I need more of this immediately.

I loved absolutely everything about this book! The characters, the plot, the romance...it was all perfection.

Temmi and Spie are such an awesome duo, I love them together and the developing romance they have. Their chemistry is intense and the connection between them builds slowly and believably, I was hooked on their every interaction from the get-go. I desperately want to see more of them together in a second book, and I think their story is far from finished.

I was also incredibly drawn in by the plot. This is so much more than a book about a sci-fi version of "The Bachelor". There is an entire world built in this book with several different storylines taking place at once from dating show, to murder, to politics, to potential inter-galactic war. Some twists are easy to guess but others not so much, and there's still so much to know. It's been about five minutes since I finished this, and I am so ready for a book two.

If you like queer enemies to lovers, messy plotlines, murder intrigue, sci-fi stories, and badass characters, you will love this book as much as I did. 5/5 stars!

Love Galaxy was an absolute delight to read. I seriously didn't want it to end!

This book has so much to enjoy: the unique characters, the rich world-building, the mystery (with a twist that got me SO good), and an addictive romance!!

I just adored Artemis and Spie, their banter and chemistry was refreshing.

[Thank you, DAW and Netgalley, for the arc!]

I love this book! Think The Bachelor, but set in space with queer characters, murder, corruption, and much more depth than I expected. It reminded me of Arkady Martine’s excellent Memory Called Empire (but as an easier, faster read) and even recalls The Hunger Games with its sharp look at power, corruption, rebellion, and ostentatious wealth in the face of abject poverty. This was impossible to put down; I’ll be buying a copy for myself and one for my students when it publishes in May.

Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the ARC! Also, DAW, thank you for publishing my favourite fantasy read of the year (The House of Dusk) in addition to this, my favourite sci/fi read of the year.

I had to pull myself together to write up this review because I think this one’s going to stick with me for a while.

Every time you thought you knew what was going to happen next was spun in a way you would have never guessed, there’s wasn’t a second I was bored and I was incredibly wrong with my guesses every time.

All of the characters were wrote brilliantly, and I became attached to Temmi and Spie to the point where I was nervous for them and the next chapters.

What the two had most in common was wanting to take care of their brothers, and it really made the connections in the book that much stronger.

Without giving too much away, I was getting a lot of Hunger Game vibes throughout when it came to the set up and purpose of the show, and it was quite an interesting twist that I enjoyed and have never experienced within a book before.

The politics within the story definitely can relate to some of the things in current society, and the way corruption can be deep within the system.

I seriously didn’t want this to end, and I hope that this isn’t the end because I desperately need more of Temmi and Spie.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy and to the author Sierra Branham, I kind of want to cuss you out and thank you at the same time for this book that has a death grip on my heart.

This book was soooo good. If you like reality tv, royalty, space, tortured love, divided loyalty, literal star-crossed lovers…I could go on. The author took the Bachelor and made it so much deeper- class, politics, family loyalty, love- she went there and then some. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, I didn’t. I was obsessively turning pages to the end and gosh I hope there’s more coming from Sierra Branham.

Short summary: Temmi is just doing what she can to get by and keep her family housed. She doesn’t have time for reality tv, let alone to watch the heir apparents- twin siblings- find their wives. Until she’s cast on Love Galaxy and her world tilts off its axis and spirals in more directions than she thought possible.

Thanks to Netgalley and DAW. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of The Bachelor x Love Island in deep space is so intriguing, and that’s what made this story so good for me. And if you think this is a normal “who is she gonna choose in the end?” story, you’re wrong. We have sci-fi, romance, drama, and a murder mystery. All in one story. This mostly reminded me of The Selection series, with multiple candidates. Adding so much sci-fi satisfied the itch in my brain. With the mention of jumpgates, underbelts, and aliens, the Halo fangirl within me is flaring.

Being torn between choosing two people for your sake is a scary trope, but with the stakes presented to the main character, Artemis, she has to survive for her family. My favorite part is when Temmi is trying to reclaim her truth. There are so many things to unpack, so many plot twists, and I hope there’s a sequel since it ended with a huge cliffhanger.

This story had me at the edge of my seat. I also like how the author lays out the behind-the-scenes part. Those parts were some of the ones I was looking forward to reading since you can see so much personality with the other characters. I also commend the author for using unique chapter titles. We just don’t get those a lot anymore!

I love a good space romance for a relaxing and fun read. The premise of a space bachelor- it sounded like a cozy fun read. It was that, but also included twisting politics, mystery, and a cliff hanger ending! The world building was good, but what I really loved was the character depth. We have a bit of a love triangle to start, with two heirs to the empire both interested in our fmc. The girl heir has a lot of more masculine romance character traits. That was refreshing and interesting to read. The male heir is more the quiet, introvert, nerdy type. You couldn't help but sympathize with him. These characters were mostly complex, deep, grey shaded people and not black and white caricatures. The ending of the book was not at all what I expected. All I can say is that hopefully there is a book 2!

This is so fun and chaotic and unique and exactly how I want all of my science fiction to be like. Seriously can not recommend enough.

This book drew me in from the very first page. While the opening chapters follow a somewhat familiar structure, this does little to diminish the overall enjoyment of the story. As the plot unfolds, it delivers moments of genuine surprise that keep the reader fully engaged. The characters are well-developed and their interactions feel authentic, making it easy to become emotionally invested. By the final chapters, I found the book impossible to put down.

At first glance, this might seem like a fun, silly book. It is very fun! And Temmi, our main protagonist, is pretty silly (I want to be her best friend). It starts off as an adult The Selection in space, with more social commentary and nuanced supporting characters. It’s fast-paced, romantic, and often quite funny.

If you’ve seen that one episode of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia where Dee and Charlie date a rich brother and sister and struggle to blend into high society….. that’s basically the vibe I got from Temmi (though she’s a much better person).

But it’s also so much more than that.

It’s hard to describe without spoiling, but there’s a bit of a tonal shift around the 75% mark that recontextualizes everything that came before. It’s VERY well-executed, and I suspect a reread would prove very rewarding.

I thought a lot about The Hunger Games while reading this. To my knowledge it’s not used as a comp titles for this book, but it could be. MOST books that use THG as a comp title do so because people fight to the death. There’s none of that here. What IS here, however, is the relentless propaganda of an oppressive system. So to me, this book is more in the spirit of THG than anything else I’ve read recently.

TLDR: A breezy read with an endearing MC and a gut-punch of a twist. Highly recommend!

I was a little skeptical coming into this, because oh hey, murder mystery played against a space royalty dating show a la The Bachelor seems a bit cliche, but Branham does an absolutely amazing job of taking the above, weaving in some really unexpected and well done politics, some amazing main characters, a bit of a conundrum (is it the sweet brother or the spicy sister I really like?!), along with a really great main character, and really well done plotting. It feels like this is a one shot, but if it's not, I'd be interested in hearing more from these characters and what might come next for them.

This was incredible. I was intrigued immediately from the premise and the world-building (The Bachelor/The Bachelorette but in SPACE?) and I was not disappointed. What an incredibly strong debut. Temmi really says it how it is and I appreciated how she vocalized the stuff I would be thinking in the insane situation she was in. I felt connected to both heirs and desperately wanted both of them to be happy (do NOT ask me to choose between Nix and Spie). There was a lot of bi panic while reading, which kept me super engaged. I thought Love Galaxy great already, but the last half of the book was a RIDE in the best way possible. I did not see any of it coming and there is so much material for a second book! So much happened and I am excited to see where the story goes from here. This was inventive, a joy to read and this world is so rich.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and DAW for the ARC. I LOVED READING IT! It was so much fun to jump into this world and I can't wait for everyone to be able to experience it.

More of a slow burn than thriller pacing, but I had a great time with this one. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Temmi, and the world building was very well done.

Only note is that I wish I'd realized this does not read like a standalone. Not sure if sequels are to follow, but the ending definitely set up for one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

The Memory Called Empire comp is pretty bang-on here--this book is an incredibly fun, fluffy outer layer wrapped around a smart, sharp critique of a broken system with a twist that I didn't see coming but, once it was there, thought was completely obvious and inevitable. Really smart, great characters, just an overall excellent read.

I absolutely loved this!!

If you loved Winter's Orbit, you want to read Love Galaxy. 
Alternatively, if you like smart, incredibly fun books simmering with (highly reluctant) tension and the absolute best twists, you want to read Love Galaxy.

Basically, you want to read Love Galaxy. It's really, *really* good.

this was incredibly fun! i've always said that i wish there was more sf romance and this definitely delivers. intriguing worldbuilding, a compelling mystery, and large-scale repercussions with an excellent sequel hook. while i knew which character was supposed to be the actual love interest (according to the blurb) the interpersonal relationships and dynamics had me rooting for both at the same time.

my only gripe is that sometimes temmi's narration feels almost /too/ colloquial ("excessive much?" comes to mind) which i tend not to enjoy even in my first person limited pov books, but i do have to admit that it's in character for her.

definitely hope to see more of temmi's engineering abilities in subsequent books as well as actual aliens

thanks to netgalley and daw for the e-arc!

“Diplomacy was the art of saying shitty things in a way that kept a smile on others' faces, right? She could do that.”

A queer bachelor/bachelorette murder mystery set in space, what more could I ask for? The premise had me hooked from the start!

This book was beautifully written, the longing and intimacy was palpable through the pages. The setting was well laid out, with snippets of the history of the world sprinkled throughout, giving us just enough information about the Empire.

Temmi is a lovable little felon from the fringe planets who gets thrust into a world of diplomacy and politics as well as love and connection that she never thought she’d find again. She’s un-apologetically her loud mouthed, clumsy self and I love her for it. The murder mystery element kept me guessing, even though when it was finally revealed there was a “duh” moment. I’m usually quite good at guessing the villain but with the motive left a mystery I was stumped right up until the reveal.

This book is definitely set up to be a series and I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next!

Thank you so much DAW! This was amazing. I very much love sci-fi and this was right up my alley. The romance fueled me and kept me going 🥺

This was EVERYTHING. This book made me feel so many emotions!! I was laughing from page one then anxious by the end. I don’t read a lot of sci fi but I was still able to get into the world fairly easily through connecting with the characters. Thank you NetGalley for this arc. Pick this up if you want a book that will keep you on your toes!!

Right off the bat I really loved this one!! Although the main premise is an intergalactic dating show, there are deeper themes of classism, resistance, and toxic family dynamics. The two main characters had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed the sibling relationship, too. An engaging book that ends in a cliffhanger - I’m SO excited to read the next one!

Queer rep: Bi female main character, lesbian main character. FF main relationship. Secondary FF relationships, male gay character, gender fluid character (all pronouns), nonbinary character.

A sapphic, sci-fi, romance with humour, and a little murder? Secrets, politics, and twin heirs to the Expanese empire? A reality dating show!? So much yes for this.
Think Miss Congeniality meets Hunger Games, in an intergalactic dating reality show, with sapphic love, bisexual panic, secrets, and a lot more at stake than you first thought..
THAT ENDING!? En serio? Amazing. Not at all what I expected, and definitely big emotions evoked over the last 20% of the book. Laughter, fun, real world issues cloaked in sci fi politics, shock, and tears. I absolutely loved every page. It’s going to take a while to get over this! I NEED more of Artemis and Spie.

Plot summary
Artemis, trash collector on planet X72 (very low income, lung disease ridden forgotten planet) accidentally runs into the prince and princess to the Expanese empire, and runs her mouth because they’re in her trash collecting way. The heirs rather enjoy the interaction and cast her on their upcoming reality dating show for the chance to win one of their hands in marriage. However, power and politics run deep. Scheming from different angles behind the scenes and an unhealthy dose of murder being swept under the galactic carpet make this a very dangerous game..

Things I loved
- Artemis. Every second. From swallowing her pride for her family, to actually having hope for influencing change, and obviously her attitude!
- Princess Spielen for obvious reasons, and the depth you get to discover.
- The reality dating show humour and orchestration
- Murder mystery
- Portrayal of poverty and privilege
- THE TWIST!!
- Not guessing who the murderer is
- Some disability, chronic illness, and pain representation
- I hate that I love the ending. I always enjoy being surprised, even if I have mixed feelings.

Overall, a fun yet deep, sapphic sci fi romance with some humour and snarky sass, stakes much higher than you might think, and some casual murder!

Oh man, I devoured this book! With “Love Galaxy” we get a galaxy wide dating show, which is more of a political publicity stunt, where true love seems far fetched until we meet our FMC, who comes from a forgotten corner of the universe complete with a no filter and a criminal record. With a real love connection on the table, and a lot on the line, our question becomes not only IF love is possible but with whom? Oh and then contestants start mysteriously dying and the stakes get higher! A delightful LGBTQ+ romance with enough punchy plot points to keep you reading all night long!

I was very intrigued by the premise of this book and I was not let down. The idea of a bachelor type show in the future is very exciting. I loved how Temmi stayed true to herself the whole time, even if she had pression to change and to conform. She is thrust in a world she doesn’t understand. This book had such high stakes for all the characters. There were many plot twists and betrayals I did not see coming which was enjoyable. Temmi’s and Spie’s attraction is off the charts. The politics were complex. The pace was fast so it kept the story engaging. Honestly, I want more as soon as possible ! It’s definitely a great book for readers of sci-fi that also love romance!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC for my read and review.

Maybe you’re like me and thought that a Bachelor-esque marriage contest in a futuristic space setting sounded light a fun and romantic romp.

Well, I was wrong.

I mean, not completely wrong as this book is a LOT of fun and also very romantic but it’s also filled with intergalactic politics and a murder mystery. I loved it.

Our protagonist, Artemis, is our less-cooperative and more foul-mouthed Eliza Doolittle. Swept up in to the Love Galaxy tv show, she’s drawn to both siblings and increasingly complex goals for her future. She makes (some) friends but murder does seem to get in the way.

I had an inkling about the identity of the murderer but not until pretty late in the story and - it’s definitely not the end either.

It’s not the story I expected but it was fun and interesting and so much better.

This was such a fun read. A sci-fi interplanetary spin on a dating show?? The premise alone was unique and strange enough to snag my attention, and every page kept me going. This felt like watching a tv show in my mind. I wouldn’t call it a perfect book and the romance was a little lacking for me in certain areas but I still enjoyed the ride the entire way through. I found the characters to be pretty well founded in realism despite the fantastical circumstances they’re in. There is a bit of insta-lust here with one of the couples which took away from that romance for me, so I found myself rooting for relationships elsewhere. I originally thought this was a standalone but by the end realized it seems this will actually be a series. I really liked the side characters as well and hope there will be more of them going forward. Looking forward to see what this author puts out next, I’ll be tuning in

this book was a journey that culminated in me whispering to my cat, “what do you *mean* though?” as i coped with running out of pages to read.

a spectacular, wild ride with a genuinely unexpected ending that sets us up for even more emotional and political chaos. i had an absolute blast reading this. it’s a surprisingly layered book that touches on issues of family loyalty, obligation and duty, public perception and sense of self, manifestations and consequences of imperialism, and of course, the reality of love.

the characters felt grounded in their story— the royals weren’t the only ones whose actions and relationships were tangibly affected by the wider politics. even characters’ contradicting choices were still understandable to me. i’m interested to see how this shakes out for our characters moving forward, especially since one person in particular has set themself up for a shaky (and in my opinion, unobtainable) new mission.

i think our main relationship blossomed beautifully. they share increasingly authentic moments with each other that make their bond believable. and even when their love is finally being realized, they hold onto the personal motivations established in the beginning, creating realistic and compelling conflicts.

i also really enjoyed our side characters, but especially arbora. even when we don’t see her for a while, she leaves an impression that lingers. i’m looking forward to seeing her role expand as this drama unfolds.

one thing i wished for more of was temmi’s time with nix during the dating show. i think a few more scenes directly exploring their relationship would have helped temmi’s feelings about him later on hit harder.

overall, this was an incredible read and i can’t wait to experience more from this author. what a debut!!

many thanks to sierra branham, daw, and netgalley for sharing this arc with me <3

This was wonderfully written! I enjoyed the world building quite a lot and it combined several genres that I've read before (the reality show aspect as well as the mystery building up as the plot progresses) very well - it's all taken for a fresh spin with fleshed-out characters that I'd love to read more about, as there's a hook for a second book. Would definitely revisit this universe!

I enjoyed this book because the romance and world building was really good and intriguing. Ive never read a scifi novel with reality TV before.

When I picked this up I thought it was just going to be lighthearted bachelor in space but I was surprised when it was so much more. I loved the enemies to lovers yearning tension and witty banter. Some of the pacing got a little slow in the middle but once it picked up it was action packed until the end. I liked the universe and the world building. Temmi was a bit annoying to start with her not like other girls attitude but once I realized she was ND coded I appreciated her a lot more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free copy from DAW Publishing via Netgalley, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude. This book was exactly what I felt like reading and it is definitely one that will stay with me. I am definitely going to be at the front of the line for anything else Sierra Branham writes.

The description of the book got me hooked instantly, and it did not disappoint. It absolutely delivers on the expectations set and then expands even further from there. What I expected was a fun, playful romance in an unconventional setting, and I got that as well as deep feelings, philosophical questions and a second half that was un-put-downable. I am in awe of Sierra Branham for having such a well-written and compelling debut.

The romance and game show aspect is handled incredibly well; it is believable in its pageantry and scheming. Despite juggling a large group of characters, the author does an expert job of selecting a handful of characters to highlight, making it easy to follow. However, this is just the setting for a far bigger story. At the forefront of this novel is the question of agency and power. Who has the ability to act on their desires and how class, politics and inequality impact individual life choices. The book was far deeper than I anticipated, but unfurled gradually and beautifully, using the characters as mechanisms to explore the greater themes in a way that feels grounded and sincere. I think the dual POV was used deftly to not just build the romantic tension, but to explore these ideas really well too. If you like political machinations mixing with romance (think high fantasy more than other sci fi actually), this will hit the spot.

A note for other LGBT readers, none of the tension or drama is due to sexual preference, which somehow in the year 2025 is still refreshing. As someone who tends to jump on anything sapphic, I was so filled with warmth reading a quality relationship that felt this deep and beautiful. We are shown how the chemistry develops between the two characters through actual connection and communication rather than just relying on superficial attraction - an impressive achievement given the pacing and limited interactions between the characters.

Overall, if the book sounds like something you will enjoy, I strongly recommend picking it up. There is definitely some loose ends left with a clear direction for the next entry (okay, maybe a bit of a cliffhanger), but the conclusion was satisfying and well-considered. Sierra Branham knows how to write a great story.

The second that I saw the description of this book, I knew I needed to read it. And I have to say, I do not regret a single second.

The plot immediately drew me in to reading this book. A futuristic reality TV show with murder and drama was too good to resist. And the cover art certainly didn't hurt. The book followed through perfectly with everything it promised and more. It got so dramatic and full of tension at points in the book that I couldn't look away no matter how hard I tried.

The plot was also amazingly well-done and unpredictable. Every time I thought I had figured out a twist, I was quickly proved wrong in such a wonderful way. Everything was intertwined perfectly and was captivating to read. I loved the foreshadowing that in retrospect was staring me directly in the face.

Artemis' relationships between the two heirs, Spie and Nicky was golden. It caused so many moments where I was on the edge of my seat, and moment where I was close to crying in public. While I normally read a book in a week or two, I loved this one so much that I stayed up reading this all night and day so I knew what happened next. My sleep schedule? Ruined. My emotional wellness? Also ruined.

I desperately need a sequel as soon as possible so we can continue exploring this universe and the doomed romance Temmi is in.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and DAW for the ARC! I loved it!

If The Bachelor was a thinly-veiled alien imperialist scheme, limned in treachery, half-truths and the dark promise of rebellion, it would be something like Love Galaxy. But even that description doesn't do this book justice. I am not a reality TV person, but I was intrigued as soon as I read about this book. And I'm thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations to the point that I'm craving more of this intricate, expansive universe Sierra Banham has created.

Temmi is a trash collector on X25, a fringe planet in the great Expani Empire. Even at 22, her luck has just about run out. Her ex stole her invention to get into an off-planet university, the mining conditions of her brother's work lost him an arm, and her mother's health is steadily deteriorating without the funds to get her proper treatment. On top of that, Temmi's family has just been handed yet another eviction notice, and there's no possibility of getting an extension. When she's off to make up for her absent coworker's trash route, Temmi runs into two clearly oblivious and wealthy idiots blocking her way. It's not until after Temmi screams at them that she realizes there are cameras everywhere... and that the two lurkers are none other than the twin heirs to the Empire itself. But what comes next is the biggest surprise: Temmi is invited to come onto the reality dating show the twins are about to star on as one of the contestants. And with a guarantee that she and her family will receive necessary funds to take care of themselves if she gets to the finale, there's no way Temmi could refuse such an opportunity. After all, she doesn't have to actually marry either the prince or princess. Love is a myth, after all. Isn't it?

I truly did not expect this story to go all-in on the complexities of love vs. family vs. duty, nor did I expect it to be a well-crafted takedown of imperialism, xenophobia, and class division. Yet, here I am, reeling from a story that tackles moral ambiguity and what it truly means to be oneself expertly disguised as a lighthearted reality competition. It's brilliant. The focus on the nuances of personas in the public eye contrasting (or failing to compete, in the case of Temmi, especially) with one's deepest, perhaps selfish desires is wonderfully laid out. I think anyone could relate to both Temmi and Spie's internal conflicts. I certainly saw bits of myself in both women, and in their self-doubt cracking the facades they created to protect themselves as well as their foundational beliefs of who they are. It's all done deftly and with care, anchored by a real humanity that comes through in the writing that never feels forced.

While I did see two (relatively minor, in the grand scheme of things) twists coming, the other revelations took me completely by surprise. I honestly don't know if there will be a sequel. I'm absolutely aching for one, but it also could be so bittersweetly perfect if it concludes in this single installment. Either way, this story and its ideas will be on my mind for a long time.

SO many thanks to NetGalley and DAW for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

🫑

Final rating: 4.75 stars

Review posted to StoryGraph on January 7, 2026 (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/0cc3be2a-e260-4e60-946b-40621b13a234)
Review posted to Instagram: PENDING

Came for the underdog sci-fi romance, stayed for the intergalactic drama.

Temmi, a trash collector on a dead-end planet, has just sold her life’s work to afford her family a measly two months’ worth of rent. Safe to say when two people are blocking her overtime garbage route, she is thoroughly upset and, perhaps, a little confrontational. But, what she doesn’t know is that she has just called the prince and princess of the human galaxy a narcissist and jackass. Temmi’s day goes from terrible to dreadful as she is forced to choose between staying a public humiliation or entering the limelight for a chance to redeem herself and save her family. Oh, and she must compete with contestants for the hand of the prince or princess, but they might be harboring malicious intentions…

First of all, I can relate to Temmi’s disinterest in reality television. When I do turn on the television, enduring the televised drama of a set of obnoxious individuals that are pitted to bring out the worst in each other is not how I would like to spend my time.

However, as Temmi was encouraged to watch the previous season of Love Galaxy and found it impossible to look away, so was my experience of reading this novel. I could not tear myself away from the slow-moving car crash of unresolved drama boiling over.

The delivery of this novel reminded me of the joy of reading Throne of Glass for the first time all those years ago. It is clear Branham intends to continue this series, as there is so much tension that is about to burst forth.

But, while other novels struggle to balance world-building (or, in this case, entire galaxy-building) while staying engaging, Branham beautifully delivered hidden morsels of politics and hidden motives.

And the characters! Each character, no matter how small their role, was oozing with personality! This led to such vivid interactions between a large set of cast members. And, since the characters are so memorable, small tells were visible to the keen eye.

I thoroughly enjoyed (read: devoured) this book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment!

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️(2️/5)

Thank you, NetGalley and DAW Books, for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel for an honest review. Also, thanks to Sierra Branham for crafting this wonderful adventure.

This book has been living rent-free in my head even weeks after I finished it. It's a masterfully written intergalactic version of the bachelor show. The world-building, characters, and plot are fantastic and so much fun to read. I can't help but compare it to Sweep of the Heart, another intergalactic spouse hunt story by Ilona Andrews, and it compares favorably. I really hope Sierra Branham continues these characters' stories because I desperately want to know what happens next. Fans of Ilona Andrews, Jessie Mihalik, and John Scalzi will devour this book.

This book was a great read that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let you go. Branham has such a strong command over character, voice and narrative distance that at times it felt like I was standing right next to the characters as the novel progressed. The dual POV in love galaxy was excellent, and allowed a reader to understand the complexity of the interstellar dating show from multiple angles. Though I loved both characters, Temmi was a stand out for me as she transitions from garbage girl to “it girl” in front of the cameras. Her discomfort was at times reminiscent of Katniss, Everdeen, and I loved some of those throwbacks. Characters forced to undergo a glow up always get me in their corner. Also, bisexual panic.


There’s so many things about this book that I liked that would fall under the spoiler category, so I will say this: structurally, this is one of the strongest and most well conceived books that I’ve read in recent memory. Everything falls into place with a sense of inevitability, and yet it doesn’t feel predictable. I also liked how this novel explores themes of identity, trust, love, and the devastating realities of imperialism on both groups of people, and individuals

I loved this book, and can't wait for the next part. I think it was an interesting combination of dystopian sci fi about an oppressive empire and a reality romance show aka the Bachelor. A somehwat similar concept to the Selection, but while the Selection didn't really know if it wanted to be dystopian or not, this books leans fully into the dystopian aspect of the world building.

Temmi grew up on an exploited planet where a rare mineral is mined that is necessary for long distance space travel. As a result, the planet is heavily polluted to the point people become sick from breathing its air, poverty is rampant, many become disabled from the hard work and then can't support themselves. People here hate the empire, but don't really have any ability to oppose them. The setting at the start was vivid, and it reminded me of Zaun from Arcane.

Temmi was delightful as a character. She swears a lot, and takes no shit, and is not in the least bit diplomatic, which makes for a fun contrast with all the other Love Galaxy contestant. Technically, Temmi wasn't even supposed to be here, but an alternation with the empire's prince and princess while they visit her planet leads to her being chosen as the contestant to represent her planet.
I really liked Temmi's determination to protect her family, as well as her anger and her interest in science. I thought it was pretty cool that she was developing a mechanic lung transplant for the sick people on her planet with next to no resources. I also loved that she calls the project "Have a lung, bitch"

Spie, the imperial princess, took me a moment to warm up to. When the first taste of the book is this horrible living situation Temmi and countless others are stuck in, it makes it difficult to be sympathetic to the princess of the empire who caused all of this, and Spie came across as quite rude early on. But she warmed up to me quickly enough, and I think she was an interesting character who has her opinions about her empire and rebelled by not doing what her mother wants, but none of that rebellion has been actually meaningful so far. I loved Spie having to face herself and the complicity of her position, and actually having to change.

The romance in this was really good, and I could feel the sexual tension early on. The problem is, Temmi was chosen as a contestant for Spie's brother Nicky. While both siblings are attracted to women, and there's 24 contestants for the two of them, some are exlusively for one sibling, and Temmi was for Nicky. And Nicky actually likes Temmi, and Spie loves her brother. Meaning there's plenty of drama keeping the romance from happening.

At the same time, there's also a murder investigation happening. Several contestants turn up dead, and Temmi finds them. Then people around her try to convince her nothing's actually happening and these women were just eliminated, not dead, and Temmi's left alone to find out what happened.
The twist to this was really good, and really not something I expected, and it really shifts the tone of the book.

The build up, eventually, is more towards rebellion against this empire, and I can't wait to say what book 2 does with this, while I'm also rooting for Spie and Temmi to get together against all odds.

Would recommend this to fans of Arcane and people who wanted the Selection to be more dystopian

Thank you to NetGalley and Sierra Branham for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was excited about this book—reality TV dating show, sci-fi setting, snarky queer female protagonist—and it sure did not disappoint.

Temmi is a trash collector on a planet that's dead or dying. Her family is struggling to make ends meet. But when she's swept into a dating show starring the twin heirs to the empire, everything changes. Suddenly Temmi is competing to win the hand of Nix, the bookish but sweet prince, while fighting her attraction for the strictly off-limits princess, Spie. And something's off about the show. When contestants start turning up dead, Temmi realizes that the stakes are much, much higher than she could've ever known.

This book was like Hunger Games had an affair with The Selection and then married The Ones We Burn and this is the bastard child. The plot was exciting, twisty, and alluring; I couldn't put the book down. The writing kept pace with the plot and I loved Temmi's voice, although she did sometimes fall into a cliched sci-fi and/or romance protagonist who is the only "real" one that shows the sheltered royalty what's wrong with the world. I didn't mind the tropes, though, because they worked in this book. Also, the fact that the romance was sapphic helped a lot, and I definitely was rooting for Spie and Temmi. I am super excited for the rest of this series and am definitely feeling some <spoilers> imperial overthrow and galactic revolutionary war <spoilers> in our future.

I loved this. It started so light and fluffy, then a little mystery was added, then suddenly it was deep in politics and the flaws of systems of power. The ending is a little wistful, but very realistic to the scenario in a way that happily ever after would not have been.

This book wrecked me. I spent the last 15% of it bawling my eyes out. I went into this expecting a fun sapphic sci-fi adventure, not a story that would rip my heart out and stomp on it. Repeatedly. 6 out of 5 stars. Best book I’ve ever read.

This is 'The Selection' but sapphic and good, and also the politics and societal dynamics weren't an afterthought but are an integral and well done part of the story. I don't know how or why but obviously it hit me like a ton of bricks. Like it actually hurt to read because I loved Temmi and Spie so much and past a certain point I knew this wasn't gonna have a 'happy' end and it fcking hurt. I don't know why my brain is like this.

Sierra Branham created a world that I never wanted to leave in Love Galaxy. I both didn't want this book to end, and finished it within 2 days of starting it. I was HOOKED from the first chapter. The sarcasm and love between Temmi and Ollie warmed my heart and made me fall in love with Temmi from the first moment she spoke, or rather cursed. Every character have their own distinct voice and background. I ate up the love triangle and the yearning was top tier.

The world building was expansive (pun intended) without being overwhelming, The book transformed from a simple reality-tv dating show, into a secret murder investigation, into a DEEP political and heartbreaking story. I laughed, I cried, I slammed my Kindle shut when the plot twist nearly gave me whiplash. The ending left me wanting SO much more.

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham is an excellent science fiction thriller and the first book in The Imperial Broadcasts series, following the underdog heroine of a reality TV show. Think The Selection or The Bachelor — but in space, with locked-room mystery vibes to boot.

The book follows Temmi, a young trash collector from X72, an impoverished planet on the edge of the Expanse Empire. Stuck in a dead-end job due to an ex’s betrayal, burdened with evacuation notices, an ill mother, and a disabled brother she would do anything for, her future looks bleak. A chance meeting with the twin siblings Nix and Spie, the prince and princess of the empire, lands her, unwillingly mind you, on an interstellar dating show full of potential political landmines.

Twenty-four young women, divided between the royal siblings, will compete for their hands. Only two can win, and the competition is fierce. Although Temmi is picked for the prince, she finds herself drawn to his lesbian sister instead. The plot thickens as contestants turn up dead, and the stakes rise quickly.

I was hooked from the very first line. There are plenty of twists and intrigue to keep the reader engaged. While colonizations and dating shows aren't a new concept, the execution feels fresh and gripping. The novel promises a thrilling blend of romance, mystery, and a vibrant cast of characters in a sci-fi setting, and it sure delivers.

The romantic tension simmers and shapes the plot rather than overpowering it. Beneath the dramatized dates and diplomatic challenges lie questions of empire, power, class, morality — and who gets sacrificed for power. The book also explores themes of love, loyalty, family relationships, betrayal, and staying true to one’s beliefs. There is a love triangle, and although I’m usually not fond of them, it plays out here naturally.

The world-building is impeccable, the writing smooth, and the characters distinct. Temmi is brash, brutally honest, brilliant and self-educated, with no filter and a deep love of science. She is fiercely loyal, relatable, and a breath of fresh air among the more polished contestants. She also curses a lot, likely to highlight her lower-class background, but at times it felt overdone. The witty banter between her and the other characters was a joy to read.

Sibling Nix and Spie couldn’t be more different. Spie is physical, charismatic, socially confident — the life of the party — and unapologetically explorative in her sexuality. She may appear narcissistic at first glance, but there is far more depth to her beneath the surface. Nix, in contrast, is cerebral, quiet, bookish, and uncomfortable in his own skin — a dark horse who constantly claims the moral high ground. And yes, I didn't like him. Of the two, I preferred the sister and completely understood Temmi’s attraction. Hell, I even prefer her myself — and I’m straight.

The book is written in third-person omniscient POV, and each chapter heading is drawn from a line within the chapter itself — a detail I especially enjoyed. Most threads are tied up, though a few are left open enough to make me eager for the sequel. I loved this book and highly recommend it to fans of reality TV drama, mystery, twisted plots, forbidden love, and political tension woven into a rich sci-fi world. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I went into this thinking that it would be a fun "Bachelor In Space" space opera type of thing. Sort of a fun sci-fi romp with various characters from different planets with some snarking, some attitude and some intrigue while everyone pushes their own agenda under a thin veneer of "glamourous dating show!" Which Branham does give us--- but then she gives us so much more! There's takes on xenophobia, on the vast gap between wealth and poverty, interspecies war, power, corruption, toxic family dynamics, sibling dynamics. The whole dating show in itself is a commentary on how we as a society consume media, even as that media is false propaganda fed to us by a controlled media.

This was so fun, and with such beautiful characters! Heavy on the tropes, but it was well executed so everything felt new and exciting. I desperately need to read the second installment even when this book isn't out yet! So many ways to expand the universe, I love queer sci-fi!

Love, Galaxy grabbed my attention right away and was fun, fast, and easy to read. Temmi is a lovable, messy main character who gets pulled from the edges of society into a shiny, high-status world, and watching her figure it out was both funny and heartfelt. What starts as a light, romantic story slowly turns into something deeper and more serious, with a twist near the end that changes how you see everything. It’s entertaining, emotional, and left me very excited to read the next book.

Loved this book, would definitely recommend it to friends it was such a unique one, I’ve never read anything like it before!

I LOVED THIS BOOK. At once whip-smart, laugh out loud funny, moving and profound, with one of the best (sort of) love triangles I've ever read and definitely one of the most convincing sapphic romances. I was obsessed with the entire cast, but especially our leading trio, who were painted with such an incredibly deft hand that they lived and breathed from the first page. The worldbuilding was exquisitely textured, the plot immaculately paced and propulsive, and the THEMES! This was a book with a surprising amount to say for what is on the surface a pulpy romance/murder mystery, and I absolutely lapped it up. Overall this was an incredibly strong, sparkling debut and I cannot wait for the follow up. Bravo!

this was an excellent story! calling it the bachelor in space is just the beginning. it's full of yearning, death, and intrigue!! a couple times my jaw dropped!!

the pain of reading the first of a series is unmatched. everyone who loves dating shows and or operatic space dramas and sapphic yearning should pick this up on release day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Ummm this was amazing!?!?? Usually I’m not one for space settings, but it’s just that, a setting. And the world building feels very accessible to someone who doesn’t read space fantasies/operas. The book follows Temmi, a young woman from a mining planet on the far outreaches the of the Expani system. The set-up/politics is very hunger games-esque which I love. Temmi is forced to give up her aspirations of becoming an academic to support her younger brother and sick mother after their father left them. Everyday she’s sees how the people of her planet suffer alongside her from the toxic air of the mines and the abject poverty resulting from the control of the imperial core.

The two heirs to the imperial throne, Spielin and Nix, come to visit Temmi’s planet to choose a contestant to star on a dating show designed to promote inter-planet unity and to find their eventual wives. Temmi finds herself at the center of galactic attention in a way she never wanted. She’s convinced to play as one of Nix’s “picks,” and finds him unexpectedly sweet and thoughtful. But his sister Spie is the one to make Temmi rethink everything she’s known about relationships. As the show starts to ramp up, the drama between contestants heightens and Temmi finds herself investigating a contestants murder. Surely it can’t get worse from here? (It definitely does).

Every twist and turn of this story kept sucking me in. The added layer of performing for reality TV also gave another challenge to interpreting each character’s motivations. I was able to guess an aspect of the big twist, but the reveal moment was amazing, and I could see how little things throughout the story had been building up to it.

I need the second book immediately!!!! I will be waiting excitedly for it to come out!!!!

4.75 stars

This was such an addicting read. I cannot express how much this book consumed my focus. That can be hard to do these days. The main characters were well written, as were the side characters. I wanted to know more about them. I took .5 off the star rating mainly because the siblings were frustrating me with their decisions. I was getting so annoyed. The worldbuilding was interesting. I would have loved more details on how things came to be. I think it would have raised the stakes in the political strife. The mystery element was excellent. I knew something was coming, but had no idea what was about to unfold. I honestly didn't know much about this book going into it. I read a TV show, and queer romance immediately added this book to my TBR. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was not expecting that ending. I had suspicions, but hadn't pieced together the whole story before it was revealed. It looks like this might be a series. I need Book 2 like tomorrow. I would highly recommend picking this book up!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sierra Branham, and DAW for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Enemies to lovers? Forbidden romance? Murder mystery? Foulmouthed women? Yes, please.

Temmi, a trash collector with a bad attitude and an even worse mouth (she somehow cusses even more than I do, which is a feat), finds herself in trouble when she directs her anger at the wrong people: the twin heirs to the galactic empire. The twins, Spie and Nix, are on her planet while doing a press tour for their upcoming appearance on Love Galaxy, a dating show where they will find their future spouses (slightly ridiculous but whatever). And much to Temmi's dismay, she is chosen as her planet's contestant after Nix becomes a little smitten with her. Unfortunately (though fortunate for me), Temmi finds herself far more attracted to Nix's sister, who is also drawn to Temmi despite their initial dislike of one another. And then to make matters worse, some of the contestants start dropping dead over the course of the show.

This was a fun read that still had some depth. I hate reality TV, especially dating shows, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about the book, but the premise and cover were intriguing. I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would, and that was all down to Temmi and Spie, who had an enjoyably antagonist rapport with each other. The chemistry between them was perfect, and even though the book takes place in a relatively short span of time, their relationship didn't feel rushed to me. You can really feel their attraction and affection growing, as well as their hesitation and guilt over their feelings since Temmi is supposed to be on the show for Nix and Nix alone.

There is definitely a bit of a tonal shift in the book once the murders begin and especially toward the last quarter or so of the book, but it didn't bother me. My only real complaint was that it was very obvious to me who the killer was going to be far before the murders even began. And I also guessed the main twist well before it was revealed (a little too much foreshadowing? or do I just watch way too many mystery shows?). I didn't feel like this took away too much from the book, though.

Be warned that this definitely ends on a cliffhanger, which is a little annoying because now I have to wait far too long for the next book. And I will be eagerly awaiting it.

Overall, I would give it 4.5 stars, rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley and DAW for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the e-ARC for this title before release!

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. The premise really caught my attention and the content did not disappoint. The characters were fantastic and the world building was very interesting. There were twists and turns that were unexpected but also well thought out. I thought I had an idea of what they would be and when they would appear, but this author got me good. If you read the blurb for this book and like what you hear, I recommend you check this one out. It did not disappoint at all. When the novel begins it does take a minute to get into the main action and drama, but stick with it and you’ll be in for an interesting and fun, but stressful ride. When I picked this one out I had no idea there would be another novel, but I’m glad that there will be because this world and these characters still have a lot to give.

The way this book switched from cute rom-com to a murder mystery with political intrigue gave me the best kind of whiplash. Like, I went from “awww, this is sweet” to “holy crap what is happening?” and it was so fun. There were parts I was practically speed-reeding because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, and the ending had me in tears.

The swoon-worthy (and forbidden!) sapphic romance was mixed expertly with devastating secrets and lies along with commentary on the oppression of an empire by a powerful and callous emperor in the far future, after humanity spreads out into other galaxies. The characters are fantastic, especially Temmi, who unwittingly finds herself smack in the middle of it all.

Love Galaxy is the first in what I’d love to be a trilogy (but I’m not sure - it could be a duology) and I’m really excited for the next book!

oh i LOVED this book. the premise itself was a 5 stars for me, but what else can I say about a queer space reality show turning into a love story?! this book had every trope you could find and love, it had a much needed political side with our current society, and it was genuinely so much fun to read. I will definitely be checking more from this author!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, and for the opportunity to find new authors to love and binge-read!

Temmi is trapped on X-72, a bleak mining planet. Her criminal record means that she cannot get a better job than trash collector. Her mother's illness and her brother's injuries in the mine mean that she has to try and support her family on her meager salary. Her ex stole her academic ideas and secured a scholarship off the planet. But when she faces off against the royal twins, Spie and Nicky, she finds herself cast in the intergalactic dating show, Love Galaxy. She was picked for the prince but she cannot seem to stay away from Spie, the princess with a cutting wit and saucy attitude. When contestants start dying, rumors start circulating that Temmi has ulterior motivations for being on the show, putting her life in peril. Can she survive?

I made the mistake of reading reviews before reading the book. I should know better. One review tore apart the science behind it all, insisting that messaging in deep space would be easy if they can livestream a show across the galaxy. This meant that I paid close attention to these details. What I found was that there was an explanation for how a show was live across the galaxy as there was an infrastructure that did not exist outside of the settled planets. In reality this was an excellently crafted sci-fi with romance, mystery, and thriller elements. The use of a dating show to distract citizens and create alliances was genius.

I am blown away by this book. There were no holes that I could find, and ones I read about were well explained. Sierra Branham is a phenomenal author!

Thank you to Net Galley and DAW. All opinions are my own.

Okay I had so much fun with this one it’s messy, dramatic,and feels like reality TV but in space.The story follows Temmi, who’s basically stuck living a dead end life on a literal garbage planet, working as a trash collector. Out of nowhere, she gets picked to be on this huge intergalactic dating show where contestants compete to marry the royal heirs of an empire a prince or a princess. It’s giving The Bachelor, but make it sci-fi. first, it seems like Temmi is matched with the prince, who’s more quiet and nerdy, and they actually have a really cute connection over science. But things get complicated fast because she also has insane chemistry with the princess which is obviously a terrible idea (but also the best part).And then the vibes shift HARD because contestants start dying. Like, this goes from fun dating show drama to full on conspiracy thriller. Turns out a lot of people aren’t there for love at all, and Temmi might be more involved in the bigger political mess than she realizes.What I loved most is how it balances everything. It’s funny and snarky, but also tense and twisty. You get romance, but also mystery, and a bit of rebellion thrown in. Temmi is such a great main character too she’s bold, a little reckless, and doesn’t really fit into the polished world she’s thrown into, which makes her way more interesting to follow.Overall, this was just a really entertaining ride. If you like reality TV drama, love triangles (or… squares?), political intrigue, and sci-fi worlds that don’t take themselves too seriously, you’ll probably eat this up. It’s chaotic in the best way and definitely hard to put down.

Rating: 5 stars

If Sierra Branham came up to me and said she wrote this book specifically for me, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm a lesbian who has been watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette for over a decade, the straightest show ever, so you know it's serious. All I've ever dreamed of was a sapphic version and here it is in book form but MORE.

There's political intrigue, murder mystery, twins dating the same set of 24 women (deliciously messy!), and an epic sapphic love story. Plus it's set in space, which makes everything more dramatic.

The only problem with this book is that it's the beginning of an unfinished series and I need the second book now 😭

This book absolutely WRECKED me. I thought it was just gonna be a silly little story about a Bachelor-esque reality dating show in space (ha!) but ohhhh nooo. There's so much yearning! And political intrigue! And that ending?! Gahhhh! I need to know where we're going!

I love a book that makes me feel like I've figured out the twist and then the author just Kool-aid man's their way in with something much more complicated.

Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the advanced copy and to Sierra Branham for writing such a delectable tale. I had so much fun with this one! Hooray for Queer normative stories!

The most fun I've had in ages.

Yes, I read The Selection back in my dystopian era, when I devoured any series that claimed even a remote similarity to The Hunger Games. And admittedly, The Selection, while being wildly popular, was not one of my favorites. The MC had pick me energy, and the relationship was both transactional and toxic. It gave me big ICK.

But THIS is what that should have been. Queer romance set in a dystopian scifi planetary monarchy with characters that are both likeable and deeply complex. This is everything I love in a romance - it has substance, great characters, an interesting plot, and it's also so much fun. I love everyone in this book and I want more from the author as soon as possible. I think I would ADORE it in audio, so I may reread it that way too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6 stars, I am the audience for this book!

I loved Love Galaxy, the premise of the book is so silly but it totally charmed me and left me desperate to read more. Artemis/Temmi/Trash girl (😂) insults the heirs to the empire so is forced to compete in a competition to marry them.

However, not all of the competitors are there to find true love and when the competitors start being mutdered we get an sci-fi mystery that I really enjoyed.

I liked Temmi but I LOVED Spie, she was so sassy and funny.

This was a really fun read and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I had an excellent time reading this book, a scifi mashup of The Bachelor and The Hunger Games. In a galaxy of planets divided up into Haves and Have Nots, tv shows give everyone a stake in a bit of distraction. A yearly series entitled the Love Galaxy gives chosen commoners from every planet a chance to compete to marry a wealthy heir for their individual benefit and also to help their planet. This year, the contenders are going to battle in cheesy, glam games to win the hand of one of the Royal twins. But then, people start dying and chaos ensues.

I’m a sucker for great characters and this book has plenty of them. Artemis “Temmi” Ialan is a garbage collector on a mining planet so toxic, wildlife is extinct and most people become sick and die by middle age. Temmi’s aim is to find a way out for herself, her disabled brother, and her very ill mother. Her one ace card is that she is a working class genius like Will from Good Will Hunting. But everywhere she turns, people are exploiting her. She decides to take a risk and accept the insanely out of the blue invitation for the Love Galaxy.

I could go on and on about Temmi because she is authentic. Her naivety and desperation coupled with her natural brilliance makes for a potent main character. She is also open hearted and wants to believe in people in spite of how she’s been treated in the past. Prince Nix and Princess Spie are also strong characters, a mix of arrogance and duty. Spie is gorgeous, Queer, and completely centered on herself, the perfect foil to Temmi. The actual Bachelor type stuff is hilarious, fish out of water scenarios for a foul mouthed, charismatic young woman from a poor X’er planet but viewers eat it up. The book is chock full of political intrigue because nothing is what it seems. I love the twists and turns. There is scifi gadgetry but not hardcore so I think everyone can enjoy this book. Some questions are answered but each chapter grows the story so there is a lot of world in this series to be explored in future books. Finally, the romance chemistry is hot and building nicely with plenty of angst. I certainly hope Book 2 is coming out soon.

Love Galaxy was my first sapphic romance, and I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I expected.

While I’m normally not a fan of love triangles, I really liked the dynamic between the characters. The relationships and interactions felt natural, and I was emotionally attached to all of them.

I also really enjoyed the writing style. We get both Temmi and Spie’s POV which were distinctly written so that I could hear the characters voices in my head.

My main issue was with the murder mystery element. It clearly had a purpose in the story, but I wish it had been more present. I found myself forgetting about it at times because of that. Given Temmi’s personality, particularly how stubborn and strong-willed she is, I expected her to care more about it. I wanted more of her inner turmoil dealing with her emotions about wanting to uncover the mystery vs protecting herself and her family.

That said, I still had a really great time reading this. It was super engaging and the MCs really carried the story well. Also the ending genuinely caught me off guard and I immediately texted my friend who read it before me like WAIT WHAT?!

I would absolutely read a sequel because I need to know what happens next.

Overall I give this book 4.75 stars. It has me wanting to read more sapphic romances for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley and Daw for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

When I first started reading "Love Galaxy", I thought it was going to be some lesbian rip-off of "The Hunger Games'. It's not. It is a fantastically Sci-Fi romance with some dashes of mystery. This is also not an in-depth literary classic, but a much more hip, endearing affair that will have you smiling.
We have a trope or two, e.g., opposites attract, but the chemistry between MCs Temmi and Spie is remarkable. Between their seeing each other's "true" selves and their genuine character growth, you believe in the sweetness of their nascent love.
That's just one of the plotlines, though. Sierra writes a pretty cool world that's easy to imagine these characters living in. There is humour and sarcasm (love that) and many interesting characters. Some of which are not so nice. Can't wait for the next one.
It's a fun, different, easy read. I highly recommend it!

LOVE GALAXY got me with The Bachelor Innnn Spaaaace premise, but kept me turning pages for the murder mystery, galactic conflict, and a slew of unmentionable spoiler twists I didn't see coming. It's only after I reached the end do I realize missing the twists is a me problem. The groundwork for blowing the proverbial door off the galaxy is laid down in every scene as Artemis, Spie, and Nicky flirt, kiss, and conspire while filming the dating show. This book utilizes these shiny distractions to lead you away from a more sinister plot, so be on your guard and hopefully you'll catch more clues than I did.

I highly recommend reading LOVE GALAXY right this very moment. Yes there is romance and mystery and thrills, but there is also rage. A seething frustration with an empire that mines planets until they literally poison its inhabitants. An empire built on propaganda. Limits access to information. Criminalizes poverty. Artemis, Spie, and Nicky are stars of a dating game but the stakes reach far beyond the holoscreens. You need to read this.

Thank you DAW Books for the advance copy to read and review.

This is likely going to be my favorite read of the month. I fell in love with all of these characters even as they made stupid decisions (👀Nicky).

You need this like a galaxy needs stars. 🌟

For fans of:

The Bachelor
An Ocean Apart
Bisexual representation in a queer-normative world
Chronic illness representation
Swoon-worthy Sci-Fi


I just love that despite the focus being this dating show, the wider galaxy still feels alive and well-built. I need book 2 in front of me ASAP 😄

Artemis is tired of hearing about the dating show that has been "uniting humanity for over two hundred years! Building bridges of diplomacy throughout the empire!" But her brother loves the show so much and she loves him, so she puts up with it. Then, on the very worst day of her life, as she is about to get evicted from her apartment, she gets an offer to go on the show to save her family and her future.

Nicky and Spielin are the love interests featured on this season of the show. They both are potential heirs to the intergalactic empire, in line to succeed their mother, Gracelin Expani. The empire is crumbling, and the fear of a new alien race invading the farthest outposts is something Her Excellency wants to distract people from. She hopes the dating series will do just that, but there is another secret she's trying to cover up as well.

Character building of Artemis (Temmi) was excellent. I loved her from the first few lines. She is beaten down by life. She has been abandoned, abused, and has little to live for besides her mother and brother, who are both disabled and depend on her small income as a trash collector. Their planet is a toxic wasteland due to the harvesting of harsh minerals that the empire requires to expand and travel. Very few escape the world to see another planet, but Temmi has always dreamed she could. She just didn't think it would be to become a consort for the prince (and princess) of the Expani Empire, and she hadn't imagined she would become quite so rich in the process. During the filming of the show, there are a few mysterious deaths, and Temmi is afraid for her life. Despite her growing attachment to both the Expani siblings, she wonders at times if she should just go home.

Throughout the book I kept being surprised. There were several plot twists I did not expect, and I was drinking up every delicious drop! I was a bit sad that the book ended on such a cliff hanger, but I will most definitely be preordering the next in the series once it is available!

Smart, interesting, well-written book with a gorgeous setting and some great characters from the start to the end. 5 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.

5⭐ 1🌶️

Another Aardvark Book Box suggestion win. I grabbed an advanced copy of this through Netgalley once it was hinted that it would be included in April’s box choices and I am once again blown away by how great their picks continue to be. 10/10.

The Bachelor/Bachelorette crossed with science fiction and a side of murder mystery?! Uhm, YES. Sign me up. I was hooked from the start, intrigued by Temmi and then pulled even further in by Nix and Spie. All of the characters were so well fleshed out and I enjoyed learning more about each of their stories and the intricate details that led them to their current being. I was utterly entranced by the love triangle (between siblings no less!) and for a few moments, I couldn’t decide how I wanted it to end.

Not only did we get reality TV in space, but this also gave me lots of Hunger Games vibes and I loved the political commentary that was thrown in. It gave the overall story a deeper meaning and felt so relevant to our current political climate–deception, coverups, corruption? We got it in spades. Overthrowing the regime? Those vibes were there too and I for one am here for it.

The twists and turns throughout the book were so well done and I had not a single clue what was going on (in the best way). Each time I thought I had figured out who was picking off our contestants, I was glaringly incorrect. And once the true killer was revealed? My jaw was on the floor. All the little details leading up to this suddenly made sense and yet, I had not even an inkling that this is where we were headed.

I didn’t realize this was a duology when I picked it up and the end left me REELING. I kept thinking Temmi and Spie would somehow ride off into the sunset and while I’m still holding out hope…not quite yet. I loved this book, though, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment of the Imperial Broadcasts!

Thanks so much to Daw Books and Netgalley for getting this advanced copy into my hands. All opinions above are my own.

I loved this book!! I could not put it down. There are twists and turns around every corner and it had me on the edge of my seat.

It is so much more than what I expected! I loved the drama, the forbidden love, rooting for the underdog. The yearning is some of the best I have ever read. If you loved Hunger Games but wanted it to be in space with more drama then you will love this book.

I loves learning about the galactic politics and trying to guess who the killer was.

I just finished this book and I already can't wait for the next one to come out!

4.5⭐️ rounded up! This book under-promises and over-delivers which is exactly what I needed after a few sci-fi reads just didn’t totally hit for me. This plot was completely engaging, the pacing was excellent, and the dialogue between characters felt so natural. Many parts of this book had me genuinely laughing out loud while other parts that explored privilege and power dynamics had me enraged. I can’t wait to see what else Sierra Branham brings us!! Thank you to DAW for sending me the ARC in exchange for my review.

"Here for the right treasons." Should have known by that tagline that this book was going to be twisty!

The characters alone are worth this read: Temmi and Spie were so compelling! And perfect foils.

But the plot was also stellar! I really liked the Bachelor meets Hunger Games mashup. I laughed out loud quite a bit!

I really want more of these characters and this world! I hope this isn't a standalone!

4.5 stars rounded up!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing an ARC copy. My opinion is 100% my own.