Her Alien Mercenaries

The Drift: Haven Colony #8

by Susan Hayes

She thought that moving to a new world would be the challenge of a lifetime. Then the universe upped the ante.

Jenna never expected to escape from Earth. Now she’s a colonist in a beautiful and inviting new world, surrounded by beings she wants to trust…if only she could.

Not everyone in Haven wants it to succeed, and Jenna is now a pawn in a dangerous game of secrets and subterfuge. To protect her new home, she’ll have to risk everything, including her chance at love.

They thought they could leave their bloodstained past behind them. They were wrong.

Zanyr and Torran may have kept their names, but they left the rest of their former lives behind. Most of their species despise mercenaries, which means they must hide their past to protect their future with the colony.

Their lives bound by blood-oaths and battle, these former soldiers of fortune want nothing more than to live in peace with their mate… once they find her, that is.

These three beings will have the chance to get everything they’ve ever wanted…but to keep it, they’ll have to go to war.

Genres: Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance, Menage, Science Fiction Romance

Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

About the author

Susan lives out on the Canadian west coast surrounded by open water, dear family and good friends. She’s jumped out of perfectly good airplanes on purpose and accidentally swum with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef. If the world ends, she plans to survive as the spunky, comedic sidekick to the heroes of the new world, because she’s too damned short and out of shape to make it on her own for long.

Writing is her joy, her escape from reality and the only way she knows of to quiet the nagging harridan of a muse the universe assigned to her.

To contact her about her books or to arrange end of the world team-ups, you can email her at susanhayesromance@gmail.com

Reviews

[Christine Shurson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Alien Mercenaries

Felt a little glossed over, too little detail. At times hard to tell which male/mate speaking - too many he said without clear who speaking. Love series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fun story with a few steamy scenes, some conflict that the ever-so-hot men handle with ease, and - of course! - a HEA, you’ve chosen the right book! Jenna and her men come from wildly different backgrounds, but they’re committed to making this partnership work out. Torren and Zanyr were mercenaries in a less than honourable trade, Jenna was an orphan that faced many challenges. They all have secrets to hide and need time to learn to trust and grow in their romantic relationship.

Her Alien Mercenaries is set in the world of Haven Colony. Susan Hayes has written several previous novellas in the same series, and this continues the saga. If you’ve read her other books, you need to pick this one up! Review based on an advance review copy provided by the author.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

A steamy triad…

Ah, to be back in Haven is to revisit old friends and welcome new ones. Another triad was formed in the eighth outing of this series and the read was as steamy, emotion-filled and full of action as it could be. One human and two Vardarians mean lots of sparks and insta-everything as they navigate their new relationship while still holding back secrets they didn’t want to reveal. Of course, that can’t be sustained and when all hits the fan, it’s a good thing they are bonded… I wish there had been more time to learn about the characters before the action started – it was a quick read – but it was a full story and had a satisfying conclusion. There is more to come in the over-arching plot that ties these stories together and I am here for it all!

*I happily reviewed this story

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three of a kind

Haven Colony, home to Vardarian blood brothers Torren and Zanyr, is where they hope at last to live in peace, find their fated mate, and bond forever. It's recently become home to human colonist Jenna. When it turns out that Jenna is in fact their Mahaya, the alien males need to come clean about their past. But Jenna has a secret too, and when that comes out, there's trouble in the Haven Colony paradise. This story went by a little too quickly for me, but I liked the characters, the menage relationship was satisfyingly steamy, and all ends well for the lovers. Haven Colony, however, still faces a challenge... which means more for the next book! Works for me. This is a 100% human-written independent and voluntary ARC review.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust And Honesty
When Jenna starts her new job as a teacher, she doesn’t get further than the front door. Torren sees her, smells her and knows she is his and Zanyr’s fated mate. The three of them come together, but even with the very strong attraction, patience and wanting to get to know each other better, prevails. Also because they all have secrets, that are difficult to reveal. And once they are known, they might threaten Jenna’s life.
A story full of action, instant attraction, different ways of life that will come together. With spies and mercenaries wanting to start a peaceful existence. Enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man did I fly through this book! This was my first time ever reading something spicy with aliens in it and I think I’m hooked! The world the author built is fascinating, with intergalactic politics subtly shaping all the interactions had by the main characters. Plus, who doesn’t love a book with MMF spice in it?! The two alien mercenaries are anything but rough with the FMC, a strong and devoted young woman trying to find her way in her new life on the planet. With a little bit of spice and a whole lot of intrigue, I can’t wait to see what the trio has in store next. 5 stars- Jade


4/5 stars
2/5 stars on spice

The only thing I didn’t like is how slow the beginning was then it sped up so fast it was over. I loved the FMC- shy but selfless and such an amazing heart. The MMC’s- yes there is 2! Are extremely possessive but sweet and loving. Extreme cinnamon roll hero’s. Its is so sweet the way they take care of her and protect her. I love the message of this book as well all the different species trying to get along a work together to grow the colony. It’s a fast read and not long. No MM just MFM.- Kerin

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna, a human woman, travels to Haven Colony, where she is luxky enough to meet her two fated alien mates who fly, who are very possessive and protective of her, and who care only for her happiness.  In return, Torren and Zanyr, both Vardarian mercenaries, have finally found their 'mahaya', There are secrets about their backgrounds that Jenna and her mates need to share with each other. Despite the fact that they are destined for each other, they all worry about how these secrets will affect their relationship. I love the romance, the sizzling spice, the action and the danger in the story, which is easy to read and displays Susan Hayes' usual excellent writing and world building.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Jenna moved to anew world and now she is a colonist. Not everyone wants Haven to succeed and Jenna gets tangled in a dangerous web. She meets Zanyr and Torren and discovers that she is their mate. They came to Haven for a news start too. But now they need to fight for their peace. I loved the chemistry and passion between Jenna, Zanyr and Torren. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an alien, MFM romance then you’re going to love it.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced alien romance where all 3 main characters have secrets. As soon as Torren gets close enough to Jenna he recognizes her as his mahaya (fated mates) and he whisks her away before even knowing her name. Torren and Zanyr are excited to have finally found her and make an effort to be patient and get to know her.

Despite an instantaneous connection, Torren and Zanyr are sweet and romantic with Jenna, I loved their romantic impromptu trip to the ocean. The storyline moves super fast and includes secrets being revealed, danger and intrigue.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Nancy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quick read. I love Hayes' alien guys. These two are so sweet to their human. And wings! (One of my favorite things in alien or fantasy romance.) Jenna is hiding something. She's a double agent, but doing the right thing. Her mates are very protective and diligent. Torren is a science instructor at Jenna's school and Zanyr is in agriculture, but their background is much more dangerous. This book had a good amount of subterfuge, mystery, and SPICE! I've missed some books in this series and it looks like I need to go back and catch up. Don't miss this one!
4 stars, 3 spice emojis!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series and this one was definitely filled with secrets and angst....well, it also had danger, drama and steam ;) Jenna was a shy gal and I loved her depth. She was unexpected and brave, despite that shyness. Torr and Zanyr knew that she was it for them but they had a tough past that could send her fleeing... Despite all their fears, they found that love does conquer all. This story has an HEA but the overarching plot continues so we've definitely got more books to come. Good fun!

[Foodiegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've missed some books in this series and it looks like I need to go back and catch up. I love Susan Hayes' aliens especially with wings added. These two are so sweet and protective to their human mate. Jenna is hiding she's a double agent but her mates have their secrets. They were mercenaries, Vardarian blood brothers Torren and Zanyr, now hope at live in peace with their fated mate and bond with her forever. Recently Haven has become home to human colonist Jenna. This story short for me, I liked the characters, especially the menage relationship was satisfyingly steamy, and ends with a satisfying HEA.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna has not had an easy life and is trying to overcome her self-esteem issues. She doesn't fight her unexpected mating, however, she doesn't believe she is good enough for them. Zanyr and Torren think Jenna is perfect but worry about how she will look at them when she finds out they used to be mercenaries. Little do they know that Jenna is also keeping a secret from them. Zanyr and Torren may have been mercenaries, but on the inside, they are caring and very sweet with their mate. This story is a winner!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful trip to Haven Colony. I love to put myself in the place of the heroine, this time Jenna, and the Meet Cute is so sweet for these Teachers. Of course, there is baggage to work out when a Vardarian and his Anrik meet their mate, and Torren, Zanyr, and Jenna all have their share. I really felt like I got to know these characters and experience their angst as well as the smoking hot Sharhal fever. Great summer read!

[Mumto2girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another story in the Drift world of Haven and, while I enjoyed parts of it, it was not my favourite. It seemed to lack some of the depth of previous stories. The action and adventure moves the story along but I found it difficult to connect with the characters, especially Jenna. I loved that they got there happily ever after and that is why I rated this story with four stars. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble, Meet Secrets

Jenna has just arrived at Haven colony when she sees Torren, and her life changes. Torren and Zanyr have been waiting for their fated mate, not sure they would ever find her, so Jenna is a delightful surprise. But all three have secrets - how will they maintain trust in their relationship? I loved this story - while the tension grows in the overarching storyline, the story of their romance is spicy-sweet and easy. A splendid read.

[Cheri Winget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the author, love the world and characters. I have to agree with other reviewers that the books seems more directed towards the mating aspects of this series rather than how these new characters work with the existing to keep their world and Haven safe from the Grey Men and Corporations.
It is a bit disappointing that the series hasn't really moved forward much in the last two books. Hopefully the next will.

[Nancy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book and I loved every single page of it! The plot is filled with suspense and will tantalize your senses. The colony of Haven is the best sy-fy world filled with exceptional alien species. Throw in some human females and the mix is the perfect read. I do enjoy seeing some of the previous characters that as a reader you just love. Don’t miss this one❤️❤️❤️

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. So exciting!
Jenna is certainly quite an unusual woman. How many would be brave enough to get caught up in espionage? I admire her for taking on such a dangerous mission. Everything goes sideways when she meets Zanyr and Torren, though. What a thrill discovering your mates! They are so sweet to her. Their story is exciting in more ways than one. A must-read!

[Lissa J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella bland, mfm, needs more spice or more character development, at this point I'm only reading because I loved the original series and the scifi world created, but if these short risk-free stories are all that's happening that may even stop. I want more spice! More mmf again, more character backgrounds and interactions. This series has become very vanilla.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, like this world, is amazing!

It was so fun to visit the colony again. I started with this series and fell in love with this world. Then went back to read Nova Force and The Drift. Whatever order you read them, they are action packed, steamy and filled with lovable males and FMC's you'd definitely be friends with.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quick Enjoyable Read

Susan Hayes just came out with a new book in her The Drift:Haven Colony series and it was a quick and delightful reading experience! You have Jenna a human who recently became a citizen of Haven meeting her mates on her first day at her new job. But they all have secrets they are keeping. What will happen? Read and find out! Totally enjoyable book!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zan and Torren really want to find their third, but fear that their past will make that difficult for them to be forgiven. Jenna's own past (and present) actions make her fear that she will be exiled if she is discovered. But when the mating fever strikes, the hope for future happiness is very powerful.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story and the series. Ms Hayes always entertaining stories. Jenna is new to Haven and is starting a new job as a teacher. On her first day she meets Torren, a Vardarian. He sees her and knows that she is his and his anrik, Zanyr's mate. All have secrets they are keeping. Their adventure begins. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Short

The story was just too short. There wasn't a lot of drama until almost the end. The FMC was a mousy kind of person, intentionally to keep her jobs as a nanny. Her mates were ex-Mercenaries, feeling ashamed of their past resume. At Haven what happened in the past stays in the past, mostly.

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I had fun reading it as I do all of these. I know I will reread them many times over. I am always in for some spy story mixed in with everything else! It was just the thing to keep me reading to see what would happen next!

[Denise Doughten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good alien romance

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Loved the characters and the colony. This can be a stand alone read but I feel like I missed some background. I will read the others in the series.

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this world are so well described, I feel like I'm right next to them. Wings- it would be amazing to fly with them. Susan combines interesting plot twists, humor, danger, secrets and steam to give us a great story. And there are hints of more to come.

[Barbara L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, Dangerous and Hot!

For seemingly innocuous beings, a teacher and a farmer, life is a lot more complicated than it seems. Great characters and new avenues for exploration. Great addition to the series and very interesting forms of attack being incorporated.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

They each came to Haven for a new start will the secrets they hold destroy the future they fought for? This is a fun addition to the series. I really enjoyed it.