Luka has spent his life researching fertility in the hopes of discovering a cure for the Clecanians’ low birth rates. After years of working tirelessly with little progress, he becomes enraged when he uncovers a sinister plot to abduct compatible species from their home planets. But before he can tell anyone what he’s discovered, he’s captured, drugged, and thrown in a cell.It’s just Alice’s luck … Alice’s luck that when she finally begins to get her life on track, she’s kidnapped by reptilian creatures and forced into a cell with a fierce incoherent alien for some kind of breeding experiment.
Even though they aren’t able to communicate, Alice and Luka find solace in each other’s company. As the days drag on, it becomes harder to keep her heart locked away, until she can’t help but wonder what a life with Luka might look like outside their dark prison. When an opportunity to free herself, Luka, and the other human prisoners presents itself, Alice takes it.
Once free, can Alice and Luka’s tenuous relationship survive on this planet? Will the evil men that held them prisoner ever see justice? And can they play a part in the rescue of the other women being held captive around this strange new world? Alice knows only one thing for certain—her life will never be the same again.
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Freeing Luka by Victoria Aveline
Luka is the second book in her Clecanian series so I would highly recommend reading the first book prior to this one. I loved this book but I really connected to Theo more than Luka even though he never expected to find his mate while being held in a lab. Alice was taken from Earth and brought to the lab to see if her genetics are compatible to the Clecanian males. But even though his mating marks appear he still will need to convince Alice that they are mates. So let the wooing begin with visits to the preserves and dinners even though she decides to stay will she chose Luka or someone else?
This was good Theo’s story was better so I give this book 3.8 star and will read the next one anyone.
Love, absolutely love, the way Luka and Alice meet! Love the impression of a scary monster alien who turns out to be a complete softy where his mate is concerned. Miscommunications lead to them not seeing eye to eye for a bit, but it’s easily resolved. A villain tries to get in the way of their love, yet they persevere. (I’m already listening to the third and I think I’m going to love it.)
Lily S. Thomas – Author of the Galactic Courtship series
This is the second book in this series and I really enjoyed Luca and Alice who were both in the same prison . Once free, can Alice and Luka’s tenuous relationship survive on this planet? The characters are fantastic and the storyline well written and developed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really liked this story. It’s a well written page turning smooth flowing romance with aliens, abductions, suspense, action, drama, and always evil scientist. Luka gets kidnapped, drugged and thrown into a cell. Alice is grabbed and thrown into the same cell with Luka. They grow a strong emotional relationship that is capable of saving others and themselves and they develop a mating bond. They are still looking for the organization that captured Alice and Luka. I just picked up book one so that I can add it to my library. Can’t wait to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well written page turner alien romance with a side of abduction, evil scientist, suspense, action and romance. The story line is well developed and flows smoothly, with the lead characters Alice and Luka growing emotionally into strong characters capable of saving themselves and others, while developing a mating bond. I did not read the first book in the series, but that is next on my list. The book does have a HEA, but the underlying plot continues with the search for the organization that captured Luka and Alice. If you like Alien romances, with honorable hero’s and strong female leads, you will love this book and I highly recommend reading the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes it is a complex story. This author does a wonderful job at creating a story that is easy to follow and understand. I had read the Theos book in this series and I really enjoyed it. This one builds with steam and adventure. Luka and Alice are in a very dicey predicament with her being kidnapped and him being kept strictly for breeding. This is a enveloping story with enchanting characters. It will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this series. Thank you Victoria for giving us a visual story that we can enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alice finds herself in a cell by a madman who intends to use her in an illegal breeding program.
Alice slowly came to and realized she was being carried then she became aware that she could not move but that areas seemed to be coming back to life. As they passed an open door she saw a huge angry alien chained to the wall but continue a drop her on a bed in another cell. Later Helas the one who seems to be in charge comes to her cell and tells her she will be spending several hours a day in with the chained man as he seemed to reat to her and Helas was hoping that she would bring out his mating marks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fantastic sci-fi romance! I loved it! It is a well-written story, with a complex set of emotions. It is exciting and has wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The writing and editing of this sci-fi romance was clean in the ARC version of the manuscript, with not typos that I found. The world building was excellent, a vibrant character in itself. The characterization was excellent, with the hero and heroine both being complex individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The development of the romantic relationship was natural and organic. The plot and pacing was very exciting, with me turning pages rapidly to find out what was going to happen next! There was little angst in this novel and very high stakes, which tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Fated Mates trope, the Mars Needs Women trope, and the Partner in Trouble trope. This novel ended on a Happy Ever After instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a big plus to this novel. Another big plus to this novel is the longer length. The page count was high enough to really develop these characters and this story, which was a welcome change of pace from many self published sci-fi romance novels. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys well written sci-fi romance novels, especially if you are a fan of the Mars Needs Women trope. I eagerly look forward to reading the next novel in the series when it is available, and I think I might buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
he second book in The Clecanian Series a well written story that I will warn do not start at bedtime. I did not put it down until I was finished reading it. Luka a Clecanian was kidnapped and tortured by villains of his own people. Human Alice gets captured by reptilian creatures and forced into a cell with a fierce incoherent alien for some kind of breeding experiment. Luca realizes Alice is his mate, with her help they escape. They will have alot to overcome before they get their happy ending. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in The Clecanian Series, Freeing Luka is an immersive sci-fi romance with well-developed characters and vivid world-building. It begins when Alice is kidnapped and imprisoned on an alien planet for breeding purposes. The Clecanian men outnumber the women 20 to 1, and a deranged scientist uses his victims for reproductive experiments. Thrust into a new world and forced to interact with Luka, a hunky imprisoned alien who can’t understand her, Alice fears she’ll never escape. She must also face the undeniable attraction she feels for Luka and the possibility that she is his mate. Can they escape their imprisonment, and, if they do, what will happen to Alice and Luka?
