character arcs, and an engaging romance. While there were minor elements that could be improved, the story was gripping enough to have us diving into the next books in the series.

WHO NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK

If you’re new to alien romances, Saving His Mate is the perfect introduction. It’s a sweet, spicy, and heartwarming story that blends sci-fi and romance effortlessly. Fans of fated mates, curvy heroines, and lush world-building will not be disappointed.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through Saving His Mate! Don’t forget to check out our next review where we dive into even more steamy, morally gray goodness.

Until next time, stay morally gray, babes! 💋