Forced Mate

God Princes of Tigron #1

by Rowena Beaumont Cherry, Rowena Cherry

In a hilarious, futuristic take on traditional Historical Romances, a god-Prince from outer space abducts his dream mate from Earth. Like Scherazade in the Arabian Nights, the heroine uses her intelligence and wits to turn the tables on him.

When the king of the galaxy comes to claim his virgin Earthling bride, he finds that winning her over is far more difficult than he expected in this futuristic romance.

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

326 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

It says on the cover of this book that this author was a New Voice In Romance Contest Finalist.
Were there only two or three authors in the contest? Seriously.
I can't remember how this book originally came to my attention, but most of the reviews are very complimentary. Maybe they are all relatives and friends?
Honestly, I haven't read anything this bad in...well, I can't remember when.
And I've read some stinkers, so that's saying something!

First, I thought this was supposed to be humorous.
Not so much.
Goofy? Yes.
Funny? No.
Then there was the whole incestuous undertone to the entire story. Evidently, when the male Djinn go into a rut-rage (yes, seriously), they can't control themselves. Consequently, they will rape their sisters, daughters, mothers...you name it.
Ewwww. Gross!

Also, I hate to criticize the way any author chooses to spell things, but in this case, I can't help myself. The heroine is named Djinni (Jenny). Get it? A Djinn named Djinni? Bwahahah! *snort* Well, actually, it's not so cute after about 25 pages. After having to mentally correct myself (Jenni! Not Duh-Jenni!) a million times, the novelty wore thin.
The plot (I'm being generous here) is convoluted and all over the place. The characters names all blend together, and the family tree is so inbred that you can't tell who's who half of the time.
Are they on another planet?
When did that happen?
Djanjo? Djethro? Djerrold? Who the hell is that?
How did she end up spending 90% of the book in the bathroom?

Last, there was virtually no sex in this book! The one time they did have 'relations' it was nothing to write home about. Did he just try to have sex with her in a mud-bath?
Ack!
I don't care who you are, that's unsanitary!
His spooge sparkles? How looovely.
Trust me, give this one a pass.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just blah. Did not like this book at all. Maybe it was the lingo or something but it just was over my head. I didn't even make it a quarter of the way through.

[Mystique Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was Tarrant-Arragon, the Tiger Prince and Terror of the Dodecahedrons. He’d made his choice, had selected his bride, and he’d have her. By guile or by force, if necessary, for he was not a man whose will was often thwarted. She was Djinni-vera. White Knight and Chosen Bride. She was also the only daughter of the Saurian Dragon and quite possibly the last fertile female Djinni. She was also, very much an Earth child. One who had been taught to despise Prince Tarrant-Arragon.

Being abducted was bad. Having been tricked into marriage was worse. But when her sexually captivating and unexpectedly endearing husband turned out to be the tyrant Tarrant-Arragon, well…could things get any worse?

FORCED MATE absolutely ROCKS! It screams into motion and hurls ever forward, never letting up. It’s a thrill ride mix of political machinations, mistaken identity/romantic comedy, and colliding cultures. Witnessing “Earth verses the Empire” was hilarious. Indeed, I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. However, it should be noted that FORCED MATE is far more than its lovely comedic elements. It is a fabulous political thriller whose turns, twists, and layers threw me for many a “loop.” Once I read the first paragraph, I was happily hooked and burned through this book in one day.

FORCED MATE engages the mind, the intellect, and the heart. It is not to be missed. If the author decides to write a story with J-J and Princess Martia-Djulia, I’ll be standing in line to purchase it.

Five Mystique Moons. (Outstanding)
Class Two Sensuality. (Limited sexual content)

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm probably a bad audience for this book. I don't read romance novels and I don't know diddly-squat about chess. I had a really hard time getting through the first half of this book. I didn't like either Tarrant-Arragon or Djinni. (However, Grievous was a terrific character.) I just couldn't fathom how a species that was so obsessed with sex could possible have become a star-faring race. About 1/2 way through though, the story picked up quite a bit. I really liked the secondary characters, J.J. and 'Rhett. Some intrigue developed and the main characters started interacting with the other characters. There were some truly amusing lines in the book. The second book involves J.J. and it looks like a fun read.

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a really weird book that's hard to understand. What is rut-rage? What is a djinn? 7 feet tall? Get real. This was also very confusing, as was the family tree. I wouldn't recommend unless you're in for weird, alien-istic, macho stuff. Some parts were good. But the rest was too hard to get into. Maybe it's just me. 1/5 stars.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad, bad, bad, and can I add one more BAD to that? Not only was this a waste of valuable time I could have used reading a better book but when I saw that the author had to 5 star herself? I mean, really. This book has no plot, the characters lacked, and I passed through mostly all of this. Apparently, any joe shmoe can be an author these days. Pathetic.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a good book containing a good mixture of humor, romance, and futuristic, which made the charecters interesting , and brought the story to life. it made the book fun to read, and made you want to read it

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowena Cherry knows how to tell a story! I've only recently begun reading Sci-Fi and Paranormal books, and this offering has made me an absolute fan. Her characters are delightful, from Djinni [the ultimate tough but gentle heroine:]to Prince Tarrant-Arragon [the arrogant alpha male with the tender heart:]to the wisecracking 'earthling' advisor, Grievous...plus many more. I read this from cover to cover without a break! You will too, because this is yet another keeper for your shelf.

Diane Davis White
Author, Moon of the Falling Leaves

[Bitten_by_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watch out, y’all! Rowena Cherry knows how to write an Alpha male and then bring him to his knees. You will remember that I was not as enamored of her novella Mating Net. One issue I had was that it was too short and there were too many neat wrap ups at the end. Well Cherry did not let me down this time...

For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books  for the review of Forced Mate in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.

[Sarah]

Had to DNF this one after a couple chapters. It was really difficult to read. The characters were not engaging at all, and the dialogue was terrible. A lot of "As you know, Bob..." type dialogue, characters talking to each other about stuff they already know. Also the hero keeps his identity from the heroine for far too long (I skipped ahead a little to see if it was worth continuing...it wasn't). So yeah, my TBR pile is way too large for me to slog through a book I'm not enjoying. Too bad, though, I generally enjoy Sci-fi Romance, guess I'll have to pick up some Linnea Sinclair next time I'm in the mood!

[Rosebud · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dreaded & feared Imperial Crown Prince, First War-star Leader Of the Thirteen Star Forces, & Lord Prosecutor of the Tigron Empire, Tarrant-Arragon has discovered that a rare Djinn virgin female has been located on planet Earth. If true, as is his right, he plans to mate her in the tradition of his royal ancestors: 'by stealth if possible, by force if necessary'

Djinni-vera has been hiding in plain sight on Earth until she's reached the age of consent and can marry her soul mate Great Djinn J-J. She's been preparing her whole life to be JJ's mate until an alien kidnaps her claiming HE'S her mate whether she likes it or not.

Djinni-vera has suddenly become prime property for the one male who can successfully mate her. Whether it's her first love from childhood, the alpha egotistical overbearing stranger, or a fellow Saurian Knight. But just like a well played chess match, only the best strategic player will be able to achieve "check mate" over D-vera.


This is one of those reads that has it's ups and downs with a lot of nothing going on but I found myself enjoying it none the less. To clarify. There is a action-adventure sort of thing going on that I could very loosely say mimics Beauty & The Beast with a sci-fi alien slant but it did get to be so much more. The cast of secondary characters and world building added a lot to the core romance between the two main characters with the end result being the light hearted read made it worth the effort I had to go through to actually find a copy to read.

Romantic element. The romance between the two was more flirtatious with some decent sexual tension going on that worked well with this sort of book. I wouldn't have been a fan if the two had met under the circumstances and jumped into a sexual relationship shortly after. Tarrant-Arragon played a dangerous game in deciding to court D-vera the way he did. My only thought was that D-vera character came across much too naive and immature considering her upbringing.

I enjoyed this book even though it was a stretch of imagination to believe. Readers just need to realize not all books require editorial excellence and well thought out world building which was the case here for me.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What reviewers are saying about Rowena Cherry's novel FORCED MATE

FIVE STARS! Well done and very romantic... a true page turner!
~ Cindy Lynn Speer, AFFAIRE DE COEUR

FORCED MATE is a highly unique, funny and sexy read. FOUR STARS.
~Jill M Smith, ROMANTIC TIMES.

This futuristic romance is one that you won’t want to miss!
~ Cy Korte, eBookIsle.com and PNR REVIEWS

FIVE ANGELS! Rowena Cherry has crafted a fantastic tale of political intrigue, action, and humor that had me whipping through this 320 page novel in one night. I laughed so hard I cried.
~Izzy, FallenAngelReviews

FIVE ANGELS! This book is long and complex and I loved it.
~Jean, FallenAngelReviews

5 Blue Ribbons. FORCED MATE is one of the best science fiction romances I’ve read all year.
~ Nicole Hulst, Romance Junkies

Wow! What a book!
~Kathy Boswell, The Best Reviews,
Vice President, Reviewers International Organization (RIO)

5 Stars. FORCED MATE is a terrific science fiction tale.
~Harriet Klausner, Sime~Gen, www.simegen.com

5 Roses! FORCED MATE absolutely ROCKS!
~Brenda Thatcher, EscapeToRomance.

A total hoot... one of the best and funniest Sci-Fi Romances I’ve read.”
~ Linnea Sinclair, author of FINDERS KEEPERS

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly....at times this would have been an easy 4. I started and stopped this book several times. There was something about the begining of the book that just didn't click for me. It didn't flow well and it took me a bit to get through it. Once I got through that rough part I didn't have a problem at all.

I was wanting a little more umph from my aliens, but they did ultimately step up to the plate. At times it did seem to jump around a bit and I think there was a lot of stuff that could have been left out that would not have been critical to the story.

Both of the main characters were odd at times. I really just wanted to hit him in the head sometimes as he acted really really stupid, and being male is not an excuse to be that dumb. She on the other hand is trained for hand to hand combat I would have loved to have seen some fighting action between the two. Seriously.

Jason aka J.J. in an effort not to spoil it for you specifically. HE DID NOT GET THE COMEUPPANCE that was due.

[Asher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would actually classify this book rather as a lewd comedy than romance.
Many of the terms are never explained, but hey everyone can conjure up some mental image when reading about "rut-rage". Right?

Of course, a lot of the stuff doesnt make sense, and the scifi elements are a flimsy backdrop at best.
But the interactions between the entire cast are hilarious enough to make up for a lot of weak points.

One simply has to admire the single mindedness with which our protagonist hero? pursues his quest, and makes the likes of frodo and sam look fickle in comparison.

Good docking everyone!

[Ilovetoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually not into books that fall in the genre of fantasy or sci-fi but I've admired Rowena Cherry's wit and intelligence as I've read her post's at the group 'Author's Without a Yacht' and had to try one of her books. I'm so glad I did. This book was both romantic and hilarious. A Very enjoyabl read and now I have to order Rowena's other books. I wish I'd ordered all to begin with so I wouldn't have to wait.

[Netanella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea at all, and I'm a fan of science fiction. I read somewhere that this was written as a spoof of romances with the alpha hero and the fainting heroine - if so, it could have ended much earlier than it actually did.

[Erinaceina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shallow, but very enjoyable.

[NebulousGloom (FK) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot just didn't do it for me.

[Krystina Schuler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate giving books I didn't like much few stars, because I don't think this book was badly written. It just wasn't for me. I'm over the virgin trope. I'm over the hyper-jealous, overly possessive alpha male. I want more from my romance novels. This one just wasn't for me, but you might like it if those are not tropes that bother you.

[Jammin Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 8 years ago and I still can’t forget it
I love the style of the plot and the characters
Lost the book and want to read it again - still looking

[Samantha Heuwagen · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a shit show of a read. A friend suggested it as “erotica” Of that’s true,it was so poorly written I had no idea what was happening—and I’m a sex therapist! Horrid by far. Poorly written.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has been sitting on my shelves for a long time. 2004, I believe. So when I picked it up I didn't remember exactly what drew me to the book in the first place. For some reason, I was thinking it was erotica or that borderline romantica, but it's a proper romance, a sf/futuristic one.

Even though sex is hinted about and discussed quite a bit, it doesn't end up being shown till fairly late in the book. Interesting world building, although some of the terminology made me roll my eyes a bit. Cool toilets. (LOL. And, no, I'm not going to explain.)

Basically your traditional experienced alpha male vs virginal, but far from helpless, female. I have one friend who would cringe. But it was just what I needed - a light but engaging read.

Oh, and as for cover art, I would die of shock if the artist ever laid eyes on the book. So not how Tigger looked in my head. The guy looks like some corporate executive sitting down after a racket ball game over lunch, not the ruler of the known universe.

[Erica Anderson]

I'm a fan of SFR and Cherry consistently makes lists of SFR authors to read, but this book didn't work for me. It's sort of slapstick and spoof-y and over-the-top, which some readers find hilarious, but it's just not my kind of humor.

One thing that I did like is the hero who, like every character in the book, has a crazy name. He's super alpha male on the outside, but a sweetie pie on the inside. The heroine, who is supposed to be a highly trained warrior (at age 19) is also terrified of sex. Thus the crux of the conflict.

[Kagama-the Literaturevixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Annabelle Morehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the witty banter and would read more from this author. Funny as all get out, it made for a light hilarious read.

[Terri Pray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

[Eileen Gormley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, in Rowena Cherry's world. I just wish her characters had names that were easier to spell.

[Elyse Cochran · Rating 2 out of 5]

disapointed :/ the writting was horrible...

[Rancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so hook with this book! I love Tigger and Djinni!