I didn’t really know what to expect when I read Close Liaisons by Anna Zaires. All I knew was I wanted to read it. Close Liaisons is set in a time in the not too distant future where Earth as we know has changed irrevocably. An alien race from Krinar has come to Earth to coexist with humans. Little is known about this alien species, although a number of rumours whisper about vampirism. Despite the ‘invasion’ as some humans called it, the ‘Ks’ actually bring with them advanced technology and a desire to improve the health of the planet for humans by restricting the number of farms producing meat. Now a predominately vegetarian society, humans are reaping the benefits from a healthier diet.

I really enjoyed the world Zaires created for this future Earth. Although many things remained the same for Mia—a psychology student at NYU—her life is turned upside down when she meets the compelling yet predatory Korum. Identified by his muscular body, golden skin and amber eyes, Mia finds herself unable to escape his notice. Korum is intrigued by the human girl, making it his business to make her his own.

This domineering, pompous, egotistical male takes over Mia’s life to the point where it almost becomes abusive. He controls when she can leave his apartment, when she can see her friends and even what kind of clothes she can wear. Korum’s mercurial treatment of Mia left me hating him and loving him, but I was glad to see Mia not just rolling over and taking it. She did try to fight for her freedom, but Korum’s will and desire was simply too strong.

Their physical relationship is a turbulent one. Korum strip Mia of her innocence in perhaps the most realistic loss-of-virginity scenes. There were no tears of wonderment and joy as she was taken by this male. Pain, hatred, the desire to escape—this is what Mia felt. Zaires took the act and made it a reality, not a fluffed up version other books make it out to be. 

There was one thing that could not be ignored. The sex between Mia and Korum was hot. Zaire’s had me turning the pages, the words consuming me. Everybody loves to get lost in the passion between two characters you both love and hate for different reasons. My only small comment would be the use of vocabulary when describing the male and female body. Sometimes it was too clinical which was slightly off putting. However in saying that, I was glad certain words were not included that are sometimes used to describe female anatomy. 

Loved it and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Anna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in New York City, Anna is happily married to the man of her dreams and closely collaborates with him in the writing of the Krinar Chronicles.
You can learn more about the Krinar Chronicles and get news on upcoming releases at: