Previously published as Blushing A Rough Sci-Fi Romance by Sara Fields
I was his even before he carried me off.
This barbarian from a far more savage land didn't ask. He just told me I was his, then fisted my hair and pulled me in for a brutal, possessive kiss the moment I opened my mouth to protest.
A kiss that made clear I was his already.
And that he was going to strip me bare, spank my ass red, and then teach me all the ways a man like him can make a blushing virgin like me beg and moan and come for him.
Starting right now.
Publisher's His to Take is a standalone romance. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention. The description promised a tense, intriguing story, and the sci-fi apocalypse setting was rich with potential—the world-building was vivid and genuinely interesting. If you enjoy steamy romance, there’s definitely plenty here, but the sexual content took a much heavier turn than I expected. While I appreciate dominant themes, the interactions in this story often crossed into territory that felt more like grooming than consensual power play, especially given the inexperience of the main character. The lack of clear consent made it difficult for me to stay invested in the romance aspect, even though the setup and setting had so much promise. Overall, a decent read if you’re here for the smut and don’t mind darker themes, but not quite what I expected from the blurb.
Naomi is the curator of a museum in a post-apocalyptic world that has abandoned traditional marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing. As she delves into fragments of history from before the wars, she meets Ryker, who seeks her help in finding a nuclear generator for his home city-state.
After an inviting dinner and an intimate encounter, they locate the generator but are ambushed by a security group from her homeland, determined to eliminate them. They successfully fight off the attackers, but Ryker insists Naomi return to his home state for safety. She resists but ultimately agrees after facing his punishment.
To live in his territory, Naomi must marry, leading to a wedding ceremony and their consummation. While Ryker embarks on a mission, Naomi receives a call from a former colleague about an emissary wanting to apologize for the assassination attempt. Ignoring Ryker’s advice to wait, she pursues the meeting alone, falling into a trap aimed at finding the generator.
Ryker, aware of her defiance, battles and defeats the assailant. Naomi recognizes she will face consequences for her actions, which she accepts. Together, they must navigate the stark differences in their lives as they adjust to their new reality. This powerful narrative balances intense romantic tension with thrilling action, keeping me engaged from start to finish.
while this book was very well written, had great detail and the plot was unique and well thought out, this book wasn't for me. It was too dark and I found it was too much. No virgin raised in the society naomi was which focused on work, where all sex, pleasure, relationships even birth were forbidden and babies were created in labs and raised in institution type settings would enjoy and be aroused by the level of pain in this story unless she had an extreme pain fetish where the only way she could find sexual fulfillment was extreme pain and this is not going to happen with a virgin girl. so not believable. those are usually ppl who have experienced deep levels of trauma and abuse who come to associate pain with pleasure. also ryker would say he'd never hurt her or force her to do what she didn't want to do but that's exactly what he did repeatedly. he didn't ask her agreement on any decision he made just forced her to go along with it. he hurt her repeatedly with actions that went well beyond punishment play or discipline even to the point that his actions on the wedding night in real life would have caused actual physical damage and likely severe bleeding and needed a long recovery time. then again near the end the punishment crossed over into abuse. the level of pain she would have experienced would never be given by someone who loved u or bring arousal. she is grown women but the author reduced her to little more than a child, a controlled plaything, and a doormat only to be used by ryker at his whims. really since she wasn't allowed to make any decisions for herself. that makes the power dynamic impossible to sustain into a loving marriage as portrayed because the adult woman eventually gets brainwashed into believing she can't ever make a decision for herself without consulting him or if she makes the wrong decision she will be hurt. it would make someone become fearful, hesitant, subdued and frankly pathetic. and what happens if or when that husband dies first and she is left alone with no one to make the decisions for her and no one to give her the punishment her mind and body have been trained to crave? how does she survive then? esp if children left to be raised. while this story portrays them as a loving couple where she starts to feel she needs severe punishment just because she made a decision on her own that didn't go well, ( of course it didn't since she's been reduced to not being allowed to ever make a decision alone) I don't believe that would ever truly be possible. this would eventually become more like a stockholm syndrome relationship such as kidnapper and victim, abuser and child, the power balance would never be two grown adults enjoying an equal partnership. I don't even know how she would be able to parent a child should they have one with this dynamic always second guessing her own mind and any decisions she makes having to defer to him at every turn. not even allowed to pick out her own clothing. it started out fairly good with a dom/sub style relationship and naomi being curious, willing and eager to explore her hidden desires but it quickly went too far where ryker was just cruel but under the guise of protection and discipline showing love. the farther the book went the more it leaned to abuse, real pain and well past a quality where any woman would feel loved, cherished and just disciplined unless they honestly could not enjoy ANY sex without the extreme pain and that wouldn't be the situation here in this plot. in my opinion. it got where naomi literally was only getting aroused by pain, by being hit. i understand spanking heat and some redness can cause arousal but since when do prolonged whippings with objects, from knees to waist that leave raised welts and bruising cause such wonderful arousal as to cause orgasm? i don't believe it. i know its written that she realizes this was not punishment to inspire arousal but actual punishment to teach a lesson but what write did he have to teach a grown woman making a decision about her own life and future a lesson? it is not his right to make decisions for another person. as far as reading it as a fantasy not true to life ok thats fine but usually a book has to be somewhat believable to happen in real life to comprehend and understand it. this to me is just not believable in real life.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naomi is the curator of a museum in the post-apocalyptic world which has turned from traditional marriage, childbirth and childrearing. In her work she sees parts of history of the world before the wars. She meets Ryker when he comes to her office on a mission from his home city state for help with his search for nuclear generator. She invites him to her home for dinner to discuss what she has found out about the previous research lab near the Mexico border. They have an intimate encounter which throws her into turmoil. His world has continued with traditional marriage and childbirth with close family ties. They are able to find the nuclear generator but are ambushed by the security group who was sent by her homeland. The government does not want the other city state to have the generator and intend to kill Ryker and Naomi. They manage to kill all the security force, Rkyer tells her she will need to return to his home state for her safety, but she tries to escape. Rikyer catches her, punishes her with her finally agreeing to go to his home state. In order for her to reside in his area she must be married. They have a wedding ceremony and finally consummate their marriage. She has a position of power in a museum with more power and prestige. Ryker is away on a mission when she is contacted by a former colleague who says an emissary wants to meet her to apologize for the attempt on their lives. She tells Ryker about it on a comm call, he tells her to delay until he is there. She feels she can take care of the matter on her own, but it is a trick to find the generator and kill her. Ryker knew she would not obey him and battles with the assailant ultimately killing him. Naiomi knows she is in for a severe punishment which she knows she deserves. Ryker and Naomi have to come to terms with the difference in their lives and well as the life she will live in him home state. This was a very complex plot with lots of dark heat between Ryker and Naomi. It kept me interested from the start.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A simply wonderfully imaginative read, characters that are from another time and their story This book is set in the time 2672 and Dr Naomi Vaughan is living in New Englandia and live in a time where children are created artificially and only when it is allowed it is a very regimented time. Naomi is a librarian and archaeologist of sorts who specialises in information from the past but so much is not allowed to be released, it is kept secret and she risks so much by ensuring this information ang artefacts are no destroyed but it is at great risk to herself. Ryker Gates is from Pacifica and is very different from New Englandia and as she begins to assist him on the mission to retrieve technology his country needs, she and he find themselves in peril and have to rely on each other. They then find themselves to be in a very hot and heavy relationship that she has never before interacted with, I guarantee that you will be captivated by this wonderful book. These two are from very different worlds and they are born and raised differently but their beliefs and wants draw them together. Ryker is a dominant character that is attracted by Naomi innocence and naivety and this is what makes this a simply wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't have much experience reading dark sci-fi romance but I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic world. The characters were as interesting and complex as the plot. Author Sara Fields pays attention to detail and I liked being transported to a different place. The plot is not only steamy but also full of suspense and action.
Contains: Post-apocalyptic world Insta-lust Alpha hero "Forced" marriage Taken for protection Spicy Intense scenes Check TW Dual POV
Naomi is intelligent, but innocent and inexperienced because of her upbringing in her society. She has been curious about certain "old-world" traditions that she eagerly explores with the MMC.
Ryker is bold, attractive, and assertive. His dirty talk and possesivne protectiveness are next level. He is instantly intrigued and attracted to the FMC. He is fast to teach her some kinky lessons.
The chemistry and connection they share are instantaneous and steamy. The two MCs are from two different cities with different belief systems and they agree to collaborate on a project. One thing leads to another... This fast-paced romance had me turning pages to find out what happened next in this exciting plot. Recommended for those who are into dark sci-fi romance full of action.
A dark sci-fi romance that follows a museum curator and a man from another territory in a world that has come back to life in a dystopian world. 2672: After a worldwide cyberwar, Dr. Naomi Vaughn receives a cargo manifest to a large crate that was sitting in her office. The contents being things that could get her in severe trouble if anyone found out, also leave her blushing. In New Englandia, where sex, love, marriage and domestic violence don’t exist anymore, along with familial units, it’s all controlled by science. From artificial wombs to carry children and a force called The Protectors, who confiscate old world content to keep it from the public eyes. Sin wrapped in a gorgeous package, Ryker Gates is from Pacifica, where families and love exist. He asks for Naomi’s help to locate something from the past, she agrees, at first because of her inquisitive nature to explore what’s beyond the perimeter she’s never been outside of. It’s a fast paced read that I couldn’t put down. The characters are believable, in what you would think of in a post-apocalyptic world would be like. There’s adventure and mystery, as well as a ton of glorious steam to keep the train sailing down the tracks.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a five alarmer. It also has many trigger warnings, so beware. It was a quick read for me. After the world fell apart, new countries were slowly established. Each city state had there on rules, regulations, laws and protocols. New Englandi had no marriages, babies were born in labs. Natural resources were rationed. You essentially woke up, ate breakfast, went to work, did your job only, go home eat and go to bed, rinse and repeat. Naomi did this every day, every week, every month and so on. Whereas Pacifica was the exact opposite. People were allowed free will within reason. Natural resources were available to everyone and marriages were a requirement only if you want a family which Ryker wanted. Our FMC, Naomi, is unaccustomed to dominate males, very dominate males. Ryker, our MMC, is that overly dominate male. There is a joint expedition between New Englandi and Pacifica, into the ruins to find a nuclear fission reactor. You will enjoy this book.
We are in 2672 where Dr Naomi Vaughan is living in New Englandia. Children arecreated artificially and only when it is allowed. Naomi is a librarian and archaeologist who specialises the past. The secrets of the past are kept hidden and sometimes destroyed, but tries to keep them safe. Ryker Gates is from Pacifica and these two come from very different places. Naomi is sent to assist him on the mission to retrieve technology his country needs. It is not just danger that Naomi has to over come, but the physical side that Ryder shows her. Boy does he show her, how hot a physical relationship can be. Ryker is strong and a dominant character, who is by Naomi’s innocence. Hot and steamy, with drama and great characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naomi Vaughn, captivated by history, lives in the restrictive, dull region of New Englandia, where personal pleasures like wedding memorabilia are banned. When she discovers an old photo album in a crate, her curiosity deepens. Ryker Gates enlists her help for research in a vibrant, free-spirited area once known as Arizona, offering Naomi an escape from her colorless, work-centric world. Over dinner at her place, their connection ignites, introducing Naomi to a passionate, sensual life she’s never known. New Englandia feels cold and oppressive, like a city-state ruled by unfeeling forces, while Ryker’s world bursts with freedom and color. The story’s purpose unfolds intriguingly, highlighting Naomi’s awakening to a vivid, new existence.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is heavy on smut and light on plot, but I would have it no other way - it's a fun twist of a short erotica tale. The story takes place in a dystopian future where people no longer reproduce biologically because they can just do everything in vitro - and therefore sex and marriage don't happen because they interfere with productivity.
As mentioned in the book's blurb, there is so. much. spanking. If you like to read about that - it's fantastic. There's an element of embarrassment and degradation, and lots of "good girl"s thrown in there for good measure.
The storyline is set in a poşt-apocalyptic earth with the majority of it focusing on Ryker and Naomi and their developing relationship that goes from 🔥to🔥🔥. At the same time, they are searching for past technology that could aid their survival. Danger quickly becomes obvious and it is from the least expected individuals. It’s a fun read that’s full of suspense and is entertaining. I enjoyed the story even though I was not particularly fond of poşt-apocalyptic times. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Set in 2672 Dr Naomi Vaughn lives in New Englandia, a place where relationships are forbidden and children are created in artificial wombs. She meets Ryker Gates from Pacifica, a very different place to New Englandia. Ryker encourages feelings and introduces Naomi to practices that are taboo in her city but she craves him. When a mission to recover some technology goes awry, Naomi finds herself relying on Ryker in more ways than one and discovers a life she could only dream about, as long as New England is will let her. An intriguing, hot and steamy read with lots of drama and action.
I love the dichotomy of Naomi and Ryker's societies. Naomi comes from a society that has moved away from physical and romantic relationships choosing, choosing science for procreation. Where as in Ryker's society, they still embraced all the norms of human relationships. So along with their trek for long lost tech, where their bond deepens where they're put in danger by people they thought they could trust. Hot and steamy, crazy action and full of adventure! Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story has some really exciting moments between the main characters, especially as they set off on their adventure together!
It has a bit of a dystopian feel to it. The male main character (MMC) hails from the "Old World," while the female main character (FMC) is from the "New World." I really love how protective and caring the MMC is towards the FMC, and I admire the FMC for her courage. She might come off as a little naive at times, but that just shows how different her world is!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
DNF - it was more a complete total control over one’s life rather than a relationship between two consenting adults - did not really like the dynamic as she was a very intelligent and capable adult and, even if the author tried to depict him as admiring that aspect, in reality felt he was undermining her free will at every turn, taking away any ability to decide for herself based on rational motives under threat of physical violence. It is not really consensual submission but more fear of violence and pain… not for me at all!
This was a spicy little story and I am here for every bit of it!!! This post apocalyptic romance novel was amazing. This is my first Sci-Fi romance and I loved it. Naomi was smart and curious. Her world was so different for Ryker's. Ryker is sweet and naughty, you just love him. The meet cute was cute. The plot was great and so was the ending!!! It was a well round story. The spice level was nice and delicious.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naomi and Ryker come from two different post-apocalyptic worlds, but they have intense chemistry and are so perfect for each other. Sara writes the characters and stories that keep a reader entertained and turning the pages, and His to Take is another example of her great storytelling. The writing is well done, the characters are interesting and well developed, and with every page I turned, I wanted more. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This was a spicy little story and I am here for every bit of it!!! This post apocalyptic romance novel was amazing. This is my first Sci-Fi romance and I loved it. Naomi was smart and curious. Her world was so different for Ryker's. Ryker is sweet and naughty, you just love him. The meet cute was cute. The plot was great and so was the ending!!! It was a well round story. The spice level was nice and delicious.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I knew he was going to punish me. I didn’t want to admit it, but part of me was looking forward to the punishment. Although it’ll be so frustrating again if he doesn’t go all the way and just take me. Maybe I can entice him during my punishment. As soon as I try, he calls me on it! Oh my, how the REAL punishment started then. Soon I found myself crying out in pain and pleasure.
A very different spin of old ways and the new. One a perfect example of life without relationships and love and marriage. Having artificial ways of life through a test tube but no families allowed. Then meeting a man who came from a different lifestyle altogether. A super sexy tale with love discipline and passion with punishments. A must read.
Dr. Naomi Vaughn is an expert in Historical Studies in 2672. Ryker is an intelligent, powerful, dominant man, who is seeking her knowledge about civilizations long gone. Naomi is a well-read, yet innocent, young woman concerning personal interactions. Ryker is fully knowledgeable in this area. How will Naomi feel about his desirable instructions?
I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this book. I'm still processing. It's quite different than anything I've ever read before. Babies made in labs. Nobody being married or having any kind of physical relationship. Only living to work and eat healthy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A likeable storyline similar to "Men Of The North" in the way the two different countries survived and developed. I could have done without so much red bottom disciplinary action. It's amazing that the woman came through not having permanent damage to her body.
3.5 ⭐️ this was a different genre than I usually read with it being a post apocalyptic world. The theme runs dark and heavy and any and everything from before the “war” is forbidden. This includes traditional marriage, having children, etc. And those caught will have dire consequences.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an adventure with so many rules and outcomes that were surprising set in a whole new light where there is no love, family, relationships of any kind. I loved the characters and their journey. When the two worlds collide it is fierce and exciting.
Set in the year 2672, Naomi and Ryker meet and do something now uncommon. An intense read with darkness, futuristic sci-fi tones, and some intense steamy scenes. Not for the faint or heart or under age reader.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great Sci-fi romance. One world with various areas and tradition. A place where each area embraces the changes and history in different ways. Oh...and the heat, the heat is oh so amazing.
Sara Fields has created a glimpse into the future, different areas developing in entirely different ways and what happens when two people from opposing areas meet. The romance was still there proving love conquers all.