“I am the seventh son of the Pirate Queen Teneras, and I demand you let my mate go.”
He only said to save her life, he never thought they'd actually have to pull it off. But now, to save the universe and themselves these two haters are gonna have to pretend to be lovers.
Trish Heinrich’s steamy romance is fueled by caffeine and panic. When not daydreaming about the new book boyfriend she’s creating, Trish is geeking out with her two kids about superheroes, cuddling with her husband or bingeing Lucifer…again. Devil’s Temptation is her first straight up romance and is the first book in her Celestial Superheroes Series. She writes Urban Fantasy under T.L. Heinrich because there are just too many stories in her brain for one pen name. You can catch her on Instagram under @trishheinrich, or on Patreon as Trish Heinrich. She doesn’t promise to post every day, but she does promise weird, geeky fun with the occasion man chest thrown in for good measure.
I looooved this book! Ugh! SO good! Trish definitely reconciled me with the haters-to-lovers trope, but that was mainly because those two had a history together, so they knew exactly how to get under one another's skin while being desperately attracted to each other.
The universe in this series is fantastic! So rich! There are a lot of different alien species, humans, sentient ships (!), and space dragons (!!!). There's a nice plot, a lot of action, a great cast of characters, and the spice is *chef's kiss*
I loved the main characters so much! Thanh is a badass pilot, super strong, cocky, and fierce, and she doesn't let her limitations rule her life. Jax is a sexy-as-sin pirate prince who can't help but be a growly and possessive male while still being sweet and caring. The banter and tension between those two were phenomenal, it kept me on my toes, even though I wanted them to just get over it and kiss already 🤣🤣 And the dom/sub dynamic!! 🫠🫠 Yummy!
I did like that when all the cards were put on the table, it still took Thanh a minute to get her bearings, because you can't just erase years of believing some narrative in the span of one conversation. I truly enjoyed their relationship so so much!
If you enjoy SciFi romance and alien smut, check out this book! It's available now and on KU.
*I received an early copy of this book to read and review*
Ok so I was pissssseeeeeddddd at Thanh for a lot of this book, especially when she got all judgy and slut-shamingy about Jax’s himbo ways. But honestly, trauma twists the way you perceive the world, so it made sense. And let’s be real, these 2 loved to hate each other. Like a lot. As such, Jax and Thanh’s tumultuous relationship came with frequent doses of “I can’t believe I’m attracted to them” and being unable to think about much more than how much they didn’t get along. They worked through their stuff together and separately, and Jax was awesome with how empathetic without pity he was when Thanh’s chronic pain flared. Can we say dreamy. The world building is elaborate and engaging, filled with complex people who all have their own lives outside of the MCs. Looking forward to the next!
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: PTSD flashbacks and nightmares, medical procedure and experimentation gone wrong (past), near death experience via drowning, references to past abusive partner, body horror-ish descriptions, chronic pain, references to emotionally unavailable parents, violence (including gun) and death, gore, references to torture, discussion of child poverty including starvation, references to past mass death, slut shaming, captivity of sentient being, imprisonment of side character
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review. Thank you to the author!
**
The story of Jax and Thanh is really interesting. I will admit, I did hate both of them in the beginning and I was trying really hard to see where this was going (I didn't really see a happy ending there). But then Trish worked her magic and I started to see beyond the mask both characters wore and as more and more started chipping away and the real them got revealed, I started to have a lot of fun with the book. By the end of this, I really was rooting for the HEA. I also how the trust between these two slowly grew and we were along for the ride.
I loved the heist plot and it was my favorite part of the book! The crew forming was fun to see and I liked how both Jax and Thanh took an equal role in the command and their work was fun to witness. I love also the action in the book and I do think the author did a fantastic job at making this feel like a movie but also not at all confusing during those scenes.
I also really enjoyed seeing a different side to the world that we've seen previously in the other books. I think this really opened up a lot of interesting worlds and people in the universe and I'm definitely interested in knowing more. I also really want to know about Jax's parents and their relationship, his parents were such a hoot every time they showed up!
If you love Star Trek and you've grown up reading fanfiction of your ships, then I think you might like this one.
I didn't expect this to be a more genuine (pseudo) enemies-to-lovers storyline which is why I struggled with the first half of the story.
Jax and Thanh hate each other's guts.
Despite Thanh being Jax's mate, the first few chapters are filled with them sniping and griping at each other using valid reasons. Heinrich wrote their dislike for each other so well that I couldn't see how we could get to the point where we could see a relationship blossom from their mutual hatred.
But when it did, I was so thankful that I gave it a chance!
Their relationship was more real despite them being fated mates. I liked how Heinrich didn't use their being mates as a reason to sweep both their very valid concerns under the rug. Instead, Thanh and Jax had to discuss and work through their issues in a more organic way.
What stood out to me the most is that the characters remained as their own persons. Being in a relationship did not absolve or cure any of their sins - they still had to navigate through the world and discuss how they felt and the impact of their actions on each other. Being mates didn't mean that they became one entity filled only with the breadth of their love for each other. Instead, both of them learn from and are strengthened by their relationship.
That for me is a hallmark of a good fated mate trope.
Another bonus is seeing the worlds that the characters move around in. I ate up each and every set piece that they introduced and wished we could've gotten more. I could not believe that and I enjoyed seeing how they fit into the tapestry of the world.
I'm glad I was able to receive this arc because I've not yet met a lot of people who recommend Heinrich's books. This is my first introduction to the world and I'm definitely picking up the first book when I can!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Folks when I tell you that you need to read this one, I mean it. There are SPACE DRAGONS that double as spaceships! This one was hands down my favorite! It was confirmation that I like my book couples mean lol. There's really nothing better than the "Oh sh!t" moment two people who absolutely can't stand each other realize they actually kinda love each other. *chef's kiss*
Thanh is the baddest of BAMFs and her overall strength is awe inspiring. She lives with chronic pain and a hunk of metal surgically grafted to her back, she's traumatized by a crash and subsequent recovery AND THEN has to work with the guy she believes is responsible?? Me personally, I would've crawled into a hole and given up, but not our girl Thanh!
Jax, my dear Jax. I literally cannot say enough good things about him. He's a massive blue alien with horns and the way he picks and pokes at Thanh just to rile her up and his inner monologue of 'my God, she is magnificent' I just cannot and will not ever be able to get enough of him. Oh, and he's a pirate prince!
Thank you so much Trish Heinrich for the opportunity to arc read this one!
Adventure, space, different species, descripted, immersive. Mate, frenemy, poly love 💕. Love it.
Once again Trish transported me out of this world 🌎 🚀🛸. Trishs ability to immerse the reader into an intergalactic world unique to her writing. Every single book I have read from Trish is soo descriptive and detailed that I can’t help painting everything in detail in my minds eyes. That is what I love about reading that differs from every other form of art for me.
Thanh and Jax are once again pushed together to complete a mission for the GIB in order to prevent the bad guys from getting their way. So a fake marriage and real attraction intertwine to help this fated couple finally facing their trauma, insecurities, fears and finally give in to each other.
The fire in their sexï time and Dom and Sub dynamic between Thanh and Jax is Ooooo sooo CALIENTE. Mistress Thanh has such a Good Boy in Jax. Meeting new intergalactic species and poly dynamics kept me super engaged. Thanh having her own dragon 🐉🛸 and being able to finally feel herself with Tohm-Tohm just the way their connection was meant to be from the start was super emotional to experience.
Thanh and Jax are finally whole together with their symbiotes Tohm-Tohm and Lorac. And we got more Easter 🐣 eggs from the future for the Infinite Unions.
Oh by the way the footnotes were a great touch Trish, i laughed out loud LOL 😂 getting insights into how your writing come together Trish.
Now we patiently wait for more Trish PLEASE 🙏🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another fantastic addition to the Infinite Unions series! I have to say, this story felt much more dense with details and backstory than the previous ones. The world is vast, and at certain points, I found myself a bit overwhelmed with all the information, which made it slightly harder to follow. However, I still appreciated the story and the character growth of Jax and Thanh. Initially, they despised each other, but over time, they learned to navigate their differences and open up to one another without letting the idea of being Fated Mates dictate their actions. Unlike the other books in the series, where we expected a traditional HEA, this one took a different direction. It wasn’t the typical love story, and that made sense because there was so much more going on in the plot.
Reading each book in this series feels like stepping into a Star Trek movie. The universe is enormous and full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered, inviting us to explore further and visualize it like a film playing out in our minds.
I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series, especially with the intriguing setup left at the end. It’s clear that it’s going to be an exciting journey!
Forced proximity, fake engagement, and so much yearning and tension that I could not stop reading! I've loved every book in this series that's basically Star Trek but make it spicy.
The two main characters have been both in hate and in love with each other for years, and one of the best parts of the book was watching all that tension play out on the page. i loved the push and pull of their story and the yearning between them.
This book has everything I love in an alien romance. People coming together across worlds and cultures for a common goal, a plot full of action, a romance full of tension, and so much spice when it finally breaks!
A captivating and often complex love story where hate hides longing. Fast-paced ,a whirlwind of emotions, always something new happening. The next book in the Infinite Unions, an excelent world building set upon the overarching plot of the other books. The exploration of uncharted space with time traveling Thalanites, Celestial Dragons( how cool is a sentient living ship?), pirates,a ex-fiancee with a dubious moral,all weaved into the background of an already gripping heist storyline. Unputdownable addiction to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is amazing! It had everything from true love, stubbornness, action, sacrifice, steam and a found family. Jax is the ultimate charismatic charmer, whilst Thanh is dedicate, serious and driven. I have to say that this story had serious Han and Leia vibes. Heck, I expected for one of them to say “I love you” and the other to say “I know”! It was more than that though. This story drew you in and never let you go, until you read the final paragraph. I was totally absorbed and didn’t want it to end. The final chapter… oh wow, it has set up the next book to be an amazing read and I didn’t see it coming… and I cannot wait!
Oh boy do these two hate each other! Such great tension is built up. This story feels a bit like a space opera - There's drama, pirates, spies, ex lovers, and dragons!! This might be my favorite in the series so far. I love the verbal jousting between Jax and Thanh so much. They're so mean but also so sarcastic and hilarious, it makes their arc that much sweeter. I definitely want to learn more about the Thalanites, so give us more Trish!!!
I love the whole enemies to lovers with this couple. The tension changes from anger to heat and is so good. Both are smart and stubborn. Add in that the fate of the universe might just depend on them working together and things get very dangerous. One very large male alien and one small human female will make for laughs and some pretty steamy scenes. The author has brought in some very unexpected twists that just show you never know what to expect.
This was a rollercoaster of epic proportions with several spin offs that are possible. I loved their bickering, how they grew together, how they fought their internal battles and real battles.
💙 “I’ll never get enough of you, your body, your mind. I want you in every way imaginable and for all the rest of my days.” ~~~ Thanh is awesome! Not only is she a badass pilot, but she’s also a spectacular woman! She’s resilient, fierce, resourceful and strong. Even more, Thanh is not someone who backs down from challenges and is ready to face danger head on. But she’s been through quite a lot and all the trauma has made her a bit bitter. Nevertheless, Thanh is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Jax! This Gex-Corps agent is one strong, fearsome, brave and absolutely irresistible male. Even more, he’s confident, charming, fun and quite the ladies’ male. But there’s more to him than meets the eye, too. Because underneath his carefree, cocky and playboy facade is a fiercely protective, considerate, caring, loyal and loving male who’s been through quite a lot. Jax is a remarkable male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Thanh and Jax! Those two have quite the history and now the two of them are sent on a mission together. And they can’t stand each other… (Or can they….?) I adored Jax and Thanh together! Their constant bickering and banters were so fun to read. They were just so mean and sarcastic to each other and I loved that both gave as good as they got! But there was also so much tension and longing… Even more, Thanh and Jax were a fantastic team. Yeah, both tried so hard to fight the growing feelings, but fate cannot be denied. And when they finally gave into the undeniable need, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot and I couldn’t get enough! Thanh and Jax were truly incredible together and were so, so perfect for each other. And, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together.
