A lonely alien stranded on Earth and a nerdy, alien-obsessed human connect online and, along with a quirky group of friends (some secretly aliens themselves), meet up at a sci-fi convention, forging bonds of acceptance, found family, and gentle romance. The story explores themes of belonging, identity, and connection, with a cozy, low-stakes tone and notable gray-ace representation, focusing more on friendship and emotional intimacy than on traditional romantic or spicy elements.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a contemporary Earth setting, the story follows Tamzir Jaarn (Seeker), an alien stranded on Earth after a failed pickup, and Jennette Hammond, a human with a lifelong fascination for extraterrestrials. The two meet online in a group chat of alien enthusiasts, eventually deciding to meet in person at Space Con, a major sci-fi convention. The narrative alternates between Tam and Jen’s perspectives, exploring their growing connection, the challenges of Tam hiding his true identity, and the dynamics of their found family friend group, which includes both humans and disguised aliens. The book blends elements of science fiction, romance, and slice-of-life, with themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the search for belonging, and features gray ace (asexual spectrum) representation and neurodivergent characters.

Readers appreciated the cozy, low-stakes atmosphere and the focus on found family and friendship among the group chat members. The depiction of online friendships transitioning to real-life connections resonated with many, as did the representation of neurodivergence and gray ace identity in Jen. Tam’s perspective as an alien navigating human society was highlighted as humorous and endearing, and several reviewers enjoyed the group chat and convention scenes, as well as the gentle exploration of themes like consent, identity, and social norms. The book’s tender tone, supportive friendships, and the sense of acceptance within the group were frequently cited as strengths.

Many readers expressed disappointment with the romance, describing it as underdeveloped or lacking chemistry, with more telling than showing of the connection between Tam and Jen. The pacing was often criticized, with a slow, detailed first half at the convention followed by abrupt time jumps and a rushed ending. Some found the plot low on conflict and stakes, and several noted that the book’s marketing as a rom-com or spicy alien romance was misleading, as it was light on both humor and romantic tension. Issues with stilted dialogue, awkward group chat sections, and unresolved or contrived subplots (such as the alien hunters and family drama) were also mentioned, along with concerns about editing and literacy errors in advance copies.

The book is part of Ann Aguirre’s ongoing exploration of sci-fi romance, with some readers noting connections to her previous works like 'Strange Love.' While the story is set entirely on Earth, it incorporates references to fandom culture, conventions, and pop culture, sometimes using fictionalized stand-ins for real properties. The narrative includes multiple side characters and hints at future installments, with some plot threads left open for potential sequels. The average reader rating is 3.36 out of 5, reflecting a mix of positive and negative responses, and the book is scheduled for publication on June 17, 2025.