Fiercely independent . . . A loyal friend . . . And a liar . . . Maya has a secret she can’t tell anyone - even if it means losing everything she loves.
Maya planned to come to the sand planet, find her missing friend Cat, and go back to her life as a stew on a star cruiser. But when she arrives, Cat is gone. That wouldn’t be so bad, but then her own chances of leaving the planet are destroyed. Now she’s stuck on the primitive planet, and someone is doing their best to keep her there - and hold her captive . . .
Karv might be a Crestek, but he’d always felt a kinship to the barbarians who live in the desert. Now he needs to keep Maya safe and away from the Cresteks hunting her, which means taking her to the Dothveks. But can they survive the trek across the desert and evade the ones tracking Maya? Can Maya hide from her past or will her secret destroy everything?
This standalone alien romance novel features a tough, independent heroine; a gorgeous alien warrior; action-packed battles; and steamy scenes in a desert tent.
If you like hot alien warriors, enemies to lovers, and fated mates romance with a happily ever after, you’ll love "Secret", the eighth book in Tana Stone’s sci-fi romance series,Barbarians of the Sand Planet.
I love sexy aliens and independent heroines. I grew up on Star Trek: Next Generation and Star Wars (and I adore them equally). My favorite superhero is Thor (with Aquaman a close second because, well, Jason Momoa), my favorite dessert is key lime pie (okay, fine, all pie), and I still lament the loss of Firefly.
I live in North Carolina in the US and have one husband, two teenagers, and two neurotic cats. I sometimes wish I could teleport to a holographic space station like the one in my tribute brides series (or maybe vacation at the oasis with the sand planet barbarians). :-) When I'm not writing, I love to paddleboard, dive, travel, and read obsessively!
Secret by Tana Stone is the 9th book in the Barbarians of the Sand Planet series and takes readers across the universe where we are introduced to Maya and Karv, the hot alien who steals her heart.
🚀 Damsel in distress 🚀 Fake dating 🚀 Only one tent 🚀 Fated Mates
This story follows Maya, a woman from Earth who is running from her past. To escape, she takes a job as a steward on a pleasure cruiser and befriends a fellow crew member named Cat. However, their ship is hit by a meteor and they are forced to abandon it. Cat's escape pod crash-lands on a desert planet, and Maya follows her after receiving a transmission. Upon arrival, Maya meets Karv, a handsome and kind alien who offers to help her find Cat. However, things take a dangerous turn when the Chancellor of the alien city discovers Maya's presence and plans to make her his bride.
Karv was a devoted and protective partner who was easy to fall in love with. He was always willing to do and be anything that Maya needed. I adored him! I admired Maya's strength and enjoyed her spirited personality, but what moved me was her vulnerability and fear of losing those she loved. It was heartening to see her progress, and I found myself cheering her on every step of the way.
"Karv pivoted back to Maya, his voice choked. 'You saved me.' She lifted her chin and made a click in the back of her throat, copying the Dothvek gesture for no. 'You saved me first.'"
Overall, Secret is an exciting and romantic adventure that is sure to entertain readers!
👥 Dual POV 📚 Can be read as a standalone 💋 Safe ⚠️ profanity, violence, death, attempted SA, assault, kidnapping
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love all the warriors Tana creates, and the way she manages to cross over series. Another great story in the Sand Planet series. I loved it. I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🔥 “You are my goddess.” ~~~ Maya is absolutely amazing! She’s brave, resourceful, independent, caring and courageous. Even more, she’s such a loyal friend. And she’s so feisty! Her life on Earth might not have been easy but she’s hardworking and a survivor who’s now trying to escape her past and start a new life. I loved her so, so much!
Karv is a Crestek communications officer who’s always been fascinated with the Dothveks and was part of the resistance and one of the many believers in the reunification of their people. He is one strong, honorable, brave and fiercely protective male. Even more, he’s so kind and thoughtful. Karv is such a spectacular male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Maya and Karv! Maya comes to the sand planet searching for her friend Cat but ends up in danger and with no way to go back to the star cruiser she works on. Then Karv comes to her rescue and they are forced to flee the Crestek city and embark on a dangerous journey through the desert sands seeking refuge with the Dothveks. I loved those two together! From the moment they met, their attraction was undeniable although both were hesitant to act upon their feelings. Even more, both had to deal with a lot of things from their pasts and Maya was keeping a dangerous secret. Nevertheless, Maya and Karv were so perfect for each other and their chemistry was fantastic. Their banters and teasings were so much fun to read. Even more, I absolutely adored Karv for everything he was willing to do to protect Maya. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot and I couldn’t get enough! After everything both went through, Karv and Maya more than deserved to find a new start, happiness and love together!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! I’m always super excited to be back on the sand planet. There is finally peace between the Cresteks and the Dothveks, but not everyone is accepting of it and there are power-hungry forces acting from the shadows. Even more, I loved that we got the chance to visit the Dothvek oasis again. I loved Zexx and Kyrana. And I loved Karv’s sister, too! With everything happening and the unexpected help that arrives, I was glued to the pages till the very end waiting to see how things would turn out in the end!
Overall, the story is another remarkable and exciting addition to the series! It’s filled with danger, adventure, action, suspense, twists, humor, blazing hot passion and spectacular characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it!
I love these alien warrior stories. The world building is fantastic, the stories are fast paced page turners and the characters are drool worthy. Highly recommend!
Maya works on a luxury pleasure ship as a steward. After the ship was hit by a meteor and had to be fixed she took a shuttle to the sand planet to rescue her best friend Cat.
Karv is a Crestek who works in the communications room. He has always wanted to travel in space. He closely identifies with the Dothvek people. His older brother Riz is the morally corrupt power hungry chancellor.
They meet when Maya finds out Cat is on the bounty hunters ship with her mates and wants to send her a message. Karv takes her to the communications room and sends the message for her. He then escorts her back to the shuttle only to find the pilot has been unalived. His friend Volk who works in the command center finds them and tells them about the chancellor's plan to use Maya to breed his heirs so he can create a dynasty. Volk takes her to a resistance safe house but they are kidnapped along the way. Karv rescued her and they escape through a secret tunnel into the desert. Karv plans to bring her to the Dothvek for safe keeping. They are intercepted by a group of Dothvek and Maya tells them they are mates in order to keep Karv safe with her. They allow him to come but tell him he has to go through the tahadu ritual. The Dothvek plan a bonding ceremony for Maya and Karv but she is kidnapped by Riz before the ceremony. Karv and the Dothvek warriors along with a Vandar rescue her. Karv's sister Linnea is voted in as chancellor. Maya and Karv get their HEA.
Secret: A Sci-Fi Alien Warrior Romance (Barbarians of the Sand Planet Book 9) by Tana Stone is a wonderful addition to the series. Maya, a friend of Cat’s, the heroine of the previous book, and Karv, a Crestek communications official, meet when Maya comes to rescue Cat, not knowing that she has already saved herself and left the planet. Maya and Karv must go on the run from the evil chancellor of the city who wants her for his own nefarious reasons. The evil one just happens to be Karv’s villainous brother, Riz, who has lied and bullied his siblings his whole life. He is an elitist who uses his office for control and domination. Karv decides to take Maya to the Dothvek village people of the desert where she will be safer. Knowing that there is nothing left for him in Crestek City because of his dangerous, power-hungry brother, he joins the Dothvek group since they are more honorable. What occurs between the couple includes intense danger, a strong attraction, and the beginnings of empathic abilities common to all Dothveks. Both must learn to trust each other, but “the secret” stands in the way. It’s almost too late for them when Karv accepts his fate; however, in the meantime, Riz has kidnapped her. Karv must rescue Maya because she is his mind mate, he loves her, secrets do not matter in life, and they belong together no matter what. What a sweet read!