In addition, the storyline was phenomenal! Time traveling aliens, explorations of uncharted space, Celestial Dragons, dangerous heists, pirates - all these (and more) are woven into an intricate and engaging story that will keep you glued to the pages till the very end. Even more, I loved Jax’s parents and absolutely adored Tohm-Tohm - this sassy, loyal and fierce symbiote is incredible and its conversations with Thanh were so fun!
Overall, the story is another absolutely outstanding addition to the series! It’s filled with adventure, danger, suspense, non-stop action, humor, drama, twists, betrayals, unexpected revelations, smoking-hot passion and remarkable characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it! And with that epilogue, I cannot wait to see what happens next!
JAX is a spy for a corps with his immediate superior named Zephyr. He's in a bar waiting for a contact when the female is has wanted for years walks in dressed to kill. And she's meeting with a volatile and very dangerous pirate. When he gets the info from his contact he sees that his woman is drugged and goes to get her. Then all heck breaks loose. They have to flee immediately. Thanh is on a mission when the bane of her life gets involved. Now they are on a ship she needs to pilot to get them away from danger. They make it and then while she's recovering from the use of her synbyote named Tohm-Tohm. When she awakes he has the dubious distinction of letting her know that their new mission will mark them as AWOL. Now they are headed to his parents's celestial dragon where they live. He has to introduce her as his mate and then a new twist to their mission takes place..he has to mark her to get her protection. Then his mother also lets him know that she will help him but he will need to do all the work like getting the crew together. This mission to Daedalus Five where a ship with an engine to cross time is marooned. This mission will be his pahkari is single job of such difficulty and significance that it proved to all others within a Federation that the pirate was worthy to be King or Queen. Once he achieves that his mother will put herself forward to take the main throne of the pirates. Now he has to break all this to Thanh. Then they have to survive a mission that could be suicide. But with the outcome and it's promise of so much it will be worth it. He will become King. But will he be able to keep her or will she walk away? What is it that she thinks he's done that makes her hate his guts? A fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable in a dangerous way with lots of action and adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jax is on a covert mission to get information about the actions of the new leader of the K’Tavi. Unfortunately his mission is upended when Thanh, a fellow GIB operative that Jax has had a tumultuous relationship ever since their academy days, falls prey to a group of pirates known for sentient trafficking. To save Thanh, Jax reveals not only that she is his mate, but his position as a pirate prince. As the two try to salvage their operations, they are given the unsanctioned task to find a Thalanite engine before anyone else to prevent it from getting into the hands of the K’Tavi. Can Jax and Thanh find a way to work together without Jax completing the mating bond?
At first, I wasn’t much of a fan of either Jax or Thanh. Jax acts like a careless, heartbreaking player, while Thanh acts like a privileged ice queen, and they both are fairly inconsiderate. However, both Jax and Thanh present themselves that way to hide their insecurities. As the two learn to put aside their differences and actually see each other, they learn to appreciate and trust one another. The development of the relationship gives an emotional depth to the overall plot.
Forbidden Mate is the next book in the Infinite Unions, and it builds upon the overarching plot of the other books. The exploration of uncharted space with time traveling Thalanites, Celestial Dragons, and pirates creates an exciting background to an already gripping heist storyline. An excellent addition to the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 // My favorite of the series! The author does a fantastic job of highlighting their frustration and disgust with one another. But as their relationship develops their barbs morph into bickering and eventually a flirtatious banter that’s very believable. The pacing was perfect in that regard.
This installment is the most expansive yet in this series. We get pirates, new aliens, and new destinations added to the fold which includes more world building. Favorite additions were definitely the symbionts and the sentient ships and the collective consciousness between them and their host partner. It was absolutely delightful and I found myself smiling at every scene that included them.
At the center of all of this is a near impossible heist of a bank vault housing a time traveling artifact on a water planet that of course everyone wants and no one should have. The tension was so great my hands were sweating. It was riveting.
My only criticism is that there are some unearned plot points that made it a little too clean and convenient on the surface in a couple instances. A little explanation as to how some of them worked out would have been nice. But it doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of it and she’s already baited us with the next installment in the epilogue!
Appreciated the “our story so far…” part at the beginning to remind me what had been happening in the previous books cause I can never remember. While this series is full of interconnected stand alone books, it’s always handy to get back on track.
I always love the science fiction side of Trish’s books and she didn’t let me down. The worlds are always so well thought out and she doesn’t skimp on the story just to make something hot. That’s not to say that this wasn’t hot, cause it was hot as shit.
I loved the scene in the kink club, especially as the FMC took on the Dom role, leaving the MMC in his preferred sub role. These kinds of books are always filled with “alpha” men and it was a refreshing change to see this side in a main character.
I am never disappointed by one of her books and I can’t wait to see what is next.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ARC. I’m sorry it took me so long to read it! 🥺
Genre: Sci-Fi/Romance MF Format: Digital POV: Dual Tropes: enemies to lovers, alien pirates, fated mates, bi MMC, himbo space pirate, badass fighter pilot FMC, heist, we’re getting a crew together, bonding with sentient alien ships that are actually some kind of animal/creature/dragon. Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Ending: HEA Age suggestion: 18+
This is how enemies to lover is written! No stupid, petty, misunderstanding bs - not just rubbing each other the wrong way the first time they met - no, these two have some serious history and deep valid reasons for shared animosity. Oh, and a few stolen moments that snuck in with some serious underlying simmering chemistry that they are both trying to stamp down as hard as possible.
An op gone wrong, covers blown, favors called in and these two are forced into a proximity that is going to explode one way or another. There dynamic was somewhere between Leia/Han and Jadzia Dax/Worf. The arrogance, the violence, the passion - it all worked. Then trow in the moments of trust and vulnerability where you got to see what is under all that brash and find the real connection? Chef kiss!
Book 3 in Infinite Unions, Trish includes enough info that this can be read as a standalone, and the romance story line def is, but it is also building on the story that has been growing through this series and WOW! if you like a high stakes political minefield space opera to go with your romance this one will have you on the edge of your seat. This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC
Forbidden Mate is a whirlwind of action-adventure and romance that takes shape in a universe on the fringes of all out war. Leads Pirate Prince Jax and sassy pilot Thanh are caught up in a maze of deceit and treachery while trying to circumvent a fake mate bond that they have to pretend is all to real while on a mission together to retrieve a doomsday device. Things get heated pretty quick! This third book in the series is a winner that doesn’t fail to entertain with its doses of humor, intriguing characters, found family, suspense, smoldering passion, danger, and writing that pulls a reader into a top notch read. I have enjoyed all the books in the Infinite Union but this newest is now my favorite!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forbidden Mate is a beautifully written, well balanced and perfectly executed by Trish Heinrich. Forbidden Mate is the first book that I have had the pleasure to read by Trish Heinrich. I found this book to be quite entertaining and absolute enjoyable read. I loved getting to know Jax and Thanh as well as witnessing their journey. I do love that Jax and Thanh have a happy ending to their story. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between Jax and Thanh is absolutely breathtaking and before long neither of them could no longer ignore the pull between one another. I would absolutely give this book as a recommendation for anyone who loves reading alien romances. I can’t wait to read more amazing books from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trish is one of my favorite authors and one thing I love is her ability to write POVs and world build in unique ways. When I read her different series, it feels like I'm reading a different author. Because she is that good at making it feel like a different voice speaking. And that is a skill that not many authors possess!
