View All Titles by Lara Santiago

REVIEWS for Menagerie

Outstanding Read: A+ "Menagerie by Lara Santiago is unlike any book I have ever read. Erotic and original, this sci-fi story grabs you from the first page and keeps you thoroughly involved until the last word. Ms. Santiago has come up with an alien story unlike any other and her imaginative style, world building and strong heroines, who always have a touch of humor, never cease to entertain.
     Ms. Santiago weaves a story so steamy you’ll need to sit on a block of ice to keep from overheating! Each of these men is more alpha and sexy than the next. The heroine is strong, funny and would make a great best friend. I really loved this book and it has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. Trust me you definitely need to pick up a copy of Menagerie. But remember I did warn you that it is so sizzling you'll feel like you're sitting in a sauna." —Lynda, Simply Romance Reviews

5 Flags: "WOW! Fantastic! Titillating, sexy, and OMG it’s unfair that one woman can be catered to by so many men. Well, Lara, without being told, you’ve added another one to my keeper shelf. I could not put it down until I finished it. The lack of sleep was worth it! High marks, hon! Can’t wait for the next one." —Melisa, Euro-Reviews

5 Cherries: "Oh My Goodness! I LOVED this book! I’ve come to expect quite a bit from Siren Publishing and their authors since we started reviewing their books… and I have to say that Lara Santiago doesn’t disappoint. I was sucked in from the beginning and was loathe to put this book down… even to feed myself!
     When we first meet Valerie she is lamenting the fact that her life is lacking… in her eyes anyway, and apparently in her mother’s as well. We’ve all been in Valerie’s shoes as she tries to lose those few extra pounds she thinks are holding her back, and her wry grumbling as she trudges up the hill in her gray sweatsuit endeared her further to me.
     Each man is handsome and sexy in his own way, but only one calls to Valerie’s heart more than the others, and only one really had me going as well. I can’t tell you which one, if you haven’t already guessed, as it was a surprise to me and that surprise is half the fun of this story.
     I loved the cast of characters, especially the secondary characters! Meeting so many new people, including a group of aliens with rather unoriginal names, which was quite a bit of their charm let me tell you, was quite a bit of fun. I have to say that I adored Daisy and am hoping to see her full story soon… or next… please! I would love to see more of this incredible world and the people who inhabit it.
     I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and was intrigued by how Lara Santiago brought about the happy ending that made me smile, and will no doubt do the same for you. Menagerie is a gripping, unique offering of the Sci-fi/Fantasy variety that will leave you hoping for more from this amazing voice in erotic romance." —Viscaria, Whipped Cream

4.5 Stars: "You’ll need a fan for this one! A new author for my keeper shelf! I’m not much of a fantasy/paranormal fan, but the premise and the book excerpt for this one intrigued me. I’m glad for that, as I’ve found a delightful author that can weave a very believable fantasy. I loved the dynamics of the five men and how Valerie shared different aspects of herself with each one, except for when it came to Dominick with whom she shared all of herself. Valerie is a fun strong willed heroine, often naïve in a very charming way. Dominick is a man tortured by his own desires and his struggle to control his very dominant nature. Though he’s protective and possessive, he’s very much taken in by Valerie’s generosity with all the men in the group. Not once does Valerie lose sight of why the men need her, and it’s their well-being that keeps her grounded. There’s a lovely twist to the ending, one that I was very pleased to read. Though there are explicit sex scenes and on a one-on-one basis multiple partners, this is very much a love story, one I couldn’t put down. Ms. Santiago has a refreshing voice and I’m eager to read more from her, hopefully more of this intriguing world. This one’s for the keeper shelf!" —Katherine T, eHarlequin Community

4 Stars: "Menagerie is a delightfully entertaining, emotional, and romantic tale about a sexual arrangement amongst an alien ship. Valerie is a naïve, compassionate, charming, and comical character that I instantly fell in love with from the very beginning of the story.
     The confident and group leader Hauser, the polite and creative Johnny, the shy and straight laced Frasier, the aggressive yet smooth bad boy Mark, and the passionate and silent giant Dominick have wormed their way into Valerie’s heart. The bond that has transpired between them is quite passionate, seductive and romantic, which includes oral stimulation. An erotic dream sequence might be uncomfortable for some readers yet this situation provides an emotional ambience within the main characters. I found the meticulous details and the realism that the author provided in the story very realistic, which definitely helps make every scene quite enjoyable. The various secondary characters are very entertaining and help strengthen Valerie and her mate’s relationship. Ms. Santiago has created a fabulous and exciting adventure. Where can I sign up for this kind of sexy alien encounter?" —Tallyn Porter, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

4 Hearts: "What would you do if you were sucked up into a vortex and found yourself on an alien ship and your purpose while there is to service five hunks?
     Valerie is a funny, kind-hearted woman. She's insecure about her looks, she's not skinny, and has very little experience with men. She's a wonderful character. I loved her. The love scenes are well written, sexy, and smokin' hot. Lucky Valerie. Each of the five heroes have individual personalities, looks, builds, and temperaments. They complement each other. They are compassionate, gorgeous, and help alleviate Valerie's insecurities which I found to be a nice touch. Great dialogue and some hilarious one-liners add to this entertaining story. But what delighted me the most was the rather sneaky twist towards the end that I was definitely not expecting. I recommend Menagerie as a fun, entertaining, and sexy book to read." —Abi, The Romance Studio

4.0: "I really did end up liking this a lot more than I expected. There was quite a bit more emotional depth here than I thought there'd be, along with quite a bit of humor and a fairly well drawn story arc. There are certain rules Valerie has to follow besides having relations with each guy twice a month. She has to cook them breakfast and isn't allowed to work, which annoys the crap out of her (me? I could probably deal with being loved by five men and just chillin' at home all day, but whatever). She meets a friend, Daisy, and the two of them stir up mischief together. They keep getting called before the "council", which are three aliens who monitor what goes on inside the starship. As time goes on, Valerie finds herself falling for one of her guys, which breaks the cardinal rule in Alien world—don't give one more attention than another. She can't seem to help herself, though. Then, as the guilt from keeping the secret starts to weigh on her, she begins having horribly frightening dreams that effect her relationship with all five of them.
     In the end it turned out be a fast paced tale and one I enjoyed. I'd recommend it." —Holly, The Book Binge

     "This book has multiple partners, some bondage, and explicit sex. It is very well written and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was rooting for Valerie all the way. Valerie's behavior on the alien ship reminds us of the little troublemaker we all have inside. By the end of this story I was wishing for that happy ending that I felt they deserved. This book was so descriptive, it felt like a movie playing in my head." —Breia Brickey, ParaNormalRomance

     "Girls, get ready for Menagerie. Valerie proves that it is possible to have your cake and eat it too! The men are as different as night and day so, there is no chance of her becoming bored. I loved the concept of the alien abduction. Putting Valerie on an alien spacecraft removes her and the reader from what's deemed to be too taboo, which is a necessary move in order to fully enjoy the story and appreciate it for what it is. Once I got over my initial discomfort of her having sex with all five men (never more than one at the same time mind you), I loved Menagerie. The characters are well thought out and conveyed. The spaceship and its alien inhabitants are all so engrossing that I could visualize everything. Believe it or not, sex is not the highlight of Menagerie, it is more about Valerie seeing herself for the gem she is despite her perceived faults and her activities with men who are so different, but who all appreciate her for who she is.
     I really believe Menagerie will be enjoyed by readers who like a little sci-fi spice as well as others who like a genuine love story. The ending of Menagerie really caught me off guard because I didn't see it coming. But, I loved every minute of it and smiled long after I read the last page. " —Ariel Summer, Romance Reviews Today

STORY EXCERPT

“…is why the men here need sex.” An unrecognized voice echoed in Valerie’s sluggish brain.

Join the club, she thought, rousing further. She opened her eyes and realized she was sitting in a very uncomfortable chair.

“Therefore, after the gauntlet arena selection, you will be required to have sex with each one of the men in your selected group at least once every two months so that they won’t die a painful death,” the blue alien standing before her said in a stern tone.

Valerie was no longer face down in the dirt. She was no longer outdoors. Lifting her head slowly, she quickly realized she was also no longer alone. Half slumped in a hard metal chair, she straightened and stretched the kinks out of her back. After several satisfying pops, she resisted the urge to yawn.

Where am I?

Looking first to her right, she noticed fifteen or so other shell-shocked-looking women in various stages of dress. To her left was much the same view. There was one poor soul wearing only a bra and panties. But another was in a full fledged business suit complete with patterned pantyhose and stilettos. The others in the room looked like they’d been pulled from backstage at a play between acts.

Valerie looked down at her boring gray sweats. At least she wasn’t in her underwear like half the women in the room.

The blue alien looked like a body builder that had been dipped in cerulean paint. He cleared his throat and all the women in the room sent their gaze forward. No one in the room spoke.

