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The Mating Games #1
The Mating Games
Mate. Die. Repeat.
“Five…”
I wake up in a glass pod. I’ve been abducted.
“Four…”
I’m surrounded by alien beasts, all roaring and desperate to mate me.
“Three...”
I fight to escape but the glass is unbreakable.
“Two…”
One of the alien beasts is calm, thoughtful, nothing like the others…
“One...”
I whimper a prayer and hope someone somewhere will protect me.
“Launch.”
My pod is released and it screams into the planet’s atmosphere below.
The Mating Games have begun. And I am the champion’s Prize.
“Five…”
I wake up in a glass pod. I’ve been abducted.
“Four…”
I’m surrounded by alien beasts, all roaring and desperate to mate me.
“Three...”
I fight to escape but the glass is unbreakable.
“Two…”
One of the alien beasts is calm, thoughtful, nothing like the others…
“One...”
I whimper a prayer and hope someone somewhere will protect me.
“Launch.”
My pod is released and it screams into the planet’s atmosphere below.
The Mating Games have begun. And I am the champion’s Prize.
220 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2024
429 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 18, 2024
Easily the Stupidest book I’ve ever read. Probably the worst one. I finished it out of spite so I could rate it.
So inconsistent.
1. Why would you rather die than be claimed? The deaths were HORRIBLE. And why not just fuck three times and be done with the whole thing? Why try to escape? Especially since you were SO BAD AT IT.
2. Why would she heal when she died and so did the other males but our MMC remain incapacitated
3. Why not just fuck quickly and be done with it? Why drag it out and try to heal
4. The book was SO rapey.
5. Why did the males not think the med kits were valuable and throw them away? That’s so fucking dumb.
6. Why did his “quick healing” fix him but then he was dying of the same wound like 3 seconds later?
7. Why did he prefer her to die than to be captured and raped? I understand that being her preference, not mine, but that’s fine. But why did HE prefer her dead over assaulted? Felt like toxic virginity culture.
8. Why could the other males smell the FMC sometimes but not others?
9. His cock is so massive she can’t close her fingers around him but he slips in with no prep? And no oral? Come on. Cheap.
10. The chapters jump time cuts. It’s annoying.
11. If she’s gonna go down the suicide route, then why not just kill yourself every time another male grabs you? Why wait for the MMC?
12. Why not kill the other men with the poison darts?
13. Why would you assume the MMC would stay dead? You died like 4 times and came back every time. And he died and came back before too.
14. She is TSTL.
15. You’re telling me they escaped in the end and saw another human suffering in the same way and instead of helping you just left? Kay.
So inconsistent.
1. Why would you rather die than be claimed? The deaths were HORRIBLE. And why not just fuck three times and be done with the whole thing? Why try to escape? Especially since you were SO BAD AT IT.
2. Why would she heal when she died and so did the other males but our MMC remain incapacitated
3. Why not just fuck quickly and be done with it? Why drag it out and try to heal
4. The book was SO rapey.
5. Why did the males not think the med kits were valuable and throw them away? That’s so fucking dumb.
6. Why did his “quick healing” fix him but then he was dying of the same wound like 3 seconds later?
7. Why did he prefer her to die than to be captured and raped? I understand that being her preference, not mine, but that’s fine. But why did HE prefer her dead over assaulted? Felt like toxic virginity culture.
8. Why could the other males smell the FMC sometimes but not others?
9. His cock is so massive she can’t close her fingers around him but he slips in with no prep? And no oral? Come on. Cheap.
10. The chapters jump time cuts. It’s annoying.
11. If she’s gonna go down the suicide route, then why not just kill yourself every time another male grabs you? Why wait for the MMC?
12. Why not kill the other men with the poison darts?
13. Why would you assume the MMC would stay dead? You died like 4 times and came back every time. And he died and came back before too.
14. She is TSTL.
15. You’re telling me they escaped in the end and saw another human suffering in the same way and instead of helping you just left? Kay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
📖 Bookish Moments
This is one of my first books I’ve read by Tammy Walsh and I loved it!
I was not prepared. From page one, this book is just nonstop chaos. You know... actual death games. Aurora (our FMC) gets thrown into the deep end and I felt stressed for her the entire time.
I immediately Jayas and his protective nature. He was calm the entire time! I loved how grounded he felt, even when everything else was falling apart.
💭 Final Thoughts: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A chaotic, high-stakes, sci-fi ride with a protective alien MMC and an FMC doing her best in a terrifying situation. Loved it. More please. I liked the ending and the snippet for the next book.
I will definitely be continuing with the series.
📝 No audiobook yet, but I’d listen immediately if they made one.
This is one of my first books I’ve read by Tammy Walsh and I loved it!
I was not prepared. From page one, this book is just nonstop chaos. You know... actual death games. Aurora (our FMC) gets thrown into the deep end and I felt stressed for her the entire time.
I immediately Jayas and his protective nature. He was calm the entire time! I loved how grounded he felt, even when everything else was falling apart.
💭 Final Thoughts: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A chaotic, high-stakes, sci-fi ride with a protective alien MMC and an FMC doing her best in a terrifying situation. Loved it. More please. I liked the ending and the snippet for the next book.
I will definitely be continuing with the series.
📝 No audiobook yet, but I’d listen immediately if they made one.
January 22, 2024
Short, sweet and steamy. I really, really liked this one.
Aurora and Jayas’ story was a great palate cleanser. It still had tension and drama, steam, a brave FMC and cinnamon roll MMC. The love story was sweet, but there are some pretty dark elements so check the CW. It seems I’ve discovered I enjoy alien Hunger Games tropes… who knew?
There were some minor plot inconsistencies and it could’ve done with another editing run through, but it didn’t really diminish my enjoyment overall.
POV: Dual POV
Spice: 3/5; enjoyable
Burn: Slow-Med
Series / standalone?
Shared universe?
Favourite quotes:
“I needed to think more like a dumb creature with an IQ of 6.”
“The trust that blossomed in her eyes at that moment was both a gift and a responsibility.”
Triggers: there a serious lack of CW at the beginning of the book so probs check the authors website in case I missed any here.
Abduction and sale - Hunger Games type setting, threat of r*pe, violence, unaliving oneself to achieve round ‘reset’
Aurora and Jayas’ story was a great palate cleanser. It still had tension and drama, steam, a brave FMC and cinnamon roll MMC. The love story was sweet, but there are some pretty dark elements so check the CW. It seems I’ve discovered I enjoy alien Hunger Games tropes… who knew?
There were some minor plot inconsistencies and it could’ve done with another editing run through, but it didn’t really diminish my enjoyment overall.
POV: Dual POV
Spice: 3/5; enjoyable
Burn: Slow-Med
Series / standalone?
Shared universe?
Favourite quotes:
“I needed to think more like a dumb creature with an IQ of 6.”
“The trust that blossomed in her eyes at that moment was both a gift and a responsibility.”
Triggers: there a serious lack of CW at the beginning of the book so probs check the authors website in case I missed any here.
Abduction and sale - Hunger Games type setting, threat of r*pe, violence, unaliving oneself to achieve round ‘reset’
February 10, 2024
I just couldn’t get into it. I held on as long as I could and even gave it another chance. I got to 19% and just couldn’t go any further. I wanted to like it based upon the reviews and rating, but sadly I just didn’t feel a connection to the main characters.
April 7, 2024
Weirdly unnecessarily verbose and flowery writing
March 14, 2024
The premise of this story was AMAZING. While not “original” it was great to see a Hunger Games meets Groundhog’s Day mash up with alien romance.
The FMC is brave and catches on quick to her dire circumstances, especially given the 10 seconds she had to acclimate to her situation after being launched from space down to the planet.
The MMC is a forced contestant with morals who attempts to protect the terrified and oblivious human female thrust into this terrible game, but he soon realizes that there’s more to her than meets the eye, and they quickly develop an understanding that they need to work together to make it out alive.
Eventually that trust develops into something more, and they find themselves coming back to one another round after round.
There wasn’t much spice to this… there are 2 scenes of “spice” that provides some satisfaction, but the story isn’t heavily focused on that. It’s fast paced and action packed- easy 5 stars.
The FMC is brave and catches on quick to her dire circumstances, especially given the 10 seconds she had to acclimate to her situation after being launched from space down to the planet.
The MMC is a forced contestant with morals who attempts to protect the terrified and oblivious human female thrust into this terrible game, but he soon realizes that there’s more to her than meets the eye, and they quickly develop an understanding that they need to work together to make it out alive.
Eventually that trust develops into something more, and they find themselves coming back to one another round after round.
There wasn’t much spice to this… there are 2 scenes of “spice” that provides some satisfaction, but the story isn’t heavily focused on that. It’s fast paced and action packed- easy 5 stars.
February 5, 2024
This was my first time reading this author, and it will not be the last. The overall story was a cross between The Hunger Games, reality television, and paranormal romance. Tammy did a great job describing the arena to the point I could actually visualize being there. I loved the decision to have Jayas explain the nature of the Mating Games to Aurora and the reader at the same time. By choosing this method of delivery I was able to put myself into Aurora’s shoes and imagine how I would have reacted in that scenario. The relationship between Aurora and Jayas felt like it happened organically, which was nice because a lot of times in shorter paranormal romance books the relationship between the main characters seems rushed and unrealistic. I was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns throughout the story, which is why I was able to complete the book in one day. I had to find out what happened next!
Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5, because I wanted to know more about the Malquarans (The Aliens running the show). What did they look like, how were they able to abduct Aurora, why did they start this game in the first place, etc. It is unclear if this is to be the first book in a series or if it is simply a stand-alone story. I think there is definitely potential to make it into a series based off of all the questions I was left with about the Malquarans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5, because I wanted to know more about the Malquarans (The Aliens running the show). What did they look like, how were they able to abduct Aurora, why did they start this game in the first place, etc. It is unclear if this is to be the first book in a series or if it is simply a stand-alone story. I think there is definitely potential to make it into a series based off of all the questions I was left with about the Malquarans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2024
This book is the alien version of The Hunger Games, modified a bit to become a romance novel.
Aurora wakes up and is immediately thrown into The Mating Games, where different kinds of aliens try to claim her and mate with her. She is frightened but determined to escape. Jayas, an unwilling contestant, is equally determined to help and protect her. The arena holds many dangers, leaving them to navigate it together.
I liked this book. It was short and fast-paced, but the plot wasn't rushed. I loved the details: how the aliens were different and had different features, how the planet was described. The story was great: it had fights and passion, and I'm a big fan of protective heroes.
However, there were a few things I didn't like. We don't know much about the main characters. There were a few things here and there, but not enough to know their personalities. I understand that giving too much information would have disrupted the flow of the story while they were in the mating game. In the middle of trying to survive, it wasn't needed. But when the epilogue came, I felt like important details were missing. It gave closure and HEA, but there were very few interactions between the couple. I would have loved to read more about how they function as a couple in a normal setting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aurora wakes up and is immediately thrown into The Mating Games, where different kinds of aliens try to claim her and mate with her. She is frightened but determined to escape. Jayas, an unwilling contestant, is equally determined to help and protect her. The arena holds many dangers, leaving them to navigate it together.
I liked this book. It was short and fast-paced, but the plot wasn't rushed. I loved the details: how the aliens were different and had different features, how the planet was described. The story was great: it had fights and passion, and I'm a big fan of protective heroes.
However, there were a few things I didn't like. We don't know much about the main characters. There were a few things here and there, but not enough to know their personalities. I understand that giving too much information would have disrupted the flow of the story while they were in the mating game. In the middle of trying to survive, it wasn't needed. But when the epilogue came, I felt like important details were missing. It gave closure and HEA, but there were very few interactions between the couple. I would have loved to read more about how they function as a couple in a normal setting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2025
An interesting alien romance
I quite liked this one. It’s a story with many similarities to “Hunger Games”, but placed in an alien planet with alien contestants fighting to catch and mate with a human girl. There is a special made arena, looking like a tropical forest (an alien one), capsules that hold the contestants etc. The story starts with a human girl, Aurora, waking up in a special capsule ready to launch downward and a few other similar ones containing alien male species she hasn’t seen before, but who seem ready to devour her whole. She has no clue what’s going on. The countdown starts, she finds herself in an alien tropical forest, she gets captured by one of the aliens, she hardly escapes (sheer luck) but she gets poisoned by an alien plant in the process. Resume to start. Same story, but now she has a vague clue what to do. From all the alien men around her while in the capsule, one stands out. Jayas. A Zelthorian, with morals that contradict the other contestants’(who have none). He was betrayed and forced into the game himself. He feels drawn to her; he feels a connection just by looking at her. So, he decides that his main goal is to find and protect her. When he does, he explains to her what is going on regarding her situation and the game, and they form an alliance in order to survive and, simultaneously, try to escape (or at least finish) the game. Not an easy task, as the rules state that mating three times with the same alien is imperative for that. They have unquestionable chemistry. A rollercoaster of events occur. Will they succeed? What will the ruthless Malquarans (the ones controlling the game) do? How will they survive them or the other contestants determine to make Aurora their trophy? You will definitely be turning the pages anxiously to find out. I am debating between 3.5 and 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I quite liked this one. It’s a story with many similarities to “Hunger Games”, but placed in an alien planet with alien contestants fighting to catch and mate with a human girl. There is a special made arena, looking like a tropical forest (an alien one), capsules that hold the contestants etc. The story starts with a human girl, Aurora, waking up in a special capsule ready to launch downward and a few other similar ones containing alien male species she hasn’t seen before, but who seem ready to devour her whole. She has no clue what’s going on. The countdown starts, she finds herself in an alien tropical forest, she gets captured by one of the aliens, she hardly escapes (sheer luck) but she gets poisoned by an alien plant in the process. Resume to start. Same story, but now she has a vague clue what to do. From all the alien men around her while in the capsule, one stands out. Jayas. A Zelthorian, with morals that contradict the other contestants’(who have none). He was betrayed and forced into the game himself. He feels drawn to her; he feels a connection just by looking at her. So, he decides that his main goal is to find and protect her. When he does, he explains to her what is going on regarding her situation and the game, and they form an alliance in order to survive and, simultaneously, try to escape (or at least finish) the game. Not an easy task, as the rules state that mating three times with the same alien is imperative for that. They have unquestionable chemistry. A rollercoaster of events occur. Will they succeed? What will the ruthless Malquarans (the ones controlling the game) do? How will they survive them or the other contestants determine to make Aurora their trophy? You will definitely be turning the pages anxiously to find out. I am debating between 3.5 and 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2024
The Marting game prometía ser una novela original y emocionante, pero desafortunadamente no cumplió con las expectativas. La idea de combinar Los Juegos del Hambre con Alienígenas parecía prometedora, pero la ejecución dejó mucho que desear. Las reglas del mundo creado por la autora resultaron ser poco creíbles y, a medida que avanzaba la trama, la muerte de los personajes se volvió un recurso demasiado utilizado, perdiendo así su impacto.
El exceso de diálogo interno y la escasez de acción también restaron interés a la lectura. Las escenas de smut fueron especialmente decepcionantes, careciendo de la intensidad que se esperaba.
A pesar de algunos puntos positivos como el mundo que creo, The Mating Games no logra destacar entre tantas otras opciones. Lamentablemente, esta novela se queda a mitad de camino debido a una ejecución deficiente.
____________________________________________________________
The Mating Games promised to be an original and exciting novel, but unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. The idea of combining The Hunger Games with Aliens seemed promising, but the execution left much to be desired. The author's world rules turned out to be unbelievable, and as the plot progressed, the death of characters became an overused resource, thus losing its impact.
The excess of internal dialogue and the lack of action also detracted from the read's interest. The smut scenes were especially disappointing, lacking the intensity that was expected.
Despite some positive points, such as the world I created, The Mating Games fails to stand out among many other options. Sadly, this novel falls short due to poor execution.
El exceso de diálogo interno y la escasez de acción también restaron interés a la lectura. Las escenas de smut fueron especialmente decepcionantes, careciendo de la intensidad que se esperaba.
A pesar de algunos puntos positivos como el mundo que creo, The Mating Games no logra destacar entre tantas otras opciones. Lamentablemente, esta novela se queda a mitad de camino debido a una ejecución deficiente.
____________________________________________________________
The Mating Games promised to be an original and exciting novel, but unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. The idea of combining The Hunger Games with Aliens seemed promising, but the execution left much to be desired. The author's world rules turned out to be unbelievable, and as the plot progressed, the death of characters became an overused resource, thus losing its impact.
The excess of internal dialogue and the lack of action also detracted from the read's interest. The smut scenes were especially disappointing, lacking the intensity that was expected.
Despite some positive points, such as the world I created, The Mating Games fails to stand out among many other options. Sadly, this novel falls short due to poor execution.
July 14, 2024
The writing.
Is so stilted.
Every sentence is a new.
Paragraph.
It makes it read like.
Poetry maybe? But it's just.
A very flowery.
Alien book.
The smexy times aren't even descriptive or exciting, it's just boring and she doesn't even... finish... Until the second time when she does it herself 🤣.
It doesn't make a ton of sense, not in the suspension of disbelief way but more in the confused of what's happening way.
You never learn anything substantial. You don't learn any more about why he was betrayed or who betrayed him or where he comes from or anything else about his planet other than they are perfect moral beings apparently except when they betray each other and send them to these games? But they all, the entire race, are obsessed with consent?
The premise would make a good CNC smut book, it's basically hunger games except the goal is r*pe?
But this isn't that. And I still have no idea how they escaped I got so confused about how the regeneration worked and then I guess the aliens get replaced or they started over? And then the pods were unbreakable by plasma blast but completely breakable by... Hitting them hard with your own strength?
Anyhoo I am not sure why I finished it but it happened. The lawn ornament shifter book I read before it made more sense to me 🤣.
Is so stilted.
Every sentence is a new.
Paragraph.
It makes it read like.
Poetry maybe? But it's just.
A very flowery.
Alien book.
The smexy times aren't even descriptive or exciting, it's just boring and she doesn't even... finish... Until the second time when she does it herself 🤣.
It doesn't make a ton of sense, not in the suspension of disbelief way but more in the confused of what's happening way.
You never learn anything substantial. You don't learn any more about why he was betrayed or who betrayed him or where he comes from or anything else about his planet other than they are perfect moral beings apparently except when they betray each other and send them to these games? But they all, the entire race, are obsessed with consent?
The premise would make a good CNC smut book, it's basically hunger games except the goal is r*pe?
But this isn't that. And I still have no idea how they escaped I got so confused about how the regeneration worked and then I guess the aliens get replaced or they started over? And then the pods were unbreakable by plasma blast but completely breakable by... Hitting them hard with your own strength?
Anyhoo I am not sure why I finished it but it happened. The lawn ornament shifter book I read before it made more sense to me 🤣.
February 19, 2024
Ok 2% in and I’m like ok I’m gonna lose some sleep reading this book because I gotta know how it ends!
This one has all the feels 🥰
Heartbreak,hope, love and empathy just wow and the vulnerability I AM AMAZED!!
What a interesting take on a story how in the world anyone would come up with such a thing takes great imagination!
Ok yes…can we say it “teamwork makes the dream work!!” I love this ..Jayas and Aurora are gonna have to team up to survive and boy is it EPIC !!
It’s gonna be hard to pick my favorite part in this story like picking a favorite book is like….
“You have to chose just one…whateva!” 🤣
And yes it was very hard to put down like a dramatic tv show …indeed !!!
Well played lady Walsh!!
Like holy moly I didn’t want to put this book down and I had to read snatches in between medical tests and stuff I was like “dang it someone is bothering me 😠lol”😏😉
And the decision making man oh man did I feel for aurora how to make such choices and for Jayas
Malquarans
I sooo don’t like whoever these ppl or aliens are…but every good story has a villain …am I right.?!
**I voluntarily reviewed a ARC of this book**
This one has all the feels 🥰
Heartbreak,hope, love and empathy just wow and the vulnerability I AM AMAZED!!
What a interesting take on a story how in the world anyone would come up with such a thing takes great imagination!
Ok yes…can we say it “teamwork makes the dream work!!” I love this ..Jayas and Aurora are gonna have to team up to survive and boy is it EPIC !!
It’s gonna be hard to pick my favorite part in this story like picking a favorite book is like….
“You have to chose just one…whateva!” 🤣
And yes it was very hard to put down like a dramatic tv show …indeed !!!
Well played lady Walsh!!
Like holy moly I didn’t want to put this book down and I had to read snatches in between medical tests and stuff I was like “dang it someone is bothering me 😠lol”😏😉
And the decision making man oh man did I feel for aurora how to make such choices and for Jayas
Malquarans
I sooo don’t like whoever these ppl or aliens are…but every good story has a villain …am I right.?!
**I voluntarily reviewed a ARC of this book**
February 3, 2024
"This place, as foreign as it was, seemed alive in ways I couldn’t begin to comprehend."
Jayas has the misfortune of recognizing the he'll he has woken up in. Aurora on the other hand quickly discovers there are times when ignorance is not bliss.
This done in one Kindle unlimited book has two characters who find they have unexpected common ground from which to try and form an uneasy alliance that, if they are lucky, they can use to build the foundation of something more, something strong enough to help both of them survive the riskiest reality game Aurora has ever seen.
I was not entirely sure as I started reading if this was the book I was in the mood for, but I was quickly sucked in to the game... Not the one they were supposed to be playing. Not the one the masterminds thought they were forcing them to play... But the game of survival, and so much more that Aurora and Jayas found themselves playing... A game in which they sought to outwit the masterminds, and win on their own terms.
Jayas has the misfortune of recognizing the he'll he has woken up in. Aurora on the other hand quickly discovers there are times when ignorance is not bliss.
This done in one Kindle unlimited book has two characters who find they have unexpected common ground from which to try and form an uneasy alliance that, if they are lucky, they can use to build the foundation of something more, something strong enough to help both of them survive the riskiest reality game Aurora has ever seen.
I was not entirely sure as I started reading if this was the book I was in the mood for, but I was quickly sucked in to the game... Not the one they were supposed to be playing. Not the one the masterminds thought they were forcing them to play... But the game of survival, and so much more that Aurora and Jayas found themselves playing... A game in which they sought to outwit the masterminds, and win on their own terms.
February 5, 2024
3.75stars—THE MATING GAMES is the first instalment in Tammy Walsh’s adult THE MATING GAMES erotic, sci-fi romance series. This is human female Aurora, and Zelthori male Jayas’ story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers .
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jayas and Aurora) THE MATING GAMES focuses on the building relationship between our leading couple. Aurora was kidnapped from Earth and found herself the primary target of a group of alien males. Jayas is the victim of a former friend, betrayed and sold to the Mating Games. Having awakened on another planet Aurora would fight for her life, and her freedom as she is thrust into a reality game where she is the ultimate prize. With the help of Zelthori male Jayas, one of the unwilling contestants, Aurora will find her future in our story line hero but not before both will lose their lives, numerous times.
The world building focuses on a ‘Hunger Games’ eque , virtual world and fight for survival. Aurora is the prize as alien males battle to mate and claim, and her only hope is the male with whom she will fall in love.
The relationship between Aurora and Jayas is one of necessity. Aurora has been targeted by a number of mate-ready males but with the help and assistance of Jayas, our couple will win a game, a game in which the results are manipulated for the world to see. The $ex scenes are intimate and dramatic.
The second and supporting characters are limited to the large assortment of males battling for sexual supremacy and the right to force an unwitting female to be their mate.
THE MATING GAMES is a story of power and control, madness, obsession and monsters. The premise is thought-provoking, familiar and entertaining; the characters are desperate, determined and dangerous.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers .
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jayas and Aurora) THE MATING GAMES focuses on the building relationship between our leading couple. Aurora was kidnapped from Earth and found herself the primary target of a group of alien males. Jayas is the victim of a former friend, betrayed and sold to the Mating Games. Having awakened on another planet Aurora would fight for her life, and her freedom as she is thrust into a reality game where she is the ultimate prize. With the help of Zelthori male Jayas, one of the unwilling contestants, Aurora will find her future in our story line hero but not before both will lose their lives, numerous times.
The world building focuses on a ‘Hunger Games’ eque , virtual world and fight for survival. Aurora is the prize as alien males battle to mate and claim, and her only hope is the male with whom she will fall in love.
The relationship between Aurora and Jayas is one of necessity. Aurora has been targeted by a number of mate-ready males but with the help and assistance of Jayas, our couple will win a game, a game in which the results are manipulated for the world to see. The $ex scenes are intimate and dramatic.
The second and supporting characters are limited to the large assortment of males battling for sexual supremacy and the right to force an unwitting female to be their mate.
THE MATING GAMES is a story of power and control, madness, obsession and monsters. The premise is thought-provoking, familiar and entertaining; the characters are desperate, determined and dangerous.
February 13, 2024
Omg this book was amazing and I was spellbound right from the start and what a wild ride I was taken on.
Aurora is a human female that has been kidnapped from Earth by the Malqurans for there Mating Games as entertainment to other species but she knows nothing of this until she is dropped into an alien planet in a pod with huge aliens all around her and this scares her by the looks they are giving her but one seems different from the others and she feels a pull towards him and when he protects her from the others her fight or flight kicks in and she runs. Jayas is in the Mating Games and has watched it before and knows how it all works and when the female is dropped and he see’s her he knows she is his mate and he must protect her from the others and tell her what is going on. When he catches up her and explains everything she is shocked that they have to mate with her three times and be the last ones standing to win their freedom and so they work together to survive and there attraction to each other is off the charts. How does it all turn out, get this great b ok to find out.
Aurora is a human female that has been kidnapped from Earth by the Malqurans for there Mating Games as entertainment to other species but she knows nothing of this until she is dropped into an alien planet in a pod with huge aliens all around her and this scares her by the looks they are giving her but one seems different from the others and she feels a pull towards him and when he protects her from the others her fight or flight kicks in and she runs. Jayas is in the Mating Games and has watched it before and knows how it all works and when the female is dropped and he see’s her he knows she is his mate and he must protect her from the others and tell her what is going on. When he catches up her and explains everything she is shocked that they have to mate with her three times and be the last ones standing to win their freedom and so they work together to survive and there attraction to each other is off the charts. How does it all turn out, get this great b ok to find out.
August 23, 2024
The Mating Game is definitely a change from the 'aliens need women to continue their species' trope. A reality TV game show type of situation where the participants are not there willingly with the prize being that you get to live.
I see that some readers were not vibing with the more flowering writing but I didn't mind it. I'll take that over some cheesy dialogue any day.
There is no third act break up.
No limitless orgasms. Some sexy steamy scenes but not a lot.
There is also no world building but are we here for that anyway? (ok sometimes we are)
We have a ton of action though. I read in another review (can't remember who) that this was referred to as a palette cleaners and I agree with that. So if you want something different but still want some alien dick give this a try.
I see that some readers were not vibing with the more flowering writing but I didn't mind it. I'll take that over some cheesy dialogue any day.
There is no third act break up.
No limitless orgasms. Some sexy steamy scenes but not a lot.
There is also no world building but are we here for that anyway? (ok sometimes we are)
We have a ton of action though. I read in another review (can't remember who) that this was referred to as a palette cleaners and I agree with that. So if you want something different but still want some alien dick give this a try.
February 5, 2024
I really liked that it turned the idea of the dystopian survival arena on its head.
This story was very intense, but definitely in a good way. The stakes in the game are literally life and death and poor Aurora is stuck smack dab in the middle.
The goal of the game is simple. The first male to succeed in 3 matings with the female of the game is the winner and she becomes his property.
Luckily for her, not all of the participants in the game are complete brutes. Jayas is just as much a victim in this awful game whose culture and morals demand he does his best to save her from this awful fate. Though tenuous at first they build trust and eventually love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was very intense, but definitely in a good way. The stakes in the game are literally life and death and poor Aurora is stuck smack dab in the middle.
The goal of the game is simple. The first male to succeed in 3 matings with the female of the game is the winner and she becomes his property.
Luckily for her, not all of the participants in the game are complete brutes. Jayas is just as much a victim in this awful game whose culture and morals demand he does his best to save her from this awful fate. Though tenuous at first they build trust and eventually love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2025
dnf at 63%
To me, this is a bad book
The thoughts and feelings of the main characters are constantly verbalised by the characters in an over the top fashion. It doesn't feel genuine at all! Like show us what they feel. Don't just tell us every few seconds. It really annoyed me how they constantly thought about "their deep connection and understanding of each other" without there being any.
Also a lot of stuff did not make sense and made the main characters just look stupid, e.g. you are looking for an injured guy, but don't take the medicine you just found with you or the biggest one: the Games stop if you had sex 3 times, so why not immediately do that.
The idea of a 'The Hunger Games' like mating game is interesting, but it has to be executed well
To me, this is a bad book
The thoughts and feelings of the main characters are constantly verbalised by the characters in an over the top fashion. It doesn't feel genuine at all! Like show us what they feel. Don't just tell us every few seconds. It really annoyed me how they constantly thought about "their deep connection and understanding of each other" without there being any.
Also a lot of stuff did not make sense and made the main characters just look stupid, e.g. you are looking for an injured guy, but don't take the medicine you just found with you or the biggest one: the Games stop if you had sex 3 times, so why not immediately do that.
The idea of a 'The Hunger Games' like mating game is interesting, but it has to be executed well
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
Aurora was kidnapped from Earth. She is in a glass pod. Aurora is on display with lots of aliens by her pod but there is a blue alien that becomes her ally. Jayas has also been kidnapped and is now part of the Mating Games. Jayas is drawn to the human and needs to explain what is happening. He will protect and save her from danger. Aurora and Jayas decide to work together. I loved the chemistry between the characters, the danger, the adventure, and outmaneuvering the other contestants. Loved the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2024
Cute paranormal romance with a HEA
If you are looking for something that would be a quick, easy read that will draw you in with instalust attraction, this book would be for you. You'll find yourself wrapped up and not wanting to put it down.
If you like Hallmark movies and you love to read a good spicy romance, then you'll love this story. It's filled with intrigue, quirky characters, and romance.
The chemistry was off the charts and their physical attraction was steamy. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down.
Devoured this book without pausing. Couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend!
If you are looking for something that would be a quick, easy read that will draw you in with instalust attraction, this book would be for you. You'll find yourself wrapped up and not wanting to put it down.
If you like Hallmark movies and you love to read a good spicy romance, then you'll love this story. It's filled with intrigue, quirky characters, and romance.
The chemistry was off the charts and their physical attraction was steamy. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down.
Devoured this book without pausing. Couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend!
February 10, 2024
Time is irrelevant, the FMC who has no previous knowledge of aliens - gets sudden knowledge of aliens at one point, the two MC cannot seem to just bang out a quickie to end the horrible game, they are in love and have dreams after a minute of being together and knowing virtually NOTHING about the other, all of that pales in comparison to the fact that they escape into space with zero plan, no clue how they will live. Does he have money, a job, is there even food/water in their little escape pod, how the fudge do they plan to travel the universes??? Nothing makes any sense.
I love insta love stories but this one was off, WAY off.
I love insta love stories but this one was off, WAY off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
Aurora regains consciousness to find herself in a sealed glass like pod being shot down onto a planet below. Things get worse from there. The other aliens also on the surface appear to have have only one aim and that is to mate her. So she runs!
Jayas has been betrayed, captured and sold into the Mating Games. One look at the female prize and he is utterly focused on saving her, and himself in the process.
An illegal game where trust is hard won and team work is everything.
A fantastic action packed, fast paced violent journey to love and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jayas has been betrayed, captured and sold into the Mating Games. One look at the female prize and he is utterly focused on saving her, and himself in the process.
An illegal game where trust is hard won and team work is everything.
A fantastic action packed, fast paced violent journey to love and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2024
This is a sci-fi alien abduction romance between Aurora a human who was abducted and placed in the Alien reality show the Lying Games, were she has to escape different alien males who are intent on mating with her and Jayas a Zelthori male who is an unwilling participate in the games and will protect Aurora from the other aliens. It contains danger, suspense, grounding hog day events and some hot scenes with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
★Good start to this Hunger-Games-esque series - “Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore.”★
Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - Good start to this Hunger-Games-esque series. Jayas and Aurora are clearly fighting for their survival and to end up together, their most problematic and monumental tasks. I am looking forward to learning more about the Malquarans, the mysterious race of aliens capturing and running this show, and we get a peek into this author’s world building via the other contestants.
Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - Good start to this Hunger-Games-esque series. Jayas and Aurora are clearly fighting for their survival and to end up together, their most problematic and monumental tasks. I am looking forward to learning more about the Malquarans, the mysterious race of aliens capturing and running this show, and we get a peek into this author’s world building via the other contestants.
August 26, 2024
Alien type of books are hit and miss for me, but I really liked this one. I understand that there are some gaps that one may feel are too many for the plot but honestly if you understand the hunger games vibe and play video games it makes sense. With each reset the game changes a bit, is one mates it in a sense moves to the next level, its survival in an dangerous area that was built for entertainment. I think it was a great blend and it did pull me into the story line. I am curious about the human that was left behind and am looking forward to reading the next book.
February 17, 2024
This Book 1 in The Mating Games Book Series has an Alien sci-fi romance with unique characters. This book features a protective Alien and his human mate. They have been kidnapped and forced to participate in the mating games. This book has a well-crafted world and with unique characters with interesting histories, instant connection, and intense personalities. This story is action-packed and also has twists, turns, suspense, chemistry, and love.
March 6, 2024
What in the.....
Imagine waking up in a pod..alone..in a strange place surrounded by creatures..and not friendly happy creatures. But out of all the creatures, you bond with one... after he explains what is going on.
Adventure, love, and an alien protector...what more can you ask for?
Tammy is really good at these trilogy series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Imagine waking up in a pod..alone..in a strange place surrounded by creatures..and not friendly happy creatures. But out of all the creatures, you bond with one... after he explains what is going on.
Adventure, love, and an alien protector...what more can you ask for?
Tammy is really good at these trilogy series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2024
Reminding me of a video game, this story kept me envisioning the next possibility. The character's showed great resilience and strength to survive and succeed. This storyline is intriguing and a good read to escape the mundane of our daily lives.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2024
Aurora and Jayas
The Mating Games is a contest of sorts that combine battle and survival while trying to find mates. It’s action packed from the very beginning and full of adventure and epic thrills. Steamy romance and great world building, this book was very interesting and unique.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Mating Games is a contest of sorts that combine battle and survival while trying to find mates. It’s action packed from the very beginning and full of adventure and epic thrills. Steamy romance and great world building, this book was very interesting and unique.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2024
This dystopian almost hunger game style book caught my eye from its bright cover! While reading I was slightly disappointed from the emotional interactions between the main character and the lover interest. I felt this book could be read as a stand alone since it did not build up the towards the end of the book.
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