Review ofAlien Bonds by Carmen Webster Buxton

Alien Bonds by Carmen Webster Buxton is a science fiction romance novel set in the far future on Wakanreo, a planet where the dominant species mates for life. The book explores the effect that biology can have on culture, but uses a love story to do that. The main characters are Dina Bellaire, a human industrial chemist who comes to Wakanreo for her career, and Kuaron Du, a Wakanrean singer who had thought he would never find a mate. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that they belong to different species, have different customs, and face prejudice and hostility from both humans and Wakanreans.

The book is well-written and exceptionally edited, with a smooth and engaging style. The author creates a vivid and believable world, with rich descriptions of the planet, its flora and fauna, and its history and culture. The Wakanreans are not just humans with different skin colors or appendages, but have distinct physiology, psychology, and social norms. The author also explores the themes of identity, belonging, prejudice, and acceptance, both on a personal and a societal level. The book raises interesting questions about what makes us human, and what makes us compatible with others.

The romance between Dina and Kuaron is sweet and realistic, with a slow and gradual development. They have to overcome many obstacles, both internal and external, to be together. They also have to learn to communicate, understand, and respect each other's differences. The book does not shy away from the challenges and conflicts that arise from their inter-species relationship, but also shows the beauty and joy of finding one's soulmate. The book has some steamy scenes, but they are tasteful and relevant to the plot. The book also has some humor and action, as well as a secondary romance subplot involving Dina's friend Jared and a Wakanrean female.

I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes science fiction, romance, or both. I think the book is suitable for adult readers, as it contains some explicit content and mature themes. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, as I found it original, captivating, and well-crafted. The only minor flaw I found was that the ending felt a bit rushed and abrupt, and left some loose ends unresolved. I hope the author will write more books in this series, as I would love to read more about Wakanreo and its inhabitants.