The two main characters, Alice and Luka, are dynamic and well-developed. I love Alice! She is smart and courageous even when faced with unfathomable obstacles. She is also curious and diplomatic. Her selflessness when imprisoned with Luka and her patience when befriending the other imprisoned women is admirable, as is her determination to free them. I love her fighting spirit and compassion.
Luka is a fighter as well. Even when wounded and abused, he still fights to protect others. Beaten and betrayed, Luka refuses to break and remains honorable and strong even in his worst moments. Being imprisoned with Alice, his mate, helps maintain his sanity and gives him the strength to survive.
Now, as much as I love Alice and Luka separately, I love them even more as a couple. He is a scientist, and she wants to be a veterinarian. Their mutual love of nature and all living things brings them even closer together. I love how much Luka tries to please Alice and understand what makes her happy. He takes her on picnics, introduces her to beautiful wildlife, and more. Though their love story started while imprisoned, their bond is clear from the start, and even when abused and drugged, Luka strives to connect with and protect her. It is clear that they have a strong bond and deep respect for each other.
Luka knows that Alice is strong, resilient, and brave, and he loves seeing how happy she becomes when he supports and encourages her goals and desires. He sees Alice as his equal and his savior. I love this! (And I think Alice does too!) Plus, their chemistry is fantastic, and there are plenty of swoon-worthy moments for this couple.
Another aspect of the story that I like is the commentary on society. The leaders of Clecania are progressive and supportive of their new inhabitants. Eager to welcome the human females into their world, the Clecanians (for the most part) learn more about the humans – their world, their likes and dislikes, their cultures, their families, and more.
The world-building in Freeing Luka is as deftly developed as it is in Choosing Theo. In this book, Aveline describes the planet with vivid imagery and sensory language. I could easily visualize the new creatures, plants, and other elements of nature that Alice and Luka traversed as well as the temple where Alice meets the Queen and the homes of several characters. Customs, traditions, jobs, and politics are also detailed and interesting.
The Queen is another fantastic addition to The Clecanian Series! She is wise, kind, and introspective. She is astutely aware of the benefits of having the women remain on Clecania, and she is also genuine and sincere in her desire to create a peaceful world where all species can cohabitate. The inclusion of a benevolent matriarchal leader is refreshing and reinforces the theme of female empowerment that is at the forefront of this series.
With new additions to their world, life is changing, and the Clecanians are becoming more aware of their antiquated beliefs and practices. As more humans come to their planet with different beliefs and customs, society changes and grows, and the leaders encourage it while still maintaining their most important traditions. I like their willingness to accommodate and communicate. The Queen invites the human women to be part of the decision making, especially when it comes to decisions that could affect the women’s futures. This says a lot not just about their political practices but also about their deep respect for all species and sexes.
I also like that we get to see characters from the first story. Updates on Theo and Jade (I just love them!) as well as several other characters from Choosing Theo make an appearance in Freeing Luka, and it was exciting to find out what happened to them after the story ended. New characters are just as interesting as those in Choosing Theo, and I can’t wait to see how their stories develop! Many thanks to Victoria Aveline for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Things are not always what they seem
Like a cake, this story is full of delicious layers, and each layer is unique in its own right. I love the characters and the way they meet, the way they manage to work together to find their release, and the way they finally get to their HEA. I enjoyed the continuation of the series and the setup for more to come. And I truly enjoyed the way the author kept me on my toes with each exciting turn of the page. This really is a fantastic book and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Very enjoyable alien abducts girl romance. The formula is basic but the story was very enjoyable it’s a solid 4.5 stars. Looking forward to the next book.
First time I’ve read a book by this author and I found this Alien Romance very enjoyable to read about Luka and Alice. Both were abducted and thrown into a cell together. Their romance blooms as prisoners of Helas the evil scientist who is trying to breed the Clecanians and their adventures as they escape their captor was a page turner. The world building though out this book was quite detailed and the characters were likable. This is a alpha type alien male who knows his mate when he smells her and gets marks on his body and the human female who struggles to understand him and then falls for him. Since I love this type of alien romances and this was a well written story I highly recommend this book. I volunteer to read and review this ARC via booksprout.