She doesn't know she's supposed to be MINE. I knew the moment we parted ways years ago. It felt like dying. Now, she's in danger. I'm not wasting my second chance.
Zariah The last package I receive from my mother contains the one thing I don't an entry ticket to the Alien Bride Race. My father was a savage bounty hunter turned pirate. I was a mistake. I was also, in his mind, free labor until I made my daring escape as a child. My twin brother stayed with our father and carries on the family tradition. I joined the shipping industry for an honest wage, but I can't seem to escape my past.
Now, I transport dangerous things as a private contractor. I trust few people and fewer aliens. But my mother's last gift included a message, apologizing for my childhood, one that makes me feel guilty for wanting to throw away my ticket. I don't want an alien mate. I'm not interested in starting a family when I come from one that's such a mess. But when the ticket falls out of my pack and a fellow contractor at the bar picks it up, I get teased to no end. To my surprise, Elix, someone I helped long ago, steps in and returns it to me.
He's a lone wolf type, keeps to himself, depends on no one, and is of an endangered species with few left in the universe thanks to the war with the Nebulous Empire. He's a jacked beast of a male with a protective tendency that I like. But more importantly, he's the only one who's gotten close to me and not tried to find out where my father hid his bounty.
I don't care for my father's credits or metal junk. All I want is to earn my way so I don't have to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. My mother thought an alien mate might keep me safe. Maybe she's right.
I haven't seen Elix in two years. He's packed on a lot of muscle and, for a moment, makes me reconsider what I want for my future. But we come from opposite sides of the law, and I won't dishonor my mother's last request. With what's going on in my secret shipping life, the Alien Bride Race might be the safest place for me. I just have to win or make whoever catches me pick someone else so I can slip away again. A week's vacation to let the stardust settle sounds like a good plan.
I just didn't expect to want him...
Elix I didn't want to leave Zariah behind after she helped me escape spaceport police as a child. I just had to sort my life out after my kind had perished in the battle with the empire. I'm a hot commodity for my special healing skills. Staying a ghost is imperative. But I can't get Zariah off of my mind. I've hunted plenty of criminals and fought in countless battles since then, but she is a hard woman to track. Her father taught her well.
I know she's working under the radar, shipping something illegal across Sol Federation territory. It's my duty to report her, but I don't have concrete evidence or the desire. From the shadows, I've watched over her and protected her at every opportunity without her knowledge. When I find out she's entering the race, I'm thrust into a different battle.
I always thought she'd stay single forever. The mere idea of another male laying one finger on her has me burning up with rage.
Zariah's memory kept me alive on the outer rim in the heat of battle. She might disregard the law, and I might defend it, but there's a part of her I desperately want to protect. I need her in a way she doesn't yet know. When I catch wind of plans of other males to bond with her in order to access her father's hidden bounty, I know my time is up.
She's in danger.
I have to find a way to get into the race so I can protect her, and I might have to break a few rules to get in.
This was a nice change of pace for a few hours, and I genuinely enjoyed it.
Hyperdrive is the fourth book in the Alien Bride Race, where young women are treated badly. They escape with the hope of being free and finding someone to love
Beneath their tough exterior lies a big-hearted man who would do anything to keep her safe.
4.35 stars. Zariah, the female lead, is the daughter of a crime lord who escaped her father’s control years ago. Tired of being used for her skills by a father and twin brother who didn’t care about her, she’s made her own way in the world as a cargo transporter. Now, her mother has sent her an entry ticket for the alien bride race. She doesn’t want to disappoint her mother but she’s pretty sure she doesn’t want a husband either…
Elix, the male alien lead, is one of few survivors from his planet. Most were destroyed by other aliens for their capacity to heal others. Having spent a life in hiding, Elix is both grateful to Zariah for the help she provided him in escaping and certain she’s his mate, though he’s never had the chance to tell her. Finally catching up with her, he’s able to provide some assistance as she is accosted by those who believe she knows how to access her now-dead father’s wealth. When Elix hears some aliens are planning to enter the race to “convince” Zariah to lead them to treasure, he acts to be named her “private security” so that he can be present to protect her.
Both Elix and Zariah have enemies following them. Do they have enough allies to stay safe? Can they have a chance at an actual relationship?
This story is dual POV, well written, and a darker, steamy, almost second chance, sci fi romance. I enjoyed Zariah’s compassion and determination to make ethical choices. I enjoyed Elix’s care for Zariah and the effort he put into ensuring her safety. I enjoyed the building intimacy. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters. I enjoyed the non-romance plot. I particularly enjoyed the extra length in this story, compared to others in the series, that meant more nuanced exploration of relationship development and non-romance plot could occur.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Hunted across space as the daughter of the man who ruthl3ssly plundered precious resources and riches, cutting down any who would stand in his way, Zariah is on a weeklong trip to Alien Bride Race, her entry provided by her mother’s last gift to her in hopes of a brief respite from looking over her shoulder. When a quick meal at a pub turns into an all out brawl, she’s rescued by a familiar alien male of a near-extinct species she’d helped escape her father’s clutches during a gr!sly raid.
Pursued due to his species’ ability to provide life-giving serum to heal almost all the most mortal wounds and ailments, Elix has never forgotten the impossibly brave human who saved him from certain d3ath at her father’s hands before he was fully grown.
Several years have passed but he never stopped keeping tabs on Zariah (unbeknownst to her) who awakened feelings in him upon which he’d never acted as it would’ve meant constant pursuit by those who’d exploit or k!ll him for his resources, as well as those who’d use her to try to recover her father’s horde of spoils. Nevertheless when she’s threatened multiple times while making her way to ABR headquarters, he arranges to be her personal bodyguard.
Throughout the contest Zariah’s life as well as Elix’s are at risk from many factions, some of whom are wholly unexpected. As they battle their way across the universe, their mutual attraction ignites into a bond neither of them can deny, but will they sacrifice their own happiness for the other’s safety? Will their inherent sense of justice and selflessness allow them their HEA?
This was another heart pounding, sexy, engaging read from the incomparable Sybur Phyre. It’s a bit longer than the previous books in the series, but its length allows for a great deal more backstory in the best possible way, and at its heart is an emotional love story.
I absolutely devoured this in a single night, beauty sleep be damn3d. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m very pleased to share my wholehearted recommendation.
I enjoyed this book very much. I bought it on Amazon, and after I started reading, went back and bought 4 more of her books! 😸😸😸 This story has a strong female lead, and the alien male who loves her. Her mother bought her a ticket to enter the Alien Bride Race, hoping she could find a mate who loved her. This was Mom's last gift before she died, so she feels she can't say no, even though she really doesn't want to enter. Her father, who recently died, had been a very notorious criminal, who had a secret treasure vault. He had taken her and her brother from their mother when they were young, and used them to gain more treasure. She managed to escape, her brother chose not to go with her, and became more like Dad. Bounty and treasure hunters have been trying to capture her since Dad died, to try to get his treasure. She doesn't know where it is, he never told or showed her, but no one believes her. At the race, she wants to be just an ordinary girl, and have a fun week-long vacation. But someone leaks her identity to the press, and suddenly a lot of the males there are after her for Dad's treasure, and are willing to fight her and each other to get it. Turns out some of them are bounty/treasure hunters, and don't care how rough they get to try and win. Luckily for her, and old friend, Elix, who she helped escape years before, sees her being harassed on the space station on the way to the race, and rescues her. He has been in love with her for the last 10 years, but they frequently only see each other in passing on space stations. He escorts her safely to the ship for the female entrants, but then hears some of the males, waiting to board their ship, talking about how they were going to get her to get her money. He is very worried, and tries to find a way to enter the race himself, to protect her. He can't, but he can be her security guard, so he forges the paperwork, and gets in that way. And she really needs his protection, because the males Really want to win her, willing or not. He tries to hide his identity from her, because he wants her to be happy, and doesn't want to get in the way if she finds love, even though it hurts him. She makes a few friends there, and one of his friends joins them to help out. But a few days in, she gets injured, he takes her to his ship to heal her, she finds out who he is, and that he has loved her all this time. She is very glad it's him, and realizes she has cared for him too. Now that their feelings are out in the open, their relationship moves forward. But she is still in danger, and they have more adventures, which their friends join, before she is finally safe, and they have their happy ending.
Zariah barely ekes out an existence as a low budget merchant hauling dry goods between planetary systems. When she finally escaped from her cruel father, she has done her best to keep her head down and fly under everyone’s radar. But it seems that there is an endless supply of bounty hunters trying to catch her, thinking she knows where her father hid his fortune in stolen goods before he died. No one believes she has no clue where it is. As a gift from her dying mother, she got a ticket to the Alien Bride Races. She doesn’t want a husband who will interfere with her real mission in life, but she is looking forward to a week of rest, tons of real food and no one chasing her. But when she stops for a drink on her way to the ABR transport she is once again ambushed by bounty hunters! But her rescue comes from and unexpected source, Elix, who she once helped escape from her father.
Elix has kept track of Zariah, from afar, since she helped him escape from her father. He now works as private security for hire. He is a Lazariod, and his people have been hunted to almost extinction because of their ability to produce a serum that will cure almost anything. He saved Zariah and escorts her to the ABR transport. He knows she is his mate, but doesn’t think she feels the same way. He wants her to be happy and cared for and he figures her best shot is to find a mate with the ABR. But when he overhears a group of males getting ready to board their ABR transport talking about capturing Zariah for the treasure, he does what he has to do to get to the games as her private security. What’s a few lies and forged documents among friends!
This is a great book that will tug on your heartstrings. Elix and Zariah are adorable, but they can’t seem to catch a break from everyone that’s after them. There is lots of action, plenty of twists and turns and a great surprise at the end!
Awesome book, continuing with the same universe of prior Alien Bride Race books. This one is full of exciting action with Elix and Zariah, old friends who did not realize their feelings for each other until Zariah had already started the race to look for a husband.
Zariah was gifted her ticket by her mother. During the games Zariah has some unfortunate experiences with other contenders who are after her father's hidden fortune. Elix has found out about this and has sneaked in as her bodyguard without her knowing. He has an ally with one of the people running the competition and she allows him to covertly be the bodyguard.
Zariah and Elix's interaction is amazing. I found this book is a little more spicy than previous ones, but I was pulled into the story and could not put it down, reading throughout the night to complete the momentum of the story.
I thoroughly recommend this book. In fact, the whole series so far has been a new experience, and I cannot wait until the next book is out to enjoy.
I received an ARC copy from the author and voluntarily leave this honest review.
Sybur Phyre’s Hyperdrive is book 4 of the Alien Bride’s Race. Zariah receives a ticket to the Race from her recently deceased mother. She agrees to go only as she needs a well deserved vacation from trying to escape those who believe she knows her dead father’s treasure trove gained from nefarious dealings. Felix is an alien that she saved from capture long ago and has had feelings for since. He saves her from some bad guys at a bar just before she plans to leave for the race. He decides to create a security job protecting her while at the race, which is a good thing as bad guys are definitely after her! Their courtship grows heated as they face off against many evil doers, daunting planets, and creatures, including some of her family!
As one of my favorite new authors, I interrupted the series I was currently reading to read, Hyperdrive. I enjoy the world she has built and the interesting species she has imagined. Also their special abilities. This book is longer than the previous books in this series, but I found myself wanting to savor the story, like my favorite chocolate bar. If you enjoy cinnamon roll mmc's, who fall first and spunky fmc's with a heart of gold, plus none stop action, you'll love this book. It's like tasting my favorite candy bar, I took small bites to make it last!
I'm still liking this universe with all its complexity. There's a certain appropriate sadness in the background as all these different species are at war. They have troublesome pasts with each other that color their attempts at alliances. I got a little lost at times because so much was going on.
The MMC is super sweet. As the MFC thinks,
“I expected to be targeted by the likes of a Ginarigon: brutish, pissy, not picky about mates, a pain in the ass with an imperfect moral background like me—not gorgeous, ripped, sweet, Elix.”
He's been in love with her for so long. And she's been living on her own, trusting no one. Watching them come together was really lovely.
I really loved this one. Zariah and Elix are so good together and have been through so much! I love how MONA grows through it and how Zariah becomes friends with Teol and her brother and then the other prince Aurelius rescues them off Elix ice planet. The whole story is well thought out, has some great surprises and some terrible people to keep them all on their toes. It's also good to see some old friends from past stories too that tie it all together. Well done!
Hyperdrive is an enjoyable read with great pacing, superb character development and an evolving plot. I have enjoyed this series and the author's talent and progression. Hyperdrive is my favorite so far. Elix is a flawless protagonist. Zariah was relatable and drew empathy. While my actual rating is 4.5 (due to slight contrivance regarding a gifted ticket), it was fully justified to round up. Thank you, Sybur Phyre, for the joy of reading a good book.
This was an enjoyable story that's about Zariah a daughter of a crime lord who left her family and is now an independent cargo transporter and Elix an old friend who she helped years ago and is keeping tabs on her. What occurs when she decides to enter the Alien Bride Race from the ticket her mother sent her, and Elix joins the race to be near her was an engaging, action-filled, romantic story with likable characters. I'd volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.
This is the best book in this series, perhaps because it's a bit longer . Zariah and Elix owned me from the beginning, such hard lifes . The silent devotion of Elix,how he cares from afar is heart warming. Medium paced, a complex plot,a good world building and well developed characters . And a very special mention to MONA,the AI in Elix's ship
Great story. Zariah has used her last gift from her mother to enter the Alien Bride Race. Too bad her past has caught up to her. Now contestants and others others are using the race to get to her. Luckily she has a protector who has loved her from afar all his life. This was an action packed story with lots of steam and heat. The whole series has been really good.
Zariah is being sought because her evil father has died and left a fortune. Everyone thinks she knows where. Elix has known Zariah for a long time, since she helped him escape cruelty. They have quite a journey, make new friends, help old friends, start new partnerships. Enjoy
The characters were interesting and the story was too. It wasn’t at all what I expected and I am glad. It was never boring and kept my interest the whole time. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book, it is an enjoyable read with great pacing, superb character development and an evolving plot. I have enjoyed this series and can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
This series just keeps getting better and better 😃. Lots of action, yummy sexy scenes, nasty bad guys, intense situations and emotions, AWESOME characters 😉. Thanks again Sybur, I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more 🤓.
So far this world is developing nicely. I like that even secondary characters are thought out and developed. It is also good that previous main characters show up in newer stories.
I enjoyed this book in one sitting. I love an MMC that takes care of a girl even before they have a chance to be together. Loved the world building. Love the action. Good ride
Title: * Hyperdrive Author: * Sybur Phyre Length: * Novel * 250 pages * 4+ hours HEA/Cliffhanger: * HEA Series #: * Book 4 of Alien Bride Race Epilogue: * Not labeled as epilogue, but, chapter 36 serves as one. It takes place 1 year later.
Gettin’ Down To The Nitty-Gritty… Genre & Tropes: * PNR * He Falls First * Touch Her And D*e * Forbidden Love * Secret Identity * Slow Burn * Strong FMC Triggers: * 18+ * Fellatio * Mature Content * Mention of Infertility * Attempted Forced Mate Bond * Past Off-Page PA * Fighting * Refugee Victims Burn Speed: * Slow Spice Level: *