The grimace forming on his face wasn’t attractive and bordered on hostile. He stared as if he was waiting for something from them. Valerie had no idea what it could be and resisted the urge to yawn, certain it wasn’t the response he searched for. She wished she hadn’t missed the first part of what he’d said.

“Don’t any of you have questions?” he asked. “I usually get a lot of questions.”

Valerie raised her hand. The blue alien man’s expression softened. He pointed at her and gestured that she stand.

She sighed deeply and stood. Over a sea of heads seated in the several rows of chairs in front of her, Valerie fixed her gaze on the strange blue man waiting with eyebrows lifted for her question.

“What was your name again?”

He stiffened. “You may call me, Blue. What is your question? Or was that it?”

Valerie paused at his name. His skin was blue and his name was Blue? Whatever.

“We haven’t got all day,” he remarked and glanced at his clipboard thing.

“You want me to do what with a group of strange men?”

He sent a piercing stare through her, crossed his substantial arms over his chest and the hostile expression returned. “Haven’t you been listening?”

Blue, the alien with the Smurf-blue skin, looked like he’d fallen into a vat of sapphire dye and soaked for awhile. Maybe that’s why he was so grumpy. His hair was dark brown along with his thick eyebrows and his eyes were also brown. He wore snug pants and no shirt.

“Well, sure, to part of it, but…” she trailed off and sat back down.

Was she dreaming? If so, wouldn’t she be the one in her underwear being called to task in the classroom?

“Have any of you been listening?” he railed and sent another stern gaze drilling to several of the other women.

No one else said a word. Perhaps they were all as confused as she was.

Valerie decided that this was the single most vivid dream she’d ever had, and the strangest. She felt like she’d come into the middle of a movie. Only she didn’t remember how she got here or where she’d been before being seated at the back of the class. Someone else must have put her here, because if she’d seated herself, she would have been in the front row. Definitely a dream.

She sent her gaze forward again. Blue’s expression hadn’t changed from annoyance. A couple of phrases brushed her memory. Gauntlet arena with groups of men and have sex with each of them. If she’d remembered correctly.

Yeah. Like that would really happen. She barely knew what to do with one man let alone a group of them. The rest of the women seated around her seemed even less enthusiastic.

“Don’t any of you have anything to say?”

No one responded.

The few women standing along the edges of the room, possibly due to the inadequate seating, seemed equally shocked into speechlessness by Blue’s words. Perhaps it was a group dream.

Blue sighed deeply, as if he were dealing with children who were too ignorant to comprehend his words. “Don’t you understand? There are never enough women to go around when you are brought here, so the men have to share. They suffer if they have to go without sex for that long in this environment. Do you want them to suffer?” He looked around the room, making eye contact with several of the attendees. “Well, do you?”

Like sheep afraid to stand up for themselves, they all began to shake their heads. Valerie didn’t respond. She didn’t particularly care about the suffering of strange horny men. It was a stupid dream, and therefore no participation was required.

“Now, we haven’t much time, as we are running behind schedule. I don’t have time to repeat myself. Therefore, we’ll take you through orientation quickly and then bring you right to the beginner’s gauntlet arena. It’s a little quieter than the advanced one. Hopefully you can learn what you need to know along the way.”

A woman to Valerie’s right, who’d obviously been in the middle of putting make-up on and dressed completely in beige, raised her hand. “How many men are in a group?”

Blue nodded and the frown disappeared as if he’d finally heard a worthy question. “It varies. Never more than seven and no less than four. The average is five.”

Valerie looked down at her gray jogging suit, wishing she’d managed to conjure up a nicer outfit for this dream. If she were about to meet men, a sweat suit wasn’t exactly the most flattering clothing she could have worn.

Blue was talking again, but Valerie missed it due to her perusal of the unusual fashion statements being made around her. What did her clothing say about her? Was she an exercise geek? She sincerely hoped not.

The nebulous feeling in her brain wouldn’t allow her to remember specifics of her life. She guessed it wasn’t really important in the dream world.

“…come along now to the next station and all the important facts will be explained in greater detail. You can make your decision then. Stay together. Don’t wander off.”

Blue headed towards the only door in the room and the other women followed, one after the other, until the room emptied.

Valerie ended up at the end of the line with one of the business-suited ladies directly ahead of her. She followed along down a narrow white hallway, looking all around for a clue as to where she might be. The walls seemed to be constructed of white panels with lights hidden inside. Didn’t you usually dream about places that were familiar? Apparently not, because this place was totally alien.

Up ahead on the right, a panel had dislodged as if the wall had been hastily constructed. Through the gap, Valerie could see another hallway and she slowed to peek through. She lost sight of the business suit she was following to wrestle the panel open further.            

After a little effort she was through the narrow space and into a much wider hallway. The color of the lights in this hall were varying hues of aqua. She liked this hallway much better. The color was more soothing.

Valerie chose to walk to the left because the hall was longer in that direction, and seemed to go farther. After walking for several minutes, she heard voices. She rounded a corner and plowed into someone.

A tall, male someone.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you,” said a totally luscious, deep male voice over her head. There was another man standing next to him, but Valerie couldn’t tear herself away to get a look. The man she’d run into felt too good.

“I don’t mind.” Valerie grabbed his arms and laid her forehead on his chest. He smelled delicious. Taking a deep breath, she tilted her head up to check out his face. Wide shoulders led to a square jaw and he had a cleft in his chin, too. Focusing in on his vivid, saltwater-blue eyes last of all, she noted that he was completely gorgeous.

Valerie had read somewhere that dreams were thought to be the brain’s way of cataloging information gathered during each day of the dreamer’s life. She must have seen this hunk at the park or something and filed him away for later dreaming. He’d been worth the wait. Now in this dream, she could do anything that she wanted to with him.

Plus, she had the benefit of a better personality. In dreams she was always funnier, smarter and definitely prettier.

A bemused smile greeted her as she stared. He gripped her shoulders, squeezing gently. “Are you on your way to the gauntlet arena?”

Valerie scrunched her eyebrows. Hadn’t that blue alien guy said something about an arena and a gauntlet?

“Is that where you’re going?” she asked.

He nodded. “That’s where I’m headed.”

“Me too. Maybe we could walk together.” She was prepared to say anything to keep this guy interested.

He exchanged amused glances with the man standing next to him and asked, “Are you spoken for yet?”

“I don’t think so. How would I know for sure?”

“Have you selected any man from the gauntlet arena?”

“No.” Valerie frowned. “What’s that gauntlet arena thing again?” Better to get her answers from this hunk than a hostile blue alien.

He narrowed his eyes, then explained. “The gauntlet arena is a large room filled with men seeking a partner. When you enter and walk down the gauntlet aisle, the interested men will step forward and try to get your attention.” He looked her up and down. “I expect you’ll garner a lot of attention.”

“Why?” His interested appraisal brought a grin to her lips. In her non-dream life she seldom rated a single look of interest from the men she came into contact with on a day-to-day basis. Attractive men like the man before her never saw her at all.

He smiled in return. “Well, first of all, you’re a blonde. It’s rare in this place, for some unexplained reason. And second of all,” his eyes ran down her body with definite interest once again, “you aren’t frighteningly skinny like the majority of the women here.”

Valerie frowned and looked down at her crappy jogging suit. And while she’d always dreamed of being frighteningly skinny, she’d also always considered herself pleasingly plump. “Does that mean you think I’m fat?”

His eyes widened with panic. “No. Of course not. I meant absolutely no insult. It’s just that the slightly curvier women are, well, more kindhearted in this place.” He leaned in and whispered confidentially, “The bony, skinny ones are mean. It’s not their fault. It has something to do with the alien vortex process when they’re brought aboard.”

Alien vortex process? Valerie drilled a look into his beautiful eyes, trying to understand. “How are the skinny chicks mean to you? What do they do?”

He shrugged. “It’s their temperament, I guess. They go out of their way to aggravate all around them and especially men, but only after they’ve selected a group. By then it’s too late. The new men here always go for the skinny, mean ones and subsequently they’re stuck. Those women with a little meat on their bones are always selected first by the seasoned men here.”

Valerie nodded, but didn’t quite believe what he said. Her slightly hazy memory, which seemed to fade with each passing moment, recalled an incident very recently where a man she was with had suggested that she should go on a diet.

Even now the feeling of shame washed down her insides in a burning, hurtful rush. She shook her head to dissolve the remembered sting and lifted her eyes to his face. This was her dream, after all. She would control it and she most assuredly didn’t want to think about diets.

This man’s seductive gaze drilled through to her soul. His face reflected an expression suggesting that he liked what he saw in the deep, dark recesses of her mind.

“The men who have been here a while understand that principle, anyway, and I certainly do.” His eyes traveled appreciatively down the rounded figure hidden by the boring jogging suit. “Yep, they’re going to love you, all right.”

Valerie nodded, released him and brushed her hand