Warrior Enchanted

Gladiators of the Vagabond #9

by Robin O'Connor

Abducted, heck no. I’ll rescue myself thank you very much. I don’t need some creepy four-armed alien stalking me either.

Meena

Dragged from my home, I’ve rescued myself before, and I’ll do it again if I have to. I don’t trust these aliens that say I’m safe. I especially don’t trust that four-armed creep spying on me and leaving presents at my door.

When I’m kidnapped again, it’s him that’s there for me. Sweeping me off into the trees like he’s freaking Tarzan. He’s willing to put everything on the line just because he thinks I’m his mate.

He’s everything I’m not, cheerful, optimistic. When we find ourselves in hot water, I can see his scars, I can see that we’re not so different after all and I find myself wanting to climb all over him.

Jakar

I’ve waited for my mate for so long and now she’s finally here. She’s hurt, she’s been through a lot, and she needs her space.

Then she gets stolen and I’m through with waiting, with keeping my distance. I’m going after her, I’m going to woe her until she gives in, and then I’ll make her toes curl between the sheets. Nothing can keep me from her, not even my worst nightmare come true.

Warrior Enchanted is a full-length standalone sci-fi romance featuring hot alien gladiators, a sexy alien cinnamon roll looking for love, a prickly heroine who needs a little convincing, 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, Science Fiction, Aliens, Science Fiction Romance

183 pages, 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/

Join her on Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/RobinOConnor...

Visit her website ➜ https://robinoconnor.ink/

Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/robinoconnorofficial/

Reviews

[Melo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deep breath, why do all the alien romances feature heroines that just don't deserve these men/aliens... To the very end she chose him because she really wanted to get back on the ship. The heroine kept testing him because he looked at a woman talking to him, apparently that makes him a player. I just can't even begin to unpack that one. She was condescending, referred him to a golden retriever??? Really. Of course she was a bundle of epicness... Not.

[Ilenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Warrior Enchanted” is a book that is part of the Vagabond universe. In this well crafted read we encounter Jakar , the four armed ex-gladiator who is looking for meaning and a mate. As we dive deep into the narrative we realize he’s much more than what meets the eye.
Meena woke up from a stasis pod and was sold to a vicious master. But unlike most humans she kills the master and achieves an escape only to be saved by the gladiators.
She’s guarded and very suspicious of everyone. Jakar first comes off as a stalker to her but little by little she sees him for who he really is; a loving , happy go lucky guy.
They form a great team and fight their foes off despite the odds and a series of unfortunate events.The picturesque scenery in the woods and the tree climbing is very well described.
The couple gets indeed together against the odds and unveil victorious. Meena is strong , courageous and Jakar is loving and protective of her. In the end they complete one another.
A captivating book all in all.

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior Enchanted is a wild, fast-paced Alien/Human romance that hits all the right notes—action, danger, passion, and a heroine who refuses to go down quietly. Meena has only been out of stasis for two days and she’s already been sold into slavery and killed her owner. Honestly? Queen behavior. Now she’s on the run, fighting for her freedom, and determined to survive in a world that keeps trying to break her.

The chemistry between Meena and her alien protector is deliciously intense, and O’Connor does a great job balancing the steamy moments with plenty of adventure and heart-thumping tension. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the plot moves fast enough to keep you hooked from page one.

If you enjoy alien warriors, fierce heroines, and a romance that brings equal amounts of heat and danger, this one is absolutely worth the read.

[Joy Kimelle Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

happy for Jakar

I was so hard watching him keep hope alive while everyone else found mates. However, as sweet as he was Meena was just not a good fit for him. I liked her character but, I think she might have been better for Thorin. I’m surprised and glad there is a 3rd woman of color in this series.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
I was excited for this book based on the description, but it was not amazing. There were plot points that came from left field and had me questioning if I skipped pages somewhere. I didn’t. Meena was supposed to be a bad ass, but she really wasn’t. Jakar was the cutest and saved the book.

