Dax

Galaxy Gladiators #8

by Alana Khan

This is the eighth book in the Galaxy Gladiators series.

Dax is ready for love after escaping a lifetime of slavery.
Dahlia's heart isn't free.
Can she open her soul to the male who offers her love?

Aliens abducted Dahlia from Earth mere months before her scheduled marriage to her childhood sweetheart. Dax declared she owns his heart in front of a ship full of rowdy gladiators, but can she accept his love?

Dax is the biggest, baddest male on a vessel full of escaped gladiator slaves. The little Earth female was thrown into his cell and they were forced to mate. He fell hard for her courage, strength, and delightful body.

He tries everything to convince her he'd be a good mate, but it isn't until they're forced together in a chamber of horrors that she sees Dax for the loving, protective male he's always been.

* * *
Author's Note: You might encounter slithering snakes and rampaging rodents. And I might throw in a flood of biblical proportions. Just sayin'. If that doesn't make you go running into the night, and if you like seven-foot warriors with hearts of gold, and females who risk their lives to prove their affection, you'll love "Dax"! Enjoy the read.

This is the eighth book in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance series, but is a standalone book has no cheating, no cliff-hangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

For readers 18+. There are explicit, steamy sex scenes throughout this series.

Galaxy Gladiators series:
Book 1: Zar
Book 1.5: Terminus (Shadow’s prequel)
Book 2: Shadow
Book 3: Tyree
Book 4: Devolose
Book 5: Drayke
Book 6: Axxios & Braxxus [MFM]
Book 6.5: Jax-Xon (Sirius’ prequel)
Book 7: Sirius
Book 8: Dax
Book 9: Beast
Book 10: Ar'Tok
Book 11: Wrage
Book 12: WarDog
Book 13: Stryker
Book 14: Vartan
Book 15: Maximus
Book 16: Steele
Book 17: Tarrex
Book 18: Zar-Rynn
Book 19: Valeris
Book 20: Doctoré
Book 21: Theos

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Fantasy

326 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2020

About the author

Sexy 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/

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Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...

Reviews

[Corda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love these gladiators and pirates, all of them! Great world building, terrific stories, steamy love scenes.

[ManyHatMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacularly thrilling

One thing I love about this series is the wide variety of uniquely thrilling action. Sci-fi at its best is where aliens and action collide. Throw in Alana Khan’s crafting of amazing alien love stories and you have a series that is out of this world! This story is wonderful in that it answers questions about what happens to a woman who leaves a fiancé on Earth? How does one overcome that, now faced with an alien lover and absolutely no hope of returning. Of course that is just the tip of this story’s very large iceberg. I love that this series isn’t just smoking hot scenes with a bit of a storyline thrown in- this is a fully robust story that, of course, has some of the best bedroom scenes in the universe! You should buy this book it is that good!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Galaxy Gladiators series. This was another page turner for me. I enjoyed both characters and reading from their points of view. What they had to go through to get their happily ever after, made me sad and joyful in the end. The only thing of note is I wish the bad guy had gotten more of a comeuppance. I received an advance readers copy and this is a voluntary review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another keeper
Dax is the anticipated 8th book in the Galaxy gladiators series by Alana Khan.
It all started in the beginning when Dax and Dhelia were thrust it together and forced to mate by their kidnappers. Soon Dax's feelings developed and falls in love with the human female. Dhelia....not so much. She was holding back, trying to keep him at a save distance. She had a life back at Earth, engage and soon to be married when she was unexpectedly abducted by aliens. However, her true feelings will come to the forefront when they are both thrust in inexplicable danger and she will see the true worth of Dax. Fantastic plot, likeable characters packed, with action, adventure, danger at every turn and red hot romance. Another predictable great read. Highly recommended. I received a free copy for a honest review.

[LilBHB · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Dax is the 8th Book in the series. In the book we follow Dax and Dahlia who were first thrown together in the same cage aboard an alien spaceship and forced to mate. Dax has strong feelings for Dahlia, but Dahlia has connections from her old life that she has trouble leaving behind. When Dax and Dahlia are thrown together in a dangerous situation, their feelings for each other expand and change. As per usual Alana Khan starts right in with the action and it doesn’t let up. While this was mostly a page turner for me I had a hang up with how quickly Dahlia changed her mind regarding Dax and let go of her life on earth. One of my favorite scenes was when Dahlia and Dax are in the dungeon together. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I will admit this book was not anything I expected - and I mean that in a good way. I enjoyed exploring the development of the relationship between Dax and Dahlia. I really appreciated how they approached each challenge and that both of them had to work for the relationship

I received an ARC in exchange for a voluntary review but I specifically asked for it because I wanted to read the story ASAP

[Rosa Maria Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Hit

This is just as great as all the previous ones and holds your attention from beginning to end? It's packed with adventure, action, drama, suspense, love, and steamy hot sexy scenes that sizzles but not over the top with awesome characters? Definitely a must buy and keep them coming they are awesome?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Eight in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance Series a well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly across the pages. We finally learn why Dahlia does not want to except Dax. There is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, lost memory, villains, and romance. So far this is my favorite to date. I hope there is more to come in this series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I have read every book in this series and love them all. This book is so creative and I can't wait to see what other villains are to come in the next book.

