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Vindicated: A Sci-Fi Alien Warrior Romance
The alien warlord saved my life—and I despise him for it.
I was snatched from the enemy’s grasp by the Vandar, but then their warlord dragged me aboard his warbird and into his quarters. Raas Lorken claims that being his war bride will keep me safe, but I’ve never played it safe.
He’s brooding and immovable and absolutely convinced that his word is law, but I refuse to be afraid of him—just like I refuse to play by any of his rules or be his war bride—no matter how much his dark eyes dare me to take his bait.
When the enemy closes in, and the rebellion on my home world is threatened, I find that I will do anything to save my friends—including taking the warlord’s deal. But agreeing to be a war bride is one thing. Giving him my heart is quite another.
Vindicated is a full-length sci-fi romance with an HEA and no cheating. It features a quick-witted heroine who weaponizes charm, a brooding warlord who's never met his match, and slow-burn tension hot enough to scorch a warbird's hull.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, reluctant rescues, and heroines who refuse to be taken quietly, you'll love Vindicated, book three in the War Brides of the Vandar series.
I was snatched from the enemy’s grasp by the Vandar, but then their warlord dragged me aboard his warbird and into his quarters. Raas Lorken claims that being his war bride will keep me safe, but I’ve never played it safe.
He’s brooding and immovable and absolutely convinced that his word is law, but I refuse to be afraid of him—just like I refuse to play by any of his rules or be his war bride—no matter how much his dark eyes dare me to take his bait.
When the enemy closes in, and the rebellion on my home world is threatened, I find that I will do anything to save my friends—including taking the warlord’s deal. But agreeing to be a war bride is one thing. Giving him my heart is quite another.
Vindicated is a full-length sci-fi romance with an HEA and no cheating. It features a quick-witted heroine who weaponizes charm, a brooding warlord who's never met his match, and slow-burn tension hot enough to scorch a warbird's hull.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, reluctant rescues, and heroines who refuse to be taken quietly, you'll love Vindicated, book three in the War Brides of the Vandar series.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2026
About the author
Tana Stone
96 books858 followersI love sexy aliens and independent heroines. I grew up on Star Trek: Next Generation and Star Wars (and I adore them equally). My favorite superhero is Thor (with Aquaman a close second because, well, Jason Momoa), my favorite dessert is key lime pie (okay, fine, all pie), and I still lament the loss of Firefly.
I live in North Carolina in the US and have one husband, two teenagers, and two neurotic cats. I sometimes wish I could teleport to a holographic space station like the one in my tribute brides series (or maybe vacation at the oasis with the sand planet barbarians). :-) When I'm not writing, I love to paddleboard, dive, travel, and read obsessively!
Want to hang out with me in my private Facebook group? Join on all the fun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tanas...
I live in North Carolina in the US and have one husband, two teenagers, and two neurotic cats. I sometimes wish I could teleport to a holographic space station like the one in my tribute brides series (or maybe vacation at the oasis with the sand planet barbarians). :-) When I'm not writing, I love to paddleboard, dive, travel, and read obsessively!
Want to hang out with me in my private Facebook group? Join on all the fun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tanas...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 13, 2026
Leather kilted alien barbarians that fly space ships and weild battle axes against plasma blasters. If you think this sounds like the perfect pallette cleanser then you would be correct. The twist in this brought some unexpected family drama that I ate up.
August 18, 2026
This was an interesting alien romance, but definitely one that requires some effort from the reader. The world-building is detailed and quite unique, including a lot of unusual names and terminology. You really have to work your way through the descriptions and remember the different concepts to get the most out of the story.
There is a lot to explore, especially if you're already invested in the series. You have rebel groups, warriors, fated mates, and a complex alien society, so there is certainly plenty happening beyond the romance.
Unfortunately, I had quite a few problems with the main male character. He keeps information from the heroine, including the fact that she is his fated mate. I could understand him withholding tactical information from someone he doesn't know or trust yet, but he also keeps relatively personal information from her simply because he doesn't want to tell her. That made it difficult for me to understand his reasoning at times.
There is also a significant power imbalance between them. She essentially has the choice between going with his group and surviving or staying behind and potentially dying. That's not really a choice, so I found some of the subsequent relationship decisions difficult to accept as freely made.
His attitude toward humans also bothered me considerably. He repeatedly emphasizes that he didn't want a human mate because he is a "purebred" member of his species and looks down on others who have human mates. To me, this came across as openly prejudiced, and it made it very difficult to like him.
What frustrated me most was the contradiction between his words and his actions. He repeatedly says that he doesn't want a forced bond because of what happened to his parents, yet he ultimately puts the heroine into exactly that kind of situation. That made very little sense to me.
The heroine, on the other hand, was much easier to root for. She gets one difficult situation thrown at her after another, and every time she does her best to deal with it and keep going. I found myself rooting for her constantly, even when I wasn't particularly invested in the romance.
Overall, the world-building and broader story are interesting, and the book does work as a romance. However, I wasn't really rooting for the main couple. I was mainly rooting for the heroine to survive the next challenge and get through whatever new curveball was coming her way. The problematic behavior of the hero made it difficult for me to fully enjoy their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a lot to explore, especially if you're already invested in the series. You have rebel groups, warriors, fated mates, and a complex alien society, so there is certainly plenty happening beyond the romance.
Unfortunately, I had quite a few problems with the main male character. He keeps information from the heroine, including the fact that she is his fated mate. I could understand him withholding tactical information from someone he doesn't know or trust yet, but he also keeps relatively personal information from her simply because he doesn't want to tell her. That made it difficult for me to understand his reasoning at times.
There is also a significant power imbalance between them. She essentially has the choice between going with his group and surviving or staying behind and potentially dying. That's not really a choice, so I found some of the subsequent relationship decisions difficult to accept as freely made.
His attitude toward humans also bothered me considerably. He repeatedly emphasizes that he didn't want a human mate because he is a "purebred" member of his species and looks down on others who have human mates. To me, this came across as openly prejudiced, and it made it very difficult to like him.
What frustrated me most was the contradiction between his words and his actions. He repeatedly says that he doesn't want a forced bond because of what happened to his parents, yet he ultimately puts the heroine into exactly that kind of situation. That made very little sense to me.
