Beast

Galactic Gladiators #7

by Anna Hackett

Abducted by alien slavers and taken to a lawless desert world, the last thing starship pilot Mia expects is to find herself in the protective, brawny arms of a wild, blue-skinned alien.

Rescued by gladiators on the alien world of Carthago, Mia is working to find other abducted humans who are still lost. But someone else also needs her help—the untamed alien who’s saved her twice. Rescued from vicious fight rings he’s fought in since he was a child, Vek is prone to losing control in aggressive fits of rage…and Mia discovers that she is the only who can calm him. As she finds herself drawn to the man beneath the beast, she knows that with his enhanced senses, Vek can help her find her friends.

For years, all Vek’ker has known is death, darkness, and killing. Despite his newfound freedom, he is struggling to control his rages and withdrawal from the drugs his captors used on him. Only one scent soothes him, one voice calms him, and one woman is his light in the dark. Vek will do anything to protect Mia and make her happy…including vowing to find her friends.

With the gladiators from the House of Galen, Vek and Mia follow mysterious clues into a dangerous part of the desert on the trail of the missing humans. They are drawn closer together but as they enter the deadly Illusion Mountains, they have no idea of the dangers lying in wait for them, or how far they will both be pushed to their limits in order to survive.

Note to This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and daring rescues), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a a wild blue alien and a small, tough woman from Earth). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!

Includes a preview of Marcus, Book 1 of Hell Squad.
___________________________________________________

Q & A with the Author

Q - How would you describe the Galactic Gladiators series?
A – Gladiators in space! The desert planet of Carthago is home to the Kor Magna it’s a mix of low and high tech. Think the Colosseum of Ancient Rome with a touch of professional sports and a side of Las Vegas glitz and temptation. You’ll see a lot of action-packed romance as women abducted from Earth clash with tough, gritty gladiators fighting for love, honor, and freedom.

Q - Why did you want to write the series?
A – It’s no secret that I love action, adventure and romance. And I love science fiction romance and all the endless possibilities. Raiden, the gladiator hero of Gladiator, stormed into my head and wanted his story told. I saw this big, tough man covered in tattoos facing off with an equally tough female space marine from Earth. That’s where it all began, and since then the planet of Carthago, the intrigues of the Kor Magna Arena, and an amazing band of gladiators came to life.

Q - What order should I read the books in?
A - All the Galactic Gladiator books will be stand-alone romances centered on the Kor Magna Arena, rescuing abducted humans, and making a life far from home. Here's the order I

- Gladiator
- Warrior
- Hero
- Protector
- Champion
- Barbarian
- Beast
- Rogue (coming soon)

About I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Science Fiction Romance, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2017

About the author

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com

Reviews

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beast is book seven in the Galactic Gladiators by Anna Hackett.

This was another entertaining read in this series. I devoured the Galactic Gladiators series one book at a time.

In Beast we get answers to one of the relative newcomers to the House of Galen, Vek.

Vek our blue alien who was also rescued from captivity. He’s wild, dominate, and pumped full of drugs like the human male. He’s the ultimate BEAST of an alpha. The only thing that seams to soothe his rage and bring some reason is Mia and her voice.

Mia was abducted by the alien slavers, rescued, then abducted again, and rescued. She’s sweet, tender, and thoughtful. When her friends and Vek are under attack she has a spine of steel.

Vek and Mia complemented each other. Vek’s a true hero and yet at times so fragile. My heart melted for him. Then bring in Mia a lover of music and we get to discover if music can feed the soul and heal. Their romance was sweet.

Theirs no shortage of action and adventure. The world keeps building and new characters keep popping up.

Beast is another enjoyable reading the Galactic Gladiators series. If you enjoy science fiction romance then Hackett is an author for you to try.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just like a total comfort food, made me wants to keep binge!
This story is one of my fav in the series, his history is a heartbreaking 💔
Oh, for anyone interested, he lived in a caged since he was a child, so he also a virgin! 😜
On to the next one!
❤️

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this I was wondering if he's from Icehome! LOL

A cute story!

