Starside by Alex Aster builds the relationship between Aris and Harlan Raker through danger, distrust and an increasingly difficult attraction to ignore. If you’re looking for the book’s spicy chapters, there are three chapters to know: 27, 36 and 42.
The scenes vary in intensity: Chapters 27 and 36 bring their attraction into the open, while Chapter 42 is their first full sex scene.
Light spoiler warning: this guide identifies what kind of intimacy happens in each chapter and gives some context for the scenes.
Contents
Quick Answer: What Chapters Are Spicy in Starside?
The main spicy chapters in Starside are 27, 36 and 42. If you’re looking specifically for the chapter where Aris and Raker have sex, go to Chapter 42.
| Chapter | What to Expect | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 27 | Aris and Raker’s first intensely physical encounter. They stop before having sex. | Intimate scene |
| Chapter 36 | A heated encounter during the ball at Vander’s estate. | Physical tension / intimate scene |
| Chapter 42 | Aris and Raker’s first full sex scene. | Main explicit scene |
Chapter 27 — Their First Intimate Scene
Chapter 27 is Aris and Raker’s first major intimate scene. After weeks of hostility and forced cooperation, their attraction finally becomes physical. The encounter includes more than kissing and is described in considerable detail, but they stop before having sex.
The scene ends abruptly, and Raker’s harsh words afterward leave Aris hurt and angry. That reaction carries into their later interactions, so the chapter marks a change in their relationship as well as their physical attraction.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Type: Intimate scene
Can you skip it? You can skim the sexual content, but Raker’s response afterward matters to their dynamic.
Chapter 36 — The Ball at Vander’s Estate
At Vander’s ball, Aris and Raker end up in a confrontation that threatens to draw attention. When Magnus appears, Aris pulls Raker close and asks him to pretend that their encounter is intimate.
The pretense does not stay simple. Aris kisses Raker’s neck, he draws her closer, and the attraction they have tried to deny becomes unmistakable. The moment is interrupted before it develops into a full sexual scene.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Type: Heated physical encounter
Can you skip it? You can skim the intimate portion, but the chapter also contains developments at the ball that matter to the quest.
Chapter 42 — Aris and Raker’s First Full Physical Scene
Chapter 42 is the main spicy chapter in Starside. After surviving the journey together, Aris and Raker find shelter before she faces the gods. With the possibility of death close at hand, Aris decides to tell Raker what she wants.
Their first full sexual encounter is long and explicitly described. The hostility between them has not simply disappeared, but their relationship changes once they finally act on the attraction that has been building for weeks.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Type: Main open-door sex scene
Can you skip it? You can skim the explicit section, but the encounter is a turning point in Aris and Raker’s relationship.
Is Starside Spicy?
Yes, but Starside is a slow burn rather than a book filled with sex scenes. Aris’s quest, the dangers of Starside and her uneasy alliance with Raker take up most of the story. Chapter 27 contains a substantial intimate encounter, Chapter 36 is shorter and Chapter 42 is the only full sex scene.
Can You Skip the Spicy Chapters in Starside?
If you want to avoid explicit content, you can skim the intimate sections of Chapters 27, 36 and 42. Skipping the entire chapters may leave gaps: Chapter 27 affects how Aris and Raker treat each other afterward, Chapter 36 takes place amid important events at Vander’s estate, and Chapter 42 changes their relationship.
Starside Spicy Chapters FAQ
What is the first spicy chapter in Starside?
Chapter 27. Aris and Raker become physically intimate for the first time, but they do not have sex.
What chapter do Aris and Raker have sex?
Aris and Raker have sex in Chapter 42. It is the book’s main open-door scene.
Is Chapter 36 spicy?
Yes. Chapter 36 contains a shorter, heated encounter between Aris and Raker at Vander’s ball. They do not have sex in this chapter.
More Starside Guides
Want to explore Aris and Raker’s world beyond the romantic scenes? These guides cover the characters, the Questral and the secrets of Starside:
- Starside by Alex Aster: Characters, Swords, World & Ending Explained
- Starside Characters: Complete Guide
- Starside Wiki
- Aris Agron and Harlan Raker character pages
Spoiler warning: The guide and wiki explore major plot revelations, including the ending.
More Romantasy Spicy Chapter Guides
Looking for the romantic and explicit chapters in your next read? Try these guides:
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