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The Mandrake Company #5
Mercenary Courage
After a grueling battle that cost him dearly, mercenary captain Viktor Mandrake wants nothing more than to get his ship repaired, let his men have leave, and spend time relaxing with Ankari. Entrepreneur, schemer, and leaser of his company’s one and only pink shuttlecraft, she has become the woman he loves and wants to keep at his side.
But as soon as Viktor sets foot on the space station Midway 5, it becomes clear that the Galactic Conglomeration Fleet wants him arrested for past grievances. As a mercenary, confronting the Fleet isn’t wise (it’s not wise for anyone else, either). Normally, Viktor would collect his people and depart, but a mysterious disease has resulted in a quarantine, leaving him stuck on the station with no access to his ship or his crew. Fortunately, he has Ankari with him, but unfortunately, Ankari’s family has been pointing out all of the reasons why she shouldn’t be flying around on a mercenary vessel. And he’s not certain they’re wrong.
If Viktor and Ankari can’t find a way off the station before the Fleet ships arrive, Viktor may never escape. Worse, no matter what happens, he risks losing Ankari forever.
Mercenary Courage is the fifth novel in the Mandrake Company science fiction romance series and is a sequel to Mercenary Instinct. If you haven’t read Mercenary Instinct yet, it’s available for free on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Mercenary-Insti...
But as soon as Viktor sets foot on the space station Midway 5, it becomes clear that the Galactic Conglomeration Fleet wants him arrested for past grievances. As a mercenary, confronting the Fleet isn’t wise (it’s not wise for anyone else, either). Normally, Viktor would collect his people and depart, but a mysterious disease has resulted in a quarantine, leaving him stuck on the station with no access to his ship or his crew. Fortunately, he has Ankari with him, but unfortunately, Ankari’s family has been pointing out all of the reasons why she shouldn’t be flying around on a mercenary vessel. And he’s not certain they’re wrong.
If Viktor and Ankari can’t find a way off the station before the Fleet ships arrive, Viktor may never escape. Worse, no matter what happens, he risks losing Ankari forever.
Mercenary Courage is the fifth novel in the Mandrake Company science fiction romance series and is a sequel to Mercenary Instinct. If you haven’t read Mercenary Instinct yet, it’s available for free on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Mercenary-Insti...
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2015
67 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 15, 2025
An unlikely hero who doesn't think he is a hero.
The banter cracks me up.
It is a lot of fun, packed with action, some harrowing times and some steamy times, and humour.
Mercenary Courage is the fifth book in the Mandrake Company Sci Fi series. A bunch of misfits with specialised talents form the mercenaries of this story. With women who find themselves amongst these men who will do anything to protect them, but the women aren't shy about getting their hands dirty.
A fun tale to escape daily life.
The banter cracks me up.
It is a lot of fun, packed with action, some harrowing times and some steamy times, and humour.
Mercenary Courage is the fifth book in the Mandrake Company Sci Fi series. A bunch of misfits with specialised talents form the mercenaries of this story. With women who find themselves amongst these men who will do anything to protect them, but the women aren't shy about getting their hands dirty.
A fun tale to escape daily life.
May 20, 2015
Here we got to see more about Viktor and Ankari.
They're reunited after a fierce battle where Viktor lost some of the crew and sustained damage to his ship. He doesn't want anything else but to spend some "quality" (LMAO) time with Ankari, but things get complicated and very confusing.
Why everybody wants him out of way? ;)
Here the real hero is Ankari. She's at the same time kick-ass and hilarious. I loved her even more than in the first book!
An axcellent addition to the series!
I'm looking forward to more books.
I hope Lauren's story will be next: I'm curious what (and who) will get her shaken! LOL
I would also liked to read Striker's story! LMAO!!!
They're reunited after a fierce battle where Viktor lost some of the crew and sustained damage to his ship. He doesn't want anything else but to spend some "quality" (LMAO) time with Ankari, but things get complicated and very confusing.
