We Burned So Bright
TJ Klune
by Cora Rose
When the sky splits open and portals to the realm of Erethar reveal an otherworldly threat, humanity prepares for an invasion that never comes. Instead, the monsters arrive with a desperate, physiological need that forces the government to launch a highly unconventional recruitment program. Everest Hale, a man simply looking to fulfill his civic duty, finds himself bound by contract to Rathyn of the Dark Vale, a formidable creature whose presence is as intimidating as it is alluring.
What begins as a clinical, state-sanctioned arrangement quickly evolves into something far more complicated. As Everest navigates the reality of life with a being from another dimension, he discovers that the government’s narrative is hiding deep, dangerous secrets. Beneath the surface of their transactional bond, a profound and intense connection begins to bloom.
Rathyn, initially naive to the nuances of human interaction, finds himself irrevocably changed by Everest’s touch, while Everest realizes his role is no longer just about survival—it is about a burgeoning, undeniable devotion. In a world teetering on the edge of cross-dimensional upheaval, the two must decide if their growing attachment is a fatal mistake or a destiny worth fighting to protect.
Comfy nightshirtAliens, piercings and sucking, oh my!
"I just am crazy about this team of authors, anything they write together. This book and the expected series goes to another level! There are so many of my favorite tropes TPE that slowly changes as feelings grow, fated mates, enemies to lovers and more. But the thing to really let into your reality is that E. M. Lindsey and Cora Rose have written an alien romance!!!!! Get outta town!!!!! And it's erotic as Hell! The personalities of the aliens, the Vyastils are so cool to learn about and watch their struggles whether it's to learn our language or understand what Humans are like. The authors also were able to speak on class prejudice within the aliens themselves or against humans. I loved this book and I am looking forward to the next one since we were allowed to see which MCs might be involved. "What do they want?" " What do they prefer?" "Do they find humans sexy at all." Besides having eyes,noses ears, and four limbs, there aren't many similarities between us." ["
May 8, 2026 Verified Purchase
FoxyPortal to my heart
"I just finished Suck by Cora Rose and E.M. Lindsey, and I am absolutely obsessed — with this book, with all the characters, and with the world they've built. Everything is so beautifully crafted. This was my first monster romance, and I am already hoping for at least three more (hint hint, CR and EML): Cielo and Dante — June cannot come quickly enough Quilliyn and Zane — I really hope they get their own story Eissa — I love this complicated, kind "monster," and I hope he finds new love, or that by some magic his VySytheh comes back to him But back to Rathyn and Everett. In this universe, humanity's first contact with aliens came through the Vyastil portal, which connects Erethar to Earth — and why are these two so impossibly adorable together? Everett can be an annoying brat — which totally tracks, because Human. In all seriousness, the loss of his parents and living under a controlling aunt and uncle has left him, in many ways, a very stunted twenty-one-year-old. I tried to extend Everett some grace for all of that, though there were moments I didn't feel he deserved Rathyn at all. Rathyn, on the other hand, has the most extraordinary patience. The way he responds to Everett is always thoughtful and measured, and his humor — subtle as it is — is something I absolutely adore him for. The secondary characters add incredible nuance to both worlds and to the story as a whole. I especially loved the use of ASL as a means of communication when words become difficult. That small detail is one of the reasons I keep coming back to Cora Rose and E.M. Lindsey — the intentional, layered inclusion woven into their stories is something I have come to deeply look for and appreciate. My only complaint? Everything comes to a head in the last 20% of the book, and I was completely unprepared for how invested I had become. I was panicked. I barely recovered by the final page — and then immediately knew I needed more. I didn't realize going in that it was a slow burn, but the slow burn isn't just for the couple. It's for the reader. You cannot help but fall in love with this world and these characters. THE SPICE? OUT OF THIS WORLD. (See what I did there?) ["
May 11, 2026
Mary C.Great sexy romantic fun!
"I love Cora Rose’s books, and this one might be my favorite! The guys, Everest and Rathyn, and so sexy and relatable. Well, alien Rathyn is a sexy mystery in the beginning, but he is loving and protective perfection by the end. Though Everest wouldn’t need protection if he didn’t have a hot temper in defense of his alien. I love them both! The new world the authors have created is great the side characters were always an integral and interesting part of the plot and I never felt like I was just being set up to read the next book (which I hate because it’s usually boring). In fact, I’m dying for the next book, and I hope it’s about Cielo! ["
May 11, 2026 Verified Purchase
CSOral Donations are Taken
"When portals open on Earth, one in Michigan, Everest did not expect to see Vyastil emerging. In exchange for tech advancements and disease cures, Earth agrees to give them the consumption of semen orally from Earth men. Everest turns 21 and willingly goes to the donation center when a huge, insulting Vyastil, Rathyn consumes his once a week offering and demands more daily. As the Commander of their Armies, he is bossy, arrogant and rude yet wants Everest to be only his, his personal companion. Everest has never been averse to the Vyastil and also wants Rathyn all to himself. It's a unique idea and situation that's fascinating and super steamy if you think of the contracted 15 times daily. What a story that's only the first one in the series! ["
May 9, 2026 Verified Purchase