Customer Reviews

My Favorite Earthling (Otherworldly Men, Book 2)

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Picture the following scenario. You're a decorated military hero from a famous U.S. political family, lauded for helping your sister and her lover defeat the evil aliens to save Earth. But one morning, out of morbid curiosity, you decide to examine the alien airship that crash-landed in your backyard. You slip into the captain's seat of the ship, the screen in front of you becomes a window into a different world -- and suffice it to say your life is changed.

This is the premise of Susan Grant's new novel, "My Favorite Earthling," second in her three-book "Earthling" series. To summarize, above-mentioned military hero Jared Jasper's big mouth puts him on the bargaining table as "Prince of Earth." In that role, he finds himself an unwilling groom to the lovely and headstrong Keira, warrior-goddess of her planet Sakka. The alliance is necessary for both worlds, to prevent further attacks from evil aliens.

Both bride and groom are reluctant participants at first, forced into each others' arms through political necessity. But once their shared passion is kindled, Jared and Keira find more in common than they could have dreamed. Still, they must build trust with one another while rooting out an evil plan that could destroy their worlds.

While the cross-galaxy political situations and characters described in "My Favorite Earthling" were somewhat tangled and confusing -- one assumes this is all laid out in the series' first novel, "Your Planet or Mine?" -- Grant handles the overall storyline with consummate skill and wit.

The flow is fast-paced as the reader jumps from one subplot to another. Can Jared adapt to a new planet? Will Keira tame her "barbaric" Earthling? Will he tame her? Will they find the bad guys? Will they both make it out of the book with their lives and love intact?

While the plot flow is great, what really makes the book sing are the two protagonists and their relationship. Granted, their eventual joining is hot, but there is more to Jared's and Keira's relationship than physical attraction and politics.

Jared is a cocky kind of guy who has the admirable quality of making the best of dubious situations. His wonderful wooing of and steadfastness to Keira caught my attention and emotions. For her part, Keira is an appealing blend of innocence and strength; someone who is headstrong, but not so stubborn that she can't see a truth when it hits her in the face. Her attraction to and protection of her "barbarian" is moving and amusing in turn, and the reader comes away from this story convinced these two are definitely on the same wavelength, despite their different cultures and planets.

Thanks to Keira and Jared, Grant's story surpasses the usual "star-crossed-lovers-from-different-worlds" plot, making "My Favorite Earthling" a great and entertaining read.

I love it! Susan Grant pumps up the adrenaline with another jolting good adventure!

Earth is in danger of being invaded. Assassins' knives -and more advanced weapons-- are out for the alien Cavin Far Star (hero of YOUR PLANET OR MINE), who has gone awol on Earth with the love of his life, Senator Jana Jasper. A plasma-sword wielding Queen who is known to castrate over-enthusiastic suitors, is looking for a mate...Cavin Far Star! But, a ruthless someone else is determined to be the Queen's consort, and he will stop at nothing to have his way. High ranking, alien Ministerial co-conspirators are killing each other... and that's just the Prologue.

Real estate developer and ace National Guard fighter pilot, Jared Jasper is off-roading across his ranch when he T-bones an invisible, crashed, alien assassin's space ship. What he unleashes when he sits in the interactive pilot seat and fires off sexually creative, ultra macho "trash talk" at a hot and haughty alien beauty could imperil or save our world as we know it.

Susan Grant is one of today's best authors of action-packed alien romance, owing to the page-turner quality of her writing, her flair for the dramatic, the romantic, and the absolute authority of her worldbuilding, not least because Susan Grant knows her way around cockpits.

MY FAVORITE EARTHLING is a glorious, sexy, breathtaking romp across the solar systems and beyond. Ride the shockwave. If highly sexually motivated aliens float your boat (or your space fleet) this romance could be for you! I couldn't put it down.

Jared Jasper thought his days of saving the Earth were over, that is, until he sits in the wrong spacecraft at the right time. There he is put face to face with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, on a screen in the spaceship and boy was she mad. Not to be intimidated by an alien, Jared tells her he is The Prince of Earth. He or his claim does not impress the woman on the other side of the screen. To tell the truth, she looks like she would like to throw something at him. Jared ends the call, so to speak, and gets out of the craft. Little did he know that that certain meeting would change his live forever.

Keira, warrior-queen of the galaxy was not use to being disturbed in her quarters. Who was this Prince of the Earth and how had he gotten on her private channel? The Earth must have some advance technology that her councils had not come up with. Something had to be done with this jump-start planet and man. Keira had to do something, but what?

My Favorite Earthling is great way to spend the day. I took My Favorite Earthling with me when I had to spend several hours waiting for my daughter. Once I picked up the book I was drawn in and the time sped by, before I knew it was time to go home. I really enjoyed this story; you got intrigue, along with the mainstay of a Susan Grant book humor, and a lot of HOT SIZZLE.

Jared Jasper never expected for his squadron call sign of The Prince to be taken literally. His moment of impetuousness leaves him as the consort to the dreaded Queen of Sakka, Keira. After all, a peace treaty between Earth and the Coalition would guarantee Earth's safety as only a short term solution engineered by Jared's sister, Jana, and the former Coalition member, Cavin Far Star (see YOUR PLANET OR MINE?) currently keeps Earth safe from the alien invaders. Susan Grant takes readers on an intergalactic romance with MY FAVORITE EARTHLING!

MY FAVORITE EARTHLING is the sequel to YOUR PLANET OR MINE? and far surpasses the first book. Jared was only a minor character in the first book but his likeable personality shines in this one. The attraction between Jared and Keira sparks immediately. Both are headstrong characters, used to getting their own way. Jared discovers a softer, more vulnerable side of Keira while she learns to recognize that Jared is not the barbarian she expects.

Susan Grant definitely puts more of a science fiction spin on this tale. While the first story takes a bit of a quirky, humorous approach, MY FAVORITE EARTHLING focuses more on the intergalactic intrigue. More is learned about the horrific Drakken hoard that threatens the Coalition and the behind the scenes political machinations within the Coalition. The balance between the science fiction aspects and the romance is very well done.

Readers unfamiliar with the first book in the series, YOUR PLANET OR MINE?, will become easily involved in the storyline as all of the necessary information is provided to make MY FAVORITE EARTHLING a stand alone novel. Susan Grant is a master at combining romance with science fiction and never has it been more evident than with MY FAVORITE EARTHLING. MY FAVORITE EARTHLING is definitely one to add to the keeper shelves!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

My Favorite Earthling, by Susan Grant, is a stand-alone sequel to Your Planet or Mine? and an incredibly fun and fast-paced story. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of My Favorite Earthling and couldn't put it down.

In the wake of a near alien invasion, Jared Jasper finds himself in a strange predicament. In order to save Earth from an intergalactic incident, he must agree to an engagement with a beautiful, yet dangerous, alien queen.

Queen Keira has been avoiding suitors and making eunuchs of those who dare to force themselves on her. But when she's told that she must marry a barbarian human man, she decides it's best to ally her people with the strangely primitive world.

But there are those who won't stand for the union. When strange "accidents" result in murders, and near misses for Jared, he realizes that Queen Keira has at least one traitor in her midst.

Susan Grant's newest book is another exciting and witty installment in this new series. I love her characters and subtle humor. And her firm grasp in the science fiction genre only adds to the action and adventure.

Keira, warrior-queen of the galaxy, is famous for her beauty and her mastery of weapons, especially plasma swords and daggers. Keira has never had a real friend. She was thrust into her queenly role as a child, when her entire family was killed in "a terrible accident". Keira prefers to let parliament deal with major issues while she does little as possible. Keira wishes only to be left alone and unwed. But when a little planet called Earth seems to actually threaten her world with its fleet of spaceships and advanced technology, the fate of her people rests in Keira's hands.

Jared Jasper's family has always been in the spot light. However, Jared prefers not to be. Jared is a Sacramento real estate developer and a fighter pilot (F-16) in the National Guard. That all changes when he enters a space ship, gets connected (via video monitor conference call) to an unknown lady, and lets his mouth run wild. Jared's biggest mistake is giving the sexy lady his code name "The Prince".

It is not long before Jared learns that the lady on the video screen was the warrior-queen of the galaxy! The queen now wishes (A.K.A. demands) Prince Jared wed her to form an alliance between Earth and the Coalition. This will present a united front to the Drakken Horde, their common enemy. Playing dutiful consort to the reigning queen is listed LAST on Jared's To-Do-List. Yet in exchange, over six billion people on Earth will live safely and have safer, brighter future. Well, Jared may have to wed the queen, but that does not mean he has to be a meek mate. Little "Sunshine" is about to learn that she has met her match.

Meanwhile, unknown to Jared or Keira, the enemy has slipped inside. "Terrible accidents" begin anew. Jared must open Keira's eyes to the danger and together they must save the galaxy from the latest Horde plot.

***** This Science Fiction/Romance may target the female audience, but do not be fooled into thinking that men could not easily find themselves enthralled by this novel. Author Susan Grant writes in such a way that appeals to both genders. In this title, there is not only an Alpha Male, but also an Alpha Female. Readers view the situation through the eyes of BOTH main characters. The writing is in no way stilted. The entire story flows smoothly. I could almost feel as though I were there, watching it all from the shadows. You do not HAVE to read the first book (Your Planet Or Mine?) to fully enjoy this tale. I did not; however, I will certainly be looking forward to the next book in this series. An extraordinary tale. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

The story picks up where YOUR PLANET, OR MINE? leaves off. The alien Coalition officer Cavin Far Star and real estate developer Jared Jasper of California's first family have turned back the Coalition acquisition forces by tricking them into believing that Earth has a formidable space fleet. All of Earth is celebrating. The new found notoriety doesn't sit well with Jared who had long ago chosen not to follow his family into the political arena. He knows that the victory is temporary at best and wants to be left alone to mourn his grandfather's sudden passing.

Deciding to blow off some steam, Jared and sister Evie go off-roading through the family property when Jared runs their vehicle smack into the invisible spaceship of the REEF sent to assassinate Cavin. Jared, also a weekend warrior, cannot resist the temptation to explore the high-tech craft.

They say curiosity killed the cat, and Jared's just might - curiosity and his own cocky mouth. When Jared sits in the pilot's seat he activates a two way video screen. On the other side is probably the sexiest woman Jared has ever seen. Not knowing that the woman is actually the queen of the enemy world Jared decides a little flirting won't hurt, but once he identifies himself by his pilot nickname "The Prince" his fate is sealed. In order to save his world Jared must once more answer the call, replacing Cavin as the latest candidate for the queen's consort! Unfortunately Queen Keira's suitors have a way of turning up dead!

It will take more than curiosity to do Jared in, but where the Queen's enemies fail, Keira herself may just succeed. With family roots that extend back to the beginning of time Keira had been born a "Goddess" and was a mere child when an "unfortunate accident" had robbed her of her family, making her the Queen of the universe. Like Jared, Keira eschews politics, leaving her as little more than a figurehead. However as "unfortunate accidents" seem to follow anyone who gets close to her she spends most of her times honing her battle skills, skills she plans to use on her unwelcome husband.

Barely escaping the latest "accident" Jared soon finds himself on Sakka. Keira's world may be frigid but if Jared has his way his new wife won't be. Who will win this battle of wills?

While Keira had allowed her advisers to rule in her stead, the Drakken hord had infiltrated the Coalition government. Not knowing who to trust the pair must enter an unknown arena of politics to save both their worlds. But first they must save themselves.

Whoa talk about action and adventure! Throw in a pinch of intrigue and a lot of spice and you've got the recipe for Susan Grant's latest space romance - definitely a keeper. Hm, when last we heard the REEF sent to destroy Cavin was still alive and kicking despite all personal attempts to the contrary. Evie Jasper, divorced homemaker and last of the Jasper siblings is still available. Makes you wonder what Ms. Grant will cook up next!

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

California States Senator Jana Jasper and Coalition Space Force Prime-Major Cavin of Far Star saved the earth from alien acquisition (see YOUR PLANET OR MINE?). To earthlings they are heroes; however his CSF superiors have sent REEF operatives to kill him.

However while everyone celebrates the rout of the alien invaders, Jana's sibling Jared fears Lord-General Rakkuu will be back with an even more powerful Drakken Horde as he will not underestimate the enemy a second time. Jared looks for clues inside the dead REEF assassin's vessel, but unintentionally hits the wrong device that sends him to a world whose ruler is known for using a plasma sword to cut off male genitals. Warrior Queen Keira assumes Jared is the Prince of earth as his kin is the first family of California and his sister is the renowned planet savior. She and her advisors decide they must marry so that an alliance can form against the common enemy the Drakken Horde. Initially worried about his precious jewels, Jared soon realizes that he loves his Queen and Keira, to her disgust, reciprocates. However someone wants his wife to be known as the widow-maker though he believes it is not her trying to kill him; she would slice and dice in person not through an assassin.

