Book Review: The Marriage Bargain

Posted on  28/09/2022 14:20:07

The Marriage Bargain: A Sci-Fi Dystopian Fated Mates Alien Romance by Moriah Blackwood

My rating: 5 sweet stars

An excellent Sci-Fi romance for all those in search of sizzling chemistry with a hell lot of feeling, without on page graphic sex scenes.

This one's a keeper!



The Marriage Bargain is not your average Sci-Fi romance. It does give us a future torn apart by war Earth and aliens colonizing it, as well as a premise that's terrifyingly plausible and a slow burn romance, but here is where the typical stops and the story heads off straight into an atypical that's both bold, and refreshing.

The characters are not the usual alpha alien and beautiful human mate.

This author gives us a 24 year old woman full of resentment towards an unfair hand fate had dealt her and a life that she can't seem to escape. Delle is neither a perfect beauty, nor one of those gentle little damsels in distress. Used to take care of herself and her sister's kids, and work hard for every single thing she needs, Delle is the typical take no shit strong woman with an attitude, proud of the fact she can stand on her own two feet. The kind who doesn't believe in fairytales and would rather work her butt off to achieve something than have it handed to her on a silver platter at a price. The kind who recognises the injustice in the world and is not afraid to call anyone out on their bullshit. The kind of woman whose trust is hard to gain and whose loyalty to the people she loves knows no bounds. The kind of woman most of us above 25 will not only understand but also want in our corner, and most probably also be able to identify with.

And then there is Cade. A cinnamon roll of the best kind. Sweet and caring, gentle and understanding... Someone please let me know if more of them are available and point me in the direction of the cue. I'll rush and grab a number cause seriously people - that alien is... yummy!!



The chemistry between them is off the roof and taking into account the fact that steamy scenes here are fade to black, one has got to admire this author's ability to make her readers literally feel it.

The worldbuilding is great for the genre, leaving a lot of open possibilities for the sequel and the narrative is as smooth as it gets, providing sufficient details without becoming overly descriptive.
The plot is, as usual for the genre, more or less linear with a few subtle twists, while managing to keep readers on their toes.
And the characters are fabulous. From main to side cast, they are all nicely fleshed out and three dimensional, practically leaping from the page.

All in all, because I already held you too long, The Marriage Bargain is a sweet alien romance with sizzling chemistry and a hell lot of feeling. The perfect mix of sweet and exciting, tension and fun, with a small side of cheesy. Just as any great romance must be.

I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to any Sci-Fi Romance fan out there.
You're gonna love it!



Check out this book and more of Moriah Blackwood here.