MFC Maya has come to the Sand Planet in order to find her co-worker and best friend Cat only to discover from the Crestek male who greets her, resistance fighter MMC Karv that Cat has left the planet with bounty hunters AND her TWO mates! The SURPRISES keep coming in this excellent book nine of the series. Maya with Karv’s help manages to send a secret message to her friend and prepares to leave the planet quickly because of her own past issues but upon reaching her transport ship finds its pilot has been murdered! The story takes some interesting directions after this with electrifying action as Karv battles to keep Maya safe from the nefarious plans put in place for her by the planet’s chancellor all while circumventing the attraction building between her and Karv. Secret is a really captivating Sci-Fi Romance that is engagingly written, and fast paced with a guaranteed adventure looming amongst the city Crestek and the desert Dothveks for Maya the grunge kid from Earth who has brought her own secret to the Sand Planet as political intrigue, and adventure swirl around her. Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Secret is the eighth book in the Barbarians of the Sand Planet series by Tana Stone. Barbarians of the Sand Planet Series by Tana Stone is a great sci-fi romance series with all the ingredients I look for to keep me captivated from beginning to end. With female bounty hunters, alien barbarian warriors, action, adventure, battles, violence, chemistry, steam, connection, fated mates vibes, missions, drama, danger, angst, emotion, menage, and more. I love a great sci-fi romance, and when one of my Goodreads friends read the series and gave it such glowing review, I knew I had to dive in. One book led to two, and then before I knew it, I had devoured the entire series. The Series Contains: -Bounty (Book #1) -> K’alvek and Danica’s story. -Captive (Book #2) -> Kush and Max’s story. -Torment (Book #3) -> Vrax and Tori’s story. -Tribute (Book #4) -> T’Kar and Holly’s story. -Savage (Book #5) -> Rukken and Caro’s story. -Claim (Book #6) -> Tommel and Bexli’s story. -Prize (Book #7) -> Drev & Trek (Alien twins) and Caterina’s story. (Menage) -Secret (Book #8) -> Karv and Maya’s story. I didn’t stop here, heading back in to explore more of Ms. Stone’s stories…. So stay tuned! Enjoy… Happy Reading…
yet another fabulous story in this series. this time maya who is running from earth comes to the sand planet to find her friend who crash landed there. she meets karv who helps her send a message once she finds out her friend was rescued and left already. but danger is lurking and karv is the only one who can protect and save her so he does and they take off for freedom across the desert sands. they are developing feelings for each other but try to deny it because both feel its impossible to be together. won't spoil the story so will just say that a lot of exciting things continue to happen, destinies are fulfilled, feelings are explored, drama ensues and then danger rears its head once more. Wonderful world building u can really picture this as a real place in your mind. the characters are richly developed and well rounded and u really feel like u are reading about real ppl. the author draws u into the sand planet world by weaving all the details together to give u an incredible reading experience. will karv and maya find happiness or will they lose it all? read and find out. I received an arc copy of this book and this is my honest voluntary review.
This story was wildly exciting and another episode in the series of the sand planet. Maya is a human female and is on the sand planet, looking for her friend Cat, who has left with the bounty hunters, and now they are on the run. Karv who is part of the resistance in the Crestek City, is showing Maya how to send a message to her friend, only to be captured by chancellor Riz.
Maya escaped from Riz with the help of Karv. They both had to leave Crestek City otherwise Karv’s brother, would ensure that she breeds and brings him many sons. They both escape to the desert and the Dothvek people. To be excepted in the Dothveks tribe, he needs to pass the initiation, which means going through the tahadu, and then he will no longer be a part of the Crestek people. These two characters go through many experiences together, including a rescue by Karv and Corvak of The Vandar. They eventually find they’re happily ever after.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
This is a sci fi alien warrior barbarians of the sand planet story. It’s also Maya and Karv’s story. It’s a fast paced fun steamy read where Maya goes to save her friend but not knowing that Cat has already left the planet. Cat meets Karv who’s charged with showing her around the city. The chancellor of the city decides he wants Maya as his bride. They go to her ship only to find the pilot has been killed and they are warned not to return to the city. Maya now needs saving and the love story begins. It’s an engaging well written story full of action adventure drama danger suspense fated mates bad guys friends painful pasts twists secrets a strong independent heroine and a hot gorgeous alien warrior with battles steam romance and love. I loved the witty dialogue with their bantering and teasing making the story so much fun. It’s a remarkable story that kept me on the edge of my seat and I enjoyed reading it.
I received an advance copy of this book, and this is my voluntary review.
It was an absolute pleasure to return to the sand planet. I thoroughly enjoyed Maya and Karv 's story. A woman looking for her lost friend. Never giving up hope that she would find her. Lands on a planet shrouded in mystery and warriors. What she finds he's is her friend rescued and go e and her own life in peril. Karv, is attracted to the human female as soon as he sees her. He does his best to get q message to her friend but as he does this evil once again drags its claws through his city. Danger all around a deadly trek over the dessert to find support and help is their only course. while on the run friendship blossoms , and desire runs hot. Will love save the day or will their happiness be ripped away from them! Read and find out I'm sure you will love their story as much as I did totally worth the read!💖🌟🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🌟💖
What a great story. This story featuring Maya and Karv had me captivated, l found it hard to put down. Maya has come to the sand planet looking for her friend, she funds out she’s already left and Karv is going to get her to safety. Only problem is his brother and as the Crestek leader he wants an heir and who better than a Human to provide him with one and Karv has to stay one step ahead. This story also has an appearance by the Vandar, a great surprise. Karv’s sister also plays an important part as do the Cresteks sand dwelling brothers and sisters. Fabulous story with lots of action and great characters.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author and these are my views of the story.
Loving the series, loved the story. This wonderful story is about Maya and Karv's romantic adventures. Maya is on the sand planet looking for her missing friend Cat. Talking to Karv a Crestek who's been assigned to show Maya around the city she gets information on Cat and that's she's gone in space. Karv longs to learns know more about the Dothveks who he sympathizes with. The Chancellor of the city decides he wants Maya as his bride. Going to the ship to leave Maya and Karv find the pilot killed. On their way back to the city, they are warned by Volk not to return. This begins this engaging story as they're chased. Loved the characters, the storyline was engaging in this copy I received a copy and volunteer to read and review.
Great story with some suspense, adventure, action, secrets, kidnapping, romance, passion, and love. Maya goes looking for her friend Cat on the Sand Planet. She meets Karv who is there to show Maya around and help her get information about her friend. Karv has always felt a connection with the Dothveks more than his people the Crestek. Karv's brother has decided that he wants the human female Maya as he feels that she will give him an heir. Karv saves her and they leave the city and head into the sand looking for the Dothveks. I love their devotion to each other and how they always have each other's back. Great HEA. I hope the next book is about Linnea and Zexx.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
The story is interesting, and focusses on Maya who goes looking for her friend, Cat, from the previous book. Maya finds more than she bargains for on the Sand Planet and excitement ensues. Oh, and the steam? Damn, it's there and well written. Very enjoyable read. I really like Karv, Zexx and of course Corvak though he only shows up near the end. I don't know how Tana manages to make each story more interesting than the last. My favorite warriors from Tana's books are the Vandar but I wouldn't mind meeting someone like Karv. It was nice to see Corvak show up. Now I want to go back and re read her books again. ♥♥
Maya, Cat’s bestie from the previous book, comes looking for Cat, and ends up finding Karv, getting stranded, being on the run, and joining the Dothveks people…yup she was quite busy. Unlike Cat, Maya only got one mate…I know, I know, kind of feel like she got jipped, just kidding *winks*.
Great storyline, fast paced from the start until the end. Safe read with sexy mind mates. We get a surprise visitor, and I do love a great surprise, especially in the form of a hot Vandar in a kilt with his battle axe…yup…love sexy surprises. Get to see some of our favorites from previous books. Epilogue that will have you asking if it’s October 3rd yet…because I can’t wait for the next one, and a hea.
This is definitely a book I would revisit. I enjoyed the characters and the entire universe built by the author. This series has a bit of cross over with alien warriors from other books who exist in the same universe. This book focuses on the sand planet and the two tribes who reside there. Krav and Maya both had a tough time growing up, her on Earth and him on the Sand Planet. Their meeting was by chance but sparks flew immediately. Throw in a power hungry sibling, hungry sand creatures and an oasis in the desert and you have what turns out to be an exciting adventure with steamy chemistry and the perfect build up to a HEA. I'm excited to see what comes next!
When Maya travels to the sand planet to save her friend, she ends up being the one needing saving. Luckily there’s a golden skinned Crestek to help her.
This was a wonderful return to the sand planet! We get to visit the Cresteks with their cloaks and walled city. And then we get to visit the Dothveks with their jebels and desert oasis. To make the book even better, there’s even a cameo from one of the Vandar raiders.
This book has all the adventure and romance that you expect from a Tana Stone novel but with a new cast of characters.
Secret is the ninth book in the Barbarians of the Sand Planet Series. This book features Maya, a human looking for her stranded friend; and Karv, a Crestek, who has been tasked to assist her. This book was a fantastic and exciting read. I read this in one sitting. I loved that it features a strong independent heroine and a fierce but kind alien warrior, forced proximity, steamy hot chemistry, and action packed adventure in the desert. I need to find out about Linnea. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and series.
I have enjoyed this series. Each book has chronicled a human female meeting and finding that one special man….er male who is suited for her. In this series they have a special connection that makes it easier to know when that perfect someone comes to your world. This series is best reading in order written to get the full storyline. However you can read them as a stand alone story. I like this author and look forward to reading more of her books.
This is an exciting and romantic story. It's filled with lies, secrets, and deceit. Maya has come to the Sand Planet looking for her friend Cat, who crash landed on the planet. Unbeknownst to Maya, Cat had already left the planet with twin Dothveks on the Bounty Hunter ship. Maya finds herself trapped on the planet and must find a way off. Unfortunately, she has come to the attention of the Crestek chancellor who wants to force her to have his children and create a separatist dynasty.
This entire series was romantic, adventurous and HOT! See what I did there? Hot as in sexy and hot as in desert sand planet.
I loved reading about the Barbarian Dothveks and their human mates while in my air-conditioned bedroom. I wouldn't have lasted on a hot planet for more than an hour. I abhor the heat.
I believe this is the last full-length book in the series but there is a novella so I'll read that and say a sad goodbye to this series and characters.
I absolutely love these books, it's a fantastic series and this was yet another great book. Imaginative and well written with a engaging, imaginative storyline with great characters. A combination of adventure, light suspense and romance which makes it a great easy to read book. All these books can be read as standalones. However are best if you understand the world they are set in and have met other characters before.
Wonderful to return to the Sand planet again. Maya has come to the sand planet to find her friend Cat. But she finds out Cat is no longer on the planet, and she now has the leader of the Cresteks after her to be his baby mama. Kerv has been at her side since she set foot on the planet, now they are both on the run. This is a fast paced read with great characters, plenty of adventure and romance. Brilliant read.
This is Maya's and Krav's story and we got a tiny tidbit in the previous book. She goes into the sand planet looking for Cat but ends up with no way to go back. Karv comes to her rescue, he works in the communication room and is also part of the resistance. There's danger, kidnapping, plotting, mates, one tent, and steamy times. I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
She goes on a rescue of her close friend Cat when the cruise ship writes her off. Unfortunately she runs into Ruiz yet another sleazy leader of the Crestek. His younger brother Krav works hard to save her getting her to the Dothveks. He falls for her strength and her beautiful warm brown skin and dark curls. They have lots of trials before their HFN.
A human female rushes to an alien planet to find her friend. When she arrives she finds out that her friend has left the planet with her twin mates. She wants to send a message to her friend letting her know that she came for her. An alien male warrior helps her send a message to the ship that her friend is on. That is when the story gets really interesting with lots of twists and turns. Happy reading!
I loved it… A wonderful addition to the Barbarians of the Sand Planet series. Predictably, the truce between the Dothvek’s and the Crestek’s is violated by the power hungry Crestek Chancellor. His pursuit of Maya sends her and Karv across the sands to seek safety with the Dothvek’s. I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Wow! I've been anxoiusly waiting to read this book and it did not disappoint. This was a great addition to the Barbarians of the Sand Planet series. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. These Sand Planet Barbarians are so hot. I highly recommend you check this book out as well as the rest of the books in the series.