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He craves freedom, and she holds the key.
Xeda was once a lethal warrior of the Blood Guard. Now he is a prisoner. A captive to a world without alliances, where the powerful elite seeks to twist him into a deadly fighter for their sinister games.
Refusing to be tamed, Xeda instills terror in the hearts of all those around him. All…except one. A human female who watches him through the bars of his cell, with eyes that see beyond his scars and his vicious exterior.
Ophilia is desperate for her own kind of freedom. She believes she can save them both if he trusts her.
He shouldn’t trust her or allow her to get close, but he does. Through her sacrifice and her unexpected tenderness, he lets her in. He lets her break past the barrier that is his hate, revealing the humanity he thought long lost, igniting a heat in him that defies reason, an impossible fire in his blood that calls to this small but brave female.
As the games he’s forced to play draw them closer, their bond defies all odds. But with victory comes the looming threat of destruction, forcing Xeda to confront not just the enemies that surround him, but also the darkness that threatens to consume him.
Can Xeda become what Ophilia truly sees in him? Not a monster, but a male worthy of redemption?
Xeda is the fourth book in the Vrisha Warriors Series and the final installment of the Blood Guard Saga. For a better understanding of this universe and its characters, it is best to read books 1 - 3 in this
Xora
Axrel
Vrexus (especially to know more about our main male lead Xeda!)
Xeda is a complete novel in the series and contains gritty, mature themes such as violence, detailed intimate scenes, and language and is for mature readers only.
Xeda was once a lethal warrior of the Blood Guard. Now he is a prisoner. A captive to a world without alliances, where the powerful elite seeks to twist him into a deadly fighter for their sinister games.
Refusing to be tamed, Xeda instills terror in the hearts of all those around him. All…except one. A human female who watches him through the bars of his cell, with eyes that see beyond his scars and his vicious exterior.
Ophilia is desperate for her own kind of freedom. She believes she can save them both if he trusts her.
He shouldn’t trust her or allow her to get close, but he does. Through her sacrifice and her unexpected tenderness, he lets her in. He lets her break past the barrier that is his hate, revealing the humanity he thought long lost, igniting a heat in him that defies reason, an impossible fire in his blood that calls to this small but brave female.
As the games he’s forced to play draw them closer, their bond defies all odds. But with victory comes the looming threat of destruction, forcing Xeda to confront not just the enemies that surround him, but also the darkness that threatens to consume him.
Can Xeda become what Ophilia truly sees in him? Not a monster, but a male worthy of redemption?
Xeda is the fourth book in the Vrisha Warriors Series and the final installment of the Blood Guard Saga. For a better understanding of this universe and its characters, it is best to read books 1 - 3 in this
Xora
Axrel
Vrexus (especially to know more about our main male lead Xeda!)
Xeda is a complete novel in the series and contains gritty, mature themes such as violence, detailed intimate scenes, and language and is for mature readers only.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2023
73 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Riley
12 books541 followersOlivia loves the dark possibilities of space; of ferocious aliens and brave heroines. She writes sci-fi, horror, and fantasy.
Join her Newsletter:
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Find more from her on social media:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 22, 2023
I wish the series weren't over!
I've had a lot of fun in Olivia Riley's Vrisha world. All of these demons have a place in my heart 🖤
I've had a lot of fun in Olivia Riley's Vrisha world. All of these demons have a place in my heart 🖤
August 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this and this series just keeps on improving though I rated this and the previous book the same this did for me have the edge. I also loved how we get Xeda’s redemption and he was certainly put through the wringer here that’s for sure his inner growth from the bitter bigoted alien he was, a slow gradual thing that did feel believable and the Xeda of now is so completely unrecognisable from what he once was.
So after the events of the previous book Xeda manages to escape but being a former blood guard to the mad queen has painted a target on his back and he is now hunted for his many crimes. When he is captured by unknown assailants he finds himself on Kingsway a lawless planet completely outside of the alliance's jurisdiction. Xeda is house Salimar’s newest acquisition purchased as a potential champion in the upcoming games if that is they can get him to behave and actually cooperate and hating all humans Xeda has no intentions of complying.
Ophelia works for house Salimar taking care of their animals she was indentured to the family after her own was assassinated but leaving behind debts that she has inherited. Despite the lack of bars, she’s as trapped as Xeda which is why she jumps at the chance to improve both of their situations by striking a bargain and becoming Xeda’s trainer and if they manage to win the games they also gain their freedom. This was bloody and brutal the Kingsway world is cutthroat and dangerous. Despite their many differences Xeda and Ophelia will have to work as a unit if they ever hope to triumph and come out on top.
As usual, this was well written its slow burn enemies to lovers and it was done well the eventual bond that flourished between these two felt authentic and believable and I loved these two a lot.
I definitely recommend reading this series it’s imaginative and fast-paced with some great world-building and it easily managed to keep my attention. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Xeda.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 30, 2024
Awwwwwww I’m so sad this series is over!
I loved this one just as much as the others. It’s fun and adventurous.
This one we get to see the mind and mentality of one of the blood brothers of the crazy queen .
Xeda hates humans and has been captured after he failed his queen and she died.
Now it’s a human who will help him escape captivity earn his freedom but can he let go of his prejudices?
This one was like alien gladiators. It’s was fun. I wish the heat Xeda went into didn’t play a factor in him giving into his feelings. I wanted him to choose her. And though he definitely did choose her it would have been more impactful had he not had the “heat”.
Also their first time wasn’t all that great. I’m not of fan of being taken from behind on the first time being intimate cause it’s so impersonal. Plus there wasn’t any foreplay until later.
💯But we do eventually get that intimacy and connection so I was happy in the end. Also he does fight for her and is head over heels in love.
Overall I really enjoyed this series.
🎧audio is great!
‼️Safe
No OP…..- there is a scene where she finds out he is in heat and in order for him to release and focus on the games she sees him up w a room of females. She is devastated to do it but she doesn’t know he only wants her. She thinks he still hates humans. He of course DOES NOT WANT OW. So he hunts her down and lets her know who he really wants.
-No talks of their past
-And I’m not sure they make alien concerns 🤭 so obvi that’s not discussed.
❤️HEA married and building a life together ❤️
I loved this one just as much as the others. It’s fun and adventurous.
This one we get to see the mind and mentality of one of the blood brothers of the crazy queen .
Xeda hates humans and has been captured after he failed his queen and she died.
Now it’s a human who will help him escape captivity earn his freedom but can he let go of his prejudices?
This one was like alien gladiators. It’s was fun. I wish the heat Xeda went into didn’t play a factor in him giving into his feelings. I wanted him to choose her. And though he definitely did choose her it would have been more impactful had he not had the “heat”.
Also their first time wasn’t all that great. I’m not of fan of being taken from behind on the first time being intimate cause it’s so impersonal. Plus there wasn’t any foreplay until later.
💯But we do eventually get that intimacy and connection so I was happy in the end. Also he does fight for her and is head over heels in love.
Overall I really enjoyed this series.
🎧audio is great!
‼️Safe
No OP…..- there is a scene where she finds out he is in heat and in order for him to release and focus on the games she sees him up w a room of females. She is devastated to do it but she doesn’t know he only wants her. She thinks he still hates humans. He of course DOES NOT WANT OW. So he hunts her down and lets her know who he really wants.
-No talks of their past
-And I’m not sure they make alien concerns 🤭 so obvi that’s not discussed.
❤️HEA married and building a life together ❤️
September 30, 2024
4.25✨ (rounded to 4 for GR)
2🌶️
Calling all alien romance lovers, and romance readers curious about other rom subgenres: this is a series you NEED on your tbr list!