[Carol Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jakar you big, adorable, Tarzan-like dumb dumb. I ❤ you.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing ride!
So the hero of this story has the same name as my youngest son, which drew my attention to this story from the beginning. See, back in 1995, my husband and I were addicted to the TV show Babylon 5, which featured a good guy alien character named G’Kar. We decided that either the next dog or the next son we had, that would be the name we’d use. When Jackar was born, we had to change the spelling of the name to appease an older relative. Soon after, in the following months, other people in our apartment complex had children and used variations of his name, so he has friends named Jacari, Jacarla, Jacarli, and Jacaro. Every time people ask where his name came from, he tells the story and people laugh with him. I’m glad the dog didn’t come first, I think he tells the story better than a dog would, lol. So with that, lol, this was my first time reading this author, and I started reading this series on book 9, but I'm definitely going to read all the ones that lead up to this one, maybe even in order....or not, lol! This story is full of strong and varied characters, and I wasn't lost even though I jumped in in the middle. The author described the victim's recovery beautifully, as well as the way the hero kind of obsessed over Meena because he didn't know any better. It was a fun story full of adventure, violence, and drama, all wrapped around an unlikely love story. I'm really glad I took the chance to read this one!

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually enjoy slow burn books but this one is actually good. I didn’t even realize I was 55% into the book before they even kissed, I was so entertained. I will definitely reread this. I love Jakar. I’m normally more of a cool tone colors and horn kind of girl but Jakar’s sweetness and hopefully romantic attitude totally won me over. Meena was great too. I love a girl who doesn’t mind getting stabby with assholes who deserve it.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and now I have yo go read all the other books which took everyone to where they are now! I absolutely adored Jakar. Bless his little mood freckles! All he has ever wanted is a family, somewhere to fit in and the one person to be his all, his mate. He has watched as the rest of his brother's have found their hearts and all he wants to do is find the same. When she does appear it is as if his chest cannot hold his heart but she has been hurt and she is frightened. Everyone is cautioning him to stay away and to give her time, he would do everything he could for her but he cannot stay away. Which it seems is all to the good or he would have lost her forever when she is abducted. Meena's has been abducted, taken as a slave and fitted with a pain collar and now she has been sold to yet another alien. Somehow she manages to rid herself of her new owner only to find what seems to be an even worse fate. Yet this alien has some human idioms, he talks of silver linings and he appears to have kind eyes. It looks like she finally has some luck on her side. When she finds that she is now safe, she just wants space to heal and gather herself. Suddenly there is a huge red alien there and she might have looked at him but it seems that he is a total player, yep, not going there ever... yet everyone seems to be trying to tell her how great he is. Talk about using your friends to get you what you want! Yet when she is taken, Jakar is there to save her. He doesn't quit and he seems wholy focused on her. Is because she's there and available or is there more to this cheerful joking player?

[Harleem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th book of the Gladiators of the Vagabond series, and Robin O'Connor doesn't disappoint.

This book is written in the first person point of view of both the male and female main characters: Jakar and Meena. Jakar lives and works on the Vagabond with his fellow ex-gladiator and their mates while dreaming of the day he'll finally find a mate of his own. As a group, they do their best to rescue and free any abducted and enslaved humans they can find. Meena is a human female who was sold to an alien slaver and had managed to somehow escape escape and hide in a dirty alley in a space station when a Vagabond Gladiator finds her and convinced her to follow him towards her freedom. There's an instant connection between Meena and Jakar, yet she's traumatized by her enslavement and Jakar's fellow Gladiators convince him to give her time and space. Unfortunately, as she prepares to start her new life as a free woman on a new, strange, alien planet she gets abducted yet again, and again, and again. Jakar, believing she's his mate, doesn't hesitate to go after her. Adventures follow.

Jakar is such a cute, adorable, and loveable character, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Whereas Meena is a strong woman who grits her teeth and does what she can to fight alongside him.

The plot moves along well enough. Even though the storyline is a little repetitive in the many times Meena gets abducted and needs rescue, they keep moving forward towards her acceptance of the bond they share, the development of their relationship, and their happily ever after.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warrior Enchanted by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #9

Another wonderful addition to the series ~ Loved watching Jakar finally find he mate ~ Great story!

What I liked:
* Jakar: Praetorian four-armed alien, ex-gladiator, ex-slave, younger than many of his colleagues, has been looking for his mate as his friend find their true loves, finally finds his own in this book
* Meena: human, abducted from earth, years in a stasis pod, once a paralegal, strong, resilient, pragmatic, traumatized after being auctioned, eventually finds her place and mate
* Akri: AI of the spaceship now inhabiting a being – looking forward to his story in the finale
* Getting to see the other characters from previous books
* That Meena feisty and fierce enough to do what it takes in a variety of situations
* The admiration, caring, and protective streak the main characters had for one another
* The camaraderie of the crew and how they were there for one another
* Knowing that there is one more book in this series to enjoy before having to say goodbye

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Contemplating how difficult and traumatic being a slave would be

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

Thank you to the Author and StoryOrigin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Jakar, the male alien lead, has been desperately searching for his mate since his fellow shipmates started finding their own. He’s surprised but gladdened to find his mate in Meena, the female human lead, when his friend rescues her from slavery, but humans don’t recognise mates and Meena is traumatised, with his friends telling him to let he recover in peace.

When Meena is kidnapped again, Jakar goes to save her in the forest, where his species excels but, when they are recaptured again and a pain collar put on Jakar, he struggles overcome his own trauma.

This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast paced, action packed addition to the series. I enjoyed the recognition that Meena would need to work through her issues, that she didn’t just drop into Jakar’s arms. I enjoyed Jakar’s patience and his genuine joy in finding her and providing what she needed. I enjoyed their relationship development. I enjoyed the importance of the bonds of friendship and that they didn’t rescue themselves or each other alone but with the help and support of friends. I’m truly looking forward to the last story in the series, both to see the overarching plot finish AND to see the last crew member’s development and mate.

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

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 9 in an amazing series that has taken me on a fabulous journey that I didn’t want to get off and I really hope this is not the end of this series. Meena is a human that was taken from her home and put in a glass capsule and is now to be sold off at auction but she escapes and isnt sure what to do when a four armed stranger saves her and takes her to the Vagabond a spaceship that saves females at auctions but now he keeps hanging around watching her and she is creeped out by him. Jakar was a Gladiator that was saved with others and now works on the Vagabond and has watched his fellow brothers find there mates and thats all he has ever wanted and hopes to find her one day and thats why he helps with the rescue of mostly females at auction places and when he saves Meena she activates his mating marks but she has been through so much that he waits till the time is right before he claims his mate and when she is stolen from him he takes off to save his mate and he tells her he is done waiting for her to want him but the longer they are together the closer they get that Meena realizes he is the man for her and she doesn’t want anybody else. Can they have a future together with all the danger and drama surrounding them all. Great book.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meena (h) struggles to find safety after she’s abducted by aliens, auctioned off, and escaping after she stabs her would-be master. Jakar (H), a red four-armed Pretorian, watches enviously as his Vagabond friends find their mates and hopes to find one of his own. Meena reluctantly boards the Vagabond as part of a group of rescued humans but is hesitant about accepting they’re there to help her and definitely isn’t looking for a relationship. Jakar sees Meena and knows that she’s meant to be his, though he has his work cut out for him convincing her of this, as well as keeping her safe from would be abductors intent on enslaving her. He’s super sweet with his gift giving courtship, his love of plants, and his protective nature – definite cinnamon roll who’ll do anything for Meena. Meena is spunky, prickly and handy with a blade, and while it takes a while for her to warm-up to Jakar, it’s great when she does. Loved Akri trying to fit into his new form and looking forward to his story, as well as more of the Vagabond crew. Hot and steamy alien-human romance with plenty of heat, action, and adventure.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Smitten!

Warrior Enchanted is book 9 in the Gladiators of the Vagabond series.

Happy go lucky Jakar has been yearning and aching for a mate ever since Ziame found Abby all the way back in book 1! Jakar is happy for all his gladiator brothers as one by one they have all found and fallen hard for their fated mates and maybe this time he gets his!

Meena has been abducted, awoken from a stasis pod, enslaved and sold and is fighting for her life when rescued by the crew of the Vagabond. She is scared, broken, stubborn and definitely fiery but will she let the massive, red, 4 armed gladiator close enough to earn her trust?

Jakar is the sweet, goofy and loyal gladiator we have all fallen in love with and root for but maybe his naiveté about women will be his downfall. You will just have to read Warrior Enchanted to find out and I promise you will not be disappointed.

I also recommend reading the Gladiators of the Vagabond from the beginning the brothers are too easy to fall for and the women are all so fierce and strong and the villains are very, very bad! Pure entertainment! I am off to the last book in the series… Logic Broken!

[Booksy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jakar wants a mate. He doesn’t know where she is or who she is but he wants her and he wants to find her. Meena has been abducted, collared, caged and sold; she wants to survive. She’s freed but then learns it has been a really long time since she was taken and all she loved, all of her life is gone. When Jakar sees Meena he knows she’s it for him. Meena acknowledges she has baggage and is not ready. The two are about to be split up for months, then Meena is taken. There’s action here but also emotion as the two learn about each other and come together; it’s nice to read about a couple that can face their emotions and each other. Also, it was nice to have the previous couples involved but not overwhelm the story. Solid story, great addition to the series.

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

[deborah koenig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jakar finally gets his mate.

Of course, after reading the first eight books in this series, I was a little partial to Jakar and felt a little sorry for him. I thought I wasn't going to like Media much when she started out thinking of Jakar as a creep with too many arms for her taste but she definitely redeemed herself.
I definitely recommend this series. The characters are thoroughly likeable and the thought of forming a family with such diverse characters is great.
I'm also hoping for a series involving the mercenaries in the previous books. Would love to see that Naga captain and his cohorts find their mates too.
Looking forward to Akri's story now as well as the birth of Noa and Luka's baby and hopefully the announcement of more pregnancies. Novalee needs more playmates aboard ship.

[Awesome Sauce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinnamon roll, Gladiator!

Who knew that this Gladiator series would be on my bingo card for 2024! I am loving this series, and I am sad that it is almost at an end.

I have fallen in love with all these Gladiators and their human mates.

This one was especially sweet since he spent most of his life as a slave but still brought golden retriever energy to his life.

I will say I am hoping certain mercenaries from previous books get their own spin-off because they were all so interesting as well. They need their own hea.

I do love that a majority of the fmc come from Earth of past days and are completely clueless about aliens and space travel being a thing.

All in all, I will be automatically downloading this author as they give me all the vibes I could want and need with an alien romance story.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Jakar, you sweet, adorable man, er… Pretorian.

Love, love, loved this book (finished it all in one go)! Like Jakar, I have also been impatiently waiting for him to find his mate. The guy is just so damn cute and I think the absolute best description for him was when Meena said he was a bit like a giant golden retriever – I can completely picture the wagging tail.

Warrior Enchanted is the ninth book in the Gladiators of the Vagabond series and I have enjoyed every one of them. The author does a great job building the Vagabond world, and the many different species that live within it. Jakar is amongst one of my favorites (top 2 with Kitan). I loved his loyalty, his patience and just how honest he is. I am sad that there is only one book left in this series, but am looking forward to it nonetheless. A fantastic series!

Thank you Robin O’Conor and StoryOrigin for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ms G Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior enchanted

Jakar has come to the conclusion that he is very jealous of his shipmates and brothers. Unbelievably they all have human mates and although he is very happy for them he is confused and hurt that he is the only one without a relationship or mate. Meena has been kidnapped by Aliens and sold. Survival mode takes over and she frees herself and runs and runs and hides. She is desperately afraid and has no idea how to make her freedom permanent and keep herself safe.
Meena does not trust anyone and when someone from the ship of brothers finds her she is too scared to accept the help. This story centres on Jakar and Meena’s brokenness and their will to survive sprinkled with humour and a little sexy times.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jakar... swoon!

In a matter of 2 days Meena finds herself in a alien world being sold as a slave. Its kill or be killed. Trauma from her ordeal, she needs time to heal and isn't quick to trust or let her guard down. All Jakar wants is to find his mate and be as happy as his brothers on the Vagabond. They see each other for the first time and he just knows. She was drawn to Jakar from the start but her trust in anyone is very low. He was sweet, caring and protective. He will do anything the protect whats his! Guaranteed HEA... but to get there they have a few obstacles to get through.

On to the last book in the Vagabond series.... Akris story and to see if Drameil finally gets what's coming for him. Excited 😊

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meena, awoken from a stasis pod to a horrible situation, kills her new owner and makes a run for it. Taking a leap of faith, she finds herself on board a space ship with a group of aliens and female humans. The changes are just overwhelming. To cap it all a tall red four armed alien called Jakar takes an interest in her.

A wonderful roller-coaster of an adventure sees these two lurch from one disaster to another. Can they survive long enough to realise their relationship.

Brilliant all action hot alien adventure.

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

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warrior Enchanted is an entertaining and well-written page turner. Poor Meena loses everything she's ever known when she is kidnapped from Earth and wakes up on a strange planet in the future. Jakar is the sweet four-armed alien who recognizes her as his mate and only wants to take care of her. I love the coloured dots on his face that display all of his emotions! With non-stop action, great characters and fabulous world building, this book sucked me in right from the beginning. It can be read as a standalone, but now I want to go back and read the previous books in the series, as well as the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AlexandraLeigh91 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jakar is the sweetest male and all he’s ever wanted is a mate and a family of his own. He’s watched everyone else around him find their one true loves and have a hea and now he wants it to be his turn. When he meets his mate he’s crazy about her instantly and his little mood freckles give him away. But she has been hurt before and died t know if she can trust giving what’s left of her heart away again. Jakar can’t keep away and it’s a good thing too as she’s gets kidnapped and needs saving. Really enjoyed this book and will read more by this author!.

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

[Georgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really enjoyable to read and I loved the romantic dynamic between the two leads and how it wasn't a cliché trope. I really liked Jakar's almost golden retriever energy and how lovable and sweet he was to Meena. It was also really nice to see the whole crews dynamic and how they all care about each other. Meena's character was also really refreshing and how she pushed past all her fears and trauma to get to happiness, she's definitely one of my favourite characters now. I also really liked getting to see Akri's development and his personality.
I would definitely recommend this book as a stand alone or as part of the series.

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of this series since i've read Beast Unburdened ,Robin O'Connor created a multilayered and magic universe where a crew of aliens ex slaves often with broken souls that against all odds find their fated mate in humans that spent hundreds of years in crio.Jakar,the playfull optimist of the crew finds his mate in broken but fierce Meena who's distruthfull of everyone and is kidnaped again....Action packed, steamy, romance,some laughts is all in this book.Recomend!.

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

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!! Jakar and Meena are fated mates. Both scarred in same but different ways by their pasts, it takes fate, the will to survive, and hope for a future with each other for them to make it. Loved how sweet and deadly Jakar was. Love how fierce and loving Meena can was. They truly complemented each other. Passion was spicy and went right along with the violence and death in this one. With a happy ending, it’s a must read. And I again love this series.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Jakar from the start. He was sweet and caring and protective. Meena has suffered trauma and needs time to heal and isn't quick to trust or let her guard down. She was drawn to Jakar from the start but avoided him and the others. When she is kidnapped, he rushes to find her. A fun, very enjoyable read. I also love the supporting characters- especially Akri, who always made me smile. Another amazing read in an amazing series. 5 stars.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun enjoyable alien romance read in this series. Jakar knows Meena is his fated but he has to convince his spunky mate. Storyline has a strong do-it-myself heroine, a cheerful but strong hero, patience, adventure, protectiveness, gift giving, resilience, kidnapping, trust issues, violence, heat, comradeship, action, passion, determination, challenges and love. HEA.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more stars 🌟 I'm head-over-heels in love with this story! Jakar is a total sweetie, and Meena is so brave. Excellent adventure and action, addictive steamy romance.. This author has quickly become one of my top favorites..

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