Why everybody wants him out of way? ;)
Here the real hero is Ankari. She's at the same time kick-ass and hilarious. I loved her even more than in the first book!
An axcellent addition to the series!
I'm looking forward to more books.
I hope Lauren's story will be next: I'm curious what (and who) will get her shaken! LOL
I would also liked to read Striker's story! LMAO!!!
August 14, 2015
Good, fast-paced sequel I really liked it.
The love story between Ankari and her mercenary captain continued with a lot of action and some very nice interaction with some well-known side-characters.
I liked this series as a whole a lot, but have to say that Ankari and Viktor are my favourite couple. I guess, that Lauren, the scientist, will get her own novel soon, and since I don't really like her much, I am not sure how this will play out. I didn't like Jamie's book so much, but overall they are all very good SciFi-Romance novels.
The love story between Ankari and her mercenary captain continued with a lot of action and some very nice interaction with some well-known side-characters.
I liked this series as a whole a lot, but have to say that Ankari and Viktor are my favourite couple. I guess, that Lauren, the scientist, will get her own novel soon, and since I don't really like her much, I am not sure how this will play out. I didn't like Jamie's book so much, but overall they are all very good SciFi-Romance novels.
February 23, 2015
Mercenary Courage is Ruby Lionsdrake's latest addition to her Mandrake Company series. Mercenary Courage revisits the main characters from Mercenary Instinct. I am usually not a fan of a book with repeat main characters but in Mercenary Courage, the plot works for me, especially since we get to see Ankari and Viktor's relationship grow realistically.
****Possible minor spoilers****
In Mercenary Courage, Viktor is just back from a job that resulted in several dead crew members. Ankari and her small company were on a space station working (because Viktor does his best to keep them away from dangerous jobs). When they meet up at a space station, everything that could possibly goes wrong and while Viktor does his best to keep Ankari safe, she turns the tables and saves him. OMG, that was my favorite twist, loved how Ankari proved her worthiness and stubborness to Viktor. Highly recommend!!!!
****Possible minor spoilers****
In Mercenary Courage, Viktor is just back from a job that resulted in several dead crew members. Ankari and her small company were on a space station working (because Viktor does his best to keep them away from dangerous jobs). When they meet up at a space station, everything that could possibly goes wrong and while Viktor does his best to keep Ankari safe, she turns the tables and saves him. OMG, that was my favorite twist, loved how Ankari proved her worthiness and stubborness to Viktor. Highly recommend!!!!
June 26, 2023
It was great to see more of Viktor and Ankari's relationship.
August 22, 2020
I seriously adore the range of grunts Viktor uses to communicate with. I also love how Ankari brings out a softer side of him. He still grunts, it's just a gentler grunt with the occasional lessening of his tough guy face. *thumbs up*
So. A space station. Some danger. A quarantine. Nothing out of the ordinary for this group of mercenaries and the entrepreneurs who fly with them. Wait. Let me rephrase that. Lauren would probably prefer all that to be a little less ordinary. (I'm desperately waiting for her story, btw. There's a certain merc who I'd love to see breech her walls.)
But I digress. We have Viktor and Ankari doing what they do best. Which amounts to kicking butt and having sexy times in borderline inappropriate places. And then kicking butt again. There might have been a fight or two. Which, I get. Viktor wants to keep Ankari safe and given what he went through on his last mission he's seriously wondering if his ship is the best place for her. Then there's his issues with the Fleet.
It's a wonderfully tangled mess they've found themselves thrown into.
I'm sad I've read all the books in this series now. SAD. I'd like more, please.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. A space station. Some danger. A quarantine. Nothing out of the ordinary for this group of mercenaries and the entrepreneurs who fly with them. Wait. Let me rephrase that. Lauren would probably prefer all that to be a little less ordinary. (I'm desperately waiting for her story, btw. There's a certain merc who I'd love to see breech her walls.)
