Saving Askara Series by J.M. Link, Maria Spada

Victoria's day starts out like any other aboard the transorbital ship, Phoenix. Such is the life of an emergency medicine specialist in the age of "post-discovery". Sure, she had always dreamed of interacting with intelligent extraterrestrial life- the real thing, not those microbes on distant moons. Who wouldn't? She was still happy with her career, however mundane and demanding it might be. That's what it took to run a ship the size of a small city smoothly. Monotony... moreVictoria's day starts out like any other aboard the transorbital ship, Phoenix. Such is the life of an emergency medicine specialist in the age of "post-discovery". Sure, she had always dreamed of interacting with intelligent extraterrestrial life- the real thing, not those microbes on distant moons. Who wouldn't? She was still happy with her career, however mundane and demanding it might be. That's what it took to run a ship the size of a small city smoothly. Monotony. But all that changes one morning, and suddenly she's not so sure she didn't stick her foot in it. .. Be careful what you wish for. ***. Escape had been their only drive, and even death was preferable to the alternative. But they never thought their flight for freedom would put them in an uncharted system. Forced to interact with an isolated world and its inferior, albeit curious people. When it affords them an unforseen and unprecedented opportunity to take back their world from those who seek to destroy them, however, Aderus begins to wonder if it wasn't fate. Earth's proposal is shocking and uncomfortable for a fierce, independent race that relishes in their solitude. But the more he learns of humans, the more he comes to admire and respect them. One, in particular. *WARNING* Not intended for readers under 18. Contains explicit sexual content. less

*Part II/conclusion of Saving Askara*. Tori knows Aderus sees dealing with Earth as necessary to an unlikely, but last-ditch effort to save his world, as she tries to bridge the gap between two vastly different species while proving to him she’s more than just some unimpressive human. But her fascination and his frustration have led to an attraction she’s unprepared to handle... more*Part II/conclusion of Saving Askara*. Tori knows Aderus sees dealing with Earth as necessary to an unlikely, but last-ditch effort to save his world, as she tries to bridge the gap between two vastly different species while proving to him she’s more than just some unimpressive human. But her fascination and his frustration have led to an attraction she’s unprepared to handle. Or more precisely, the consequences of acting on it; which not only involve changes to her body, but struggling with what the fierce Askari inspires. And what’s actually possible between them. ***. Aderus never imagined a creature like Tori would be what he has come to crave, even over his own kind. The sentiments she provokes perturb as much as they invite and entice him and understanding her proves a separate challenge. But when his actions result in an unintended threat to the balance of power in a fragile alliance between their two races, he is forced to weigh his trust in her against the only thing that matters to him. Or so he thought. *WARNING* Not intended for readers under 18. Contains explicit sexual content. less

He’s tall, quiet, and evades her at every turn…. Virologist Kemina Perez didn’t think to be at the center of a fierce alien’s fight to save his species. But now she is, and it’s put her on an interesting path—one filled by a dark Askari with beautiful green eyes and a reserve that makes her have to corner him just to get him to talk to her. There’s something special about Jadar, though; she can’t quite put her finger on it... moreHe’s tall, quiet, and evades her at every turn…. Virologist Kemina Perez didn’t think to be at the center of a fierce alien’s fight to save his species. But now she is, and it’s put her on an interesting path—one filled by a dark Askari with beautiful green eyes and a reserve that makes her have to corner him just to get him to talk to her. There’s something special about Jadar, though; she can’t quite put her finger on it. When Mina does, it turns out she’ll span worlds and more just to stay by his side. ***. Jadar’s seen enough of Aderus’s trials with Tori to know he’d rather keep his distance when it comes to their new allies. Except there’s one who refuses to leave him be…even if he can’t deny the appeal of her springing tresses and inquisitive mind. To wage a combined war, they’ll have to work together, and in doing so, help him kindle a part of himself he’s never really forgotten. *WARNING* Not intended for readers under 18. Contains explicit sexual content. less