Xeda is the fourth and final book of Vrisha Warriors a science fiction romance series by Olivia Riley that features human FMCs and alien MMCs meeting under varying and unique circumstances and slowly falling in love, despite all differences and preconceived notions.
In general, this series is a really great and remarkable contribution to alien romance literature. It's well-written, well-but-not-overly plotted, and crafts mostly engaging romances. The worldbuilding is just enough to provide an intriguing setting, but the real focus is on the romance and relationship between the MCs, the human FMC and alien MMC.
Xeda in particular was a favorite on mine amongst the series. The story was interesting, and the circumstances of each MC and how it would push them together was believable, as much as a sci-fi alien rom can be. This book also uses an interesting mix of tropes, bringing together aliens and gladiators on a brutal alien battle planet.
Ophilia, the FMC, 'works' on that alien battle planet, caring for and cleaning up after the fighters from the House she is indebted to. Her days are long and monotonous, and she longs for escape, for a chance to live her life freely. Ophilia senses an opportunity brewing when a new warrior, a mighty vrisha male alien, is taken hostage on the planet and forced to fight in her House's name. Xeda, the vrisha, refuses to be cowed by the puny humans, until he meets Ophilia and a level of trust forms between the pair, a shaky trust born from wanting the same goal: escape. And ultimately, perhaps, revenge.
Ophilia and Xeda couldn't be more different, their species enemies, and they each hold internal biases about the other. These judgements, particularly for Xeda, make him increasingly aggressive and unpredictable, but Ophilia is soft-hearted with a spine of steel; she knows this is likely her only chance, and she'll do anything, even take responsibility for the vrisha as his trainer, to take it. Xeda soon learns that Ophilia may be different amongst the humans... something more meaningful. At first she's a tool for escape, one he's willing to risk. But as the stakes are raised and the danger builds, Xeda begins to question what's important to him: forever wallowing in the past, or embracing something new for the future.
I loved Ophilia and Xeda's romance. It was more on the slow burn side, in both lust and love. It happened in moments, in actions, slowly over the course of the book. And they bought fought it, neither believing the other could feel the same way, until everything comes to head and both have to lay their feelings out in the open. Ophilia and Xeda both had to make sacrifices, and compromises, and it wasn't an easy road, but by the end, everything felt worth it.
I can't say how sad I am that this series is over. Olivia Riley, we need mooooooooooooore!
2🌶️
Calling all alien romance lovers, and romance readers curious about other rom subgenres: this is a series you NEED on your tbr list!
Xeda is the fourth and final book of Vrisha Warriors a science fiction romance series by Olivia Riley that features human FMCs and alien MMCs meeting under varying and unique circumstances and slowly falling in love, despite all differences and preconceived notions.
In general, this series is a really great and remarkable contribution to alien romance literature. It's well-written, well-but-not-overly plotted, and crafts mostly engaging romances. The worldbuilding is just enough to provide an intriguing setting, but the real focus is on the romance and relationship between the MCs, the human FMC and alien MMC.
Xeda in particular was a favorite on mine amongst the series. The story was interesting, and the circumstances of each MC and how it would push them together was believable, as much as a sci-fi alien rom can be. This book also uses an interesting mix of tropes, bringing together aliens and gladiators on a brutal alien battle planet.
Ophilia, the FMC, 'works' on that alien battle planet, caring for and cleaning up after the fighters from the House she is indebted to. Her days are long and monotonous, and she longs for escape, for a chance to live her life freely. Ophilia senses an opportunity brewing when a new warrior, a mighty vrisha male alien, is taken hostage on the planet and forced to fight in her House's name. Xeda, the vrisha, refuses to be cowed by the puny humans, until he meets Ophilia and a level of trust forms between the pair, a shaky trust born from wanting the same goal: escape. And ultimately, perhaps, revenge.
Ophilia and Xeda couldn't be more different, their species enemies, and they each hold internal biases about the other. These judgements, particularly for Xeda, make him increasingly aggressive and unpredictable, but Ophilia is soft-hearted with a spine of steel; she knows this is likely her only chance, and she'll do anything, even take responsibility for the vrisha as his trainer, to take it. Xeda soon learns that Ophilia may be different amongst the humans... something more meaningful. At first she's a tool for escape, one he's willing to risk. But as the stakes are raised and the danger builds, Xeda begins to question what's important to him: forever wallowing in the past, or embracing something new for the future.
I loved Ophilia and Xeda's romance. It was more on the slow burn side, in both lust and love. It happened in moments, in actions, slowly over the course of the book. And they bought fought it, neither believing the other could feel the same way, until everything comes to head and both have to lay their feelings out in the open. Ophilia and Xeda both had to make sacrifices, and compromises, and it wasn't an easy road, but by the end, everything felt worth it.
I can't say how sad I am that this series is over. Olivia Riley, we need mooooooooooooore!
August 13, 2023
Coliseum death match fights? In space??? Yes hi I'm here 👋
This is book 4 of Olivia Riley's Vrisha series. Like any romance series in the history of mankind, you don't actually need to read the other books if you want to dive into this one. There's no Dune-level lore going on in these books, but it's not full of ditzy space bimbos (or himbos) either. All you need to know is: it's the future, there's space travel, there's angry aliens and chill aliens.
Premise: Xeda is an angry rebel dealing with the fallout of his life decisions. In the latest string of his bad luck, he gets captured and sent to fight gladiator matches on a godforsaken planet. He meets Ophilia, an indentured servant, and they agree to make a deal of sorts in order to improve their situation.
Romance: Medium burn. I'm a huge fan of medium/slow burn romances, and Riley never fails to scratch that itch. My minor complaint is it feels like instant-attraction between them (even though they don't act on it until much later) and I wish there was a lil more tension/mystery/intrigue. It's very likely that I will be the outlier with this opinion, which is why I marked it as a minor thing.
Xeda's story is action-packed fun, and now I'm sad I ran out of new Riley books to read. I love these coffee-scented lizard boys so much
This is book 4 of Olivia Riley's Vrisha series. Like any romance series in the history of mankind, you don't actually need to read the other books if you want to dive into this one. There's no Dune-level lore going on in these books, but it's not full of ditzy space bimbos (or himbos) either. All you need to know is: it's the future, there's space travel, there's angry aliens and chill aliens.
Premise: Xeda is an angry rebel dealing with the fallout of his life decisions. In the latest string of his bad luck, he gets captured and sent to fight gladiator matches on a godforsaken planet. He meets Ophilia, an indentured servant, and they agree to make a deal of sorts in order to improve their situation.
Romance: Medium burn. I'm a huge fan of medium/slow burn romances, and Riley never fails to scratch that itch. My minor complaint is it feels like instant-attraction between them (even though they don't act on it until much later) and I wish there was a lil more tension/mystery/intrigue. It's very likely that I will be the outlier with this opinion, which is why I marked it as a minor thing.
Xeda's story is action-packed fun, and now I'm sad I ran out of new Riley books to read. I love these coffee-scented lizard boys so much
July 20, 2025
»If they so much as touch you, they will wish they were dead.«
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑶𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She is a tough woman who truly cares for Xeda and the other gladiators.
❥ 𝑿𝒆𝒅𝒂 ⋆✮
He is hateful, dangerous and a born fighter.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This book was enjoyable and kept me entertained. I liked the gladiator arena setting and the bloody fights. Like I said in many reviews before I love how creative the author get‘s by describing the world. It is a darker setting with a lot of brutality.
