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A Hope for Ranek: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance
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Expected 12 Feb 26It was supposed to be a simple get the dragus pup to his new owner, collect the credits, and go home. Instead, Commander Chaos and I end up crammed in an escape pod hurtling through space.
We land in the middle of a bog and start sinking… immediately. And to make things worse, giant pterodactyl creatures descend from the sky looking for a snack. FML.
I’m about to give up hope when an alien mercenary charges in, weapons blazing, to rescue us from certain doom. Ranek is dangerous, intimidating, and his devilish grin turns my knees to jelly. He’s also my only chance at surviving this alien planet.
Can I trust this stranger who looks at me like I’m his favorite dessert? Or will escaping with him mean trading one danger for another and risking my heart along the way?This sweet & steamy sci-fi romance featuring a growly, morally-gray hero can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed!
We land in the middle of a bog and start sinking… immediately. And to make things worse, giant pterodactyl creatures descend from the sky looking for a snack. FML.
I’m about to give up hope when an alien mercenary charges in, weapons blazing, to rescue us from certain doom. Ranek is dangerous, intimidating, and his devilish grin turns my knees to jelly. He’s also my only chance at surviving this alien planet.
Can I trust this stranger who looks at me like I’m his favorite dessert? Or will escaping with him mean trading one danger for another and risking my heart along the way?This sweet & steamy sci-fi romance featuring a growly, morally-gray hero can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed!
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 12, 2026
6 people want to read
About the author
Lynnea Lee
58 books484 followersLynnea Lee is a recovered serial monogamist who now lives in her forever home with the man of her dreams. Still hopelessly addicted to the feeling of falling in love she now feeds her habit with a routine prescription of romance novels and rampant imagination. When she is not dreaming up fantastical stories of love, lust and romance, her hobbies includes talking to her plants, putting on a full face of makeup to stay home on Saturday nights and hugging her dog longer than is appreciated.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 5, 2026
The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @lynnea.lee.writes
POV: Multi 3rd Person
Gene: Sci-Fi Alien Romance
Triggers: Open Door & Violence
Read Time: 4-5 hours
Expected Publishing Date: 2/12/2026
❤️ World Building: While this is a short story and there weren't a lot of pages to go into world building because of that, I didn’t think that the world building was lacking. You still got the feel for the planet they were one, as well as the feel for each location they went to on said planet.
❤️ The Characters: Ranek and Maya were such great characters! They both had a past that was interwoven into the story, so we got more of a feel of who they are and why they are the way they are. The side characters in this book also had moments of standing out. I'm thinking that some of these side characters are actually the subject of one of the first 11 books in this standalone series, so I’m excited to go back and read about them!
❤️ The Story: The story was adorable, but still had some amazing twists and turns, as well as some anxious moments that left me inthralled.
❤️🔥Overall: I really enjoyed this book and I’m going to have to read the rest of this series now!
🐕Hyena Fact Inspired by Commander Chaos: Hyenas, surprisingly, are some of the best mothers in the animal kingdom, investing more energy per cub than any other terrestrial carnivore. Hyenas give birth to 1 to 3 tiny jet-black cubs. Genetically, hyenas are closely related to civets, genets, and mongooses, therefore falling within the cat group of carnivores, hence the use of the term “cub”. Hyena cubs are “precocial”, meaning they are born in a more advanced stage of development with their eyes open, teeth intact, and muscles ready to go, unlike many of the cat species where cubs are born largely blind and helpless for several weeks. (wildtomorrow.org)
I was gifted this book free for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @lynnea.lee.writes
POV: Multi 3rd Person
Gene: Sci-Fi Alien Romance
Triggers: Open Door & Violence
Read Time: 4-5 hours
Expected Publishing Date: 2/12/2026
❤️ World Building: While this is a short story and there weren't a lot of pages to go into world building because of that, I didn’t think that the world building was lacking. You still got the feel for the planet they were one, as well as the feel for each location they went to on said planet.
