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Galaxy Gladiators #13
Stryker
Not all scars are visible. It's been over a year since Stryker and Maddie were thrown into a cell and forced to mate upon threat of death. They and their fellow captives rebelled and commandeered their slave ship to begin new lives as free males and females. Many of their friends have mated and now walk the halls of the ship freely demonstrating how deeply in love they are. Why are Maddie and Stryker still enduring an uneasy truce as they share friends-with-benefits status?
Stryker
Maddie was traumatized the day our owners tossed her into my cell. In the face of my discomfort and her terror, I managed to see her courage and strength. I fell in love with her that day and have remained by her side as much as she'll allow. I think she knows how I feel. Why won't she let down her barriers and allow me in?
Maddie
He's the finest male I've ever known-kind, caring, and gentle despite his size. That's why I keep him at arms' length. Soon my depression is going to return with the force of a tsunami. I don't want to hurt him any more than I already have. Besides, how can anyone love me when there are days I struggle just to get out of bed?
Publisher's This standalone 20K word novella deals with the powerful theme of depression. Best-selling, Pinnacle award-winning author Alana Khan was a psychotherapist before she began her writing career. She deals with this difficult theme with sensitivity, however dark emotions, as well as explicit sex scenes, are portrayed in this book.
You are guaranteed a true love story with a supportive hero and struggling female. You'll find no cheating and a happy ever after, but, alas, no magical cures.
Stryker
Maddie was traumatized the day our owners tossed her into my cell. In the face of my discomfort and her terror, I managed to see her courage and strength. I fell in love with her that day and have remained by her side as much as she'll allow. I think she knows how I feel. Why won't she let down her barriers and allow me in?
Maddie
He's the finest male I've ever known-kind, caring, and gentle despite his size. That's why I keep him at arms' length. Soon my depression is going to return with the force of a tsunami. I don't want to hurt him any more than I already have. Besides, how can anyone love me when there are days I struggle just to get out of bed?
Publisher's This standalone 20K word novella deals with the powerful theme of depression. Best-selling, Pinnacle award-winning author Alana Khan was a psychotherapist before she began her writing career. She deals with this difficult theme with sensitivity, however dark emotions, as well as explicit sex scenes, are portrayed in this book.
You are guaranteed a true love story with a supportive hero and struggling female. You'll find no cheating and a happy ever after, but, alas, no magical cures.
104 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2021
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 15, 2021
Awesome Book
This book is short and sweet but holds your attention from beginning to end. Everything you want in a romance with lots of drama, hiding her depression from her mate and friends, love, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters. A must buy and keep them coming they are awesome.
This book is short and sweet but holds your attention from beginning to end. Everything you want in a romance with lots of drama, hiding her depression from her mate and friends, love, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters. A must buy and keep them coming they are awesome.
April 1, 2021
Oh Stryker and Maddie at last we get your stories and what a story this book gives us. Stryker is so patient with her and finally breaks her down to reveal everything she's trying so hard to hide. This book has all the feels. It choked me up and then made me so happy with how they come together with a perfect understanding between them. Loved it.
March 30, 2021
This installment of the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance Series tells the story of Maddie and Stryker.
Which is not known to anyone but which Maddie has to live with. Living with treatment-resistant depression. I sometimes come across this in my work as a nurse in a psychiatric ward. Women and men who suffer from depression search for a long time for the right medicine to help them and sometimes accept that there are no long-term medicines for them. That alone would make you depressed, let alone battling a disease like depression. I think Alana Khan has portrayed that fight well. The thoughts that pass through Maddie, which are present to her like snakes, and the struggle to keep others from sharing her moods, come across as real.
The rules Maddie set up to keep from falling for Stryker don't work and now she has to reveal a part of herself that she was hiding from everyone.
Moving and strong as Stryker is portrayed. The red alien gladiator who has loved her since the day she met on the slave ship and wants to be there for her despite his own demons and scars.
