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Stryxian Alien Warriors #1
Bonded to the Stryxian
A Sci-fi Alien Romance
Humans made a deal with the Stryxian males: Help us defend Earth, and when the war is over, we’ll send you women to help rebuild your dying species. Now, the war appears to be over and Trinity Bentzer’s number has been called in the lottery. Only, instead of winning a boatload of money, she’s getting some badass winged alien she’s never met. Trin’s not thrilled to be shipped off and matched up, until she meets Raig. Maybe she hit the jackpot, after all.
Commander Raig Thanor’s job is to supervise the females’ move to their holding chambers until they are sent to their final matches, but the moment he meets Trinity, he knows she’s his. If only claiming her didn’t risk sparking a war within his own people.
This is book one of the Stryxian Alien Warrior series but can be read alone with no cliffhangers and no cheating. I write what I love to read, so there is always consent and always a happy ending.
** Novella - Stranded with the Stryxian is included at the end of this audio edition.
Humans made a deal with the Stryxian males: Help us defend Earth, and when the war is over, we’ll send you women to help rebuild your dying species. Now, the war appears to be over and Trinity Bentzer’s number has been called in the lottery. Only, instead of winning a boatload of money, she’s getting some badass winged alien she’s never met. Trin’s not thrilled to be shipped off and matched up, until she meets Raig. Maybe she hit the jackpot, after all.
Commander Raig Thanor’s job is to supervise the females’ move to their holding chambers until they are sent to their final matches, but the moment he meets Trinity, he knows she’s his. If only claiming her didn’t risk sparking a war within his own people.
This is book one of the Stryxian Alien Warrior series but can be read alone with no cliffhangers and no cheating. I write what I love to read, so there is always consent and always a happy ending.
** Novella - Stranded with the Stryxian is included at the end of this audio edition.
Audible Audio
Published February 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
April 14, 2023
Audiobook with a novella included!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😠😘🤓🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Trinity Bentzer - when the alien Morr’ta attacked Earth, all was thought to be lost before an alliance between humans and the stryxians was brokered. The stryxian race was dying due to low birth rates and hardly any females being born. The leaders of Earth told them that for helping defeat the Morr’ta, they would hold a lottery and human females whose number came up would be mated to stryxian males. Trinity was a war veteran and was being retired since the war was over, when her number comes up in the lottery.
The Hero: Commander Raig Thanor - He is a stryxian and was the leader of the stryxian warrior force during the war. He is now in charge of helping out the human females until they are sent to one of the stryxian settlements to be mated. However, as soon as he sees Trinity, he knows she is his fated mate. Stryxians were seven foot tall and muscular and easy on the eyes. They had fine scales on their skin and had thick leathery wings, and their eyes were mostly black.
The Story: Trinity has chronic pain and a limp from a war wound, which she is a bit self conscious about. Especially since she got the wound on the one mission she botched and which she considered her greatest failure. She planned to move to a quiet rural place, not wanting to head to a city where she felt she would have to try to hide her limp which caused her more pain.
Trinity was surprised to not only find that her number came up, but to find that she was going to the outer zone of the galaxy and her military superiors wanted her to spy for them since humans had not been allowed to the zone on the edge of Morr’ta territory. She didn’t want to do it, but was given no choice. Though Raig knew immediately she was his even though he would be going against Stryxia’s rulers by claiming her.
I liked this book because Trinity was a strong female heroine yet she was vulnerable as well. Raig was a bit misogynistic at first and didn’t like humans all that well either. Although he was certainly an interesting character. The story was good as well. I liked the fact that it differed from a lot of other alien romance stories. Firstly in the fact that the stryxians needed females not because of a virus, but because of low birth rates, and that Earth had an abundance of females due to the war.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Elle Sonali and Zachary Johnson. Zachary has a deep voice which is perfect for the 7 foot tall muscular alien. I really hate it when they have a male narrator with a weak or high voice when the male character wouldn’t fit that voice at all. Elle has a clear, yet feminine voice which matched Trinity perfectly as well.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😠😘🤓🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Trinity Bentzer - when the alien Morr’ta attacked Earth, all was thought to be lost before an alliance between humans and the stryxians was brokered. The stryxian race was dying due to low birth rates and hardly any females being born. The leaders of Earth told them that for helping defeat the Morr’ta, they would hold a lottery and human females whose number came up would be mated to stryxian males. Trinity was a war veteran and was being retired since the war was over, when her number comes up in the lottery.
The Hero: Commander Raig Thanor - He is a stryxian and was the leader of the stryxian warrior force during the war. He is now in charge of helping out the human females until they are sent to one of the stryxian settlements to be mated. However, as soon as he sees Trinity, he knows she is his fated mate. Stryxians were seven foot tall and muscular and easy on the eyes. They had fine scales on their skin and had thick leathery wings, and their eyes were mostly black.
The Story: Trinity has chronic pain and a limp from a war wound, which she is a bit self conscious about. Especially since she got the wound on the one mission she botched and which she considered her greatest failure. She planned to move to a quiet rural place, not wanting to head to a city where she felt she would have to try to hide her limp which caused her more pain.
Trinity was surprised to not only find that her number came up, but to find that she was going to the outer zone of the galaxy and her military superiors wanted her to spy for them since humans had not been allowed to the zone on the edge of Morr’ta territory. She didn’t want to do it, but was given no choice. Though Raig knew immediately she was his even though he would be going against Stryxia’s rulers by claiming her.
