Deviant Challenged

Gladiators of the Vagabond #3

by Robin O'Connor

My own people tried to kill me. And the gladiator that rescued me, he thinks I’m the enemy, then why do I think he’s so sexy?

Camila

I’ve served as a space marine for years, so when my superiors turn on me. I end up drifting through space, rescued by a spaceship full of gladiators and they don’t seem to trust me.

Then there’s the big, leather wearing, pierced and tattooed gladiator who has it in for me. We trade sparks as easily as insults, his sexy as sin body, and bad boy vibes getting right under my skin. But it’s the pain he hides, even from his gladiator brothers that gets to me.

Thorin

There’s a murder to solve and a feisty, traitorous human female to subdue. When she boards the Vagabond its clear she’s in league with our previous owner, the crimelord Drameil. I’d do anything to protect my brothers, even if that means locking up the pretty female that seems to want to challenge me every step of the way.

When my investigation takes a surprising turn, its Camila that’s at my side, helping me. I want to trust that. Trust the instincts urging me to claim her. To make her mine.

She wants to go home to her family but people are still trying to kill her. We need to find out why and stop them. I have to help her get home, even if that means I’ll lose her in the end.

Deviant Challenged is a full-length standalone sci-fi romance featuring hot alien gladiators, a grumpy hero, a bad ass heroine with a sassy mouth, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Note: each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, it’s recommended that the series be read in order.

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Robin O’Connor is an author who loves to write about strong, alien heroes and quirky heroines. She lives with her husband and son along with a couple hundred books (hers, definitely hers) and probably just as many computer parts (her husband’s). Her house therefore probably resembles something like a mad-scientist’s lab on any given day.

She’s always working on at least a half dozen projects at the same time but is never without time to answer questions, write up funny extras or hang out in her group online to speak with her readers.

Join her mailing list ➜ https://robinoconnor.ink/

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Reviews

[Lulye · Rating 5 out of 5]

TLDR : A few chapters in and I’m already 100% engaged because the mmc refers to masturbation as ‘me-time’. I recommend it for those who like plot driven, low-angst romance with lots of action scenes. This book also has great dramatic moments, steam and a weirdly lovable AI... system ?

***

There’s no point in denying that I’m obsessed with this series. I don’t know why, but everything just clicks into place for me. The found family (in space, no less), the lack of angst, the mature, strong leads who know what they want and simply go for it and endless cameos from my absolute favorite couple (Abigail & Ziame ofc.).. I just eat it all up. Also the endless possibilities are extremely enticing. There are lots of directions the overarching plot could take, at all times. That just keeps things interesting.

I’m sad that I had to skip the second book. I can’t get my hands on it dammit ! But with this author, it’s the ride not the destination that’s important so I risked the spoilers. I’ll circle back to the second book when I can.

The plot : While escaping her attempted murder by her superior, Camila is stuck floating in space until she’s rescued by the Vagabond team from the previous books. After a bad first impression, sparks fly the more Thorin and Camila get to know each other. The gang tries to solve the mystery surrounding Camila’s predicament.

This book is plot driven and full of interesting characters who may or may not be keeping secrets (looking at you very expectantly, Fierce) of their own. The action is dangerous yet the solidarity and fraternity is real. I was violently sobbing when they left that damn medallion behind. Also, Akri (the AI) was hilarious. I don’t have much else to say.

Then I reached up with one hand and touched the pariah medallion on his cheek, “I’m taking this off. You’re not wearing it.” He didn’t stop me when I carefully unhooked the small disk and when I showed it to him in the palm of my hand, he picked it up and with a wide smile tossed it into the cell.

***
Many thanks to Booksprout and the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super sci-fi romance/adventure! I enjoyed it. It is intense, exciting, and steamy.. These characters are awesome!.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reallllly enjoyed this one. There is a fierce fmc and I love how broken and sweet the mmc is. His little hair tugs get me everytime. I cannot wait to read more in this universe.

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

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW

Deviant Challenged by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #3

So, last night I finished book two in this series and told myself I would read another book or two between Trickster Caught and Deviant Challenged only to find myself choosing to continue immediately to find out what would happen next. I have fallen in love with the gladiators and their stories and can’t wait for book four!

What I liked;
* Camila: space marine sergeant, human, large loving extended family, nine years in service, turned on by her superiors without knowing why, nearly dies in space, saved and taken in by the gladiators on the Vagabond, instant chemistry with Thorin
* Thorin: free from slavery and being a gladiator, alian – Elrohirian, lethal, enhanced abilities, part of the gladiator brotherhood residing on the spaceship Vagabond, rather taken with Camila
* That Camila is strong, independent, caring, competent, and perfect for Thorin
* Thorin’s alpha aspects tempered with a softer side brought out by Camila
* That I can see Camila and Thorin together
* That the story swept me in and made me care
* That I felt I was part of the story
* Getting to see the others on the spaceship, catch up with previous characters in books one and two, and learn more about the others
* Wanting to know who Fierce will end up with and how it will impact his furry companions-friends
* Wondering when Jakar and Luka will get their stories
* Curiosity about Sunder and Tori and if they will end up together
* That I could joyfully hate the bad guys
* The fight scenes
* That the gladiators are truly brothers now
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* That even though in space and filled with aliens, this story had the feeling of realness and was believable
* Having to say goodbye till the next book is ready

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another well written and exciting addition to the series. I love how much action there is, making it a fast paced read, but the world building was awesome and so was the character development. Camila and Thorin had sizzling chemistry and they sure indulged as they tried to solve the mystery surrounding them ;) You can expect a ton of action, adventure, danger, suspense and a wonderful HEA when you crack this baby open. I can't wait to dive into the next book :D

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camila joined the Federation’s Space Marine Corp. She lead her team on the UAR Battleship Praetor until her supervisors turn against her. She had escaped in a EV suit heading for a escape pod. But her tether had been shot. Now she is drifting far above them in space. Suddenly she is rescued. She is in an airlock of a ship. The ship’s program asks her questions. A group of terrifying looking aliens board the ship and begin to interrogate her. She had mention the name Drameil as part of her tasks with UAR.
Thorin and his band of brothers had been gladiators that escaped from Drameil’s ownership. At first, he thought Camille was in league with his former cruel owner. Thorin knew there was something else she knew. Yet he was happy to spend time having a fling until the mystery was solved. Camille was willing.
Thorin was investigating the death they had found on the ship earlier. Together Thorin and Camille try to solve what happened to cause the former doctor’s death and why her supervisors tried to kill her.
They mutual attraction grows as they work together. Has a HEA.

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

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camila, the female human lead, is a low level military officer from Earth, when she is threatened with termination. Escaping from her spaceship, she is picked up by an AI run ship and moved into another quadrant. There, she is picked up by Thorin, the male alien lead, and his escaped gladiator crew and thrown in the brig because they think she’s in lead with their ex-owner. Once they understand that she’s not, they need to unravel why people are trying to kill her and how they can use that to catch them…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a fun action adventure romance. I appreciated that Camila was a physically strong lead, clever and able and willing to contribute to her own saving. I understood Thorin’s anger and Camila’s recognition that he was undergoing PTSD reactions. I enjoyed their banter and the quirks of their fast developing relationship, as well as the physicality of that relationship. And I liked how they bolstered each other’s weak points, complementing each other.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camila (h), a UAR space marine, is drifting in space after her superiors tried to kill her, for what reason she doesn’t even know. After she's rescued by an AI controlled ship, she then ends up on the Vagabond, crewed by the escaped gladiators. Thorin (H), an Elrohirian male with tattoos and piercings, finds himself attracted to Camila, even as he's suspicious about her involvement with the crime lord who once enslaved the former gladiators. As Camila and Thorin get to know one another better, things get quite hot and steamy between the two, helped along by a special eggplant more piercings. Camila is a really strong FMC and doesn't hesitate when she needs to act, especially when it comes to Thorin. The story has a lot of intrigue, secrets, action, and adventure that just keep building with plenty of returning characters from previous books. To fully understand the characters, their relationships, and their collective backgrounds, the books in the series are best read in order.

