Saving Lauren

by Marit Prins

The last thing I would have ever guessed would happen to me in life is being kidnapped by aliens and then being sold as a sex slave. Just when I begin to think there is no hope left for any kind of happy ending D’Var appears. A Warrior of Arracate, defender of the Galaxy and apparently, my mate?

Can I trust him with my body, but more importantly with my heart? Can we form a bond, when all the circumstances are against us and my past is catching up with me?

Saving Lauren is an sci-fi romance, with fated mates, alpha males and a strong heroine. Be ready to get lost in space and root for Lauren and D’Var to get their happy ending.

Genres: Mental Health, Aliens

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

About the author

Marit Prins may just look like your average nearly-forty woman, but you don't know what's going on inside someone's mind, until they start to write books.

Ever guessed that mother you wave to at school writes spicy steamy alien books? Or heard an ABBA song and thought how funny it would be if you summoned a demon with that song?

As a certified romance reader, Marit has been loving romance ever since she secretly found her grandmother's stash. American romance opened up a whole new world, and since she has been making up stories since she can remember - it was now time to put them on paper.

If you like crazy, spicy stories about aliens and monsters, stay tuned. There is much more to come.

When Marit is not writing, she is either running, cycling or sewing, but most of the time she can be found with a nice romantic suspense or crazy monster romance.

If you want to know more, check out maritprinsromance dot com and sign up for the newsletter.

Reviews

[Marie Kroupová · Rating 3 out of 5]

when in doubt..alien smut it is

[Stasi Apple (The Reads of an Apple) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Amazing Stars!

I had so much fun reading Saving Lauren. This had so many micro-tropes in sci-fi romance in that I love and done so well. I really enjoyed how this fits in well with the "Mars Needs Women" books, but also had a lot of uniqueness to help it stand out. Also, I love that they are gray (it's my favorite color). You can tell there's room to grow in writing style and the expansion of the world building, but I can't wait to read more and hope that the other warriors get HEAs too. I loved the connection between Lauren and D'var and how they didn't just let the mate connection take over either of them completely and still be able to find connection outside of the bond. Plus I love a alien that doesn't kiss and more than enjoys learning that particular skill.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lianne Scheepers · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are the star in my void, the light that will lead me, the fire that burns within me. There is not a cell in my being that would not think the world of you, just the way you are.”

I really adored D'Var and Lauren. For the warriors of Arracate a mate is the most precious thing in all the galaxy, and that really shows in all his interactions with Lauren. He absolutely worships her, is patient and respectful regarding her trauma, and he would rip anyone’s head off who dares to threaten his “L’ren”.

The story flows easily, making this a rather quick read. There is action, trauma and healing from that trauma. And ofcourse, sizzling passion! I really enjoyed this story and the second book is already waiting for me on my shelves.

[Hazel Gower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read.

This book was a great start to a new series and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book. I would love to meet another group of warriors too.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look, this wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. I feel like I've seen this premise so many times and done better in other books. The characters felt bland to me and the spicy times weren't great IMO.

PLOT:
Lauren's a please slave and is bought by her mate D'Var. Though initially terrified of the huge warrior, she settles in and learns to trust him. When forces rip them apart, D'Var has to rescue her and gain her trust again.


SOME THOUGHTS:
- wasn't crazy about the romance it feels really shallow and hollow and insta love.

- Lauren's been a sex slave for like 10 years or something but after she's rescued by her mate she's only scared for like an hour? I'd have thought she'd be SUPER traumatized/ that D'Var would have to work to gain her trust but she's basically into him from the start.

- the smut wasn't it. It wasn't the worst ever but it's short and not super sexy and a let down to me personally.

[Lyrik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know the author's first language is not English, and I could tell. Some word choices and phrasing read as odd to me - not wrong per se, but also not right. The sexual abuse of the heroine's past felt too extreme and dark for it to just "go away" via a supportive mate and bond. I'm not discounting reading future books from this author, but this wasn't as good as the premise promised.

[Irene Kiew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I typically love this plot with a hero MMC who is protective of the FMC and who helps her heal. Add in fated mates and I'm sold!

The book had a few punctuation errors and at least one typo, but was overall well-edited. Didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the book (for an English teacher, that is saying something lol)

I would say that D'Var is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero. My definition of 'cinnamon roll' is the antithesis of alphahole: cinnamon rolls are green flags all the way. D'Var is certainly that. From the moment he sees Lauren, he's all in. Because he had to buy her from slavers, he knows that she has had a lot of traumatic experiences and will need to heal. He's committed to taking it slowly and is careful to obtain consent from Lauren every step of the way, because her autonomy and ability to consent had been violated by the slavers. If you like explicit consent in your smut, you'll want this book.

D'Var and Lauren's relationship is not slow burn, though. More like medium burn. Mostly because the mating bond is drawing them towards each other, so from the start Lauren feels comforted by his presence, even though she's still afraid of him because he is a stranger. I did think that they progressed to full penetrative sex rather quickly, considering that she had been r@ped brutally in the past. Like, she didn't have any qualms once he put his mouth on her pu$$y... after that it was all systems go, no flashbacks or involuntary recoil at certain movements or brief fear when they moved into specific sexual positions, or anything like that.

I felt like the sex went almost too smoothly, not just because Lauren suddenly seemed to have lost her trauma but also because there didn't seem to be any anatomical uncertainties? I mean like, how did D'Var know to go for her clit or what touching her clit would do? How does he know that a human woman will orgasm when pleasured sexually or how to help her achieve that orgasm or what an orgasm looks/feels like for her? We aren't told whether he is familiar with human anatomy or has met a human woman before. He doesn't seem to think Lauren odd-looking at all even though she's so different from him. Of course, his race finds mates among other species so he was presumably expecting a female who was quite different, but still, his instant acceptance is like insta-love. Even with a mate bond to drive the acceptance, I thought he should still be surprised at certain things, though. Like, nothing about her body surprised him. It was... a little odd. I also felt a bit cheated that he has a tail but we have no tail action during sex.

Plus, I mean, the guys eat noodles on the ship. That felt not alien at all. They even call the dish "noodles". It doesn't have an alien name and just look like noodles, it's actually literally noodles. What are the odds of an alien race having exactly the same name for a food as humans do? The eating of noodles also reminded me of all the instant noodles/ramen meals which was a staple during my university days when I was a poor student. I'm afraid that took me out of the story, it didn't fit at all with the concept of aliens from another planet on a spaceship.

Lauren has nightmares, but apart from that seems unaffected by what she had gone through in the past. I don't expect her to be constantly weeping or trembling, but it felt like she was able to throw off her traumatic experiences almost too easily. I don't know... six years of sexual slavery and mistreatment ought to have left more marks, I feel. Like, D'Var puts her in a secret compartment in the ship when he goes off to the space station to buy stuff, closing the door on her, and she doesn't have any fear response even though her worst torture had been getting locked in a cold, small box for days on end? Where was the claustrophobia, the struggle to overcome past memories, the struggle to trust that he would come back for her and let her out?

Also, apart from one conversation with D'Var about whether she was too broken or 'dirty' to be his mate, which was over in 2.5 seconds with some cheesy reassurances from D'Var ("You are everything to me. My heart only beats for you now"), Lauren never fights with self-doubt or self-esteem, or struggles with her identity. I can't remember what kind of job she had on Earth -- maybe it was not mentioned -- but she doesn't think about how she can contribute to the guys (D'Var and his team), doesn't worry about "earning her place" or "being an inconvenience" or "being useless and a drain on their resources". She's thankful when D'Var buys clothes for her because she doesn't have any, but she doesn't worry about owing him or having to pay him back later, or what he might ask in return for the clothes.

She has a fleeting thought about missing her family but never talks to D'Var about them nor tells him about her abduction. She didn't ask D'Var whether it would be possible to go back and visit her family, although he brings her to see his mother. Wouldn't it be normal to say, "Hey, I've met your mom, I would love you to meet mine, too"? All this made her character feel... extremely fictional. She didn't feel real or fleshed out, her traumatic experiences didn't ring true. I didn't feel her pain along with her because it seemed like she didn't really have much pain.

Four stars because I still enjoyed the story, but it just was not memorable nor emotional enough for five stars.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: As someone who has years of SA related víolence in my past I can't put into words how much I appreciate authors who give thoughtful content warnings while not shying away from really hard subject matter like SA and trafficking. One of the reasons I love books like this (with an HEA) especially though is they offer a combo of wish fulfillment and ideal outcome. Reality is hardly ever neat, tidy, and packaged with a partner who loves all of you. And honestly, reality can bite me. Give me stories like this any day where people don't have to be perfect or healed from their trauma to find love, support, and genuine partnership.

I loved Lauren with my whole heart. She is bitingly sarcastic and snarky, whip smart, and beautifully stubborn. I would be friends with her in a heartbeat. D'Var is everything I could want from a growly and intimidating secret cinnamon roll only for her leading man. His very first scene where we are treated to his POV of seeing Lauren sets the tone for his character spectacularly well: "I am rooted to the ground. I do my best to look calm and collected on the outside, but inside I am seething, burning away with anger. Caged like an animal, náked in a window, for all the galaxy to see, is my máte, my Zarra. I felt the pull toward her as soon as we entered this Góds-forsaken Space Station on the edge of nowhere. Nothing could have prepared me to find her like this. Being used and ábused like she is not the most precious female in all the Galaxies, because for me that is exactly who she is. My crew, O’Rec and T’Rak, agreed that we have to get her out of there as soon as possible. Coming back in the early hours of morning, breaking the place down and taking her is more our style, but I cannot leave her up there any moment longer than necessary. Who knows what could happen to her in the meantime. She is looking at me, right in my eyes and I know she sees me, that she knows that my attention is on her and her alone. She does not appear to be seriously wounded, but I can also tell she is not as healthy as she should be. Her stare is unyielding, and I am impressed by the fire in her eyes."

One of the best things about D'Var, especially early on in him getting to know Lauren is how he gives her choices as much as possible and helps her re-learn autonomy after her having had no choices, no power over anything in so long. It's a great story component regardless, but for me personally it hit me so hard in the feels I got misty eyed about it in the best way. These two together make my heart happy and I loved getting to experience their story. 5/5 Stars

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren, a human, had been abducted six years ago by some alien, and was kept inside a transparent cell to be rented out for male entertainment. It wasn't an easy life, or one she had ever looked forward to, but after witnessing so many atrocities, she considered her life in a less pessimistic light.
Until she found herself "sold" to a huge warrior, with long braided hair, and tattoos all over his body. His appearance was beautiful and terrifying, and at first she feared for her own life.

D'Var tried to maintain self-control. Ever since he had entered that sales place, he had identified his mate - Zarra - by her smell. And when he saw her there, exposed completely naked for any male to see her, he wanted to destroy someone. But he managed, with the help of the captain of their ship, to negotiate a price for her.
Now, it was time to take Lauren to the ship and take care of her. However, two beings of such different species would need time for each to learn to trust each other.

Lauren needed physical care, food and to feel safe, after so many years of neglect and abuse.

And everything could have been easy if D'Var had not thought about his own ability to protect his mate from a very powerful adversary, and this distance would not only destroy the fragile trust cultivated, but also cause physical problems for each one after mating.

Would D'Var and Lauren still have a chance to restore the relationship that was still developing?

An interesting story of alien abduction and romance. The first book in a series, and the plot of the next book was already introduced at the end of this book.
5 stars

[Racy_Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’ve been trying to find the words for this review for a minute! Some books every once in a while just hit a place inside you and you connect with it on a level that’s so permeating your soul feels it. This is one of those books for me. I’ll get back to that thought….

D’Var is a cinnamon roll to the tenth power and nothing matters but his mate. He will fight her demons beside her and for her.
Lauren has suffered abuse at many hands since her abduction. She is tougher than she knows and he’s gonna show her that.

That being said please check the Trigger Warning. They are intense and not easy and I’ve been a traffic survivor for two decades now.

Back to that thought from above…
The emotions I shared with Lauren and the way she was written were so breath taking. She is strength and beauty and raw. She was me. Thank you Marit. Thank you so much for showing the beauty of a survivor. Of the overcoming and the becoming!

[Elenor Jakobsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Marit Prince for the ARC of Saving Lauren! It will be released tomorrow and I really enjoyed reading about D'Var and Lauren.

Lauren has been kidnapped and sold as a sexslave, her situation is hopeless but what can she do other than shut down her feelings and just be.
One day a few huge aliens turn up and frees her, one of them are especially tender towards her and promise that they are going to keep her safe.

D'Var, one from The warriors of Arracate, can't belive that this human is his soul mate, but he feels it in his whole body. She's hurt and damaged, but he wows to keep her safe and without harm.

Then she gets kidnapped from their ship, D'Var can't belive it and a rescue is planned.
Will he find his soul mate and will she finally be safe? Don't miss out on this fabulous sexy tale filled with space, aliens, humans, love and fighting for what you want!

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to reading Saving Lauren by Marit Prins and it captivated me from the start. The arc of the story is familiar from other sci-fi romance stories, with the aliens' world destroyed in a war with another species, forcing them to embark on a journey to find a new home. But the center of the book, the love story of D'Var and Lauren is the best part of it! The moment D'Var laid his eyes on Lauren, I was hooked! The book deals with some dark themes such as SA and the author does it delicately. Lauren and D'Var are great characters. Lauren is strong and sweet and D'Var is fierce, protective and loyal to his friends, but he is also a cinnamon roll deep inside. The story is very engaging, romantic and action-packed and it leads us right to the next book, which I eagerly waiting to read too when it is published.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series opener that really has a dark path woven in it and I love how careful D'Var was with Lauren/L'Ren. She's been a victim of all kinds of abuse after being kidnapped from Earth. When D'Var senses his mate, he's quick to get her free from her horrible situation. Wow, was she a strong gal! He really was patient and respectful of how much healing she'd need to do before considering trusting him, let alone being physical with him. I feel the author did a great job with this. Of course, nothing is simple when her first owner wants her back. Yikes! Expect to get caught up in the healing, action, danger, torture and hot romance as these two end up fighting for their fab and steamy HEA. I'm looking forward to O'Rec's story to see how his HEA unfolds. Can't wait!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, adventure, danger, torture, abduction, kidnapping, fated mates, steamy, and HEA for Lauren and D'Var. Lauren, human, strong willed, courageous, and stubborn. D'Var is protective, sweet, caring. He falls for Lauren besides being fates mates. He admires her strength of will, her not going down without a fight attitude. This book has twist and turns and is well written. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Laurareads1981 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was this the best alien romance ever? No.
Was this a good read? Yes!

I have read quite a lot of totally plotles, spice-filled alien stuff and this one had a storyline going!

I kinda would have liked for FMC to get over her trauma and not just instantly get into MMC, instant connections are a small turnoff for me...

All and all I see the potential here and will be following Marit and her work in the future, I mean, who doesn't like a nice alien 🍆 time to time?

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and protective warrior,a human female abducted, abused and whored in a tale of love and resilience weaved beautifully by Marit Prins.
Well written with good settings and world building, a captivating plot and multilayered characters.
I have expectations that this will be an amazing series!

[Anna Svoboda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story. It had a nice amount of hurt/comfort, but didn't dwell on the dark parts for too long. The MMC was sweet and attentive and the best mate ever. Until he was not? Honestly, I think Lauren forgave him too quickly. He should have groveled for much, much longer. I would have kicked him in the nuts if he did to me what he did to Lauren.

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This follows Lauren and D'Var and how they discovered they are fated mates. I could feel the love and heartbreak they experienced. LAuren feisty as can be especially when he does not listen to what she wants. I laughed when she yelled at him during a spicy scene. Don't get me started when he first called her little one, i could imagine her huffing at him. 10/10 would recommend

[Alaska love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Lauren and D'Var are fated mates but their circumstances are not easy. Lauren has been a sex slave for many years and much abused. D'VAR is a warrior who is very tender with Lauren. Not all is right in the universe. Enjoy

[Mariëll_e · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van begin tot eind meegesleept in het verhaal. In de struggels, in de band. Heerlijke schrijfstijl, 230 pagina’s, meer dan genoeg info en ook het onnodige overgeslagen en samengevat!! Niet gelezen??? Na zeg, doen hoor !!!

[Kurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun creative new sci-fi romance. I loved the world and the characters. Lauren definitely goes through it but the love story was perfection.

[Shannara Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book!

I can't wait for the next one! I look forward to reading the others stories and how they find their mates.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story isn't new persee, I really enjoyed the surprising setting. Well done.

[Nicole Genereaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to arc this! The world building was great and it was an epic sci fi adventure! I loved the characters and can't wait for the second one!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy, and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed the cozy element of this story. Instant love on his end, with misunderstandings and a patient building of trust. I dont think a man has ever been as patient as D'Var. Although there are moments of "angst," this is definitely more of a low stress, cozy read with plenty of world development to keep it interesting. Cannot wait to see more from this world.

[Brittney Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mild spoilers ahead. This is the second book I've had the honor of reading for Marit Prins. 🫶 I love where she went with this book.

First off- I love how you can tell when it's D'Var narrating versus Lauren. His cute little alien accent shines through.

"Trust in it, trust in me, trust in us. We are meant to be together, it is written in the stars."

Now, on to my review. If you like alien abduction books, trauma, cinnamon roll mmc, tail play, or fated mates.. read this!

"I don't know about this ohmygod, but she yells it quite often during our mating, so I take it as a good sign."

Saving Lauren or L'ren (there's that cute alien accent) follows the journey of Lauren being saved from smex trafficking on an alien planted and being cared for by her big hunky fated alien mate.

"Safe. Such a small words but it holds such a big meaning."

As their love begins to grow, Lauren is taken away by her first owner, who refuses to let her go. Will D'Var he able to save his mate? Or will Lauren be forced back into her life of misery?

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

He rescues his fated mate. He chops off the head of her first buyer and rapist.

They fall in love. He has a tail.