Ophilia and Xeda are good for each other. She is kind and caring while he is a big asshole (to be honest). When he realises that Ophilia truly wants to help him he opens up towards her and their love story begins. Sadly I got the impression he only was with her because of his heat… I know he cares about her but the intimate scenes felt rather forced and quick because of his heat.
Overall this was a well written and entertaining book with darker elements and a captivating storyline.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, alien romance, science fiction, slow burn, touch her and die, secrets and lies, alien that looks alien, forced proximity, prisoner/fighter x enslaved woman, gladiator fights, wound tending
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Xora ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Axrel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Vrexus ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Xeda ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Kryxis ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑶𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She is a tough woman who truly cares for Xeda and the other gladiators.
❥ 𝑿𝒆𝒅𝒂 ⋆✮
He is hateful, dangerous and a born fighter.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This book was enjoyable and kept me entertained. I liked the gladiator arena setting and the bloody fights. Like I said in many reviews before I love how creative the author get‘s by describing the world. It is a darker setting with a lot of brutality.
Ophilia and Xeda are good for each other. She is kind and caring while he is a big asshole (to be honest). When he realises that Ophilia truly wants to help him he opens up towards her and their love story begins. Sadly I got the impression he only was with her because of his heat… I know he cares about her but the intimate scenes felt rather forced and quick because of his heat.
Overall this was a well written and entertaining book with darker elements and a captivating storyline.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, alien romance, science fiction, slow burn, touch her and die, secrets and lies, alien that looks alien, forced proximity, prisoner/fighter x enslaved woman, gladiator fights, wound tending
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Xora ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Axrel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Vrexus ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Xeda ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Kryxis ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 10, 2023
4.5
I always enjoy Olivia Riley’s books, and this was no exception. Xeda and Ophilia were a well matched couple in terms of background and outlook on life. They both had impulsive tendencies as well. I rather liked that Xeda wasn’t the most powerful of Vrisha so the struggle in the story was risky AF.
I am a bit sad that we didn’t get as much backstory on Xeda, but there was still enough to make the book make sense.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: captivity, torture, gore, grief, mental health issues
I always enjoy Olivia Riley’s books, and this was no exception. Xeda and Ophilia were a well matched couple in terms of background and outlook on life. They both had impulsive tendencies as well. I rather liked that Xeda wasn’t the most powerful of Vrisha so the struggle in the story was risky AF.
I am a bit sad that we didn’t get as much backstory on Xeda, but there was still enough to make the book make sense.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: captivity, torture, gore, grief, mental health issues
August 8, 2023
Soooo good. Xeda is a tortured hero. You think you might be getting a straight forward hero saves girl story...Nope! Ophilia is an excellent counterpart and takes an active role without being a supergirl, refreshing.The Vrisha series have been such a nice surprise and fun to follow. The aliens are alien enough to be intriguing and the spice is a hot simmer in this story. You could start your Vrisha adventure here, but I do recommend reading the other books first. There are a few mentions of characters from previous stories. Ms. Riley has a writing style that is descriptive without being boring. I shelved her books to read again, they are that good. I look forward to what she comes up with next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I was absolutely going to read Xeda's story anyway.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I was absolutely going to read Xeda's story anyway.
August 12, 2023
5 Fabulous 🌟's for Xeda💖🔥🌟
I have not been disappointed once since I picked up the first Olivia Riley book Heart's Prisoner a few years ago and I'd like to report that her streak is still going! I didn't believe that she could redeem Xeda from the previous book I wanted to throttle him numerous times and was so happy he was defeated at Tue end of Vrexus . but I should have trusted her I really should have because if anyone can redeem a character that seems so beyond redemption its Ms. Riley. This book is worth five stars and more and is not for the faint of heart. If you don't like fight scenes and a bit of torture in your stories than this might not be for you, but if you've read all the books thus far you know how well O.R writes intense action scenes for her dark and dangerous warriors especially the Vrisha! In this book we find that Xeda barely escaped with his life and has been on the run for a bit. He's broken and hurt and is captured in the lawless sector. He's sold on K2 which is a planet run by crime lords and its biggest draw are gladiator type games where most don't survive. Here he meets a human woman that becomes his salvation. Ophilia was born on K2 and knows first hands its evils. She and her family suffered greatly in the past and because of that suffering she is paying off her debt as an indentured servant (more like slave). When the Vrisha comes into her life she can't help but be scared and impressed by his sheer size and strength and his willingness to suffer pain and fight back. No matter how Xeda treats her at first she just can't stand to see him chained. She devises a plan to get them both out and with Xeda's reluctant agreement they make a deal. As we know nothing ever runs smoothly and the challenges, pain and sacrifices that have to be made in order to attain freedom are great. So great it will challenge everything Xeda believes. This his one of the best stories of redemption I have read in years I went from hating Xeda to rooting for him to absolutely believing he not only deserved second chance but deserved to find love and a mate who would love him scars and all. I don't want to say anything else but if you love O.R's other books you will love this one! I highly recommend this book and I sincerely hope its not the last of the Vrisha or the Dark World mates that we see! My o KY complaint is that I don't have another Olivia Riley book to read right now and have to wait for more! 🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟🔥💖💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟🔥💖
I have not been disappointed once since I picked up the first Olivia Riley book Heart's Prisoner a few years ago and I'd like to report that her streak is still going! I didn't believe that she could redeem Xeda from the previous book I wanted to throttle him numerous times and was so happy he was defeated at Tue end of Vrexus . but I should have trusted her I really should have because if anyone can redeem a character that seems so beyond redemption its Ms. Riley. This book is worth five stars and more and is not for the faint of heart. If you don't like fight scenes and a bit of torture in your stories than this might not be for you, but if you've read all the books thus far you know how well O.R writes intense action scenes for her dark and dangerous warriors especially the Vrisha! In this book we find that Xeda barely escaped with his life and has been on the run for a bit. He's broken and hurt and is captured in the lawless sector. He's sold on K2 which is a planet run by crime lords and its biggest draw are gladiator type games where most don't survive. Here he meets a human woman that becomes his salvation. Ophilia was born on K2 and knows first hands its evils. She and her family suffered greatly in the past and because of that suffering she is paying off her debt as an indentured servant (more like slave). When the Vrisha comes into her life she can't help but be scared and impressed by his sheer size and strength and his willingness to suffer pain and fight back. No matter how Xeda treats her at first she just can't stand to see him chained. She devises a plan to get them both out and with Xeda's reluctant agreement they make a deal. As we know nothing ever runs smoothly and the challenges, pain and sacrifices that have to be made in order to attain freedom are great. So great it will challenge everything Xeda believes. This his one of the best stories of redemption I have read in years I went from hating Xeda to rooting for him to absolutely believing he not only deserved second chance but deserved to find love and a mate who would love him scars and all. I don't want to say anything else but if you love O.R's other books you will love this one! I highly recommend this book and I sincerely hope its not the last of the Vrisha or the Dark World mates that we see! My o KY complaint is that I don't have another Olivia Riley book to read right now and have to wait for more! 🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟🔥💖💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟🔥💖
July 23, 2024
Tropes:
~enemies to lovers
~auctioned/sold
~slow burn
~forced proximity
~survive the competition
~size difference
I enjoyed this one! Olivia Riley is an auto-read author for me, especially with her inhuman alien heroes, true enemies to lovers trope, and slow burn romances. In this one, Xeda finds himself taken prisoner and thrown in a cell with the intention of “breaking him” and forcing him to fight in gladiatorial-esque games for money.
At first he refuses to submit, but then our heroine, Ophilia, who is also there unwillingly as a worker, starts trying to break through his haze of anger. She explains to him that if he wins the game competition and is the last fighter left standing, he’ll earn his freedom. They decide to team up with her as his trainer, in hopes that by him winning she’ll be able to take some of the prize money to pay off the debts that have kept her from her own freedom.
I always appreciate that Riley’s Vrisha heroes start off hating humans, and the heroines are (understandably) terrified of them. It makes for a true enemies to lovers and slow burn situation. Where this lost a star for me was that even though the beginning was fantastic, the book slightly dragged in some of the scenes leading up to the actual fighting competition, but once the fighting began the plot got back on track and had me hooked again. I’m sad that this seems to be the last book in the Vrisha series, but I’m also excited to see where the author goes next!
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
”This ultraviolet morning light below
Tells me this love is worth the fight, oh”
~enemies to lovers
~auctioned/sold
~slow burn
~forced proximity
~survive the competition
~size difference
I enjoyed this one! Olivia Riley is an auto-read author for me, especially with her inhuman alien heroes, true enemies to lovers trope, and slow burn romances. In this one, Xeda finds himself taken prisoner and thrown in a cell with the intention of “breaking him” and forcing him to fight in gladiatorial-esque games for money.
At first he refuses to submit, but then our heroine, Ophilia, who is also there unwillingly as a worker, starts trying to break through his haze of anger. She explains to him that if he wins the game competition and is the last fighter left standing, he’ll earn his freedom. They decide to team up with her as his trainer, in hopes that by him winning she’ll be able to take some of the prize money to pay off the debts that have kept her from her own freedom.
I always appreciate that Riley’s Vrisha heroes start off hating humans, and the heroines are (understandably) terrified of them. It makes for a true enemies to lovers and slow burn situation. Where this lost a star for me was that even though the beginning was fantastic, the book slightly dragged in some of the scenes leading up to the actual fighting competition, but once the fighting began the plot got back on track and had me hooked again. I’m sad that this seems to be the last book in the Vrisha series, but I’m also excited to see where the author goes next!
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
”This ultraviolet morning light below
Tells me this love is worth the fight, oh”
September 7, 2023
Even bad guys from past books get their happy ending…I could NOT STOP reading this book! The end of the Blood Guard series and once again I am so impressed with how well Olivia Riley effortlessly blends slow burn romance with amazing action and suspense. She often offers more male POV chapters than a lot of sci fi romance authors and the voices of the characters are distinct and help you learn so much about the characters while still maintaining an amazing amount of suspense. I was kept guessing until the end how things would go but having read every single thing I can get my hands on that Olivia writes, I knew I was in for a satisfying conclusion.
One thing I noticed that the author does extremely well is writing the moment where the male realizes he falls in love from his perspective. There is always the inner turmoil and resistance and usually a subtle hint of spirituality and finally his surrender, the moment that the whole trajectory of the books change. It is so deep and wonderful to read. I love the Vrisha and I love these books. I hope we will see more of them in the future, but even if we don’t, I am so grateful for being introduced to this author’s imagination and excellent writing talents that I’ve discovered through the two Vrisha series!
Spoiler below….stop reading now if you haven’t read the book….
So unexpected that out of all the Vrisha, Xeda is the one who ends up being a dad! I love that they rescue the two Vrisha girls from slavery, so heartwarming! 💜😍
One thing I noticed that the author does extremely well is writing the moment where the male realizes he falls in love from his perspective. There is always the inner turmoil and resistance and usually a subtle hint of spirituality and finally his surrender, the moment that the whole trajectory of the books change. It is so deep and wonderful to read. I love the Vrisha and I love these books. I hope we will see more of them in the future, but even if we don’t, I am so grateful for being introduced to this author’s imagination and excellent writing talents that I’ve discovered through the two Vrisha series!
Spoiler below….stop reading now if you haven’t read the book….
So unexpected that out of all the Vrisha, Xeda is the one who ends up being a dad! I love that they rescue the two Vrisha girls from slavery, so heartwarming! 💜😍
February 6, 2024
"Be good, Xeda," she purred at him. Her blue-gray eyes cut into him like a blade.
He didn't want to be good. He wanted to be wicked.
…
Xeda is the fourth installment in the Vrisha Warriors series! This book is definitely my favorite! It’s gritty, violent, and survival is key for this book. It gives off major Hunger Games vibes, except it’s aliens fighting and a love blooms between the trainer/trainee. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I was obsessed with Olivia’s Dark World Mates series and she spoiled us with a spinoff with just the Blood Guard Vrishas. To recap, these Vrisha were part of the Blood Guard who served the mad queen, aka the bad guys in the main series. Now that their little uprising has been beaten, these Vrisha find themselves struggling to find a purpose.
Xeda’s story picks up after Vrexus. Xeda knew Vrexus and he’s the reason he’s basically been captured. Xeda ends up a prisoner on a human compound and he’s being trained to fight in a hunger games type event. The only person who shows him any type of kindness is Ophilia. She’s another slave to the compound and has no business being near him.
She ends up becoming his trainer and they make a plan to win the games so they can get free. Their working relationship turns into something more along the way, with Xeda not even realizing how much he wants her. She’s a human, her kind disgust him, but why does he want her so much?
Both of these characters want nothing more than their freedom. They’re willing to die trying at this point. They have to overcome so many obstacles together and it only makes them a stronger team. I LOVED their development together not only as teammates, but lovers. They fight for the life they want (and deserve) and don’t care who has to go down in the process.
The games themselves were fantastic! I loved seeing all the different people and aliens. The way their society is built is so messed up, and the uprising that starts during the games had me on the edge of my seat. There’s so much at stake for not only our duo, but the other aliens being held as fighters. The ending was AMAZING! It’s a perfect wrap up for this series.
He didn't want to be good. He wanted to be wicked.
…
Xeda is the fourth installment in the Vrisha Warriors series! This book is definitely my favorite! It’s gritty, violent, and survival is key for this book. It gives off major Hunger Games vibes, except it’s aliens fighting and a love blooms between the trainer/trainee. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I was obsessed with Olivia’s Dark World Mates series and she spoiled us with a spinoff with just the Blood Guard Vrishas. To recap, these Vrisha were part of the Blood Guard who served the mad queen, aka the bad guys in the main series. Now that their little uprising has been beaten, these Vrisha find themselves struggling to find a purpose.
Xeda’s story picks up after Vrexus. Xeda knew Vrexus and he’s the reason he’s basically been captured. Xeda ends up a prisoner on a human compound and he’s being trained to fight in a hunger games type event. The only person who shows him any type of kindness is Ophilia. She’s another slave to the compound and has no business being near him.
She ends up becoming his trainer and they make a plan to win the games so they can get free. Their working relationship turns into something more along the way, with Xeda not even realizing how much he wants her. She’s a human, her kind disgust him, but why does he want her so much?
Both of these characters want nothing more than their freedom. They’re willing to die trying at this point. They have to overcome so many obstacles together and it only makes them a stronger team. I LOVED their development together not only as teammates, but lovers. They fight for the life they want (and deserve) and don’t care who has to go down in the process.
The games themselves were fantastic! I loved seeing all the different people and aliens. The way their society is built is so messed up, and the uprising that starts during the games had me on the edge of my seat. There’s so much at stake for not only our duo, but the other aliens being held as fighters. The ending was AMAZING! It’s a perfect wrap up for this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
4.5 stars
Definitely the best book in the series. The romance was cute and I think that Ophelia's and Xeda's ending was the most satisfying. They shared "I love You"s unlike the other couples and the epilogue was cute and definitely felt like a well deserved ending for them. Maybe because it's the last book in the Blood Guard Saga, although the books were only loosely connected by a very surface-level backstory.
Overall, the storylines were similar just in a different setting but I really liked the Gladiator alien fighting setting.
Definitely the best book in the series. The romance was cute and I think that Ophelia's and Xeda's ending was the most satisfying. They shared "I love You"s unlike the other couples and the epilogue was cute and definitely felt like a well deserved ending for them. Maybe because it's the last book in the Blood Guard Saga, although the books were only loosely connected by a very surface-level backstory.
Overall, the storylines were similar just in a different setting but I really liked the Gladiator alien fighting setting.
August 8, 2023
Another fantastic book in the series! This time we see Xeda redeem himself from his actions with the Blood Guard and learn that not all humans are bad. This book is just as exciting as the previous books in the series but it differs in that it focuses around Xeda and Ophilia's survival of a bloody gladiator tournament.
July 14, 2024
Xeda was once an elite warrior for the Mad Queen but now is imprisoned and forced to fight in gladiatorial games. Ophilia makes a deal with her boss to train Xeda. This could buy freedom for both of them but only if they learn to trust each other.
The usual tropes of alien SFR are here, he’s big, powerful, and doesn’t like humans. She’s down on her luck but clever and kind. However, there are some interesting power dynamics going on with Ophilia being the trainer. The fight scenes are well described and the big boss fight at the end is spectacular.
CW: Slavery depicted, torture, the game is brutal
The usual tropes of alien SFR are here, he’s big, powerful, and doesn’t like humans. She’s down on her luck but clever and kind. However, there are some interesting power dynamics going on with Ophilia being the trainer. The fight scenes are well described and the big boss fight at the end is spectacular.
CW: Slavery depicted, torture, the game is brutal
September 3, 2023
4.5 stars
January 1, 2024
4.75✨
Love this addition and love this series.
Love this addition and love this series.
August 7, 2023
A great culmination for the series!
Xeda was a surprisingly amazing great read. This is the continuation of the the story after Vrexus, right after the mad queen Theda died. Xeda was one of the surviving Blood Guards who managed to escape after.
To be honest, I didn't like Xeda (H), I thought he was beyond redemption. His hatred towards the alliance, especially of humans, seemed insurmountable. And even his present situation after being captured, seemed hopeless. He was shackled up and contained in a room with no hope for escape unless he fights in a gladiatorial game that the the elites of the planet K2 indulge in.
Ophilia, on the other hand, was a very relatable heroine. She was in essence a bond servant. Stripped of her rights and laboring for the family who bought Xeda. She was empathetic and compassionate despite of her own situation.
Seeing Xeda, she was drawn to him not because of any physical attractions but because of compassion. Quite a contrast between the H and h, but Ms. Riley made it possible. I love how the story was solidly built with characters that would make you angry, cry, and even recoil in horror and revulsion.
Xeda is a story of redemption, triumph and love despite all odds.
I have loved Ms. Riley's writing and this one did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Xeda was a surprisingly amazing great read. This is the continuation of the the story after Vrexus, right after the mad queen Theda died. Xeda was one of the surviving Blood Guards who managed to escape after.
To be honest, I didn't like Xeda (H), I thought he was beyond redemption. His hatred towards the alliance, especially of humans, seemed insurmountable. And even his present situation after being captured, seemed hopeless. He was shackled up and contained in a room with no hope for escape unless he fights in a gladiatorial game that the the elites of the planet K2 indulge in.
Ophilia, on the other hand, was a very relatable heroine. She was in essence a bond servant. Stripped of her rights and laboring for the family who bought Xeda. She was empathetic and compassionate despite of her own situation.
Seeing Xeda, she was drawn to him not because of any physical attractions but because of compassion. Quite a contrast between the H and h, but Ms. Riley made it possible. I love how the story was solidly built with characters that would make you angry, cry, and even recoil in horror and revulsion.
Xeda is a story of redemption, triumph and love despite all odds.
I have loved Ms. Riley's writing and this one did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2023
Xeda is a wonderful Sci-fi Romance book! Olivia Riley always blends excellent world-building with interesting sci-fi ideas and just the right amount of romance. This book is best read after the the other vrisha warriors books. We pick up with Xeda who was the scout in the previous novel, "Vrexus," and he was left for dead after being on the side of the 'mad queen.' We see him getting captured with incomplete memories as he's sold and taken to become a fighter for a rich household on a different planet.
Our heroine, Ophilia, is a kind hearted animal loving worker in that household that has a tender spot for the unwilling fighters. The book features plenty of action, a couple of "spicy" scenes, and is totally engrossing - I had the book read in less than a day! If fighting bothers you, it may be hard to read some parts; but it's definitely worth the read!
Our heroine, Ophilia, is a kind hearted animal loving worker in that household that has a tender spot for the unwilling fighters. The book features plenty of action, a couple of "spicy" scenes, and is totally engrossing - I had the book read in less than a day! If fighting bothers you, it may be hard to read some parts; but it's definitely worth the read!
September 3, 2024
More like 3.5. It was good, not terrible but not great either. Just ehh
January 29, 2026
Alien Romance meets Hunger Games!
Genre: alien romance
Tropes: slow burn, prisoner MMC, alien MMC, human FMC, FMC in servitude, gladiator, fight for your freedom
Spice: 2/5 2 explicit scenes
Content Warnings: violence
POV: 3rd person POV alternating from MMC and FMC
Medium: listened to audiobook on Hoopla
Audiobook: narrated by Penelope Ann Rose. She did a great job!
Xeda has really gotten himself into trouble now. After the Blood Guard's defeat in the previous book, he crashes on another planet and is captured and sold to a fighting ring. But he refuses to comply, killing his trainer.
Ophelia is from a disgraced and decimated house. She has been traded from one house to another in indentured servitude. Now she is at a house that participates in the Great Kingsway Games. They train gladiators who compete in the games every year, many of whom fight to the death. But the winner each year is granted their freedom. Ophelia, an animal keeper, is desperate for her freedom, which she knows she can only achieve when she pays off her family's debts. As the coach to a champion gladiator, she would earn enough money for that. So when the feral Vrisha gladiator murders his trainer, Ophelia volunteers to be his new trainer.
The two are thrown into a Hunger Games-style gladiator competition. There is politicking and fundraising, showmanship and spectacle, danger and death. Ophelia is quickly over her head, deferring to Xeda for combat strategy. They are both at a disadvantage. The consequence of failure is Xeda becoming a lab rat, and Ophelia being sold to another house...or death.
At the same time, both are feeling a connection. Xeda's past colors his opinions of humans and inter-species relationships. The ghost of his old Queen whispers terrible things in his ear. But his body is calling to her, forcing him into a Vrishan heat cycle. Ophelia, strangely, has no such compunction. She doesn't hesitate when he finally comes to her in his need.
The story is fast-paced and exciting. Per the rules of romance books, I knew there would be a Happily Ever After, but I was wondering if our main characters would get there.
What I loved about this book. The heat cycle microtrope. The feral desire that can only be satisfied by one thing. Also, I loved the quiet sacrifices on Ophelia's part, and the resulting angst. She did not presume that Xeda wanted her, so she found him concubines to relieve his heat. She also knew that she was being sold off, and would be in an even worse situation, but did not burden Xeda with this information.
My only complaint is on Ophelia...I didn't understand how she was allowed to be a gladiator trainer. She seemed totally unqualified, and I think there could have been more plot line around that. ...Like the master of the house wanted to have bets on her success/failure, or she had experience training the other animals, instead of being only a zookeeper/cage cleaner. And later, the "i love you" came out of no where. As the reader, I didn't feel that deep emotional connection between the main characters.
Anyway, I'm excited to continue the series. Olivia Riley writes a great story and I appreciate how it is different than the standard alien romances in this genre.
Genre: alien romance
Tropes: slow burn, prisoner MMC, alien MMC, human FMC, FMC in servitude, gladiator, fight for your freedom
Spice: 2/5 2 explicit scenes
Content Warnings: violence
POV: 3rd person POV alternating from MMC and FMC
Medium: listened to audiobook on Hoopla
Audiobook: narrated by Penelope Ann Rose. She did a great job!
Xeda has really gotten himself into trouble now. After the Blood Guard's defeat in the previous book, he crashes on another planet and is captured and sold to a fighting ring. But he refuses to comply, killing his trainer.
Ophelia is from a disgraced and decimated house. She has been traded from one house to another in indentured servitude. Now she is at a house that participates in the Great Kingsway Games. They train gladiators who compete in the games every year, many of whom fight to the death. But the winner each year is granted their freedom. Ophelia, an animal keeper, is desperate for her freedom, which she knows she can only achieve when she pays off her family's debts. As the coach to a champion gladiator, she would earn enough money for that. So when the feral Vrisha gladiator murders his trainer, Ophelia volunteers to be his new trainer.
The two are thrown into a Hunger Games-style gladiator competition. There is politicking and fundraising, showmanship and spectacle, danger and death. Ophelia is quickly over her head, deferring to Xeda for combat strategy. They are both at a disadvantage. The consequence of failure is Xeda becoming a lab rat, and Ophelia being sold to another house...or death.
At the same time, both are feeling a connection. Xeda's past colors his opinions of humans and inter-species relationships. The ghost of his old Queen whispers terrible things in his ear. But his body is calling to her, forcing him into a Vrishan heat cycle. Ophelia, strangely, has no such compunction. She doesn't hesitate when he finally comes to her in his need.
The story is fast-paced and exciting. Per the rules of romance books, I knew there would be a Happily Ever After, but I was wondering if our main characters would get there.
What I loved about this book. The heat cycle microtrope. The feral desire that can only be satisfied by one thing. Also, I loved the quiet sacrifices on Ophelia's part, and the resulting angst. She did not presume that Xeda wanted her, so she found him concubines to relieve his heat. She also knew that she was being sold off, and would be in an even worse situation, but did not burden Xeda with this information.
My only complaint is on Ophelia...I didn't understand how she was allowed to be a gladiator trainer. She seemed totally unqualified, and I think there could have been more plot line around that. ...Like the master of the house wanted to have bets on her success/failure, or she had experience training the other animals, instead of being only a zookeeper/cage cleaner. And later, the "i love you" came out of no where. As the reader, I didn't feel that deep emotional connection between the main characters.
Anyway, I'm excited to continue the series. Olivia Riley writes a great story and I appreciate how it is different than the standard alien romances in this genre.
May 10, 2025
Xeda
Well, here I am again and this time, blame me I’ll make or at least try to do one of the reviews I did when I had a life… anyways maybe I’m being overly dramatic? Yeah ok I’ll stop blabbering now hahahaha.
So everyone knows I’m a sucker for this series, I love the survival vibes, what can I do? The plot in this book really got my attention making me remember a little of “Bad Guy” so I’m all in, our poor guy Xeda… damn I remember the battle that got his Queen killed, she was a bitch? ABSOLUTELY, but the poor guy liked her so I’ll try to understand his suffering. The people of the house that bought him are trying to “tame” him to be their champion and let’s say that no one is getting what they want. Xeda is more stubborn than a mule, what aren’t news since he’s a Vrisha and a ex member of the Blood Queens guard, I like this about him.
Our girl ? I like her too, when I listen or read a book I always try to put myself in their position so I can get a better understanding, and damn me I absolutely could do the same thing, taking care of the pets, damn cool job if I can say something about her situation, could be worse like… taking care of the men of the family…
Holly shit he is so full of hate… when he falls for her will be HARD and ill love to listen to each minute hahahahaha because he is being a asshole, he hates humans what isn’t news since he was from the blood guard, the trainer can’t break him with torture but… I have a feeling they’ll break him using her… delicious muahahaha. Now he is pissed because she’s giving him the silent treatment hahaha poor fucked is losing the game already. HOLLY SHIT our girl is absolutely my animal spirit hahaha she put him right in his spot, take this ASSHOLE.
I KNEW IT!!! He was going to be the first one to fall !!! The poor fucker is having a bad case of blue balls hahahaha it’s so cute how awkward and crazily jealous about everything because apparently he’s in heat. OMG he’s super distracted and wincing in pain when training and she thinks he’s hurt… the poor fucker is training with his cock hard for goddess sake!! hahahaha.
Sweet baby Asmodeus… he is BEGGING for her touch… *fans myself desperately*
HOLY FUCK…HOLY FUCKKKKKK!!!! Xeda did what???? I’m… astonished, absolutely astonished… this guy is absolutely a badass. I loved this one followed the chronology of the last one, when Vrexus rebels and kill the Mad Queen. So here we meet Xeda an ex Blood Guard, now turned gladiator, yeah there’s no error in this plot ladies and gentlemen it’s a purrfect receipt to success.
Well, here I am again and this time, blame me I’ll make or at least try to do one of the reviews I did when I had a life… anyways maybe I’m being overly dramatic? Yeah ok I’ll stop blabbering now hahahaha.
So everyone knows I’m a sucker for this series, I love the survival vibes, what can I do? The plot in this book really got my attention making me remember a little of “Bad Guy” so I’m all in, our poor guy Xeda… damn I remember the battle that got his Queen killed, she was a bitch? ABSOLUTELY, but the poor guy liked her so I’ll try to understand his suffering. The people of the house that bought him are trying to “tame” him to be their champion and let’s say that no one is getting what they want. Xeda is more stubborn than a mule, what aren’t news since he’s a Vrisha and a ex member of the Blood Queens guard, I like this about him.
Our girl ? I like her too, when I listen or read a book I always try to put myself in their position so I can get a better understanding, and damn me I absolutely could do the same thing, taking care of the pets, damn cool job if I can say something about her situation, could be worse like… taking care of the men of the family…
Holly shit he is so full of hate… when he falls for her will be HARD and ill love to listen to each minute hahahahaha because he is being a asshole, he hates humans what isn’t news since he was from the blood guard, the trainer can’t break him with torture but… I have a feeling they’ll break him using her… delicious muahahaha. Now he is pissed because she’s giving him the silent treatment hahaha poor fucked is losing the game already. HOLLY SHIT our girl is absolutely my animal spirit hahaha she put him right in his spot, take this ASSHOLE.
I KNEW IT!!! He was going to be the first one to fall !!! The poor fucker is having a bad case of blue balls hahahaha it’s so cute how awkward and crazily jealous about everything because apparently he’s in heat. OMG he’s super distracted and wincing in pain when training and she thinks he’s hurt… the poor fucker is training with his cock hard for goddess sake!! hahahaha.
Sweet baby Asmodeus… he is BEGGING for her touch… *fans myself desperately*
HOLY FUCK…HOLY FUCKKKKKK!!!! Xeda did what???? I’m… astonished, absolutely astonished… this guy is absolutely a badass. I loved this one followed the chronology of the last one, when Vrexus rebels and kill the Mad Queen. So here we meet Xeda an ex Blood Guard, now turned gladiator, yeah there’s no error in this plot ladies and gentlemen it’s a purrfect receipt to success.
August 13, 2023
#ENEMIESTOLOVERS
I LIKED XEDA BETTER THAN VREXUS, THOUGH BOTH STORIES WERE ENJOYABLE.
XEDA we've been introduced in Vrexus prior to this, and you'll know he wasn't exactly the good guy. In fact, he was downright annoying. So, imagine my curiosity to see how his story would unfold. I wasn't disappointed. Caught and thrown into what would be a sci-fi gladiator mill, Xeda is forced to fight for his survival or forfeit his life. Let's say he's getting a taste of his own medicine on the food chain. Naturally, as a proud male whose hatred for otherkins overwhelms his mindset, Xeda's an instinctive blockhead than a strategist. In other words, he's the act first, talk later kind. Not exactly the wisest Vrisha. I was a sucker for how he refused to submit, being tortured in order to be tamed and in comes our heroine who would be the one he lowers his guard for. Xeda wasn't easy to befriend, but that meant OPHILIA's a brave soul who deserved more than the cards life dealt her.
OPHILIA was once from an affluent background whose family was assassinated by jealous rivals, and thus in debt, she became the sole survivor paying for her father's mistakes. Taking care of the animals of Kingsley, she never expected to be so attuned to the new fighter her master has brought in to win the games. In her attempt to befriend Xeda - because she sympathized with his plight and was curious about him - she ended up as his trainer, and they both work together to gain their freedom, whilst falling in love, of course. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed it, I couldn't help but feel sometimes their emotions while passionate, hasn't reached the point of intense love. But oh well, this is merely a personal preference.
OVERALL this was as straightforward as they come. If you love the troupe, then you'll love it. If you don't, then maybe you'll decide this is very cliché. However, I'm not complaining because it's an enemies-to-lovers, slightly slow burn, and even if the romantic development could have been something MORE, I still enjoyed that it wasn't insta-love, and Xeda (who was so anti-human) was the first to fall for Ophilia. It was exhilarating, and mesmerizing in its own way.
I LIKED XEDA BETTER THAN VREXUS, THOUGH BOTH STORIES WERE ENJOYABLE.
XEDA we've been introduced in Vrexus prior to this, and you'll know he wasn't exactly the good guy. In fact, he was downright annoying. So, imagine my curiosity to see how his story would unfold. I wasn't disappointed. Caught and thrown into what would be a sci-fi gladiator mill, Xeda is forced to fight for his survival or forfeit his life. Let's say he's getting a taste of his own medicine on the food chain. Naturally, as a proud male whose hatred for otherkins overwhelms his mindset, Xeda's an instinctive blockhead than a strategist. In other words, he's the act first, talk later kind. Not exactly the wisest Vrisha. I was a sucker for how he refused to submit, being tortured in order to be tamed and in comes our heroine who would be the one he lowers his guard for. Xeda wasn't easy to befriend, but that meant OPHILIA's a brave soul who deserved more than the cards life dealt her.
OPHILIA was once from an affluent background whose family was assassinated by jealous rivals, and thus in debt, she became the sole survivor paying for her father's mistakes. Taking care of the animals of Kingsley, she never expected to be so attuned to the new fighter her master has brought in to win the games. In her attempt to befriend Xeda - because she sympathized with his plight and was curious about him - she ended up as his trainer, and they both work together to gain their freedom, whilst falling in love, of course. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed it, I couldn't help but feel sometimes their emotions while passionate, hasn't reached the point of intense love. But oh well, this is merely a personal preference.
OVERALL this was as straightforward as they come. If you love the troupe, then you'll love it. If you don't, then maybe you'll decide this is very cliché. However, I'm not complaining because it's an enemies-to-lovers, slightly slow burn, and even if the romantic development could have been something MORE, I still enjoyed that it wasn't insta-love, and Xeda (who was so anti-human) was the first to fall for Ophilia. It was exhilarating, and mesmerizing in its own way.
November 13, 2024
4.5 ⭐️’s for now, highly recommended!
I didn’t think this would work for me..
Even though I truly was enjoying it right from the start, I kept waiting for the disappointment. Took a bit of the shine off it for me initially.
I know Xeda from the previous story, and struggled to let go of who he had been. Couldn’t understand how he would make amends for all his previous heinous behaviour and torture?
I expected some sob story that would be used to justify, a trope I hate. The idea that trauma and suffering justifies causing the same to others. Particularly those who are innocent. Hell No.
While that did happen to an extent, the author surprised me by also giving the perfect answer.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨Spoilers Ahead🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
He admitted to being afraid. That he realised he acted as he did, to escape the fear and shame.
Not a justification, merely an explanation.
It was perfect! And so ‘humanising’.
I ended up loving this story almost more than any other, and learned to care for Xeda, even if I never considered him book boyfriend material.
I read other reviews that this was a copy of other stories, particularly Hunger Games, and while there is definitely an influence, be assured, there are more than enough twists and turns away from it, to keep you guessing and on your toes.
You just have to hang in there, and give the author the chance they’ve earned.
Seriously LOVED the FMC all the way through.
The action was nail biting, the suspense at times painful, and the world building utterly engaging.
Still very dry, and not quite the seduction I would have liked before the smexy, but the style is growing on me.
I may yet give this a 5⭐️ on the re-read, now that I know the story will take me where I want to follow.
Devastated that this part of the journey is done, and VERY impatient for the next instalment!
I didn’t think this would work for me..
Even though I truly was enjoying it right from the start, I kept waiting for the disappointment. Took a bit of the shine off it for me initially.
I know Xeda from the previous story, and struggled to let go of who he had been. Couldn’t understand how he would make amends for all his previous heinous behaviour and torture?
I expected some sob story that would be used to justify, a trope I hate. The idea that trauma and suffering justifies causing the same to others. Particularly those who are innocent. Hell No.
While that did happen to an extent, the author surprised me by also giving the perfect answer.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨Spoilers Ahead🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
He admitted to being afraid. That he realised he acted as he did, to escape the fear and shame.
Not a justification, merely an explanation.
It was perfect! And so ‘humanising’.
I ended up loving this story almost more than any other, and learned to care for Xeda, even if I never considered him book boyfriend material.
I read other reviews that this was a copy of other stories, particularly Hunger Games, and while there is definitely an influence, be assured, there are more than enough twists and turns away from it, to keep you guessing and on your toes.
You just have to hang in there, and give the author the chance they’ve earned.
Seriously LOVED the FMC all the way through.
The action was nail biting, the suspense at times painful, and the world building utterly engaging.
Still very dry, and not quite the seduction I would have liked before the smexy, but the style is growing on me.
I may yet give this a 5⭐️ on the re-read, now that I know the story will take me where I want to follow.
Devastated that this part of the journey is done, and VERY impatient for the next instalment!
August 9, 2023
I've read all of the other books in the Vrisha Warriors series and I really enjoyed this one as well!
It had a lot of tropes that I really enjoy, sexy alien gladiator fighting scenes, strong FMC that isn't afraid of anyone. Ophelia and Xeda are trying to survive and buy their freedom through an annual gladiator hunger games.
I loved the build to their story. The FMC is such a strong and compassionate woman who decides to join forces with Xeda who is imprisoned with the family she serves. Ophelia realizes that the only way they can save each other and buy their freedom will be if they fight and win in the games. The training and the build up until the games may have been my favorite part of the story because we got to see a lot of world building and understand the politics involved.
Xeda is a fierce alien warrior who was a blood guard who no longer has a queen to serve. His shame and misunderstanding of humans really plays out well in this book. Ophelia's story is equally as interesting, the sole survivor of a forgotten house who is now indentured to another family, she is struggling day to day to remain unseen and survive.
They both find parallels between each others lives and see that despite their appearances and backgrounds they have more in common than they first thought.
If you like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, alien gladiators with fights to the death, sexy aliens that look like aliens, touch her and you die vibes, then this is most certainly for you!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It had a lot of tropes that I really enjoy, sexy alien gladiator fighting scenes, strong FMC that isn't afraid of anyone. Ophelia and Xeda are trying to survive and buy their freedom through an annual gladiator hunger games.
I loved the build to their story. The FMC is such a strong and compassionate woman who decides to join forces with Xeda who is imprisoned with the family she serves. Ophelia realizes that the only way they can save each other and buy their freedom will be if they fight and win in the games. The training and the build up until the games may have been my favorite part of the story because we got to see a lot of world building and understand the politics involved.
Xeda is a fierce alien warrior who was a blood guard who no longer has a queen to serve. His shame and misunderstanding of humans really plays out well in this book. Ophelia's story is equally as interesting, the sole survivor of a forgotten house who is now indentured to another family, she is struggling day to day to remain unseen and survive.
They both find parallels between each others lives and see that despite their appearances and backgrounds they have more in common than they first thought.
If you like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, alien gladiators with fights to the death, sexy aliens that look like aliens, touch her and you die vibes, then this is most certainly for you!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2023
As always, I love anything Olivia Riley writes in the Vrisha-verse. Due to the description, I had no idea where Xeda's story would take us. Well, Folks, Xeda takes us on a dark yet thrilling ride. This book was darker than the earlier stories (not that those didn't have dire moments as well). The entire time you are kept on your toes as to what terrible thing may befall our dark hero and heroine next.
A little bit about the story (without giving away too much), we have our Hero Xeda who is captured and brought to a lawless planet run by the rich and criminally minded. He was purchased for a rich House as a fighter slave to partake in a deadly game run by the elite. There he meets his heroine Ophelia, an indentured servant who trains the House's animals. She becomes curious about Xeda and thus begins the deadly obstacles for our couple.
Overall, I thought this story was incredibly written, and enjoyed my time with Xeda and Ophelia. I ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. It's just the type of book you can't put down because every scene is exciting, and you have to know what happens next.
Now that the Blood Guard Saga is over, I look forward to what Olivia has in store for the Vrisha-verse next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A little bit about the story (without giving away too much), we have our Hero Xeda who is captured and brought to a lawless planet run by the rich and criminally minded. He was purchased for a rich House as a fighter slave to partake in a deadly game run by the elite. There he meets his heroine Ophelia, an indentured servant who trains the House's animals. She becomes curious about Xeda and thus begins the deadly obstacles for our couple.
Overall, I thought this story was incredibly written, and enjoyed my time with Xeda and Ophelia. I ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. It's just the type of book you can't put down because every scene is exciting, and you have to know what happens next.
Now that the Blood Guard Saga is over, I look forward to what Olivia has in store for the Vrisha-verse next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2023
Vrisha warrior Xeda once of the deceased Queen Theda’s blood guard finds himself taken as a prisoner to the planet Katamor, a world without rules and brought there to be trained to compete in gladiatorial games for one of the elite houses that oversee the harsh world.
Ophilia is indentured to House Salimar as trainer and keeper of their exotic pets and because of her good heart tries to ease the severity of Xeda’s imprisonment with little acts of kindness upon his arrival which the human hating Vrisha is confused by but will soon change in Ophilia’s case as a connection begins to form between them both passionate and true. I knew these two were fated for each other and the sign for me was all in the eyes.
I loved this fourth book of the series which was written well, held me entranced and was fueled by plenty of action, intrigue, excellent world building, surprises, and love.
Xeda was the perfect Sci-Fi Romance read and I’ve not been disappointed yet by author Olivia Riley’s engaging stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ophilia is indentured to House Salimar as trainer and keeper of their exotic pets and because of her good heart tries to ease the severity of Xeda’s imprisonment with little acts of kindness upon his arrival which the human hating Vrisha is confused by but will soon change in Ophilia’s case as a connection begins to form between them both passionate and true. I knew these two were fated for each other and the sign for me was all in the eyes.
I loved this fourth book of the series which was written well, held me entranced and was fueled by plenty of action, intrigue, excellent world building, surprises, and love.
Xeda was the perfect Sci-Fi Romance read and I’ve not been disappointed yet by author Olivia Riley’s engaging stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
3.5 stars!
This had more plot then I expected and was fairly interesting. Only Xeda had any real character growth but I’m a fan of both alien romances and deadly trials and this had both and was entertaining. It had semi developed villains and watching them get what was coming to them was also fun. It was a relatively slow burn but once it got to the spice it was pretty hot but not enough to completely distract from the plot. Honestly it probably could have used even more smut because that was very well written but I was not disappointed in the story. It was definitely on the better end of alien romances but not incredibly deep or different so I think 3.5 stars is the correct rating. I was also missing the middle two books in the series so maybe it would have been a different score had I read the others but this one seemed more interesting and they are mostly stand alones so I still felt that I got the complete sense of the story.
This had more plot then I expected and was fairly interesting. Only Xeda had any real character growth but I’m a fan of both alien romances and deadly trials and this had both and was entertaining. It had semi developed villains and watching them get what was coming to them was also fun. It was a relatively slow burn but once it got to the spice it was pretty hot but not enough to completely distract from the plot. Honestly it probably could have used even more smut because that was very well written but I was not disappointed in the story. It was definitely on the better end of alien romances but not incredibly deep or different so I think 3.5 stars is the correct rating. I was also missing the middle two books in the series so maybe it would have been a different score had I read the others but this one seemed more interesting and they are mostly stand alones so I still felt that I got the complete sense of the story.
December 21, 2023
📖 : — ••• Xeda
⭐ 3.30 stars ⭐
“My world is run by queens. They are wise and cunning. Brave women and fierce leaders. I think I see a fine queen before me.”
I loved its premise- a Vrisha warrior trapped in a gladiator-type place and Ophelia, the fmc who fed him and became his mentor. It gave what I was in the mood for an action-packed fic with gladiators. In my eyes, Xeda was both formidable and vulnerable - especially when he was hungry but kept on threatening her. And Ophilia was okay for me. I really admired their determination to get out of that place.
Xeda was like a faithful dog to her when they got closer. But the thing is, I never felt any sexual tension between them. Their chemistry was not just for me. When they had sex, it was like their bodies blew up not their chemistry for me. Overall, this was a good read but I think romance is not of its subplot.
⭐ 3.30 stars ⭐
“My world is run by queens. They are wise and cunning. Brave women and fierce leaders. I think I see a fine queen before me.”
I loved its premise- a Vrisha warrior trapped in a gladiator-type place and Ophelia, the fmc who fed him and became his mentor. It gave what I was in the mood for an action-packed fic with gladiators. In my eyes, Xeda was both formidable and vulnerable - especially when he was hungry but kept on threatening her. And Ophilia was okay for me. I really admired their determination to get out of that place.
Xeda was like a faithful dog to her when they got closer. But the thing is, I never felt any sexual tension between them. Their chemistry was not just for me. When they had sex, it was like their bodies blew up not their chemistry for me. Overall, this was a good read but I think romance is not of its subplot.
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