Instead of people turning away from her, she experiences help and support from everyone else on the ship.
Stryker is there for her through thick and thin as long as she opens up to him. His love is healing and respectful with understanding for Maddie, even when she wants to be alone in dark days. And he is there for her with his physical love that he likes to display that leads to wonderful, honest, pleasurable moments.
A shorter story in this serie but complete in its form
I received an ARC from the writer and voluntarily leave my review
Which is not known to anyone but which Maddie has to live with. Living with treatment-resistant depression. I sometimes come across this in my work as a nurse in a psychiatric ward. Women and men who suffer from depression search for a long time for the right medicine to help them and sometimes accept that there are no long-term medicines for them. That alone would make you depressed, let alone battling a disease like depression. I think Alana Khan has portrayed that fight well. The thoughts that pass through Maddie, which are present to her like snakes, and the struggle to keep others from sharing her moods, come across as real.
The rules Maddie set up to keep from falling for Stryker don't work and now she has to reveal a part of herself that she was hiding from everyone.
Moving and strong as Stryker is portrayed. The red alien gladiator who has loved her since the day she met on the slave ship and wants to be there for her despite his own demons and scars.
Instead of people turning away from her, she experiences help and support from everyone else on the ship.
Stryker is there for her through thick and thin as long as she opens up to him. His love is healing and respectful with understanding for Maddie, even when she wants to be alone in dark days. And he is there for her with his physical love that he likes to display that leads to wonderful, honest, pleasurable moments.
A shorter story in this serie but complete in its form
I received an ARC from the writer and voluntarily leave my review
April 11, 2021
This book is about Maddie, who struggles with mental health issues and Stryker, who doesn't know, but loves Maddie enough to be patient with her and eventually finds out. Mental health problems are not often discussed, but they should be because they are more common that most people realize. These conditions get in the way of people living their every day lives, and often people don't understand. This story explains how difficult it is for Maddie to develop relationships, how she doesn't want her condition to bring down those she cares for. She doesn't want her problems to become someone else's problem too. Which I feel is something many people who struggle mental health issues can relate to. But with Stryker, Maddie finds love and someone who cares about her enough that he wants to help her take on her depression. She's no longer alone battling her inner demons. And she no longer has to pretend she's okay. Meanwhile, Stryker has his own issues. Having been kidnapped and forced to fight for his life for others' entertainment, he had suffered injuries that left him scarred. He believes this makes him look ugly. What he doesn't realize is that for Maddie, the scars only enhance his features, and everything she finds attractive about him. Maddie and Stryker, both imperfect, but perfectly made for each other.
April 11, 2021
The story of this couple dealing with depression was very well written and the author was able to convey a depth of emotion from the main characters as they, with help of their shipmate friends, work through mental health issues and the challenge of sharing with those closest to them.
While I do not personally deal with depression, I have been around close friends working on getting their meds just right. It is different and foreign and can be a challenge to understand. Interacting can be difficult and frustrating from both sides of the situation. The descriptive writing from the depressive mind POV really touched me and reminded me of the quote by Robin Williams, “Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” I think of this quote when my friend (and others) might be having an off day. You just don’t know.
Sweet love story with some sexy times. I laughed and I cried. I loved this book and definitely recommend.
While I do not personally deal with depression, I have been around close friends working on getting their meds just right. It is different and foreign and can be a challenge to understand. Interacting can be difficult and frustrating from both sides of the situation. The descriptive writing from the depressive mind POV really touched me and reminded me of the quote by Robin Williams, “Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” I think of this quote when my friend (and others) might be having an off day. You just don’t know.
Sweet love story with some sexy times. I laughed and I cried. I loved this book and definitely recommend.