But I digress. We have Viktor and Ankari doing what they do best. Which amounts to kicking butt and having sexy times in borderline inappropriate places. And then kicking butt again. There might have been a fight or two. Which, I get. Viktor wants to keep Ankari safe and given what he went through on his last mission he's seriously wondering if his ship is the best place for her. Then there's his issues with the Fleet.
It's a wonderfully tangled mess they've found themselves thrown into.
I'm sad I've read all the books in this series now. SAD. I'd like more, please.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 18, 2023
mf - sci fi romance - white MCs - moderate steam - POV: third duel - child free - relationship in trouble. I enjoyed revisiting the couple from book 1.
March 9, 2024
Not the most considered plot of the series, felt like a thrown together book
September 7, 2018
I like how we get another look into this couples life.
March 3, 2015
Once again we get to spend time with Viktor and Ankari. We first met them in Mercenary Instinct. They should have been oil and water but instead they are a great combination. Viktor has learned to live with the pink shuttle and Ankari understands what Viktor is saying even when there are no words.
Now they are in trouble again. Both are on a Midway 5, a space station. Before the real trouble comes Viktor decides he must send Ankari away to keep her safe. Ankari does not want to go. That conservation is interrupted when danger arrives. Viktor is the one in danger and Ankari works to keep him safe and to convince him that she and her company belong on his ship.
This is a fast paced action filled story. While Viktor and Ankari are at the center look for characters featured in some of the other books to play important roles in the story.
I love this series. There are several great hooks for future stories so I hope to see more of the Mandrake Company soon.
Mercenary Courage by Ruby Lionsdrake was published by Amazon Digital Services in 2015.
Now they are in trouble again. Both are on a Midway 5, a space station. Before the real trouble comes Viktor decides he must send Ankari away to keep her safe. Ankari does not want to go. That conservation is interrupted when danger arrives. Viktor is the one in danger and Ankari works to keep him safe and to convince him that she and her company belong on his ship.
This is a fast paced action filled story. While Viktor and Ankari are at the center look for characters featured in some of the other books to play important roles in the story.
I love this series. There are several great hooks for future stories so I hope to see more of the Mandrake Company soon.
Mercenary Courage by Ruby Lionsdrake was published by Amazon Digital Services in 2015.
March 17, 2015
Really liked this one. It was great to read about Viktor and Ankari again and to see how their relationship is growing. Story was faced paced and full of action. I've read all these books back to back and now I'm sad that they're over! Need more!
April 24, 2015
This series gets better and better. Now the characters are solid and imaginable in their own right. Victor is by far my favourite, with Sergei a close second.I shall be looking forward to Laurens story, it would be hilarious for her to juggle between Tick and Striker!
June 3, 2020
Excellent as always
Nice to get back into the Ankara and Viktor perspective of Mandrake Company. I'm really hoping that the next book sees Lauren shaken out of her preoccupation with all things science!
Nice to get back into the Ankara and Viktor perspective of Mandrake Company. I'm really hoping that the next book sees Lauren shaken out of her preoccupation with all things science!
December 1, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. I am enjoying this series. It’s not particularly thoughtful or technical but rather humorous, light, fast moving and entertaining. Since 2020, I have definitely been craving lighter fare.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Mercenary Courage, bk5.
The Mandrake Company’s latest mission was a debacle and resulted in 2 crewmen dead and 2 more badly injured. A visit to the morgue and medical care for the injured, as well as major ship repairs, are a necessity so the Albatross returns to nearby Midway 5 space station where 3 of his crew await (including Ankari/FMC). Mandrake Co owner Victor Mandrake/MMC, 40yrs, has barely begun making necessary arrangements when chaos erupts on the space station, first with an attack and then a quarantine lockdown order.
Comments ~
1) MERCENARY COURAGE brings back the MCs from bk1. Generally I prefer series which feature new characters in each book as the series plot progresses. I feel this can keep the storyline fresh (unless the plot is simply on repeat with different characters). But I didn’t mind seeing Ankari and Victor return as MCs in MERCENARY COURAGE. The storyline was different enough from previous books that I remained invested in what was happening and was happy to go along for the ride.
2) I enjoy the overall tone in this series - the fast moving, non-graphic action, the humor and romance. (Although less details of the latter would be fine).
3) Jill Redfield again did a wonderful job with the voices, pulling me in. I am very pleased that she continues as the voice actor for the last books.
4) As I am approaching the end of this series I wish I had another lined up in my tbrs. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. I’ll have to dig into recommended lists and hope for the best. ;)
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG. Yes but not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several detailed intimacy scenes occur.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Mercenary Courage, bk5.
The Mandrake Company’s latest mission was a debacle and resulted in 2 crewmen dead and 2 more badly injured. A visit to the morgue and medical care for the injured, as well as major ship repairs, are a necessity so the Albatross returns to nearby Midway 5 space station where 3 of his crew await (including Ankari/FMC). Mandrake Co owner Victor Mandrake/MMC, 40yrs, has barely begun making necessary arrangements when chaos erupts on the space station, first with an attack and then a quarantine lockdown order.
Comments ~
1) MERCENARY COURAGE brings back the MCs from bk1. Generally I prefer series which feature new characters in each book as the series plot progresses. I feel this can keep the storyline fresh (unless the plot is simply on repeat with different characters). But I didn’t mind seeing Ankari and Victor return as MCs in MERCENARY COURAGE. The storyline was different enough from previous books that I remained invested in what was happening and was happy to go along for the ride.
2) I enjoy the overall tone in this series - the fast moving, non-graphic action, the humor and romance. (Although less details of the latter would be fine).
3) Jill Redfield again did a wonderful job with the voices, pulling me in. I am very pleased that she continues as the voice actor for the last books.
4) As I am approaching the end of this series I wish I had another lined up in my tbrs. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. I’ll have to dig into recommended lists and hope for the best. ;)
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG. Yes but not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several detailed intimacy scenes occur.
November 20, 2017
I find that I really like the books where Ankari and Victor are the stars of the story. They are just a larger than life sort of couple and have the most dimensions to their characters. It might be that they were the first couple or that there were just more insights to them as a whole throughout the series, but they’re one of my favorite couples. You really do know more about each character. I like the little touches you see throughout the entire series regarding them. With his growls and her determination to name that shuttle ladybug. Despite his gruff demeanor you get to see how he really does try to do things to make her happy—like letting her paint that shuttle pink and working to get a chef for her.
I loved the intricacies of this story with all of the little twists contained in it. Just when you think it might be one thing something else is revealed that tells you that not all is what it seems. They really are a good working couple and complement each other’s skills and weaknesses nicely. They’re both honorable in their own way.
Who would have thought the masterminds to the main plot were who they were? I know I didn’t even think of it….
I enjoyed this installment and rank it high against the other offerings in this series.
I loved the intricacies of this story with all of the little twists contained in it. Just when you think it might be one thing something else is revealed that tells you that not all is what it seems. They really are a good working couple and complement each other’s skills and weaknesses nicely. They’re both honorable in their own way.
Who would have thought the masterminds to the main plot were who they were? I know I didn’t even think of it….
I enjoyed this installment and rank it high against the other offerings in this series.
May 30, 2017
What can I say, except another great entry in the series. It was nice to come back to a previous couple and spend some time with them after the "HEA" and see what it's like once they getting-together is done. I felt that both Ankari and Viktor's reservations and worries were very real, and handled well. Of course Viktor isn't going to come out and blurt out his feelings, but Ankari knows him well enough by now to interpret his grunts (mostly). The addition of Ankari's family (not in person, just over the phone) was nice as well, giving Ankari a bit more backstory and adding another layer to her character. And it was fun to see Viktor a little off his game when talking to his girlfriend's mom, even if he is 40, owns a company, and captains his own ship.
A note about the series as a whole - I like the age range of the protagonists. I think Viktor is the oldest, at 40, and Jamie is the youngest at just 20, but we've got a whole range in between, and varied life experiences as well, so some characters may act older or younger than their biological age.
A note about the series as a whole - I like the age range of the protagonists. I think Viktor is the oldest, at 40, and Jamie is the youngest at just 20, but we've got a whole range in between, and varied life experiences as well, so some characters may act older or younger than their biological age.
June 5, 2017
I am really happy that we got to see more of Viktor and Anakari in this installment of the series.
This was another fast paced and action packed adventure, mainly due to Ankari's schemes and plans. I liked that we got to see more of her and Viktor together as the main characters of the story, as we have only really had glimpses and mentions of then in the books since Mercenary Instinct (book 1) when they met. I love they way that they play off each other, and the way that she brings out a softer side to him. I think that they have, as with all the characters, a really good dialogue that adds a layer of humour to the story as well as adding another dimension to the characters.
It was also nice to see some of the other original characters, such as Jamie, and to see how her character has developed since having her own story. I also look forward to perhaps find out more about the new character that is Azarov, as we only know that he is a new member of the company.
I'm really enjoying this series and would completely recommend this to any science fiction lover.
This was another fast paced and action packed adventure, mainly due to Ankari's schemes and plans. I liked that we got to see more of her and Viktor together as the main characters of the story, as we have only really had glimpses and mentions of then in the books since Mercenary Instinct (book 1) when they met. I love they way that they play off each other, and the way that she brings out a softer side to him. I think that they have, as with all the characters, a really good dialogue that adds a layer of humour to the story as well as adding another dimension to the characters.
It was also nice to see some of the other original characters, such as Jamie, and to see how her character has developed since having her own story. I also look forward to perhaps find out more about the new character that is Azarov, as we only know that he is a new member of the company.
I'm really enjoying this series and would completely recommend this to any science fiction lover.
July 13, 2017
Steamy romance perfected!!
Yes, yes, yes. . . This book in the Mandrake series personifies how tasteful yet still steamy love scenes should be done - like poetry. I'm too lazy to give the page numbers, but the first love scene with Viktor and Ankari in the elevator was exquisite having just the right amount of buildup. They should publish an excerpt of that scene in GQ or Men's Health to help all those guys out there understand a thing or two.
On top of all the romance, the plot is action packed and full of suspense. I can't wait to read Tick and Lauren's story next and will be downloading after I click submit on this reveiw. But >ahem< there is no way this series can be complete without Striker's story - pretty please Ms. Lionsdrake.
Yes, yes, yes. . . This book in the Mandrake series personifies how tasteful yet still steamy love scenes should be done - like poetry. I'm too lazy to give the page numbers, but the first love scene with Viktor and Ankari in the elevator was exquisite having just the right amount of buildup. They should publish an excerpt of that scene in GQ or Men's Health to help all those guys out there understand a thing or two.
On top of all the romance, the plot is action packed and full of suspense. I can't wait to read Tick and Lauren's story next and will be downloading after I click submit on this reveiw. But >ahem< there is no way this series can be complete without Striker's story - pretty please Ms. Lionsdrake.
August 6, 2020
This book follows a previous couple rather than featuring a new romance. I usually like my romances to have standalone arcs but I love this world so much that focusing on an existing couple gives the book a lot more room to develop all the other relationships with friends and colleagues, and for the exciting plot to take us along for the ride.
Note: There is a mystery/suspense element around a mysterious illness, and at the time of me writing this review....covid is a thing. It was different enough from our real-world pandemic that I was not disturbed but did want to give others a heads up.
Thanks to Goodreads and Ruby Lionsdrake -- I won a copy of the complete Mandrake series and am slowly working my way through all 7 books.
Note: There is a mystery/suspense element around a mysterious illness, and at the time of me writing this review....covid is a thing. It was different enough from our real-world pandemic that I was not disturbed but did want to give others a heads up.
Thanks to Goodreads and Ruby Lionsdrake -- I won a copy of the complete Mandrake series and am slowly working my way through all 7 books.
March 20, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. Barring a couple of pretty unrealistic sex scenes, in my opinion this is the best in the series so far. No only it was fairly pleasant to go back to Viktor and Ankari (from book one), but the plot is full of action and suspense, and I just couldn't bring myself to put the book down right from the first pages. And if I liked Viktor in book one, I found him absolutely delicious in Mercenary Courage...
All books are supposed to be read as stand alones, but since the characters from previous books make lots of appearances in the following ones, I'm finding it useful to read the series in the correct order. And since Mercenary Courage in particular is the follow up story from Mercenary Instinct, you should at least have read that one before.
All books are supposed to be read as stand alones, but since the characters from previous books make lots of appearances in the following ones, I'm finding it useful to read the series in the correct order. And since Mercenary Courage in particular is the follow up story from Mercenary Instinct, you should at least have read that one before.
November 30, 2021
This book is sort of promising but the male main character is so odd it threw me off of being able to pay attention to plot or anything else.
For example, he doesn’t like to sit so he doesn’t have chairs and couches. There is a scene that I think is supposed to be cute where the female protagonist and male love interest eat a meal standing up in the cafeteria or wherever because he doesn’t like to sit in chairs. So strange and off-putting. And him never liking to sit comes up a lot. Why???
For example, he doesn’t like to sit so he doesn’t have chairs and couches. There is a scene that I think is supposed to be cute where the female protagonist and male love interest eat a meal standing up in the cafeteria or wherever because he doesn’t like to sit in chairs. So strange and off-putting. And him never liking to sit comes up a lot. Why???
December 18, 2021
Ankari and Viktor Mandrake are back, hijinks ensue, loads of PEWPEW AND fighty stuff.
This is totally fine, a decent science fiction with some romance story. I prefer her writing under the Lindsay Buroker name, Lionsdrake is more romance focused and isn't my preference. But I'm gonna read all things Buroker and it's very pleasant as a bedtime audiobook. Good, but not too good or too complex so it makes me unable to sleep. A bit more dull than the other offerings though.
This is totally fine, a decent science fiction with some romance story. I prefer her writing under the Lindsay Buroker name, Lionsdrake is more romance focused and isn't my preference. But I'm gonna read all things Buroker and it's very pleasant as a bedtime audiobook. Good, but not too good or too complex so it makes me unable to sleep. A bit more dull than the other offerings though.
February 22, 2017
Set in a remote space station, Viktor is wanted by GalCon, and forces are trying to set him up to be arrested and held in custody. Meanwhile, there is a supposed quarantine on the space station that Ankari finds suspicious. Another easy and enjoyable read in the series.
November 28, 2017
Love this author
I recently discover Ruby Lionsdrake, and I struck gold. I have read several books from two of her series, Instead of getting in a rut, each book has been unique and fun. Love it!!!
I recently discover Ruby Lionsdrake, and I struck gold. I have read several books from two of her series, Instead of getting in a rut, each book has been unique and fun. Love it!!!
November 4, 2018
It's a bit dicey when you're asked for your favourite SciFi novels and your answer is the equivalent of "I read the Playboy for the articles."
The stories are really good though, and I don't like them JUST for the good plots either.
The stories are really good though, and I don't like them JUST for the good plots either.
April 2, 2019
Entertaining, but I wanted Lauren's story. I did like that we revisited Ankari and Victor since a happily ever after likely has some road bumps on a risky and dangerous Mercenary ship. It was nice to see the couple struggling with that.
November 8, 2024
A nice revisit with Ankari and Viktor, and also a better story than what was in the last couple of books. The story was fast paced and a bit confusing, but in my mind the great character dynamics and humour made up for it.
May 6, 2025
This is one of those filler books, with overarching story stuff so I read it as I am enjoying the series, but I wish it to be known that I do not like filler books. We already did these couples, its a romance series, I need new fodder!
July 24, 2017
Still an enjoyable series.
August 24, 2017
Fun. A lot of sex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews