And something I absolutely loved about this book was how they approached sex because even though anatomically they are not what either of them are used to, they make it work and figure it out patiently, romantically, and it really made me emotional to think what we could learn from that. The side characters are really well-developed, to the point that my romance reading antennae were pinging and hopeful. He gave me all the beta vibes there are - plus he took advice from Snaps earnestly and wholeheartedly which made my heart just about burst. What I loved about Zylar’s personality is that he’s extremely concerned about Beryl and her comfort level - if there’s something she had on Earth and he can make it happen here, he immediately does. I really loved how Aguirre pulled in the various challenges they faced while they’re also maneuvering Beryl’s adjustment to her new world. Zylar needs to go through a choosing as it is his last chance to both find a mate and not lose all privileges, and Beryl agrees to help him in this unique competition. I can’t count how many times I snorted with laughter.įor the romance aspect I really appreciated how nuanced Beryl and Zylar’s relationship felt-they had to get to know each other while dealing with extraordinary circumstances. Every wonderful thing you’re imagining your dogs saying? Snaps says. They are fitted with translator chips and to my incredible delight this means Snaps can talk. Beryl, and her dog, Snaps, are accidentally (seriously) kidnapped from Earth by Zylar and brought to his home planet. For a book that features an alien abduction of the female main character, Strange Love may actually contain one of the sweetest love stories I’ve read recently.

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre