Protected by the Alien Mercenary

My Monster, My Protector #4

by Robin O'Connor

Trapped in a terrible situation, I decide to hire a mercenary to help me escape. Pay him? I’m sure we’ll figure that out…

Rikki

I’ve been kidnapped and auctioned off. I’m not waiting around for my new ‘owner’ to do whatever he wants with me. When he leaves me with his guard in a sleazy bar, I see my chance.

There’s this even more terrifying looking male, horns, glowing blue lines on his skin, and a freaking tail! The glances he gives me leave no room for interpretation. He wants me. I can work with that…

When I hear he’s a mercenary, I take a gamble, and offer him the sweetest of payment if he helps me escape. Once he has me alone, I soon discover that the price is much steeper than just my body. He might just demand my heart.

Thar’oc

When I see her, I’m not the only one who stares, but I am the only one who cares. A tiny little human, trapped in a terrible situation. She’s all fire, bravado, pale skin, and wild curls.

Then she offers me a deal I simply can’t refuse. Against the wishes of my friends, the advice of my mentor, and my sanity, I take her. Once I’ve taken her, I won’t let her go. Ever. She’ll soon discover that she’s mine to protect, to spoil, and to pleasure.

Those that seek to steal her from me will learn that nothing gets past a Kertinal in mating rut.

This is a standalone novella and part of the My Monster, My Protector series. This steamy sci-fi romance features one stoic, pistol-wielding mercenary, a plucky, desperate heroine, and a steamy HEA.

Genres: Aliens, Science Fiction, Romance, Novella, Science Fiction Romance

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2024

About the author

Robin O’Connor is an author who loves to write about strong, alien heroes and quirky heroines. She lives with her husband and son along with a couple hundred books (hers, definitely hers) and probably just as many computer parts (her husband’s). Her house therefore probably resembles something like a mad-scientist’s lab on any given day.

She’s always working on at least a half dozen projects at the same time but is never without time to answer questions, write up funny extras or hang out in her group online to speak with her readers.

Join her mailing list ➜ https://robinoconnor.ink/

Join her on Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/RobinOConnor...

Visit her website ➜ https://robinoconnor.ink/

Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/robinoconnorofficial/

Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

So as you've known for the past IDK how many months I've been in a strange mood when it comes to books. So when something sticks it's great news for me because I've been on a DNF nightmare.

This one was a fun read all around! It was quick and to the point. Definitely insta-love/mates. The morally grey hero was delicious and the big problem they had to resolve was dealt with promptly. It could have been a tad bit less rushed but alas. I don't think I'll read any more books in this story because they simply aren't calling to me at the moment but that could change in the future.

[Uyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in good fun 👌👌🫶

Thank you Robin O’Connor for the e-arc

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story but with all the magic of Robin O'Connor's universe.
As soon as Thar'oc scents Rikki,he knows she's the one and his protective instints rise against the ones enslaving his female....
Fast paced,scorching hot and with a good plot that hints about characters, places or races from other books in her series,and for those like me who follow her amazing series, is almost like seeing old friends.
Highly recomend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elspeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book well enough. Rikki was apparently kidnapped hundreds of years ago from Earth and had been in suspended animation since then. She's brought back to life to be sold as a slave. She runs into Thar'oc who is a mercenary and convinces him to save her. Meanwhile Thar'oc is pretty sure she 's his fated mate.

So over a couple of days they run away from her former "owner", and quickly fall in love. I enjoyed the characters, but the plot was kind of all over the place.

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neither believed in fated mates until they found theirs. 

Thar’oc, a sharpshooter Kertinal mercenary, is stationed aboard the Varakartoom. He and his roommates have come to the dive bar owned by Rikon, an older, four-armed Pretorian. Thar’oc doesn't care for the private gambling games done in the rooms at the back of the bar. He's exhausted from their last job, which involved stakeouts with too much sitting and waiting. He just wants to relax, but he's extra fidgety tonight. He can tell that Rikon is excited, and that usually means high rollers will be gambling tonight. 

Then in walks a wealthy, arrogant Asrai noble with bodyguards to protect him from harm in the dive bar. He's dragging a small, curvy human female with him. She's dressed in a skintight bodysuit, and a slave shock collar is around her neck. From her attire, it's very evident that she's a sex slave. 

Rikki had been having a bad day. First, her hair straightener wouldn't work, then she slipped and fell in the shower, leaving her with a bruise on her head. The absolute worst was waking up on a space station after being abducted. Her captors had implanted her with a translation device, even though they ignored healing her bruised head. Her new owner has paraded her throughout the space station, making sure she knows that she has been bought for only one purpose: sex. So far, she hasn't seen any other humans, and no one seems to feel any sympathy for her. 

It's impossible for Rikki to return to earth. She had been abducted hundreds of years ago and is now millions of light years away from Earth. Thar’oc had been disgraced on his home planet. After being dishonorably discharged from the army, he was stripped of the ability to buy land to build a house in their empire. 

Since neither can return home to their home planets, she asks to be taken anywhere where slavery isn't allowed. Then plan to go to Strewn. That is, if Captain Asmoded will allow them to board the Varakartoom and they can reach it before being killed...

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really interesting getting to read about how Thar'oc and Rikki get together in this book after having read Caught by the Alien Mercenary and hearing about them briefly. They were both really likable characters and I enjoyed their story as well as the epilogue at the end. I put There's an Alien Down My Chimney on my TBR list since it is about Thar’oc’s friend Ru’ol and his mate so that should be fun to read. I also look forward to reading more about the other characters in the Monster Mercenary Mates series.

Monster Mercenary Mates
Prequel is Protected by the Alien Mercenary: A Steamy Sci-fi Monster Romance: Thar'oc & Rikki
Caught by the Alien Mercenary: Captain Asmoded & Manyin

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected by the Alien Mercenary by Robin O’Connor
My Monster, My Protector

I was lucky enough to read the first book by this talented author, escape into a world filled with predominately alien male main characters falling for their “fated mates” that just happened to be humans…and…a romance was born with myself reading the book, experiencing the story through the eyes of the female human, and then thinking…what if that just happened to be me? Well, if that were to actually happen…they might reseal the pod and send me into space as I am not a nubile under thirty cutie-pie but then again…perhaps the alien species would find a use for a septuagenarian?

Anyway…what I am trying to say is that this author creates worlds filled with interesting aliens that are similar enough to species on earth that though alien…the reader gets a feel of what those creatures look like, how they behave, and prove to be worthy love-interests for the female human that is the fate mate.

All senses are engaged, the attraction is mutual and immediate, and a lot happens in the pages as the author creates in ways that makes it seems possible to slip into the world and thrive with perhaps…an alien mate.

So…did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!

And…I wonder about how Thar’oc and Rikki will do after this story ends. Will they be kicked off the spaceship? Will they stay on Strewn and purchase a pub of their own, and will they be fulfilled with a life filled with family, friends and potential progeny?

Fun escape…recommend if you are stuck in the mundane or heavier stuff. I night off can rejuvenate one’s life ;)

5 Stars

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Thar’oc, the male gargoyle-appearing alien mercenary lead, is on shore leave in a space cantina with his friends when he smells the most beautiful scent he’s ever found. He’s shocked when a small human female slave enters the cantina on a rich man’s leash, but he’s determined she’s leaving with him because she’s his.

Rikki, the female human lead, woke up and was told she’d been in stasis for hundreds of years and Earth, and everyone she knew on it, was no more, and that she was being sold as a slave. Having just been bought, she’s repulsed by her “owner” and determined to find a way out. When a large male approaches, she offers him the only thing she’s got for freedom. She’s shocked to find that, whilst he was willing to save her, he has no intentions of taking her offering unless she actually means it…though he’s attractive enough, she might mean it very soon…

This short story is dual POV, well written, and a fast paced, action escape, sci fi romance. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and chuckled at their antics. I enjoyed Thar’oc’s immediate devotion and willingness to do whatever was necessary for Rikki. I enjoyed Rikki’s capacity to leave problems for later and to deal with the crisis in front of her. I enjoyed the way she adapted to her environment. I appreciated that she was willing to see past the strangeness of the alien appearances around her to the personalities and temperaments. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes and the way they built the relationship, punctuated as they were by action. This story was fantastic; I just wish it had been longer.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduced to us in "Trex," the first book in the "The Protectorate Warriors" series, Orin is one of the highest level warriors assigned to the palace guard and the king and queen. When Trex assumed the monarchy of Alara following the murder of his father, he brought the human females they had rescued from the Krilex (reptilian aliens) back to Alara. Among them were Grace, his human fated mate, and Olivia, a somewhat shy and pregnant human female who had been among those who had been recently abducted. While Grace became Trex's bonded mate and queen, Olivia had eyes for Orin. She didn't realize her interest was being reciprocated, and in fact this became a rather angsty, slow-burn issue between them.

Orin is utterly honorable but lacks confidence in his ability to be a worthy mate for Olivia and, of course, her baby. While Alara endures the threat from the Krilex and The Unknown, Orin does his best to protect Olivia, but will his best efforts be thwarted and she fall into the hands of the enemy anyway? What and who are The Unknown?

Ms. Reilly has done an excellent job of weaving an interesting and exciting storyline, employing likeable, symbiotic characters who, though different, are perfect for each other. Their struggle to become one will keep you engaged in the story from first page to last.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the multi-author series My Monster, My Protector, alien mercenary Thar’oc is shocked when he scents a peculiar feminine fragrance in the grungy space station bar where he and his friends are relaxing. Then he sees her—a human sex slave to a pompous nobleman. He doesn’t believe in fated mates, but right away, he knows the woman is meant to be his.
Rikki is trapped in a nightmare. After being kidnapped and sold into slavery, she has no idea who she can trust in this strange new world. Things get even more complicated when she makes a deal with a hot alien merc.
I don’t read alien romances often enough, so I was excited to give this book a try. Thar’oc was insanely protective and gentle with his mate, and Rikki was smart and fierce despite the trauma and upheaval she’d endured. They fit well together, and their insta-love felt real.
Even though I really enjoyed this quick novella, Thar’oc’s use of human metaphors sometimes threw me out of the story, like when he said his reputation had gone down the drain. The ending was a little abrupt, but don’t worry, it ends with a HEA. Still, I would’ve liked an extended fight scene with the bad guy getting more of what he deserved.
This is my first Robin O’Connor book, and I’d be happy to read more. “Protected by the Alien Mercenary” is a fun, sexy alien romance worthy to while away a few hours.
4 Stars

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thar’oc is cooling his heels in a seedy space station cantina, awaiting his next assignment when he spies the human female Rikki being led about by a creepy slave trader by way of a leash and stun collar. Incensed, he contrives to free Rikki and at the same moment recognizes her as his fated mate.

Rikki was rudely awakened after hundreds of Earth years in stasis, millions and millions of miles deep into the universe with no hope of surviving the ordeal with anything but a horrible outcome. When Thar’oc snatches her from the slaver’s greasy grasp, she is overwhelmed by mixed feelings toward the frightfully powerful demonesque alien who’s surprisingly gentle toward her. As they evade Rikki’s would be captor and his minions, they become intimately involved. Will her giant alien warrior be able to save them both? Can they possibly have a future together despite his nomadic existence and her complete vulnerability?

This was another sexy, exciting read from Robin O’Connor. Thar’oc is exactly the alpha male one would hope for in such dire circumstances, and Rikki is a very sympathetic character who also has a spine.

I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m pleased to share my honest thoughts.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thar’oc is a mercenary and has just finished a job with the crew. He's sitting in a bar when the sweetest smell he's ever smelled hits him. He looks around and sees a rich guy walk in leading a human female by a leash. She is his mate!
Rikki is having a very bad day. And it culminates in being alien napped. Now she's been sold as a sex slave. And she still has a bump on her noggin.
The idiot who bought her is warned about the Varakartoom mercenaries. When she heard that word, mercenary, she thought maybe she could get help. When he walks to her she asks for his help. She tells him they can figure something out for her paying him. He puts her over his shoulder and off they go. He will take her to the planet Strewn. No slavery is allowed there.
The issue becomes how does he break it to her that she's his? HIs only thought is how well will she take it? Better yet will she accept him? Will he keep her safe or will the rich lord come looking for her? Or the alien who sold her in the first place?????
A glorious semi witty story that will peak the reader's interest and making comments on male IQ!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected by the Alien Mercenary is an amazing Alien romance book. This book even though it is short, the storyline still packs a gut wrenching story that will keep the read on the edge of their seat. I found this book to be a well written and the story flowed with easy. Rikki is kidnapped and is being auctioned off. Due to this terrible situation Rikki is in, she is looking to hire a mercenary to aid her in escaping. The mercenary that ends up helping her goes by the name Thar'oc. Upon seeing Rikki for the first time, Thar'oc realizes she is his fated mate and he would do anything to get her to safety. Rikki soon comes to realize she is in fact the fated mate to Thar'oc and he intends to protect, to spoil, and to pleasure. Those who wish to try to steal Rikki away from Thar'oc will learn that nothing will get past a Kertinal in the throws of a mating rut. I absolutely loved how this book flowed with ease from the beginning to the end. I'm going to be most definitely checking out more books written by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and this series caught my eye. Oh man this book was sooooo good. I am running to the store for the next 2 in the series. Thar'oc is in a bar with his friends that are fellow mercenaries just having a chill moment when he catches a scent that makes him sit up straight and start trying to find the source of this alluring scent that has caught his attention.
Rikki woke up to a scary alien with a death mask for a face and him informing her that she had been asleep for many years and all that she had known on earth was gone. She was now to be sold as a sex slave to whoever will pay. She is scared but resilient and the first moment that she can run she will. She is overwhelmed by all the different aliens that they have come across and the stares that are sent her way.
The chemistry between these two is so much fun to read and the things that they come across as he saves her keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was so not ready for the book to be done with their story I was sooo hooked. I highly recommend this book and I will so be checking out more books from this author!!!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love A Naughty Tail With A Mind Of Its Own!

Protected by the Alien Mercenary is Part of the My Monster, My Protector series and can be read as a standalone book, but not only is this book part of an anthology of books by different authors, which I can’t wait to read to get to know some new authors, but also a prequel to Robin O’Connor’s Monster Mercenary Mates series. Check out her first book, Caught by the Alien Mercenary. I loved it!

Protected by the Alien Mercenary is a fun, sweet and steamy story about Thar’oc, a crew member of the Varakartoom space ship. We do get just a taste of some of the other crew guys… Men… Aliens… of the ship. There will certainly be a great variety of hunky alien males in her series!

Thar’oc is bold, brawny and protective and his accidentally found human mate Rikki is smart, brave and determined. I loved them both and could feel their instant attraction, their peril and the excitement of a new relationship. A lot is packed into this short novella; it’s a delightful, entertaining and dangerous new world! I highly recommend!

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'She took my hand after she saw me kill.'

I loved this book. It was such a fun story and I wish it were longer. Good world building and wonderful characters. I'm used to books starting with the female lead, but this started with Thar'oc and it took about a page before I knew I would love him.

'He had rows upon rows of sharp teeth shaped like hooked triangles, that he displayed to me with an annoyed grin. Despite the danger, I was always tempted to stick my fingers in there.'

Rikki was abducted and found herself now a sex slave to an alien. She took an opportunity to ask a demon-looking alien to take her away to safety. Sleeping with him once or twice was better than her whole life a slave. He agreed so quickly- was this really such a good idea?

I thought these two were so cute together. I liked how bad his people skills were (and that he recognized it), liked how he paced, how his tail swished and had a mind of it's own. I loved the bond that formed between them. A very fun, fast-paced read. 5 stars.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thar'oc and Rikki. An alien walks into a bar...no its not a joke. Hes a sharpshooter and they were just in from a stakeout and he is extra fidgety. His mates said he needed a little and when he was about to retort he smeeled the sweetest scent. He couldnt see anyone but then through the bar door came a rich alien with a bodyguard slumming it and he felt a fight coming on. Then he saw her a tiny human female being dragged into the bar behind the rich snob. She had a lighted collar around her neck, a slave. He was about to become unglued. She woke up that morning and slipped in the shower and woke up again on a space ship sold at an auction. She could feel his starte on her and it was heated. He walked over she offered to hire him to free her and he bargained and he threw her over his shoulder and walked out of the bar. What a ride this story is. Extremly entertaining and exciting. All the books in this series are very well written and entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, beautifully executed with fantastic characters always delightful, compelling and delicious. Thar’oc and friends are at a bar looking for fun and drinks to celebrate. Rikki is human female, abducted and sold as a sex slave. Dragged on a chain by her owner all she thinks about is escape. She sees Thar’oc across the bar, he’s fascinated by her, all he can think is Mine. I love Thar’oc and Rikki together, they’re amazing, delicious and great fun to watch. Thar’oc is a mercenary warrior, big, strong and dangerously determined to rescue Rikki. Heart pounding 💓 thrilling, Thar’oc takes out guard and throws Rikki over his shoulder and marches out of pub. They head for the Varakartoom, action packed, fantastic with dangerous challenges and battles, monsters. I loved every second of this fascinating adventure with hot steamy alien and his human mate. Delightful happy ending to a glorious adventure, great reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a short but sweet and action packed book that takes you on a wild ride. Rikki is a human female that has been kidnapped and has just been auctioned off to some creep she will do anything to get away from and while she is being paraded around the space station as a sex slave they end up in this seedy bar with only a guard looking after her and she knows this will her only chance to escape and when she see a male looking at her she knows he is the one to help and so she offers herself up if he will her escape and straight away he agrees. Thar’oc is a Kertinal warrior and mercenary sharpshooter who has just seen his fated mate in the bar they are at and when she comes to him of help he agrees straight away and vows to keep his mate safe but will his Captain Asmoded of the space ship Varkartoom help them get to a safe planet and fight off the danger that soon follows. Do they get there HEA or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raye Jeane- Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I received this book as an e-arc from BookSirens for an honest review, and I would like to say thank you!!

Now for the review 😋
This book follows our MMC Thar’ok and FMC Rikki as they are on the run from another alien who bought Rikki after she was kidnapped from earth. Rikki wakes to find that she was taken hundreds of years prior and has no hope of returning home. When she sees an opportunity to propose a deal to the tall, scary mercenary who watches her- she takes it.

This freaking book yall!! I read it in one sitting (granted it is short but) I could not put it down!
Thar’ok and his cute tail omg 🥰 I think one of my favorite parts is the fact that his tail acts of its own volition and won’t let go of Rikki (he also uses it for other things 👀)
There was just the right amount of tension, action, and spice involved that it sucked me in. I will absolutely be picking up the others because girl I found another favorite alien romance series 😝
I would say read this if you love alien/ monster romance, pirates, grumpy mmc, spice, and a short/ sweet read.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interconnected standalone series and I absolutely loved this book.

This story between Rikki and Thar'oc was quick, fun, spicy, thrilling etc. Miss Robin knows how to write her aliens.
It was great seeing how this love story came to be especially since these two characters are mentioned at the beginning of Caught by the Alien Mercenary which is the first book in the Monster Mercenary Mates, also written by the amazing Robin!

"But I know you were always meant to be mine. I knew it the moment I laid eyes on you. No, I knew it the moment I drew your scent into my lungs."

These hot aliens know how to talk, dirty or otherwise. The spicy scenes between these two were 😘😘🥵
This is such a fun and amazing universe to be in and I'm definitely going to be reading the other books in this series!

"Forever Rikki, you are mine forever." 😍

This is an ARC review and is my honest opinion.

[ChasseReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rikki finds herself abducted in the middle of the night and sold at an alien auction. With the implanted translation device she is able to understand what the alien that bought her has planned. She sees others in the same situation as her - on a leash being paraded around. When they enter a bar/pub she overhears that there are mercenaries there. She meets the eyes of one of those men. When she gets the opportunity to get his attention as he is walking towards her she takes a chance and asks for help.
Thar'oc sees Rikki and instantly feels a strong connection to her. When she asks for his help against his better judgement he helps her. They end up on the run and he helps Rikki. When they are followed into the tunnels they run and hide.
Rikki and Thar'oc have a bonded connection right away and neither of them tries to deny it or fight it. They both will protect each other to stay together.
Overall, this was a good short story. It didn't leave anything out!

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected by the Alien Mercenary is a standalone sci-fi alien romance by Robin O'Connor, and is part of the My Monster, My Protector series. This is a fast paced, steamy read that has a perfect HEA.

The premise of the story is pretty simple. Human woman Rikki finds herself abducted and now she is being auctioned off. That is until an alien mercenary, Thar'oc is drawn to her and saves her.

Thrown together on a space ship, even with others around, Rikki and Thar'oc have a forced proximity type of start to their budding relationship. These two characters are both strong but in many way contrast each other to the point there are parts of their personalities that are polar opposites. Ultimately this means that their path to love is not easy, and is what gives this story so much heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel is another entertaining story by Robin O'Connor, showcasing her wonderful storytelling and world building abilities. The two MCs are hot together. When Thar'oc first sees and rescues Rikki, he knows she is meant for him. Even though she is human, Rikki feels the same way for him. I enjoyed their dash through the space station as they tried to evade the entitled jerk who bought Rikki as a slave.  They meet some fascinating aliens and she is able to show off her mental strength and resolve during these encounters, proving she is perfect for Thar'oc. Although the reader knows all will be well (this is a prequel after all, and the couple is in the following book), it's hard not to hold your breath as they try to make it to safety. A great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A protector all hers.

Prequel to the series. This is a good one.

Thar’oc recognized there was something special about Rikki even before he set eyes on her. Something in him told him he needed to rescue her from the man that held her slave leash. She dared ask him for help and unleashed a very entertaining series of events fighting bad guys and monsters while discovering why their attraction was more than just attraction. I loved how he was such a lethal weapon to everyone else but a teddy bear with her.

Loved the world building. The characters were very likable. Spice was just right. Great start to the series. Highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rikki (h) awakens on a bustling alien space station, sold at auction to a menacing alien, her only hope lies in Thar'oc (H), a fearsome mercenary whose typical mission never includes rescue. But Thar'oc is inexplicably drawn to her plight, deciding to protect Rikki from the predatory world he knows all too well. As they navigate a perilous maze of threats and deceptions, Thar'oc's violent skills are matched only by his growing protective instinct towards Rikki. As the dangers around them escalate, so too does their bond and things quickly heat up, leading them to a possible shared future. Hot and steamy alien-human fated mates romance with plenty of action, danger, and a protective alien who knows how to wield his tail.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and spicy sci-fi novella to start off the month with a bang? Yes, please! Risking was adultnapped from Earth and bought to an alien planet. Catching Thar'oc's attention at a bar is her saving grace. He just so happens to be an unaliver-for-hire with some time on his hands. The attraction between them heats up fast, especially because they're hiding together from the bad guys, and there's only one bed. He's got a fancy pierced peen, so it's not the worst situation Rikki's been in. He definitely falls first and even gives up his position on the mercenary ship as a sharpshooter to give Rikki a chance at happiness with him on a different planet. We love a blue lightning skinned alien with a tail that has a mind of its own.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story from Robin but then I haven't read a single book of hers that I haven't found amazing.

Rikki is a positive, adaptive individual who finds herself in a horrid situation. Is she jumping out of the frying pan into the fire when she asks the mercenary to get her out of there?

Thar'oc is settled in his life as a mercenary and sees no other potential until he gets a sniff of the most entrancing smell. Then when he sees the tiny human female he has one focus and that is her.

An enthralling page turner with action, adventure, danger and hot passion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What had I done to make the universe hate me this much?”

As if being abducted by aliens weren’t bad enough, there is nothing for Rikki to go back to, which leaves her determined to find a life she wants to live out in this crazy universe.

Thar’oc doesn’t come from a species with fated mates, but the more he’s around Rikki the more he dares to believe she could be his fate.

This done in one story focuses on two characters who are determined to carve out a life they find worth living, even as they weather the bumps along the way and acknowledge life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but if you can get to the good part of life, then maybe the path you had to travel to get there just might have been worth it.

[Perri Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thar'or & Rikki fated mates. Thar'or smells Rikki and immediately knows that there is something about her that is special to him and he MUST protect her at all costs. And there starts the adventure. It just gets better from there. He is a very determined alien. I just love aliens like that. She just knows she's got to get away from the abusive guy who bought her at the auction that she somehow ended up in. And how the heck did that happen? One minute she's on earth and the next minute she's being auctioned off? And of course there's all kinds of sexy times. If you like that kind of story, you'll love this one.