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought no one could rival Raiden in the series.... until Vek! Wild, dominate, protective Vek! He is the ultimate beast of an alpha. The rage Vek would feel to protect Mia was incredibly sexy. The tenderness he shows when Mia sings to him to soothe his anger is beautiful. As the novel progressed the love and possession of Vek is top notch.

Mia was the perfect compliment to Vek. She was incredibly tender and thoughtful to Vek's needs. However, when Vek or her friends were under attack she had a spine of steel. At times soft FMC's like Mia I find annoying. They have a tendency to make horrible decisions not the case with Mia at all.

Ultimate couple! Stellar storyline! Yet again Hackett surprises me with bringing in new and exciting secondary characters! Love this series!!

Happy reading ! DD

[Marta Cox]

Well book seven in this series sees us getting answers about someone who is a relative newcomer to the House of Galen. Vek has been a prisoner for so long he no longer remembers exactly where he came from. Forced by his captors to take drugs that released his fierce innermost rage Vek still struggles to interact with others . Yet the sight, sound and indeed touch of the small human woman Mia for some reason reaches him. Mia is drawn to the giant blue alien and knows he would never hurt her but things are in play that will push that belief to its limits . Perhaps Vek isn't as safe as they thought? Still when news comes of Mia's missing friend there's no way Mia and Vek will stay behind but their journey is full of danger .
First I'd just like to say that I'm over the moon that this series shows no sign of running out of steam. Then I have to address that title! It's true that Vek is more beast than man at times but this hugely protective male is no ordinary beast of burden. Vek is magnificent, a true hero and yet at times so fragile that my heart melted for him. Now pair him with Mia and her love of music and we truly get to discover if music be the food of love ! Mia has a gentle soul that compliments Vek beautifully but don't worry she's no sissy to stay behind, no she's a very determined young lady .
I love that even though we see this couple commit to each other the author sneakily gets her readers interest going as she introduces characters and teases us about others. This couple might embrace their attraction but it's clear others take sheer delight in winding each other up! Expect action, romance and surprises in this story but most of all be prepared to want the next book in your hands stat !
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vek—the blue man/beast who has been roaring and growling his way into the hearts of Anna Hackett’s readers since the series introduced him—finally takes centre stage in this novella, with a woman who has the strange power to soothe him.

It’s nothing less than a thrilling ride with several surprisingly revelations along the way, as Hackett’s imaginary Cathargo (a mix of an ancient gladiatorial theatre in a dusty Star-Wars world with the technology of Bladerunner) springs to life yet again with an enthusiastic expansion of this odd place and the mad number of species that populate it. This far down the series, Galactic Gladiators has definitely gotten better and more enthralling as Hackett’s world-building expands—which possibly makes many of her books difficult to enjoy as standalones—as ‘earth people’, post-capture after the raid of a space station near Jupiter, find themselves in situations too alien (pun intended) for them to resist while finding love on the way.

There were many parts of ‘Beast’ that I liked, and the action and the secondary characters populating the universe notwithstanding, Vek and Mia actually turn out to be a pairing that’s probably the most unusual and heartrending thus far. Hackett proves that Vek is so much more than a killing machine with a sad past, and that with a shave and haircut, along with the love and care of a pint-sized human, is just as redeemable and deserving of a HEA as any of her other characters.

*ARC by the author

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being abducted by aliens twice, she may be damaged, but she is strong. All she desires is freedom.

Beast captures all the elements of a great sci-fi story, featuring a variety of creatures, gladiators, deadly trials, secret agendas, mystery, action, frustration, pain, suffering, romance, and much more.

The story is told from multiple points of view, which I believe makes or breaks a narrative. This perspective allows readers to delve into the characters' thoughts and feelings, making the story feel more well-rounded.

Life as a gladiator is dark and dangerous, filled with secrets and lies. It is brutal and deadly, ultimately shaping or breaking those who live it.

I recommend this book if you are looking for an enjoyable read.

