The Krinar Captive

by Anna Zaires

A new standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Twist Me and The Krinar Chronicles

Emily Ross never expected to survive her deadly fall in the Costa Rican jungle, and she certainly never thought she’d wake up in a strangely futuristic dwelling, held captive by the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. A man who seems to be more than human…

Zaron is on Earth to facilitate the Krinar invasion—and to forget the terrible tragedy that ripped apart his life. Yet when he finds the broken body of a human girl, everything changes. For the first time in years, he feels something more than rage and grief, and Emily is the reason for that. Letting her go would compromise his mission, but keeping her could destroy him all over again.

NOTE: This is a full-length, standalone romance that takes place approximately five years before The Krinar Chronicles trilogy (aka Mia & Korum’s story). You do not have to have read that trilogy to enjoy this book.

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

293 pages, ebook

First published October 25, 2016

About the author

Anna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.

After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.

Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.

In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.

She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'm gonna be blunt and say that I didn't love this book as much as I thought I was going to, as evidenced by the fact that it took me almost a full week to read it.

HOWEVER.

I want to make it VERY clear that the reasons I didn't love it are completely on me, and are no indication of the quality of the book.



LOLZ.

Ahem...But really though.

I mean it.

TOTALLY me.



I love Anna Zaires and I love the Krinar Series.

Zaires' writing is smooth, crisp, and intelligently wrought.

And the world she has created here is in one word: IMPRESSIVE.

When I saw there was going to be another addition to this series, I was super excited.



However, I must admit that, until I started the book, I was not aware that this was going to be a prequel to Mia and Korum's story and not a sequel.

I knew it wasn't about Mia and Korum, but I had assumed it was going to take place AFTER Mia and Korum's story timeline-wise.



I didn't realize this was going to take place before K-Day.

Meaning I didn't realize that we were going into the story with Emily having no knowledge of the Krinar and who and what they were.

Now the reason this was an...issue for me is that we - through Emily - had to get the whole "I'm an alien - surprise" scenario and the whole Krinar "creation" story - AGAIN.

We had to deal with Emily's concerns and worries regarding the Krinar and their intentions for humanity and Earth - AGAIN.

And, quite frankly, I felt like we already went through all of this with Mia and Korum and, as a result, a lot of this book felt like a rehash of things we had already worked through.

That - in conjunction with the fact that this plot didn't have a whole lot going on outside of that rehashing- made certain parts of this book a little more tedious and slow-moving than I was expecting.

In fact, not gonna lie, I found the first 30% of this book to be borderline boring.

I know, I know...



But what can I say. Thems the breaks.

*Side note: How hot was 1958 Paul Newman? Hmmmmm, purr.

Anyblueeyes.

Another thing I didn't love about this book - and another thing that is completely on me, is the fact that the H in this book, Zaron, had a mate who died eight years prior.

A mate with whom, before she TRAGICALLY and SUDDENLY died, he had been with for 44 years.

44 YEARS.

Um, well. Wow.

That's a long fucking time.

Now, for those who follow my reviews, you already know that the dead-ex trope is just not my favorite thing.

In an effort to not be a hypocrite and rehash shit I've already discussed at length, here are some reviews where I discuss this in more detail, for those interested:

Dead-Ex Review Example #1
Dead-Ex Review Example #2
Dead-Ex Review Example #3

Otherwise, ya'll know how I feel about this.

So, needless to say, I really wasn't all that excited about this development.

Also, I just didn't come out of this feeling satisfied with Zaron's feelings for Emily independent of the dead-ex.

As I said, though, these are PERSONAL issues I had with the story that I know will be non-issues for other people.

Outside of these things, I really did like the story and feel that it's definitely a must-read for fans of the series.

[Sophia Triad · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: Huge fan's / Fanatic follower's opinion here

I have to confess that I had “Krinar fever” during its release day. You know the usual symptoms: Sweating hands, Shivering, Loss of appetite and a few Hallucinations about hunky Krinars. It is a good thing I remained functional to the outside world for a small part of the day.

I had an absolutely fantastic time reading “the Krinar Captive”. I jumped into it like a thirsty woman in the desert would gladly jump into a cold stream.

I admit that I really have a soft spot for good looking nerds/scientists. Zaron is unearthly beautiful and a total nerd. A BIOLOGIST WITH AN EXTRA SPECIALIZATION IN EDAPHOLOGY with superman powers. Do I need to say more? I am already his.

Zaron saves Emily after she accidently and stupidly makes herself fall from a jungle bridge. He takes her home, he glues her back together and then he plans to keep her there for as long as he wants. He saves her, so she belongs to him. Right?

Eh...wrong. Emily does not behave like a well-mannered, well-fed pet. After the initial shock, she wants to leave. Of course she slowly realizes that he will not let her go. His protectiveness and his lust will move things forward. Soon they are doing exactly what a male and a female attracted to each other, alone in the Costa Rican jungle are supposed to be doing.

The last part of the book describes the chaos after the alien invasion, the stupidness and cruelness of humans and the heroic behavior of Zaron: Zaron strong, fast, fresh from the fight, larger than life, sweeps Emily off her feet (Thank you Bonnie Tyler for the soundtrack), grabs what is his and takes off. Oh, Yeah!

P.S.1 I don’t normally make requests in my reviews, but this time I really have to make one. Can we please have a story with a female Krinar and a male human?
P.S. 2 It was nice having Zaron and Korum working together

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so happy Anna's releasing a new book again. I love all her works and to be able to read this book a bit sonner than expected just makes me super happy. The first books that I've read by her were The Krinar Chronicles, so it's no wonder I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. We get to se these two characters in the previous books and I was really wondering how they actually got together and all that. I'm definitely not disappointed by their journey. I think the most interesting part for me was how the K's actually made it to Earth and how that first impact on humanity was. Just super interesting! Also, the beginning of this story just broke my heart. Yes, I knew nothing of Emily's character other than that she was about to be in a world of much pain. And she was! But don't worry, we all know that the story doesn't end there, since duh, the show must go on, right?

Anyway, we all know that Anna can write amazing fantasy, sci-fi books with a lot of romance and twists. So it's no wonder that this story has some pretty hot scenes. Like, really hot ones! I definitely enjoyed those. Also, since the plot is somehow like this: human mets alien, there are so many things and questions that I really wanted to be answered. Most of them were but I'm also really happy to have read the previous Krinar books, that take place a few years after this story, since I know how the whole 'big' plot continues.

Now as far as me liking Zaron goes...well... in general I really did find him an enjoyable character. But he's got some pretty jerk-ish moments. But I forgave him for that, because his background story is also so heartbreaking. I'm glad he found some happiness again with Emily.

Do I think you should read this book? Absolutelly! If you love futuristic books with lots of romance, then this one's definitely for you. Also, let me just say how amazing Anna is. She really did put some research into writing this book. From all the latin names of the flora and fawna to the amazing space principles and also nanotehnology. Just amazing! Definitely worth reading!!!

[Hana ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Oh god, I love the Krinar. Mia & Korum were my everything so the fact that we get another taste of an alien human couple is amazinggggg.



This story is a prequel to the story of Mia & Korum, and tells the story of Emily who was vacationing in Costa Rica when she meets a very handsome and mysterious Zaron. They do not meet in the greatest situation but nonetheless the attraction is explosive.

Because they meet before K-Day, some issues arise. Their relationship goes through many trials and misunderstandings but the passion between the two never wavers.



Holy crap, the sex between these two are explosive. Zaron is quite dominating and possessive and has the same 'mine' syndrome towards Emily as Korum did with Mia.



"This pretty pink pussy is mine. All of you is mine. I'm going to fuck you until you forget what its like to not have me inside you, angel... until you never, ever want to leave again."



An overall great story, I hope that we get more stories like this in the future! :)

P.S. Although second chance love stories don't bother me, some people may not like this story because he had a krinar mate before that he loved and she died in an accident.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook

Relistened in may 2024:

Anna Zaires has done it again with yet another book about those aliens and to answer your question, no, my need for even more books about them has not yet subsided.

This book was all I expected and MORE. And yet, I'm still greedy for even more books in the Krinar universe:

Emily and the hero had great chemistry from the start and the Scifi effects in the book were just enough, not overbearing but not too little either.

If you were a fan of Mia and Korum's story, you'll definitely enjoy this one.

Enjoy!

[Fre06 Begum · Rating 2 out of 5]

The low score is nothing to do with writing which was really good but my own personal pet peeves. I don't like it when hero has already loved another woman and in the end says she would always have a piece of his heart. I am selfish I guess but I want my hero's to only love the heroine's and to know they have every piece of their heart.

[Celestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Between learning about the Krinar and nonstop sex with her captor, she'd been too overwhelmed to think of the bigger picture."

While this is apparently true for this book's heroine, Emily, the same can be said for Ms. Zaires, author of this prequel to the Krinar Chronicles books. One of the most appealing factors of the Krinar books was the cultural, political and environmental commentary that accompanied the alien/human love story. Those books made me think about U.S. policies, Earth's history, and precious resources in relation to the largely romantic story that I was reading. I love when a book makes me think. Unfortunately, that was not the case here, despite the opportunities just begging for a soapbox.

