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A space opera romance that sends the powerless daughter of a psi dynasty into an alliance with a notorious outlaw to rescue her sister. Book one of a series built on awakening abilities, bargains with bad men and heat that outpaces trust.

Her Sister Is Captive. Her Powers Are Waking. Her Only Ally Is an Outlaw.

The ElAtal sisters have always known they were experiments. Their mother gave them life; their mysterious fathers gave them power, each daughter inheriting a unique psi ability. All except Azia. The failure. The powerless one.

Or so she thought.

When her sister Bayle is captured on the planet Delphi, Azia will stop at nothing to get her back. But her father's world is locked down, and the only way in is with a sponsor. Her only a notorious prisoner with a reputation as lethal as it's magnetic.

Locke Maynard is exactly the kind of man Azia should avoid. Arrogant. Ruthless. Impossible to ignore. Yet from the moment they strike their bargain, she discovers he's more than temptation. He's the key to powers she never knew she had.

Now Azia faces a risk her heart on a man she can't trust, or lose the sister she can't live without.

Perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon, Anna Hackett and Grace Goodwin.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

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About the author

Leigh Wyndfield

33 books29 followers
Leigh Wyndfield lives in rural Virginia with her fat cat named Ayra, two lovable rescue puppies, six chickens, and the best guy in the world. A city girl at heart, she’s embracing the mysteries of growing blueberries and waking up to bunnies running from foxes in her front yard. Traveling and working a day job round out her time – oh and running for exercise (a slow, painful process she’s been told is good for her, although that’s hard to believe since it never once has been fun). She writes romance fiction that is out of this world.

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5 stars
45 (39%)
4 stars
36 (31%)
3 stars
25 (21%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Shyan Parker.
100 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2025
ARC review (will be updated upon release to include all 100+ notes an highlighted areas)
⚠️ POTENTIAL SPOILERS ⚠️

17 Chapters, 216 pages and my closing notes were ‘Thank fu*k that’s over’

Editing wise, this book needs work. There are inconsistencies, repetitive writing and nonsensical content. There are narrative issues and areas that require research before being written about.

This book claims to have tropes of; ‘Fated mates, Sexy criminal hero, Genetically modified heroine, Psi abilities, Found family, Family secrets and Forced Proximity’ with an ‘Action/Adventure’ setting. When in reality, it has almost none of this.
‘Fated Mates’ is a bit of a stretch, The ‘Criminal Hero’ is a red flag FACTORY and ‘genetically modified’ is actually just FMC being a half breed of an alien race. I’m not sure the author actually knows what PSI abilities are (flame punch is not a Psychic power), the ‘Found Family’ was ironically nowhere to be found in this book, likewise with ‘Family Secrets’ and the ‘Forced Proximity’?! Are you kidding me!? That was about as ‘forced proximity’ as standing inline at the grocery store checkout during a rush. It’s not pleasant, but completely voluntary.

What tropes did this book have?
Insta-lust and concerning mate fixation.
That’s not a joke either.
It became so intense, so quickly, that I genuinely HATED MMC by 60 pages in.

I don’t care what anyone says, no one will ever make me like the Male Lead in this story.
He straight up is obsessive over having a Mate and on page 27 he decided he’s going to LURE and TRICK the FMC into permanently tying herself to him.
Sh*t was fu*ked up and just kept GETTING WORSE.
Every instance we get insight from MMC, he’s obsessing over’Mate this and Mate that’, and plotting ways to deceive FMC knowing full well it’s wrong and just in general being mentally unstable.
Oh and lets not forget the part were he was totally okay with forcing FMCs sisters into a mating ritual too, because he was so desperate for a mate.
His thought process and justification made me feel gross reading them. He spent 90% of the book being more than willing to trap FMC unsuspecting into a mate bond and keep her at home to pop out babies, not caring that she wouldn’t want that and wouldn’t be happy. He successfully completes the bond plan and neither of them have an actual conversation about it.
He gets what he wants, she says ‘I can’t stay here’, he leaves with her and then that’s it.

Like wtf was that.
No, seriously. WHAT. THE. FU*K. WAS. THAT.


I’m also going to point out 2 massive areas for me to highlight why research is imperative beforehand.
Firstly, THE HYMEN IS NOT A FU*KING WALL IN THE VAG*NA.
I’m sorry for yelling, but gods above PLEASE at least know the female anatomy before you start writing about it. There’s no ‘barrier’ like that okay? It’s not a safety seal, it doesn’t pop like the foil on a juice box when you stick a straw in it. Google exists, use it.
Secondly, please 🙏 please 🙏 pllllleeeeeeaassseee, read at least 2 good erotica books before writing steamy scenes.
Not a single one of the smut scenes made any bloody sense and were so cringe I skipped over them.
ME!
I SKIPPED OVER THEM!
I’ve read some crazy sh*t and never (until now) have I ever skipped the smut. Even when said smut was with a sentient door (iykyk).

I could keep going, but I will wait until I can include the notes and highlights, that way some of my outrage will be understandable 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,490 reviews37 followers
May 21, 2025
4.75 stars. Azia, the female half human lead, was born to a scientist mother who wanted to experiment with breeding psychic qualities in humans. She’s been raised knowing she’s a disappointment because she never manifested any psychic skills. But she’s still the oldest of her siblings and she worked to protect them all her life. When her next younger sister is jailed on the planet her sperm donor originated from, she works out a plan to rescue her.

Locke, the male psychic alien lead, was told his mate was not on their planet and he left to find her. Unfortunately, quests are expensive and he ended up jailed for smuggling. When he’s offered the opportunity for freedom by a female who feels like one of his people (though she looks and acts nothing like them), he takes the opportunity offered. But attraction is not the same as matehood, and Azia appears to have no knowledge of their cultures and norms.

Now they both want to explore their attraction whilst saving Azia’s sister and escaping the stranglehold of her mother. Locke also wants confirmation of their compatibility and, hopefully, the mate he’s searched for.

This story is dual POV, well written, and a steamy, fast-paced, action filled, alien/human, sci fi romance. I enjoyed Azia’s sibling loyalty and her willingness to sacrifice for her sisters. I enjoyed the character development that saw her willing to challenge her female biological parent. I enjoyed Locke’s focus and determination. I appreciated the personal ethical dilemmas he had to address as he dealt with Azia. I enjoyed their steamy intimate scenes and the way trust was built, both intimately and through external challenges. I enjoyed the secondary characters inhabiting this world and am looking forward to more of this series. The story finishes on a happy for now for the couple with the overarching plot to continue in the next story with another of Azia’s sisters.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Gabz.
1,381 reviews40 followers
December 31, 2025
There could definitely have been a bit more growth to the relationship, and the ending felt a bit unsatisfactory with how suddenly it came about and the questions that it raised, but the broad strokes of this story created a world I'd like to see more of. 

Azia's very interesting with the undercurrent of doubt, which we don't often get in a heroine. She's the antithesis of the generic lead who throws herself into trouble regardless of the consequences. She knows she's backed up against a wall, but family bounds won't let her abandon her younger sister. It's refreshing, and though she does try to initially keep her distance from Locke, it's the curiosity about her heritage that lures her in, not just that element of lust. 

On the other hand, Locke is a surprise. He's big, he's trained to be a soldier, and all that separates him from his dreams is the absent mate. You'd expect him to be a jackass, but he actually comes across as jovial and supportive, willing to slowly work up Azia's interest and to encourage her learning about being a Delphi. That element of play in their relationship was quite endearing. 

My main qualm is probably down to the length of the novel, as we don't have quite enough time to truly paint the picture of Locke's trauma from the prison, nor to add real depth to Azia's lonely upbringing. I think there's great potential to improve this book further by going back to work on those elements that add depth and realism, but it makes up for it by keeping a fast pace and keeping things interesting. 

Second novel by this author, and it certainly won't be the last. Now I may or may not immediately devour the entire series. To be seen how dreary January looks. 😂
Profile Image for Shianne Whipple.
176 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
Chosen by Leigh Wyndfield is the start to a unique sci-fi romance series that blends action, heart, and sisterhood.

Azia is one of four sisters born from alien/human experimentation, and while her siblings have powerful PSI abilities, she feels like the odd one out, she is powerless and a disappointment to their cold, calculating mother, Xandra. But everything changes when Azia is forced to work with Locke, a supposed criminal, to save one of her sisters.

What I loved most is how Locke completely flips the script. He’s not the dangerous outlaw Azia expected (at least to her) he’s supportive, loyal, and quietly encouraging, helping her uncover the strength she didn’t know she had. Their chemistry is great, and watching Azia come into her own was so satisfying. Locke coming to terms with the idea that his mate and life wouldn't be what he expected showed real character growth.

This book is a solid intro into the world of the sisters and their mysterious powers. It sets up the lore and dynamics without feeling overwhelming. I’m really excited to see where the series goes next and get to know each sister better!
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
797 reviews44 followers
December 1, 2025
Azia, half human- half alien, is created by her mother, the hard and cold scientist aka the Buther. Feared by many, her mother is not exactly the warm type of parent.

When her younger sister is in trouble, Azia risks all to go after her. But she can’t do this alone… she releases Locke out of prison to help her.

Their adventure is dangerous, harsh and challenging. Between all the danger they are facing, there is also a spark of chemistry, slowly growing. The story is beautifully written and the slow burning passion is intense.

The world and characters are explained in detail. My vivid imagination saw the world as if I was there myself. ☺️

The storyline is very interesting and fluent.

A must read for readers who like high fantasy/sci fi with a slow burn romance! This is the first part of a series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky.
154 reviews
May 25, 2025
Azia has spent her life under the iron rule of her mother, the infamous scientific commander known only as The Butcher. Cold. Controlled. Untouchable. But when her younger sister is arrested on the forbidden planet Delphi, Azia must risk everything to get her back—even if it means working with a dangerous prisoner.

Locke Hayward is a Delphi native with secrets of his own. Accused of smuggling and locked away for crimes he didn’t commit, he’s been searching for one thing: his fated mate. What he didn’t expect was for her to come barging into his cell, desperate and defiant.

Forced together on a mission that will ignite more than just their tempers, Azia and Locke uncover truths buried deeper than either expected. On Delphi, power is born of connection—and some bonds are written in the stars.
Profile Image for Sammy K.
67 reviews
May 27, 2025
Overall, this was a cute, easy read pallet cleanser. Azia is loyal to her sisters, which is how she finds herself going against all of the rules to rescue one of them. Breaking out a criminal that the entire prison is afraid of? Yep.

Marketing said he’s morally gray but it’s really his thoughts that are morally gray. His actions? Not so much. Locke is a Delphi who just wants his mate and he talks himself out of forcing anything, in the end.

I will say that a few of the tropes used to market this book are not accurate. There was no found family - Azia is close with her half sisters. And as I mentioned earlier, Locke is not really morally grey. Azia is not really genetically modified - her human mom chose alien DNA to “make” Azia and her sisters.

Thank you to Literary Inspired for the ARC opportunity!
Profile Image for Brittney Traudt.
Author 18 books63 followers
May 29, 2025
3.5 stars - I received an ARC for this book from Literary Inspired!

Fairly quick read about a half-breed human/alien believing her destined powers never manifested and she was meant to live a life of loyalty to her sisters. When one of them finds themselves in deep trouble, she goes to Hells Gate prison to use a prisoner as her escort to rescue her sister.

The adventures throughout this story I thought were pretty good and definitely kept my interest. I’m still new to the world of mates, and the MMC obsession with finding his seemed a bit much, but it is explained that’s essentially a huge part of his culture. It didn’t turn me off to their story and slow burn.

The spicy scenes were subpar but not horrible and got the point across. I think if this book had been any longer it would’ve been hard to get through, but the length was perfect to me. I’d keep reading this series!
889 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2025
The author is new to me. I liked the writing style. Sometimes a little repetitive. The worldbuilding was good. I liked the prologue included all of the sisters and a little of their life. And of course "mother" and her experiments.

I liked both Azia and Locke, how they met and the adventure they had together to rescue her younger sister Bayle.

Action and some suspense along with steam to the romance . I liked the HEA for them and her contract with her mother. How, with Locke's support, she was able to stand up to her mother.

I also liked how he tried to figure out how to test for the mating bond without her knowing. The culture on Delphi was interesting.

I also loved their commitment with each other. That he would follow her wherever she went.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,474 reviews15 followers
December 7, 2025
Unique Alien Romance with Excellent Worldbuilding

This installment in the Psi mate series is another wonderful read, and it truly stands out because of its unique plot. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, making it incredibly easy to fall into the story and stay there. The characters are well crafted, with personalities and motivations that feel believable within the alien setting.

The pacing is even throughout, and the length feels just right—long enough to develop the world and the romance, but never dragging. The plot unfolds smoothly, and the emotional beats land exactly where they should.

Overall, it’s a satisfying, engaging alien romance that fans of the series will definitely enjoy. A solid addition to the Psi mate universe!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
1,233 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2025
A fantastic beginning to the series. Azia is the oldest of four girls and is more of a mother than a sister to them. Their mother/Commander/Butcher is a scientist and has been running experiments on them for years. Each of the girls have a different father with different psi DNA. When Bayle, her sister breaks onto the planet Delphi to find Azia's father's DNA, she is captured and put in prison. Azia is determined to rescue her. She has to break Locke, a delphi out of prison to be able to access the planet. What will happen now?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,961 reviews17 followers
June 22, 2025
I really liked how each came into their own with the support of the other. Azia was a disappointment to her mother, felt herself a failure for the experiment conducted her entire life and put herself last in matters of the heart. Locke's future was set by his culture, his need to find that which made him complete and his unfortunate surroundings. Slowly, as trust was hesitatingly given, an opportunity and a realization started to grow. It wasnt until they came up against an impossible situation that they truly become aware of how their choices would affect each other.
Profile Image for Kerry Ann.
680 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2025
Though each of the four PSI Mates books (Choosen, Destined, Inteded and Fated) features the story of a different sister they flow in a sequenced order tied closely together within an overarching the story arch. Personally I galloped through one to the next drive to find out what was to be uncovered next.

I love this authors “Heat” novellas and Wyndfield delivered again here.

Props for breaking the mad scientist/ villain stereo type. In my opinion casting the self-serving manipulative villain as a woman elevated the narrative.
Profile Image for T.L. Schaefer.
Author 36 books58 followers
November 14, 2025
This book was a rollicking good time. Azia just wants a family to call her own. Yeah, she's got her half-sisters, but as the family dud, there's always been that little bit of difference that separates her from them. As for Locke... Oh my goodness... he's fantastically yummy. Together they're pure magic (and kickass to boot) as they solve the mystery of Azia's bloodline and ensure Locke's freedom. Pick this one up and hang on :) I can't wait for the second book in July!!
782 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2025
Azia knows being the oldest can be difficult but having to get your sister from prison has to top the list, especially with all the side quests involved. One very important quest has to breaking a very handsome Locke out of his prison first. A pretty dodgy meet cute, but he's definitely worth the trouble! A fabulous first installment and peek on just how exciting these sisters are.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ingrid Spera.
1,215 reviews29 followers
May 30, 2025
This book was so fun and such an easy and cute read. There is enough tension and Intrigue to keep the story moving without all the added drama and angst. I also really liked Locke's internal struggle and to see him come to terms with what he wanted. Overall, I loved it! I cannot wait to read the rest of the sister stories as well!
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
1,085 reviews7 followers
November 7, 2025
Azia is more than expected by anyone while Locke is eager to be more with her. I love their interactions and how supportive they become of each other while also exploring their own growth. Great supporting cast and plenty of adventure! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Pamela Schalk.
733 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2026
A woman who is part alien and a male alien!

A woman who is part human and part alien has been a subject to her mother's experiments since the day that she was conceived, as well as her sisters. A male alien left his planet to try and find his mate. Along the way he ends up doing some black market deals. You will have to read the book to find out what all happens to everyone. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Danii.
734 reviews10 followers
July 10, 2025
That's the kind of book I just soak up.
A courageous FMC forced to make dangerous decisions, a morally greyish and s3xy MMC, evil villains, action, fated mates, fascinating alien races with unknown Psi powers and all wrapped up in a space opera.
Recommended
Profile Image for ilayda.
14 reviews
November 28, 2025
I admit! I love alien romance! And i am not ashamed of it! and i loved this book too!
Its a story of one of four sister, and it starts with learning some secrets about their fathers -four different father-
I liked the female and male lead. I liked the story between them.
13 reviews
March 17, 2026
okay, but needs more depth

This book was okay, but not terribly exciting. Character development was minimal, relationship building was rushed and disconnected, and it was kind of boring.
Profile Image for Dawn.
416 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2026
Cute book

Read in a few hours. Very entertaining and fun read. Great characters though I would have liked the heroine to have a bit more backbone against the evil witch. Going to read the others.
Profile Image for Augusta Williams.
238 reviews13 followers
September 6, 2026
This was an ok read for me.. i expected… more? The synopsis of the book hooked me but it kinda fell flat.. it just wasnt that exciting and just felt basic. I mean it was interesting but not really exciting.
769 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2025
I absolutely loved Azia's and Locke's book. Very well written and action packed! My favorite scene was the climax with the mom....
I can't wait for the next sister's story!
Profile Image for J'Lyssa.
37 reviews
May 31, 2025
This book was my first read by this author, and I liked this book. I love the blend of sci-fi and romance. This book was a wild ride.
Profile Image for Heather.
259 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2025
Generally I enjoy this author, but this book had too many different types of stories to it and felt very disjointed.
148 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2026
Spell Binding

Love this story. Can’t wait to read the next one. ❤️
I’m going to look for others by this author too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews