Book Review: Using Fejo by Victoria Aveline

About the Book:

Title: Using Fejo

Author: Victoria Aveline

Series: The Clecanian Series #5

Publication Date: Jan. 12, 2022

Synopsis: She’ll do anything to get home. He’ll do anything to keep her with him, forever…

Vanessa doesn’t have the luxury of building a happily ever after on a new planet like her fellow alien abduction survivors. She must get back to Earth. Her family needs her, and she can’t afford to let them down again. So, she’ll find a way to break Clecanian law and get home—even if she has to marry (and betray) a sexy space pirate to do it.

Fejo can’t believe his luck when Vanessa, a gorgeous human with a sharp tongue, chooses him as her husband. He doesn’t know what he did to win her favor, but he’s determined to do everything in his power to make her happy. If only he could figure out why his alien bride is so reluctant to accept the kindness—and pleasure—he’s so eager to offer.

Vanessa’s plan was simple. Until she started falling for her ridiculously charming husband. Now, she has to figure out how to get home without breaking Fejo’s heart—or her own. Easy, right?

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

Using Fejo is the fifth book in The Clecanian Series, and it is as epically exciting and romantic as the others! Fejo is a swoon-worthy hero, and I absolutely adored him. He yearns for acceptance and belonging, and beneath that overt, jaunty, confident, arrogant demeanor is a cinnamon roll! There are so many layers to his character, each one more intriguing and alluring than the one before. Most appealing are his feelings for Vanessa and the way he works to show her how deeply he cares throughout the story. It’s actually one of the things I like most about this series. The males are so dedicated to ensuring the happiness of their women, and the lengths they go to achieve this goal are positively swoon-worthy.

It took a bit longer for Vanessa to endear herself to me. Where Fejo is positive and bright, Vanessa is acerbic and angry. She hates being vulnerable, which makes it difficult for anyone to get close. Their relationship definitely has grumpy/sunshine vibes. However, the more you learn about Vanessa’s past and what she left behind, the more you relate to her. Plus, she’s a badass! She stands up for herself and those she loves, she puts herself at risk to protect others, and she is one of the most determined heroines in the series. I mean, this woman was abducted from Earth for nefarious purposes and was told she could never return to all that she knows. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you leave things, and people, you love behind. Vanessa goes on such an emotional journey, as well as a physical journey, throughout the story, and it is interesting g to see how she reconciles her determination to return to earth with her new and ever-growing feelings toward Fejo.

Because of their pasts, both Fejo and Vanessa struggle with insecurities, feelings of unworthiness, and the desire to belong. Neither likes to be vulnerable, and they’ve both erected some pretty strong walls. I love how they find each other, though at much different paces. I think they see a bit of themselves in each other, though they hide their pain much differently. They have such a wonderful, angst-filled, obstacle-ridden romance, and I loved it!

Though the other books take place on Clecania, this story takes place primarily off-planet. The author’s skill at expanding this unique and immersive universe continues to impress me. New planets, species, customs, and spacecraft are explored and are so fascinating. Between the world-building, the heart-pounding action, the dangerous situations they find themselves in, the political intrigue, and a sexy romance, it is an immersive and exciting read.

It’s not often I see my first name in literature, so imagine my delight when I saw that one of the character’s names was Julie! All of my dreams have come true! I’ve said on my blog several times that I would love to be taken to Clecania and have a hot alpha male cater to my every wish. These males go to school to learn how to best take care of their mates in every way possible – cooking, cleaning, and so much more. What I would’ve given for one of these males during the COVID lockdowns. Lol. Now, I can live vicariously through Julie, and I’m hopeful that she has her own story in one of the future books in the series. Julie also has a sweet daughter who easily captures the hearts of everyone, and her interactions with Fejo and his crew are so endearing and adorable.

I thought this was a fantastic addition to the series, and I’m so thrilled to have received an advanced copy from the author. This is one of my favorite sci-fi romance series, and I feel like each book is as compelling, swoon-worthy, and immersive as its predecessor. I highly recommend the book and series to readers who enjoy stories with great world and character building, tons of excitement and action, and steamy love stories.