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought any MC could rival Raiden in this series.....until Vek! Wild, dominate, protective, Vek! This was the ultimate beast of an alpha. The rage he had for protecting Mia was incredibly sexy. The tenderness he showed when Mia would sing to calm his anger was beautiful. I knew when this character was introduced I would like him, but after this I LOVE him!

Mia was the perfect compliment to Vek. She was tender and calming in Vek's darkest hours. However when Vek or her friends were in trouble she had a spine of steel! Some heroines with a soft side can be frustrating with the decisions they make, not the case here. Lovely written FMC.

This was a power couple! Storyline was stellar! Each time I read one in this series I am shocked to see even more fascinating characters emerge. Love this series!

Happy reading! DD

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Beast is the seventh book in the Galactic Gladiators series, and this is an installment that has been building throughout the series. It's a story that brings together a group of people that through a set of circumstances have formed a found family of sorts. In this book we have a set up where our pair get together early on in the book, their relationship has been building in the past few books, so there is already an established foundation to their bond. It features some challenging issues such a abuse, PTSD, and near death experiences, so keep that in mind and pay attention to the trigger warnings if those are needed for you.

First Line
An enraged road woke her.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Vek'ker
A blue colored humanoid warrior, with scars and tattoos that layer his skin, taken prisoner as a child, forced on drugs and to fight in underground battles and held prisoner most of his life. Finds peace in the singing voice of Mia.

The Heroine: Mia
A young earth woman, kidnapped from earth and then rescued from slavers on an alien gladiator world, adopted into the found family of the Galen Gladiators, with many talents including abilities to pilot aircraft and a siren like singing voice.

Summary
Both Vek and Mia have known the experiences of being held captive against their wills and have a strong core of iron wills at the heart. Mia is in a strange world, but has discovered a found family with a unique group of gladiators who help rescue innocent men and women. Mia was rescued by them twice and she now calls them her own even if she is one that could never fight in the gladiator fighting stadium. Vek has only known a life of being a prisoner. He doesn't remember his life before he was held prisoner. He was experimented on with drugs and forced to fight in the underground fighting rings, and even though he has been rescued and in a safe environment, sometimes is unable to control his more animalistic urges that were forced upon him. The only solace he finds is the singing melody of Mia's voice and her sweet compassionate nature. Vek and Mia form a tight bond and their relationship goes into deeper levels, when they go on the search for missing human women in the desert and find only strife, challenge and unforseen adversity that only together will they conquer in the end...

What I Loved
Beast is honestly my favorite book of the whole series, there was something so much more to this installment than what I have read so far. This is not to say that the previous books aren't entertaining or fun in their own ways, however, there is something in this story that resonates for the reader on a deeper relatable level. This relationship with Vek and Mia I have been aching for and seeing it finally come together was truly poignant at times. Their chemistry was stunning and they really know how to embrace each other and support one another when it matters most. There is an almost mystical feeling to their bond.

They also are so in for each other all the way. Vek and Mia always see the core of each other and only encourage one another. They have this 100% support system for each other, no matter what they individually struggle with. They work together as a team and always have each other's back even among the Galen group. Their faith in each other is truly humbling. And when the story pushes their limits, the moment when they need each other, is truly heartfelt. This story will have you in your feels in ways you won't expect or even see coming. I was not expecting this book to tear my heart apart, or to see the struggle be so relatable to the human experience. It strikes deeply to the heart and refuses to let you go. I want to applaud the author for being able to captivate the moment in such a way, you will feel like time stops.

While this story was built up through previous books, it was satisfying and worth the wait completely. I couldn't get enough of these two and they melted my heart from beginning to end. Never worry though that there isn't conflict in the story. The conflict though resides outside of the relationship, and loved the moments of partnership between Vek and Mia that we see built so steadily throughout the story.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't anything I struggled with. This one is a bit more serious than other books though, so keep that in mind as it won't be as fun feeling as some of the others have felt. Its also not long, its only a little over 200 pages so it builds fast. I would have liked to see a bit more about the hero's world though and maybe seeing more grief or loss aspects from the heroine, as she is close to her family and will never see them. We didn't really get much focus on that aspect. Of course, its shorter than your typical novel, so it didn't detract from my enjoyment as a whole.

Overall View
I found Beast to be a captivating installment that delivered in well thought out plot building, sizzling sensuality and moments of heart and emotion to satisfy you in the end...

Favorite Quote(s)
Everything I’ve suffered, I would suffer again for the chance to hold you in my arms.

I’ve searched my entire life for you. I traveled across the galaxy to find my place, and it’s with you. All I’ve ever wanted is to find the thing that clicks, that feels right, that feeds my soul. All I’ve ever wanted is a person to love me just as I am. A person I love just as they are. Vek, you’re my one thing. I love you.

And the future was laid out ahead of them, filled with freedom and bright shining opportunities. But most of all, it would be filled with love.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Character Types: Alien Hero, Virgin Hero, Alphamellow Hero, Sweet Heroine, Gladiator, Pilot, Singer/songwriter, Tortured Hero, Warrior/Soldier/Fighter.
Themes: Elements of Danger, Heart/Touching Feels, Found Family, Couple Together Early On, Slave trade/Human Trafficking, Character Experimented On, Mental Illness, PTSD Trauma, Ship Faring Adventures.
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Protector

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Recommendation For Reading Order
I do recommend reading this series in order due to the overall serial plot developments. For this one specifically, I recommend reading at least "Books 4-6" prior to reading "Beast".

Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. While there isn't a ton of sex scenes in this book, the ones that we have in this story are more explicit in nature.

[Hayat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just right amount of sweet fluffy romance and action/adventure!

I just want to bask in the sweet glow of this heartwarming romance! Everything was just right. The hero and heroine balanced and complimented each other and there was just enough plot to do with action and mystery and this balanced out the mushy gushy romance and passion. The side characters were great too! I don't remember reading the previous books in this series but I haven't missed anything by reading book 7 as each book can be read as a stand alone novel, but there are plot and character connection throughout the series. I can't wait to read more books in this Scifi alien romance series!

[Maayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Tiblu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Mia and Vek ❣️

Mia and Vek were a sweet sweet story to me, and they had to mostly straight forward ( you know counting she was kidnapped after being rescued and all) that can be soo much fun to watch come together...
I felt Mia and her beautiful blue guy balanced each other our soo wonderfully, lol 😂 I wish we could see who wins the battle of wills when decides she wants to have Vek’s babies ;)
Hint * slight spoiler* Vek’s ppl always have multiples, as in tiny little Mia would have at least twins possibly triplets ...
They say more but I don’t think Mia could handle more than triplets ...
Any way I loved how Mia helped tame when needed it in Vek but left what didn’t alone and just loved Vek for Vek , that’s what we all need and deserve...
That unlike most of the others before her except maybe Rory,Mia never fought her feelings for Vek,none of that
( I don’t need any one garbage,I’m not good enough to be loved, or I’m better off alone non sense) no Mia wanted to be needed and to be loved and when her chance cane her way she grabbed hold for all she was worth and ran with it ...
gods it was soo wonderful to see a woman who was self aware enough to know what she needed and go after it,she wasn’t uselessly stubborn ( to the point of being stubborn for the sake of being stubborn, I.e. Winter) or constantly jumping to wrong conclusions ( Winter and Regan) and she didn’t needlessly run into danger just because she could ...
I can’t say these two were my absolute favorites, while I loved what a sweet lil virgin Vek was , I like my men a bit more alpha , like Le sigh Raiden, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 😛 but I wouldn’t mind a blue guy of my own ...
Sorry,but I like the Ice Planet Blue guys a bit better... Sorry ;)
Any way I had a lot fun with these two and they are one of my fave couples...
If we ever get updates I’d love to see theirs ...
I’m thinking two little boys and a girl for them.... Mia two lil boys to spoil and a lil girl for Vek to wrapped around her finger ;)
Fave couples: Raiden and Harper, Rory and Kace, Blaine and Saff, Mia and Vek, Zhim and Ryan, Rillian and Dayna , that’s it soo far I’m hoping I like Sam and Galen,poor Galen and been waiting soo long I can’t wait to see him happy and all of our couples having lots and lots of babies ;)
Thank you Ms.Hackett , while I might not have loved ALL of your wonderful stories and creations, this has a wonderful series and I’m very grateful to have been a long for the ride❣️

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like I asked myself, why the hell didn’t I read this book earlier?
I like alien romance novels so much. And I have read so many such books too. The brides of kindred, Ice planet barbarian series are some of my favorites! Even though I have seen Anna Hackett’s book many times in kindle unlimited , i never read any.A mistake I’m gonna rectify soon😉.

Now about the book , as this is the first book I read in the series it was very enjoyable and entertaining for me. From what I understood main protagonists had a connection from first book onwards. I really missed their build up. But I guess I can always re-read.still you can read it as standalone. The main character Vek and Mia was very likable characters. The heroine was intelligent and sweet with so many talents. I liked that Mia was only person who can relax vek. And vek’s whole world revolved around Mia. How sweetly he took care of her and defended her. And they never give up on each other. They always had each others back. I liked all secondary characters too. The alien setting was very colorful and interesting. What I ‘loved’ about the book is it’s gladiator settings. The concept was very new and unique. And earth women in this book are presented as kickass women, a thing which isn’t common in other alien books. The fight scenes are very well done. I loved the action sequences and their dangerous mission and how they completed it as a team work. And it definitely didn’t hurt that hero was a virgin and main characters had a healthy chemistry. And lets not forget about their steamy scenes. I’ll definitely read more books from this writer.

Recommended to all who like their book filled with colorful Alpha aliens ,strong female characters and different settings with love,action,wit and friendship.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love characters who have been pushed to the edge and managed to battle their way back. Their hold on their sanity might be a little tenuous at times, but they're trying. And when they have a special someone who anchors them, my heart goes pitter-patter.

Vek and Mia are all those things. Vek has been forced to fight and kill against his will and it's left its mark on him. Mia centers him and allows him to push back him wildness, but he's still not quite as civilized as the other gladiators in Galen's house.

Unfortunately for him, there are a certain subset of individuals who prize his uncivilized nature. And if they threaten Mia, Vek will do anything to make sure she remains safe. Which puts him in a VERY BAD situation.

Very bad. Very very bad.

I'm loving this crazy desert world and the gladiators who fight to keep it safe for normal people like Mia and the other earth women who were abducted. Onto the next book!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so much fun. Not perfect but what book is.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think by far the best of the series.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Vek!

Virgin H that’s never even kissed a woman before 🙂

[Севдалина · Rating 5 out of 5]

Век (роб-гладиатор) и Мия (човек)

📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣

Отвлечен още от малък и продаден в робство на гладиаторската планета Картаго, Век не познава друг живот освен непрестанна борба, изгарящ гняв и битки на арената. Грамадния син воин е държан винаги окован в подземна килия и постоянно дрогиран, за да подържат гнева му, той е повече звяр отколкото човек. До деня в който на арената не хвърлят три беззащитни жени от далечната планета Земя. А само вида на една от жените кара вътрешният му глас да нашепва МОЯ.

Мия се влюбва в грамадният син гладиатор в мига в който го вижда. Той е силен и страшен, и дори гладиаторите от дома на Гейлан не могат да му се доверят, заради непрестанните опиати с които са го тъпкали и го държат затворен, заради безспирните му изблици на гняв. Но Мия е тази, която с гласа и с докосването си може да успокои звяра и е решена да покаже на Век, че той е мъж, който е достоен да бъде обичан.

Докато се борят с опасностите, в опит да открият Дейна, Рейн и неизвестната човешка жена, за която са намерили следи в информацията на търговците на роби, двамата ще се сблъскат с много препятствия, които ще подложат крехката им любов на изпитание.

Голям фен съм на книгите тип Красавицата и Звярът. Век е живял живот изпълнен с мъка, с насилие и унижения. Мия от своя страна е била глезена дъщеря на богато семейство, преди живота й да се преобърне из основи, когато е отвлечена от извънземни. И двамата тъ��сят своето място в живота, който са принудени да живеят и откриват всичко, което са търсили един в друг. Но докато Век беше тревожен, объркан и колеблив, тъй като смяташе, че не заслужава жена като Мия, тя още от мига в който го зърна заяви, че е неин и се държеше страхотно с него. Двамата бяха супер сладка двойка. Преживяха много и все пак любовта им устоя. Тази книга бе доста по-кръвожадна от предишните. Битките които водеха героите и състоянието в което излизаха от тях бяха доста страшни и авторката съумя да задържи вниманието ми през цялата книга, кара��ки ме да се питам, "Ами сега?". Беше наистина чудесна книга.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vek a big beautiful blue Alien is fighting just to hang on to his soul. While Mia is trying to right the world she is in by helping the Beast that helped her and her friends during their captivity. Mia seems to be that girl that will hang on to her humanity and positivity no matter what. Mia wants to right those wrongs done unto her and hers. This story had achingly sweet moments along with intense moments of suspense and was a pleasure to read.
Love this series too!

[Kathleen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Poor Vek, he had been so brutally abused. I felt so bad for him since his character was first introduced. I was glad to see him finally get his HEA with Mia!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Whenever I’m having a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day, I can always trust one of Anna Hackett’s action-packed science fiction romances to sweep me away from whatever is going wrong. (She even got me through election night, and that’s seriously saying something!)

So I spent part of one day with a big, blue Beast and the woman who has captured his heart – every bit as much as he’s captured hers.

We met Vek’ker and Mia earlier in the Galactic Gladiators series. Vek’ker and Mia bonded at least somewhat when they were both trapped in the horrific Srinar fight rings. Even high on aggressive fight drugs, Vek protected Mia as best as he could. Once they were rescued by the House of Galen, she helped him begin to adjust. When she and two of her friends were recaptured in Champion and Mia was rescued in Barbarian, it was Vek’s abilities that helped bring Mia back “home”.

But there are still two human women missing, and there have been rumors of a third who doesn’t seem to have been part of the original group captured by the intergalactic slavers. They have a lead, but it’s a slim one. The women have been taken to the Illusion Mountains, and that illusion is no joke.

People see things, people lose things and people lose themselves, way out there where no one dares to go. But they must, if they are to rescue Ryan and Dayna.

And get their revenge on the people who have raided the House of Galen yet again, and killed more of its gladiators in their desire to keep the twisted, underground fight rings running – and to keep the profits from those rings flowing.

It’s a dangerous trek across deserts filled with death borers (think sandworms on steroids with a taste for live meat) into the elusive Illusion Mountains.

And once there, a deadly race to elude the slave traders and rescue their friends. A race that is being streamed live to a galaxy of sick “sports” enthusiasts, and nearly costs Vek and Mia everything they have just barely found.

Escape Rating B+: I love this series. It’s a fascinating set up, and each of the stories exposes more of this side of the galaxy in general and the dangers of the planet Carthago in particular, while still telling a rollicking adventure tale and a sexy romance.

Each of the human women (and one man) who have found themselves on this distant world after the horrors of their capture also reaches for a different kind of future and a different kind of partner. Mia’s talent is in her voice, music that quite literally seems to have charms that soothe the savage beast – and the savage plant as well.

Vek’ker, on the other hand, is about as alien as it gets. The rest of the gladiators, with the exception of Thorin, seem to be more-or-less human. They are larger, and some have some special talents, but one gets the impression that they don’t look much different than the average NFL player in his prime. Vek, on the other hand, is blue. Not sad, although that too, but blue like sky, or like the cover picture.

He’s also just about as lost as Mia is. Mia, at least, knows who she is and where she’s from. She may not be able to get back there, but her identity is solid. Vek’ker was captured by slave traders so young that he has no memories of his home planet. He doesn’t even remember where he’s from.

Vek and Mia save each other, over and over again. At different times and in different ways, but she saves him just as often as he saves her.

And while she may have the security of knowing who she is and where she came from, she’s always felt just a bit inadequate. Her family back home consisted of a bunch of hard-charging, aggressive, ambitious, over-achievers. Mia always felt like she didn’t fit. With Vek she’s finally part of a whole that loves her, needs her and wants her exactly as she is.

She feels the same about him. It’s not his exotic nature that draws her, it’s his essential sweetness and protective nature, hidden under a dangerous persona. They work together, even though on the surface they shouldn’t.

In addition to the basic story, where one romance arrives at its HEA and one more human woman is rescued from something terrible, one final element of each story in this series is that the newly rescued human and one of her rescuers strike some serious sparks from each other in one way or another.

I think that by the end of Beast we saw the opening moves of not one but possibly three future romances. And I can’t wait!

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

And next up on my ongoing enjoyment of this series is Beast. We first met the hero (?) in a previous book and I was quite anticipating his story. If we thought Blaine in a previous book had it bad being forced to fight in an underground arena, heavily drugged up, that was nothing compared to what they have done to Vek. He has been held as a slave since boyhood and has been kept so dopped up he is more beast than he is man. And he is one scary beast. He wasn’t so much rescued as he was released in a previous book and he is very vicious and doesn’t communicate with anyone except for Mia, a starship captain who was taken the same time as the space station was attacked. Somehow – and pardon the plagiarism her – she manages to soothe the savage beast. She sees past this rages and can calm him.
She had been rescued but when she is recaptured in this book, well that just sends Vek right ‘round the bend. The gladiators are very hesitant to use his help but he has extraordinary tracking abilities when it comes to Mia and they reluctantly agree to let him come with them. The book focuses a lot on her rescue and the unlikely love between a beauty and a beast.

I love a good beauty and the beast romance and while Mia isn’t really a stand-out as a beauty, Vek and his blue skinned self – nope he’s not from Earth – makes a wicked beast and I mean wicked in a good way. I’ve been getting these books free on Kindle Unlimited but alas I have to turn one in when I want a new one and is this is a book I could read again, I might make an exception and purchase this one.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd never believe that one tiny Human female could bring a giant, blue, alien warrior to his knees!

In the other books in the series we have seen little glimpses of Blue, AKA Vek, and Mia. She seems to soothe the savage experiments and training that Vek has endured. He doesn't know how to cope without her but he is also worried that he may inadvertently hurt her.

Mia is still recovering from her brush with Catalyst. Vek, whilst welcome within House of Galen is still essentially a prisoner on lockdown until they can be sure his aggression is under control. But as Mia entices him to take steps into public and watch the Gladiator shows and learn to be around fighting which doesn't involve fights to the death!

When the Gladiators get a lead on the missing girls, the Gladiators realise Vek is their best best on finding them. Dangerous terrain beckons and a new species may be more trouble for our favourite alien warriors.

Vek is big, blue and when you think he'll be over the top aggressive he is actually very sweet and caring. Mia's voice is the key to his mellow moods and I loved their sweet courtship. But when the passion ramps..OMW it is off the charts hot! Fantastic read.

[Amyiw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost want to give this a 2 star because of the far fetched fighting and then coming back from the dead, but... the romance and erotic was pretty good so it was really good in points. The frustration with the fight scenes that were overly out numbered and outclassed, were about to died yet get last minute saves, more than once, life held on by a thread and again last minute saves that get drawn out. Well I had to take it down. The erotic romance deserves a 4, the fighting and descriptions deserve a 2. She is really frustrating in the fight scenes.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "fluffy," fun read. I quite enjoyed the story. "Beast" is a wonderful, sweet character. He can mow down people but for those that he loves and has faith in he is protective. He was what made the story. It is short but enjoyable.

[Gail Koger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Lots of action and romance

[Mel Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beast was everything I thought it would be. It was beautiful and action packed and fast paced and slow where it mattered and just beautiful. It's my favourite yet. AH does it again!! Vek and his Mia. What a couple.

[Trisha Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, My favorite so far. Beast and Mia are wonderful together. Fantastic storyline, a must read.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

I loved these books. So full of fast hitting action and romance. Almost make me want to get abducted by aliens myself (Not!)

[Jedi Jax · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars