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Feral and damaged. This alien gladiator has never been kissed.
Blayn is a vicious, dirty fighter in the arena. Picked for his ability to maim and destroy, he's the one gladiator you never bet against.
However, his feral nature has got him into trouble too often, and someone has to get him over his fear of being touched by anything other than a sword, claw or tooth.
That someone is me. Former cleaner in a pleasure house here on Trefa, now expected to help this dangerous gladiator become greater than ever, or else he'll lose everything, including his life.
No pressure.
Only Blayn has another side to him, one which reveals itself as we're made to spend time together. The damage done to him by those who seek to control him is truly terrible. And his ability to love and to claim me knows no bounds.
I shouldn't fall in love with him because I know what it means for both of us. Escape or death.
And no one has ever escaped the dome.
The Gladiators of the Gryn series from USA TODAY bestselling author Hattie Jacks continues with BAITED - Blayn and Izzy's story. Expect forced proximity, hurt/comfort, instalove and fated mates along with growling, nesting and plenty of possessive dominant Gryn behaviour which he can't quite control. Baited is going to make you feel all squashy inside as well as heat you up in all the right places!
Blayn is a vicious, dirty fighter in the arena. Picked for his ability to maim and destroy, he's the one gladiator you never bet against.
However, his feral nature has got him into trouble too often, and someone has to get him over his fear of being touched by anything other than a sword, claw or tooth.
That someone is me. Former cleaner in a pleasure house here on Trefa, now expected to help this dangerous gladiator become greater than ever, or else he'll lose everything, including his life.
No pressure.
Only Blayn has another side to him, one which reveals itself as we're made to spend time together. The damage done to him by those who seek to control him is truly terrible. And his ability to love and to claim me knows no bounds.
I shouldn't fall in love with him because I know what it means for both of us. Escape or death.
And no one has ever escaped the dome.
The Gladiators of the Gryn series from USA TODAY bestselling author Hattie Jacks continues with BAITED - Blayn and Izzy's story. Expect forced proximity, hurt/comfort, instalove and fated mates along with growling, nesting and plenty of possessive dominant Gryn behaviour which he can't quite control. Baited is going to make you feel all squashy inside as well as heat you up in all the right places!
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2024
571 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
dnf
February 18, 2025Going to go ahead and DNF this about halfway through.
I just felt like they just got together….barely any buildup and I needed more
I just felt like they just got together….barely any buildup and I needed more
December 1, 2024
Awwww poor traumatized Blayne needed his HEA and finally got some peace. Izzy was a great fit for him with her compassion but also take no crap attitude. She gave him a soft place to land while he became her fiercest defender. Their romance was a whirlwind with a dystopian backdrop. Trefa is an awful place and none of the gladiators or women want to be there, but they still find each other.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: gladiatorial fatal violence and death, gun violence, sex work for survival, threat of SA to side character, discussion of child kidnapping and enslavement, indentured servitude, mentions of alien abduction, drugging, severe illness due to infection, torture
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: gladiatorial fatal violence and death, gun violence, sex work for survival, threat of SA to side character, discussion of child kidnapping and enslavement, indentured servitude, mentions of alien abduction, drugging, severe illness due to infection, torture
July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥
This was definitely a step up from the last book for me. I really enjoyed seeing Blayn’s growth this time around. He felt more fleshed out and had a lot more depth, which made it easier to connect with him. Izzy was also a super interesting character, and I loved her energy and the way she held her own.
One thing that stood out was how both Izzy and Blayn had strong ties to their friends. It was so refreshing to see that loyalty play a real role in their story, instead of them just forgetting everyone else the second they met.
The plot overall felt a lot more dynamic, but honestly, coming from the last book, that wasn’t too hard to achieve. Still, I appreciated the added layers and more engaging storyline.
That said, it still fell into the insta-love trap by around 40 percent in. I’m just not a big fan of the immediate “we’re fated and I love you” vibe without more build-up and tension.
As for the şmüt, it was great. Maybe not quite as plentiful as the first book, but still solid and definitely delivered when it showed up.
Overall, a fun and spicy read with better character development, even if the romance moved a little too fast for my taste. I am interested in the other Gryn males, but I don’t think I’ll continue the series. The insta-love trope is just too heavy for me to fully get behind.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Brëëding Kink
✅ Dirty talk 🥵🥵🥵
✅ Insta-Love
✅ FMC not Virgin & in her 30's 👏👏👏
✅ Monster 🍆🍆 (two is better than one)
✅ Gladiator
✅ Knotting
✅ 🔥 Fast Burn 🔥
✅ Grumpy/Sunshine
✅ MINE
✅ HEA, open plot
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥
This was definitely a step up from the last book for me. I really enjoyed seeing Blayn’s growth this time around. He felt more fleshed out and had a lot more depth, which made it easier to connect with him. Izzy was also a super interesting character, and I loved her energy and the way she held her own.
One thing that stood out was how both Izzy and Blayn had strong ties to their friends. It was so refreshing to see that loyalty play a real role in their story, instead of them just forgetting everyone else the second they met.
The plot overall felt a lot more dynamic, but honestly, coming from the last book, that wasn’t too hard to achieve. Still, I appreciated the added layers and more engaging storyline.
That said, it still fell into the insta-love trap by around 40 percent in. I’m just not a big fan of the immediate “we’re fated and I love you” vibe without more build-up and tension.
As for the şmüt, it was great. Maybe not quite as plentiful as the first book, but still solid and definitely delivered when it showed up.
Overall, a fun and spicy read with better character development, even if the romance moved a little too fast for my taste. I am interested in the other Gryn males, but I don’t think I’ll continue the series. The insta-love trope is just too heavy for me to fully get behind.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Brëëding Kink
✅ Dirty talk 🥵🥵🥵
✅ Insta-Love
✅ FMC not Virgin & in her 30's 👏👏👏
✅ Monster 🍆🍆 (two is better than one)
✅ Gladiator
✅ Knotting
✅ 🔥 Fast Burn 🔥
✅ Grumpy/Sunshine
✅ MINE
✅ HEA, open plot
January 18, 2025
This is first Hattie Jacks book I’ve read and I was quite delighted. It’s a SciFi romance, a genre I’m quite fond of and takes place in another galaxy. Izzy is our heroine. She’s from Earth but somehow captured by aliens. Not much is given about her past but now she’s working as a house cleaner for some alien pleasure palace. A pleasure palace with some very unique races.
The hero is Blayn, a gladiator who is practically a slave in a fighting dome where it’s kill or be killed and he has a strong motive to live. He comes across as almost a monster who is almost nonverbal. The thing he hates more than anything else is being touched. His holders bring him to the pleasure dome to get him used to being touched. He’s almost human except for giant wings that allow him to fly. He and Izzy meet and she seems to see through his brutish exterior to the sensitive, tortured person he is underneath and Blayn experiences a sense of peace when they are together. She brings out the humanity that no one else sees and he claims her as his mate.
Underneath all his almost monster like behaviour is a lost and tortured hero and he is SUCH a sweetheart who needs his mate Izzy to survive and Izzy is just as drawn to Blayn. I really loved the two of them together. This is the second book in a series about the Gryn, the race that Blayn is, but you don’t have to have read the first book to read this one. I fully plan to though as I enjoyed this one so much. Big thumbs up for Baited.
The hero is Blayn, a gladiator who is practically a slave in a fighting dome where it’s kill or be killed and he has a strong motive to live. He comes across as almost a monster who is almost nonverbal. The thing he hates more than anything else is being touched. His holders bring him to the pleasure dome to get him used to being touched. He’s almost human except for giant wings that allow him to fly. He and Izzy meet and she seems to see through his brutish exterior to the sensitive, tortured person he is underneath and Blayn experiences a sense of peace when they are together. She brings out the humanity that no one else sees and he claims her as his mate.
Underneath all his almost monster like behaviour is a lost and tortured hero and he is SUCH a sweetheart who needs his mate Izzy to survive and Izzy is just as drawn to Blayn. I really loved the two of them together. This is the second book in a series about the Gryn, the race that Blayn is, but you don’t have to have read the first book to read this one. I fully plan to though as I enjoyed this one so much. Big thumbs up for Baited.
February 11, 2026
Recalling Blayn from previous stories, I was interested to learn more about him. Life on this plane and indentured as a gladiator clearly is a hard life. I liked watching unpredictable almost feral Blayn enter the same circle as Izzy and have the plot evolve from there. Power, money and political control all play a part in this story. It felt very good in the end to see some revelations, closure and happiness for this pair.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
November 11, 2024
🔥 “My heart belongs to you, Izzy. Fate has given me my real wings, and I will use them to lift you, forever.”
~~~
Izzy is absolutely incredible! She’s kind, compassionate, understanding and so, so nice! Even more, I loved her strength, resilience, determination and courage. Working in a pleasure house on Trefa, Izzy’s life is not easy. But she’s ready to face any challenges and hardships thrown her way. Izzy is a truly wonderful woman with a big heart and I loved her so, so much!
And Blayn is one phenomenal male! Yes, he’s dangerous, lethal, growly, out of control and almost feral. And everything that has been done to him is utterly terrible. But there’s more to the big lump of mayhem and violence than meets the eye. Because Blayn is also strong, fiercely protective, deliciously dominant and his loyalty and love know no bounds. And he’s quite adorable, too! And always hungry! Blayn might not be very eloquent or very fond of others touching him, but he’s a remarkable Gryn and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Izzy and Blayn! They meet in a pleasure house when Blayn is sent there for punishment and where Izzy’s working and doing her best to survive after being taken from Earth. And I absolutely loved every moment they spent together! Blayn hates being touched and Izzy is so considerate while taking care of the growly warrior. Until her gentle touch soothes his turbulent soul and ignites his passion. I adored Izzy and Blayn together! I loved how supportive, understanding and protective they were of each other. Both have been through a lot, and the fact that they could find comfort in each other’s company melted my heart. Even more, I loved that both were willing to do everything they could and defy all odds to be together. They were truly a wonderful match! And when they gave into the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot! Yes, Blayn might be inexperienced when it comes to females, but, let me tell you, he’s definitely a quick, eager and passionate learner. And witnessing Blayn nest was an absolute delight, too! Izzy and Blayn were so, so perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! Suspense, intrigues, power plays, gladiator battles, unexpected discoveries and turns of events - everything happening kept me glued to the pages till the very end and I loved every moment of it!
Overall, the story is another phenomenal addition to the series! It’s filled with action, danger, suspense, twists, violence, drama, humor, romance, blazing hot passion and incredible characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
~~~
Izzy is absolutely incredible! She’s kind, compassionate, understanding and so, so nice! Even more, I loved her strength, resilience, determination and courage. Working in a pleasure house on Trefa, Izzy’s life is not easy. But she’s ready to face any challenges and hardships thrown her way. Izzy is a truly wonderful woman with a big heart and I loved her so, so much!
And Blayn is one phenomenal male! Yes, he’s dangerous, lethal, growly, out of control and almost feral. And everything that has been done to him is utterly terrible. But there’s more to the big lump of mayhem and violence than meets the eye. Because Blayn is also strong, fiercely protective, deliciously dominant and his loyalty and love know no bounds. And he’s quite adorable, too! And always hungry! Blayn might not be very eloquent or very fond of others touching him, but he’s a remarkable Gryn and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Izzy and Blayn! They meet in a pleasure house when Blayn is sent there for punishment and where Izzy’s working and doing her best to survive after being taken from Earth. And I absolutely loved every moment they spent together! Blayn hates being touched and Izzy is so considerate while taking care of the growly warrior. Until her gentle touch soothes his turbulent soul and ignites his passion. I adored Izzy and Blayn together! I loved how supportive, understanding and protective they were of each other. Both have been through a lot, and the fact that they could find comfort in each other’s company melted my heart. Even more, I loved that both were willing to do everything they could and defy all odds to be together. They were truly a wonderful match! And when they gave into the undeniable need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot! Yes, Blayn might be inexperienced when it comes to females, but, let me tell you, he’s definitely a quick, eager and passionate learner. And witnessing Blayn nest was an absolute delight, too! Izzy and Blayn were so, so perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together!
In addition, the storyline was fantastic! Suspense, intrigues, power plays, gladiator battles, unexpected discoveries and turns of events - everything happening kept me glued to the pages till the very end and I loved every moment of it!
Overall, the story is another phenomenal addition to the series! It’s filled with action, danger, suspense, twists, violence, drama, humor, romance, blazing hot passion and incredible characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
May 12, 2025
2.5 stars
Literally all you need to know about this book is that I was hysterical, absolutely peeing my pants because our MMC, Blayn is speaking in monosyllables--like with all these crazed and jagged thoughts in his head this bird-man cannot string a noun and verb together to form any kind of full sentence. Grunt *noun* grunt is the main form of communication. He has little use for words since he solely wants to fight and eat and get painful tattoos and apparently none of that requires complex sentences.
Then there is all the plot stuff that happens and he meets the FMC Izzy and is intrigued but still very much in caveman mode. In fact, he seems to slip even deeper into grunting as the primary form of communication because he's overwhelmed with emotions but has no idea how to verbalize any of it.
And then all of the sudden they are having sexy time and he is spouting sexually explicit poetry, crude in content but not in sentence structure! Somehow the blood must have been rushing to his brain as well as his other parts because all the sudden he was performing soliloquies instead of speaking like an illiterate toddler/stunted caveman. It was one of the most hilariously jarring switch-ups I think I have ever experienced and it now lives in my head rent-free.
The rest of this book, however, is less memorable.
The beginning with its world building and overall premise was promising. And even through the middle, I was invested in the characters enough and felt like I was sailing through. Despite pulling fun at Blayn's sudden literacy being activated by sex, I thought Jacks did a good job of building the connection between the characters. We got all these big moments, so much so that I kind of thought we were near the end, and then all of the sudden, at about 70% there is a twist of the plot that I didn't necessarily get and it was like all the wind left my sails and I stalled out HARD. From there, I could not for the life of me get back into this and it was honestly a hardcore struggle not to DNF from that point on. But because I'm a stubborn reader, I proceeded to read this in bouts of about 10-30 pages in between other reads. Even as I write this review I'm not *technically* even done reading the book but I feel like I'm mentally filling in the blanks. But I swear I'll drag myself across the finish line eventually.
And months after originally starting this book, I finally did, mostly so I could post this review.
Literally all you need to know about this book is that I was hysterical, absolutely peeing my pants because our MMC, Blayn is speaking in monosyllables--like with all these crazed and jagged thoughts in his head this bird-man cannot string a noun and verb together to form any kind of full sentence. Grunt *noun* grunt is the main form of communication. He has little use for words since he solely wants to fight and eat and get painful tattoos and apparently none of that requires complex sentences.
Then there is all the plot stuff that happens and he meets the FMC Izzy and is intrigued but still very much in caveman mode. In fact, he seems to slip even deeper into grunting as the primary form of communication because he's overwhelmed with emotions but has no idea how to verbalize any of it.
And then all of the sudden they are having sexy time and he is spouting sexually explicit poetry, crude in content but not in sentence structure! Somehow the blood must have been rushing to his brain as well as his other parts because all the sudden he was performing soliloquies instead of speaking like an illiterate toddler/stunted caveman. It was one of the most hilariously jarring switch-ups I think I have ever experienced and it now lives in my head rent-free.
The rest of this book, however, is less memorable.
The beginning with its world building and overall premise was promising. And even through the middle, I was invested in the characters enough and felt like I was sailing through. Despite pulling fun at Blayn's sudden literacy being activated by sex, I thought Jacks did a good job of building the connection between the characters. We got all these big moments, so much so that I kind of thought we were near the end, and then all of the sudden, at about 70% there is a twist of the plot that I didn't necessarily get and it was like all the wind left my sails and I stalled out HARD. From there, I could not for the life of me get back into this and it was honestly a hardcore struggle not to DNF from that point on. But because I'm a stubborn reader, I proceeded to read this in bouts of about 10-30 pages in between other reads. Even as I write this review I'm not *technically* even done reading the book but I feel like I'm mentally filling in the blanks. But I swear I'll drag myself across the finish line eventually.
And months after originally starting this book, I finally did, mostly so I could post this review.
November 23, 2024
4\12 fabulous🌟's for Baited!
Who doesn't absolutely adore a Gryn warrior? Make him A gladiator and its like icing on a most delicious cake💖🌟🔥 Blayn, is seriously troubled he does not like to be touched at all. He usua!my goes into a rage when some one brushes up against him or tries to touch him. The only touching is the fighting in the arena to satisfy his need for vengeance. The head of the arena hates that he can't parade Blayn around like a prize fighter so he sends him some place to learn to accept touch. When he turns around and sees Izzy his soul is lost and he knows that she belong s to him. Izzy survived being taken from Earth over A year ago. She's just wax able to adjust pick up the pieces of her life and start over. She , has a job even if its not some place she ever thought she'd work. Once she finds her self in a room staring at the most gorgeous male she's ever seen she can't believe how fast her life will change. I love Blayn and Izzy they fit together like to pieces of a puzzle. They both need each other and and they're relationship develops quickly and she adores Blayn's child like innocence and his world weary warrior personality. Together they fight to find away to free them from the dome so that they can love and be together for ever. Just story, terrific characters that just keep me coming back for more! I can't wait to read book 3. Highly recommend🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟
Who doesn't absolutely adore a Gryn warrior? Make him A gladiator and its like icing on a most delicious cake💖🌟🔥 Blayn, is seriously troubled he does not like to be touched at all. He usua!my goes into a rage when some one brushes up against him or tries to touch him. The only touching is the fighting in the arena to satisfy his need for vengeance. The head of the arena hates that he can't parade Blayn around like a prize fighter so he sends him some place to learn to accept touch. When he turns around and sees Izzy his soul is lost and he knows that she belong s to him. Izzy survived being taken from Earth over A year ago. She's just wax able to adjust pick up the pieces of her life and start over. She , has a job even if its not some place she ever thought she'd work. Once she finds her self in a room staring at the most gorgeous male she's ever seen she can't believe how fast her life will change. I love Blayn and Izzy they fit together like to pieces of a puzzle. They both need each other and and they're relationship develops quickly and she adores Blayn's child like innocence and his world weary warrior personality. Together they fight to find away to free them from the dome so that they can love and be together for ever. Just story, terrific characters that just keep me coming back for more! I can't wait to read book 3. Highly recommend🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟
August 13, 2025
Much like the first book, this one has a lot of the good ol' "don't touch her", growl, "she's mine" scenes, that we're all so fond of. HOWEVER -
The first problem that I feel this book has, is how most of the romance happens within the first half of the story. It's only in the second half of the book, that the couple actually goes through the conflict that should've taken place prior to them getting together. This results in the story becoming boring, as the conflict becomes pointless and redundant.
The other thing that majorly disappointed me, was the amount of constant, prolongued love declarations Blayn gave Izzy. He was supposed to be a man of few words, the guy who replies with grunts most of the time - but all of a sudden, he's spitting out love ballads like he's some kind of Shakespear. I felt like it took away from his character, completely transforming him into some generic love-sick dude. The quiet types have other ways of showing affection and I wished that we could've explored that more with Blayn.
The first problem that I feel this book has, is how most of the romance happens within the first half of the story. It's only in the second half of the book, that the couple actually goes through the conflict that should've taken place prior to them getting together. This results in the story becoming boring, as the conflict becomes pointless and redundant.
The other thing that majorly disappointed me, was the amount of constant, prolongued love declarations Blayn gave Izzy. He was supposed to be a man of few words, the guy who replies with grunts most of the time - but all of a sudden, he's spitting out love ballads like he's some kind of Shakespear. I felt like it took away from his character, completely transforming him into some generic love-sick dude. The quiet types have other ways of showing affection and I wished that we could've explored that more with Blayn.
November 14, 2024
In this book, you will remember the Gryn to in the previous book in this series and this story is how Blayn finds his mate Izzy, who is a human female who is working in a pleasure house as their cleaner, when she is given the job to get Blayn to accept her touch, she is encouraged to do so no matter what. What starts off as an accident turns into a wonderful love, story, where Blayn learns that Izzy is his fated mate, and their journey is only just beginning. in this story, you will find lots of action and fighting in the dome and Blayn discovers the secret of his past that will give him a new home and a happily ever after.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
November 15, 2024
I love the Gyrn. Damaged yet loyal to a fault. Blayn has never been able to be touched. I love how he interacts with Izzy. How they first met and what happens after .
Izzy is a kind of person that life gave her lemons and she was capable of making lemonade out of it.
Loved the humor especially of Rych.
Steam to the eventual romance and of course the perfect HEA.
I liked that each of the books are unique and the ending of the story is also different , with the exception of being an HEA.
Well written. Acton from the first page. The worldbuilding was very good. I could feel the emotions of Blayn and Izzy.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Izzy is a kind of person that life gave her lemons and she was capable of making lemonade out of it.
Loved the humor especially of Rych.
Steam to the eventual romance and of course the perfect HEA.
I liked that each of the books are unique and the ending of the story is also different , with the exception of being an HEA.
Well written. Acton from the first page. The worldbuilding was very good. I could feel the emotions of Blayn and Izzy.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2025
I was let down by this book. It was boring compared to the first one and there was barely a mention of what was set up to be an overarching plot of the resistance in the first book in the series.
These characters meet, mate, fall in love real fast and there really isn't much that happens aside from that. The characters are fine, I just never really cared about them or anything happening (because nothing was happening). The writing is in the same choppy and disconnected format as the first book so it is clunky and without good flow. The first book had a story that made it worth it to me, this one didn't.
I think this is going down as a not-for-me book and I'm pulling the plug on the series.
These characters meet, mate, fall in love real fast and there really isn't much that happens aside from that. The characters are fine, I just never really cared about them or anything happening (because nothing was happening). The writing is in the same choppy and disconnected format as the first book so it is clunky and without good flow. The first book had a story that made it worth it to me, this one didn't.
I think this is going down as a not-for-me book and I'm pulling the plug on the series.
December 1, 2024
This was a pretty quick, smutty sci-fi book that takes place on an alien planet. It follows a Gryn gladiator warrior who doesn't like being touched and how he finds his human mate working as a cleaner at a pleasure house. The human cleaner is from Earth and trying to earn enough to leave the planet, and she's been hired to get him more comfortable with being touched.
I picked it up because I'm a sucker for damaged MMCs and some hurt/comfort, and that part really delivered. The smut was decent and I always like unique anatomy - but Blayn didn't have a ton of personality and I ended up skimming the latter part of the book.
All in all, not a bad way to spend a few hours.
I picked it up because I'm a sucker for damaged MMCs and some hurt/comfort, and that part really delivered. The smut was decent and I always like unique anatomy - but Blayn didn't have a ton of personality and I ended up skimming the latter part of the book.
All in all, not a bad way to spend a few hours.
June 13, 2025
And this was just what I needed! Right now, I really needed something that was a fast and fun read that was also sexy and sweet and this book gave it to me. In the end, not only did I have a smile on my face for the HEA but I also had a few tears pop out during the homecoming. It was so nice and just the ending that Izzy and Blayn needed.
This book gives another look at the Gryn and their life as Gladiators. Blayn fights and tries so hard to deal with the darkness and the light in his own head. He has a major aversion to touch unless he is battling an opponent in the arena. However, after he realizes that Izzy is special, he doesn’t mind her touch, and literally basks in it. I like how they came together and really bonded. Blayn is a funny guy and the fact that he has no filter makes the book hilarious. Izzy has a strong heart and hasn’t let the fact that she is far from home affect her strength and will to survive. These are great characters and easily likable.
And another thing, why do I think it is so cute that these males ‘Nest’ for their mates? I don’t know but I love the shyness of it. I love how they await approval. It is super cute.
This was a pretty quick read and kept me entertained the whole time. I can wait to see what happens next in this series.
This book gives another look at the Gryn and their life as Gladiators. Blayn fights and tries so hard to deal with the darkness and the light in his own head. He has a major aversion to touch unless he is battling an opponent in the arena. However, after he realizes that Izzy is special, he doesn’t mind her touch, and literally basks in it. I like how they came together and really bonded. Blayn is a funny guy and the fact that he has no filter makes the book hilarious. Izzy has a strong heart and hasn’t let the fact that she is far from home affect her strength and will to survive. These are great characters and easily likable.
And another thing, why do I think it is so cute that these males ‘Nest’ for their mates? I don’t know but I love the shyness of it. I love how they await approval. It is super cute.
This was a pretty quick read and kept me entertained the whole time. I can wait to see what happens next in this series.
July 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Baited turns up the emotional volume with Blayn and Izzy’s unforgettable pairing. Blayn is a feral fighter, feared in the arena but utterly inexperienced with intimacy, and Izzy (once a cleaner in a pleasure house) is now forced into the unlikely role of his emotional lifeline. What follows is a beautifully raw hurt/comfort arc that balances blush-worthy possessiveness with the kind of healing that makes you ache. The way Blayn navigates his fear of touch, and the fierce way he adores Izzy once he lets himself, is incredibly moving. Add in the impossible odds of escaping the dome, and this installment feels both tender and thrilling. One of the standouts of the series.
Baited turns up the emotional volume with Blayn and Izzy’s unforgettable pairing. Blayn is a feral fighter, feared in the arena but utterly inexperienced with intimacy, and Izzy (once a cleaner in a pleasure house) is now forced into the unlikely role of his emotional lifeline. What follows is a beautifully raw hurt/comfort arc that balances blush-worthy possessiveness with the kind of healing that makes you ache. The way Blayn navigates his fear of touch, and the fierce way he adores Izzy once he lets himself, is incredibly moving. Add in the impossible odds of escaping the dome, and this installment feels both tender and thrilling. One of the standouts of the series.
did-not-finish
April 21, 2025DNF @ 50%. I liked the first installment of this series so I went ahead and downloaded this one. While I enjoyed the beginning of this book I steadily lost interest the further in I got until I put it down at about 50%. I have not had the desire to pick it back up in the past 3 days but I have read 3 full books of another series. I am going to go ahead and drop this series for now. I might revisit it another time. I would also be very open to reading other books by this author should I come across them.
November 17, 2024
This was a good smutty sci-fi read. A damaged Gryn gladiator warrior who can't be touched finding his human mate at a pleasure house. The smut was good and the romance was sweet, my only gripe is that some parts were a little slow and I wish that Blayn had a bit more of a personality. He's a very one track mind being and the "eat, fuck, kill" thing got a bit old after a while, aside from that it was a fun read!
December 7, 2024
Calmed
4.5 Stars
This installment reveals Bayne and his turmoil.
With a new procurator, things have gotten worse in the dome. As a punishment and form of dominance, the procurator sends Bayne to a pleasure house to get him used to being touch. This is where he meets the little human Izzy, and things start to change.
Bayne is ....innocence, under all the growling and violence. As in the previous book, the past of the mmc is revealed.
4.5 Stars
This installment reveals Bayne and his turmoil.
With a new procurator, things have gotten worse in the dome. As a punishment and form of dominance, the procurator sends Bayne to a pleasure house to get him used to being touch. This is where he meets the little human Izzy, and things start to change.
Bayne is ....innocence, under all the growling and violence. As in the previous book, the past of the mmc is revealed.
January 27, 2026
Another Gryn Gladiator bites the dust!
From the first book I knew that Blayn had deep down hidden issues, and this story unwrapped everything so very well. I love Izzy's character and how they so sweetly come together. Her Madame also surprises me immensely! Great story and so pulled at the heart strings. It clearly shows there are good in every species and some will very much surprise you. So happy for how this closes. Brought tears to my eyes.
From the first book I knew that Blayn had deep down hidden issues, and this story unwrapped everything so very well. I love Izzy's character and how they so sweetly come together. Her Madame also surprises me immensely! Great story and so pulled at the heart strings. It clearly shows there are good in every species and some will very much surprise you. So happy for how this closes. Brought tears to my eyes.
January 9, 2025
This is a story how love can change someone who thought he didn’t deserve love or respect. It wasn’t easy and it took and a lot of reassurance, patience and time from a tiny human female. It was a hard and dangerous life….if you could call that living. But when love was found, both their lives changed.
January 30, 2025
Excellent
Another great installment of the Gryn books. Blayn and Izzy’s story was full of action, humor, loyalty and some surprises but most of all the love they found with each other
A real page that you come to expect from a Hattie Jacks book
So far I have loved everything I have read from her catalog
If you haven’t check it out you need too
Great job Hattie
Another great installment of the Gryn books. Blayn and Izzy’s story was full of action, humor, loyalty and some surprises but most of all the love they found with each other
A real page that you come to expect from a Hattie Jacks book
So far I have loved everything I have read from her catalog
If you haven’t check it out you need too
Great job Hattie
February 18, 2025
Excellent characters.
Not as good ass B1, but still has loveable, likeable characters.
The story was a little choppy, slow, fast, faster.
Also seemed to rely on the previous books world building. Would not recommend reading out of sequence.
Overall, sweet, likeable, occasionally funny, but no real adventure or suspense in this one.
Not as good ass B1, but still has loveable, likeable characters.
The story was a little choppy, slow, fast, faster.
Also seemed to rely on the previous books world building. Would not recommend reading out of sequence.
Overall, sweet, likeable, occasionally funny, but no real adventure or suspense in this one.
February 26, 2025
FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC Again 😁
This series is well worth reading, each Gryn is finding out where they came from and who took them 😊. Intense action, crazy bad things, finally new memories 🤔. Thanks again Hattie, I truly LOVE this series, but I Love all of your stories and can't wait to read more 🤓.
This series is well worth reading, each Gryn is finding out where they came from and who took them 😊. Intense action, crazy bad things, finally new memories 🤔. Thanks again Hattie, I truly LOVE this series, but I Love all of your stories and can't wait to read more 🤓.
May 22, 2025
I liked this one better than the first.
I don’t know why exactly and I was worried because she made Blayne seem so crazy on the first I honestly thought it was going to be a flop. This renewed me in the series. I fell in love with the characters. I found the storyline flowed nicely. Job well done on this one. A nice sci fi spicy read. Chefs ky-ss
I don’t know why exactly and I was worried because she made Blayne seem so crazy on the first I honestly thought it was going to be a flop. This renewed me in the series. I fell in love with the characters. I found the storyline flowed nicely. Job well done on this one. A nice sci fi spicy read. Chefs ky-ss
November 15, 2024
Sweet Story
The preview of this book led me believe it would be a good sweet story and it didn’t disappoint! Blayn was an intriguing character from the first novel. Glad he and Izzy got their happy ever after!
The preview of this book led me believe it would be a good sweet story and it didn’t disappoint! Blayn was an intriguing character from the first novel. Glad he and Izzy got their happy ever after!
November 17, 2024
Great Gryn Alien Series
Loved book two in this series. Learning about the Gryn gladiators while their human mates do , seeing them loved and supported in their harsh environment is amazing. Looking forward to book three!
Loved book two in this series. Learning about the Gryn gladiators while their human mates do , seeing them loved and supported in their harsh environment is amazing. Looking forward to book three!
November 17, 2024
so much fun
Love how Blayne was in this book so much lighter in character than lead to think from previous books… love that they just love no confusion about how they feel… but seriously him and his _ocks had me laughing so much.. busy little things they were…
Love how Blayne was in this book so much lighter in character than lead to think from previous books… love that they just love no confusion about how they feel… but seriously him and his _ocks had me laughing so much.. busy little things they were…
November 20, 2024
I really enjoy reading the story of Issy and her love interest Blaynn ( spelling off). Best one so far. I really love the stories from this author. You will enjoy reading the book and watch the characters grow and change.
November 28, 2024
Good
I don't understand their indentured situation. They go deeper in debt the longer they stay at the dome? But yet they earn credits. Doesn't make sense. But Blayn's story brought a tear to my eye.
I don't understand their indentured situation. They go deeper in debt the longer they stay at the dome? But yet they earn credits. Doesn't make sense. But Blayn's story brought a tear to my eye.
December 14, 2024
I have to say this was an improvement from caged. The story had more builtup, it wasnt such a scrambled scenario. I liked the gullible premature blayin. He is so simple yet so sweet when he wants to be and such a pure soul.
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