[Ms G Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deviant Challenged

Thorin is one of the motley crew on the spaceship, Vagabond led by Ziame, a huge Lacerton male. They were all originally enslaved, are all ‘brothers’ chosen and found, rescued, escaped forging a bond amongst themselves that is stronger than most. Most have against all odds found their mates with humans who fell in love with their hearts rather than their physical appearance as some are very unique beings. Camilla, human, a Sergeant on a UAR alliance ship escapes after being about to be executed and is left floating into outer space after being shot at. She in only in her spacesuit. She is almost out of oxygen and slips into unconsciousness. A story of fear, fear of others, fear of losing control, fear of secrets being exposed, finding the one that is for you, fear of rejection, love, sexy coupling, fear for family, fear of failure and giving your all. Exciting and moves at a pace.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorin and Camila . . .

Camila had to escape into space when her Alliance superiors tried to kill her. She had no idea why they were after her, but she couldn’t stay where she was. She is initially rescued by a ship under the control of an AI, and subsequently is taken onto the Vagabond. Thorin is attracted to Camila but distrusts her. But being in close proximity, they do begin to warm up to each other.

Thorin has to investigate a murder and is surprised when Camila is ready to help. With the Alliance still after her, he will have to keep her safe and find a way to stop them. She needs his help to clear her name. Will he help her? Both of them are strong characters and make a good team. Will she still want to return home? Or will she find that she wants to stay by Thorin’s side instead?

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting read.

Camila was a Sargent in UAR and enjoyed her job running ops with her team until her superiors tried to kill her. She's saved by an AI ship and ends up with the Gladiators and meets Thorin. Thorin a strong and capable Detective turned gladiator is helping his captain investigate a murder on the ship. His anger was the only thing that kept him going until he meets Camila. Together they have 2 mysteries to solve and both will have you wanting answers.

Each question you get while reading gets an answer at the perfect moment. The plot, the characters, the action were all well written and all can easily be pictured. The twist and turns and even the spice was spot on. The action scenes were very detailed and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This story has adventure, action, fall in love, closer and found family! I absolutely love this story!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story, I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but that didn’t make any difference in understanding the storyline. The characters, Thorin and Camila were both strong and they were fantastic at sparking off each other. I loved that they eventually started working together once the story had been told as to why Camila had been in dark space like she had been. I really enjoyed the action and the heroics of these two when they were facing their jewel enemies. There is a happily ever after for them and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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

[Penny Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting!

Thorin and Camila’s story is a thrilling one. I have to admit that a book cover (visual) and the book content (relationship) are what cement how great a read the book is for me. In this case, it’s the reason for giving the book a four rating. I didn’t get the title versus content and it took me three quarters of the book to realize what looked like IT or computer lines on the cover were tattoos in the book. The issue is totally mine, but this is the first time I have experienced it with a Robin O’Connor book. It’s an exciting, hot read despite my own bias about cover versus content.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deviant Challenged is an engaging Sci-Fi Romance filled with action, adventure, romance and suspense.
The exciting sequence of events that are woven into this energetic plot and well written narrative moves at a fast pace as it pulls the reader into the compelling storyline eliciting many thrilling moments for this reader which I enjoyed.
This third book in the series is a good read and I look forward to more of the Gladiators of the Vagabond series in future.

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

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It's got a bit of everything needed to make an awesome story. There's betrayal, action, danger, steamy scenes and much more with a happily ever after ending. The characters are well written and described, and they are just wonderful. The storyline is really great and exciting with lots happening, it's easy to read and the world building is fantastic. I honestly can't wait for the next book to come out.

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

[Harleem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story to add to the "Gladiators of the Vagabond" series. Robin weaves the story together beautifully, expertly adding action, betrayal, intrigue, romance to the plot while detailing the setting and characters with such mastery that they seem real. The relationships, emotions, personalities of each character is well defined and adds such depth to the story. I highly recommend this entire series and will be impatiently waiting for the next book to be published.

I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accepted

Thorin is a wayward, elf like alien who uses aggression and jokes to hide the pain of his past. When the crew rescues a female marine it’s lust at first sight, or is it more? Betrayed by her government Camilla doesn’t know how to take this flirting gorgeous hunk of an alien initially. But danger and protecting each other’s back helps these to not only give in to their lust for each other but also admit their love. There was plenty of action and lots of heat and this was yet another engaging and exciting story in this series.

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should have been a 5-star...

I absolutely loved this book. I loved both the characters, and how their story developed. This would have been an easy 5-star review for me if someone had bothered to EDIT the book. The typos and mistakes were horrible. I reported each and every one of them, not that I feel it does any good. Words were left out, or the wrong tense was used. Don't get me wrong, the book was too good to let that stop me, but it really annoyed me because it brought me out of a great story and I had to stop and tell them what it needed to be.

[Amber Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, Poor Editing

I was hoping this one would be better than the last one in terms of grammatical errors and typos. I was wrong. More run-on sentences, typos, human idioms that aliens who were not exposed to humans should not be using, and more. Made for another distracting read. If this were the first in the series I could see how maybe the author is new at this, but this is book 3. And the grammar is not improving. Get an editor or proofreader and rerelease this with a corrected version!

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **4 Stars — Fast, fierce, and full of familiar faces!**

*Deviant Challenge* keeps the momentum rolling from the first two books, delivering another action-packed adventure that ties everyone together beautifully. The pacing is quick, the story’s engaging, and the characters—both old and new—stay true to what made me love this series in the first place.

It’s got that perfect mix of danger, romance, and teamwork that makes you want to keep turning pages long after you should’ve gone to bed. A solid, fast-paced read that keeps the series shining bright among the stars! 🚀✨

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first of this series and I loved it. Thorin and Camilla were all I could have hoped for in a pair - a gladiator and a military officer. Their paired fighting skills were just as wonderful to read about as was their shared passion for each other. Intense intimacy was all through this. I fell for the group and cannot wait for the next!!.

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

[Sanne Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another journey complete, Camilla and Thorin are a characterset made to believe that one is not as it seems.
A large difference in how they speak, think, act in mirror to the other two books.
Yet it truly is another gem. Have you read the Gladiators of the Vagabond? Know that it is thriling, awarding and most of all the ladies are no damsels either.

Thank you, I adored it and you make it a true experience because the way it is written, or your way with words gives me the chance to see it.

[Ilenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series definitely leaves you wanting to read more. Me not being a huge sci-fi fan am sure loving these books and it’s thanks to the excellent writing. So kudos Robin!

Well crafted characters and steamy relationships will keep your attention. Seeing protagonists from the previous books of the series is also great.

All in all a great read.

I got a copy sent to me and I’m voluntarily leaving a review since I couldn’t put the book down. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I loved the bad boy romance aspect of it all. Camilla's character went perfectly with Thoran's, her fierceness and sassiness made me love her even more. I loved the way they helped each other and brought out the better sides of each other. This is definitely one of my favourite books of the series and I absolutely 100% recommend it. I cannot wait to see what the next book in the series has in store.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This space opera romance was fun. The relationship development was pretty sophisticated, the world building was interesting, and there was plenty of action and danger to keep the stakes high and the pacing quick throughout. I always love a gladiator or ex-gladiator hero in a romance novel, and this book enjoyably proved the rule for me. I recommend this novel, and really the whole series so far.

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

[Killeena Savola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Space fearing aliens on the run after getting free from slavery. Thorin is an angry alien as he deals with past hurts and dealing with his hatred for Drameil. Camila is a woman who wanted more in life as joining the space Marines was everything to her. Being betrayed is a new hurt for her but she will do what needs to be done in her quest to right the wrong on her. Being hunted will bring these two closer together and face old hurts.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the action, romance, intrigue and great world building I've come to expect from Robin O'Connor. I think the story has a little more steam than the previous books in the series. Thorin and Camila are made for each other and instantly attracted to one another.  As always, I love the side characters in these books, and I can't wait to read the next gladiator's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camila and Thorrn

This is a very good, well written, Alien/Human romance with lots of action and adventure along with lots of loving heat. Camila was a Sargent in UAR and enjoyed the respect of the job until they tried to kill her. She is saved by an AI ship and ends up with the Gladiators and meets Thorrn. Read about their adventures, how they saved each several times and the emotions they feel.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of suspense with your romance, why not? The interaction between the Camila & Thorin was wonderfully entertaining. You will root for things to work out between the fierce alien and bad ass human female with lot of sass. No cheating, no cliffhanger.

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

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is very fun. This was probably my least favorite so far, but still good. Also, we get our first glimpse of the famous and dastardly Damriel (or whatever big bad's name is--I don't feel like looking up the spelling). It's probably only 3.5 stars for me, but I'll round up because the series is so great.