Broken

Stranded on the Prison Planet #2

by Katie Neptune

My friends and I are stranded on a prison planet. And it’s my fault.One day Kylie Summers is a college student living with her two best friends. The next she wakes on a spaceship. And it’s calling her name. Kylie always knew her long-absent father was bad news. But an alien involved in a criminal scheme to smuggle human women? That’s an unexpected blow. The ship crash-lands on a prison planet, separating Kylie from her friends, and now she’s trying to evade angry guards and her father’s goons. Plus, she keeps bumping into a tall, scruffy guy with russet-red skin, a glowing sword, and a deep dislike of all females, especially her, it seems. When Lir’s operation to free his brother collides headfirst with Kylie’s attempts to find her friends, resulting in a dramatic confrontation with a violent gang, Lir and Kylie suddenly have to work together to escape a fate worse than death. Lir doesn’t want to like Kylie—she’s a distraction he doesn’t need, and Kylie can’t trust Lir—this rogue is no white knight. However, on the run with villains on their heels, they discover maybe they have more in common than they thought. But rescue missions are no time to fall in love. Or to do . . . other things.Or maybe it’s the perfect time when you’re stranded on a prison planet.BROKEN is a full-length dual POV forced proximity sci-fi romance. It has steamy scenes and a HEA. It’s the second book in the STRANDED ON THE PRISON PLANET series. Each book involves a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, please read the books in order.

Genres: Science Fiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2023

Reviews

[Lia ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to read a short alien romance this is a good pick 👍🏽. Also, reading book 1 can help understand some things but this book can be read as a standalone 🙌.

" There's a connection between us, no matter how I keep trying to dismiss it as lust or bargaining for favors owed. And I know she feels it, too, for all she denies me. It's this unfulfilled connection that's causing the burning in my chest, and I have to fix it before I collapse into the rage battering at my heart. "

----------------------—

Story rating: 3.5⭐️
Romance rating: 3.0⭐️
Spice level: 2.5 🌶️ 
Smut frequency: 3.5 ⏳

----------------------—

Tropes:
🛸 Stranded
🤫 Revealed identity
🕊️ Virgin
💫 Fated mate
💞 "You belong to me"

----------------------—

~ STORY & PLOT 📝 ~

Those books are honestly so easy to read. I liked this one better than the first (I also reviewed it on Goodreads so details in there but globally ➡️) for more than one reason but mainly bc I feel like we've had more actions and less drama. 😸

The world-building already done in Book 1 is expanding in this one and, it's really good. I can't wait to discover more of it in Sanctuary (book 3) 🥰.

Kylie is strong both in her convictions and her body. She's smart, I didn't want to scream at her "WHY?!" every time she decided what her next move should be (and you know that's great and somewhat rare if you read enough romance books 😂😂😂). It was very very logical.

She also had a great backstory and it explained a lot about what happened to the lots in Book 1.

Lir has a great backstory too, and I didn't expect one of the MMCs to be anything else than prisoners. 🙌

But like the MMC in book 1, he does not really have a personality except being in love with Kylie. He has those self-deprecating feelings about himself and that's briefly explained why, but... yh it just feels like a reason to have free drama.

The reason this book is not a full 4⭐️ is the miscommunication trope. It's over-used to build angst and elongate the slow burn, but at some point, it's repetitive and triggering my eye-roll. 😅

Also, I'll forever say it: the fated mate trope is not some magic way to solve all the fears and traumas of the MCs.

If you want to write about people that have relationship trauma and trust issues, it's nice, but then think of logical (and swoon-worthy hihihi, still here for the love) ways for them to get past them or that will prompt them to take the leap of faith that will begin their healing.

Not just "since I feel so strongly about him/her and he told me he does too, then let's abandon everything I ever knew and forget all my issues for this stranger I met 5 days ago".


~ SPICE 🌶️ ~

The spice is slow-burn so there's quite a build-up of tension between them, and our FMC likes to be talked dirty and our MMC is just too happy to oblige (when he's not saying the sweetest things ever of course) 😉

[Poetry Drive · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what is in this book but I was sucked in immediately. I didn’t have a chance to read book 1, but the quick recap in the beginning was more than enough to setup the scene. I was never bored and it was easy to picture the sequence of events, the alien planet, and all the action that occurred.

I love both the FMC and MMC in this: Kylie’s origin story is a little convenient, but not outrageous— she’s tenacious, strong, level-headed, but a hopeless romantic at heart without being mushy. She was a little frustrating at times because of how jumpy she was about Lir, but it wasn’t annoying. I also appreciated that she was pretty black and white about trying to do things on her own, without being a brat.

Lir is not the typical “alpha male”, just a normal alien dude but not helpless or dumb. I will say that he is much too hard on himself for no reason… I didn’t feel that his past actions were enough to warrant his deep self depreciation, and it’s real rough to read at times. He really kicks himself when it comes to being “worthy” of Kylie, which I didn’t appreciate because he’s really not bad. But he thankfully kicks that habit away once they start smashing faces.

Some of my favorite Kylie quotes:
“What the blazing Star Trek fuck is happening?”
“He’s a jerkface knight.”
“So thanks for rescuing me, again. But I’m not going to fuck you for it.”

Some of my favorite Lir quotes:
Famous last words: “I’ll behave just like a brother. I swear it.”
“You are the endpoint of my soul’s travels.” 🥹 The unexpected feels 🫠

*I received an ARC of this book. Opinions are my own*

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Kylie, the female human presenting lead, wakes up on a spacecraft that is fast approaching a planet and whose AI is demanding she act as navigator. Having no clue, she’s able to have her sleeping friends’ escape pods ejected and secures herself for the crash. When she emerges, she finds herself in a strange planet with no idea why or how she got there.

Lir, the male alien hybrid lead, is on the prison planet to help his brother escape after he was imprisoned because of Lir’s hookup’s treachery. When he sees Kylie, he (not unreasonably) assumes she’s a sex worker smuggled on planet. He sees she’s in trouble and offers assistance, hoping she’ll reward him for his troubles, especially since he’s unreasonably attracted to her…

They both have goals and aims, and it’s a dangerous world out there…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast paced, miscommunication romance. I enjoyed watching the characters disentangle themselves from their assumptions. I enjoyed Kylie’s love for her foster sisters and her determination to prioritise their welfare. I enjoyed Lir’s similar love for his brother. I enjoyed their relationship development and their intimate moments. Whilst the romance stands alone, and the author included a summary of book 1 at the beginning, I feel this story is enhanced by having read the first.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 and wow what another great story it was and with the truth coming out as to why they where targeted was a great part as our two main characters have mission of there own. Kylie Summers was abducted from Earth with her two friends Pacey and Olivia and are now about to crash land on a Prison Planet and to save her friends the she sends there pods out before the ship crashes. Lir is on the prison planet to save his Brother who was wrongly accused after an error on the job and when he meets the gorgeous female Kylie he must protect her even while he is trying to save his brother. kylie is still shocked that her biological alien father had orchestrated her abduction and that of her friends and it’s not good and when the ship crashes in the water she gets out and meets an alien male Lir who is sexy as sin but can she trust him to help her find her friends. Now they have been captured and must work together to escape and save there loved ones but there is an undeniable attraction building up between them but a misunderstanding has them both on guard. How does it all turn out and do they find her friends and his brother and can they have a future together or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is second in the series and was a good addition to the overarching story line. Kylie was abducted from Earth with her two friends and is woken first by the ships’ navigation. She remains on the ship as it crashes and learns that her alien biological father orchestrated her abduction.

On exiting the ship she encounters Lir, who is attempting to rescue his brother, captured after an error he made during a job. Misunderstandings are rife between the two as they fight their attraction to each other. Lir because he feels he is not “worthy” and Kylie as she doesn’t trust that anyone would choose her. Kylie and Lir work to achieve their goals, whilst meeting up with her friends.

The world building is solid with good character development. I enjoyed the flow of the story and learning more about the alien races. The misunderstandings between the two main characters were frustrating at times, both needed to stop and think instead of reacting. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to discover how they all might escape the prison planet.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Elisa Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

love in outer space

This was so good. A perfect blend of strong communication after logical misunderstandings, forced proximity whilst trying to behave oneself, and out of this world passion.

Poor Kylie learns that her father didn’t just abandon her, he was imprisoned for trafficking women across galaxies. And now she’s trapped on a prison planet, where everyone assumes she’s a prostitute.

Lir makes a mistake that gets his brother imprisoned on the prison planet and he hatched a crazy plan to bust his brother out. But the wardens are crooked, prison gangs abound, and the human Kylie has caught his attention in a way he never wanted to be caught again.

So listen: consent is hot. Open and healthy communication is hot. And the push and pull between Lir and Kylie is… you guessed it, it’s hot. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this series in Kindle Unlimited. I look forward to devouring Katie Neptune’s ouvre of books.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an absolute sucker for found family and that theme is baked right into this series in the absolute best way. Of course I'm thrilled at the love stories between the girls and their mates but I also adore the strong ties between the girls and how mutual support and care for each other is a central focus for each of them despite their worlds going topsy turvy. I also really appreciate how poverty/economic struggle is a central theme for Lit in how he considers the safety of his family he's leaving behind at the start of the story and the family he's on planet to rescue. There's a key misunderstanding between the MC's that is pretty fun to watch unfold early on in the story and results in them meeting, bouncing off each other, and then meeting again all the while both under misunderstandings about why each is here. The book is a totally fun ride all the way through. 5/5 Stars

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken is book two in this series that follows the adventures of three college girls, friends who have been abducted by an automated alien spaceship that crashes onto an alien prison planet.
Pacey’s story featured in the first book while this one showcases MFC Kylie who is tied into the abduction more than she knows. Separated, and trying to find her missing friends Kylie has quite the adventure as well as surprising revelations ahead of her in another exciting Sci-Fi Romance filled with action, a sexy alien MMC named Lir who has his own agenda, and isn’t pleased when they are unwillingly thrown together. Nice writing, in a fast paced narrative delivered a second steamy, humorous, and entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylie Summers and her two friends have been abducted by an alien ship. When they reach the prison planet and start to crash. The ship awakens her to navigate. She has the ship send out her friend's capsules. Then she crashes into a lake. When she comes to she talks to the AI and discovers a few things which is a shock to her. Now she's on the move to find her friends. Unfortunately she is in danger with every step she takes. Then she meets an alien named Lir. Lir wants to protect her and goes about it the wrong way. Then she's finally taken and Lir learns that he was so very wrong about her.Now they have to find a way to escape. Will they be able to? Will they find her friends?
WOW! Breath holding Excitement galore!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lir and Kylie's Story . . .

Kylie Summers is snatched up into a spaceship and ends up on a prison planet. She apparently messes up the alien Lir’s plans to free his brother and her interference makes it necessary for both of them to run for their lives. Even worse, in Lir’s opinion, they have to cooperate and work together if they ever hope to survive. They don’t trust each other, but a common mission to escape has them somehow beginning to fall for each other! Will that give them reason enough to find a way out of there this time? Will they find the two friends who were abducted with her?

The author does a very good job giving the reader the details that pull us in and make us feel like part of the experience! Will the surprising information Kylie learns about her father cause them further trouble along the way?

[Iluvbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all you must read book 1 or you will be lost in book 2. This is Kylie's story after the crash. This story is running parallel to book 1. Kylie is shocked by the secrets that are uncovered in this story. She is very focused in finding her friends. Lir is also focused on his mission. These two learn to communicate with each other and love each other. This is not an instant love but a slow love that burns brightly. I love the epilogue at the end of the book. Now for book 3 and Olivia's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab read for the series that showcases three college gals that get abducted. Each book runs parallel to each other. This story is focused on Kylie. She is desperate to find her friends and runs into Lir, who's looking to save his brother. Told in dual POVs, this richly detailed story caught me up right from page one and didn't let go until I hit the end. I'm anxiously awaiting Olivia's story now, but I loved how Kylie and Lir found a way to work together, communicate together and find love together ;D I loved the epilogue, as well, so be prepared for a wild reading ride when you dive into this fun read :D

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on my TBR list. The author is new to me. I love her writing style. The storyline was well though out. It is a standalone. Action through out. Love the twists. Lots of suspense and intrigue to keep you entertained.
The epiphany of both of them when they realize they were both wrong about each other was excellent.
Steam to the eventual romance. The perfect HEA for the couple.
It was fun reading the miscommunication aspect of the story.
Lots of suspense and intrigue to keep one entertained.
Kylie was headstrong and Lir was always misunderstanding her.
This is a story I will be reading again.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to continue. I was not disappointed. It was a fun, fast-paced adventure. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Lir and Kylie. Both are trying to find people who matter to them, but they misunderstand or miss assume the other's intentions. And Kylie comes to learn her father is not a good man at all. With the way Lir and Kylie's paths keep crossing, they gradually grow closer and need to work together. The story had danger and suspense and I was hooked. A fun read. 4 stars

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacey,Olivia and Kylie are beamed to a spaceship and taken from Earth and than crashed in Geshan-X,a prison planet .This is Kylie story where she mets Lyr ,finds that there's a huge secret behind her father and their abdution,fights for survive and with other inmates.Their path is full of twists and turns but also love and a happy ending.
I'm very curious to read Olivia's story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment is Kylie and Lir story and is more intense than Pacey and Ademho’s story. The action, drama, danger, and intrigue are intense and much more exciting. I couldn’t put it down with the twists and turns, and steamy romance. Looking forward to the next in the series, Olivia’s story, OMG! It will round this series off nicely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken, Book 2 in The Stranded on the Prison Planet has an intriguing story with unique characters. This book has interesting characters with differing personalities, well-crafted histories and believable interactions. There is action, misunderstandins, attraction, adventure, and HEA. This is a good story and series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookLover1990 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So what it really? Came down to was a who done it better when it came to this book. It seems like stranded on prison planets seemed to be a new genre. That's just popping up and I've read a few of them lately. This book is probably a solid middle in regards to the best in the worst books that I've read.
It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the best either.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassie Bobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lir and Kylie

I didn't know if I could fall for two characters in this series as much as I loved Pacey and Adehmo, but Lir and Kylie caught me by surprise.

And it's a good thing they ran into each other, talk about a streak of bad luck! Thankfully, they got through it all together and found love too.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot twists and turns around in this installment of the series. Action continues from beginning til end and romance heats up as our duo get to know each other. Looking forward to what happened inside the prison with the 3Rd friend that crashed

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s fun to read Kylie & Lie’s meeting and then how their relationship grows through the adventures they survive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome sci-fi/prison planet romance! I liked it very much.. It's dark and gritty, spicy and intense.. Great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice Allnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do we all dream of a alien lover?

It makes no sense that we are the only planet with living beings across the universe ,
More intelligent ones, for sure.
It was a stretch for me to imagine falling in love with one, but this author Neptune has convinced me it’s possible.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first!

Very fun read! Light reading but also enjoyed complex new-world creation and story building. Great female lead. Excited to see how the characters all come together in book 3!

[Jenny From The Bog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I'm enjoying how the author makes the MMCs kind of crappy at the beginning of the books, but grows them into somene likeable by the end. For a super fast, quick read, the characters are decently developed and the story entertaining.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Kylie and Lir's story. Action, adventure, drama, twists, heat and emotion pull you in and have you eager to keep those pages turning in this fast-paced read.

[Torah Channing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this series!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick sci-fi story between Kylie a human who was abducted then crashes on a prison planet Gresham X with her two best friends and Lyr an alien who is trying to free his brother from the prison planet. This story has some action, danger and some steamy scenes, with a HEA. Looking forward to reading the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.