My Favorite Earthling [Mass Market Paperback]

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. Their eventual joining is definitely passionate, 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.

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.

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!