As the first humans allowed in Suevan space, there’s a lot riding on my all-woman team. Earth desperately needs their tech, and I’m determined to prove we can negotiate the price. Without their planetary defense systems, Earth is a sitting duck, ripe for invasion. Except the Suevan culture is nothing like ours. When I take part in what I think is a welcoming ceremony, I leave with more than I bargained for: a husband. A mate. Apparently, we’re there to marry them as payment—something the top brass on Earth doesn’t bother denying. Fantastic.

My husband has horns, hooves, fur, and a tail. His Krampus-like appearance didn't scare me away from marrying him. Forever an optimist, I eagerly agreed to be the first bride shipped under the new liaison program to Voran, a country on the newly discovered planet Neron. The Colonel also has two little boys—a huge plus for me since I adore children. My down-to-earth sister says I live with my head in the clouds. And maybe I naively hoped for an out-of-this-world romance. What I didn't expect was an out-of-this-world brute.

An alien warrior has made me an offer I can’t refuse. In exchange, he can do what he wants with me for one week. I want a child, but that’s impossible now that Earth men are sterile. Then, a ping from a distant planet reaches us. Aliens are real, and they’re interested in getting to know Earth women better.

This cruise is the beginning of something amazing, and nothing is going to stop me from going. But when things go wrong shortly after departure, it’s clear I have made a mistake.

As a third daughter on the farming colony of Meterion, Susan’s future prospects aren’t too promising. A pretty face, top-notch skills, and hard work mean nothing if your dowry doesn’t include fertile lands. With her 25th birthday approaching, and no suitors, her only way out is to settle for an arranged marriage through the PMA - the Prime Mating Agency. She just never expected to be paired with a grumpy, massive lizardman, and above all not to grow so fond of his scales and quirky ways.