April 5, 2021
Oh Wow! Not only is this a patient love story, it highlights the trials and tribulations of someone with severe clinical depression. Especially how unreasonable the condition is and how powerless you are to fix it, and how other's well-meaning "help" makes it worse as they don't understand it. It also gives hints and tips on how to help the sufferer. But what I love about this story (aside from alien nookie!!!) is that it portrays that in spite of the condition, the Heroine CAN be loved! Which is something a severe depressive has massive doubts about. And the fact that 2 broken people can find their way, even though both have their issues, and both believe that they are the problem. Awesome series!
March 12, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alana's latest book is an eyeopener. With the blurb starting - Not all scars are noticeable - this is so true with Stryker.
Maddie suffers from severe depression and she pushes people away because she doesn't want t hurt them. She meets her match with Stryker though. He's not going to be pushed away by a woman he has feelings for.
The tactics he uses (with the support of the entire ship) are unconventional to say the least, but he is determined to break down Maddie's barriers.
Will he be successful?
What about the barriers he throws up regarding the nasty scars all over his body? How will he get over his loathing of those?
This story tugs at the heartstrings and is so well written. It looks beyond the things we would see as a bystander and digs into the deep psychological thoughts of both Stryker and Maddie.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
Alana's latest book is an eyeopener. With the blurb starting - Not all scars are noticeable - this is so true with Stryker.
Maddie suffers from severe depression and she pushes people away because she doesn't want t hurt them. She meets her match with Stryker though. He's not going to be pushed away by a woman he has feelings for.
The tactics he uses (with the support of the entire ship) are unconventional to say the least, but he is determined to break down Maddie's barriers.
Will he be successful?
What about the barriers he throws up regarding the nasty scars all over his body? How will he get over his loathing of those?
This story tugs at the heartstrings and is so well written. It looks beyond the things we would see as a bystander and digs into the deep psychological thoughts of both Stryker and Maddie.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
April 11, 2021
This is one of my favorite authors and I read every book she comes out with next. It’s always my one click pre order. This is another great stories of survivors with a great story about depression and how it feels for both parties involved with a loved one who has it. I love how much encouragement there was for not giving up and constantly looking for help and changing things until she found something that worked.
April 4, 2021
Stryker stole my heart this book was so good.It was so very true to how you feel when your depressed and how you just want to be alone but you want to know someone loves you and your not worthless. How you put on a mask of happiness when you really don't.This book was awsome. Thank you for writing It and putting awareness about depression out there.You will defiantly love reading this book.
April 4, 2021
Wow, what a compelling story! Not all enemies are tangible, some eminate from within and can contain emotional, psychological and physical components. The scenes of this book are stark, honest and made me root for a happy ending for Stryker and Maddie.
March 30, 2021
A wonderful story of hope in adversity.
Maddie suffers from depression that she has kept secret. This all comes to a head and she decides to 'let Stryker go'. She does not feel it fair to keep him hoping for a relationship when she knows the depths that she will be taken down to.
Stryker has scars on the outside but has a heart big enough for both of them.
No magic wand. Just love that really does make a difference to two people's lives.
This is a novella and deals with a difficult subject but is worth every minute.
I empathised and rooted with them and was encouraged that these two could have a happy ever after.
Maddie suffers from depression that she has kept secret. This all comes to a head and she decides to 'let Stryker go'. She does not feel it fair to keep him hoping for a relationship when she knows the depths that she will be taken down to.
Stryker has scars on the outside but has a heart big enough for both of them.
No magic wand. Just love that really does make a difference to two people's lives.
This is a novella and deals with a difficult subject but is worth every minute.
I empathised and rooted with them and was encouraged that these two could have a happy ever after.
April 4, 2021
This book is remarkable, in that it tackles a real issue with sensitivity, while also being a fine example of a naughty romance.
April 5, 2021
Sad and touching.
April 4, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Stryker is in love but with Maddie he is unable to tell her, with limited access to her only at her dissertation. It isnt that Maddie isn't willing to be with Stryker its just more complex then she is willing to admit to anyone really but herself. Every women can feel if not all then at least half of the way !addie feels after all self-esteem and doubt are powerful optimism to overcome, then through in the mix of how they both got to the place that places them in each others path and the hardship they had to overcome just to reach out to the other is so moving and powerful.
October 12, 2022
Short and sweet story about people really supporting and loving one another—not just Maddie and Stryker but the whole “family” on the ship. They’re all learning and getting better and working through things and helping each other. Really nice.
March 30, 2021
This book is a novella, so it's much shorter than the normal book by Alana Khan. It still manages to provide an insight into a real life issue of depression and how it affects that person. I really like how Stryker was there for Maddie and how she came to realize this. I only wish the book could have been a little longer story.
March 29, 2021
Maddie, I empathised with her so much everyone struggles sometimes and she doesn’t realise it is
ok not to feel ok. Stryker has scars on the outside but a huge heart will they be able to overcome the
obstacles. Enjoyed it immensely.
ok not to feel ok. Stryker has scars on the outside but a huge heart will they be able to overcome the
obstacles. Enjoyed it immensely.
March 18, 2021
While this is a novella, it doesn’t lack for anything. It’s engaging, well explained and gives an incredibly realistic viewpoint of someone dealing with depression and their coping abilities. And it certainly helps that there is someone completely devoted to her to help her through it.
March 29, 2021
Stryker is so in love with Maddie.
But Maddie has rules.
And to have her, he will do whatever it takes.
She has parts she doesn't want him to see, parts that she knows he can't deal with.
So she decides it's best to just let her 'gentle giant' go.
He thinks she has a problem with his appearance, still he wants nothing more then to help her,
comfort and be with her.
So brokenhearted, he makes a last ditch effort(with a little help) to win her over.
He wants to understand, she doesn't think he'll understand. Both are determined to save the other.
How Alana put so much into such a short story I don't know! But it's very emotional with real issues that don't have a"magical"cure, (just like in real life which i really liked about this story) but it does come with a heaping helping of HEA!
When they're in the ludus and have that conversation, it had me all in my feelings!(I love when that happens)
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's perfect for a short afternoon read.
But Maddie has rules.
And to have her, he will do whatever it takes.
She has parts she doesn't want him to see, parts that she knows he can't deal with.
So she decides it's best to just let her 'gentle giant' go.
He thinks she has a problem with his appearance, still he wants nothing more then to help her,
comfort and be with her.
So brokenhearted, he makes a last ditch effort(with a little help) to win her over.
He wants to understand, she doesn't think he'll understand. Both are determined to save the other.
How Alana put so much into such a short story I don't know! But it's very emotional with real issues that don't have a"magical"cure, (just like in real life which i really liked about this story) but it does come with a heaping helping of HEA!
When they're in the ludus and have that conversation, it had me all in my feelings!(I love when that happens)
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's perfect for a short afternoon read.
April 6, 2021
My heart really goes out to Stryker, and I can't help but wonder why. Then I met Maddie, and I felt so much compassion for her too. This story has a mix of sadness and joy that I really connect with. It's clear that Stryker loves Maddie completely, imperfections and all, and he's ready to support her through all of life's challenges. And she loves him just the same, scars and everything.
I just adore these two!
I just adore these two!
November 28, 2022
Novella that deals with a very real issue … Highly Recommend!
I personally DO NOT consider this to be a STAND-ALONE read. It deals with Maddie’s personal health struggles and provides details about why she has been so standoffish with Stryker and everyone else. So for maximum reader satisfaction, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this be read in the series publication date order.
** In the series, there are multiple scenes, themes and references to subjects that will be difficult for sensitive readers. These include abduction, enslavement, depression, forced mating, and trafficking. A high-level list is included below. **
— Although I try to watch it, if you have not read this (or the previous stories in the series), the following may contain spoilers. —
I love how Alana Khan doesn’t shy away from addressing and educating what can obviously be a very dark and often misunderstood topic that many people deal with irl. Imo this could have been a longer story, but I can also see why she made it the length she did, as it is not an easy topic for anyone who has never experienced a bout with depression. I found myself wanting to know more about what caused her ‘snakes’ to start, but that was the whole point … there isn’t a specific cause. I can’t even imagine the mental toll and strength it would take to deal with something like this everyday. Kudos to anyone that has this and to Alana for using her former profession to shed some light on a very real issue.
I mention the following for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow. Grammatically speaking, there is just a misspelled word / typo in Stryker, but I did find a few other issues with word choice, formatting / punctuation and duplicated dialogue in the sample of Vartan (next story in the series). I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
⛔️ Series contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, etc.; steamy adult intimate scenes with dominance, submission, non-consensual multiple partners, forced mating, etc.; violence throughout typical of the alien abduction genre such as kidnapping / abduction, murder / death, torture, assault, rape, fighting, human (species) trafficking, enslavement, pain/kill collar, mental, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, prostitution, coercion, etc.
I personally DO NOT consider this to be a STAND-ALONE read. It deals with Maddie’s personal health struggles and provides details about why she has been so standoffish with Stryker and everyone else. So for maximum reader satisfaction, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this be read in the series publication date order.
** In the series, there are multiple scenes, themes and references to subjects that will be difficult for sensitive readers. These include abduction, enslavement, depression, forced mating, and trafficking. A high-level list is included below. **
— Although I try to watch it, if you have not read this (or the previous stories in the series), the following may contain spoilers. —
I love how Alana Khan doesn’t shy away from addressing and educating what can obviously be a very dark and often misunderstood topic that many people deal with irl. Imo this could have been a longer story, but I can also see why she made it the length she did, as it is not an easy topic for anyone who has never experienced a bout with depression. I found myself wanting to know more about what caused her ‘snakes’ to start, but that was the whole point … there isn’t a specific cause. I can’t even imagine the mental toll and strength it would take to deal with something like this everyday. Kudos to anyone that has this and to Alana for using her former profession to shed some light on a very real issue.
I mention the following for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow. Grammatically speaking, there is just a misspelled word / typo in Stryker, but I did find a few other issues with word choice, formatting / punctuation and duplicated dialogue in the sample of Vartan (next story in the series). I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
⛔️ Series contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, etc.; steamy adult intimate scenes with dominance, submission, non-consensual multiple partners, forced mating, etc.; violence throughout typical of the alien abduction genre such as kidnapping / abduction, murder / death, torture, assault, rape, fighting, human (species) trafficking, enslavement, pain/kill collar, mental, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, prostitution, coercion, etc.
May 13, 2021
It was good that we finally had Stryker and Maddie's story... felt right I guess as the threat that was Daneur Khour is over... apart from I can't help but feel that when you cut off one head another grows in it's place.
As for the clinical depression storyline? I have clinical depression, PTSD & anxiety... have done for ( well, diagnosed and named, that is ) for nearly 3 decades. It effects us all in different ways, there is no one drug fits all, one therapy fits all... in fact, often nothing works. You just learn different coping mechanisms in order to function when you brain starts to spiral. I think the way that it was handled within this tale was appropriate. There was no 'just get over it', 'cheer up' type of confrontation which is all too common. Instead, it was accepted that this was part of her... that there may be times when she felt 'normal' ( whatever the hell 'normal' is... ) and there may be times when she just wanted to hide and cry ugly tears for no reason that she could ever explain. I think accepting is so much more important than understanding. Understanding means that you are looking for a rational explanation and resolution. Accepting means that you know it is just part of the whole of the person, as are eye colour or foot size.
As for the clinical depression storyline? I have clinical depression, PTSD & anxiety... have done for ( well, diagnosed and named, that is ) for nearly 3 decades. It effects us all in different ways, there is no one drug fits all, one therapy fits all... in fact, often nothing works. You just learn different coping mechanisms in order to function when you brain starts to spiral. I think the way that it was handled within this tale was appropriate. There was no 'just get over it', 'cheer up' type of confrontation which is all too common. Instead, it was accepted that this was part of her... that there may be times when she felt 'normal' ( whatever the hell 'normal' is... ) and there may be times when she just wanted to hide and cry ugly tears for no reason that she could ever explain. I think accepting is so much more important than understanding. Understanding means that you are looking for a rational explanation and resolution. Accepting means that you know it is just part of the whole of the person, as are eye colour or foot size.
December 7, 2023
Stryker
A great story dedicated to mental health. The MFC has treatment resistant depression. The author did a good job of describing how this kind of depression is not something that can be overcome by thinking happy thoughts or trying harder to not be sad. They also did a great job of illustrating the self loathing common among people who have to deal with this kind of massive depression.
“I have no husband who was lost at sea. I have no children who depend on me. I do not need to find a job without having a skill. What must he think of me? This lazy Earth female who can’t get her shit together? Who wallows in sadness and self-pity? Who spits in the face of a loving male?”
The MMC learns who he needs to be to take care of her, including understanding that this sort of mental health issue is unpredictable and inconsistent. The whole crew gets together once in the beginning to try to figure out what exactly is going on for her and once at the end so she can tell them how to be supportive without being counter productive.
The inconsistency of medications is addressed too, including how some medications make things worse. And how all the medications eventually stop working. Nicely done.
A great story dedicated to mental health. The MFC has treatment resistant depression. The author did a good job of describing how this kind of depression is not something that can be overcome by thinking happy thoughts or trying harder to not be sad. They also did a great job of illustrating the self loathing common among people who have to deal with this kind of massive depression.
“I have no husband who was lost at sea. I have no children who depend on me. I do not need to find a job without having a skill. What must he think of me? This lazy Earth female who can’t get her shit together? Who wallows in sadness and self-pity? Who spits in the face of a loving male?”
The MMC learns who he needs to be to take care of her, including understanding that this sort of mental health issue is unpredictable and inconsistent. The whole crew gets together once in the beginning to try to figure out what exactly is going on for her and once at the end so she can tell them how to be supportive without being counter productive.
The inconsistency of medications is addressed too, including how some medications make things worse. And how all the medications eventually stop working. Nicely done.
April 12, 2021
This was an amazing book and i loved the storyline. Its hard to write a story about romance and a heroine with depression but the author did a wonderful job of just that. I loved how the author handled this serious issue and still have a beautiful romance story at the same time.
Stryker is a big, strong, alpha male who is deeply in love with Maddie and now he finally gets his HEA with Maddie in this wonderful story. He is gentle, caring and perfect for Maddie.
Maddie is a sweet, loving kind and beautiful woman who suffers from depression, she falls in love with Stryker but does not want to hurt him by having to live with her issues. What she finds out is that Stryker loves her no matter what problems come up.
This story will grab you and hold you until the very last page. The author has taken this story and made it into a beautiful romance. How these two love each other despite the depression. I loved this story it is sweet, touching, and beautiful and gives hope. I highly recommend it and this series and this author to everyone who loves romance. Be sure to pick it up. You will be so very glad that you did.
Stryker is a big, strong, alpha male who is deeply in love with Maddie and now he finally gets his HEA with Maddie in this wonderful story. He is gentle, caring and perfect for Maddie.
Maddie is a sweet, loving kind and beautiful woman who suffers from depression, she falls in love with Stryker but does not want to hurt him by having to live with her issues. What she finds out is that Stryker loves her no matter what problems come up.
This story will grab you and hold you until the very last page. The author has taken this story and made it into a beautiful romance. How these two love each other despite the depression. I loved this story it is sweet, touching, and beautiful and gives hope. I highly recommend it and this series and this author to everyone who loves romance. Be sure to pick it up. You will be so very glad that you did.
April 11, 2021
4.5 stars. This novella is the shortest story in the series and is the first to focus mainly on the female lead’s mental illness. Kudos to the author for resisting the temptation to “fix” the female lead; instead she gives the hope that there are good days and those make life worth living.
The male lead is patient, gentle, and determined, giving the female lead space when she needs it but pushing her when she needs that. I really appreciated his understanding and willingness to persevere beside her, his acceptance that some things can’t be fixed and that’s not his fault either.
The story is dual POV, well written and edited, and serious whilst being seriously romantic. Whilst the author always writes great character and relationship development, this story was particularly noteworthy.
I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.
The male lead is patient, gentle, and determined, giving the female lead space when she needs it but pushing her when she needs that. I really appreciated his understanding and willingness to persevere beside her, his acceptance that some things can’t be fixed and that’s not his fault either.
The story is dual POV, well written and edited, and serious whilst being seriously romantic. Whilst the author always writes great character and relationship development, this story was particularly noteworthy.
I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.
April 13, 2021
Once again Alana has delivered a book that deals with important issues. Mental health is critical in determining your quality of life. Stryker and Maddie face such issues. Maddie has had some very challenging stages in her life and being abducted by aliens was not the beginning for her. Stryker has his own issues as well but he has set his sights on Maddie. The couple must walk a difficult path that anyone who has had exposure to mental health will easily identify with. There are many ups and downs making this book very engaging. Don’t miss this book in the Galaxy Gladiator Series.
April 16, 2021
5 stars or 2?
I was hard pressed to decide if I lived the book or hated it. The way she described depression is 100% accurate from my perspective. I have "severe clinical depression", so I had a lot of empathy for Maddy and spent 3/4 of the book crying my eyes out.
That however is not the reason that I was torn in rating the book. Her accuracy in portraying depression definitely earned 5 stars. What I DIDN'T like was how easy it seemed for Maddy to "get over" her depression. The denouement was a let down. I don't think it was an accurate portrayal. It's just not that simple.
I was hard pressed to decide if I lived the book or hated it. The way she described depression is 100% accurate from my perspective. I have "severe clinical depression", so I had a lot of empathy for Maddy and spent 3/4 of the book crying my eyes out.
That however is not the reason that I was torn in rating the book. Her accuracy in portraying depression definitely earned 5 stars. What I DIDN'T like was how easy it seemed for Maddy to "get over" her depression. The denouement was a let down. I don't think it was an accurate portrayal. It's just not that simple.
August 16, 2021
Peace that passes understanding
That is exactly what I felt at the end of this beautifully composed, masterfully executed novella, peace that surpassed my biological brain to burrow itself deep into my spiritual heart. This is by far the most holistic journey of depression I have experienced with any fictional author. Alana Khan relates the thoughts and feelings of both a clinically depressed woman and her struggling lover turned beloved spouse with truthful integration of an empathetic team of supporters.
That is exactly what I felt at the end of this beautifully composed, masterfully executed novella, peace that surpassed my biological brain to burrow itself deep into my spiritual heart. This is by far the most holistic journey of depression I have experienced with any fictional author. Alana Khan relates the thoughts and feelings of both a clinically depressed woman and her struggling lover turned beloved spouse with truthful integration of an empathetic team of supporters.
April 14, 2021
Book Thirteen in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance Series a well written story and we finally find out what is wrong with Maddie. Stryker has been so patient and in love with her but she has never told him she loves him. She has not wanted to say anything to anybody until now, she will have her bad days and good days. Maddie's problem was handled with care. Another book in the series that was well worth reading, I would recommend.
March 15, 2025
Maddie and Strykers story, a happy ending
I love each of these stories. Although lots of time is spent on the couples sex lives. Personally I’d love to read more of the gladiators home worlds. I know several have had bad situations with their families, but surely there might be more happiness to offset some of the tragedy. I love the characters, they all bring something special to these books.
I love each of these stories. Although lots of time is spent on the couples sex lives. Personally I’d love to read more of the gladiators home worlds. I know several have had bad situations with their families, but surely there might be more happiness to offset some of the tragedy. I love the characters, they all bring something special to these books.
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