I liked this book because Trinity was a strong female heroine yet she was vulnerable as well. Raig was a bit misogynistic at first and didn’t like humans all that well either. Although he was certainly an interesting character. The story was good as well. I liked the fact that it differed from a lot of other alien romance stories. Firstly in the fact that the stryxians needed females not because of a virus, but because of low birth rates, and that Earth had an abundance of females due to the war.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Elle Sonali and Zachary Johnson. Zachary has a deep voice which is perfect for the 7 foot tall muscular alien. I really hate it when they have a male narrator with a weak or high voice when the male character wouldn’t fit that voice at all. Elle has a clear, yet feminine voice which matched Trinity perfectly as well.
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May 31, 2021
Great story
Steam, capable woman, solid story. I had 5 DNF books today, this was a breath of fresh air. Ella is new to me, I'm heading to her next book
Steam, capable woman, solid story. I had 5 DNF books today, this was a breath of fresh air. Ella is new to me, I'm heading to her next book
April 29, 2023
3.5 stars
It was one of the better shorter alien stories I’ve read. It was fast paced, insta-love, and had a decent plot. It was a bit too quick to fully enjoy but still a good read.
It was one of the better shorter alien stories I’ve read. It was fast paced, insta-love, and had a decent plot. It was a bit too quick to fully enjoy but still a good read.
July 28, 2021
Quick(ish) Review
Trinity is a war vet who’s about to retire when she’s chosen in a lottery to mate with the Stryxians, aliens with wings. This lottery is the price for their alliance with Earth against the Morr’ta race, because in this corner of Romancelandia, wings beat lizards. 🤷🏻♀️ basically, Earth was being invaded by the lizards and the winged guys said hey we need females, and you need protection, let’s hook up. And they did.
Any hoodie, there’s suspense afoot because not all is as it seems and the ceasefire may not actually be happening. So when Raig, High Commander, falls for Trinity, even though he says she’s his one and only, the Vanyi (the weaker clearly evILL guys) are trying to stop him. Things go sideways but instalove prevails and romance happens.
Basically I liked the start of this SFR because the romance worked and the overarching storyline has potential. Trinity is more than capable of taking care of herself and they save each other. There’s not a lot of personal time but the time they do spend with each other is spent giving life to the chemistry and connection that can make an insta love story work and I appreciated it. Curious where this goes so I’ll check out the next one.
Trinity is a war vet who’s about to retire when she’s chosen in a lottery to mate with the Stryxians, aliens with wings. This lottery is the price for their alliance with Earth against the Morr’ta race, because in this corner of Romancelandia, wings beat lizards. 🤷🏻♀️ basically, Earth was being invaded by the lizards and the winged guys said hey we need females, and you need protection, let’s hook up. And they did.
Any hoodie, there’s suspense afoot because not all is as it seems and the ceasefire may not actually be happening. So when Raig, High Commander, falls for Trinity, even though he says she’s his one and only, the Vanyi (the weaker clearly evILL guys) are trying to stop him. Things go sideways but instalove prevails and romance happens.
Basically I liked the start of this SFR because the romance worked and the overarching storyline has potential. Trinity is more than capable of taking care of herself and they save each other. There’s not a lot of personal time but the time they do spend with each other is spent giving life to the chemistry and connection that can make an insta love story work and I appreciated it. Curious where this goes so I’ll check out the next one.
November 24, 2024
To the point, insta mates but accept things. Interesting world, quick read.
November 18, 2021
I don’t mind a little instalove but warm a girl up a little.
Raig goes from not finding human women “particularly attractive” to telling Trinity she’ll be beautiful at any age. All in a matter of a few pages.
He talks about how he’s underestimated human women but when he says this he knows nothing about Trinity and, other than sleeping with him, she hasn’t done a heck of a lot.
Reading sci fi romance often involves a lot of suspension of disbelief but this felt rushed and forced. DNF
Raig goes from not finding human women “particularly attractive” to telling Trinity she’ll be beautiful at any age. All in a matter of a few pages.
He talks about how he’s underestimated human women but when he says this he knows nothing about Trinity and, other than sleeping with him, she hasn’t done a heck of a lot.
Reading sci fi romance often involves a lot of suspension of disbelief but this felt rushed and forced. DNF
August 18, 2021
I expected to be entertained, didn't expect to fall in love with the world building and the kick ass heroine who doesn't have to grow from a weakling into a badass...she already is a badass in her own right, and it matches well with the alien she's fated to mate with. I love how the author has developed the various caste members of the Stryxians, and then exploring what healthy and corrupt versions of each look like. And the wings! I love the wide variety of wing types, textures she describes, even pheromones different people can exude from the wing flapping. I'm kind of bummed to hear zero descriptions of what female stryxians look like....but it's also the premise of how humans got introduced to the Stryxians as the "universal breeder" that so many alien sci-fi romances follow. I'll definitely keep reading the series, onto book 2!
August 2, 2021
I have a feeling that I am going to LOVE this series 😍
This is my first with this Author and I am liking her and this series.📚❤️ The plot is similar to all the other SciFi Romance but it still is a little different to enjoy it and want to get invested into the rest of the series. I read this through KU and bought it before I even finished it.
The book does have some hot steamy moments🔥😍. So if reading steamy scenes bother you please note that. I really hate 😡when people leave negative reviews just because there is some really steamy moments🙄and more then 1, especially if you would just read the reviews or the blurb it tells you!! Please read reviews and the blurbs before you read 📚. It is not fair to the authors😊
I like the heroine and hero and actually was impressed that Trinity was pretty accepting of the situation that she was in. She was strong and bad ass and was pretty opened minded. I liked Raig also and was glad that he wasn’t fighting what he was feeling and not ashamed to showing feelings to his mate and letting the others know what he felt too. I already have 2nd book thu KU and will start on that ASAP😀 Happy Reading❤️
This is my first with this Author and I am liking her and this series.📚❤️ The plot is similar to all the other SciFi Romance but it still is a little different to enjoy it and want to get invested into the rest of the series. I read this through KU and bought it before I even finished it.
The book does have some hot steamy moments🔥😍. So if reading steamy scenes bother you please note that. I really hate 😡when people leave negative reviews just because there is some really steamy moments🙄and more then 1, especially if you would just read the reviews or the blurb it tells you!! Please read reviews and the blurbs before you read 📚. It is not fair to the authors😊
I like the heroine and hero and actually was impressed that Trinity was pretty accepting of the situation that she was in. She was strong and bad ass and was pretty opened minded. I liked Raig also and was glad that he wasn’t fighting what he was feeling and not ashamed to showing feelings to his mate and letting the others know what he felt too. I already have 2nd book thu KU and will start on that ASAP😀 Happy Reading❤️
February 2, 2022
Great start to the series!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Trope: fated mates
Angst: 😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Really enjoyed the book and looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Quick, easy, and well written with a good premise.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Trope: fated mates
Angst: 😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Really enjoyed the book and looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Quick, easy, and well written with a good premise.
November 17, 2021
Poor aliens are being forced to choose a mate among the fragile, stupid humans. Boo-fucking-hoo. Yeah, not my thing.
December 5, 2021
3.65 ⭐⭐⭐💫
It was what I was expecting from reading the blurb.
It was what I was expecting from reading the blurb.
April 25, 2022
Great start to a new to me series. Will definitely keep reading. Nice to see such a strong capable woman who is acknowledged as such by her hero. Super well done world building.
January 16, 2024
2.5 stars
I thought it would turn out to be good, but it was not. Sorely disappointed :(
I thought it would turn out to be good, but it was not. Sorely disappointed :(
October 8, 2025
One of my favorite sub-genres is alien romance in space. I’ve come to realize that if a book meets certain criteria, I will fall in love with the story. This book was very close, featuring a strong, independent female main character who stands up for what she believes in while also taking the time to get to know her “mate.” However, the dramatic dialogue and declarations annoyed me. I wish it had more realistic dialogue with dramatic flair. I loved that the author allowed the fmc to save herself instead of portraying her as a damsel in distress, which added more to her character.
May 2, 2023
This is your typical "aliens work with humans to fight a mutual enemy" story with some romance thrown in. I liked Trinity and Raig together. She's a former fighter pilot and he's the commander of his people's armed forces. I liked that Raid never once thought of Trinity as a helpless female to be protected at all costs. Yes, it was a bit of insta-love (and protectiveness), but he admired her skills, determination, and ability to think for herself which was refreshing. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
September 5, 2022
Stryxian Alien Warrior Series. Like most alien novels, there was a galactic war. And like most alien romance novels, it involves human women for brides. The Morr-tas attacked Earth. The Stryxians came to our aide under the condition that once the war was over, Earth provided females for Stryxian males. They were having some issue with only producing male offspring and it was jeopardizing the future of their race. Earth was running a little short on men due to sending them all as soldiers to fight the battle. This series takes place at the point where the Morr-ta war was won, and it is time to pay up (by the means of women). All unattached women of child bearing age were entered into a lottery. Once picked, they were shipped to a settlement where they would choose their alien to mate with. The Stryxians were gorgeous masculine beings. They stood at 7 feet tall, covered in muscles and gray skin with scales, thick leathery wings arced from their backs, with black eyes.
Bonded to the Stryxian is book 1 in this series, and follows Trinity and Raig in a first person perspective. This book sucked me in and kept me there. I was enthralled with the plot. Trinity Bentzer was a soldier and pilot assigned to help protect Earth’s defenses in outer space on a station. She received a bad wound in her leg on her last mission that left her in daily agonizing pain. She would have died had an allied Stryxian warrior not pulled her from her crashed craft and saved her life. (We find out later that her savior was in fact her mate.) Since the war was “over” she was supposed to be returning to Earth, to a secluded area, to live out the rest of her years in retirement. Instead, her number was drawn for the lottery and she was summoned to leave her station with a group of other female soldiers also selected, with Stryxian escorts. High Commander Raig Thanor was one of those escorts, but the moment he touched her, he was overwhelmed with the mate bond. He is the commander of Tyro base, located on the frontlines of the galactic battle, where humans were not allowed to travel. Trinity was assigned one final task by her commander Paulson, as her duty was reinstated after her number was drawn; to spy on the Stryxians and report back on her findings. Earth’s political leaders did not believe that the war was over and they were safe from the attack. They believe the Stryxians lied so they could start collecting fertile women. And wouldn’t you know?.. they were partially RIGHT. (I felt as though the side mission of sending Trinity in to “spy” was completely unnecessary since Trinity never once reported to Paulson. He was mentioned in reference a few times, then simply forgotten about. It felt more like unnecessary filler that didn’t add to the story the least bit, and the book would have been better without it.) Trinity and Raig worked together to take down the leadership of Vanyi and free themselves of their illegitimate rule. The end of this book left Raig temporarily in charge of the planet until the Prince’s cousin returns; with the Prince or not will decide the Stryxia’s future. For now, they are no longer rules by the Vanyi, and the truce with Morr-ta is fragile at best.
The intimate scenes between Raig and Trinity were FIRE. The tension and buildup leading to their mating was perfectly balanced; not too fast, not too slow, with just the right amount of lust. I was envious when Trinity woke up cradled in Raig’s arms and wings. Finding a good cuddler in human form is damn near impossible. Stryxians become more powerful after a mating bond is complete; their black eyes change color and they’re able to feel their mate’s emotions. Raig also gained Trinity’s ability to cry. Humans gain an ability to live longer, like the Stryxians, and they have access to their advanced technology and medical care. At the end, Trinity revealed her pregnancy to Raig, and it’s assumed they live happily ever after? I guess the next book will divulge more regarding the future war.
I definitely recommend this book, and possibly the series, if the rest are as climactic as this one. I was happy with the read. Onto the next..
Bonded to the Stryxian is book 1 in this series, and follows Trinity and Raig in a first person perspective. This book sucked me in and kept me there. I was enthralled with the plot. Trinity Bentzer was a soldier and pilot assigned to help protect Earth’s defenses in outer space on a station. She received a bad wound in her leg on her last mission that left her in daily agonizing pain. She would have died had an allied Stryxian warrior not pulled her from her crashed craft and saved her life. (We find out later that her savior was in fact her mate.) Since the war was “over” she was supposed to be returning to Earth, to a secluded area, to live out the rest of her years in retirement. Instead, her number was drawn for the lottery and she was summoned to leave her station with a group of other female soldiers also selected, with Stryxian escorts. High Commander Raig Thanor was one of those escorts, but the moment he touched her, he was overwhelmed with the mate bond. He is the commander of Tyro base, located on the frontlines of the galactic battle, where humans were not allowed to travel. Trinity was assigned one final task by her commander Paulson, as her duty was reinstated after her number was drawn; to spy on the Stryxians and report back on her findings. Earth’s political leaders did not believe that the war was over and they were safe from the attack. They believe the Stryxians lied so they could start collecting fertile women. And wouldn’t you know?.. they were partially RIGHT. (I felt as though the side mission of sending Trinity in to “spy” was completely unnecessary since Trinity never once reported to Paulson. He was mentioned in reference a few times, then simply forgotten about. It felt more like unnecessary filler that didn’t add to the story the least bit, and the book would have been better without it.) Trinity and Raig worked together to take down the leadership of Vanyi and free themselves of their illegitimate rule. The end of this book left Raig temporarily in charge of the planet until the Prince’s cousin returns; with the Prince or not will decide the Stryxia’s future. For now, they are no longer rules by the Vanyi, and the truce with Morr-ta is fragile at best.
The intimate scenes between Raig and Trinity were FIRE. The tension and buildup leading to their mating was perfectly balanced; not too fast, not too slow, with just the right amount of lust. I was envious when Trinity woke up cradled in Raig’s arms and wings. Finding a good cuddler in human form is damn near impossible. Stryxians become more powerful after a mating bond is complete; their black eyes change color and they’re able to feel their mate’s emotions. Raig also gained Trinity’s ability to cry. Humans gain an ability to live longer, like the Stryxians, and they have access to their advanced technology and medical care. At the end, Trinity revealed her pregnancy to Raig, and it’s assumed they live happily ever after? I guess the next book will divulge more regarding the future war.
I definitely recommend this book, and possibly the series, if the rest are as climactic as this one. I was happy with the read. Onto the next..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
This book is all about that 'insta-love' – or in this case, 'insta-desire.' Not exactly my cup of tea. I'm more into stories where characters take their time to connect and grow in a relationship. In this one, it's more like 'you're hot, let's jump in bed,' which didn't quite jive with me. I mean, finding someone attractive is one thing, but committing for eternity? Unfortunately, it's not for me.
January 7, 2026
I absolutely love a good alien romance. I actually like both of the main characters, which is rare. I can’t tell you how many books I had to stop reading because the characters were just insufferable. This one was amazing though. I love insta-love too, so that was a plus. I just love when they give into there mating bonds. It’s so amazing. She didn’t even fight it. I mean, who would? With a guy like Raig, they would have to be crazy to reject him. He’s so sweet. He is the standard. He let her have time. Also, he didn’t even get mad when he figured out she was sent there to spy on his people. I was expecting him to get really mad. He literally just accepted that that’s what she has to do. It’s strange that she never actually reported back to that one guy. I mean, a lot was happening, but I thought there would be at least one scene of her telling that guy what she had found out. Ehh. It’s okay. The scenes with Raig were enough. It was a very quick paced book though. If you don’t like that kind of stuff in a book, this book is not for you. I would still give it a try though; it’s a really good book. The bonding was… interesting. I love that his eyes changed to the color of hers. That was cute. I don’t know what that one bad guy thought he was doing. I already forgot his name, but I haven’t forgotten his actions. Did he really think that he was going to win? His ego is too high. Also, his not believing in the bond is crazy. He did cut his wings off though… that says something. He’s insane. Anyways, poisoning them was such a lousy move. He didn’t even consider that there would be people who could tell she was bonded. He’s literally so stupid. I was giggling when Raig didn’t fold under his pressure. I also cannot with Trinity and Raig both flying to each other at the same time. They’re so cute. The scene where she found out she was pregnant really got me. I knew she was going to get pregnant, but I honestly wasn’t expecting that. Raig cried actual tears when he found out. I’m glad he got that from her. I definitely wasn’t expecting that. I just wish I knew if it was a boy or a girl. I also wanted another time jump to when she had the baby. Even like a few paragraphs would have made me happy. It okay though, I guess. I did feel like a lot of things weren’t resolved though. Or, really, they weren’t explained well. I know that it’s probably because there’s another book, but I just wanted to know what would happen. I wanted everything to be resolved. I guess beggars can be choosers though. It was still a really good book. I just wish we saw her more pregnant and after she gave birth. I hope it’s a girl. I would definitely recommend this book. It was so good. Now I don’t know what I want to read next. I literally have no clue. I have a long list of books on my tbr though… maybe I should sort through those books before trying to find a new book. Right?
May 12, 2025
Several reviews complain of the insta love or insta just. Blake uses the fated mates trope to facilitate a speedy start to the relationship. So, there is no time spent on the lead characters getting to know each other, building respect, gradually finding that sense of attachment regardless of external factors. Rain says you're my mate. Trinity says, oh, okay. Personally, I'm not a fan of this trope, and we see it so much in sci-fi romance, I really think it's overused.
How fast does this fated mate relationship move? He says from night one, you sleep in my room, but no sex. I want your company. She says... okay. Oh dear, only 1 bed. The no sex thing lasts one day. It's a novella after all, lol, we don't have 500 pages here. I get it. But, where Ms. Blake loses me is the way the characters talk. If Raig had told Trinity he looked forward to their intimacy, to joining their bodies, to being skin to skin, feeling as if they shared a heartbeat, exploring each other and finding ecstasy... sigh.. ahh, be still my heart.
But, this is how it went.
" We want each other, Trinity.”
“Yeah, I can’t deny that.”
His scales shifted, darkening a shade, then rippling back to his usual color. “Then perhaps we shall become better acquainted when we are in more permanent accommodations.”
“That… would be fine.”
“Stryxians are forward and blunt by nature,” he said. “So I will be very clear with you regarding my intentions.” He flashed his teeth, showing those sharp incisors. His hands flexed. “My cock belongs inside your pussy. My tongue belongs in your cunt, lapping your juices until you come in my mouth.”
And, suddenly I wasn't enjoying this little novella any more. I skimmed. The actual story is decent. The weird thing is, I have read sex scenes that would melt the paint off the walls. They have included the C word, and much more. But, they had emotion and intensity and a very deep, almost profound eroticism. In comparison, this was more like rough porn.
Anyway, the writing is decent, there is actually a story going on. And overall it's not bad. But, it just felt disappointing. However, lots of people quite liked it. It's on Kindle Unlimited, so if you're a member at least it costs nothing (more) to see what you think.
How fast does this fated mate relationship move? He says from night one, you sleep in my room, but no sex. I want your company. She says... okay. Oh dear, only 1 bed. The no sex thing lasts one day. It's a novella after all, lol, we don't have 500 pages here. I get it. But, where Ms. Blake loses me is the way the characters talk. If Raig had told Trinity he looked forward to their intimacy, to joining their bodies, to being skin to skin, feeling as if they shared a heartbeat, exploring each other and finding ecstasy... sigh.. ahh, be still my heart.
But, this is how it went.
" We want each other, Trinity.”
“Yeah, I can’t deny that.”
His scales shifted, darkening a shade, then rippling back to his usual color. “Then perhaps we shall become better acquainted when we are in more permanent accommodations.”
“That… would be fine.”
“Stryxians are forward and blunt by nature,” he said. “So I will be very clear with you regarding my intentions.” He flashed his teeth, showing those sharp incisors. His hands flexed. “My cock belongs inside your pussy. My tongue belongs in your cunt, lapping your juices until you come in my mouth.”
And, suddenly I wasn't enjoying this little novella any more. I skimmed. The actual story is decent. The weird thing is, I have read sex scenes that would melt the paint off the walls. They have included the C word, and much more. But, they had emotion and intensity and a very deep, almost profound eroticism. In comparison, this was more like rough porn.
Anyway, the writing is decent, there is actually a story going on. And overall it's not bad. But, it just felt disappointing. However, lots of people quite liked it. It's on Kindle Unlimited, so if you're a member at least it costs nothing (more) to see what you think.
September 13, 2022
Sweet and badass at the same time!
It roughly means, pleasure upon waking.” “Nice,” I said. “Kura noa, Raig.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Kura noa, rastia.” “What does rastia mean?” “Beloved mate.”
Awh! You would think that a story about two military personnel wouldn't be sweet and adorable, but it is!!!
Excellent world building, we get not one but two complex aliens although the Vanyi are style technically Stryxian.
Set in the undetermined future, humans are at risk of losing everything when the enemy of their enemy shows up. The Stryxians have been battling the Morr-ta and make a deal with humans - in exchange for protection, human females would be sent to help the Stryxian repopulate.
Raig is the high commander and is in charge of seeing the women are sent off to the settlements to find mates. Trinity was a Top Gun Maverick style fighter pilot that is unlucky enough to be drafted as a woman for the Stryxians. When the two of them meet its like fireworks on the fourth of July, these guys go off with a bang!
I love that there is an AI like C-3PO, she just talks, talks, talks, and I just love, love, love it!
***Spoiler Alert***
I liked the progression of the story right up until the end, the ending felt really rushed.
Sleer, the self-appointed leader of the Vanyi, takes Raig and Trinity's mating personally and ultimately ends up seperating them.
Thankfully, Raig is able to take control back from Sleer in an epic showdown in a battle of witts. Raig of cource concurs Sleer and those that follow him and regains control and power over all of the Stryxians.
This is where I felt the timing got a little rushed. Raig dadhes off in a battle cruiser while Trinity takes off in a commercial freight liner and they meet in the middle. That was cute but it just felt rushed.
The end though is super sweet and I love that Raig and Trinity get their HEA.
It roughly means, pleasure upon waking.” “Nice,” I said. “Kura noa, Raig.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Kura noa, rastia.” “What does rastia mean?” “Beloved mate.”
Awh! You would think that a story about two military personnel wouldn't be sweet and adorable, but it is!!!
Excellent world building, we get not one but two complex aliens although the Vanyi are style technically Stryxian.
Set in the undetermined future, humans are at risk of losing everything when the enemy of their enemy shows up. The Stryxians have been battling the Morr-ta and make a deal with humans - in exchange for protection, human females would be sent to help the Stryxian repopulate.
Raig is the high commander and is in charge of seeing the women are sent off to the settlements to find mates. Trinity was a Top Gun Maverick style fighter pilot that is unlucky enough to be drafted as a woman for the Stryxians. When the two of them meet its like fireworks on the fourth of July, these guys go off with a bang!
I love that there is an AI like C-3PO, she just talks, talks, talks, and I just love, love, love it!
***Spoiler Alert***
I liked the progression of the story right up until the end, the ending felt really rushed.
Sleer, the self-appointed leader of the Vanyi, takes Raig and Trinity's mating personally and ultimately ends up seperating them.
Thankfully, Raig is able to take control back from Sleer in an epic showdown in a battle of witts. Raig of cource concurs Sleer and those that follow him and regains control and power over all of the Stryxians.
This is where I felt the timing got a little rushed. Raig dadhes off in a battle cruiser while Trinity takes off in a commercial freight liner and they meet in the middle. That was cute but it just felt rushed.
The end though is super sweet and I love that Raig and Trinity get their HEA.
September 13, 2022
It roughly means, pleasure upon waking.” “Nice,” I said. “Kura noa, Raig.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Kura noa, rastia.” “What does rastia mean?” “Beloved mate.”
Awh! You would think that a story about two military personnel wouldn't be sweet and adorable, but it is!!!
Excellent world building, we get not one but two complex aliens although the Vanyi are style technically Stryxian.
Set in the undetermined future, humans are at risk of losing everything when the enemy of their enemy shows up. The Stryxians have been battling the Morr-ta and make a deal with humans - in exchange for protection, human females would be sent to help the Stryxian repopulate.
Raig is the high commander and is in charge of seeing the women are sent off to the settlements to find mates. Trinity was a Top Gun Maverick style fighter pilot that is unlucky enough to be drafted as a woman for the Stryxians. When the two of them meet its like fireworks on the fourth of July, these guys go off with a bang!
I love that there is an AI like C-3PO, she just talks, talks, talks, and I just love, love, love it!
***Spoiler Alert***
I liked the progression of the story right up until the end, the ending felt really rushed.
Sleer, the self-appointed leader of the Vanyi, takes Raig and Trinity's mating personally and ultimately ends up seperating them.
Thankfully, Raig is able to take control back from Sleer in an epic showdown in a battle of witts. Raig of cource concurs Sleer and those that follow him and regains control and power over all of the Stryxians.
This is where I felt the timing got a little rushed. Raig dadhes off in a battle cruiser while Trinity takes off in a commercial freight liner and they meet in the middle. That was cute but it just felt rushed.
The end though is super sweet and I love that Raig and Trinity get their HEA.
Awh! You would think that a story about two military personnel wouldn't be sweet and adorable, but it is!!!
Excellent world building, we get not one but two complex aliens although the Vanyi are style technically Stryxian.
Set in the undetermined future, humans are at risk of losing everything when the enemy of their enemy shows up. The Stryxians have been battling the Morr-ta and make a deal with humans - in exchange for protection, human females would be sent to help the Stryxian repopulate.
Raig is the high commander and is in charge of seeing the women are sent off to the settlements to find mates. Trinity was a Top Gun Maverick style fighter pilot that is unlucky enough to be drafted as a woman for the Stryxians. When the two of them meet its like fireworks on the fourth of July, these guys go off with a bang!
I love that there is an AI like C-3PO, she just talks, talks, talks, and I just love, love, love it!
***Spoiler Alert***
I liked the progression of the story right up until the end, the ending felt really rushed.
Sleer, the self-appointed leader of the Vanyi, takes Raig and Trinity's mating personally and ultimately ends up seperating them.
Thankfully, Raig is able to take control back from Sleer in an epic showdown in a battle of witts. Raig of cource concurs Sleer and those that follow him and regains control and power over all of the Stryxians.
This is where I felt the timing got a little rushed. Raig dadhes off in a battle cruiser while Trinity takes off in a commercial freight liner and they meet in the middle. That was cute but it just felt rushed.
The end though is super sweet and I love that Raig and Trinity get their HEA.
September 9, 2022
This book so perfectly fit exactly what I look for in an alien romance (after DNFing one that didn’t) that it made me reflect on exactly that is, so here you go:
👽 Fated mates, especially when the couple is extra horny for some reason, bonus points if the vibes are good
👽 The alien is from a society that highly values women, bonus points if it’s because there’s lots of alien guys (also they’re super hot)
👽 The human looks at the alien in the beginning and think “10/10: Would Bang”
👽 Tons of good natured human-alien culture clash, bonus points for the alien’s culture making him super earnest.
And this book met all my criteria, even the bonus criteria. It was an instant mood booster, would absolutely recommend.
This one was especially good because it had a rare version of this couple—we almost always see the hero with Trinity’s personality and the heroine with Raig’s. She was a brave, competent, and strategic badass ex-military fighter pilot. And he was an open minded, logical, and fair military commander. They were so BA together!
So why 4 stars? This is where I go “Am I a bad person?” Because whenever I read an alien romance with a complex sci-fi setting from a new-to-me author, I always feel sceptical about whether or not they’re going to pull off the world they’ve promised over the course of the series. I mean, I also gave Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline 4 stars, which I’m pretty sure is against the law (I’ll rectify that on my reread this fall, don’t worry). We’ll see if I end up saying the same thing about Bonding with the Stryxian.
I also read the little free novella you get for signing up this author’s newsletter, Stranded with the Stryxian. And yeah, definitely stranded! Very Castaway-but-make-it-sexy vibes 😆 It was a lot of fun!
👽 Fated mates, especially when the couple is extra horny for some reason, bonus points if the vibes are good
👽 The alien is from a society that highly values women, bonus points if it’s because there’s lots of alien guys (also they’re super hot)
👽 The human looks at the alien in the beginning and think “10/10: Would Bang”
👽 Tons of good natured human-alien culture clash, bonus points for the alien’s culture making him super earnest.
And this book met all my criteria, even the bonus criteria. It was an instant mood booster, would absolutely recommend.
This one was especially good because it had a rare version of this couple—we almost always see the hero with Trinity’s personality and the heroine with Raig’s. She was a brave, competent, and strategic badass ex-military fighter pilot. And he was an open minded, logical, and fair military commander. They were so BA together!
So why 4 stars? This is where I go “Am I a bad person?” Because whenever I read an alien romance with a complex sci-fi setting from a new-to-me author, I always feel sceptical about whether or not they’re going to pull off the world they’ve promised over the course of the series. I mean, I also gave Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline 4 stars, which I’m pretty sure is against the law (I’ll rectify that on my reread this fall, don’t worry). We’ll see if I end up saying the same thing about Bonding with the Stryxian.
I also read the little free novella you get for signing up this author’s newsletter, Stranded with the Stryxian. And yeah, definitely stranded! Very Castaway-but-make-it-sexy vibes 😆 It was a lot of fun!
April 3, 2025
When an alien race called the Morr-ta show up and attack Earth, the Stryxian's come to our aid. All they ask in return is that Earth sends some females to their planet as mates to help rebuild their population. So when a cease fire is made, it's time to pay up. The women chosen have signed up voluntarily and now Trinity's number is called after she retires from the military. Trinity has worked alongside the Stryxian's so she's not as nervous about this as some of the other women are. They are to be transported to a settlement where they will get to pick their mates from the males there.
From everything they know the Stryxian males have a code that prevents them from ever treating the females badly so that's one good thing. Raig is the commander in charge and has been sent to make sure the human females are sent to the settlements where they will be able to choose their mates and hopefully start producing offspring.
But as soon as Raig meets Trinity he knows she is his true mate and has no plans on letting her go to any settlement, which make his superiors upset. Because there's a power struggle going on behind the scenes between the Stryxian's and the Vanyi who are actually in charge. One Vanyi known as Sleer is very power hungry and makes a lot of problems for Trinity and Raig.
I really liked the ending and can only hope we get to see how Raig and Trinity are getting along in their new relationship in subsequent books. I plan on reading more of this series in the future for sure.
From everything they know the Stryxian males have a code that prevents them from ever treating the females badly so that's one good thing. Raig is the commander in charge and has been sent to make sure the human females are sent to the settlements where they will be able to choose their mates and hopefully start producing offspring.
But as soon as Raig meets Trinity he knows she is his true mate and has no plans on letting her go to any settlement, which make his superiors upset. Because there's a power struggle going on behind the scenes between the Stryxian's and the Vanyi who are actually in charge. One Vanyi known as Sleer is very power hungry and makes a lot of problems for Trinity and Raig.
I really liked the ending and can only hope we get to see how Raig and Trinity are getting along in their new relationship in subsequent books. I plan on reading more of this series in the future for sure.
January 24, 2022
I love a good sci-fi romance and this one is pretty good. It is a little different than what I have read. So here we have the Stryxian Warriors and humans who are working together in an intergalactic war. However, the warriors have lost women and therefore are needing mates. They strike up a deal with earth to find brides. Now this is where things get tricky. Available human woman must enter a drawing and wait to be called if they are chosen. Trinity just happens to be one of a group of women chosen. So while she is on her way to the appointed designation she meets Raig. Well he immediately knows that she is his mate. However, there is something else going on. The story starts to pick up and get intense. Do you get some steamy action in the midst. Yes of course. Do we find out what is going on with the other ladies in the program. We do get some answers which hopefully we find out in the later books. Will Raig and Trin get a happily ever after. Check out this book to see what all happens.
May 14, 2022
7 ft winged warriors in search of their fated mates
Trinity is a fighter pilot in the intergalactic alliance to save Earth from alien invasion. Stryxians fought along side humans in exchange for females to rebuild their dying race. Trinity doesn't expect to be picked in female lottery. Raig is the Stryxian commander in charge of transporting the chosen females to his planet. He thinks humans fragile and is shocked to realize Trinity is his mala - his mate. Trinity doesn't put much stock in the notion of mates but she finds the Stryxians and especially Raig sexy. Raig wants to court her but an ambitious politician from his planet seeks to thwart their match and possibly worse. They have explore their relationship while unraveling a deadly intergalactic conspiracy. Fortunately exploring the mate bond includes lots of sexy times with her winged alien. Good start to the series.
Trinity is a fighter pilot in the intergalactic alliance to save Earth from alien invasion. Stryxians fought along side humans in exchange for females to rebuild their dying race. Trinity doesn't expect to be picked in female lottery. Raig is the Stryxian commander in charge of transporting the chosen females to his planet. He thinks humans fragile and is shocked to realize Trinity is his mala - his mate. Trinity doesn't put much stock in the notion of mates but she finds the Stryxians and especially Raig sexy. Raig wants to court her but an ambitious politician from his planet seeks to thwart their match and possibly worse. They have explore their relationship while unraveling a deadly intergalactic conspiracy. Fortunately exploring the mate bond includes lots of sexy times with her winged alien. Good start to the series.
February 18, 2025
I can't believe I'm writing this. I started this book based on a reddit recommendation, just wanting a low-stakes, spicy, bodice-ripper to help cure a book hangover (Empyrean Series).
I actually really want to know more about the plot.
I love the FMC* (the MMC is fine). And the spice is fine.
But the supposed "end" to a long inter-planetary inter-species war is suspect and I want to know more.
I absolutely expected nothing from this book besides guilty-pleasure smut. And now I'm invested in the plot to the point I skimmed through several of the spicier scenes.
Plot. Who knew?
*The FMC has chronic pain from a leg injury (a la Dr. House) and she's still a badass. Great to see some disability representation!
Update: I’m through book 3 and if you don’t like pregnancy tropes (I don’t) then maybe move along. Books 1 and 2 are fun, but the sci-fi plot is yielding to baby craze. Disappointing.
I actually really want to know more about the plot.
I love the FMC* (the MMC is fine). And the spice is fine.
But the supposed "end" to a long inter-planetary inter-species war is suspect and I want to know more.
I absolutely expected nothing from this book besides guilty-pleasure smut. And now I'm invested in the plot to the point I skimmed through several of the spicier scenes.
Plot. Who knew?
*The FMC has chronic pain from a leg injury (a la Dr. House) and she's still a badass. Great to see some disability representation!
Update: I’m through book 3 and if you don’t like pregnancy tropes (I don’t) then maybe move along. Books 1 and 2 are fun, but the sci-fi plot is yielding to baby craze. Disappointing.
August 8, 2025
This was a fun and quick alien romance read. Definitely not my favorite of the genre, it was certainly cheesy but fun. Kinda like a spicy alien novella. It was nice to actually read about a PLOT. If you don’t like insta love, you wont like this one.
Humans made a deal with the Stryxian males: Help us defend Earth, and when the war is over, we’ll send you women to help rebuild your dying species. Now, the war appears to be over and Trinity Bentzer’s number has been called in the lottery. Only, instead of winning a boatload of money, she’s getting some badass winged alien she’s never met. Trin’s not thrilled to be shipped off and matched up, until she meets Raig.
Commander Raig Thanor’s job is to supervise the females’ move to their holding chambers until they are sent to their final matches, but the moment he meets Trinity, he knows she’s his. If only claiming her didn’t risk sparking a war within his own people.
Humans made a deal with the Stryxian males: Help us defend Earth, and when the war is over, we’ll send you women to help rebuild your dying species. Now, the war appears to be over and Trinity Bentzer’s number has been called in the lottery. Only, instead of winning a boatload of money, she’s getting some badass winged alien she’s never met. Trin’s not thrilled to be shipped off and matched up, until she meets Raig.
Commander Raig Thanor’s job is to supervise the females’ move to their holding chambers until they are sent to their final matches, but the moment he meets Trinity, he knows she’s his. If only claiming her didn’t risk sparking a war within his own people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2022
Good
When the war with the Morr-ta ended, a deal was struck with Earth to send women to the Stryxian warriors in an exchange, since the Stryxians had few females, and most of the Terran males were dead.
Trinity, a former fighter pilot for the space force, is heading for retirement, when she discovers that her lottery number has been picked as a Stryxian mate.
Boarding one of their vessels, she meets Raig, the High commander of their military, who recognizes in Trin, his fated mate.
But rarely does the path of true love ever run smooth, and it’s not long before Trin and Raig find themselves uncovering a web of lies…
A wonderfully entertaining sci-fi romance, with some fascinating alien heroes, and a dastardly common enemy, all layered in mysterious plots!
Recommended for SFR fans, especially those who enjoy winged heroes.
When the war with the Morr-ta ended, a deal was struck with Earth to send women to the Stryxian warriors in an exchange, since the Stryxians had few females, and most of the Terran males were dead.
Trinity, a former fighter pilot for the space force, is heading for retirement, when she discovers that her lottery number has been picked as a Stryxian mate.
Boarding one of their vessels, she meets Raig, the High commander of their military, who recognizes in Trin, his fated mate.
But rarely does the path of true love ever run smooth, and it’s not long before Trin and Raig find themselves uncovering a web of lies…
A wonderfully entertaining sci-fi romance, with some fascinating alien heroes, and a dastardly common enemy, all layered in mysterious plots!
Recommended for SFR fans, especially those who enjoy winged heroes.
August 11, 2023
Raig & Trinity: Trinity if a fighter pilot for the military, ready to retire. Before that can happen, she's called in by her superior and told that her number's been pulled to be one of the human females sent to make with the Stryxian warriors as part of a deal made with them and the government. Raig is in charge of the Stryxian warriors, he's been tasked to bring the women to be transferred to other planets to meet their potential mates. He never imagined his mate would be among them. Until he sees her and his body begins to react to her presence. Now he has to bond with his mate and deal with a potential coup amongst the current authority within his people. I liked the story, it was very interesting and I liked how the mate bonding was done differently. Not bad. I'll definitely continue this series.
June 17, 2021
Such a deep and compelling story! I was addicted to this book right from the start. I don't think I've read this author before but I won't miss any of her other work now, that's for sure! There is a deep story going on here, a major story arc that is fueled by drama, deceit, and hidden agendas. I love that the human females aren't being forced into a breeding program but are given a choice. The Stryxians are an alien race that did the right thing but were being undermined by some of their own. The story develops in this first book but it's far from over. There is a good amount of intimacy and of course a happy ending. Read this book! I'm going to read the series, I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this series!
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