Caught by the Alien Mercenary

Monster Mercenary Mates #1

by Robin O'Connor

Turns out, the most notorious Mercenary Captain in the quadrant takes offense when he finds a human stowed away in his private quarters.

Manyin

Once, I was a renowned archaeologist, then I got abducted. I’m so sick of my life being beyond my control, that when it happens again, I fight back. I escape and hide away on the first ship I can find, hoping to get far away and then plead my case so they can take me back to the human sanctuary.

I witness things I shouldn’t, once I’m in the lair of the ship’s monstrous Captain. This scaly creature draws me, enrages me, covets me, and secretly provides for me. I make him glow, and that makes him mad, but I know what it means, even if he doesn’t.

Asmoded

At first, the human stowaway is a nuisance I do not need when I am on a quest to avenge the death of my unborn son and wife. She makes me want and feel things I refuse to let into my life, my heart, once again.

On a mission to thwart my nemesis, I do not need her as a complication, and yet there she is. Proving herself smart, resilient, and far too brave for her own good. I don’t want her to tear down my walls, I do not want to admit that she is my mate. When danger comes knocking, fate has other ideas.

I find that for this one human, I am willing to break all my rules. I find that I might just be willing to surrender my heart.

This is a standalone novel, and book one in the Monster Mercenary Mates series. This sci-fi monster romance features one grumpy Naga spaceship captain, a plucky human archaeologist, and a steamy HEA.

Genres: Aliens, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Space, Monster Romance, Fantasy

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 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

[Uyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was just fun.
I wish we could have seen more of Saisir at the end.

[Anna Svoboda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been in love with this universe ever since the Gladiators of the Vagabond and I'm so excited to come back to it. And with such style, straight to the grand enigma, the captain of the Varakartoom himself! I love how genuinely good Asmoded is. For such a fearsome mercenary captain, he's just a big marshmallow inside!
Manyin literally stumbles into his life one day, and the poor guy just can't get rid of her. Not that he really wants to, but still, he tries his best and it simply doesn't work. She refuses to give up on the big grumpy Naga and is determined to make him see they're mates and that they work perfectly together.
I loved her unbreakable spirit and unconditional acceptance of everything that happened in Asmo's past. She wrapped the big bad captain around her little finger along with his infamous crew. Go girl!

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥

I love a good alien romance book, and this definitely delivered!

Manyin was abducted, and was set to be sold but she escaped hiding in a mercenary ship. Asmoded was the captain of the mercenaries, who did not believe in fated mates. Or more like, he didn't want any mated pairs on his ship. Well, when he discovers Manyin hiding out on his ship, he has no idea what to do, and plans to keep her out of his way until he is able to send her back home.

I absolutely loved Manyin and her ways she would try to get under Asmoded skin. She knew about fated mates, and knew Asmoded was hers so her determination for him to recognize it was great to read. She tried all the tricks, and his frustration around her was hilarious. She definitely would grind his gears on purpose.

This book ties into another series of Gladiators of Vagabond, but you don't have to have read that series to be able to jump into this book.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Medium Burn
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Alien 🍆
✅ Forced Proximity
✅ Grumpy/Sunshine
✅ HEA

***I was given this as an ARC for free and writing a review voluntary. All opinions are my own.***

[Verdelite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the very non-human anatomy! Asmoded slithering and the details on his coil were super fun and cute.

I was not the biggest fan of Zhu Manyin though. Her characterization was lacking and the development of romantic chemistry between her and Asmoded was weak.
The ending also felt a little rushed.

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

[Esther Laso Grupeli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vi que tenía muy buenas notas este libro y decidí leérmelo pensando que sería como mínimo interesante y menuda montaña de *mierda*🤦🏻‍♀️ es malísimo..la historia es aburrida los personajes me dan igual,el malo es que si lo borras de la historia tampoco pasa nada.

PD:Estoy segura de que todas las que ponen 4 o 5 estrellas las ponen por la *pinga* del protagonista tritón xD

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book this was and who doesn’t love a sexy grumpy male and a feisty female who puts him in his place. Zhu Manyin (Mandy) who is human female and archaeologists was abducted from Earth while out on a dig site in Cairo and wakes from statis on a strange planet where she is saved by the aliens called Kertinal who take the humans to the planet Ker to keep them safe but she isn’t there long when she is kidnappped by a Kertinal male who plans to sell her on the black market but when they stop at on a way station she manages to escape and she hide on board another sip hoping they will take her to the human sanctuary on Ker. Captain Asmodeus is half Naga and half Human who owns the spaceship Varakartoom and is a Notorious Mercentaary who is on a mission to kill the crime Lord Jalima who killed his wife and there unborn son because he wanted to steals his land. Now after docking on Strewn’s space station where his crew is eager for shore leave after their last job but has a hour to kill when he smells a scent with his tongue he couldn’t quite put his finger of what it was so he headed to his quarters and once there there was a sudden and strange urge to pleasure himself and so he did but afterwards he tasted the air again and there was someone in his room with and female at that and when she fell out of his draw he used his tail to hold he up and demanded answers. But when I looked into the females eyes my body reacted to her and the way she looks at me I know I’m going to have a huge problem staying away from her because she is my mate. But I’m not ready to have another one after my wife Tahlata and our unborn son where killed over land by the evil crime lord Jalima who will pay dearly for what he has done. Mandy is shocked by the alien sexy Naga and what she seen him do in the bathroom but also turn on as well which shocks her more and now he is holding her up with his tail and carrying her like she weighs nothing. How will the crew react to her being a stowaway and what will happen between Asmodeus and Mandy with the attraction between them going off like fireworks and what happens after they are escape from being kidnapped where she helps with her knowledge as an Archaeologist that saves them in the end. There is so much more to this boook that will keep you on your toes and flipping the pages.

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

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: Holy. Moly. This. Book. We are introduced to our FMC who is trying to stow away on the ship captained by our MMC and she has hidden in his quarters by happenstance. And I knew I was HOOKED when the author brought in both a mating scent and a peak at a special peen (and its corresponding pouch!): "The alien creature that stood in the bathroom wasn’t far off from my imaginary crocodile. Scales of shiny black covered him entirely, they were edged with hints of gold and speckles of bright green. His shoulders were wide but shaped like a man, with arms and hands that he had perched on his hips. His body was completely bare, and long black hair draped down his shoulders, highlighted with bright strands of the same green that speckled him. It was his body that gave me pause, the upper half humanoid, the lower half tapering into a powerful, muscled tail. That tail coiled through the open doorway, long and sinuous, and thickly muscled. The tail lay in a long sprawl out the door and partially around the weird round bed. I could vividly picture his long body coiled up in it now, like a freaking snake. The tip of that tail came shockingly close to pressing against my damn drawer, and he was all the way across the room, about to slide into the bath he was drawing. When he moved, his body was visible to me in a side profile, and my breathing stuttered in a gasp when I saw him slide his hand across his belly and palm the eréctíon that jutted fiercely from his groin area. Holy crap, that thing was huge and thick! Even from where I sat, I could see the tip of it twisting and writhing as though it was split. I bit down again on my hand, hoping the renewed shock of pain would jar me from my fascinated staring. I shouldn’t be looking, but a scent was filling the room that hooked me. Sweet and salty at the same time, like caramel popcorn. My nípples perked, my pantíes were soaked, and my belly clenched and cramped with a sudden, sharp lance of desire. What the fück was happening?"

The author is amazing in scene setting, the descriptions are vibrant and rich, and the steam could supply an entire bathhouse. We follow these two on a sometimes...bumpy path going from almost enemies to lovers and it is riveting from start to finish. 5/5 Stars.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

If not for bad luck, Manyin wouldn't have any luck at all. 

Zhu Manyin, who goes by the nickname Mandy, is an archaeologist who was abducted from Earth a year ago while on a dig in Cairo. She had been freed and was granted asylum on a planet named Ker by a species called the Kertinal. Then a week ago, she was again kidnapped, this time by a Kertinal male, to be sold. Humans are rare in this area. The kidnappers had docked at a huge space station to get repairs done. 

She managed to escape and now hopes to smuggle herself onboard a privately owned spaceship to escape her captors. She wants to be returned to Ker, even if it's not as safe there as she once thought. Hearing the voice of the male who last kidnapped her, she knows she must make her move now. 

Success! She made it aboard, but she hears something or someone coming her way. It's time to find a good hiding place for a stowaway. 

Asmoded, a Naga (half man and half snake), owns the Varakartoom, the spacecraft where Mandy had just hidden herself. Like Dread Pirate Roberts in "Princess Bride," Asmoded's ship, the Varakartoom, has a powerful myth as a mysterious ship. He's the Captain of the most notorious mercenary outfit in the quadrant. 

The ship normally works on the edges of dark space but had come to the space station to drop off some crew members before leaving for their next job. That job will probably take months to complete. 

While on the platform, he got whiffs of an unusual scent. Now, in his quarters, he scents it again and knows it's a female, a very scared female. By the time he was able to contact the bridge, it was too late to return to the space station. There are two things Asmoded doesn't allow aboard his ship, females or bonded males. The exception to the rule is Ysathae, she's the head of engineering and now Mandy. 

Asmoded out for revenge against Crimelord Jalima, who killed his pregnant wife, Tahlata, and their unborn son. Jalima only wants to steal land, make drugs, and get revenge on Asmoded. But he’s also kept a big secret from Asmoded.

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Manyin is kidnapped but manages to get settled on an alien planet. THEN she gets kidnapped again, and the latest kidnapper is not such a nice alien. Escaping onto Asmoded's ship as a stowaway seemed like a good idea, until she is caught by Asmoded after watching him do naughty things in the shower! The mercenaries just have to finish this mission, then he can get rid of the pesky human who seems to have gotten under his skin, a skin that changes colour the minute they are touching. Someone wants Asmoded dead, and Manyin is just collateral damage. Can they get away or will they never get to really admit what they mean to each other?

Asmoded is Naga, part man, part snake. Now, I've read a couple of Naga books, and they didn't do much for me, but this one pushed some buttons when I red the blurb, so I jumped in.

And it's a thoroughly enjoyable read! Told from both Manyin and Asmoded's point of view, in the first person, I really liked it!

I liked that Manyin pushes Asmoded. He is captain of his ship, and should be deferred to, but Manyin finds great pleasure in riling the beast. And Asmoded, for all his raging, comes to appreciate that riling. She pushes him, makes him think differrently, makes him a better captain.

Asmoded has some baggage he is still dealing with. But what I did not see coming about that, was the way that things were flipped on their head and Asmoded got some closure and found someone he thought forever lost to him.

It's stteamy, once these two decide to act on the smoking attraction between them! MAde interesting by the fact the Naga have a super strong snake-like body, and an interesting difference to the male appendage! (I need me a Naga!)

Book 2 is set up nicely, and I hope to be able to read it! I do hope ALL the beings (for they are all different and not just Naga) on Asmoded's ship get a book!

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manyin, the female human archaelogist lead, woke up a year ago to find that she’d been abducted by aliens and then lost, so that it is hundred of years from when she was last awake. Living in a human survivors’ compound, she feels trapped but doesn’t have any other options. Then she’s abducted again. This time she gets out, realises she’s on a space station and stows away on a spaceship to get away.

Asmoded, the male Naga pirate spaceship captain lead, has no space in his life for disorganisation and definitely no space for a mate - he tried the family route once and he’s never doing it again. He’s disgruntled to find a stowaway in his cabin, even more so when he realises that he’s reacting to her in ways he definitely doesn’t want to. But he has a job to do and to get rid of her would cost him time he can’t justify so she’ll just have to tag along.

Manyin is surprised to find herself feeling safe in Asmoded’s company. Asmoded is in self-denial that he’s found his mate (though his crew realises what’s happening!). Until Manyin is under threat. Now they just need to survive and maybe there’s space for family after all…

This story is dual POV, well written, and the fantastic beginning to a new sci fi romance series by this author. I ADORED this story. I chuckled at the banter, empathised with the characters’ griefs for their losses, and just enjoyed the way their relationship developed. I applauded Manyin’s determination to have a real life, not just be protected in a compound. I enjoyed Asmoded’s personal growth which allowed him to make space for an independent, fun person who would contribute to his life, not restrict it. I enjoyed their intimate scenes. I enjoyed the cast of secondary characters and there are SO many that I’m hoping for stories for!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[ChasseReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zhu Manyin (Mandy) is an archeologist on a dig in Cairo when she finds herself abducted. She finds herself on station somewhere and takes the opportunity to run. She diverts into the first ship she can when she's about to be caught. She winds up in a room on the ship when she finally gets a door to open. Without a lot of options for hiding she opens a drawer and all but fully closes it hoping she won't be found. 
Turns out the room she hid in Captain Asmoded's room.  He discovers her shortly after takeoff and all but refuses to let her stay aboard his ship. When they discover they are too far to return her to the station they just came from, she's along for the ride as they have a mission to finish. It was then that they discovered they have a tail following them as well.  
Turns out Zhu Manyin's background as an archeologist is just what the Asmoded and his crew need. She can identify buried features to make sure they are properly reported back. During a night mission they encounter a fight. Zhu Manyin and Asmoded make it away and hide. When they start to move to be rescued they discover a tomb and tunnels inside of it. When they are about to mark the coordinates to come back to later they end up having to go inside as the ship approaching is not their rescue ship. Those that attacked them the night before found them. They are chased into the tunnels. They find a place to rest once they think they've lost them. Zhu Manyin and Asmoded's bond is getting stronger the more time the spend together. Zhu Manyin discovers that the symbols she's seen on the walls might lead to a way out. 
In the end both Zhu Manyin and Asmoded stop fighting their attraction and pull to each other. 
Overall, this was a good read and I would love to find out what happens next as the book left off on a cliffhanger. 

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!

Take a human female archeologist, abducted from her work project in Egypt a year ago, loose on a space station where her original ride had docked for repairs, and give her the opportunity to sneak onto another space ship, which turned out was captained by a Naga mercenary, and you have a spirited contest of wills. Zhu Manyin, or Mandy, hides in a large drawer in a cabin she found open, which turned out to belong to that very captain, known as Asmoded. He was a very handsome and strikingly colored Naga, having iridescent black scales with gold accents and long black hair with bright green strands mixed in. Mandy was unexplainably attuned to his male magnetism, and he scented her in his room.

I highly recommend this book. It is an exciting adventure/romance with witty banter between the two main protagonists, mystery, danger, action, humor and four-pepper romance scenes. There's a lot to this story; more than you might typically find in a tale of alien romance.

Asmoded is determined to remain aloof to Manyin's charms, but he finds himself acting extremely protective toward her, which begins to chisel away at his walls. When they find what appears to be the remains of an ancient civilization on the planet on which Asmoded is tracking his arch nemesis, he begins to weaken to her passion for exploring the history of the planet. The problem now, however, is that they are being pursued by some bad guys. Will these valuable relics and remains be destroyed completely, before Mandy can explore more?

I think you'll find yourself riveted to this story from the very first, just like I was. Enjoy!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manyin was an archeologist on earth then she was kidnapped. She found a safe haven on an alien planet called Ker. They opened their planet for misplaced humans. Then she's kidnapped again. She got away and is now trying to sneak onto a ship to get either back to Ker or Earth.
Asmoded is seeing off his weapons master with his human mate.He gets to his room and notices scents of a female. When they slip into hyper drive (or some such) she falls out of the drawer she was in. He is not a happy camper. He takes her to the bridge to to find out how long it would take to get her where she wants to go and if it will impact his mission. She's stuck on his ship. So it's to the Dr she goes. Then he takes her to a small room and tells her to stay. She finally gets the nerve to go out of her room and of all the luck she stumbles on the captain again. When they get to the first mission she actually helps because she notices something only an archeologist would see. She gets included in the mission. Unfortunately a ship has been tailing them. She's afraid it's the ones who kidnapped her the second time. But things go wrong on the mission on the planet they went to and now she and Asmoded are stuck together. They're captured and taken on another ship. There Asmoded gets a shock when Mandy tells him what she discovered! Will they be able to escape and at what cost?
An exciting story with plenty of action and shocks!.

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

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught by the Alien Mercenary by Robin O’Connor
Monster Mercenary Mates #1

Asmoded and Manyin are prefect together ~ Thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and the introduction to a new alien romance series!

What I liked:
* Zhu Manyin: human, trained as an archaeologist before finding herself in space, eludes kidnappers by sneaking onto Varakartoom spaceship, smart, sassy, and attracted to Asmoded
* Asmoded: Alien of Naga species, widow, mercenary, seeking revenge for the death of his family, strong leader, alpha male, protective, perfect for and with Manyin
* Meeting the crew of the Varakartoom and thinking about how each will find their mate
* Wondering about the rule of “no mates” on the spaceship after Asmoded decides Manyin is his mate
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Watching the development of the relationship between Manyin and Asmoded
* Thinking about what the offspring of alien-human matings would look like
* The twist that brought someone new and important into the life of Asmoded and wondering how that alien will be assimilated into the crew
* Wondering what Mitnick has been up to and knowing that I will find out when his book is ready to read

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The selfishness of Tahlata – wife of Asmoded
* The wickedness of Jalima and hoping that he will eventually get his comeuppance

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

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former archaeologist Zhu Manyin has been abducted more than once by alien beings. Due to the stasis necessary for such distant travel to their home planets, she’s hundreds of years in time past when any who knew her on Earth were alive. Desperate to escape her most recent captors, she steals aboard a massive spacecraft as it’s leaving the last place she’s awoken.

A specialist in halting the looting and destruction of precious resources across the galaxy as well as the meting out of justice, naga Asmoded is the fierce commander of the spaceship upon which Manyin has stowed away. After finding her hiding in his quarters, he becomes agitated when she triggers his mating sigils. Sent to her own stateroom, Manyin nevertheless becomes a valuable asset to the crew and its missions while drawn more and more to the outwardly gruff captain.

As they spend more time in proximity to each other, they are unable to deny their mutual attraction. When danger comes calling, will they be able to overcome their circumstances and get together or will Asmoded send Manyin away for her own safety? Will the scrappy Manyin stand her ground and refuse to leave the object of her affection?

I enjoyed this steamy and action packed book which is the start of a new series of the Naga and their human refugees from Robin O’Connor’s clever mind.

I was furnished an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

[Between pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn: While there were little tastes here and there, the main course wasn't served until chapter 14. 😉

This is the vibe I love from this book:
Asmoded: "She was still an intruder, and she’d intruded on my territory."
"I would not look at her; she was not there, staring at me, looking so fu🍒able that I wanted to take her right there, on the bridge, in front of all of my men." 🥵

Manyin: "I needed to convince him that I was his, like I got to conquer my own part of this quadrant by wooing him. Or rather, seducing him." 😏

Action and Thrill: Just when you think you know what's going to happen, another unexpected and exciting twist is thrown in. It's action-packed. I love that tiny cliffhanger hint for the next book and which character (this doesn't affect the HEA of the main character).

I love Manyin's ballsy attitude. When she sets her mind to make her presence known, she will. She'll never go down without a fight. I guess that's why she's a perfect match for this notorious Captain, a perfect piece of the puzzle he didn't know he's missing🫠.

Although I love the happily ever after of Manyin and Asmoded, I would love to know more about Sai and Asmoded. Perhaps more of them is in the next book. Either way, I'm very much looking forward to this series. Seems to me that these mercenaries have some good stories to tell. 🤔

[Moonburst · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Manyin is abducted by aliens a second time, she is determined to take back her future. She manages to escape and stow away on a space ship, which unfortunately is a mercenary ship bound for a long term contract. Captain Asmoded does not have time to deal with a human stow-away, but he can't quite escape the way he reacts to her. Can Manyin find a new home for herself amongst the mercenaries?

Caught by the Alien Mercenary is a fun alien romance between a naga-like alien and a resourceful archeologist. Manyin is extremely competent and is more than willing to create her own way and call Asmoded out on his poor behavior. She also uses her expertise in a useful fashion throughout the book. Asmoded is on a long term revenge plan to kill the male that killed his pregnant wife. As far as he is concerned, emotions and romance have no place in his world. Unfortunately, his aversion to romance makes some of the sexual interactions a bit frustrating, as it almost seems like he's using Manyin. However, watching the two clash and learn to work together is extremely fun.

An overall fun, romantic read.

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

[Michelle Promotion's for Indie Author's csmindiepr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different

It was great to read a storyline that built up into content that has no definite sign of which way the captain is going to develop his likes or dislikes of Maralyn.
Considering he is a very hard headed controlling man/snake who has his own ideals of how things should be run, along with Marilyn being extremely stubborn and mouthy with her opinions, the guys working around them find they are suddenly in the centre of a battle ground and the two determined people throwing their thoughts and ideas around are not in the least bit concerned with the effect their disagreement could have on the team.
An extremely exciting and fascinating world that Marilyn has found herself in, especially when the alien who's ship she stows away on is a monster in her eyes and most definitely a mercenary what is she going to do to survive this horrific situation.
The captain certainly has his own aggressive attitude towards his stowaway and she challenges him every step of the way, he's not sure if he should throw her into space or laugh at the comments that spill from her mouth.
If you enjoy Sci-fi romance with plenty of attitude and action, then you're going to love this one.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC copy!

The worldbuilding here was really great--I loved the crew and the world of space mercenaries that was built out here. And of course, Asmoded the captain being a Naga and his history working as a mercenary was very interesting.

I started off liking Zhu Manyin because she took the initiative to escape her kidnappers and try to stowaway, but honestly I didn't like how she kept yelling at Asmoded about him treating her as a stowaway when, yes, she's been kidnapped and is traumatized from that, but in the end, she IS a stowaway on his ship, and he's well within his rights to not have to take her wants and needs into account vs. his mission.

The relationship between the two of them developed very quickly--I would have probably preferred a slower burn, but that is a personal preference here, and if you like the fated mates instant connection trope, this is the book for you. When they actually got together, the smut was quite good, and they were pretty sweet.

The plot as a whole was exciting with Asmoded wanting revenge against the crime lord who killed his wife--but it got overshadowed by the romance at times.

[Hollollolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is listed as the start of a series, but reads as an interseries. After a little research, it looks like this is the start of a sister series which is referenced often. Still able to be read as a start of series, but it is clear throughout that there is more at play than what is written. Because of this I found the beginning a bit disjointed and, though I believe it is unintentional, there are several points of this text I’d describe as ableist. Again, it appears to be unintentional and for descriptive purposes. Overall I enjoyed the story and I kept coming back to it over a couple of days. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other users may find relevant:  alien, fated mates, fmc-manyin, grumpy-sunshine, mmc-asmoded, scifi, space, special junk, start of series

Fiction, romance, adventurous, hopeful, medium paced
Plot or Character Driven: a mix
Strong character development: yes
Lovable characters: yes
Diverse cast of characters: yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything monster/alien related books written by Miss Robin O'Connor, I always know it's going to be a 5⭐ read for me because she NEVER disappoints.
Her books always have plot and a great storyline but she also knows how to bring the spice and in this book, she bought it!!! Hard 😉

First off, Manyin is a freaking badass warrior! After being kidnapped TWICE, she managed to escape and ended up on a mercenary's ship. She then witnesses a Naga alien *satisfying* himself 🥵😉 and got hot and bothered over it before she got caught and then he lit up like freaking fireworks after they touched!! Fated mates!!!! Agh!!

Then we have sexy Asmoded 😍 another badass warrior who is the Captain of the ship dear Manyin happened to hide on.

Oooof, the tension between these two!!! 🥵 the build up and then Asmoded finally snapping and giving in aghhhh so freaking good!!!
Then he finally admitted they were fated mates and it was perfection and so cute!!!

Plus that plot twist! 😱
Omg. I could feel it building up to something else but did not see that coming. So glad they were reunited!! 😍
I loved this book and the beginning of this new series and I cannot wait to see where this goes because it is going to be amazing!

This is an ARC review and is my honest opinion.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading more of these mercenaries since they were introduced in the Gladiators of the Vagabond series. This was a fun start to the new series. The serious and controlled Naga Captain who has made his life all about revenge and the human stowaway who just wants to find her place in this alien galaxy.

Manyin captivates the Naga Asmoded with her bravery and determination. He fights the mating bond between them not wanting to be vulnerable ever again. Manyin goes out of her way to challenge him at every turn and the tension between the two is perfect. Asmoded finds himself going out of his way to provide and care for her even when he tries to avoid her.

The story was well written and easy to read. Enjoyable with great action and character development. I loved the crew’s responses to the couple and am looking forward to learning more about them. I want to see who the author chooses for their mates. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I haven’t read the Gladiators series, but even though I felt a little behind at the beginning, overall my reading experience was good. I liked the characters, though I wish the mercs had a bigger presence. The ship is huge and it’s supposed to have a lot of people, yet it felt small, and the crew seemed to consist of Sin, Mitnick, Asmoded, the shark guy and the doctor (who I kept thinking of as Ursulo, as in a genderbent version of Ursula). The creepy twins appear at the beginning and after a while they’re not even mentioned again. There are missions and the crew is mentioned in that context, but it was like they were on a separate ship. The archaeology bit was interesting, and gave Manyin more depth. Though I didn’t know she was Australian until I started reading book 2. Maybe I missed it, maybe it was because I got an ARC copy. To sum up, I enjoyed it, though there were some minor issues.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, a salaciousss split tongue!

Caught by the Alien Mercenary is book 1 in the Monster Mercenary Mates series and what a spectacular start!

Abducted twice, little human female Manyin sneaks onboard a sleek black ship to get away from her current captors. Hidden, she spies on a mythical and mysterious Naga who steals her breath away.

Asmoded is the captain of his ship and haunted by a tragic past. He pushes everything he desires yet denies about Manyin away, but she is sassy, spritely and spirited and she is just the woman for the job of breaking down his walls.

Caught by the Alien Mercenary has oodles of spicy, sexy and sinfully creative scenes. It’s full of fanciful characters in a world built with great imagination. I loved the variety of species in Asmoded’s crew and there seems to be secrets… lots of secrets revolving around many of them. So much adventure awaits in this new series and it’s making me squirm in anticipation for the next book!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zhu Manyin used to be an Archaeologist in a former life, abducted from Earth while on a dig and awakened from stasis to find herself in a whole new alien reality.
After being rescued and given sanctuary on the planet Ker where she has found a little peace among other lost humans she is taken again by smugglers!
Manyin manages to escape from them when they stop for repairs on a space station and smuggles herself aboard another ship.
Naga Captain Asmoded has just taken on a new mission and the stowaway he finds in his cabin is not a part of his plans.
Caught by the Alien Mercenary is an enjoyable, nicely written read of fated mates, adventure, action, likable lead characters, intrigue, and spice.
I look forward to reading more stories set in this universe especially as I appreciate when an author always includes diverse enthnicities for their female leads!.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'His answering smile was this beautiful thing; soft, warm, radiant. I wanted to bask in that look, in the love he was trying to profess that was so clearly visible in his yellow eyes. “Yeah, I should have realized you knew. I’m a stubborn bastard, you’ll have to learn to live with that. I suspect we’re well-matched that way. Aren’t we, Sunshine?”'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I read alien romance more than any other genre, but I don't think I've read a story where a character gets abducted on two different occasions- though the first happened before this book. I loved both Manyin and Asmoded. I somehow forgot or missed that Asmoded was a naga when I read the blurb, and as I love nagas, I was excited for that. I thought the two of them made such a great match and had wonderful chemistry. The story quickly turned into a fast-paced adventure with action and danger. I also loved the secondary characters. 5 stars.

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zhu Manyin is an awesome woman, in one year she went from leading Archaeologists at a Cairo dig to being abducted by Aliens. Rescued, given sanctuary on Ker only to be stolen by slavers. This is a very brave, inspiring and delightful woman escapes onto a space station. I love her calm intensity, how she studies the available ships , picks the big black space ship and slips inside and hides. This brings her thrilling, action packed adventure into a new life. Asmoded is Captain of the Varakartoom she’s a mercenary battle ship, his life is about to become very interesting and surprising. Zhu Manyin and Asmoded are amazing together. Their story is extremely interesting, thrilling and fascinating. I love ❤️ their chemistry, clashes and delicious happy ever after. I can’t wait to read the next book, definitely worth reading 🥰🌟🌟

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

[Jurnee · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 58%

A naga MMC is usually a hit for me no matter what the story is. I even really like this author’s Serpents of Serant series that also features naga. But for some reason… I couldn’t get interested in this story at all.

The FMC is good, tough and outspoken and very intelligent and observant. It starts with her escaping alien captors by sneaking onto a random ship, but she doesn’t really have any issues after that which could show growth or a deeper aspect of her character. Mostly she’s just dealing with the contradicting behavior and words from the MMC and his serious attitude problem. The parts about her profession in earth were the most interesting moments from her… and that doesn’t happen until 40ish% and is barely talked about.

MMC shows very little about himself, and just muses over his former mate a couple times… but having a former mate is not a personality or depth… which was lacking.

2 stars stead of 1 because there were good bones… and the naga was sexy

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archaeologist Manyin (h) has been abducted twice by aliens and when she manages to escape her second abduction, she stows away on a spaceship led by Asmoded (H), a half-human, half-serpent alien mercenary. Asmoded, who has a personal vendetta to settle, is not keen on having a stowaway, but Manyin's resourcefulness and plucky attitude soon win him over. As they navigate a series of close calls and dangerous encounters, Manyin becomes an asset to Asmoded's crew, which consists of a mix of different alien species, each with their own quirks. Despite Asmoded's initial resistance to romance, the slow-burn relationship between he and Manyin grows stronger as they work together to overcome various threats. Slow burn alien-human action romance exploring survival, loyalty, and unexpected connections.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome alien romance story I'd totally enjoyed reading. Zhu Manyin who was abducted and finally decided to take no more alien cr*p and became determined to return back to the human settlement on Ker by sneaking onto a spaceship to escape her captor ends up hiding in a room and Asmoded the captain whose room she hid in and was discovered were engaging characters. Asmoded is looking to revenge against Crimelord Jalima for the death of his pregnant wife. Asmoded finds holding her created unknown feelings and his body glowing. Dragging her to the bridge, he finds it's too late to return her and too far to Ker. Now she stuck with them going to their mission. What occurs is an enjoyable action-filled romantic sci-fi story that kept me invested to the end. The characters were wonderful and had that insta attraction. I volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.