Fated to the Drakarn Commander

Drakarn Mates #4

by Kate Rudolph

Drakarn warrior, deadly enforcer, feared mentor, and shield to the weak in a world of molten rock and razor-sharp wings, this is what I am. I never waver…until she crashes into my fortress and demolishes every ironclad rule I’ve ever held.

Hawk is smaller than my kind, yet braver than any warrior I've ever known. From the instant her scent sears my senses, I know two she is mine, and I will break worlds to protect her.

But forging a bond with an alien female inflames ancient grudges and council politics—each side eager to shred our alliance before it blooms. And when enemy forces appear demanding human blood, there are those in Scalvaris eager to give her up.

They call me ruthless for locking her in my private quarters, for guarding her every step, but she’s too precious to lose.

Rival clans plot war, temple priests preach doom, and eagle-eyed enemies circle for the kill. I’ll face them all—wings flared, claws bared—to keep her safe.

A Drakarn’s mate isn’t a choice. She’s fate. And a Drakarn warrior never surrenders what belongs to him.

Genres: Romance, Aliens

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
Feel free to friend me on Goodreads!
You can also find me online:
Free book: signup.katerudolph.net/subscribe
Facebook: facebook.com/katerudolphauthor

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighter pilot Hawk (h) is part of a group of human survivors whose ship crashes on Volcaryth, a volatile alien planet ruled by the Drakarn, dragon-like alien warriors. With danger around every corner and fragile trust between species, the humans fight to stay alive in an unfamiliar world. From the moment Hawk crosses paths with the fearsome Commander Khorlar (H), something shifts, an undeniable, primal connection that strikes both of them. He never wanted a human mate. She never planned to need anyone. But fate has other plans. Hawk’s fire, defiance, and strength keep pulling him in, while Khorlar’s loyalty and quiet protectiveness begin to wear down her walls. As tensions between the Drakarn and their enemies escalate, the humans become pawns in a growing political war. When the threat closes in, Khorlar makes a dangerous choice, binding himself to Hawk in a way neither fully understands, a bond that grows into something neither of them can deny or control. What begins as a protective move transforms into something far more powerful. Caught between duty, loyalty, and an impossible love, Hawk and Khorlar must navigate betrayal, cultural rifts, and the raw intensity of a bond that defies logic. The connection between them is undeniable, forged through blood, fire, and hard-won trust. Their fight isn't just for survival. It’s for each other. Even when the odds are stacked against them. Hawk is fierce, focused, and fearless. Khorlar is a deadly warrior bound by honor and instinct. Together, they’re unstoppable, if they can survive everything working to pull them apart. A steamy, alien-human, fated mates romance, exploring love, connection, action, survival, loyalty, duty, risk, trust, power, politics, partnership, and identity.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular read, Hawk’s a warrior and also human with a Drakarn Warrior that his sole concern
Hawk is a human warrior and she has been sequestered since arriving on Scalvaris where she is under threat from a rival clan that is determined to sever the alliance by any means they deemed necessary even death.
Hawk and her human sisters that are all in the same group and watching each other’s backs to ensure that they came to as little harm as possible. Hawk is thwarted by a powerful Drakarn, her safety and survival have become his sole concern and hawk ensures, this involves them having very close proximity and she has to become his sole concern, but she be able to survive the close scrutiny his concern has drawn.
Khorlar is a fierce Drakarn and as he does everything in his power to ensure that the delightful and intelligent human was not suddenly and inexplicably murdered, or conveniently died so he knew that he had to be on his game and watch everything that was happening around her whether it be during training or on actual jobs.
Then he is horrified when a Ignarath mercenary that actually had attempted to kidnap her and it had been simply his observation and suspicion that had prevented this from happening.
I do not want to spoil the plot or the ending of this book so am careful about how much information I give; I guarantee that once you start reading you will not be able to put this book dow until you reach the end of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another over-protective Drakarn warrior falls on the sword of fate!

Hawk is a human warrior. She's a pilot at heart and her new life on Volcaryth has been a bit of an eye opener. She's loath to trust any of these hulking aliens, especially as her friends keep falling in love with the winged menaces! Then there's Khorlar - her shadow, her PITA, the one most likely to send her into a rage. Also the one who takes up far too much of her brain!

Khorlar is annoyed with himself. His life in Scalvaris was nice and orderly before these humans turned up and started mating with his fellow warriors! The attraction to Hawk is something he's denying to himself and he's not about to let his guard down and let the pesky human under his defences. Yep, we've heard that before!

Khorlar and Hawk have to go through a couple of rings of fire to get to their HEA. Most of the drama comes from themselves and certain shady individuals. I did want to kind of strangle one fo the survivors - she's definitely one of the protagonists in some of the plot lines and agitates her own people into a sticky situation. I get the worry and desperation they must be feeling but going off half-c)cked without a plan or strategy in place is suicidal!

Shady internal politics, misogynistic/xenophobic factions, hinted at segsual violence - these are some of the main themes through the book so if you are in anyway triggered by these, I'd pass on this one. The Ignarath are illustrating what a stinking POS they really are now.

Can't wait to see what befalls our next couple!

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warrior in her own right, Sarah Hawkins (AKA Hawk) is more at home in an aircraft than in a cave, which is where she’s been sequestered since humans arrived on Scalvaris, protected by and I’m some cases mated with the Drakarn, winged beings who inhabit the planet. Due to a subset of fervent zealots and a rival clan attempting to sever the alliance between the humans and the Drakarn, Hawk and her human sisters in displacement are hunted by those opposed to the Drakarn. When a particularly brazen attempt to capture Hawk is thwarted by a powerful Drakarn, her safety and survival become his sole concern, but will Hawk survive their close proximity?

Fierce Drakarn warlord Khorlar knows from the moment his heart nearly stops as he rushes to save the gorgeous human from sudden death when she slips off a precarious ledge during a training exercise. One touch and he’s overwhelmed by the need to claim and mate her. The human is too stubborn by half, and insists upon looking after herself but all bets are off when a rogue Ignarath mercenary attempts to kidnap her.

This is another heart pounding book in the Drakarn warrior series, and it’s a doozy, with lots of action but also lots of s3xy times for the newly fated mates.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m leaving my honest review.

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4terrific🌟's for Fate to the Drakarn Commander🌟💖🔥🐉

This is KHORLAR & HAWK's story! We have discovered there are more humans on this Fiery hellish planet and they are not with Drakarn that care wether they live or die. Hawk is a solider through and through hard nosed and no nonsense. She takes responsibility for her people and she wants to keep them safe in this strange new world. The rival clan of Drakarn want to steal the humans and use them for their own purposes. Hawk will not allow this but she's feeling divided between her people and the Drakarn that has claim her for his own. Khorlar is a commander of soldiers not a male searching for a mate especially a human one. It that is exactly what he finds in Hawk. He admires her fierce loyalty and her skill in combat. Once he gives in there is not during back he will do whatever it takes to protect his mate. Their chemistry is great and TBE characters are well developed. My problem either is not enough world building . who are these other Drakarn ? Are there even more clans out there that are hostile? More humans ? What happens to the crashed ship. I hope we learn more in the next book. 🔥💖💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟

[Jennifer D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This.One.Was.SOOOOO.INTENSE!!!!!!

Wow!!! I don’t think I would categorize it as enemies to lovers but it was kinda close the way Hawk (Sarah) and Khorlar were fighting their fate…. Really intense…. And really suspenseful…. With lots of action as well…..I don’t think Khorlar fully internalized how Hawk was just as fierce a commander of her people as he was of his for a long time…he admires her for her fierceness and her strength, her loyalty to her people, but expects her to also put him and their bond above all else…while Hawk fights what she feels is the weakness of the bond every step of the way, she’s torn in two, by her loyalty to her troops (the other human women crashed on Volcaryth) and her growing feelings of belonging and connection to Khorlar…

The writing is, as always, great…you can feel the desperation of the MC’s at times in the fierceness of the writing. The intimate scenes are out of this world intense(😉🔥)

Then you have the fighting with the Ignarath as well as the religious sect in Scalvaris too… a lot going on…such a great story!

Loved it!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah/Hawk is a strong female leader to the other humans that are among the Drakarn. Khorlar is a leader among his people. His interactions with the humans is noted by all especially his growing attachment to Hawk.

There is a lot of political maneuvering that is taking a toll on both sides. The enemy seems to be around the corner at every turn.

The push and pull of Hawk and Khorlar really draws you in with their simmering tension. Thankfully Hawk doesn’t seem to have TSTL moments and is thinking strategically about how to find out what’s going on with the other humans on the planet.

While the interactions with these two characters keeps this story moving, for me the snails pace of what’s going on with the other humans on the planet is dragging on a bit much.

The deep passions of the male and female pairings is exciting the other parts are either being set to drag the series out into several books or maybe they are not fleshed out as the author tries to figure out what happens next?

I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They’d learn more from bruises than lectures."

Khorlar had the best of intentions... until a dangerous enemy forced his hand.

Hawk is committed to her people, but she's discovering that blind loyalty, stubbornness, and refusing to accept help may not be the best way to protect and serve.

In previous books we learned that the Drakarn our human survivors are sheltering with aren't the only people on this planet. As if political intrigue and religious tension within the community wasn't enough to deal with now the Ignarath are prowling around, and everyone is in agreement on one thing. This can't be good.

Hawk and her fellow survivors have worked hard to present a united front, but cracks are starting to appear. Some don't understand how their peers can trust the Drakarn... but as Hawk is learning, it is more than trust, it is something that runs deeper, and just might be beyond description.

I was gifted with a copy of Fated to the Drakarn Commander and chose to share my thoughts.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated to the Drakarn Commander is the fourth book of the Drakarn Mates series which brings together human Hawk and Drakarn Commander Khorlar in another romantic Sci-Fi sizzling hot pairing of fated mates.
Hawk is a strong female who has caught Khorlar’s notice as she exercises in the Drakarn training caverns, which increases ten fold after he catches her scent and it won’t be too long before he realizes why he feels the way he does.
Hawk has problems though with the grumps sudden overprotectivness of her which brings them into conflict when she wants to go looking for other humans who may be lost in Scalvaris.
Filled with engaging characters and captivating writing merged with danger, action, adventure, politics, intrigue, enemies, and passion, this fantastic storyline continues to deliver persistently evocative reading, and I can’t wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Guadalupe Cosme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khorlar is a Drakarn warrior, and Commander that enforces the law. He is no one wants to cross. Hawk is a human solider, and protects her people. She is responsible for them, and she is their leader. Hawk has witnessed three woman mated to Drakarn warriors. She does not want the same fate. The enemy wants the human women turned over to them. The council elders need to hold a meeting, in order to make a decision. Khorlar knows that Hawk is his fated mate.. He offers his protection to keep her safe. He knows the consequences if they mate. One of the human women wants to rescue the other human woman, on enemy territory. Hawk insist that they plan, and strategize a rescue. Will Khorlar claim Hawk as his mate? Will they defeat the enemy? I enjoyed reading this book!!!! The storyline flowed well. There is love, passion, danger, and death.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has met his fated one, even before he saw her almost plunge down from rock climbing. A flight er pilot she now is but still seeks what she misses. Freedom in the skies. volcanic to star sun, planet away from her Terra planet, she misses it. There is a lot of drama from the council that still continues since beginning of the series. It’s really irritating and frustrating how they interfere with everyone’s lives, but not focused on what’s at stake! Intense relationship, but in denial. Fighting for the humans to stay and treat them as equals is an uphill battle. Action between the two main characters. Passages read and reread because the interaction is blunt into the point yet not stilted excellent read. Cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mate for Khorlar

This is book four and the drama that follows the good Drakarn over the bad Drakarn. Since I read out of order because this book popped up in my feed, there are Drakarn that do not like the humans who landed from the sky. One group of the Drakarn are living and training with the humans. A few of them are mated. The other side wants more of the humans but Khorlar and his people took a stance against them. Now the bad side is planning invasions and tricks to get the humans. Khorlar discovers that one of the human female soldiers, Sarah Hawk, is indeed his mate. They both ignore the bond at first, but that cat is out of the bag. Close proximity is bring out their bon. There is plenty of adult fun times! There is a happy ending. Read On!

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flying!
OMG I just love this series! Fierce Drakarn warriors, possessive and protective, and their strong, resilient and sassy human mates. Khorlar and Hawk are another couple, who are trying to ignore their feelings for each other and everything it stands for. Unsuccessfully, of course. Meanwhile, the number of enemies that are against the presence of the human women, increases. From inside and outside, politically and religiously. A question of trust and loyalty – for mate or people, being between a rock and a hard place. Had to read it in one go. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab addition to the series and it was a page turner for me. Drakarn Commander Khorlar finds himself rather concerned with human warrior and pilot, Hawk. She's feisty, strong and determined not to take any guff from the males. He may have started off as a grumpy warrior, but soon enough he's rather overprotective, possessive and obsessed with her ;) I love that they tried to resist their chemistry but they had no choice but to totally fall for each other. Lol! Expect to be glued to your reader as they work through the danger, political intrigue, adventure and passion to get to their HEA. Definitely recommend :D

[Christina Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the series. Hawk, her crew and civilians crashed on planet Salvaris, a hell planet. Hawk was the pilot. Some of the humans are trying to figure out a way to find the others on the planet, so they will all be together and protected. Khorlar is the Drakarn Commander and he is fighting his attraction to Hawk and he to him. As the enemy attempts to take Hawk, Khorlar realizes that she is his mate. Can he convince her to be with him and can he protect her from the enemies within and out?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Sarah Hawk and Khorlar... this is their love story.. their destiny.. their fate... and fate is never wrong !! fighting the mate bond... not recognizing your mate.. Hawk was the pilot.. Khorlar is the enforcer.. they never thought of a mate bond.. didn't know what it meant. Until, it was almost too late !!! the Iganarth threat is all too real !! but, the humans don't believe it.. they just want to rescue the other humans.. no plan.. no nothing.. and the temple...just wants the outsiders gone no matter what !!! the danger is real ... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khorlar and Hawk, whilst very different, are kindred spirits. Fierce, honed fighters and loyal to the bone. When the mating attraction flares between them, it burns impossibly hot. The threat from the Ignarath, temple politics and uncertainty from the unmated women just push them together.

Another fantastic story from this author and another brilliant series. Whilst they can be read as standalones they are better enjoyed if read in order. Fierce dragons and feisty humans, a thoroughly enjoyable combination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Birgit Offenhammer Geb Beckmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hier geht es nun um Hawk, die Menschenfrau, und Khorlar, ein Drachenkrieger.

Auch hier erweist sich die Autorin eine unfassbar genial Story zuschreiben, Mensch trifft auf Drache und beide spüren das etwas zwischen den beiden ist und doch müssen sie sich auch hier erst einmal beweisen.

Hawk weiß genau was sie will und wie sie es auch bekommt und er, der sie beschützen will und ihr versucht klar zumachen, wie wichtig sie für ihn ist.

Die beiden werden so manchen erleben und die zarten Bande zwischen ihnen werden Stück für Stück geknüpft.

Eine ganz klare Kauf-Leseempfehlung.

5 / 5 Sterne

[Robbiega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated to the Drakarn is the fourth book in the Drakarn Mates series. Like the previous stories it contains steamy romance along with the humor, action. Khorlar and Hawk are both warriors as well as mates. I know you will enjoy their story.
Kate Rudolph created an interesting and challenging world with a hot atmosphere, interesting people and wonderful adventures. I truly enjoy this series and recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated to the Drakarn Commander by Kate Rudolph continues the Drakarn Mates series in book 4. Khorlar is a deadly enforcer who is attracted by dynamo female warrior Hawk. She takes no crap from him or any other Drakarn warrior. After much back and forth, he claims her publicly to keep out of the hands of the Ignaraths, the other winged warriors who are dastardly enemies eager to claim all the human women for themselves. They finally realize that the attraction is mutual and, boy, do the sparks fly!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting fate bond forged in the heat of Volcaryth. Khorlar knows that the fiesty defiant Hawk is his mate and nothing will get in his way to securing her. Hawk is a leader and soldier not a mate or so she thinks. Their lightning connection cannot be ignored. Continued overarching plot with the dangerous enemies from within and from the outside. I am really enjoying this series. Can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fated to the Drakarn Commander” by Kate Rudolph

Hawk and Khorlar’s slow-burn romance blazes amid war, politics, and passion. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

The world-building is rich, the action thrilling, and the spice hits just right.
Both wary of love, they’re irresistibly drawn together in a time of chaos and darkness.
A gripping alien romance with depth, danger, and undeniable chemistry.

Finding love and your mate while fighting for your very existence.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khorlar and Hawk . . .

Drakarn warrior Khorlar is initially irritated by the strong-willed, defiant human female warrior Sarah Hawkins (“Hawk”) who breaks his rules and ignores his orders. But discovering that she is his mate changes everything and he will never give her up. He faces the enemy that wants the humans for themselves. But she is his and he will never let them near her. Others are also pressuring him to give her over to the enemy. Will they force him to give her up? Will she accept him as her mate? Or will she be captured by the others and taken against her will?

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khorlar and Hawk
An alien world, a drakarn warrior and counsel member, fated mates, enemies everywhere, politics working against the human, an evil clan. This all makes up what Khorlar and Hawk had to deal with as their fated bond. Both originally in denial of attractional, but fate will have the last word.
Loved Khorlar and Hawk. Both are stubborn and determined. Lots of danger, alien politics, steam, action, and adventure with a happily-ever-mated.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in the presence of two incredible warriors, each strong in their own way. I noticed the drakkarn trying to avoid the issue, but in doing so, he’s only making things tougher for himself. I admire his protective instincts, even if they feel a bit too confining for the female main character. She’s like a tightly wound spring, just waiting to be set free! While she might not be as physically strong as her opponent, her bravery and determination are truly commendable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Every sense screamed for focus, demanding I lock down instinct and channel it into precision.
But the burn in my chest refused to fade, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.'

I really enjoyed this book. Good world building and characters. I liked both Khorlar and Hawk. While Khorlar was commanding, powerful, and protective, Hawk was a strong warrior herself- brave but levelheaded and rational. I liked the dynamic between the two of them. The story had action and suspense and was fast-paced. 4 stars.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a battle of wills! Hawk feels a connection to Khorlar, but has fought all her adult life to be a warrior of her people, that it feels like a betrayal. Like submission. Khorlar has to walk a fine line to protect what is his and try to avoid conflict. All while seeing if she Wikipedia be his. Danger, politics and religious fanatics all try to tip the tide between these two coming together. It's hot and steamy, with fast paced action and adventure that makes for an awesome read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phillis A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent As Always

Kate Rudolph never fails to please with the prose and poetry of her writing. Her insights into her characters are literally sheer acts of beauty while keeping the reader riveted to the action in the story. I’ve read all four of the books that have been written thus far and I will be looking forward to the next one like I’m looking for my next chocolate fix! Definitely one of the best series to date.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense book with lots of action, steam, and a great plot. Hawk is so stubborn and independent that it gets her into bad places. Khorlar understands that she is his mate before Hawk knows what it means and how important it is. Be ready for the action, as it is quite engrossing. In spite of all the obstacles, Khorlar and Hawk get their happy ending. Excellent book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KIMI]

I had such high hopes for..

..for this book but it felt too rushed to me somehow. There were some repetitive dialogues, mostly between Hawk and Vega. And the one word thing was really getting on my nerves after the 5th time it was used. I mean I getting it, it's, meant to convey something but maybe the message had already been conveyed after two or 3 times? I don't know, it's just my opinion.