The heroine, on the other hand, was much easier to root for. She gets one difficult situation thrown at her after another, and every time she does her best to deal with it and keep going. I found myself rooting for her constantly, even when I wasn't particularly invested in the romance.
Overall, the world-building and broader story are interesting, and the book does work as a romance. However, I wasn't really rooting for the main couple. I was mainly rooting for the heroine to survive the next challenge and get through whatever new curveball was coming her way. The problematic behavior of the hero made it difficult for me to fully enjoy their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
She defied a feared warlord and found the man beneath the legend.
Athena survives occupation through charm, nerve, and a refusal to bow. When Vandar warlord Lorken offers to save her and her friends if she becomes his temporary war bride, she accepts to protect the people she loves, certain she can resist his possessive attention without giving him anything real.
Life aboard his warbird isn't what she expects. Lorken is intimidating, fiercely protective, and convinced she belongs in his furs, yet he never takes what she doesn't choose to give. His restraint unsettles Athena as suspicion, forced proximity, and relentless attraction break through her defenses.
Their fragile trust is tested when sabotage and buried secrets place Athena under suspicion. Duty collides with desire as Lorken weighs his horde against the woman he's falling for, while Athena confronts a past that threatens everything she believes about herself.
As war closes in, a desperate bargain becomes a bond neither can escape. Every risk draws them closer, but choosing each other means facing fear, surrendering control, and trusting someone enough to stay.
Athena learns that accepting love doesn't mean surrendering herself or the life she built. Lorken grows from a possessive warlord into a devoted partner who understands that trust, respect, and choice are stronger than control. They become passionate equals who repeatedly choose each other through danger, sacrifice, and against impossible odds.
An ultra-steamy alien-human romance with forced proximity, a reluctant war bride, fated mates, rescue, and a fiercely protective warlord. It explores identity, trust, loyalty, sacrifice, belonging, and finding love without losing yourself. At its heart, devotion isn't demanded. It's chosen freely, even when staying feels more frightening than leaving.
The Elevator Pitch: A quick-witted actress agrees to become an alien warlord's temporary war bride to save the people she loves, convinced she'll walk away once they're safe. As danger closes in and buried truths threaten to destroy the fragile trust between them, their reluctant alliance grows into a bond neither expected nor can easily deny. Between loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of choosing love over fear, both must decide what they're truly willing to fight for.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Athena survives occupation through charm, nerve, and a refusal to bow. When Vandar warlord Lorken offers to save her and her friends if she becomes his temporary war bride, she accepts to protect the people she loves, certain she can resist his possessive attention without giving him anything real.
Life aboard his warbird isn't what she expects. Lorken is intimidating, fiercely protective, and convinced she belongs in his furs, yet he never takes what she doesn't choose to give. His restraint unsettles Athena as suspicion, forced proximity, and relentless attraction break through her defenses.
Their fragile trust is tested when sabotage and buried secrets place Athena under suspicion. Duty collides with desire as Lorken weighs his horde against the woman he's falling for, while Athena confronts a past that threatens everything she believes about herself.
As war closes in, a desperate bargain becomes a bond neither can escape. Every risk draws them closer, but choosing each other means facing fear, surrendering control, and trusting someone enough to stay.
Athena learns that accepting love doesn't mean surrendering herself or the life she built. Lorken grows from a possessive warlord into a devoted partner who understands that trust, respect, and choice are stronger than control. They become passionate equals who repeatedly choose each other through danger, sacrifice, and against impossible odds.
An ultra-steamy alien-human romance with forced proximity, a reluctant war bride, fated mates, rescue, and a fiercely protective warlord. It explores identity, trust, loyalty, sacrifice, belonging, and finding love without losing yourself. At its heart, devotion isn't demanded. It's chosen freely, even when staying feels more frightening than leaving.
The Elevator Pitch: A quick-witted actress agrees to become an alien warlord's temporary war bride to save the people she loves, convinced she'll walk away once they're safe. As danger closes in and buried truths threaten to destroy the fragile trust between them, their reluctant alliance grows into a bond neither expected nor can easily deny. Between loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of choosing love over fear, both must decide what they're truly willing to fight for.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
August 19, 2026
Raas Lorken had decided that he needed to be on the away mission to rescue Athena on Gollum Prime. He had given his word to Raas Wrexxon that he would help liberate the people on the planet, especially the people who had saved his Battle Chief. His majak, 2nd in command, Dawz knew Lorken better than anyone else, knew that there was more to it. The Raas gives his orders to his men, regarding the Zagrath, and what he wanted done. Especially, on what they needed to do in order to save the theatre group that had protected the Battle Chief and his mate.
We learn about his parents and how they were not a good match. Because of how Athena and her troupe had helped the Battle Chief, the Raas himself was leading that particular mission. Some things were very different now that there was more of a Zagrath presence on the planet. We find out that Lettie’s brother, is in the Zagrath prison and they are searching for his sister at the theatre. Things go to heck rather quickly. They were able to talk their way out of that one, which was impressive, but they won’t be able to do it again. I swear Athena’s troupe is pretty much hilarious and insane. They are also very intriguing. I love when Lorken and Athena meet. Wowza. Athena makes a deal with Lorken. The meeting afterwards with the Lorken’s Battle Chief, who is Lorken’s younger brother, Zarn, is hilarious.
Zarn finds out something that devastates his Raas, and Athena. Now, Lorken doesn’t trust himself or Athena and he is very upset and angry. So she does something insane because she doesn’t know what it is. *shudders*. Afterwards, Lorken and Athena talk and then things progress to the romantic, hot and steamy.
There is a betrayal. I figured it out quickly. Then the Zagrath show up and it is total mayhem. Then things get really sad and scary. Athena’s rescue is awesome. Poor Lorken is hurt and all I wanted to do was find a few Zagrath, and hit them where the sun doesn’t shine. lol. I loved the ending. It was perfect. I think that Zarn will be up next. That should be fun. lol.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We learn about his parents and how they were not a good match. Because of how Athena and her troupe had helped the Battle Chief, the Raas himself was leading that particular mission. Some things were very different now that there was more of a Zagrath presence on the planet. We find out that Lettie’s brother, is in the Zagrath prison and they are searching for his sister at the theatre. Things go to heck rather quickly. They were able to talk their way out of that one, which was impressive, but they won’t be able to do it again. I swear Athena’s troupe is pretty much hilarious and insane. They are also very intriguing. I love when Lorken and Athena meet. Wowza. Athena makes a deal with Lorken. The meeting afterwards with the Lorken’s Battle Chief, who is Lorken’s younger brother, Zarn, is hilarious.
Zarn finds out something that devastates his Raas, and Athena. Now, Lorken doesn’t trust himself or Athena and he is very upset and angry. So she does something insane because she doesn’t know what it is. *shudders*. Afterwards, Lorken and Athena talk and then things progress to the romantic, hot and steamy.
There is a betrayal. I figured it out quickly. Then the Zagrath show up and it is total mayhem. Then things get really sad and scary. Athena’s rescue is awesome. Poor Lorken is hurt and all I wanted to do was find a few Zagrath, and hit them where the sun doesn’t shine. lol. I loved the ending. It was perfect. I think that Zarn will be up next. That should be fun. lol.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2026
𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.
𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐚𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐚, 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡.
When our MMC, Raas Lorken, who’s not one to embrace the idea of War Brides, sees a flickering image of our FMC, Athena, he forgets to breathe, immediately knowing there is something about her that matters to him. He insists on joining the team to rescue her not only at Raas Kolt’s request but because of his inexplicable need to find her, to protect her. While Athena is attracted to Lorken, this brave, quick-witted heroine refuses to simply give in to the pull between them. When they finally meet, she holds him at blade to his throat and makes her own demands. Rescue her entire company of actors and her brother, then she will agree to become his war bride. Sounds simple enough, right? Not quite when Athena has a secret identity that even she doesn’t know about!
This is a slow burn but it is absolutely worth the wait. Lorken falls first and hard, while his brother remains suspicious of Athena. With the Zagarth in pursuit and a saboteur onboard, there is plenty of suspicion and intrigue to keep you engaged.
I loved the banter, danger, secrets and undeniable chemistry between Lorken and Athena. Athena is fiercely independent and certainly not a woman who can be easily controlled, while Lorken’s protective nature was just deliciously sweet.
Tana has once again woven romance, action and intrigue into another brilliant addition to the Vandar warrior world. I was hooked from beginning to end and cannot wait for Vicious, the next book in this series.
𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐚𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐚, 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡.
When our MMC, Raas Lorken, who’s not one to embrace the idea of War Brides, sees a flickering image of our FMC, Athena, he forgets to breathe, immediately knowing there is something about her that matters to him. He insists on joining the team to rescue her not only at Raas Kolt’s request but because of his inexplicable need to find her, to protect her. While Athena is attracted to Lorken, this brave, quick-witted heroine refuses to simply give in to the pull between them. When they finally meet, she holds him at blade to his throat and makes her own demands. Rescue her entire company of actors and her brother, then she will agree to become his war bride. Sounds simple enough, right? Not quite when Athena has a secret identity that even she doesn’t know about!
This is a slow burn but it is absolutely worth the wait. Lorken falls first and hard, while his brother remains suspicious of Athena. With the Zagarth in pursuit and a saboteur onboard, there is plenty of suspicion and intrigue to keep you engaged.
I loved the banter, danger, secrets and undeniable chemistry between Lorken and Athena. Athena is fiercely independent and certainly not a woman who can be easily controlled, while Lorken’s protective nature was just deliciously sweet.
Tana has once again woven romance, action and intrigue into another brilliant addition to the Vandar warrior world. I was hooked from beginning to end and cannot wait for Vicious, the next book in this series.
August 1, 2026
Fierce love
I love the Vandar warriors with their over the top alpha maleness and the resulting touch her and die mentality. I mean I wouldn’t want one in real life but a fictional leather kilt wearing Viking-like warrior, yes please. Lorken and Athena’s alien-human, reluctant rescue, enemies to lovers, romance was so good. I loved it. Their story had the perfect mix of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, danger, missteps, protective violence, and spice. This is definitely a you’ll have to read it in one sitting kind of book. Athena is the leader of a theatre group on the planet of Kashara. After she and her actors help a Vandar and his mate escape the Zagrath (Vengeance), the actors are promised Vandar help for the planet. Lorken is a Vandar Raas who is known as the Demon Raas. After seeing an image of Athena, he believes she is his mate and his warbird goes to help rescue the planet from Zagrath control as promised. Lorken and Athena make a deal, she will be his war bride if he agrees to take the rest of the actors on his warbird as well. But she does not plan to make it easy. Despite Athena being taken as a war bride, this is not a dubcon or noncon situation. Their relationship develops organically without forced intimacy. As always with this author, the development of interesting secondary characters was quite good and has me excited for more books with these characters in starring roles. Especially with the glimpse of the next story in the Epilogue. Vandar heroes and the strong fiery women who bring them to their knees are some of my favorite couples. 4.5 stars.
I love the Vandar warriors with their over the top alpha maleness and the resulting touch her and die mentality. I mean I wouldn’t want one in real life but a fictional leather kilt wearing Viking-like warrior, yes please. Lorken and Athena’s alien-human, reluctant rescue, enemies to lovers, romance was so good. I loved it. Their story had the perfect mix of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, danger, missteps, protective violence, and spice. This is definitely a you’ll have to read it in one sitting kind of book. Athena is the leader of a theatre group on the planet of Kashara. After she and her actors help a Vandar and his mate escape the Zagrath (Vengeance), the actors are promised Vandar help for the planet. Lorken is a Vandar Raas who is known as the Demon Raas. After seeing an image of Athena, he believes she is his mate and his warbird goes to help rescue the planet from Zagrath control as promised. Lorken and Athena make a deal, she will be his war bride if he agrees to take the rest of the actors on his warbird as well. But she does not plan to make it easy. Despite Athena being taken as a war bride, this is not a dubcon or noncon situation. Their relationship develops organically without forced intimacy. As always with this author, the development of interesting secondary characters was quite good and has me excited for more books with these characters in starring roles. Especially with the glimpse of the next story in the Epilogue. Vandar heroes and the strong fiery women who bring them to their knees are some of my favorite couples. 4.5 stars.
August 6, 2026
Lorken had seen a picture of Athena and he was hooked on her. For some reason this human heated his blood. Going against tradition wasn’t something that Lorken did. Unlike the other Vandar with their heated pools and beds, he slept on furs on a platform and had a waterfall in his bathroom.
Athena ran a theatre on a Zagrath ran planet. Their plays are reminiscent of the old world plays where they pushed political boundaries. Having helped a Vandar, Colt and his human mate Skye escape the planet put Athena on the Zagrath watch list more than she would like.
Full disclosure when I read the set of Raider Warlords of the Vandar I was hooked on Vandars. So when this new series sprang up I was more than ready to revisit their world as I had reread the series a few times. Lets just say that this series is like Vandar Lite. It almost feels like a different author is doing this one. The Vandar are sounding more and more like modern men with their speech patterns and mannerisms. The things that made them Vandar is very tamed.
For me Lorken and Athena had no chemistry. There wasn’t the push and pull that made for great mental foreplay. They hadn’t even kissed even though they shared a bed. When they finally got together, I skipped it to be honest as it felt just kind of like oh so now they are doing the horizontal mambo?!? Why? A lot of this story reminded me of some of the other stories just watered down. I understand it’s hard not to draw on past writings, I was just hoping for more of what attracted me to the first series
It’s not a bad read and if you haven’t read the other series this should be a good read.
I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Athena ran a theatre on a Zagrath ran planet. Their plays are reminiscent of the old world plays where they pushed political boundaries. Having helped a Vandar, Colt and his human mate Skye escape the planet put Athena on the Zagrath watch list more than she would like.
Full disclosure when I read the set of Raider Warlords of the Vandar I was hooked on Vandars. So when this new series sprang up I was more than ready to revisit their world as I had reread the series a few times. Lets just say that this series is like Vandar Lite. It almost feels like a different author is doing this one. The Vandar are sounding more and more like modern men with their speech patterns and mannerisms. The things that made them Vandar is very tamed.
For me Lorken and Athena had no chemistry. There wasn’t the push and pull that made for great mental foreplay. They hadn’t even kissed even though they shared a bed. When they finally got together, I skipped it to be honest as it felt just kind of like oh so now they are doing the horizontal mambo?!? Why? A lot of this story reminded me of some of the other stories just watered down. I understand it’s hard not to draw on past writings, I was just hoping for more of what attracted me to the first series
It’s not a bad read and if you haven’t read the other series this should be a good read.
I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lorken and Athena . . .
Lorken usually doesn't join the landing party but thinking of the dark-haired human Athena changed his mind. He had promised Raas Wrexxon that his raiders would liberate the people who had assisted in the escape of Wrexxon’s battle chief and his mate from the Zagrath. Taking Athena with him as his mate is his own plan. Their ships' invisibility shielding evaded the sensors on the planet and they were not detected as they landed. Then he again remembered Athena and the real reason he had come here. Athena was snatched from the enemy’s grasp by the Vandar, and their warlord dragged her aboard his warbird and into his quarters. Raas Lorken tries to convince her that being his war bride will keep her safe. But she has no intention of giving in to him. She will stay in his quarters, but when it's over she will leave. Agreeing she will be a war bride is one thing, but beyond that (and she seems not to know what being a war bride means), she does not intend to follow through with anything further. She insists that her actors troupe must escape too and he agrees since she will be his. Will she have a plan of escape from the powerful alien? Or will she have to learn how to fit into her new life? And how will she escape when Raas Lorken is injured and her awful father snatches her away as his only heir, giving her no choice? What does her father intend when he notices the Vandar mate markings burning on her chest -- and raises his blaster to remove the mark? Will Lorken's brother Zarn get to her in time?
Lorken usually doesn't join the landing party but thinking of the dark-haired human Athena changed his mind. He had promised Raas Wrexxon that his raiders would liberate the people who had assisted in the escape of Wrexxon’s battle chief and his mate from the Zagrath. Taking Athena with him as his mate is his own plan. Their ships' invisibility shielding evaded the sensors on the planet and they were not detected as they landed. Then he again remembered Athena and the real reason he had come here. Athena was snatched from the enemy’s grasp by the Vandar, and their warlord dragged her aboard his warbird and into his quarters. Raas Lorken tries to convince her that being his war bride will keep her safe. But she has no intention of giving in to him. She will stay in his quarters, but when it's over she will leave. Agreeing she will be a war bride is one thing, but beyond that (and she seems not to know what being a war bride means), she does not intend to follow through with anything further. She insists that her actors troupe must escape too and he agrees since she will be his. Will she have a plan of escape from the powerful alien? Or will she have to learn how to fit into her new life? And how will she escape when Raas Lorken is injured and her awful father snatches her away as his only heir, giving her no choice? What does her father intend when he notices the Vandar mate markings burning on her chest -- and raises his blaster to remove the mark? Will Lorken's brother Zarn get to her in time?
Review of advance copy
Lorken and Athena quickly became some of my favorite MCs. Lorken, the so-called Demon Raas, is the kind of leather-kilt-wearing, touch-her-and-die possessive alpha MMC that I love about the Vandar, but he also loves that Athena refuses to be intimidated by him. I loved Athena; she's quick-witted and loyal to her theater troupe, and unwilling to make anything easy for Lorken, even after she agrees to become his war bride in exchange for safe passage for her actors.
I enjoyed Athena and Lorken's dynamic. He knows what he wants with Athena before they even meet, while Athena just wants safety for herself and her friends and to be free of the Zagarath. Even though the deal that makes her his war bride creates forced proximity, he gives her space and shows her through his actions that he's more than the brute the Zagrath propaganda portrays. He's seen what forced mating can lead to, and he wants better.
If you're already invested in this series, you'll love Lorken and Athena's story. The secondary characters from the troupe add an extra layer of fun—Lettie's bold appreciation of the sexy Vandar had me chuckling. Vindicated is a fun, exciting read with a fierce FMC, a devoted MMC, and I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series goes next. The epilogue tease alone was enough to get me excited for the next installment!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed Athena and Lorken's dynamic. He knows what he wants with Athena before they even meet, while Athena just wants safety for herself and her friends and to be free of the Zagarath. Even though the deal that makes her his war bride creates forced proximity, he gives her space and shows her through his actions that he's more than the brute the Zagrath propaganda portrays. He's seen what forced mating can lead to, and he wants better.
If you're already invested in this series, you'll love Lorken and Athena's story. The secondary characters from the troupe add an extra layer of fun—Lettie's bold appreciation of the sexy Vandar had me chuckling. Vindicated is a fun, exciting read with a fierce FMC, a devoted MMC, and I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series goes next. The epilogue tease alone was enough to get me excited for the next installment!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2026
I wanna be a war bride too *stomps foot*…or at least the same deal she got, which was a trial war bride…in his furs…sold, I’ll take it. And…there really wasn’t time for negotiations…but they still managed to squeeze it in on the run…multi-tasking time management at its finest, gotta love that am I right? But seriously ya’ll…this was just so damn good. Just edge-of-your-seat-fantastic. This Raas did not f*ck around, and if you f*cked around…you found out. He was nicknamed the Demon Raas for a good reason, and he did not disappoint, totally lived up to his nickname. At one point, he sees her surrounded by enemies, and knew he couldn’t get to her in time by running, so he launched himself over the rail down a sh*t ton of floors…seriously he was like a Vandar superhero…I was kinda fan girling a bit. And I was definitely like holy sh*t. It was so cool, and I absolutely loved it. If you haven’t guessed already, I am definitely calling dibs on my Demon Raas…yup, I read him first…and I do not share well with others. There are plenty of Vandar to go around…you’re welcome.
Fast paced edge-of-your-seat crazy ass Vandar Rass superhero that would do anything, and I mean anything for his true mate obsession. I said omg so many times in this book, there were more twists than Vandar bridges on his warbird. And I loved it all, so good. We do get an epilogue and a hea. And of course we get a little insight to the next book, which I already can’t wait to read.
Fast paced edge-of-your-seat crazy ass Vandar Rass superhero that would do anything, and I mean anything for his true mate obsession. I said omg so many times in this book, there were more twists than Vandar bridges on his warbird. And I loved it all, so good. We do get an epilogue and a hea. And of course we get a little insight to the next book, which I already can’t wait to read.
Review of advance copy
I had the honor of reading Vindicated by Tana Stone, and the ARC is such a wonderful story. Raas Lorken and Athena are an interesting couple who have to go through struggles before they find love. Struggle one is the troupe's rescue from the planet being taken over by the Zagrath. Kolt (from the previous book), in exchange for the theatre troupe’s help in getting him off the planet, promised he would send someone back to rescue them. He sent Raas Lorken. Struggle number two: Athena agrees to be his temporary war bride if he liberates her friends of the troupe plus one more prisoner jailed with Vern. Struggle number three: Strange occurrences of sabotage begin on the ship, and Athena is blamed. Struggle number four: Athena agrees to be questioned by Zarn (Raas Lorken’s brother and battle chief) to prove she’s innocent. Big mistake! He takes her to his torture chamber, and his questioning is far different from what she thought it would be. Struggle number five: Athena’s long-lost father chases down Lorken’s vessel, captures her, and tries to kill her. Life is full of struggles, but it’s so much more fun to experience them in a book where readers are safely ensconced on the couch. This tale is another fast-moving, intense addition to the Vandar series. I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Vindicated is book three in the War Brides of the Vandar series bringing another top notch entry into the storyline.
This newest follows Lorken known as the Demon Raas who has returned to the planet Gollun Prime to uphold a promise made to Ras Wrexxon to liberate the people who had assisted in the escape of Wrexxon’s battle chief and his mate from the Zagrath controlled city Kashara.
Lorken has a duel purpose though, he plans on taking FMC Athena with him, willing or not.
He’d never desired a mate until Athena who made is blood boil.
She agrees to leave with him as long as her actors troupe goes too, he agrees but only if she’ll be his war bride, and I don’t think she quite knew exactly what that meant before making the deal.
She played right into his hands!
Loved the story which was fueled by angst, danger, intrigue, friendships, family dynamics, surprises, emotion, and enough hot sexual tension to boil the water in one of those special Vandar pools.
Always with good writing and crafted characters the narrative flows along at a good pace and kept this reader immersed until the final moment when those mate marks made their appearance and their HEA was not far behind.
Can’t wait for the next book after the little tease at the end of this one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This newest follows Lorken known as the Demon Raas who has returned to the planet Gollun Prime to uphold a promise made to Ras Wrexxon to liberate the people who had assisted in the escape of Wrexxon’s battle chief and his mate from the Zagrath controlled city Kashara.
Lorken has a duel purpose though, he plans on taking FMC Athena with him, willing or not.
He’d never desired a mate until Athena who made is blood boil.
She agrees to leave with him as long as her actors troupe goes too, he agrees but only if she’ll be his war bride, and I don’t think she quite knew exactly what that meant before making the deal.
She played right into his hands!
Loved the story which was fueled by angst, danger, intrigue, friendships, family dynamics, surprises, emotion, and enough hot sexual tension to boil the water in one of those special Vandar pools.
Always with good writing and crafted characters the narrative flows along at a good pace and kept this reader immersed until the final moment when those mate marks made their appearance and their HEA was not far behind.
Can’t wait for the next book after the little tease at the end of this one!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2026
Wonderful characters Lorken and Athena, plot that is captivating and also alien love story
Lorken has promised that his raiders will liberate the people that had helped Raas Wrexxon and his mate to escape to safety. He has not for one moment forgotten about Athena who had been snatched away by the enemy and he was determined to snatch her from the warlord that had removed her and then Raas Lorken is determined that she will agree to become his war bride.
She agrees to remain in his quarters where she is safe, she has no idea what actually being Lorken’s war bride would actually entail, she is being cared for and she actually has got to know him well and her feelings have changed towards him.
When Raas Lorken is injured, her father is able to snatch her away from the safety of his ship, her father is a terrible man and she will do anything to escape and hopes that Lorken is still alive and hopefully is still prepared to take her as his war bride.
She can only imagine what her father has in store for her, her chest still burns from the mate markings from the night before, she can only hope that if she cannot free herself that Zorken, Lorken’s brother will be able to find and rescue her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
Lorken has promised that his raiders will liberate the people that had helped Raas Wrexxon and his mate to escape to safety. He has not for one moment forgotten about Athena who had been snatched away by the enemy and he was determined to snatch her from the warlord that had removed her and then Raas Lorken is determined that she will agree to become his war bride.
She agrees to remain in his quarters where she is safe, she has no idea what actually being Lorken’s war bride would actually entail, she is being cared for and she actually has got to know him well and her feelings have changed towards him.
When Raas Lorken is injured, her father is able to snatch her away from the safety of his ship, her father is a terrible man and she will do anything to escape and hopes that Lorken is still alive and hopefully is still prepared to take her as his war bride.
She can only imagine what her father has in store for her, her chest still burns from the mate markings from the night before, she can only hope that if she cannot free herself that Zorken, Lorken’s brother will be able to find and rescue her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
August 14, 2026
4 Terrific 🌟"s for Vindicated🌟💖🔥
In this third installment, we are back on the desert planet the Vandar have come to liberate it just as the promised in the last book. Raas Lorken has promised to find the Theater troupe that saved Kolt and save them from the Zagrath. When he sees a picture of Athena he know somewhere deep in side that she is his. He obsess over her and does find the whole troop and offers her a deal. Be his war bride and he will find a safe planet for the whole Theatre troop to live. She agrees and that when the action truly starts. Athena wasn't sure if Kolt and Skye would really send help to free their planet but when the door to the theatre burst open and Vandar came in she knew they kept their word . what she didn't expect was a gorgeous demon Vandar Lorken and what just one look would do to her. She make a deal with him and ends up on his warbird. While there not everyone is happy about it and their are secrets about her last that she doesn't even know about that threaten to ruin the fragile relationship growing between her and Lorken. When a traitor is found among them and they find themselves under attack by the Zagrath both Athena and Lorken need to decide what is most important And if their love will survive the enemy . 🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🔥💖🌟
In this third installment, we are back on the desert planet the Vandar have come to liberate it just as the promised in the last book. Raas Lorken has promised to find the Theater troupe that saved Kolt and save them from the Zagrath. When he sees a picture of Athena he know somewhere deep in side that she is his. He obsess over her and does find the whole troop and offers her a deal. Be his war bride and he will find a safe planet for the whole Theatre troop to live. She agrees and that when the action truly starts. Athena wasn't sure if Kolt and Skye would really send help to free their planet but when the door to the theatre burst open and Vandar came in she knew they kept their word . what she didn't expect was a gorgeous demon Vandar Lorken and what just one look would do to her. She make a deal with him and ends up on his warbird. While there not everyone is happy about it and their are secrets about her last that she doesn't even know about that threaten to ruin the fragile relationship growing between her and Lorken. When a traitor is found among them and they find themselves under attack by the Zagrath both Athena and Lorken need to decide what is most important And if their love will survive the enemy . 🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🔥💖🌟
August 7, 2026
Lorken never desired a mate, he had a reputation to uphold after all he is known as the Demon Raas for his mercilessness towards the Zagrath, he can’t let a human female weaken him. But when Athena comes into his life that changes everything, he wants her as his, so he makes a deal with her in exchange that she will be his temporary war bride.
Athena won’t make it easy for him, she challenges him but she agrees to his deal in order to save her and her friends, but she can’t help this pull she feels towards him.
Lorken loves the way she challenges him, he’s finding it harder to keep away from her, she always on his mind, he wants nothing more than to make her his, to give her his mating marks. Athena is trying to fight her desire for him but the more she’s with him, the harder it’s getting to resist him, she hungers for him💕
When danger isn’t far away, secrets revealed, Lorken will do everything to keep her safe and protect her, he will never let her go, she is his💕
I loved Lorken and Athena’s story, it’s a fantastic addition to the series, the undeniable chemistry building between them throughout the story, the banter, the easy conversation between them even with all the danger they were in he wouldn’t let any harm come to her, she’s his everything 💕
Athena won’t make it easy for him, she challenges him but she agrees to his deal in order to save her and her friends, but she can’t help this pull she feels towards him.
Lorken loves the way she challenges him, he’s finding it harder to keep away from her, she always on his mind, he wants nothing more than to make her his, to give her his mating marks. Athena is trying to fight her desire for him but the more she’s with him, the harder it’s getting to resist him, she hungers for him💕
When danger isn’t far away, secrets revealed, Lorken will do everything to keep her safe and protect her, he will never let her go, she is his💕
I loved Lorken and Athena’s story, it’s a fantastic addition to the series, the undeniable chemistry building between them throughout the story, the banter, the easy conversation between them even with all the danger they were in he wouldn’t let any harm come to her, she’s his everything 💕
August 8, 2026
A slow-burn tale of a rescued war bride and a Raas warlord determined to break down her walls and earn her trust. That determination will be tested, repeatedly.
Lorken aka the Demon Raas insists on joining the rescue party to evacuate as many of the humans on Gollun Prime as possible, and one of those evacuees is Athena, the human female he has been dreaming about. She is an actress with a small company of actors who have been trying to get along with the invading Zagrath since they captured Vern, Lettie's brother. When the Vandars arrived, Athena hoped they would help rescue Vern, but they had to agree to Lorken's terms first, and those included Athena accepting a role as a war bride. She didn't know exactly what that meant, but for Lettie she agreed. Then she learned that she would be quartering with Lorken in his quarters. Needless to say, she was not thrilled at the prospect, although she had to admit that he was a delicious looking piece of eye candy.
Vindicated is typical of Ms. Stone's alien romances with lots of action, drama, a little comedy and some heat. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for providing a voluntary and honest review.
Lorken aka the Demon Raas insists on joining the rescue party to evacuate as many of the humans on Gollun Prime as possible, and one of those evacuees is Athena, the human female he has been dreaming about. She is an actress with a small company of actors who have been trying to get along with the invading Zagrath since they captured Vern, Lettie's brother. When the Vandars arrived, Athena hoped they would help rescue Vern, but they had to agree to Lorken's terms first, and those included Athena accepting a role as a war bride. She didn't know exactly what that meant, but for Lettie she agreed. Then she learned that she would be quartering with Lorken in his quarters. Needless to say, she was not thrilled at the prospect, although she had to admit that he was a delicious looking piece of eye candy.
Vindicated is typical of Ms. Stone's alien romances with lots of action, drama, a little comedy and some heat. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for providing a voluntary and honest review.
August 22, 2026
Tana Stone’s Vindicated is a super fun sci-fi romance that puts a unique, theatrical twist on the classic "grumpy alien warrior meets fierce human heroine" trope. As the third book in the War Brides of the Vandar series, the story focuses on Athena, a clever theater troupe leader who gets captured in enemy territory. To save her crew, she makes a deal with the scary warlord Raas Lorken to act as his fake war bride. Stuck together on a spaceship, their chemistry takes off immediately, changing their fake relationship into a battle of wits where Athena refuses to back down.
What makes this book such a great read is how well the main characters balance each other out. Lorken is the ultimate protective alpha hero, but he always respects Athena’s independence, while Athena uses her smarts and humor to handle the dangerous situation. The constant banter between them keeps the plot moving fast and makes the slow-burn romance feel totally earned. Backed by a funny cast of side characters from Athena's acting troupe, the book does a perfect job of mixing space rebellion action with a genuinely entertaining, feel-good love story.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
What makes this book such a great read is how well the main characters balance each other out. Lorken is the ultimate protective alpha hero, but he always respects Athena’s independence, while Athena uses her smarts and humor to handle the dangerous situation. The constant banter between them keeps the plot moving fast and makes the slow-burn romance feel totally earned. Backed by a funny cast of side characters from Athena's acting troupe, the book does a perfect job of mixing space rebellion action with a genuinely entertaining, feel-good love story.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I expected action when I opened this book. What I didn't expect was how quickly the characters would take over the story. Before long, I wasn't thinking about battles or danger anymore. I was watching two strong personalities slowly pull the story forward, each carrying their own hopes, fears, and quiet determination. That balance gave the book a warmth that made every chapter feel rewarding. The romance never overshadowed the adventure, and the adventure never stole the heart from the romance. Instead, both worked together so naturally that I found myself smiling more than once without even realizing it. Tana Stone has a wonderful talent for making larger than life characters feel surprisingly relatable. There's confidence in the storytelling, but also kindness. Even in the biggest moments, the emotional connection remains the true centre of the story. Without giving anything away, I'll simply say this... if you enjoy science fiction that delivers excitement while never forgetting the people behind the adventure, you're going to have a wonderful time with this book. It left me entertained, invested, and genuinely happy that I picked it up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Returning to the world of the Vandar, the latest book by Tana Stone is a deliciously satisfying adventure! The quest of the Vandar hordes to finally crush the despicable Zagrath Empire, continues in Vindicated.
As the star and leading lady of an intrepid theatre troupe under the occupation of the brutal Zagrath, beautiful and cautious Athena has caught the attention of Vandar Raas Lorken. He's never met her, but he feels pulled to her for some reason. Fulfilling a promise to rescue her from an attack by the Zagrath, he and his horde find their hands full. Following ancient traditions, he declares Athena as his War Bride in exchange for safe transport for her theatre troupe and two men formerly imprisoned by the Zagrath. She intends for it to be a short, platonic agreement. Raas Lorken intends to change her mind and keep her forever. But there are too many secrets, because someone is not who they say they are, and things keep happening which might bring this agreement to a bitter end.
If you love the world of the Vandar, you will definitely enjoy Vindicated!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the star and leading lady of an intrepid theatre troupe under the occupation of the brutal Zagrath, beautiful and cautious Athena has caught the attention of Vandar Raas Lorken. He's never met her, but he feels pulled to her for some reason. Fulfilling a promise to rescue her from an attack by the Zagrath, he and his horde find their hands full. Following ancient traditions, he declares Athena as his War Bride in exchange for safe transport for her theatre troupe and two men formerly imprisoned by the Zagrath. She intends for it to be a short, platonic agreement. Raas Lorken intends to change her mind and keep her forever. But there are too many secrets, because someone is not who they say they are, and things keep happening which might bring this agreement to a bitter end.
If you love the world of the Vandar, you will definitely enjoy Vindicated!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great Addition To The Series!
Lorken, the Demon Rass, is returning to Kashara to keep a promise to the people who helped save a Vandar Chief from the Zagrath. They will free the planet and then continue on with their fight to rid the world of all Zagrath. But when he arrives and finds the theater troupe he is seeking, things go wrong and he must escape the planet with his small group of people.
Athena is the leader of the small theater troupe and is very protective of them. In order to convince Lorkin to take all of her friends to safety off the planet she agrees to be a war bride to him. She figures it’s only temporary and once they are on a safe planet she will bid him farewell and be rid of him!
As usual things don’t go the way either of them plan. There’s a traitor on board, a Zagrath ship in pursuit, and Lorkin is pulling out all the stops to convince her to stay. Drama, love, laughter and sexy Aliens in kilts. What more could you want?
Lorken, the Demon Rass, is returning to Kashara to keep a promise to the people who helped save a Vandar Chief from the Zagrath. They will free the planet and then continue on with their fight to rid the world of all Zagrath. But when he arrives and finds the theater troupe he is seeking, things go wrong and he must escape the planet with his small group of people.
Athena is the leader of the small theater troupe and is very protective of them. In order to convince Lorkin to take all of her friends to safety off the planet she agrees to be a war bride to him. She figures it’s only temporary and once they are on a safe planet she will bid him farewell and be rid of him!
As usual things don’t go the way either of them plan. There’s a traitor on board, a Zagrath ship in pursuit, and Lorkin is pulling out all the stops to convince her to stay. Drama, love, laughter and sexy Aliens in kilts. What more could you want?
August 18, 2026
An amazing story. Lorken is Raas of a Vandar horde and he is going to free Golem Prime from the Zagrath Empire. He is also there to save the theatre troupe that helped a Vandar and his mate escape from the Empire(previous book). But he also has an ulterior motive. He is there to take a woman for his own.
Athena has been waiting for the Vandars to liberate Kashara like the Vandar they saved promised. And when they come and it becomes apparent that the Empire would destroy Kashara, she is given a choice. If she wants to save the whole troupe, she has to become war bride to Lorken. Athena accepts and now that they are on the Vandar warbird and she is staying in the Raas quarters, she cant help but fall for Lorken.
But there is a traitor among the humans on the warbird and the Zagrath are about to attack. Will Lorken be able to keep Athena safe? Loved reading their story. Thanx.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Athena has been waiting for the Vandars to liberate Kashara like the Vandar they saved promised. And when they come and it becomes apparent that the Empire would destroy Kashara, she is given a choice. If she wants to save the whole troupe, she has to become war bride to Lorken. Athena accepts and now that they are on the Vandar warbird and she is staying in the Raas quarters, she cant help but fall for Lorken.
But there is a traitor among the humans on the warbird and the Zagrath are about to attack. Will Lorken be able to keep Athena safe? Loved reading their story. Thanx.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2026
I really enjoyed Lorken and Athena's story. There was a lot of action, danger and chemistry, as well as excellent world building. The Vandar are fascinating people, with an interesting social structure. Lorken never wanted a mate but he found himself pursuing Athena as soon as he saw what she looked like. When he and his group of warriors rescue Athena and her theatre group from their planet as the Zagrath attack, she agrees to be his war bride as part of the deal. I love that, even though she is forced to share a room with Raas Lorken, he never makes her do anything she doesn't want to. It's great how they learn to trust each other during the course of this engaging adventure. That last chapter had me very excited to read the next installment in this series.
I read an advanced copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read an advanced copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2026
this one managed to be sillier than the last one, every character is dumb, nothing really happens or makes senses
August 17, 2026
Athena and her troupe of fellow actors are rescued due to a promise made by Raas Lorken to another Raas. These people had helped that Raas escape from their planet which is now under attack by the Zagrath. Lorken had been immediately drawn to Athena after seeing a photograph and claims her as a war bride (with an agreed to time limit)
Athena is attracted to him but wary of his desire for a permanent relationship. Compromise is the only solution.
Not to excuse him but the guy who betrayed them did seem to have a good reason for it. Even Athena admits she may have done the same given the circumstances. I hope his fate is revealed in future books since it looks like at least one will take place on the same warbird.
Athena is attracted to him but wary of his desire for a permanent relationship. Compromise is the only solution.
Not to excuse him but the guy who betrayed them did seem to have a good reason for it. Even Athena admits she may have done the same given the circumstances. I hope his fate is revealed in future books since it looks like at least one will take place on the same warbird.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Vindicated” by Tana Stone
-This is another fantastic addition to the War Brides of the Vandar series, filled with action, humor, slow-burn romance, and protective alpha warriors. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts about this story.
Lorken, the feared Demon Raas, and the fierce, quick-witted Athena have wonderful enemies-to-lovers chemistry as they strike a deal that changes both their lives. I love the strong characters, exciting storyline, and the Viking-like Vandar warriors with their fierce loyalty and touch-her-and-die attitude. This addictive sci-fi romance delivers heart, suspense, steam, and a happy ending.
-This is another fantastic addition to the War Brides of the Vandar series, filled with action, humor, slow-burn romance, and protective alpha warriors. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts about this story.
Lorken, the feared Demon Raas, and the fierce, quick-witted Athena have wonderful enemies-to-lovers chemistry as they strike a deal that changes both their lives. I love the strong characters, exciting storyline, and the Viking-like Vandar warriors with their fierce loyalty and touch-her-and-die attitude. This addictive sci-fi romance delivers heart, suspense, steam, and a happy ending.
August 7, 2026
This was a delightful story I'd read. This is a non-stop entertaining story that kept me flipping the pages till the end. Our characters are Athena and Vandar Raas Lorken/Demon Raas. This story is about their romantic adventures when Raas Lorken promises to save the people who helped his Chieftain then takes them onboard his warbird and claims Athena as his war bride. Both are strong characters, well defined and likable. The drama of Athena refusing to be his war bride but also finding herself becoming more dawn to him was engaging to read with its twist and turns. I'd received a copy and I'd volunteer to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this story. I’m an avid reader of Tana’s stories and this story featuring Raas Lorcan and Athena certainly didn’t disappoint. It was action, thrills, spice, shocks all the way. I loved how the story panned out, how it flowed seamlessly well. I thought the supporting characters really were well represented throughout the story and look forward to reading more about them and their mates. Fantastic story that l have no hesitation in recommending.
I received an ARC via the author and this is my true and honest review,
I received an ARC via the author and this is my true and honest review,
Review of advance copy
What an incredible intoxicating story. We have two extremely strong personalities and a mind blowing twist that I did not see coming. The action and banter between Athena and Lorken is hypnotic. The immediate desire that you feel rolling off the pages lures you in. The strong emotions from the the Raas is beautiful to witness.
This is a story that borders on obsession. It's powerful, unabashed, unashamed and exceptionally hot🔥.
Tana, this is 10/10. You hit this one out of the park. 100% 💜💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Actress and the Vandar
Action packed with edge-of-your-seat excitement from the beginning. Larken is set to rescue actress Athena who previously helped rescued his friend from her Zagrath-controlled planet and agrees to take her other actors to safety as well. Steamy times as she agrees to be his War Bride but danger also awaits as not everyone is whom they seem to be and Larken’s brother is convinced Athena has a nefarious purpose. My favorite of the series so far 🥰.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Action packed with edge-of-your-seat excitement from the beginning. Larken is set to rescue actress Athena who previously helped rescued his friend from her Zagrath-controlled planet and agrees to take her other actors to safety as well. Steamy times as she agrees to be his War Bride but danger also awaits as not everyone is whom they seem to be and Larken’s brother is convinced Athena has a nefarious purpose. My favorite of the series so far 🥰.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2026
This is another engaging addition to the series and I loved seeing feelings bloom between Warlord, Lorken, and actress, Athena. She agrees to be his temporary war bride to save people she loves but doesn't expect to catch any feelings for the possessive warlord. However, the danger around them is real and it forces their alliance to grow into such a strong bond. Expect to get caught up in the action, danger, loyalty, sacrifice, emotions and hot romance as these two fight their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!
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