Alien Devil’s Gamble

Black Star Mates #1

by Ava York

In a world of secrets, our passion was the rarest bloom...

It was just supposed to be another job arranging flowers for a gala event.
That's what I did. What I loved.
Even if the order came from Draven, the enigmatic owner of the Black Star casino.
Tall, dark and dangerous.
And terribly, terribly attractive.
Despite my best efforts to push him away, I can't get him out of my thoughts.
When a mysterious flower arrives at my shop bringing danger with it, Draven is the one to save me.
But can I trust the feelings that are growing between us?
And will we even have a chance to explore them before being swept away in the impending storm?

Alien Devil’s Gamble is the first book of the Black Star Mates spicy science fiction romance series on Thodos III. It can be read as a complete standalone.

Genres: Aliens

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2023

About the author

Reader, dreamer and frantic scribbler. I really do believe that love conquers all... and make terrible things for my characters to survive to prove it! (insert evil laugh here)

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alien Devil’s Gamble (Black Star Mates #1)

In a world where Earth is no longer habitable, humans are treated as the lowest of the low, fighting for survival amidst space vampires and danger. This series has all of that and more.

I enjoyed the story, but I found it a bit too wordy for my taste; sometimes, less is more but I was intrigued to see where the story went so I kept reading.

The plot centers around Draven, the owner of the Black Star casino, who becomes intrigued by a human. However, he is affiliated with the Vinduthi, one of the mob gangs on the space station. Trouble begins when an exotic flower mysteriously appears, sparking a romance tangled in chaos—especially when a woman who is obsessed with achieving eternal life.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Alien Devil's Gamble . Draven is part of the Vinduthi Syndicate he owns The Black Star Casino it's in the lower level of the Thodos lll station . Draven is putting on a Gala it must be perfect unfortunately the flowers that arrived are not to his liking . Draven decides he will head to the florist shop that the Syndicate launders money through . Upon arriving he finds himself quite taken with the beautiful human Elara who runs the florist shop . Soon the two find themselves spending time growing closer but Elara finds herself in danger and Draven comes to her aid but he may need saved . This story is great full of suspense and intrigue . I highly recommend reading .

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4&1\2 🌟's for alien devil's Gamble🔥💖🌟

In thus new arc of the Vinduthi saga Draven the head of the new casino is having a Gala in remembrance Orbus fallen brothers. Every detail must be perfect down too the flowers. Enter Elara a human woman on the space station whose contract was bought by Alkard of the Vinduthi. She does the one thing that is in her heart and soul she runs a florist shop and if other things happen she turns a blind eye. When Draven enters her life everything changes! Mysterious deadly flowers, crazy new enemies, and a budding new love . I can't wait to see what happens in the next boom. Totally recommend🌟💖🔥💖🌟💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🌟💖🌟🔥🌟

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mate for Draven

This is book one in this series called Black Star mates. This book is a good introduction to the characters along with bits of history of how the casino became Draven’s big success. Draven is planning a huge event to celebrate his brotherhood. All is going well except when he finds out that someone ordered the cheapest flowers. These flowers arrived at the casino practically dead. One of his brothers suggested that Draven reach out to the local shop called Elara Flowers. After all, Elara had the best reputation on the station. What surprises Draven was his meeting with Elara. She is more alluring than he imagined. Read On!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this whole book was over the top. Insta love doesn't bother me. But I thought the mystery of the flower was something out of a comic book. We never actually find out how the flower came to her shop.
The FMC is the sweetest of the sweet, the MMC is the richest of the rich. The number of times he mentioned money being no object. 🤮 Also, they become friends with the guy she's indentured too, but does he still own her? I'm not sure.
The villain was cackling mad in the rafters. (not really but you get my meaning.)
Over the top.
I will say there were some choice spicy scenes. 🔥🥵 **Chef's kiss!** But even that was eye roll inducing at times.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - quit at 25%
I just really couldn’t get into this story, it was very simplistic, no attraction between the characters felt, other than some inner dialogue from the main characters thinking that they found the others attractive. I think the characters felt flat. The mystery with the plant seemed so weird & shallow for the story to revolve around. Just ended up putting this down & not being able to pick it back up.

At my age (62), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alien Devil's Gamble

I really like the premise of the Venduthi. Mobster space vampires - what's not to love there? The cover art draws me in and I'm hopeful but…. The tropes are all lined up, and the characters are doing their thing, the world is interesting, but something is just missing. It feels canned. The last 20 percent of the book is sex that contributes very little to characterization or their relationship.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Draven

Ooh, I Loved it! Draven was all kinds of successful and sexy and when he walked into Elara’s florist shop it was game over for them both. But a mysterious plant and an unknown danger stalk Elara. What lengths will Draven go to protect his little human? You’ll have to read and find out but it will be so worth it. The Vinduthi alien males are hot and I want one!

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

These alien romances are so much fun to read. The somewhat grumpy and stressed out alien male. The sweet and hardworking human female. Put them together and the romance flies off the pages. This one centers around flowers and one big event. Everything seems to be going smoothly so you know someone has to ruin it. With some twists the story brings both adventure and danger to the romance.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new Vinduthi series, and I can’t wait to see where the author is going with it. This book starts the series with Draven and Elara, who fall for each other while trying to solve a mystery.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alien Devil's Gamble

Draven runs the casino and planning a huge celebration. The flowers are awful. He goes to the florist shop run by Elara. Something sparks between them. They are off and running into an adventure to save the world. Very good story and ending.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected villan

This story starts with floral arrangements. It is the catalyst that brings mates together. Unfortunately there is an unexpected villan who puts a fly in the ointment. This brings out the entire tribe. Good read.

[shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read a little boring

Typical mate alien romance I guess I'm looking for more depth of character and plot. Alien male falls for little human who is in danger from mad scientists. Alien and human save the day become mates the end.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another world

Draven goes to the florist and finds Elara.She is his mate.As a human she is vulnerable.When she supplies the bouquets for his special party a bulb is delivered.He tries to keep her safe from the crazy who wants it to have eternal life.Great world and good read

[Phyllis Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien devils gamble

Omg this book awesome. Totally into all the characters in this book. Wow. The relationship between tessi and her unbelievable alien was amazing made your mind wanting to be there.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is well written and the interaction between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review

[Myra Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If not for a job poorly done, Draven and Elara never would have met. This led to a golden opportunity for Elara, but with the possibility of success, also came the serious risk of incredible danger.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

I only gave this one a 3 because a 3.5 wasn't an option, and I don't round up on principle.

[Emma Porter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible

Don't waste your time with this one. There was no chemistry with the MMC. Storyline and character development was weak. I don't know who's giving this 5 stars.

[Penny Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starlight!

Alien Devil’s Gamble is an entertaining read. I’m a fan of the Vinduthi novels and this one is no exception. It has a few disconnects but it is still an exciting read.

[Dragonmother12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read

Good quick read. It was an interesting story. Not sure if I'll keep reading the series. Story was written well just not my style.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

so so good love it

[María · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, 3.5 overall

[Kathleen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very steamy

This was even more steamy than most SFR. Wow! Loved every page and the story of Elara and Draven. The villain was nuts and creepy. Great reading!

[Alise · Rating 5 out of 5]

…

I have been reading about Vinduthi adventures for a while and I really enjoy these stories.

They may have some stereotypical traits - as - insta attraction, alfa heros, overprotective, growly etc… but that is the best kind of a story.
Alien Devils Gamble is no exception. It’s supper steamy and has a lot of action/adventure. What I like about these characters, they definitely have a lot of passion and that overpowers the fact that this is a shorter novel with insta love. I love it, love the affection, attraction, passion and obsession. Love the vulnerable but really strong heroine and swoony, kind and caring bad-boy. I love a good fight scene with some blood and bones crushing, doesn’t matter who saves the day at the end, as all of them participate.
Being a shorter story I love an epilogue, but in Ava Yorks books I have red, even the last few chapters always feel like multiple epilogues. And for a short read I absolutely love it! Because it always helps that HEA to feel more realistic and enjoyable.
There is a slight possibility that this story may have been a tad too sweet even, but it still soothes my lovely-dovely heart.

Can’t wait for the next book in this new series and definitely recommend to read Brides of the Vinduthi.


ARC review - all my thoughts about the read are genuine

[Nicola Roche-Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien Devil’s Gamble by Ava York is a rather fast-paced, sci-fi romance that mixes glamour, danger, and the unexpected against the glamorous backdrop of the Black Star Casino. Set on the savage lawless space station, Thodos III, where humans must eke out a living as indentured servants sacrificing their freedom for a chance at a new life!

Elara, one of the lucky ones whose contract entails arranging flowers rather than one of the least desirable professions, never imagined her work would take her into the heart of one of the most powerful alien-run casinos in the galaxy. Hired by Draven, the owner of The Black Star Casino, to design the floral displays for their high-profile gala, she expects long hours and creative challenges and certainly not a magnetic, casino owner whose every look feels like a wager she might lose.

When the gala turns to chaos and secrets about the casino’s darker dealings come to light, Elara finds herself caught in Draven’s world of high stakes and hidden risks. The chemistry between them is instant but what makes it work is the emotional undercurrent, Draven’s instant attraction fuels his desire for the unassuming flower girl while Elara’s determination to push him away and stay true to herself even when the odds are stacked against her.

Throw in the arrival of a mysterious yet menacing flower and you get a fun blend of romance, intrigue, and danger, all the while keeping Ava York’s signature mix of heat and heart.

If I had one small gripe, it’s that I wanted a little more time for the slow-burn connection before things heated up, it all felt very fast although the story’s pace fits that high-stakes vibe. The ending does tie things up nicely, making this a suitable standalone while also teasing more stories to come in the Black Star Mates universe.


My Verdict: Fun, steamy, and entertaining! A great start to this new Vinduthi series and follows along seamlessly from the previous series of books.

[Ines · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐ DNF