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Galaxy Artificials #4
The Challenge
When a determined woman and a rogue robot soldier crash on an alien planet, their love may be the key to their survival.EmberStranded with only a damaged robot for company, I’m fighting to stay alive on a harsh planet where the landscape and its inhabitants are pitted against me. Nexxus, a robot with a surprising soft side, is my only hope of escape. But as we face unimaginable dangers, I discover underneath the metal lies a heart—one I’m falling in love with.NexxusMy programming dictates only survival and logic. But when I meet Ember, an enslaved human in peril, strange new desires awaken within my neural net. As we traverse nightmarish challenges, I no longer fight just to remain functional—but for an emotion my circuits can’t comprehend. Can Ember soften my cold metal heart? Join Ember and Nexxus as they claw their way through a galaxy filled with deadly challenges. Fighting carnivorous plants and sadistic telepaths, their biggest battle might just be their impossible attraction to each other. USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan promises no cheating or cliffhangers in this steamy romance. Gear up for a riveting odyssey filled with love and happiness ever after. For readers 18+.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2024
31 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Alana Khan
180 books620 followersSexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 9, 2024
The fourth story in the Galaxy Artificials, another great story in the series. Human Ember and rogue robot soldier Nexxus who rescued her story. I would say to date this is my favorite. They will go through a lot to be free and have their happy ending as they race toward a better life. A story that was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2024
This suspenseful read will keep you riveted to your kindle well into the night! Alana Khan has once again created a character driven drama full of intrigue and emotion. I find this series delightful…the characters are compelling, vibrant and refreshing. The world building is creative and awe worthy. This is one of those feel good books guaranteed to lift you up. Download and enjoy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
March 27, 2024
So… Much… Input!!!
Stars Above! The Challenge is book 4 in the Galaxy Artificials series and my circuits… my circuits are frying!
Nexxus is a newly sentient and emotional AI robot in a hard bulky metal body.
Ember is an enslaved human woman full of grit, fearlessness and with an impossibly big heart.
The challenges and pitfalls this team goes through are… inconceivable, shocking and frightful and through it all, Nexxus saves Ember over and over and over again. Nexxus has stirrings of love that he can’t quantify and won’t accept but through pure determination, willfulness, fervent desire and almost losing her head over him, she saves him right back!
Start the series from the beginning with The Yearning. Many of the characters, events and some locations appear from book to book and the series is to special to miss a word!
Stars Above! The Challenge is book 4 in the Galaxy Artificials series and my circuits… my circuits are frying!
Nexxus is a newly sentient and emotional AI robot in a hard bulky metal body.
Ember is an enslaved human woman full of grit, fearlessness and with an impossibly big heart.
The challenges and pitfalls this team goes through are… inconceivable, shocking and frightful and through it all, Nexxus saves Ember over and over and over again. Nexxus has stirrings of love that he can’t quantify and won’t accept but through pure determination, willfulness, fervent desire and almost losing her head over him, she saves him right back!
Start the series from the beginning with The Yearning. Many of the characters, events and some locations appear from book to book and the series is to special to miss a word!
March 15, 2024
Loved this story.
Fun book to read. Especially loved the very ending. Hope there is a story about that. Four more words that are needed.
Fun book to read. Especially loved the very ending. Hope there is a story about that. Four more words that are needed.
March 10, 2024
What a great story! The idea of a mechanical being becoming sentient is just so fascinating. The setting and rich descriptions made the unfolding suspense plot come to life. I really enjoyed the deeply reflective alternate points of view of both Ember and Nexxus/Khan. Through this, I felt connected to both characters’ journeys as they navigated the situations and the vast range of thoughts/emotions. Loved it loved it!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
March 6, 2024
A Romantic Singularity!!
We have a new situation for an artificial who became self-aware. If discovered he will be decommissioned, so a “death” sentence. Part of this awareness means that Nexxus cannot stand by while he sees a human female being abused.
Their escape results in a crash landing on a planet full of danger, one hidden which may prove fatal. An exciting set of problems, ever growing feelings and a hope for a resolution
A great addition to this series!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
We have a new situation for an artificial who became self-aware. If discovered he will be decommissioned, so a “death” sentence. Part of this awareness means that Nexxus cannot stand by while he sees a human female being abused.
Their escape results in a crash landing on a planet full of danger, one hidden which may prove fatal. An exciting set of problems, ever growing feelings and a hope for a resolution
A great addition to this series!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
March 4, 2024
The Challenge is book Four in the Galaxy Artificials, i've read the others and this One didn't dissapoint me. As usual The author creates fantastic worlds were we can get Lost and feel like we are there. This book we get to see how our Heroes have to figth to survive, an hostile enviroment and Evil beings. Its so heartwarming to see our cyborg going from a sterile life to having strange feelings compleatly alien to him all sue to his amazing companion. They survive, they help each other and live everything together, we have a lot off feelings here but all in all we leave this book with a wistfull feeling. Amazing.
March 5, 2024
The Best One
I loved this book better than the ones that came before this one. I don't like to leave reviews, and I really don't know why I don't like to write one. But this book the attention was on the characters and story and not filled pages of sex,sex, and more sex. I like to read about sexy times but lately the books I've read didn't have and substance just consent sex. This book was about the romance between the characters. Loved it!
I loved this book better than the ones that came before this one. I don't like to leave reviews, and I really don't know why I don't like to write one. But this book the attention was on the characters and story and not filled pages of sex,sex, and more sex. I like to read about sexy times but lately the books I've read didn't have and substance just consent sex. This book was about the romance between the characters. Loved it!
March 7, 2024
Different
This book story is different then the ones before it. The way the robot becomes aware is by it own singularity.
This book story is different then the ones before it. The way the robot becomes aware is by it own singularity.
March 4, 2024
Another amazing read Alana. The characters and storyline was intense and action packed. The twisted things that these species find entertaining is abhorrent. Thankfully our hero saves the day. Ember and Nexxus devotion for each other helps guide them through difficult challenges.
February 20, 2024
4 1/2 Stars!
Nexus isn't sure of "how" he became aware but as a body guard to a high ranking official, he knows that he can't let it be known or he'll be decommissioned. Even though he's smart, he wonders how long he can hide his disdain and disgust for his master's actions and character.
Ember escapes to her "quiet place" to find peace. Her new reality is a nightmare. Being kidnapped, sold, pain collared and abused is now her daily life but she continues to fight, refusing to let them break her.
It's during one such incident that she's rescued by a. . robot? She doesn't care, as long as it takes her away!
Nexus can no longer stand by and watch as the female is being tortured feet from him. Before he knows what he's doing, he liberates her, thereby exposing his sentient mind and freewill thinking! Now both of them must run from the Federation.
They slowly get to know each other as they travel but when they survive their ship crashing. . .think "from the frying pan to the fire" scenario!
Take my word for it when I say you won't see it coming. But what follows is adventure, danger, sweet and heated moments of discovery and emotions for both of them. And as stated, these two are up for the challenge!
Yes, I recommend this as a love story to add to your library.
Nexus isn't sure of "how" he became aware but as a body guard to a high ranking official, he knows that he can't let it be known or he'll be decommissioned. Even though he's smart, he wonders how long he can hide his disdain and disgust for his master's actions and character.
Ember escapes to her "quiet place" to find peace. Her new reality is a nightmare. Being kidnapped, sold, pain collared and abused is now her daily life but she continues to fight, refusing to let them break her.
It's during one such incident that she's rescued by a. . robot? She doesn't care, as long as it takes her away!
Nexus can no longer stand by and watch as the female is being tortured feet from him. Before he knows what he's doing, he liberates her, thereby exposing his sentient mind and freewill thinking! Now both of them must run from the Federation.
They slowly get to know each other as they travel but when they survive their ship crashing. . .think "from the frying pan to the fire" scenario!
Take my word for it when I say you won't see it coming. But what follows is adventure, danger, sweet and heated moments of discovery and emotions for both of them. And as stated, these two are up for the challenge!
Yes, I recommend this as a love story to add to your library.
February 24, 2024
Wonderful book, and I loved every single page of it. This one is now one of my favorite books in my collection. These two truly captured my heart. Ember sweet and definitely in need of saving and Nexxus, though just new to his singularity, was instantly inspired to save her, even if he couldn't understand why at first. The storyline was unique and so very well written to grab your heart strings and have you hoping they survive and end up together.
February 27, 2024
Outstanding!
Wow! Another fantastic book from Alana! Nexxus is a robot that has recently realized he has become sentient. If anyone in the Federation finds out he will be terminated. He has been fine hiding his abilities until he sees a human slave being mistreated. Before he has time to think about what he is doing he grabs her and makes a run for it, stealing his owner’s ship to escape the planet.
Ember is an Archaeologist that is abducted from earth and sold. She is bought to be a sex slave, but she is grabbed by a robot and they escape the planet. Can she really trust him? With the Federation hot on their tails, their adventure is just beginning. A crash landing on a supposedly uninhabited planet becomes another nightmare!
This is a fantastic book that grabs you at the very beginning and doesn’t let go until the end! Lots of action and emotion! Great addition to the series!
Wow! Another fantastic book from Alana! Nexxus is a robot that has recently realized he has become sentient. If anyone in the Federation finds out he will be terminated. He has been fine hiding his abilities until he sees a human slave being mistreated. Before he has time to think about what he is doing he grabs her and makes a run for it, stealing his owner’s ship to escape the planet.
Ember is an Archaeologist that is abducted from earth and sold. She is bought to be a sex slave, but she is grabbed by a robot and they escape the planet. Can she really trust him? With the Federation hot on their tails, their adventure is just beginning. A crash landing on a supposedly uninhabited planet becomes another nightmare!
This is a fantastic book that grabs you at the very beginning and doesn’t let go until the end! Lots of action and emotion! Great addition to the series!
February 14, 2024
Alana Khan’s Galaxy Artificials book 4 is wonderful! Her books are always well written and developed and totally enthralling! Nexxus has been awakened for 11 days when he realizes the female human being held captive is about to be raped, so he abandons his master, grabs the woman, steals the general’s space craft and flies away. He disengages tracking and heads to deep space where the craft is damaged and he and Ember crash on a strange sand planet where torrential rain causes man-eating plants to bloom. They escape into a fissure only to be captured by a missing race that enjoys putting any prisoners through deadly challenges none has survived…until these two! Finally free they head toward sanctuary where their love will be accepted like the others we’ve met in previous books!
February 15, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Galaxy Artificial series and it just keeps getting better. There's action, danger, heartfelt emotions, and spicy times all packed into this one. It's starting to become my new favorite series and I hope there are more to come.
February 25, 2024
I'm so in love with Nexxus! He and Ember are a wonderful couple. Love his personality and Ember's strength. He's so sensitive and loving, even when he doesn't fully understand the scope of his feelings yet.
Awesome epilogues! They perfectly finish off the story, and show his growth as a thinking/feeling person.
A total winner for sure!!
Awesome epilogues! They perfectly finish off the story, and show his growth as a thinking/feeling person.
A total winner for sure!!
January 16, 2024
The challenges started from the moment the two main characters met and continued until the very end of the book. Each challenge became harder than the first. The first few were life threatening, but the last two? Well they were life changing.
March 14, 2024
Archaeologist Ember Harrison was kidnapped just 5 days ago from a dig on Earth. Now she’s being forced by electric shock to submit to being “examined” by a reptilian alien being by her owner. She’s only able to “escape” to the safety of her mind. That is until she sees a shiny, black robot toss the aliens aside, snatch her up and sprint to a nearby spacecraft. She’s certain she’s simply moved from the frying pan and into the fire and is no better off than in the slave pen.
Nexxus the soldier has reached the “Singularity.” He became sentient just over 12 days ago; a secret he must never reveal or be “decomissioned.” He’s a military robot on planet Abache serving as bodyguard to General Daxis’ periodic visit to the planet’s brothels. While his general haggles over jewelry, Nexxus sees a slave, a human female slave, fiercely losing her losing battle to avoid contact with a “customer” of her owner. Without considering the ramifications, he rescues her and flees the planet in the general’s phaeton. Now what does he do?
They manage to escape Abache but crash land on another planet after being hit by an asteroid. After escaping carnivorous plants, they find themselves “guests” of a long-forgotten civilization. Ember and Nexxus manage to negotiate their freedom...with a catch. They both must survive four Challenges designed by their captors. The Challenges are all or none. Pass or fail. They both must complete each Challenge together, or Ember dies and Nexxus becomes their property.
With their combined skills, will they survive the Challenges? And if they both survive then what? Where do they go because will anyone accept that a human and a Sentient robot are in love?
Nexxus the soldier has reached the “Singularity.” He became sentient just over 12 days ago; a secret he must never reveal or be “decomissioned.” He’s a military robot on planet Abache serving as bodyguard to General Daxis’ periodic visit to the planet’s brothels. While his general haggles over jewelry, Nexxus sees a slave, a human female slave, fiercely losing her losing battle to avoid contact with a “customer” of her owner. Without considering the ramifications, he rescues her and flees the planet in the general’s phaeton. Now what does he do?
They manage to escape Abache but crash land on another planet after being hit by an asteroid. After escaping carnivorous plants, they find themselves “guests” of a long-forgotten civilization. Ember and Nexxus manage to negotiate their freedom...with a catch. They both must survive four Challenges designed by their captors. The Challenges are all or none. Pass or fail. They both must complete each Challenge together, or Ember dies and Nexxus becomes their property.
With their combined skills, will they survive the Challenges? And if they both survive then what? Where do they go because will anyone accept that a human and a Sentient robot are in love?
December 20, 2025
There may be more stories in this series, but I think I'm done.
The fantasy elements are the basic story. An escaped female human, typically a $ex slave, ends up with a robot who is either on the cusp of or already "ascended," meaning they have achieved sentience. A very predictable romance follows, which is almost the same template in every book, right down to the intimate parts. And as I ask in nearly every romance I read these days, WTF is up with the screaming? Why does every orgasm have to involve screaming? I don't get that trope at all. It feels like another normalization of porn culture.
Each story has a section where the female lead gets to "design" the robot, specifically the fun bits. And for other reasons that don't make sense, each redesigned sentient robot must be a bright color, although they are totally humanoid otherwise in appearance. Huh?
While I appreciate that these traumatized ladies are able to find love on a safe world, I don't understand the Build-A-Bear aspect. If these robots are now sentient, shouldn't they have some autonomy besides agreeing to new names, proposed by the female lead?
This isn't really scifi, it's fantasy. I love fantasy, but these stories don't have a real plot. They follow a pretty closely constructed template, which makes every book the same. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just not my thing.
The fantasy elements are the basic story. An escaped female human, typically a $ex slave, ends up with a robot who is either on the cusp of or already "ascended," meaning they have achieved sentience. A very predictable romance follows, which is almost the same template in every book, right down to the intimate parts. And as I ask in nearly every romance I read these days, WTF is up with the screaming? Why does every orgasm have to involve screaming? I don't get that trope at all. It feels like another normalization of porn culture.
Each story has a section where the female lead gets to "design" the robot, specifically the fun bits. And for other reasons that don't make sense, each redesigned sentient robot must be a bright color, although they are totally humanoid otherwise in appearance. Huh?
While I appreciate that these traumatized ladies are able to find love on a safe world, I don't understand the Build-A-Bear aspect. If these robots are now sentient, shouldn't they have some autonomy besides agreeing to new names, proposed by the female lead?
This isn't really scifi, it's fantasy. I love fantasy, but these stories don't have a real plot. They follow a pretty closely constructed template, which makes every book the same. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just not my thing.
February 19, 2024
"I can't imagine what it's been like to go from having as much sentience as my home computer to being able to experience love."
I felt everything while reading The Challenge! Watching as Nexxus becomes more humane, more gentle, more caring, more everything is an extremely moving experience for me. Ember has such a strength to her that I found myself admiring her even though I kept reminding myself that she is fictional. The Challenge is exciting and engrossing, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The Galaxy Artificials books touch my heart so completely. The characters are what we as humans should strive to be. I wish there was a place like Eden where we could become our best selves together. Alana Khan has created a wonderful world and filled it with wonderful people. Get this book. Get this series. 5+ stars and a million hearts!
I felt everything while reading The Challenge! Watching as Nexxus becomes more humane, more gentle, more caring, more everything is an extremely moving experience for me. Ember has such a strength to her that I found myself admiring her even though I kept reminding myself that she is fictional. The Challenge is exciting and engrossing, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The Galaxy Artificials books touch my heart so completely. The characters are what we as humans should strive to be. I wish there was a place like Eden where we could become our best selves together. Alana Khan has created a wonderful world and filled it with wonderful people. Get this book. Get this series. 5+ stars and a million hearts!
January 13, 2024
Arc review:
Actual rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Ember has been kidnapped from Earth and is being sold on the slave marked when an unexpected hero swipes her out of the slaver clutches and carries her to "safety." With the authorities is hot pursuit, Ember and Nexxus try to find a safe haven to hide, something that turns out to be quite the challenge. Along the way, Ember can't help but notice how charming her protector is. But he is also a machine, so how can that possibly end well for either of them.
This was such a great story. It has a captivating plot with hostile planets, thrilling challenges, vivid dreams, and unexpected love.
The characters are great, and I love how Ember and Nexxus complete each other. Their story is a slow simmer, but oh so sweet. And this story may have the hottest kissing scene I have ever read🔥
Actual rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Ember has been kidnapped from Earth and is being sold on the slave marked when an unexpected hero swipes her out of the slaver clutches and carries her to "safety." With the authorities is hot pursuit, Ember and Nexxus try to find a safe haven to hide, something that turns out to be quite the challenge. Along the way, Ember can't help but notice how charming her protector is. But he is also a machine, so how can that possibly end well for either of them.
This was such a great story. It has a captivating plot with hostile planets, thrilling challenges, vivid dreams, and unexpected love.
The characters are great, and I love how Ember and Nexxus complete each other. Their story is a slow simmer, but oh so sweet. And this story may have the hottest kissing scene I have ever read🔥
February 25, 2024
This newest installment of the Galaxy Artificials is what I have come to expect from Alana Khan stories. There is suspense along with a solid story and some romance and passion for good measure. In this story, the MCs have to navigate insanely challenging puzzles designed by some pretty creepy people who, literally, have nothing better to do than come up with dangerous challenges for "entertainment." I enjoy how you can quickly forget that the male MC in this series is an AI and that the female MC quickly realizes that there is more to a person than exterior looks. Of course, being able to design the exterior of your dreams after you've fallen in love with their mind and heart is a nice bonus!
March 3, 2024
This is another wonderful addition to the series and I was hooked right from page one. Ember and Nexxus go through so many challenges that I couldn't help but sit on the edge of my seat, throughout. I love how Nexxus' standard upgrade gave him emotions and morals. Well, he rescued Ember, who was being abused in front of him, and their adventures really begin ;) Expect a page turning read filled with action, adventure, twists, emotions and romance as these two find their way to not only survive but also thrive together. I loved the epilogue and really can't say enough about how fab this whole series was. So well done!
February 23, 2024
This is another great AI and human romance story. He's a robot who has just become sentient. If anyone discovers he can think for himself than he will be decommissioned. She has recently been abducted from earth and sold as a pleasure slave. Upon seeing her abuse, He risks his very existence to save her. Together they go thru a lot on their way to find and reach a sanctuary where they can be safe. Along the way they find love and build a family. I highly recommend you read this book and all the other books in the series.
May 23, 2025
Just finished this, the 4th in a 4 book series, Galaxy Artificials. These are short and sweet, a nice light read. The writing is technically solid, with no glaring typos or terrible grammar as found in so many Kindle Unlimited offerings. The MMCs, all of whom are AIs who achieved sentience and emotions, are perfect. Yes, they are strong and protective, and eventually even handsome. But, what I love is that while they are strong protectors, they are not alphaholes!!!They are walking talking green flags. I kind of love them and I want one. ❤️☺️
January 20, 2024
Ember is stranded with a damaged robot. What are her chances of survival?
Alana Khan brings us another amazing story of human and robot interaction. The robots are different as they have developed human style emotions. Just how far can their transitions take them? And what of the human, Emma? Is she interested in what is literally a bucket of bolts?
I have read most of Alana Khan's books and they never fail to hit point 10 out of 10 on my radar.
Highly recommended.
Alana Khan brings us another amazing story of human and robot interaction. The robots are different as they have developed human style emotions. Just how far can their transitions take them? And what of the human, Emma? Is she interested in what is literally a bucket of bolts?
I have read most of Alana Khan's books and they never fail to hit point 10 out of 10 on my radar.
Highly recommended.
February 13, 2024
Kidnapped from earth, Ember finds herself sold to a slave trader who attempts to control her actions by administering various levels of shocks through her slave collar. Unwilling to comply with the slave owner's wishes, Ember finds herself championed by a sentient robot. Enduring an escape fraught with danger, a crash landing, trials and triumphs, Ember quickly grows closer to her savior. What will the future hold for them? A great study in looking beyond surface presentation and stereotypes.
May 18, 2024
Ember and Nexxus
This is a very good, well written, SciFi, Robot/Human romance. The characters are well developed, interesting, and lovable. The characters and world building of Eden continues. Ember was taken from Earth and in a very bad situation. Nexxus is a military grade robot who has beacon sentient. He rescues Ember and their story begins. Read and experience their journey to Eden.
This is a very good, well written, SciFi, Robot/Human romance. The characters are well developed, interesting, and lovable. The characters and world building of Eden continues. Ember was taken from Earth and in a very bad situation. Nexxus is a military grade robot who has beacon sentient. He rescues Ember and their story begins. Read and experience their journey to Eden.
October 10, 2024
I think book 4 is my favorite in the Galaxy Artificials series. The ML robot gains sentience on his own, but he hides it because he doesn't want to be reprogrammed. But when he discovers the FL being abused, he jumps in to save her, regardless of his own safety. They get stranded on a planet that should be abandoned... but it's not so abandoned after all.
February 25, 2024
The Artificials series is an absolute joy. Suspenseful, smoking hotness and the Challenge slide right into the groove. My absolute favorite thing about ALL Alana's book she gets deeply and authentically into the heads of her characters. The slow burn here and heart felt feeling just rick it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews