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She volunteered to save the man she's spent five years trying to forget. Refuse, and he faces execution.
Callie
The Redemption Rites require ninety days of forced isolation and increasingly intimate daily trials. One rule stands between him and execution—don't touch.
We've survived years of careful avoidance since our slave masters forced us together. I told myself I felt nothing.
Now we're crammed into a cottage the size of a whisper, ordered to braid each other's hair, feed each other honey, and share a bed with nothing but a pillow between us.
I can no longer believe my own lies.
Aries
I killed someone. I deserve death. What I don't deserve is ninety days of her warmth, her laugh, her skin inches from mine every night. These walls I've built—I can feel every one of them crumbling a little more every day. One touch means execution.
I'm starting to think dying might be worth it.
A slow-burn, second-chance sci-fi romance set in the Galaxy Gladiators world. Five years of yearning. Ninety days of torture. One touch away from everything.
Callie
The Redemption Rites require ninety days of forced isolation and increasingly intimate daily trials. One rule stands between him and execution—don't touch.
We've survived years of careful avoidance since our slave masters forced us together. I told myself I felt nothing.
Now we're crammed into a cottage the size of a whisper, ordered to braid each other's hair, feed each other honey, and share a bed with nothing but a pillow between us.
I can no longer believe my own lies.
Aries
I killed someone. I deserve death. What I don't deserve is ninety days of her warmth, her laugh, her skin inches from mine every night. These walls I've built—I can feel every one of them crumbling a little more every day. One touch means execution.
I'm starting to think dying might be worth it.
A slow-burn, second-chance sci-fi romance set in the Galaxy Gladiators world. Five years of yearning. Ninety days of torture. One touch away from everything.
- GenresScience Fiction Romance
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2025
About the author
Alana Khan
173 books632 followersSexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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July 17, 2025What I Love About This Book
Of course I love this book... I wrote it.
Ohhh, the delicious torment I put this couple (and you!) through. I’m not even sorry. 😈
I am completely obsessed with the setup in this one: Aries and Callie are forced to live together for months… and they can’t touch. At all. One accidental brush of fingers? He dies. But that doesn’t stop them from sharing a bed with nothing but a slim pillow between them, feeding each other honey and fruit, braiding each other’s hair—intimate moments dialed to eleven, all under a cruel no-contact rule. The yearning nearly destroyed me.
This story is enemies-to-lovers meets second-chance romance meets the most sadistic version of forced proximity you can imagine. These two have a history—trauma-bonded, separated for five years, and now reunited under impossible circumstances. The only way to save him? Complete a high-stakes relationship trial that’s basically couple’s therapy on steroids.
Watching them fall in love again while not being able to act on it? I was screaming internally the whole time.
And can we take a moment for Aries? This tortured cinnamon-roll gladiator broke my heart—so noble, so protective, so convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness.
And Callie? Fierce, smart, self-sacrificing, and terrified to want something as wild as love. Writing these two wrecked me in the best way.
Oh—and Spark. Their adorable glowing space-pet matchmaker who is all of us yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY!” in every scene.
If you crave slow burns that actually burn, touch-starved heroes (and heroines), and creative, cruel ways to build tension, this one’s for you.
Fair warning: you might yell at the page. More than once. But you’ll love every agonizing second of it.
Hugs,
Alana
P.S. Don't let the "book 22 in a series" worry you. Several early readers said they're new to this series and followed it easily.
Of course I love this book... I wrote it.
Ohhh, the delicious torment I put this couple (and you!) through. I’m not even sorry. 😈
I am completely obsessed with the setup in this one: Aries and Callie are forced to live together for months… and they can’t touch. At all. One accidental brush of fingers? He dies. But that doesn’t stop them from sharing a bed with nothing but a slim pillow between them, feeding each other honey and fruit, braiding each other’s hair—intimate moments dialed to eleven, all under a cruel no-contact rule. The yearning nearly destroyed me.