❤️ The Characters: Ranek and Maya were such great characters! They both had a past that was interwoven into the story, so we got more of a feel of who they are and why they are the way they are. The side characters in this book also had moments of standing out. I'm thinking that some of these side characters are actually the subject of one of the first 11 books in this standalone series, so I’m excited to go back and read about them!
❤️ The Story: The story was adorable, but still had some amazing twists and turns, as well as some anxious moments that left me inthralled.
❤️🔥Overall: I really enjoyed this book and I’m going to have to read the rest of this series now!
🐕Hyena Fact Inspired by Commander Chaos: Hyenas, surprisingly, are some of the best mothers in the animal kingdom, investing more energy per cub than any other terrestrial carnivore. Hyenas give birth to 1 to 3 tiny jet-black cubs. Genetically, hyenas are closely related to civets, genets, and mongooses, therefore falling within the cat group of carnivores, hence the use of the term “cub”. Hyena cubs are “precocial”, meaning they are born in a more advanced stage of development with their eyes open, teeth intact, and muscles ready to go, unlike many of the cat species where cubs are born largely blind and helpless for several weeks. (wildtomorrow.org)
I was gifted this book free for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent!
Maya and her business partner, Faith, are on their way to New Rhea to deliver a dragus puppy, Commander Chaos, to his new owner. When their ship is attacked by pirates, Maya and Chaos are shoved into an escape pod and launched into space. They land on a strange planet in the middle of a swamp. With the pod sinking into the mud, they must abandon it and make it to the closest land. When they finally reach shore they are attacked by huge birds. With nothing to defend herself with, Maya knows this is the end!
Ranek is a Tallean male that recently escaped from the Dominion. He vows he will never be a slave again and is trying to start his own business as a merchant. He is on Fortana II scrounging for any items left by the Dominion when they abandoned the mining planet years before. He is hoping to find enough to fund his new business. He is just about ready to leave when he sees a pod flying above him and land in the swamp. He hurries to see is there is anything he can salvage. When he comes upon Maya being attacked by the birds, he chases them off and rescues her and Chaos. By that time they must seek shelter in an abandoned building and wait out the night until it is safe to fly again. Seems simple enough! Of course things don’t work out that way at all. Chaos becomes lost in the mines so Ranek and Maya must go and fight the creatures in the mine to rescue him. Things go quickly downhill from there! Space pirates, bounty’s on all three of their heads and no way off the planet.
Don’t miss the next book in the Tallean Mercenaries series! Drama, pirates, monsters and more!
Maya and her business partner, Faith, are on their way to New Rhea to deliver a dragus puppy, Commander Chaos, to his new owner. When their ship is attacked by pirates, Maya and Chaos are shoved into an escape pod and launched into space. They land on a strange planet in the middle of a swamp. With the pod sinking into the mud, they must abandon it and make it to the closest land. When they finally reach shore they are attacked by huge birds. With nothing to defend herself with, Maya knows this is the end!
Ranek is a Tallean male that recently escaped from the Dominion. He vows he will never be a slave again and is trying to start his own business as a merchant. He is on Fortana II scrounging for any items left by the Dominion when they abandoned the mining planet years before. He is hoping to find enough to fund his new business. He is just about ready to leave when he sees a pod flying above him and land in the swamp. He hurries to see is there is anything he can salvage. When he comes upon Maya being attacked by the birds, he chases them off and rescues her and Chaos. By that time they must seek shelter in an abandoned building and wait out the night until it is safe to fly again. Seems simple enough! Of course things don’t work out that way at all. Chaos becomes lost in the mines so Ranek and Maya must go and fight the creatures in the mine to rescue him. Things go quickly downhill from there! Space pirates, bounty’s on all three of their heads and no way off the planet.
Don’t miss the next book in the Tallean Mercenaries series! Drama, pirates, monsters and more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25⭐ Maya, Ranek, and Commander Chaos certainly have found themselves in quite the pickle. First Maya is delivering Commander Chaos to his new owners when her crew is attacked and she's shoved into a pod and sent off into space. Then her pod crashes Stars knows where and she has to act quickly before her and her Dragus pup find themselves permanent residents at the bottom of the bog. While running for their lives from some strange creatures after crash landing, they are saved by Ranek. Initially he's just trying to be friendly and get this human out of danger, but the moment he touches her hand everything in him screams that he has to keep her; mate, mine. Ranek knows better, he's already met his mate and it's not Maya. But every shared moment, stolen touch, and burst of laughter makes this male question everything he thought he knew. That is until he gets hit on the head hard enough that he can't remember anything at all. Even through the fog he knows one thing for certain, he must protect Maya at all costs. He may not know his name or where they are but he knows with his whole being that she is his and he'll do whatever he needs to protect her.
"Run all you want, Maya. But you're mine. And I'll always catch you."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Run all you want, Maya. But you're mine. And I'll always catch you."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lynnea just keeps getting better and better. As this series adds another book each one keeps getting better and better. Maya is bringing a pup that her and her friend Faith are breeding and raising to be good protectors and pets for people in the Galaxy. Maya was delivering the pup to the new owner when some pirates were trying to over take their ship and she was sent out in a pod and she ended up on a planet that was dangerous and unexpected. She never thought she would have a sexy Tallean Ranek would come to her rescue, and there is something about him that draws her in. Ranek thinks that she is his mate all signs point that way but how can he when he has already had a mate? This was sooo well-written and the adventures that these two get into while trying to figure out a way to get off planet safe. I loved the chemistry between these two it keeps you on the edge of your seat as you have non-stop action. I cannot get enough of these guys and their women that makes them soft and super protective. This is a must read just be prepared that you won't want to put this book down till its finished!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I need some Chaos in my life - Commander Chaos to be exact 🥰
Adventure, angst over fated mates, and caring for a dragus pup abound in this exciting and steamy addiction to the Tallean Mercenaries Series. Maya, a human who escaped human trafficking pirates, has started a new life while helping to raise dragus pups. When she and Commander Chaos are separated from the others tasked with delivering the pups to their new owners, she lands on Fortuna II and luckily saved by Ranek. But Ranek needs his own type of salvation and forgiveness, and witnessing the unfolding of their relationship is deeply meaningful even as danger keeps finding them. While this can be a stand alone book, I found I was immersed in a richer storyline by having read the other books first. Plus I loved the chance to catch up with other previous characters 💞. This has been one fine series!! I am voluntarily reviewing a free ARC copy of this book.
Adventure, angst over fated mates, and caring for a dragus pup abound in this exciting and steamy addiction to the Tallean Mercenaries Series. Maya, a human who escaped human trafficking pirates, has started a new life while helping to raise dragus pups. When she and Commander Chaos are separated from the others tasked with delivering the pups to their new owners, she lands on Fortuna II and luckily saved by Ranek. But Ranek needs his own type of salvation and forgiveness, and witnessing the unfolding of their relationship is deeply meaningful even as danger keeps finding them. While this can be a stand alone book, I found I was immersed in a richer storyline by having read the other books first. Plus I loved the chance to catch up with other previous characters 💞. This has been one fine series!! I am voluntarily reviewing a free ARC copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️
Okay, so as a pet sitter and basic obedience dog trainer, I might be a little biased toward this story… 🤭 But even setting that aside, this was genuinely a great shorter read (just over 3 hours for me).
This was my first book in the series, so I went in with totally fresh eyes, and I was never lost. Even though it’s several books in, it works really well as a standalone. The worldbuilding is already nicely established, and the character development is solid for a shorter story.
Romance-wise, I’d call this just over a medium burn, with fated mates in the mix 👀. There’s a lot happening: crash-landing on a mining planet, exploring dangerous mines, running around planetside while avoiding pirates, and somehow it all circles back beautifully to where it began.
Overall, this was a fun, well-paced adventure with a super sweet story arc. If you’re looking for a shorter sci-fi romance that still delivers on heart, action, and connection, this one is absolutely worth picking up. 💫🐾
Okay, so as a pet sitter and basic obedience dog trainer, I might be a little biased toward this story… 🤭 But even setting that aside, this was genuinely a great shorter read (just over 3 hours for me).
This was my first book in the series, so I went in with totally fresh eyes, and I was never lost. Even though it’s several books in, it works really well as a standalone. The worldbuilding is already nicely established, and the character development is solid for a shorter story.
Romance-wise, I’d call this just over a medium burn, with fated mates in the mix 👀. There’s a lot happening: crash-landing on a mining planet, exploring dangerous mines, running around planetside while avoiding pirates, and somehow it all circles back beautifully to where it began.
Overall, this was a fun, well-paced adventure with a super sweet story arc. If you’re looking for a shorter sci-fi romance that still delivers on heart, action, and connection, this one is absolutely worth picking up. 💫🐾
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is dual POV, charmingly written and well edited, and a fast-paced, sweet and steamy, adventure filled, sci fi romance between Maya, the female human animal obedience trainer lead, and Ranek, the male alien escaped prisoner and now mercenary lead. I enjoyed Maya’s confidence in engaging with Ranek and the way she’d immersed herself in the alien culture. I enjoyed Ranek’s shock at finding a second mate, and his sincere pursuit of Maya whilst injured. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the non-romance plot. I enjoyed the cameos from characters in previous stories in the series, and the supportive secondary characters. I adored the animal companion that Maya was training. I enjoyed the solution found for lifestyle and happiness in the future.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm gonna start this by saying this is my first read from Lynnea Lee, but I've read a couple from the author's other penname
Although this book is part of a series, I found it worked well as a standalone. There were points throughout that clearly referenced previous books, and characters who had previously been FMCs and MMCs appeared, but it was done in a way that, over all, kept the story accessible to new readers. It's also a comparatively short read, and I finished it in about two days
I did find parts of the story rushed, comments characters made directly contradicted comments made previously, and dialogue sometimes came across stilted or awkward. I did enjoy it though, and plan to work my way through the rest of the series when I have gaps in my reading plans
Also, if you're not big on the trope, this story does include memory loss due to head trauma (MMC)
Although this book is part of a series, I found it worked well as a standalone. There were points throughout that clearly referenced previous books, and characters who had previously been FMCs and MMCs appeared, but it was done in a way that, over all, kept the story accessible to new readers. It's also a comparatively short read, and I finished it in about two days
I did find parts of the story rushed, comments characters made directly contradicted comments made previously, and dialogue sometimes came across stilted or awkward. I did enjoy it though, and plan to work my way through the rest of the series when I have gaps in my reading plans
Also, if you're not big on the trope, this story does include memory loss due to head trauma (MMC)
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February 5, 2026I was given an advanced copy to read and review
It was a good story. You have Ranek who is down on his luck, and Maya who just wants to find a Tallean to love and love her.
There is some adventure with some pirates and lots of spice.
I do like the fact that you do not have to read any of the other books in the series to be able to follow the story. There is enough explanation for you to understand about the Tallean/Human culture.
I personally am not a fan of the Tallean's views on sex and nudity. They openly have sex in public and show nudity (at least that is how I interpret it). I am more into not sharing and wanting them all to yourself in books. That is a personal preference though.
I did enjoy the story overall and do enjoy a happy ending.
I recommend if you are looking for a light quick read.
It was a good story. You have Ranek who is down on his luck, and Maya who just wants to find a Tallean to love and love her.
There is some adventure with some pirates and lots of spice.
I do like the fact that you do not have to read any of the other books in the series to be able to follow the story. There is enough explanation for you to understand about the Tallean/Human culture.
I personally am not a fan of the Tallean's views on sex and nudity. They openly have sex in public and show nudity (at least that is how I interpret it). I am more into not sharing and wanting them all to yourself in books. That is a personal preference though.
I did enjoy the story overall and do enjoy a happy ending.
I recommend if you are looking for a light quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alien romance with a side of furry companions.
This was cute but the pacing was too chaotic. There was always something new happening, not a single second to slow down and make the characters get to truly know each other beyond the past they shared in bursts.
Plus, the plot was a little messy at times, too many side plots that were just messing with the character development. Not to mention the fact that the MMC was confused like 70% of the time and the FMC was more focused on the “dog” and being hornet than anything else.
It was entertaining and while messy, also kinda fun I guess.
PD: kinda wished the alien dick was special or sum but nope, regular d (disappointed:( )
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
This was cute but the pacing was too chaotic. There was always something new happening, not a single second to slow down and make the characters get to truly know each other beyond the past they shared in bursts.
Plus, the plot was a little messy at times, too many side plots that were just messing with the character development. Not to mention the fact that the MMC was confused like 70% of the time and the FMC was more focused on the “dog” and being hornet than anything else.
It was entertaining and while messy, also kinda fun I guess.
PD: kinda wished the alien dick was special or sum but nope, regular d (disappointed:( )
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
February 6, 2026
A Hope for Ranek was a new-to-me series by Lynnea Lee, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I’ve loved her other series, and this one quickly drew me in as well. Maya is a human tasked with delivering a dragus pup to his new owner, but her journey takes a dangerous turn when the ship she is traveling on is hijacked by pirates. She escapes with the pup—aptly named Commander Chaos—and ends up stranded on a nearby planet while waiting for rescue.
That’s where she meets Ranek, a Tallean who immediately feels a powerful connection to Maya. The Talleans have in fated mates, a trope I never get tired of, and their chemistry unfolds beautifully against the backdrop of survival and hope. This was a heartfelt, captivating read and the perfect choice with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.
That’s where she meets Ranek, a Tallean who immediately feels a powerful connection to Maya. The Talleans have in fated mates, a trope I never get tired of, and their chemistry unfolds beautifully against the backdrop of survival and hope. This was a heartfelt, captivating read and the perfect choice with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.
Review of advance copy
One stranded FMC and a dog, a planet filled with prehistoric flying creatures, and Ranek—an alien scavenging an abandoned planet now occupied by space pirates. This was my first alien romance by Lynnea Lee, and I’m glad it’s a standalone. I never felt like I was missing important background information, which made it easy to jump right in. After finishing, I’m definitely interested in going back to read the rest of her series to learn more about the other characters mentioned. Overall, a fun and entertaining read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Commander Chaos is almost the lead for this story. If it wasn’t for him this couple wouldn’t have met at all. Maya is a partner is Dragus R Us and is off delivering a pup when she is redirected into Ranak’s path.
Ranak is the brother of one of the lead males in this series. He is very lucky to get a second change at a bond mate in Maya. His first rejected him and that drove him into madness. But time heals all it seems cause now he has a great mate. Plus they have a pup that gets them into so much trouble.
Ranak is the brother of one of the lead males in this series. He is very lucky to get a second change at a bond mate in Maya. His first rejected him and that drove him into madness. But time heals all it seems cause now he has a great mate. Plus they have a pup that gets them into so much trouble.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Head Hits, Heartache and Happily Ever After
Maya needs rescue after her escape pod starts sinking into a swamp. Fortunately, Ranek is there - but can these two make it safely off-planet, what with pirates, wildlife, sordid histories, and the crazy antics of Commander Chaos? I loved the tangents this story flew off on - the new adventures really deepened the characters and expanded the story. A fantastic action-packed read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some underhanded decisions put two beings together who are more connected to eachother than they could have imagined. Characters from previous books come back to tie this book into the bigger story arc. You could read this as a standalone but it's more enjoyable having read previous books as events and characters are mentioned from previous books. +18 scenes of sex and violence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lynnea Lee's A Hope for Renek is book 12 of the Tallean Mercenaries series and features Maya, a dragus trainer, and Ranek, a warrior. Maya and a dragon named Captain Chaos need rescuing off the mining planet where Renek is salvaging old tech to get a new cruiser, and pirates are after them all. Lots of hot Tellean spice and adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great story. Definitely a page turner. Ranek lost his mind when he lost his chance at a mate bond. Tallean's only get one mate in life or so he thinks until he rescues Maya. I loved Ranek's story. I'm so glad he got his happily-ever-after. Can't wait to read the next Tallean book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing sci-fi romance! Exciting, passionate, and full of action.. Love seeing the familiar characters!
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