For those who have never read this series - it is possible to read this book on its own but I would suggest you start at book 1 for better context. All of these books are filled with pure romance and heroines that might not be as physically strong as their makes but make up for it in spades with their courage, strong will and cleverness. In short, read the book you won't regret it.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably My Favorite!

I have followed this series like the true fan that I am and I have to say this is my favorite couple of the series. I absolutely adored Dax and Dahlia. Their story hit all my feels; humor, fright, luster and love. I was SO afraid for them when they were captured! And that ending was the best.

[Kim K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten love

Take an Earth woman and a seven foot tall alien, throw them together to breed, then set them free.
Dax has never known kindness, let alone love. Dahlia was engaged to her childhood love before being kidnapped.
Between gladiator fights, an evil mastermind, and their own hangups, can they learn to love each other?
It's amazing what almost dying will do to your best intentions.

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Disclaimer - I obtained a copy of Dax as an ARC, in exchange for an honest review

I loved reading Dax’s story and getting to both him and Dahlia better. I feel like every successive book from Alana Khan gets better and better, making me excited to see what the future holds for the galaxy gladiators. Some really sexy scenes, as well as many heart warming moments - Dax definitely makes for a heart warming, binge worthy read!

[Olya Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected turn of the usual, but it was intriguing

Loved Dax character in all his layers. I do liked the different approach with this couple. This author has a way of getting the emotional building and characters, so well in all the books. Really though read the books in order to follow the story.

[LuDena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax

Dax and Dahlias book is pretty intense . I thought the parasite got off too easy. Dahlia did fall in love with Dex but there a several twist and turns that keep the plot interesting

[Minx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every one of your Gladiators stories. You always make me tear up at the end of each story, the love is so sweet, and the close friendship that has blossomed by all of our gladiators and their human fem is wonderful.

[Kourtney McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved it!!!

I have loved every single Galaxy Gladiators book!! This one was excellent. It had me caught in its web. There were a couple times that I thought the story was going to end in a totally different way than it did. It is just so freaking good!!!

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this... until the last third-ish. I think it was way too convenient... and also, way too easy to get out of. Where were the repercussions? I don't think any of these Gladiators will ever get the closure that they deserve. And then... to do that to Dax? What was the point? He was a perfectly nice being, then that was taken away from him. For me, it devalued who he was as a character. Totally pointless.

[Raven61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the biggest hands can create the most delicate things - Highly recommend!

I personally do NOT consider this to be a STAND-ALONE read. There are too many reoccurring characters, consecutive timelines and overarching themes that are built from the foundation laid by the first story (Zar). There are also a lot of details that occurred previously that would be lost, as they cannot be adequately explained within another story.

** There are multiple scenes, themes and references to subjects that will be difficult for sensitive readers. These include abduction, enslavement, 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. —

We finally learn more about Dax and Dahlia, aka Dahl, and find out why Dahl has been so negative and disengaged. The only thing I wanted was a little bit more interaction between the females when revealed. The story universe and characters are so well described that it really made the story come to life for me. I love how masculine Dax is, but can still be open and vulnerable.

Overall, Dax and Dahl’s story has a great pace and is action packed with a few twists. This starts pretty much from the beginning when Dax’s ‘current owner’ surprises him and Dahl when he kills them after Dax wins for escaping. I can usually figure out and see twists well in advance, but even with the warning about alien rats and snakes from Alana Khan, I still wasn’t prepared for how it all went down. Be warned if you have phobias, but at least it wasn’t alien / space spiders … 🥹.

I mention the following for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow. There are a few grammatical errors, but nothing difficult to interpret. These include one incorrect word choice and multiple incorrect punctuation issues. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.

⛔️ The 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, prostitution, coercion, etc.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is an amazing book. I enjoyed reading Dax and Dahlia’s story. This is well written, heartwarming but also full of action and danger. There’s also romance, steamy scenes and a happy ever after ending. The characters are fantastic, Dax is funny, full of life and a sweetheart romantic at heart. Dahlia is quiet, easily embarrassed but also feisty and brave when she needs to be. It’s a must read and my favourite story in this series so far.

Dax fell head over heels in love when he first met Dahlia and hasn’t hidden the fact, even reciting a romantic poem to her in front of the crew. They have a friends with benefits thing going and Dax wants her as his mate. When she finds out it’s Valentine’s Day the next day she breaks down, it’s the day she was supposed to marry her childhood sweetheart. When she tells Dax about it he is upset she hadn’t told him sooner but also jealous as Dahlia still loves the man. When dad and Dahlia are called to the the bridge after a couple of days of them not talking she thinks it’s about that. It’s not, Dax has been asked to fight in a deathmatch and as Dahlia was posing as his handler she would have to go with him. Dax agrees even though Zar and Dahlia don’t want him to. By the time the match arrives they’ve made up and Dahlia is terrified for Dax. When he wins the match he thinks that’s the end, nope, his old owner arrives and Dahlia is dragged into the arena where their identity is revealed. They are both stabbed and killed by the owner or they thought they were until they wake up. They are underground in near enough dark and Dahlia tries to make her way to Dax, bypassing snakes which are a fear of hers. When his owner appears they find out exactly what he wants them for and it’s not good and will ultimately result in their demise. Unless they can come up with a way to escape, that is. Just when death is staring them in the face Dahlia has an idea which ends up working and Zar and some of the crew come to save them. Unfortunately Dax received a blow to the head which, when he wakes, Dahlia realises he has amnesia, he doesn’t remember her or even the rest of the crew. She’s heartbroken that the man she loved has gone. She’s hoping his memories will return soon, what’s going to happen if they don’t come back? You will have to read to find out.

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

[Elizabeth Steward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists and turns of love!!

I really really liked this book! It is so revealing to the true nature of love! Like for starters, with the way the author described it, i finally understand why people get married and go through the while ceremony and things and also how the waiting to consummate thing can actually be so romantic. Like i wouldnt have thought so beforehand and not saying im down to do that, but I understand it now. I truly teared up at their confessions of live scene- one of the best ive read. And as far as spice goes throughout the book- the female in charge scenes with old dax- i was fanning myself omg. However, once they actually get married the scene with new dax and suddenly hes all alpha and controlling- hated that. But yeah just so many shocking things happened in this book despite it being relatively short the plot was well laid out with so many elements! Adding more- i feel like this whole book was a master class in romance, the way he was so dedicated to her and all the nonsexual intimate scenes they had- almost more intense than the spice scenes my gosh.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dax and Dahlia

When Dahlia was paired with Dax after being kidnapped, she didn’t expect him to fall for her. She had left a fiancé behind on Earth, and still loved him.
Dax fell for Dahlia as soon as he met her, but how can he compete with a man that is not only Dahlia’s dream, but not even around to compete?

This book shows us Dax and Dahlia’s romance, from where Dahlia finally tells people what she had left behind, to where she and Dax start anew.
They have moments of danger, and then when everything seems to be working out, a huge twist occurs.

Ultimately, this romance is about second chances, and new beginnings.
Dax, though rather rough and pushy, is a sweet and loving male. Dahlia, bruised and battered emotionally, is coming to terms with her new life.

This is not a standalone book, and needs to be read as part of the series, as well as in the order given- the whole backstory is necessary to get the most enjoyment out of it.
A worthy alien/sci-fi romance, recommended for fans of both.

[CATHERINE ADESANYA · Rating 2 out of 5]

What?

Started off good then when it got to the final life or death scene, things stopped making sense - where did this guy come from/why has he got a such a hard on for Dax and Dahlia? Then the plot abruptly ends with them being saved. Ok so this guy, with all his power, is just going to accept defeat again? I had the same issue with Devolose's story when they went on an adventure to solve his problem - while interesting-ish to read, I was left thinking 'what?'.

Don't even get me started on how even though her name is Dahlia and is shorted to Dahl, she's being called Doll. What?!

Could be that I missed a back story because I skipped monologues...I enjoy a good monologue as much as the next gal but I'd had enough. The monologues didn't add anything from the beginning and I gave it a fair chance.

The steamy scenes were slow, bordering on boring - I get its a slow build up but after flipping past 2 pages, things are still slow.

All in all, this could've been much better (fully aware its not easy writting a book but come on!).

[JML · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild emotional ride😍😍

Dahlia was one of the original females abducted from Earth and given to a gladiator slave for breeding. She was taken from her life and a man she was going to marry. When she ends up in a cell with the enormous Dax her life changes forever. Dax has been in love with Dahlia since the slavery threw her into his cell. He has done everything he can to show her how much she means to him. He didn't know that she was promised to another before she was kidnapped . Dax wants her to realize that he could be her future but in a moment of anger he agree to a fight and sets a series of events off that could make it break his relationship with Dahlia forever. Their adventure take them into enemy territory where they will have to use both their minds and sheer green to survive, while discovering what true love really is and how much truly loving someone can heal your soul. Fantastic story. Highly recommend💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance at Love

Dax and Dahlia's story is book 8 in the Galaxy Gladiators series. It's not required to read them all in order to enjoy this book, but for best overall experience in this series, it is highly recommended. There's a lot of back story laid out in each book that interconnects the characters and helps with the entire world building of this series which is well written.

Dax and Dahlia's story is a second chance romance with a twist. Dahlia was kidnapped from Earth where she was going to marry her childhood sweetheart, and instead is given to a gladiator to mate. Dax is a huge, fierce warrior who can't help but to fall for Dahlia. Throw in danger, adventure, thrill, suspense and some emotion, this is a well-rounded romance that was very entertaining to read. Definitely worth checking out this series!

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

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt long. There was so much plot and twists and turns shoved in that it didn't feel like there was room to breath and enjoy anything. It felt like they were trying to be surprising and different, but while the individual details were interesting the overall plot twists were pretty easy to see coming. People on the run probably shouldn't spend so much time in front of cameras

Overall I can see how everything made sense for the emotional journey, but I wish there had been at least one of the major plot points cut out. I felt like I didn't get time to settle in with the characters and actually enjoy anything. Their actual development, which was important and could have been so wonderful, felt rushed and glossed over. And I never got to connect with them as much as I wanted to, its almost like Dax and Dahlia were side characters in a crazy action novel.

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

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia was engagaed to her childhood sweetheart and looking forward to their Valentine's wedding. Then four months beforethe wedding, she is abducted by aliens and thrown into a cage with a huge alien and is told she has to mate with him. Luckily her alien is Dax, a lifetime slave and gladiator who would never think of forcing a woman. Dax and some of his fellow gladiators lead sucessful revolt and are able to escape to freedom with the human women they had been paired with. Dax knows is his heart that he and Dahlia are fated to be together and he is willing to do whatever it takes to win her. He doesn't understand why Dahlia only wants to friends with benefits until she breaks down on the day that was supposed to be her wedding day. Dahlia knows that she can never go home again but she is having a problem moving forward in a new life. She has to put aside her old love and open her heart to Dax before she loses him.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax

These two characters were great fun. I enjoyed watching them fall in love twice. I delight in reading about different kinds of MMCs but I have a special love for the good natured ones with the light hearted humor. It's probably hard to write them when the characters are dealing with such difficult circumstances, but I think that's why the humor is so effective.

My favorite line comes from the MFC as she is dealing with the main villain. The bad guy has been keeping them in the dungeon under terrible circumstances,

“Seriously? He’s insulting what we look like? He just morphed from Mephistopheles to a junior high school girl.”

This is particularly sweet considering how the villain is brought down - essentially by turning him into a junior high school kid.

I also like that the bad guy was a sort of vampire and hinted at how powerful a handful of them are. I'm curious to see if we meet more of this cabal of villains, and if we get to see them brought down.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax and Dhalia's journey to an HEA was not easy - they kept facing new challenges at every turn. Their relationship had to endure through a one sided love; a period where they were both briefly in love; then their love was lost; and then a new love built with one another - my head and heart were turning all the time. Lust and steamy action was always available to them, it was getting through to loving one another at the same time. This book was full of ups and downs - from gladiator fights to a tortuous villain to having to deal with past relationships and emotions. This is the first book I've read in the series - but there was enough continuity information provided that I could still enjoy this on it's own. That said, I do now want to go back and read the previous books.

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

[Ariel Allmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I liked the book however I did not love it. My main issues with the book where the pacing. It seemed that one moment Dahlia didn't care bout Dax as more than friends with benefits and then magically she now has space in her heart to care about him more. I also took issue with how quickly Dax fell in love with Dahlia after his amnesia considering his concerns about her feelings where not truly settled; even in her vows she mentioned loving him for something the old Dax did. What I did love was Dax's commitment to Dahlia and willingness to do whatever it takes to make her happy. He truly is a giant with a heart of gold. Overall a good read.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's one of my favorites because I completely love Dax. I just couldn't get enough of him. He's so sweet and kind and gentle. Yet he's a powerful and skilled gladiator, born a slave but now free. Even from the beginning of this book I waited with bated breath for him to find his happiness. Dahlia is attracted to Dax, but lost her fiancé and the life they'd planned when she was abducted from Earth. With no hope of returning, she can't push pass the loss, and anytime she and Dax get more intimate (emotionally), thoughts of her fiancé intrude. Can these two heal and find their happiness in each other? I couldn't put this book down. It was a beautiful story. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.