This story is enemies-to-lovers meets second-chance romance meets the most sadistic version of forced proximity you can imagine. These two have a history—trauma-bonded, separated for five years, and now reunited under impossible circumstances. The only way to save him? Complete a high-stakes relationship trial that’s basically couple’s therapy on steroids.
Watching them fall in love again while not being able to act on it? I was screaming internally the whole time.
And can we take a moment for Aries? This tortured cinnamon-roll gladiator broke my heart—so noble, so protective, so convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness.
And Callie? Fierce, smart, self-sacrificing, and terrified to want something as wild as love. Writing these two wrecked me in the best way.
Oh—and Spark. Their adorable glowing space-pet matchmaker who is all of us yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY!” in every scene.
If you crave slow burns that actually burn, touch-starved heroes (and heroines), and creative, cruel ways to build tension, this one’s for you.
Fair warning: you might yell at the page. More than once. But you’ll love every agonizing second of it.
Hugs,
Alana
P.S. Don't let the "book 22 in a series" worry you. Several early readers said they're new to this series and followed it easily.
July 26, 2025
The Redemption Rites . . .
A ritual difficult to adhere to, lasting over a 90-day period, will be necessary to save the gladiator Aries from execution. Callie and he will be together in a small house where they are not permitted to physically touch each other as part of the Redemption Rites while offering intimacy, but restricting even accidental contact together. They will be tested and must maintain the stated boundaries. And during the struggle, they must avoid falling into the temptation offered by the bond pulling them together. Resisting temptation will be difficult for both of them. Can they ignore the bond’s pull? Will they be successful at getting through the testing without weakening? And will the strength and spirit shown by her stubborn gladiator convince her that she may have misjudged him? And how will he decide what he has to give up if he is ready to accept a pardon but at great cost for either choice he makes?
The author reveals her excellent writing skills in developing the main characters and reflecting the emotions and struggle they are going through. Separating the physical from the emotional is an almost impossible task as ignoring one response while engaging the other is not how we instinctively react. Can they do it? His life will depend on the choices he makes.
A ritual difficult to adhere to, lasting over a 90-day period, will be necessary to save the gladiator Aries from execution. Callie and he will be together in a small house where they are not permitted to physically touch each other as part of the Redemption Rites while offering intimacy, but restricting even accidental contact together. They will be tested and must maintain the stated boundaries. And during the struggle, they must avoid falling into the temptation offered by the bond pulling them together. Resisting temptation will be difficult for both of them. Can they ignore the bond’s pull? Will they be successful at getting through the testing without weakening? And will the strength and spirit shown by her stubborn gladiator convince her that she may have misjudged him? And how will he decide what he has to give up if he is ready to accept a pardon but at great cost for either choice he makes?
The author reveals her excellent writing skills in developing the main characters and reflecting the emotions and struggle they are going through. Separating the physical from the emotional is an almost impossible task as ignoring one response while engaging the other is not how we instinctively react. Can they do it? His life will depend on the choices he makes.
July 31, 2025
The 22nd story in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance, Callie and Aries' well written engrossing story in this series. This series has been great from the first book. I look forward to reading Zorath's story. The story grabbed my interest from the start and held it until the end. The murder he was charged with had a surprise twist that I didn't see coming. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
This story resonates with me on a deeply personal level. The experiences of the main characters feel almost like a form of couples therapy, but the depth of their journey transcends that. The raw emotion, willingness to be open, and vulnerability they exhibit are remarkable. It takes immense bravery to share one's innermost feelings with someone else, especially when there's a risk of rejection that could be devastating. The author skillfully draws us into the emotional landscape, helping us connect with the characters' joys and struggles. I feel fortunate to have witnessed their journey toward healing and understanding.
Additionally, amidst the intense emotional moments, there are lighter, more playful scenes that add a delightful spark. The tension created by the no-touching rules builds up to a beautifully intense love scene at the end, balancing the depth of their journey with moments of passion and excitement.
Additionally, amidst the intense emotional moments, there are lighter, more playful scenes that add a delightful spark. The tension created by the no-touching rules builds up to a beautifully intense love scene at the end, balancing the depth of their journey with moments of passion and excitement.
July 27, 2025
Alana Khan is a treat to read, especially Aries, book 22 of the Galaxy GLADIATORS series. Aries and Callie have avoided contact for five years, ever since being freed from slavery during which they were forced to breed. Now he's been arrested for murder, but Callie can't allow him to be executed and agrees to go through a 3 month trial to try to save him. During the trial the two are forced to face their pasts, mistakes, and fears, allowing them to realize that they can be redeemed through their love.
July 21, 2025
Ninety days in close proximity with someone you've always cared for with every intimacy but physical fulfillment. In the same bed, grooming, feeding, dressing each other, having to not only face but, relive the past, all the while being monitored be Beings that can read every emotion, real or fake.
Can they pull it off? They'd better because his life depends on it!
Aries and Callie pulled at my heart for what they kept inside all that time, the personal sacrifices they made. To be able to find a true connection is rare and beautiful. I LOVE these two!
This is one you'll not want to miss for your Galaxy Gladiators series collection.
I freely give this review as my opinion and it's not submitted by AI.
Can they pull it off? They'd better because his life depends on it!
Aries and Callie pulled at my heart for what they kept inside all that time, the personal sacrifices they made. To be able to find a true connection is rare and beautiful. I LOVE these two!
This is one you'll not want to miss for your Galaxy Gladiators series collection.
I freely give this review as my opinion and it's not submitted by AI.
July 24, 2025
This was quite a different story-really focusing on past events/situations and both Aries and Callie’s understanding of them. As this pair clearly have history, it seemed a very unique way to draw them together via challenges set by the “committee”. I appreciated that although there was reference to unsettling situations, the focus was mostly on how this couple felt or were impacted. As a result, it was very satisfying to see empathy emerge and personal connections grow. Sometimes facing the past is painful, yet very necessary to heal and move forward. Loved it!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
July 27, 2025
This was my first book from this series that I have read and while I am sure there are aspects I would have enjoyed more if I was more familiar with the series it still worked as an enjoyable standalone. I really enjoyed getting to know both Callie and Aries in this story and seeing the two of them work through all their past misunderstandings and issues as the story progressed and their shimmerling companion Spark was cute as well.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2025
Aries and Callie were captured by interstellar traffickers along with about a dozen other pairs of humans and other sentient non-human alien species. They managed to overthrow their captors and are now free. That was 5yrs ago. Their shared trauma is so deep, they chose to serve on different starships operated by the former captives and avoid each other any time the two crews come together.
Now the unthinkable has happened. Aries has been arrested for murder at a gladiatorial match. A murder he freely admits he committed years ago though Callie & the rest of the crew think there is more to it. He’s to be executed right away but the attorney the crew hired has found a loophole: An ancient Redemption Ritual. One that forbids physical contact of any kind and includes numerous physical and emotional challenges. Callie volunteers to participate in The Ritual to save Aries’ life. To succeed means that Aries will be freed & his crime erased. Success means that Callie and Aries must form a true and meaningful emotional bond which cannot be faked. If the Ritual monitors deem their “bond” is untrue, Aries’ sentence will be carried out immediately.
As the trials go on, Callie suspects Aries has not revealed the whole story about his murder charge. Never mind that there are those who oppose the ancient Redemption Ritual and are doing everything they can to sabotage it and guarantee failure.
Can Callie and Aries push each other far enough physically and emotionally to satisfy The Ritual or will Aries be facing the ultimate punishment after all?
Now the unthinkable has happened. Aries has been arrested for murder at a gladiatorial match. A murder he freely admits he committed years ago though Callie & the rest of the crew think there is more to it. He’s to be executed right away but the attorney the crew hired has found a loophole: An ancient Redemption Ritual. One that forbids physical contact of any kind and includes numerous physical and emotional challenges. Callie volunteers to participate in The Ritual to save Aries’ life. To succeed means that Aries will be freed & his crime erased. Success means that Callie and Aries must form a true and meaningful emotional bond which cannot be faked. If the Ritual monitors deem their “bond” is untrue, Aries’ sentence will be carried out immediately.
As the trials go on, Callie suspects Aries has not revealed the whole story about his murder charge. Never mind that there are those who oppose the ancient Redemption Ritual and are doing everything they can to sabotage it and guarantee failure.
Can Callie and Aries push each other far enough physically and emotionally to satisfy The Ritual or will Aries be facing the ultimate punishment after all?
June 7, 2025
Heartfelt Romance and Redemption!
Aries is book 22 in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance series. I have read many, many books by Alana Khan but have not yet jumped into this particular series. Even though this is book 22 and I have not read from the beginning of the series I do feel it can easily be read as a standalone story.
The main characters in Aries draw you right in and their trials, tribulations and troubled history make for a drama filled storyline filled with anticipation, a bit of suspense and undeniable attraction. The Heroine is tenacious, selfless and kind. The Hero is protective, devoted and feels unworthy of happiness from his tortured past. Their experiences and memories made for an explosive combination that had me feeling all the emotions!
There are creative settings, tension filled challenges and plenty of intriguing side characters to meet here in Aries, and many who I assume have already had their stories told. I was completely enthralled by Aries and want to meet more of the gladiators from this alluring series!
Aries is book 22 in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance series. I have read many, many books by Alana Khan but have not yet jumped into this particular series. Even though this is book 22 and I have not read from the beginning of the series I do feel it can easily be read as a standalone story.
The main characters in Aries draw you right in and their trials, tribulations and troubled history make for a drama filled storyline filled with anticipation, a bit of suspense and undeniable attraction. The Heroine is tenacious, selfless and kind. The Hero is protective, devoted and feels unworthy of happiness from his tortured past. Their experiences and memories made for an explosive combination that had me feeling all the emotions!
There are creative settings, tension filled challenges and plenty of intriguing side characters to meet here in Aries, and many who I assume have already had their stories told. I was completely enthralled by Aries and want to meet more of the gladiators from this alluring series!
July 20, 2025
What a great book! A sexy hero. A strong heroine. A riveting story. Aries and Callie used to be close. Then something happened and Callie doesn’t know why Aries pulled away. He’s sentenced to death and Callie volunteers to go through a challenge with him to save him. No touching during the challenge. They can’t rely on sex to see them through. They have to get to really know the other person and build their relationship on trust and knowledge. I loved the interaction between the characters. They slowly got to know each other by pulling back the layers of their lives to the other person. A slow burn starts. I found myself on the edge of my seat and cheering for them along the way. I couldn’t put this book down. I read while making and eating my meals and didn’t want it to end. Alana Kahn builds up the story and pulls the reader in like other authors wish they could! I can’t wait for the next book in this series. A definite must read!
July 23, 2025
Not going to lie, I was hesitant to read this as I'd not read any of the series so far, but I jumped in and have zero regrets.
The book provides enough back story to let you know where Aries and Callie stand in their relationship and why, but doesn't get bogged down recapping.
Their history is devastating and traumatic, and they've been avoiding each other for 5 years because of it. Now, to save his life, Callie must agree to spend 90 days living with, but never touching, Aries. Trials ensue, challenging both of them emotionally, physically, and mentally. The tension is double-c thicc and the lessons each of them learn about themselves, and each other, are monumental.
As is standard with Alana Khan, the writing is clean and engaging, the spice is spicing, and the ending is delightfully satisfying.
I obtained a complimentary copy to review, but am being very honest in my feedback.
The book provides enough back story to let you know where Aries and Callie stand in their relationship and why, but doesn't get bogged down recapping.
Their history is devastating and traumatic, and they've been avoiding each other for 5 years because of it. Now, to save his life, Callie must agree to spend 90 days living with, but never touching, Aries. Trials ensue, challenging both of them emotionally, physically, and mentally. The tension is double-c thicc and the lessons each of them learn about themselves, and each other, are monumental.
As is standard with Alana Khan, the writing is clean and engaging, the spice is spicing, and the ending is delightfully satisfying.
I obtained a complimentary copy to review, but am being very honest in my feedback.
August 12, 2025
Alana Khan’s Aries is a captivating blend of slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and high-stakes suspense. Set against the backdrop of dangerous redemption rituals, the story follows Callie and Aries two guarded souls forced into an intimacy that forbids even a single touch. Khan masterfully develops their enemies-to-lovers dynamic, balancing tension, vulnerability, and heart-stopping twists. As the trials intensify and hidden truths surface, the emotional pull between them becomes as irresistible as it is forbidden. Fans of intense character chemistry, protective heroes, and love that defies all odds will find Aries both thrilling and deeply satisfying.
July 10, 2025
Would you be willing to help the male who was an integral part of the most traumatic event of your life if he was faced with a death sentence? Each participant of that act are forced to relive and share with the other their perception of the event. The story evolves through a series of contrasts...dark/light, isolation/unity, and confusion/understanding as they are forced to become "emotionally intimate while maintaining physical distance". A unique and intriguing approach to trauma and trust by the author.
July 6, 2025
There is so much beauty in Aries! It truly touched my heart deeply, I cried more than once. There is pain, laughter and also incredible joy. Callie and Aries are so wonderful together. When you add Spark into the mix you have perfection. The Gladiator books have always been some of my favorites but Aries is even a step above the rest. I loved it so much. My words just can't do justice to this book. I hope you will read it. I know I will again and again.
July 23, 2025
This was a fun and emotionally deep stand-alone addition to the series and I love how Callie stepped up to save Aries, her long time crush, when she hears he's in danger. They end up in a set of trials over 90 days that involve no intimacy and beings that can read your emotions. Yikes! This has them sleeping in the same bed, grooming, feeding, dressing each other... and making them incredibly vulnerable to each other. Their journey was intense and led to a fab HEA :D
July 27, 2025
Alana has given her readers another amazing story in this gladiator series. Callie agrees to help Aries, to save his life. If that means living together, sharing a life without touching, then that's what she'll do. Considering all the time they avoided each other, it may be difficult to prove they have connected. Their story is so good. It really pulls on your emotions. I smiled, laughed, cried and was filled with joy as I read.
July 9, 2025
It was great to get another book in this series. You get to see some of the characters from past books. This one is about Aries and Callie. You definitely get pulled through the emotional ringer with this one. It was a slow burn, but was perfect in this case to unpack the damage each character was dealing with. So happy they got their HEA. Definitely pick this one up!
July 14, 2025
Aries and Callie have managed to avoid each other for five years after gaining their freedom. But when Aries life is on the line, Callie becomes his only hope at escaping execution. Can they overcome the traumatic event in their shared past and form the true bond needed to survive the “Redemption Rites”? Another masterpiece by Alana!
July 23, 2025
as always, Alana Khan has written a piece with backstory to the characters (there's 2 whole ships of people to meet in previous books) that also introduces new aspects to them. Callie and Aries have a romance that develops through the newest trials after they won their freedom 5 years ago. Read it...then go read the whole series!
July 31, 2025
Enjoyable
This was enjoyable. The redemption trials were interesting but the singing requirements were somewhat ridiculous. They distracted from the danger of the trials. Nice continuation from previous books. Unfortunately the intimate scenes were tired and worthy of skimming over. No passion just revisiting the template of "more".
This was enjoyable. The redemption trials were interesting but the singing requirements were somewhat ridiculous. They distracted from the danger of the trials. Nice continuation from previous books. Unfortunately the intimate scenes were tired and worthy of skimming over. No passion just revisiting the template of "more".
July 14, 2025
Alana Khan has done it again…a five star read filled with a protective alpha and a creative plot. With clever dialogue, the plot pulls you in and you find yourself unable to put the book down. I enjoy each book in the series but each can be a standalone. Download and enjoy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 19, 2025
Aries, Callie and Sparks
This One is is going to mess with your heart, We know that all the couples from the gladiators series have major trauma but this couple, the just entered the denial fase and went with it for five years... This got worse and worse off course but when he is in danger Callie doesn't even think twice, She ir ready to do any thing to save him. The way to save him is very unexpected and some very intense couple therapy that they both need to heal them selfs first and then to heal the Bond they have. Is a fantastic tale of longing, forgiveness and amazing dance moves. The storm... Its so intense and amazing. In their Journey the win Sparks as a prize and he is super adorabel.
This One is is going to mess with your heart, We know that all the couples from the gladiators series have major trauma but this couple, the just entered the denial fase and went with it for five years... This got worse and worse off course but when he is in danger Callie doesn't even think twice, She ir ready to do any thing to save him. The way to save him is very unexpected and some very intense couple therapy that they both need to heal them selfs first and then to heal the Bond they have. Is a fantastic tale of longing, forgiveness and amazing dance moves. The storm... Its so intense and amazing. In their Journey the win Sparks as a prize and he is super adorabel.
July 20, 2025
Part of the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance series. Aries and Callie are fantastic together in this enemies-to-lovers plot. The characters carry the book. Can't wait for the next book. This is a must-read!
July 28, 2025
I am absolutely in love with this series! Alana does such an incredible job writing this series! The depth of the characters and their bond for each other is so interesting. It pulls you in and keeps you turning pages to find it what will happen next!
July 28, 2025
Very interesting story line
I always hoped you would write a out all ten original couples whether they got together or not. You have not disappointed. I thought the story was unique and very emotional both good and bad.
I always hoped you would write a out all ten original couples whether they got together or not. You have not disappointed. I thought the story was unique and very emotional both good and bad.
July 29, 2025
Not just entertaining
I have enjoyed the whole series but this is my favorite one so far. I am a fan of open door lovemaking but that is not the focus here. Instead it is deepening of relationship and mutual vulnerability as a basis for long lasting love and personal growth.
I have enjoyed the whole series but this is my favorite one so far. I am a fan of open door lovemaking but that is not the focus here. Instead it is deepening of relationship and mutual vulnerability as a basis for long lasting love and personal growth.
August 5, 2025
3 1/2 stars
This story has an interesting concept that I haven’t run across before. Not to say that it hasn’t been done; just that I haven’t seen it.
Cassie and Aries were slaves. How that came to be is most likely covered in one of the earlier books, since this is #22. It’s been five years since they escaped/were rescued. They had been forced to mate while imprisoned causing them to avoid each other like the plague now that they’re free.
Aries killed someone in the past. For some reason it took the authorities five years to find him once he was freed from slavery. His friends scramble to find a loophole which is where Cassie comes in. There is an archaic law that allows redemption if he and a female can spend three months living in close proximity without touching one another unless given permission by a Committee member. They additionally have to share their most innermost thoughts and feelings on a daily basis. Oh yeah, there are trials that have to be completed successfully. Everything they do is monitored and Aries will immediately be put to death after three failures (three strikes and you’re dead) The two discover that they have been wasting their lives over the past five years by secretly lusting after each other. This leads to some, shall we say, explicit confessions.
Color me disgusted: Some militants watching them at challenges manage to interfere with diabolical intent despite security being present. Not only does the security suck but the Committee condones both security’s ineptitude and allows the aggrieved to manipulate the test(s) No wonder the success rate is so low. It’s extremely annoying.
While I’m in a bitchy mood I want to point out the obvious error in their detractors’ reasoning. Aries was sold into servitude and forced to compete in the gladiator arena. It was not by choice. Why can’t these bozos understand this? He was just as much a victim as those he was forced to fight.
Chapter 32: Captain Beast - “The Devil’s Playground could use a head of security.”..."If you’re interested in a change of pace from combat missions.”
Captain Zar-Rynn nods approvingly. “The Galaxy Warrior will always be your home if you want...After what you’ve been through, perhaps some time focusing on transport and trade--and...relationships--rather than rescue operations would be beneficial.”
Fast forward to Chapter 34: One Year Later We chose The Devil’s Playground, drawn to Captain Beast’s offer of transport missions over the Galaxy Warrior’s dangerous rescue operations.
And yet- But as our first rescue mission approached...Captain Beast’s massive frame dominates the viewport, his expression grim. “Slave transport, dead in space. "...why we’ve spent the last year working with Captain Zar-Rynn to expand our rescue operations.
Why would you decide to live on The Devil’s Playground for a safer gig and then spend the entire year expanding rescue operations? Doesn’t that defeat the reasoning behind your decision?
Of course the above discrepancies aren’t the main focus. It’s the realization of Aries and Callie that they are meant to be together but have to work harder than the average bear to achieve happiness.
Bonus Epilogue 1: Ever After - "Captain Zar-Rynn’s ship still specializes in rescue operations, working in tandem with the Devil’s Playground, which serves as a recovery vessel and training ground."
This simple explanation would have answered my above complaint had it been included in the original book.
This story has an interesting concept that I haven’t run across before. Not to say that it hasn’t been done; just that I haven’t seen it.
Cassie and Aries were slaves. How that came to be is most likely covered in one of the earlier books, since this is #22. It’s been five years since they escaped/were rescued. They had been forced to mate while imprisoned causing them to avoid each other like the plague now that they’re free.
Aries killed someone in the past. For some reason it took the authorities five years to find him once he was freed from slavery. His friends scramble to find a loophole which is where Cassie comes in. There is an archaic law that allows redemption if he and a female can spend three months living in close proximity without touching one another unless given permission by a Committee member. They additionally have to share their most innermost thoughts and feelings on a daily basis. Oh yeah, there are trials that have to be completed successfully. Everything they do is monitored and Aries will immediately be put to death after three failures (three strikes and you’re dead) The two discover that they have been wasting their lives over the past five years by secretly lusting after each other. This leads to some, shall we say, explicit confessions.
Color me disgusted: Some militants watching them at challenges manage to interfere with diabolical intent despite security being present. Not only does the security suck but the Committee condones both security’s ineptitude and allows the aggrieved to manipulate the test(s) No wonder the success rate is so low. It’s extremely annoying.
While I’m in a bitchy mood I want to point out the obvious error in their detractors’ reasoning. Aries was sold into servitude and forced to compete in the gladiator arena. It was not by choice. Why can’t these bozos understand this? He was just as much a victim as those he was forced to fight.
Chapter 32: Captain Beast - “The Devil’s Playground could use a head of security.”..."If you’re interested in a change of pace from combat missions.”
Captain Zar-Rynn nods approvingly. “The Galaxy Warrior will always be your home if you want...After what you’ve been through, perhaps some time focusing on transport and trade--and...relationships--rather than rescue operations would be beneficial.”
Fast forward to Chapter 34: One Year Later We chose The Devil’s Playground, drawn to Captain Beast’s offer of transport missions over the Galaxy Warrior’s dangerous rescue operations.
And yet- But as our first rescue mission approached...Captain Beast’s massive frame dominates the viewport, his expression grim. “Slave transport, dead in space. "...why we’ve spent the last year working with Captain Zar-Rynn to expand our rescue operations.
Why would you decide to live on The Devil’s Playground for a safer gig and then spend the entire year expanding rescue operations? Doesn’t that defeat the reasoning behind your decision?
Of course the above discrepancies aren’t the main focus. It’s the realization of Aries and Callie that they are meant to be together but have to work harder than the average bear to achieve happiness.
Bonus Epilogue 1: Ever After - "Captain Zar-Rynn’s ship still specializes in rescue operations, working in tandem with the Devil’s Playground, which serves as a recovery vessel and training ground."
This simple explanation would have answered my above complaint had it been included in the original book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
A very sweet but intense book that lead me on a roller coaster of emotions. I enjoyed this book. The pets were so cute, though my favorite was the shimmerling.
Aries and Callie had a hard road for them to find their everlasting life..
Aries and Callie had a hard road for them to find their everlasting life..
June 5, 2025
This is a wonderful story! I really loved it. It's both dark and sensuous, thoughtful and suspenseful.. It really runs the gamut... from pain, to forgiveness, to lasting love.
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