Reviews

Claiming The Heart Of Vraithe by Kelly Washington

elspethm's review

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

There was a *lot* going on in this book!  In this story, Mara, a former military officer and current high school teacher's memoir was a failure on Earth, but a huge success on the planet Vraithe.  

Vikk is working on the movie version of her book, and asks her to help him with the script.  Mara agrees because Vikk has offered to help her daughter who has been sickly for years.

The majority of the story takes place on Vraithe, where Mara and Vikk become a couple, Finley (Mara's daughter) meets friends and a boyfriend, and becomes healthier.  Meanwhile Finley's dad uses their disappearance from Earth to get attention.  

There is also, AFAIK, the only LGBTQ+ relationship in a sci fi/alien book, where Mara's friend meets Vikk's sister, and they will be the main couple in the next Vraitheian book :) (and I've read hundreds of this type of book)

I enjoyed the story and the characters and can't wait for another trip to Vraithe! 

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.  

timap's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

Mara, the female human lead, is a medically discharged military veteran now working as a teacher, supporting a chronically ill daughter, Finley, whose issues have not been successfully diagnosed.

Vikk(olo), the male alien lead, is the heir to a planet’s throne that he’s not likely to inherit any time soon because his aunt is still in great health and enjoying her role.

When he comes to earth to visit his sister, he’s shocked to find his heartstrings reaching for a human who doesn’t appear particularly interested in him. Then he realises that his home planet’s medical resources may be able to help Finley. Mara doesn’t believe in aliens or portal travel but she’s desperate to help Finley and willing to try anything…

But they’ve got some cultural miscommunications to overcome, plus some work/role requirements on Vikk’s part, and Mara’s ex hasn’t stopped being a jerk…

This story is multi-POV, though mainly the lead characters, which is really unusual but has been done very well by this author. I found the story well written, and nuances deeply explored in this longer, slow burn story. I enjoyed the character development and the slower relationship development. I enjoyed the sensual intimacy, when the characters got there. I enjoyed the genuine integration of secondary characters, especially Finley.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

rhack05's review

3.0

I really liked Vikk and Mara but could have done without some of the side characters. Vikk is so sweet and just wants to make sure Mara & Finley are taken care of.  I liked the Vraithean planet and how the portals work, etc.  I did feel that from the time meeting Vikk and finding out he was an alien to immediately going to his planted was a bit quick considering the length of the book. I feel the author could have taken a bit more time to form some sort of relationship there.

My issue with this book was the different POV's. I thought there were way too many and the book bounced back and forth too much. I think the book would have flowed a bit better if it stayed with the two (maybe three) main POV's and didn't switch around as much.

Overall I did enjoy the story and the way they dealt with all of the issues. The spice was really good and the HEA was great.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.