Choosing Theo The Clecanian Series: Book 1

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

• Loveable characters? Yes

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

A break from using my brain too much in uni and it feels like dipping it into cold water but in a good way.

It's not my usual genre, but I have been in this neck of the woods before and I was pleasantly surprised in the direction that the author went into with this book. There's a pretty solid foundation in its world building — not to the extent of high fantasy, but when you're reading it, the world actual feels full and alive. My usual gripe with romance-focused sci-fi/fantasy is that the world building feels too weak and that nothing would really change much if the characters were put in a different setting. Honestly, I am compelled to read the rest of the series solely for the fact that I want to learn more about the other  Clecanian cultures. 

The characters are also animated that they just jump out of the scenes and make everything so much fun. I really really enjoyed the early scenes between Jade and Theo because they're both so hilarious when they're in their own heads. Theo especially has a lot of highlights because his thoughts are just so fun. I really like him as a male lead because his personality isn't just Brooding and Mysterious - it's definitely giving Awkward but with a Deadly Face Card which I just adore.

Devoured this book within the few days I've read it and absolutely had a blast reading it. 

Read on KU

This is a super fun, spicy romance series!

The premise of all the males on this planet having to go to "husband school" was pretty rad. Please implement this on Earth. Posthaste.

Choosing Theo isn't my favorite from the currently released books (that honor belongs to #7 Ruling Sikthand), but I found it to be a great way to pass an afternoon.

None of this series did I feel like earned less than 3.5 stars. It's a very "safe" read, in that respect.

The only real complaint I have with these is that it's marketed as "alien romance." The MMC's (with the exception of maybe two of them) are pretty much just human men with super strength/agility. And while there is a decent amount of alien worldbuilding, it's nothing all that exciting.

So, if you're looking for ALIEN aliens...this series probably wouldn't do it for you.

Still! These books are highly enjoyable and the romances are sweet with a guaranteed HEA.

Me encanto. Historia original 10/10 Theo es un amorcito con un lado salvaje que se convirtió en mi favorito y me hace desear un como e para mi (me oyes diosito),y los tatuajes sexys le dieron el toque

i’m so confused rn

3/5 The review contains spoilers, but not huge spoilers! Imagine being abducted by aliens in the middle of the night, only to end up on a planet full of aliens who are strangely nice and helpful, but their law states that you must stay for a year and find a husband. I know, it’s sounds strange, but on their planet women are treated like something sacred, after a plague killed seventy percent of them. Honestly, I don’t want to live on Earth after reading this book. Let me tell you why. One You can choose your husband from the really handsome, and tall candidates they show you. Also, if you don't like the chosen man, you can leave him because you have a three-month trial period. Two Women are the most precious being on their planet. They are treasured and worshipped. As they should. Three Women can choose to marry whoever they want, also choose whether they want to do the deed with their husband during their marriage or not. Four When a women chooses a men to marry, she’s gifting that male an opportunity, not a right. He’ll do whatever he can to make his wife happy. Five If the men does something to his wife, meaning four-letter word starting with 'r', this most likely will result in the male’s death. Six Men also go to husbandry school, when they learn how to be a good husband. They teach them everything. Everything meaning, cooking, childcare, female anatomy etc etc. Seven The aliens on this planet 'purr'. You definitely know when. So yeah. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ The main characters were fine. They lack some flavor, especially the heroine. The hero was your typical possessive, with bad past, rich, will give you everything you want, tall, with 'tattoos', muscular body, but here on top of that he was alien. Not the blue type, the one that looks like a human but with a bigger d. Moving to the story, the book in overall wasn’t bad. I thought I will enjoyed it more, but it still was pretty entertaining. I thought it will be more smutty, but the smut kinda lacked here? It was great, don't get me wrong, but the description of it didn't quite "hit" like it supposed to hit. The world building lacked too. It might be me but the word 'female' made me gag here. It was overused and I just hate ittt. The word 'Women' would be much better. I have never read the Ice Planet Barbarians series, so I can’t compare but if you like alien, monster romance books you will probably like it. I personally had fun and will probably continue the series.

"A knight with shining armor has probably never been to war."

Too early to tell if this series will be my next Ice Planet Barbarians but it was a solid start.

★★★'5 🖤

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
I first heard about "Choosing Theo" from my time on Instagram, I will admit that the book community over there really influences what I read most of the time, and this was a solid read and I am so grateful that I was drawn to this one. There are so many fun aspects to this story here and its a story that will immediately pull you in and draw you to a world that is so captivating and endearing but also making you want to fight for true equal rights. I found the world building so interesting but the romance and depths of growth in the relationship itself was spot on. You definitely will find some beauty in this one and if you love a good sci fi or alien themed romance, then you definitely need to be drawn towards this series here. Absolutely loved every single moment.

Summary
Jade is kidnapped by a reptile form of alien and dropped onto a strange planet, she is eventually rescued by the native aliens on the planet, the Clecanians, who are willing to shelter and protect her, but she will need to make a sacrifice and respect the boundaries and established laws of their people, which will mean a marriage of convenience. She figures she can play along, have some good sex while looking for a way back home. She chooses the man she is most drawn to, a man no woman would choose because of his tattoo looking scars, but she is intrigued by their instant connection. As Theo and Jade work on figuring out their marriage, there is a secret plot, but only their fated bond will be enough to save them...

My Outlook
What a majestic romance this turned out to be and it contained so many layers that really impressed me overall. I also found the matriarchal themed society unique. I really felt for the males on this planet though, they have hardly any rights and everything is done for the pleasure of the women but both sacrifice so much for the good of their people. I found their interactions beyond endearing and fascinating. I had so much fun with the heroine especially. I wasn't sure about her in the beginning, but the way she treats Theo, was so humbling. She really shows him that males have value and worth and I am so intrigued to see if the author will really expound on the male treatment that is unjust and developing that a bit more. The romance was beyond endearing and these two just fit right for each other. Highly intrigued on this world building and the style of writing from this author and definitely going to pick up more and soon.

Overall View
I found Choosing Theo to be such a fascinating story that instantly pulled me in and I found myself thoroughly enjoying myself on this one here.

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 4
Cover:4
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4
Ending:4
Overall View: 4

Cute story about 2 characters with intensive trauma that find comfort and love with each other after being forced together in an arranged marriage.

And a sub-plot about an Alien baby-making cult.

was this book entirely predictable? yes, did I care? absolutely not. I definitely didn’t think I’d enjoy alien romance books but here I am. its a light and easy read. I enjoyed it a lot :3 definitely something that can be finished in a day if you wanted

I honestly wasn’t super in to it at first but then the last quarter of the book hooked me in and I am 100% binging the series

If you could go to any fantasy world, where would you go?

Hands down, for me, it’s Clecania. TAKE ME THERE, NOW! A land where females are prioritized? Sign me up. The angst between Theo and Jade had me cackling 😂 I also, loved the concept of Theo not being considered “handsome” on his planet, but by Earthly standards he would be GORGEOUS. Hence, his distrust for Jade and his questioning her motives. It was a nice role reversal.

This book got me out of a terrible reading slump and I cannot thank my friends, @labebeducote and @theladyandthebook enough for recommending it to me. I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series and visit Clecania again. @victoriaavelineauthor you are a genius!

Definitely very similar to Ice Planet Barbarian and it's vibes but I love this series!

“There would be no female in the universe more perfect for him than this one.” 🪐 Jade has been abducted by aliens and dropped on a new planet. She escapes her captor and runs toward the closest city 🏙 There she is rescued and taken in by the Clecanians, who have the same ancestral background as humans. Come to find out, Jade won’t be allowed to return to Earth according to intergalactic rules. She has to learn how to adapt and learn the customs. Part of that is to marry. Their race is slowly dying and marriages are considered a trial run. During the marriage process, Jade chooses Theo, a sexy, scarred, mercenary who has always been passed over due to his appearance. Theo thinks Jade is a spy and she thinks he is a grumpy jerk face. This book was so good and I am OBSESSED 😍 Please take me to a planet where the males go to husbandry school to learn how to be the best partner! Where they learn how to cook 🍳, clean 🧽, protect, & pleasure their females 🥵 This was so much fun! Fantastic world building, undeniable 🔥 tension, & amazing spice 😮‍💨 Read this if you like ⤵️ 👽 Paranormal/ Sci-fi Romance 👥 Forced Proximity 🌦 Grumpy x Sunshine 💓 Fake Marriage / Marriage of Convenience ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers ♥️ Fated Mates 💪🏻 Possessive Alpha 🗣 Clever Banter ⚡️ Scarred Hero 🍑 Curvy Heroine 📚 Stand-alone Series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline Clecanian Book 1

I really enjoyed reading this book. There are so many things I loved, like having the women select their husband while the male candidates kind of modeled for them, the males attending husbandry school and people (or should I say aliens) not knowing what a kiss is and finally, finding your mate **happy sighs**. Overall, a really good read.