This is an exciting science fiction romance that delightfully lampoons the sub-genre with wit and humor yet maintains a hyper level of action. The fast-paced story line starts off fast as Jared finds himself out of this world and never slows down until the final confrontation with Keira's sharpest weapon (her tongue not her sword). Readers will enjoy the latest Jasper escapades especially with the ultimate kick butt female accompanied by her beloved male saving two worlds.

Harriet Klausner

Susan Grant is the Queen of "Space Romance". Small wonder, since the lady is at home in the air, zooming through the atmosphere, pedal to the metal (do they have pedals in planes??). That she is at home with themes that deal with Space and Travel is hardly a surprise. She has been dazzling her fans with book after book, and this one is no exception.

Keira is a warrior queen, ruler of the galaxy. Not an easy job, mind. The lass is beautiful, skilled with all the tools of a grand warrior, and is lethal--literally--with plasma swords and knives. Only as with most rulers, they are forced to walk a lonely road. She was queen from childhood, rising to the title after her family was killed in an accident. No family, no friends, she has sealed herself off emotionally, finding by being alone no one can hurt her. Only this pesky little planet earth is threatening hers, so she must step forward to protect her people.

Fighter pilot Jared Jasper's life changes when he enters a spaceship. Beam me up Scotty time! He gets connected in a video with "some sexy lady" and gives her his "pilot name" (think Top Gun - Maverick, Joker, Iceman etc). Jared's is the "The Prince"!! He quickly learns revealing that was a big mistake---maybe. The lady shows up on his door step, informing him she is the Queen of the Universe and he must wed her because he is royalty, too! She is determined they wed to form an alliance between his planet and her universe and then they can live happily ever after. After a bumpy courtship, Jared thinks being consort to the Queen of the Universe might have its advantages. But accidents begin to happen, just as they happened to Keira's family. They must unriddle the truth about her families death before it's too late.

Once again, Grant delivers on all levels. I read the first book, so I knew things going in, however, that only enhanced the pleasure of the Stand-Alone title. Obviously, on the quality, fun and enjoyment of both these books, I am looking forward to more in the series!

Another disaster averted, Earth can once again rest easy...or can they? Though an alien invasion has in fact been averted, now's not the time for the big sigh of relief. On eggshells, the world watches in anxious anticipation of a permanent solution to the threat to their safety. Who will give all to keep Earth safe?

Enter our Hero, Jared Jasper, brother to the previous installment's heroine. He knows about the limelight; his family's been in it for a long time. Now's his time to step up to the plate and make a stand for the people and all because of his big, sexy mouth. After a precipitous video encounter with a fiery alien beauty, via a crashed alien spacecraft, Jared finds himself her reluctant consort. A man through and through though, Jared's ready to bring his game to the people of not only Earth, but his soon-to-be-bride's as well.

Keira, Queen of galactic superpower Sakka, is under pressure to marry. No one's remotely interested her till backwater Earth member Jared Jasper. While she'll bow to her council's wishes in this regard, she will retain complete control of her unwanted marriage. From the moment he steps foot on her frigid planet though, Jared not only dares to question her council's motives, but goes several further and dares to make her feel. On a planet in the throws of intergalactic disaster, can they divert the hated Drakken, keep Earth safe and surmount a rocky marriage? These aliens, the good and the bad, are in for a surprise because they've never met an Earthling on a mission.

At first, I felt I should have read the first book previously. But then author Grant saved this reader's day by interweaving just enough of the previous book's (titled Your Planet or Mine?) plot and characters to set the scene perfectly for this entry. Too, it hooked me solidly for backtracking to the first one as soon as possible. That being said, Jared and Keira's story was as utter delight. We have a queen, revered in the highest sense monarchs can be, who is more vulnerable than the poorest of Earth's residents. Intrigue, murder and intergalactic espionage--it's all right here and written in a snappy, fast paced style that's enjoyable and witty. Keira, being who she is, has the opportunity to come off as arrogant and snobby, but fortunately she has a sensitive Earthling to delve under her protective layers. Jared's been dealt a low blow, having to save the world, but his new life's not without some perks. He's a genuinely caring husband to Keira, what she needs most at a crucial point. My Favorite Earthling is a marvelous addition to Ms. Grant's already impressive romance shelf. Be on the lookout for the third book, How to Lose an Extraterrestrial in Ten Days, starring Jared's other sister, Evie.