Double Cut

by Holly Bargo

Trapped in a dangerous, dark world of interplanetary betrayal, I am forcibly traded by my own government to the savage planet of Ahn'hudin. Stripped of my freedom, I am doomed to become a mere possession, a bride to one of the monstrous, reptilian warriors that rule this cruel realm.

But then, a cruel twist of fate throws me into the arms of two fierce and irresistible Ahn'hudi warriors. With the instincts of beasts, they claim me as their mate, sharing my body and tempting me with forbidden desires. As I struggle against their dominant hold, I must maintain my independence, will, and very identity in a world that seeks to enslave me.

But as I clash with these powerful and untamed creatures, I begin to uncover a shocking truth. My two mates have suffered just as much as I have, and together, we may have a chance to build something greater—a future that emerges from the ashes of our shattered pasts.

Can I find the courage to trust them, to love them, and to forge a new destiny, in this dark and dangerous world?

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2023

About the author

I've been writing stories since I was old enough to put pencil to paper. My mother raised me on books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Carol Ryrie Brink, Elizabeth George Speare, Marguerite Henry, and Walter Farley. Wilder and Farley are probably contributing factors to my decades-long love affair with horses, particularly Morgans.

Horses comprise a significant part of my life. We didn't live on a farm and my parents didn't like horses, but that didn't stop me. I bought my first horse weeks before my 15th birthday with money earned from working at the family's ice cream parlor. Having passed 50 years old, I still have horses, two of which are Morgans.

In my early teens I started reading romance and fantasy: Danielle Steel, Barbara Cartland, Jude Devereaux, Jayne Anne Krentz, David Eddings, Robin McKinley, R. A. Salvatore, Jack Chalker, Orson Scott Card. Years later, I quit devouring everything the library had to offer and started narrowing my choices. I wrote for the high school newspaper and got a few encouraging nibbles on short stories submitted to magazines.

In college I majored in English, because literature is my "thing." Except, I didn't want to read the musty old stuff written by long dead men; I wanted to write and be read.

Fast forward to now, after 30 years of marriage, two children (one in college and the other serving in the military), I never lost that habit of writing, regardless of how little encouragement--or even active discouragement--I received.

So, now I write romance and paranormal romance. I enjoy writing it and hope you enjoy reading it.

Reviews

[Daphne · Rating 2 out of 5]

When a book is written by

Someone who writes negative comments about humans who want to be called They/Them. Terrible start to an OK book. Story is a copy of other stories I've read. Nothing exceptional about the writing. Many times the word thing is written as think. Distracting. So, overall, meh and na.

[Ashton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book isn't awful. There are parts of the book that are supposed to be sexual but seemed cringe and almost too rape-like. It was worth reading just to read something. If you like interspecies relationships where the main characters are more reasonable than their upbringing and culture teaches them to behave, then this book might be worth your time to read. I'm only giving this book 2 stars, so I don't get recommend books that are similar.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make me think

I questioned the relationships through both of these books. I had questions, unanswered as of yet.
Loved the writing. Well paced, explanitory without being overblown. Rare enough in the freeverse. Fascinating characters. Kudos to an author who can give such culture shock

[Sarah Kellum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book

Great world building and even though it is a second of a series it can be stand on it's own.
I liked that it was more than a quick romance and the characters found a way to work through their differences and be happy.
I recommend you give this book a read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Yennie Fer · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF.
I will write an honest review.

Pros:
Love the cover and the writing style. The beginning made me laugh.

Cons:
Uh…I was not expecting a polyamorous relationship with SA. 😅 As a demisexual, it made me uncomfortable to read further so this book isn’t my thing haha. I’m more into lemon than smut.

I do, however, wonder what author’s other books are like to give another work a shot!

[CAROLYN SMITH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange

The story line of the book is familiar..aliens needing mates. The sexual practices are too bizarre for this 77yo woman but the intrigue of anti-fertility drugs and cultures clashing drew me to finish story.

[LizKat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've really been striking out with books lately. I had high hopes for this one but it moved too fast and things didn't make sense. I don't ask a lot out of my alien/monster/smut books but I do need enjoyable MCs. And sorry but the FMC in this one was bad. I didn't like her at all.

[Julie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked

I like a good dark ish science fiction book. This book by, Miss Holly Fargo is a goog afternoon read.

[Helen Meyers]

Loved it read the first book to can't wait to see if they'll be a third

[Colleen Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series- awesome read

Great read! Won’t spoil but hope there are more books coming about this world! Maybe one about the General Superior and a feisty lady ❤️

[PAM · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t keep my interest.

Infantile writing style.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Super offensive depiction of gay men, to the point of using slurs. Not a fan and will not read more. Didn’t get past the first chapters.