Forbidden Mate is the third book in this series and I have loved all 3 books so much!!! Highly, highly recommend!!!
What this book is packing:
🏴☠️ Space pirates 🏴☠️ Enemies to lovers 🏴☠️ Fake dating 🏴☠️ PTSD from medical procedures 🏴☠️ Only one bed 🏴☠️ Sentient ships 🏴☠️ Symbiotes 🏴☠️ Vietnamese rep 🏴☠️ Size difference 🏴☠️ Adoption 🏴☠️ F@ce s!tt!ng 🏴☠️ Female Dom/male sub
This book had some really cool ideas woven into the story! I mean you have forced proximity, fake engagement, Dragons as spaceships, Space pirates, near death and danger all around. It's got something for everyone!
Thanh and Jax defintely have a lot to work through together during this book. There is a lot of trauma to work through, which makes it much harder for them to have a good relationship. There is also a lot of how did it end up like this and why do I want to be with you?!
But it's a well written story, that's fast paced and really does have something for everyone. If you are into Sci-Fi or spaceships with a side of romance at all you should enjoy this book!
Oh the haters to lovers trope tends to grip my heart and this was a great example of it. Thanh and Jax had a rough beginning all the way starting in the Academy. And the back and forth has continued ever since, with Thanh actively hating Jax. It was so satisfying to read about their journey and how they finally get around to talking to each other. The emotions and connection you feel between them just gripped my heart and wouldn’t let go. And the tension between them was undeniable. This is a fantastic story with amazing characters, including some wondrous side characters. Loved every bit of it and can’t wait to read more so this ladies! I did receive an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
Thanh Nguyen and Jax Vabaris were meant to be mates. But the two of them have always pushed each other away as if they were enemies. Jax’s mating instincts go on high alert when she is around, but she calls him “pirate scum” and he takes his cue from that. He is happy when he is given a mission that will take him far away from her again. But when he is ordered to instead work with her as his pilot in a fake mate situation, that will definitely fall a bit too close to “real life”. How is this going to work out? Will they finally have to give in to nature’s call and make it real? Will he have to reveal his identity to protect Thanh?
We all know that SciFi books need solid worldbuilding to really stand strong and Trish always brings that. I love how the books in this world continue to build on each other and bring in lore and species and relationships to create awesome stories. The dragons, the seahdohn, the shapeshifter, the weird metal planet - all super cool elements. I was also super excited to finally get Jax and Thanh’s story - mates are good, but reluctant mates? Gold! The push and pull between these two is so delicious. They make such a good pair and this was such a good read. Looks like Zephyr is next - can't wait!
Okay, I need book 4 to be released now please. I have 0 patience when it comes to this series - it’s SO good.
Such a fantastic world is being built, I seriously love when books are stand-alones that continuously build on a bigger story.
This was pilot Nguyen and Jax’s story - I feel like it was incredibly well paced and if you enjoy a smidge of the miscommunication trope this was the first book in the series with that. It also showed a dynamic in the BDSM lifestyle which I hadn’t seen in the series yet either, and, - HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF - it was done beautifully. The spicy was spicier in this one in my opinion, less yearning and more hate fxcking in my opinion 😂
fast paced and action packed and full to the brim of strange aliens . If you want to read this make sure to have a fire extinguisher to hand as it is so hot it will melt your kindle . A brilliant strong and sassy heroine who proves that good things come in small packages and so does poison It is a complete story that can be read as a stand alone but does have lots of unanswered questions and lots of references to earlier plots.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
loved it !!love this series !! this might just be the best one yet... love Jax and Thanh.. this is their story... a fast paced pirate heist drama... they have history... it's hate at first sight... to save her , he claims they are mates and he's a pirate prince... the new mission.. the heist...he has to get away from her or the mating bond will complete... and there she is.. waiting to go on his mission, yet again... so funny !!! so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.