"Over the next several days, Emily had so much sex that she felt like drowning in pleasure. Zaron was insatiable and had inhuman stamina, which meant that by the time he was done with her, she was exhausted and on the verge of passing out."

This book opens about two weeks prior to K-Day, which is when the Krinar made their existence known to world leaders. I thought I would read about topics alluding to immigration policy and overcrowding or the difficulty of invading a world that is not homogeneous or how Democrats and Republicans could still be at each other's throats in the face of an alien invasion. Nope. Instead, I was told, via media stories, rather than experiencing the after effects of the invasion. With the exception of a mild mugging while grocery shopping, Emily's experience was relatively uneventful. The story picked up about 3/4 of the way through the book, when finally, finally there was some suspense to the plot.

"No matter how hard Zaron tried to be an enlightened, rational scientist, he was a Krinar male first and foremost, and he was feeling territorial toward Emily."

Well, Zaron was no Korum, that is for sure. Korum, the dominant hero of Krinar books 1-3, makes a brief, implacable appearance. Zaron was more approachable, with an interest in life sciences. I wish more had been made of his fascination with earth species and plant varieties. He could have been a true explorer, discovering the best of Earth flora and fauna, but instead focuses on adapting Earth for the Krinar. Luckily, Emily was mature and self-contained and adaptable; in other words, she was no Mia (the heroine from the three Krinar novels). Zaires does a good job of creating new characters. I just wish she had expanded the narrative, too.

Krinar possessiveness is the motivating factor of the romance between Emily and Zaron. Many scenes revolve around sex or thinking about sex. However, Zaires does an excellent job of closing story lines and answering all of the readers' questions. She also slips in copious references to cool Krinar technology. Despite my disappointment in the one-dimensional storytelling, I left this book enjoying the happy epilogue and hankering for some more Krinar adventures.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

As a big fan of this authors Krinar series featuring Mia and Korum, I was thrilled to read this new novel set a couple of weeks before the invasion. I enjoyed both Zaron and Emily but my problem was I felt there was just something missing. I wish more happened because for me while it was an enjoyable read I found it slow and honestly boring at times. I hope Ms. Zaires writes more in this series because I love this world she has created.

***ARC provided by author.***

[Maxi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, I guess I'll say that I enjoyed reading this book on the subway and in line at Starbucks when I ran out of Instagram posts to read. That was some good, solid smut. Nothing that required too much thought, really.
I feel like the best way to go about giving this review is to structure it in the form of a compliment sandwich. So here goes.
Really brief synopsis first though: A woman falls off a bridge during her vacation in Costa Rica and is found, operated on, and saved by a Krinar, a member of an ancient extraterrestrial race that created human beings in their image (though, looking through the white gaze of the narrator, you wouldn't really think it). He is there because he is preparing the area for settlements for an upcoming Krinar invasion, and he needlessly but deliberately holds her captive after she awakens because he wants to fuck her. And he does. And I guess they stay together and stuff too. The end.

I'll start off by saying that one thing that I enjoyed about this book was the way in which the two characters connected on an emotional level, with Emily finding out about Zaron's grief over his late wife, and Zaron's discovering Emily's past childhood trauma from being a foster child. On at least a superficial level, I can see the effort that was put into the development of their characters, which was an improvement from the other books in this series.
Now, onto what I didn't like about the book:
--There is nothing interesting about Emily as a character. Absolutely nothing. She is basically the human equivalent of a vanilla wafer. I thought it was kind of sad how Emily's only two flaws, claustrophobia and trust issues, had to be spelled out by the narrator instead of shown throughout her actions in the book. I appreciated the concept of her character, though, I guess.


--In the book, apparently we live in a universe so bleak and depressing that even aliens from outer space believe in western preordained standards of beauty.
"It was insane. Though beautiful, the girl was far from his usual type. During his time on Earth, Zaron had discovered that he liked tall, sleek brunettes who reminded him of Krinar women, not delicate-looking blondes with unmistakably human coloring. No Krinar had hair so light or eyes of that strange bluish shade, but on her—on Emily—that combination seemed oddly appealing, reminding him of the illustrations of angels he’d seen in human books. As far as her species went, his little guest was more than pretty." Yeah, I'm sure that this guy named Hitler would agree with that statement in regards to our species.
"His hand was startlingly dark against her ivory skin, his fingers almost encircling her slender arm."
Dark skin isn't that "startling." Geez, it's as if this white girl has never seen dark skin before. I would hate to see her reaction to a black person.

To further my observation, I'll point out that words typically used to describe Emily were words like "delicate," "ivory" and "angelic," and only a certain kind of angelic, let's be very clear about that. Words used to describe Zaron consisted of words including "dark," "startling" and "animalistic," which created an overall tone exalting the fragile, delicate white woman who is battling her "inner lust," or "animal instincts," if you will, that were seemingly triggered by the fill-in-the-blank fetishized, established other.


--The one female Krinar in this novel, Ellet, is a disgusting person on every level. I'll sum it up by saying that there is a special place in hell for women who don't support other women. Let's leave it at that.


--Eventually I considered making a drinking game for every time either character carefully analyzed their own or each other's physical reactions to one another and then decided it was lust. I simply do not like having things spelled out to me, let alone constantly reiterated.


--I couldn't really find a plot anywhere in this book. Sometimes authors are able to make this work, but after a while, I felt like the constant time lapses were a bit excessive for a story that took place mostly in a house. If this story was meant to be character-driven and not plot-driven, then I would have enjoyed it more if more time had been taken to explore the subtle nuances between the two characters instead of wasting time talking about the exact same technology described in the other Krinar books.


--Basically all of what I call the "alpha" dialogue coming from Zaron in this book was recycled from the first Krinar series book, "Close Liaisons." You know, the "You're mine" and "I'll always find you no matter where you run" kind of dialogue. And that was kind of what I came here for. ☹️

A part of the book that I did like was that Emily ran away the first chance she got. Lol.

I still can't help but love the world this author has created and will read the next Krinar book, and I want to make clear that my criticisms stem from a place of objectivity and personal observations. What didn't work for me might work just fine for someone else.

2 stars.

I was given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Hettie Ivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sold at vegan alien with vampiric tendencies. Okay, so generally speaking, I don't care for alien erotica, as the genre (for me) evokes images of creatures with tentacles and humanoids who resemble Blue Man Group. (Not so sexy.) But I stumbled upon Anna Zaires' Close Liaisons a while back and was hooked!! Because Zaires has created this awesome world in which a higher life form of hotties from another planet (Krina) seeded earth a couple of billion years ago and have returned to steer our species back in the right direction before we destroy ourselves and all other life forms on the planet.

Sounds plausible when you think about it, right? I do hope Zaires is onto something with this Krinar theory of evolution, actually, and that these hotties get here soon (preferably before the next election!). Because let me tell you, they bring with them such advanced technology that their kitchens prepare meals for them, their beds massage them, and their homes build an extra room for the new pet cat while they're away at the office. I was sold at the kitchen preparing meals, but wait… it gets better. They wield advanced nanocyte medical technology capable of repairing DNA damage and healing major wounds and diseases throughout a body. Eternal health and youth… check check.

And while these Krinar (or Ks) are supremely intelligent vegan alien beings who don't need human blood for survival purposes anymore, they like to imbibe from time to time during intimate moments for the crazy hot ecstasy factor it induces for both the K and the human they're drawing from. Check check check. Totally on board with these Ks coming to town!!! A word of caution, though… these highly intelligent, pragmatic Ks *will* go primate in seconds flat if you look at their woman the wrong way. And if you're lucky enough to catch their interest, be forewarned they’ve got sexual stamina for days, so you will need to hydrate and clear your calendar.

In summary, this book was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed on many levels! If you like well-written, clever, fun fantasy/sci-fi romances, I highly recommend this book and the rest of the Krinar Chronicles by Anna Zaires.

[sara j · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I have very high hopes for this but totally disappointed......

[Debra Johnson]

Sci-fi Erotica
Purchased from Amazon April 20, 2018

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to re-read the Mia and Korum trilogy. That’s how nostalgic this book made me feel: I need even more of these Uber possessive Krinar Alpha males.

Each time I read one of Anna Zaires’s books the modern independent woman in me hides away and her in-need-of-protection cavewoman twin comes running upfront. I swear it’s like Pavlov conditioning!

Give me any of her domineering male heroes and I’m a goner.

The Krinar Captive was no exception even if it did not reach the intensity I felt while reading the Mia and Korum trilogy. I think part of this can be explained by my familiarity with the Krinar world and their “predators”. Hence 4 stars and not 5 stars.

Nevertheless it’s still been a very good story!

If you had to compare human Emily to Krinar Zaron, you could imagine this:


Emily is fragile as a human. Zaron saved her from death and he feels now VERY protective of the woman and VERY attracted to her. He has to rein in his appetite as he does not want to frighten her but I could feel the attraction coming through my Kindle. It will only be a matter of time before she falls for her captor. Because really, could you resist if you had such a fine male specimen being all “She’s mine” with you? If you can you’re either a Saint or maybe batting for the other team.



So we’ve established Zaron saved Emily from death and took an instant like to the woman. Chemistry is off the charts but it won’t be as easy as it seems because Emily is a very independent woman and does not take well to be captive. She also feels Zaron is hiding things from her and that makes uneasy. Add to the mix a Stockholm Syndrome and she’s torn between her feelings and her loyalty to the human race.

I loved reconnecting with the Krinar series, witnessing the growing attraction and love between the main characters. It can be read as a standalone as you don’t need to read Mia and Korum’s trilogy to enjoy this one.

[Akina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Close Liaisons several times I was dying to read more works from Anna Zaires. The Krinar Captive did not disappoint. It takes place on Earth years before Mia and Korum meet in CL.

Zaron rescues Emily from certain death after she falls from a bridge in Costa Rica. At first, Zaron is only interested in saving the girls life and preventing his race from being discovered. But living in close quarters with Emily causes his libido to act up and he quickly begins to want more from her.

Emily does not believe in aliens and thinks she is having some kind of mental episode. But as the truth becomes clear, Emily finds herself at odds with her mind, her body, and other inner demons.

One of the things I love about Zaires’ writing style is her ability to make something totally unrealistic seem so glaringly real. In the midst of a story about an alien captivity we see everyday actions like preparing for job interviews and watching movies. Zaron is not head over heels in lust or love with everything about Emily. He feels anger, frustration, arrogance and a ton of other emotions that we can clearly see. He can go off in a snit. He is not the perfect hero but a very real one instead.

As much as I loved watching the relationship between Zaron and Emily grow, what I really enjoyed was the world building. I loved how everything was fresh and new to Emily. I loved her joy at discovering new alien items as well as her anguish over her restrictive environment. The intensity of her emotions reached out to me at every turn.

While Close Liaisons remains my favorite AZ book, The Krinar Captive is an excellent read that has all the elements a good paranormal romance should have.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Zaires does it again! She delivers another great series with the Krinar Chronicles. The Krinar Captive gives us Emily,who is rescued by Zaron when she has a near fatal fall while travelling in Costa Rica. He is one of the first Krinar on earth,preparing the arrival of many more and decides to keep Emily until that day comes. Emily is grateful he saved her life,starts to care about him....But finding out more about him,he frightens her as well....Will he let her go,or will she be his captive forever? You really need to read this series...I loved it!

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had very little substance. It was just a shell to contain all the fucking. Sorry, I'm not usually so crass on GR but it was the hero's favorite word, thought and action. This book is a prequel to The Krinar Chronicles and takes place just before and during the first couple of months of the Alien Invasion. It could of been such a fascinating story if it was fleshed out. It wasn't so it is just another very forgettable smutty book. Boo!

[Tapasya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously I have nothing to complaint about this book.
I Floved it.

Only flaw for me is that Zaron mentions his dead ex and gets sad. It’s just a minor thing as he is now totally obsessed with Emily.

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...


Durante un'escursione solitaria nelle foreste pluviali del Costa Rica, Emily Ross cade casualmente da un pontile, precipitando e schiantandosi tra le rocce sporgenti di un fiume. La situazione è totalmente drastica; Emily resta appesa alla vita con ogni fibra del suo essere, anche quando la morte l'avvolge tra le sue glaciali braccia. Questo spirito vitale, questo desiderio di vivere a tutti i costi spinge Zaron, un alieno, verso il fiume che, rimasto incuriosito dal suo coraggio e dalla sua determinazione, decide di soccorrerla e portarla nella propria dimora, in mezzo alla giungla, salvandola da un destino cruciale e macabro. Zaron è un alieno appartenente alla stirpe dei Krinar, insediato sulla terra per studiarla, osservarla e capire se è possibile colonizzarla con il proprio popolo. Emily Ross è una ragazza forte, dipendente, coraggiosa e determinata, uno spirito che risveglia in Zaron la più seducente curiosità. L'attrazione tra i due è istantanea e persuasiva, una melodia avvolgente, una fiamma ardente, un passo inaspettato. Resistere a questa chimica, per entrambe le parti, risulta estremamente difficile, a tratti impossibile quando Emily è obbligata a restare prigioniera in casa di Zaron, per non rivelare al mondo l'esistenza di quest'ultimo e della sua specie. Durante queste due settimane di prigionia, Zairon tenta qualsiasi modo per inibire i suoi istinti, istinti che una donna umana non riuscirebbe a sopportare. Come può un'umana attrarlo più di una donna della sua specie? E allo scadere delle due settimane, cosa succederà? Il popolo Krinar colonizzerà la terra?

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 sexy stars!

I loved the original Krinar trilogy so I was hoping this prequel would be live up to my expectations. I read this in one sitting and loved every minute of it. I've been in a major reading slump these past few weeks, starting and putting down loads of books. Nothing could hold my interest but The Krinar Captive stole my heart.

Zaron and Emily made a great couple. Their romance was sweet and I was rooting for them all the way, I do love a good happily ever after. The sexy times in this book were hot, very mildy kinky and oh so perfect.

Zaron is completely swoon worthy and the ultimate alpha hero. Definitely book boyfriend material. He personifies the strong, dangerous yet caring hero I love. Emily was really likeable and relatable, she seemed so real and I was along for the ride right alongside her.

Anna Zaires is one of my favourite romance authors and this book is another one to add to my 5 star list. I hope there are more books in the Krinar world, I need more sexy aliens in my life.

**I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but not great either. There was a potential to develop both the characters and the world and yet all fell a bit flat. The sexy times were really good and as a whole the book was entertaining and relaxing.

[Jena]

Beloved dead ex trope.

[Ava]

DNF @50%

I was just super bored while reading this :(

[Vivi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.8 stars!

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I was hoping to.

I was expecting it to be something like:



What I actually got was:



The truth is that there's barely any Plot here; there's Insta-Lust all around the main characters and I felt pretty much Nothing!

The MC's weren't the greatest also... Zoran was so superior and evolved in many ways, yet he still came across as a disrespectful jerk sometimes. And Emily, while idependent and tough, still turned into a bit of a fool in front of Zoran.

There were Lots (maybe too many?!) of Hot scenes in the book, but except for 1 or 2 of them - that were HOT!- it was all more or less the same.

Eventually, the Lust turns into Insta-Love... and we do get a glimpse of the MC's feelings for each other, though I still wanted to feel them a lot more (it would have helped to have 1st person narration on the book, not 3rd person).

Big spoiler!!!! Don't read if you don't wanna be spoiled!

Another thing I did not like was that Zoran had a previous Mate who had passed away 8 years ago (which is barely any time to Krinars; is it like what to him: a week?!) and he already found a new Mate in Emily??!!!. This messed with my liking of the book. For me true Mates are an once-in-a-lifetime ocurrance, no matter what! ... so, no replacements, please!

At some point I did consider dropping the book, because I was bored and not enjoying it much... I kept on reading, though, and I actually liked the ending part more.

Overall, I won't be recommending this book. Still, it really isn't badly written and I do think some people might like it.

[Traceys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zaron has been sent early to earth to do surveys and find best places for Krinar settlements. On one of his walks he comes across a broken woman, and I mean broken she's more or less dead and broke her back BUT thanks to Krinar technology Zaron can save this woman.

Emily awakes in the most comfortable bed she has ever been in, unaware where she is or why she is there. When a stunningly handsome man comes into check on her she is even more confused - this is just the beginning though as she is about to find out his an alien and she is in an intelligent house!

Zaron is drawn to Emily and Emily can't help noticing how gorgeous he is, he cares for her and feeds her, he eventually has to tell her she can't leave, and she's his temporary captive.

This isn't the most exciting book if I'm honest but I did enjoy it, I have read The Krinar series featuring Korum and Mia and fell for these aliens. This book is basically the two of them coming together in all senses of the word! There is some angst near the end but it's generally an easy read.

The sensual/sex in this book is very hot, Emily's alien has a lot of stamina and knows how to satisfy a woman. The sexy scenes certainly warm you up on a cold night!

I love the Krinar world and all its fab technology.

I enjoyed this story and would love to read more about Krinar in the future.

ARC REVIEW

[Charmaine Pauls · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think sizzling hot futuristic romance, I think Anna Zaires. I adored the first three Krinar books and couldn't wait for this latest addition. I love the Costa Rican setting. It is fresh and different. The Krinar technology is a marvel. It is well described and explained without slowing down the pace of the story. Zaron is a super hot, dangerous, possessive, and tenderly caring alpha male who saves his 'angel' from an accident in the rainforest. Their 'accidental' liaison throws them into a torrent of passion that oversteps every physical, emotional and mental boundary. Each one has to navigate new and stormy waters to come to terms with the fast developing emotions. There are just the right amount of adventure, suspense, action, and delicious romance, as well as the kind of pull and gratifying plot I always find in Anna's stories. This book reads as a standalone and can be enjoyed before or after the Krinar Chronicles. I highly recommend all the Krinar stories.

[Buffyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Smokes! I NEED to get my own Krinar! Where do I sign up?!

Anna Zaires does it again! She has a remarkable talent for marrying sexiness and intelligence in her stories and Krinar Captive is just the latest proof.

Here now, are my top five words to capture the mood of this book: AROUSAL, LUST, INNOVATION, WONDER, LONGING. I highly recommend this!

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[LibriMagnetici Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non posso farci niente amici, ma ogni volta che metto mano sui suoi libri per me è sempre un momento magico. Sono una sua lettrice accanita e continuerò a esserlo perché le emozioni che mi dona attraverso la sua penna sono sempre bellissime. La amo nel Dark Romance e mi è piaciuta moltissimo anche in questo genere di romanzo. Vi ricordo infatti che la Zaires è un’autrice bestseller anche di sci-fi romance e di romance contemporaneo erotico. Prima di farvi conoscere i miei pensieri su questa nuova lettura ritengo opportuno preannunciarvi che parliamo di un romanzo standalone fantascientifico, ambientato nel mondo delle Cronache dei Krinar e vi comunico già da adesso che la Trilogia principale con protagonisti Mia e Korum arriverà in Italia quest’anno e ovviamente io non vedo l’ora di averli tra le mie mani.
Una delle caratteristiche che ho sempre amato di Anna è che tutti i suoi personaggi sono sempre dannatamente sexy, pericolosi e descritti in maniera impeccabile come la storia che li avvolge e, nonostante la narrazione di questo romanzo sia fatta in terza persona, vi posso assicurare che tutto quello che deve arrivare a chi legge arriva e in maniera perfetta. Se dovessi descrivervi l’atmosfera che circonda questa lettura vi direi che novità, stupefazione, lussuria, desiderio e provocazione ne costruiscono la base. Unite tutto questo al suo stile impeccabile e vi sarà donato il giusto stato emotivo che solo la Zaires riesce a dare. È ovviamente un genere completamente diverso da quello a cui sono abituata, ma non mi è dispiaciuto affatto perché con Emily e Zaron è stato tutto così bollente, sensuale e intenso da far venire i brividi.
Ci troviamo nella foresta pluviale della Costa Rica, dove Emily Ross passa la sua prima vacanza dopo un turbinio di problemi lavorativi e dopo una relazione durata quattro anni completamente sgretolata. Durante un’escursione cade da un ponte vecchio e mal ridotto, precipitando verso morte sicura. La sua vita è appesa a un filo a causa delle ferite mortali riportate, ma l’intervento di un uomo troppo bello per essere reale la salva da un destino che sembrava segnato.
Zaron è un alieno che appartiene alla stirpe dei Krinar, un biologo che si è insediato sulla Terra molto tempo fa per studiare e supervisionare gli insediamenti sicuri di un’imminente colonizzazione da parte del suo popolo. È bellissimo, maledettamente sexy, forte e veloce più degli umani, con delle caratteristiche intense e particolari che scoprirete leggendo.
Non appena Zaron posa gli occhi sulla bella Emily l’attrazione che sente è così immediata ed intensa che rischia di mandare fuori controllo le proprie azioni. Inoltre la continua curiosità che Emily rilascia nei confronti della straordinaria tecnologia che la circonda, non gli rende le cose facili.


La scoperta della vera identità di Zaron e i progetti a cui sta lavorando disorientano e spaventano Emily e costringerà il bellissimo alieno a tenerla prigioniera per due settimane. È vincolato dal mandato di non divulgazione decretato dai suoi Anziani che gli vietano di fare qualunque cosa che esponga la sua specie agli umani prima dell’arrivo delle astronavi. Inoltre non vuole lasciare andare Emily prima di averla... assaggiata, prima di aver soddisfatto il desiderio che brucia dentro di lui, vuole tenerla vicino e possederla.


Insomma amici, l’attrazione tra i due protagonisti diventerà veramente una bomba esplosiva di lussuria e passione.
La gelosia e la voglia di possessione di Zaron nei confronti di Emily innescano anche un sentimento molto più profondo e intenso nei confronti della ragazza e, dal canto suo, la giovane donna, dopo la cautela nei riguardi dell’alieno, inizia ad avere paura.
Ha paura di innamorarsi di un uomo con cui non avrebbe mai avuto futuro. L’attrazione che prova nei confronti di Zaron è molto più che sessuale. Tutto in lui la intriga e non è solamente il fatto che provenga da un altro mondo e possa raccontarle cose che nessuno sapeva, è molto di più. Nei quindici giorni di reclusione le cose cambieranno: verranno scoperti segreti importanti e vedrete crescere e cambiare questo sentimento prorompente quando rischieranno di allontanarsi in maniera conclusiva. Leggete e capirete di cosa parlo.
Prima di lasciarvi e augurarvi come sempre una buona lettura, posso solamente aggiungere che Anna Zaires è riuscita a scagliarmi in un mondo fantascientifico veramente conturbante e delizioso su ogni aspetto. Quando dico che è impossibile dimenticare i suoi protagonisti è la verità. Il modo che ha e la facilità con cui rende le sue letture piacevoli e intriganti è veramente speciale. Per non parlare del fatto che attraverso i suoi protagonisti è impossibile non eccitarsi!
Il suo modo di scrivere è sempre magistrale, maturo, conciso e diretto, mantiene l’attenzione durante tutta la lettura e la narrazione anche se meno sostenuta e incalzante rispetto a un Dark ovviamente, è sempre coinvolgente. Insomma, ogni suo libro è sempre una conquista. Aspetto con il batticuore la trilogy madre della serie Krinar e spero che questi magnifici e sexy alieni catturino anche la vostra attenzione.
Ringrazio sempre questa grande autrice per le meravigliose emozioni che mi regala e auguro a tutti voi una buona lettura
Alla prossima.
Antonella

[Kate V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love Anna Zaires. I hate the dead ex trope. So this was good but I just didn't connect to it. But that's on me.

[Julia The Book Elf · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read plenty of dark romances, and none of those bothered me. This book does.

In dark romances we are all on the same page, it’s shocking, thrilling, for entertainment and not even remotely ok or wanted in real life.

In this book the mc is held captive. This is an understanding the author and reader have. I’ve been warned, it’s just part of the book. I signed up for that.

Then the author goes on to promise a romance. Ok I’ll suspend belief and normal morals for the entertainment of the book. Sure, she’ll fall for her captor.

I expect there to be “red flags” and problematic behavior/situations, duh he’s holding her captive.

But even in dark romance books, we all agree it’s not true or real romance. It’s morbid and disturbed attachments and emotions with a fire and passion that looks like romance.

So tell me why this book is peddling me a romance book in guise of a dark one? That’s what disturbs me.

When the male lead drugs and r*pes the mc, it’s considered hot, smut. (Of course I’m not sugar coating here. In the book the male lead and author don’t see his actions as r*pe, it’s not even considered)
When he doesn’t even think he’s doing anything wrong, we he decides for her that she doesn’t need to know he’s drugging her because it made them feel even better.
When she protest and says no, but he keeps kissing her until she caves, it’s hot, he’s a true alpha male, huh.

When he acknowledges that it’s hurting her to keep her with him, but decides he’s too selfish to let her go because he doesn’t want to give up r*aping her. They have a “connection” he wants to benefit from, even if she would rather leave. That not cute, it doesn’t make me giddy or happy.

It’s not romance anymore. No that’s in the horror genre.

It’s just like twilight. You tell teen girls it’s romantic for men to come in your bedroom at night while you sleep without asking, and they’ll believe you. They’ll want that.

When you label this crap as romance you tell men and women this is how to treat women. That this is how woman deserve to be treated. You perpetuate the abuse of women. Shame on you.

[Jeana Cheque · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this one because of my obsession with Stockholm syndrome. It was ok, I probably would have liked it better if I'd read it myself. The narrator had a pleasant voice, but he was def not a voice actor, more like a sportscaster. When he spoke in the character voices it was fine, but when he spoke as the invisible narrator, he read it like a news report. Later, he randomly switches back and forth between indifferent narrator and voice acting like a porn star who's really bad at faking it. It made me laugh out loud in a few spots, so props for that.

MMC finds her almost dead after she falls off a bridge while vacationing in Costa Rica. He grabs her and takes her to his home. He uses alien tech to completely heal her of her mortal wounds, which takes 2 days. His people, the Krinar, are about to come out to humans. They started the human race thousands of years ago by leaving genetic material to develop. They are vampire-like, in that they used to need a blood source and they have nanocyte tech that heals their dna and makes them biologically immortal. They have changed their dna and no longer need blood. 50,000 of them are going to settle in 10 different places around the globe. He has to keep her with him until the big reveal so she doesn't blab. They get it on and he becomes obsessed, but ultimately keeps his promise and lets her go the day of the announcement. He has to save her from being interrogated by Homeland Security and they get their HEA. She is given the nanocytes that will give her the same lifespan as him. This was a standalone, but left out so much. Seemed like underdeveloped erotica.