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Mark of the Infala #7
The Bonding Games
Escaping cruel alien abductors in one piece was one thing, but being thrust into some crazy survival games? That was frying-pan-to-fire levels of bad luck.
Crashed on an alien world, Ziana was shocked to find herself free from her Raxxian captors. That is until she wound up shackled to a surly alien … a towering, muscular hunk of one at that. But she wasn’t to be his plaything. She was his unwilling partner in a spectacle of games that not all would survive.
She wanted pretty much anything but this, but escape wasn’t an option. And even if it was, her reluctant partner only had one thing on his mind. Win the games, no matter what . And, like it or not, this human female was now bound to him. An anchor keeping him from victory. But there was something about her. Something that made even this capable beast of a man shift focus, their forced proximity slowly becoming something quite different.
But the games were still afoot, and Ziana’s freedom rode on their performance. She had a few tricks up her sleeves, though, and if she could somehow manage it, she and her reluctant alien might just show these people how just capable a human woman can be.
Crashed on an alien world, Ziana was shocked to find herself free from her Raxxian captors. That is until she wound up shackled to a surly alien … a towering, muscular hunk of one at that. But she wasn’t to be his plaything. She was his unwilling partner in a spectacle of games that not all would survive.
She wanted pretty much anything but this, but escape wasn’t an option. And even if it was, her reluctant partner only had one thing on his mind. Win the games, no matter what . And, like it or not, this human female was now bound to him. An anchor keeping him from victory. But there was something about her. Something that made even this capable beast of a man shift focus, their forced proximity slowly becoming something quite different.
But the games were still afoot, and Ziana’s freedom rode on their performance. She had a few tricks up her sleeves, though, and if she could somehow manage it, she and her reluctant alien might just show these people how just capable a human woman can be.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
20 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 12, 2024
Surviving the games!
Zinia and another Earth woman are in a space transport on their way to an alien city. They find themselves assigned as partners to contestants in the Huskan Games. The winners of these games will receive great wealth and elevated status. Losers who entered voluntarily are not penalized but people who are conscripted to participate are forced into servitude. Zinia’s partner has never won and the elite will do their best to ensure he never does. If he goes down, Zinia will go down with him!
The games are like some twisted reality show with death always a real possibility. Good action. Good sci-fi. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Zinia and another Earth woman are in a space transport on their way to an alien city. They find themselves assigned as partners to contestants in the Huskan Games. The winners of these games will receive great wealth and elevated status. Losers who entered voluntarily are not penalized but people who are conscripted to participate are forced into servitude. Zinia’s partner has never won and the elite will do their best to ensure he never does. If he goes down, Zinia will go down with him!
The games are like some twisted reality show with death always a real possibility. Good action. Good sci-fi. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
January 5, 2025
When I began this book it was very difficult to get into it. I think it was because of the attempt to go from one train of thought to a new one, which I can't really explain more about because of spoilers. Around chapters 9-10 is when I was able to become more interested in the book and story of the two main characters. At that point, I could lose myself in the story, losing track of the time as the plot unfolded.
it was harder for me to get into the book before chapter nine because the information given before then seemed mostly unnecessary to the plot, especially since it was very rarely referred to later on as trauma the main female character needed to get over and master. She seemed to be completely fine emotionally where I think she should have had a page or so to bring it up later on with the male main character. It would have been good character building and a good bonding moment for the two of them in the last fourth of the book.
There is some spice in this book but it is not revealed right away, which I appreciated as it gave more time to learn about the characters and the world. When the spicy scenes did happen, they were enjoyable to read and were placed within the story at appropriate times.
This last bit is a little random but there was a word I noted that seemed out of place for this book that used so many eloquent words. It really threw me off and made the scene awkward when it was supposed to be.
Overall, the plot progression (after chapter nine) was excellent! The only reason I give this story three stars is because of the very rocky beginning. I almost couldn't get through it. I am glad I continued the story though!
I requested an advance review copy of this story for free, and I am leaving this review of my own accord.
it was harder for me to get into the book before chapter nine because the information given before then seemed mostly unnecessary to the plot, especially since it was very rarely referred to later on as trauma the main female character needed to get over and master. She seemed to be completely fine emotionally where I think she should have had a page or so to bring it up later on with the male main character. It would have been good character building and a good bonding moment for the two of them in the last fourth of the book.
There is some spice in this book but it is not revealed right away, which I appreciated as it gave more time to learn about the characters and the world. When the spicy scenes did happen, they were enjoyable to read and were placed within the story at appropriate times.
This last bit is a little random but there was a word I noted that seemed out of place for this book that used so many eloquent words. It really threw me off and made the scene awkward when it was supposed to be.
Overall, the plot progression (after chapter nine) was excellent! The only reason I give this story three stars is because of the very rocky beginning. I almost couldn't get through it. I am glad I continued the story though!
I requested an advance review copy of this story for free, and I am leaving this review of my own accord.
November 13, 2024
I've really been enjoying this series, especially since many of the books have very different storylines, and aren't as repetitive as some Sci Fi Romance books can be.
The Infala series is about a part of the universe where everyone is required to have "runes" (all of the humans call them "tattoos") which give them certain enhancements and benefits based on the ink/plant material they've used on each person. All of the humans are required to get them as well.
In this story, Ziana is a human who was abducted from Earth and sent to a planet where the elites as well as some commoners participate in the "Bonding Games" where they are teathered to their partner for some of the time, and the partners work together to complete games and challenges. Ziana is connected to Dorrin, who is considered to be one of the best, and he is somewhat hindered by her inexperience. Ziana happens to be a good partner and helps him get ahead.
They get closer and end up having a relationship, and another part of this book that makes it different is that usually the largest/most important "Infala" rune will adjust when you meet your mate, and yours will match theirs. In this case though, they both end up having their Infalas manually changed to match, which seems to be kind of against the reason for the Infalas, but it works for them,.
I really enjoyed the characters, the stories and the overall series. I hope it continues.
I received and advanced review copy and am giving an honest review.
The Infala series is about a part of the universe where everyone is required to have "runes" (all of the humans call them "tattoos") which give them certain enhancements and benefits based on the ink/plant material they've used on each person. All of the humans are required to get them as well.
In this story, Ziana is a human who was abducted from Earth and sent to a planet where the elites as well as some commoners participate in the "Bonding Games" where they are teathered to their partner for some of the time, and the partners work together to complete games and challenges. Ziana is connected to Dorrin, who is considered to be one of the best, and he is somewhat hindered by her inexperience. Ziana happens to be a good partner and helps him get ahead.
They get closer and end up having a relationship, and another part of this book that makes it different is that usually the largest/most important "Infala" rune will adjust when you meet your mate, and yours will match theirs. In this case though, they both end up having their Infalas manually changed to match, which seems to be kind of against the reason for the Infalas, but it works for them,.
I really enjoyed the characters, the stories and the overall series. I hope it continues.
I received and advanced review copy and am giving an honest review.
November 11, 2024
Wow this one had a definite spin on the series where ziana gets kidnapped again after crashing on an alien planet after being kidnapped by raxxians. She is cuffed to an alien dorrian as a replacement in a gladiator style game against elite members of the rich. Dorrian is an experienced game player who is angry at getting saddled with a weak human female. He needs desperately to win for personal reasons.
An exciting drama filled story full of intrigue, strategy, endurance, bravery, determination and so much more as ziana and dorrian fight to win the competitions with a lot of weaknesses to overcome. Plot twists are phenomenal. Story flows very well.
Awesome world and character building the author truly brings the games and the history and culture surrounding it to life. U will cheer on this couple who have every reason to butt heads and fight against each other but instead work together getting closer each day as they beat the odds get lucky and find successes they never dreamed they could accomplish.
Highly recommend this book and series it never disappoints esp the endings.
I received an arc copy from book sirens and this is my honest voluntary review.
An exciting drama filled story full of intrigue, strategy, endurance, bravery, determination and so much more as ziana and dorrian fight to win the competitions with a lot of weaknesses to overcome. Plot twists are phenomenal. Story flows very well.
Awesome world and character building the author truly brings the games and the history and culture surrounding it to life. U will cheer on this couple who have every reason to butt heads and fight against each other but instead work together getting closer each day as they beat the odds get lucky and find successes they never dreamed they could accomplish.
Highly recommend this book and series it never disappoints esp the endings.
I received an arc copy from book sirens and this is my honest voluntary review.
November 8, 2024
Infala the Bonding Games follows the story of Ziana a human abducted from Earth by alien Raxxian’s, a species despised throughout the known galaxy.
Her life goes from grim to grimmer after the Raxxian ship she is on crashes on a nearby planet. Surviving that twist of fate only to be captured by other aliens and shipped off to the city of Arval where mouthing off to one of the Elites overseeing their Husken games gets her competing in them and paired with an unwilling partner, Dorrin.
This seventh book in the series was another nicely written adventure with plenty of action, intrigue, spice, a spunky heroine, and a grumpy alien hunk who will battle to survive the games but can’t avoid falling for each other as they train together daily.
An entertaining Sci-Fi romance in a series I have continued to enjoy, as will other readers who are looking for an imaginatively crafted story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Her life goes from grim to grimmer after the Raxxian ship she is on crashes on a nearby planet. Surviving that twist of fate only to be captured by other aliens and shipped off to the city of Arval where mouthing off to one of the Elites overseeing their Husken games gets her competing in them and paired with an unwilling partner, Dorrin.
This seventh book in the series was another nicely written adventure with plenty of action, intrigue, spice, a spunky heroine, and a grumpy alien hunk who will battle to survive the games but can’t avoid falling for each other as they train together daily.
An entertaining Sci-Fi romance in a series I have continued to enjoy, as will other readers who are looking for an imaginatively crafted story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2024
The Alien Hunger Games
When Ziana was forced to partner with a commoner for the Husken Games she didn’t know what she was going into, only that failing would make her an indentured slave for a long time. And found that her new partner was not very happy with her either. Every day was filled with new surprises, but slowly the duo learned to trust each other and a slow appreciation was the result.
Enter a camio of Zepharos, Heydar and Darla (Infala #1), all having an interfering role in this story. Full of action, jealousy, cheating and heroics. As Heydar mentioned: “… you have also found your partner to be far more formidable a woman that you might have expected.”
Couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Ziana was forced to partner with a commoner for the Husken Games she didn’t know what she was going into, only that failing would make her an indentured slave for a long time. And found that her new partner was not very happy with her either. Every day was filled with new surprises, but slowly the duo learned to trust each other and a slow appreciation was the result.
Enter a camio of Zepharos, Heydar and Darla (Infala #1), all having an interfering role in this story. Full of action, jealousy, cheating and heroics. As Heydar mentioned: “… you have also found your partner to be far more formidable a woman that you might have expected.”
Couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2024
Partners to Lovers
This is book 7 in Kira Quinn’s Mark of the Infala series. She has created a rich and vibrant series that includes multiple races and words in the galaxy. Her details and descriptions pull you in and make it easy to imagine all the different people. Her characters are realistic and pull you in.
Ziana finds out that her captivity leads to winning the games. Dorrin is the partner that she get handcuffed too. They have to learn not only to like each other but truly become a team to survive. This is a fun process. The games are intriguing. I really enjoyed following them on their journey.
This is book 7 in Kira Quinn’s Mark of the Infala series. She has created a rich and vibrant series that includes multiple races and words in the galaxy. Her details and descriptions pull you in and make it easy to imagine all the different people. Her characters are realistic and pull you in.
Ziana finds out that her captivity leads to winning the games. Dorrin is the partner that she get handcuffed too. They have to learn not only to like each other but truly become a team to survive. This is a fun process. The games are intriguing. I really enjoyed following them on their journey.
October 25, 2024
I love it! This is the first book I have read by this author and it was amazing. If you love a sassy leading lady, whos philosophy at this very moment is to survive, find love and beat anyone who opposes that, then this book is for you. Its a perfect combination of a slow burner in regarding to action, mind games, and love/lust. The characters are so lovable and you can just imagine yourself cheering with the crowds for their hopeful success. The alien element gives it a much more fun plot, and my only wish is that we could of had more of their story. An epilogue for their future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
Once again, the author has crafted a wonderful and engaging addition to this series and I found myself glued to my reader as I followed Ziana and Dorrin on their journey. When she finds out that her captivity leads to winning the games, she's ready to show them any and all tricks she has up her sleeve. Dorrin is not impressed being cuffed to a human female but they have to learn to work as a team to win. I enjoyed following them along as their relationship evolved. They had great chemistry and the world building was fab. I'm really enjoying this series and love that we got time with past characters in this book. Good fun!
December 27, 2024
...i thought the last book was the best in the series, but I do think i stand corrected. I absolutely *loved* this one!! It's got a Hunger Games vibe & their relationship was so fun to watch grow. I laughed quite a few times & even got a little choked up towards the end there. The ONLY thing I wished was different was her wish. I felt like she was really building up to her wish & then it turns out to be something that may have (should've) been inevitable in the first place. She should've wished for something that would've put the elite in their place & screwed them over so badly they'd have to stop cheating. But alas. Still loved it!
December 17, 2024
Love this series.
While this isn't the first FMC in this series to end up back in captivity, where they end up is different. Ziana finds herself in servitude with the only way out being to win a string of progressively more difficult games with an unknown partner. Dorrin knows that the elites have crippled his chances, but bonding with the human, Ziana, is his only chance. These two are put through the wringer and still prove their worth. I loved that the two were able to build a bond without the infala and that it was just the icing on the cake.
While this isn't the first FMC in this series to end up back in captivity, where they end up is different. Ziana finds herself in servitude with the only way out being to win a string of progressively more difficult games with an unknown partner. Dorrin knows that the elites have crippled his chances, but bonding with the human, Ziana, is his only chance. These two are put through the wringer and still prove their worth. I loved that the two were able to build a bond without the infala and that it was just the icing on the cake.
November 9, 2024
This book is the continuation of the games. The main characters work together to obtain the ultimate goal. There are twists, and turns in the story. The main characters are also subjected to traps, and dangers. There is also cheating, and competition with the other players. The storyline flowed well. The characters are realistic, and likeable. This is a great book!!!!
November 23, 2024
Infala: The Bonding Games Book 7 of the Mark of the Infala series by Kira Quinn is an exciting continuation of the games with non-stop action, romance, and survival. I have been loving this series and hope for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2024
You will love Ziana and Dorrin's story. The plot line starts out slow and builds till the end. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next and how the two MCs will adjust to each new challenge.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 12, 2024I love this series and this book did not disappoint. Each story is unique and I like the way this one tied up with Heydar and Darla's story. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2025
Another wonderful Infala story with the added bonus of cameos. I enjoyed the entire thing immensely and will eagerly read the rest.
I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
October 26, 2024
Great sci-fi romance! Spice, action and adventure..
November 2, 2024
Completely different take on the story for this human compared to previous storied. I really enjoyed reading it.
September 25, 2025
Dorrin and Zianas story is very different from the rest of the series but no less dangerous and compelling. Loved it. I always enjoy an underdog story.
November 28, 2024
The Hunger Games meets the alien romance genre. A fun read that I actually liked more than the other books in this series.
*** I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
*** I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews