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The Captain's Claim
When pirates board her research vessel, Dr. Orla Carter expects the worst. What she doesn't expect is their captain. Seven feet of dark scaled muscle with eyes that see straight through her. A reluctant leader carrying eight hundred Kadrin refugees and nowhere left to take them.
She doesn't expect to care. But the more she learns about who he really is, the harder it becomes to remember she's supposed to be his hostage.
Trapped on a patchwork ship full of families and a suspicious first mate who definitely hates her, Orla has a remain a hostage, or become something more.
The Captain's Claim is a steamy alien romance featuring a grumpy, tentacled king slowly undone by a fearless human woman, found family among the stars, and a love story built in the space between desperation and trust.
She doesn't expect to care. But the more she learns about who he really is, the harder it becomes to remember she's supposed to be his hostage.
Trapped on a patchwork ship full of families and a suspicious first mate who definitely hates her, Orla has a remain a hostage, or become something more.
The Captain's Claim is a steamy alien romance featuring a grumpy, tentacled king slowly undone by a fearless human woman, found family among the stars, and a love story built in the space between desperation and trust.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 4, 2026
colonizers vs. the colonized. enemies to understanding to love. uniquely otherworldly, yet familiar. did I tear up at the end of a story I expected to just be alien-smut, but turned out to be so much more? yes! this was beautiful. AB book covers literally never match the character descriptions which is a lil ugh but whatever lol… show the tentacles !!
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April 22, 2026I didn’t know how to rate this, so I’m not leaving stars.
The overall story was solid. I was even starting to tear up a little, until the story depth turned maudlin.
Then I noticed the cadre of threes in her exposition. Dozens of them all throughout the book. In between cadre of twos. They completely took me out and I pushed through to finish because I had bought the book.
The fmc was intelligent but very forgiving. He wasn’t honest with her at the end, and gave her no choice. The scene on the bridge was unnecessary. How would they have sent her back?
And the spice was one scene that read like it had originally been placed in a different chapter. This author hasn’t done this kind of thing before, at least under this pen name.
If you’re looking for a spicy monster/alien story like her usual books, this won’t be it. I hope we don’t get more books written this way, bc she’s one of my favorite authors.
The overall story was solid. I was even starting to tear up a little, until the story depth turned maudlin.
Then I noticed the cadre of threes in her exposition. Dozens of them all throughout the book. In between cadre of twos. They completely took me out and I pushed through to finish because I had bought the book.
The fmc was intelligent but very forgiving. He wasn’t honest with her at the end, and gave her no choice. The scene on the bridge was unnecessary. How would they have sent her back?
And the spice was one scene that read like it had originally been placed in a different chapter. This author hasn’t done this kind of thing before, at least under this pen name.
If you’re looking for a spicy monster/alien story like her usual books, this won’t be it. I hope we don’t get more books written this way, bc she’s one of my favorite authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2026
When Captain Renn gives Orla the choice to either join them "voluntarily" or watch her crewmates get spaced one by one until she agrees, Orla does what any decent person would do. She goes with the captain. Except, instead of a bloodthirsty pirate ship, she finds a cobbled together sanctuary housing the last of Renn's people.
She's scared and a little angry at being forced to help, but the more she learns about Renn and his people, the more she begins to see why he did what he did. Finding out she worked for the very corporation that forced them to flee their own planet? Well, she has to come to terms with that and decide what her next move will be.
And if she starts seeing the captain in a slightly different light after learning about everything? It's understandable. He's been chased off his world and has the weight of eight hundred lives on his shoulders. He's trying his hardest to give his people a chance at living and Orla's contribution was a big piece of that.
A little subterfuge, a boatload of corporate cruelty, a captain who will go to any lengths (even if he hates himself after), and a lady who is willing to help people in need just because it's the right thing to do. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
She's scared and a little angry at being forced to help, but the more she learns about Renn and his people, the more she begins to see why he did what he did. Finding out she worked for the very corporation that forced them to flee their own planet? Well, she has to come to terms with that and decide what her next move will be.
And if she starts seeing the captain in a slightly different light after learning about everything? It's understandable. He's been chased off his world and has the weight of eight hundred lives on his shoulders. He's trying his hardest to give his people a chance at living and Orla's contribution was a big piece of that.
A little subterfuge, a boatload of corporate cruelty, a captain who will go to any lengths (even if he hates himself after), and a lady who is willing to help people in need just because it's the right thing to do. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 2, 2026
This one was so heartbreaking, holy. There's something so devastating about seeing a father who lost almost everything seeing their child start to live again. That concept alone is enough to break the strongest person. My only complaint besides wishing it were longer is that I wish we saw a little bit more of the relationship growing between the two MCs during the first couple days instead of just the last bit, it seemed a little sudden and rushed.
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May 17, 2026Been so keen to see longer-form stuff from this author and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT
Basically as said above. The world building hints in shorter work has been super promising and I've always been hankering for some long-form writing. The balance of erotic, genuine character building, and sensitive treatment of traumatic past is lovely to see (genocide is always a hard one to manage because it's an "easy" narrative throwaway). Development of side characters was well-managed within the scope of the narrative length and felt authentic. The corporation element was a little two-dimensional but that's really a product of word limit and scope (but I'd be so excited to see work that's a little longer still and provides more nuance in that regard).
Basically as said above. The world building hints in shorter work has been super promising and I've always been hankering for some long-form writing. The balance of erotic, genuine character building, and sensitive treatment of traumatic past is lovely to see (genocide is always a hard one to manage because it's an "easy" narrative throwaway). Development of side characters was well-managed within the scope of the narrative length and felt authentic. The corporation element was a little two-dimensional but that's really a product of word limit and scope (but I'd be so excited to see work that's a little longer still and provides more nuance in that regard).
June 8, 2026
I've read a lot of Adrian Blue stories. This author has a crazy ability to write unbelievable spicy stuff and I've enjoyed that. But this book...it's wonderful.
The pacing is perfect. The plot is great. The chemistry between the leads is lovely and charming. I would have enjoyed more spice, but the story didn't lend itself to that. Snd yes, it's a tiny bit cheesy and maudlin in parts, but that was easy to forgive.
This reminds me of old timey scifi I used to read. There's a real plot, a good story, and romance that makes sense.
I wish there were more books in a series that starts with this one. Adrian Blue is a talented writer. Some of the books haven't been so good. But this author really does know how to write. As much as i enjoy the erotica and monster spice, I'd love to read more like this one.
The pacing is perfect. The plot is great. The chemistry between the leads is lovely and charming. I would have enjoyed more spice, but the story didn't lend itself to that. Snd yes, it's a tiny bit cheesy and maudlin in parts, but that was easy to forgive.
This reminds me of old timey scifi I used to read. There's a real plot, a good story, and romance that makes sense.
I wish there were more books in a series that starts with this one. Adrian Blue is a talented writer. Some of the books haven't been so good. But this author really does know how to write. As much as i enjoy the erotica and monster spice, I'd love to read more like this one.
March 27, 2026
Not her usual spice
Way more of a slow burn then I expected. So with the good storyline and build up I thought the spice would explode when it finally hit but it definitely leaves you wanting and not in the good way. Its a sweet story so if you just want a sweet sci-fi romance then go for it. Also once again the mfc is far too forgiving...
Way more of a slow burn then I expected. So with the good storyline and build up I thought the spice would explode when it finally hit but it definitely leaves you wanting and not in the good way. Its a sweet story so if you just want a sweet sci-fi romance then go for it. Also once again the mfc is far too forgiving...
April 1, 2026
I’ve been a fan of AB’s books for the past few years, because of the short, easy to read stories and all the unconventional love interests. This one was definitely unexpected in all ways.
This had all the tropes I loved:
1) forced proximity
2) captor/captive
3) morally conflicted MMC but treats the FMC well
4) smart FMC that’s not tstl
5) SLOW-f**king-BURN
Slow burn was definitely not what I was expecting in a less than 200-page book?? The build up was good, there were some badass FMC moments (she flew a massive ship through a wormhole?!) and lots of banter. There were of course some sad moments in the story that made the alien “pirates” what they are now, but I shall not go into it because spoilers.
And love that it wasn’t a fated mates trope. The characters fell in love and chose one another, not because of some biological mate bond that they couldn’t resist.
Oh and hello the spice was so low I had to check if it’s really a AB book 😂 highly recommend if you’re looking for a sci-fi story that doesn’t drag on, and with some romance sprinkled into it. There is like one spicy scene so yeah.
5⭐
This had all the tropes I loved:
1) forced proximity
2) captor/captive
3) morally conflicted MMC but treats the FMC well
4) smart FMC that’s not tstl
5) SLOW-f**king-BURN
Slow burn was definitely not what I was expecting in a less than 200-page book?? The build up was good, there were some badass FMC moments (she flew a massive ship through a wormhole?!) and lots of banter. There were of course some sad moments in the story that made the alien “pirates” what they are now, but I shall not go into it because spoilers.
And love that it wasn’t a fated mates trope. The characters fell in love and chose one another, not because of some biological mate bond that they couldn’t resist.
Oh and hello the spice was so low I had to check if it’s really a AB book 😂 highly recommend if you’re looking for a sci-fi story that doesn’t drag on, and with some romance sprinkled into it. There is like one spicy scene so yeah.
5⭐
April 21, 2026
Story of hope.
There was something about this story that felt so nice. Renn’s quiet strength and her skills made me feel like I was there, I could feel the pain and hope!
Such a beautifully written story about finding a home and putting others above the needs of one. I would have loved a ‘few years later’ chapter just to see how they were doing!
There was something about this story that felt so nice. Renn’s quiet strength and her skills made me feel like I was there, I could feel the pain and hope!
Such a beautifully written story about finding a home and putting others above the needs of one. I would have loved a ‘few years later’ chapter just to see how they were doing!
April 11, 2026
I am going to start off by saying I don't typically leave written reviews. I should but I just don't.
This book deserved my words.
This book was a diamond in the rough. The "rough" being the category of short alien romance books by indie authors. This book had more emotional depth than a lot of books I've read from very famous and well established authors. It made me feel so many things in just 172 pages.
If you're looking for a smutty alien romance, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for emotional depth, a personal growth journey and overcoming prejudice and overwhelming adversity...well then, you're in the right place. The way the author wrote this was just beautiful. I can't praise this enough. Honestly, I wish there was more. Which is exactly why I'm going to download the rest and read them all.
This would make a fantastic palette cleanser after a long fantasy read or maybe just something to cause just enough hurt (it doesn't hurt forever) or just to make you feel something (for those of us who sometimes need a reminder that sometimes it's better to hurt than to feel nothing at all).
This book deserved my words.
This book was a diamond in the rough. The "rough" being the category of short alien romance books by indie authors. This book had more emotional depth than a lot of books I've read from very famous and well established authors. It made me feel so many things in just 172 pages.
If you're looking for a smutty alien romance, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for emotional depth, a personal growth journey and overcoming prejudice and overwhelming adversity...well then, you're in the right place. The way the author wrote this was just beautiful. I can't praise this enough. Honestly, I wish there was more. Which is exactly why I'm going to download the rest and read them all.
This would make a fantastic palette cleanser after a long fantasy read or maybe just something to cause just enough hurt (it doesn't hurt forever) or just to make you feel something (for those of us who sometimes need a reminder that sometimes it's better to hurt than to feel nothing at all).
April 15, 2026
Any beautiful tale for Taken for the Stars collection 💖🌟🔥
This has been my favorite Adrian Blue series to date. Each one is a wonderful take of acceptance, love and oftentimes forgiveness. Orla is navigator and she's deciphered an ancient map to a star system no one has ever been to before. Filled with excitement she joint the Expedition. When her ship is raid by pirates she's angry and terrified her crew is Imprisoned and they explain she must navigate them to a new world. T first she agree reluctantly, then she looks more closely around d her and what she sees are not pirates,but Refugees Small children Small children fighting desperately for their own survival.fighting when she finds out just how they get this way she agrees with her whole heart to help. Along the way she and Captain Renn who carries the weight of what is left of an entire species together they forge a friendship which the s I to a deep abiding love one Or law I'll be willing too give JP all she's knows to protect. Excellent story !🔥🌟💖🌟🌟💖🌟🌟💖🌟🌟
This has been my favorite Adrian Blue series to date. Each one is a wonderful take of acceptance, love and oftentimes forgiveness. Orla is navigator and she's deciphered an ancient map to a star system no one has ever been to before. Filled with excitement she joint the Expedition. When her ship is raid by pirates she's angry and terrified her crew is Imprisoned and they explain she must navigate them to a new world. T first she agree reluctantly, then she looks more closely around d her and what she sees are not pirates,but Refugees Small children Small children fighting desperately for their own survival.fighting when she finds out just how they get this way she agrees with her whole heart to help. Along the way she and Captain Renn who carries the weight of what is left of an entire species together they forge a friendship which the s I to a deep abiding love one Or law I'll be willing too give JP all she's knows to protect. Excellent story !🔥🌟💖🌟🌟💖🌟🌟💖🌟🌟
March 22, 2026
Best one yet!
I've been reading Adrian's books for years, and she always delivers. This is her best series yet while this is the best in the bunch. This one made me tear up.
I don't know how you do it, but your romances have more story packed in them than authors writing full novels.
Adrian, you still need to finish your Weekly series. I'm standing by...
I've been reading Adrian's books for years, and she always delivers. This is her best series yet while this is the best in the bunch. This one made me tear up.
I don't know how you do it, but your romances have more story packed in them than authors writing full novels.
Adrian, you still need to finish your Weekly series. I'm standing by...
March 26, 2026
Always a great read.
I've read quite a few of Adrian's books over the years and have been able to see the growth and maturity their writing has developed. This book really spoke on that growth. One of my top absolute favorites of the many series and can't wait for many more amazing stories.
I've read quite a few of Adrian's books over the years and have been able to see the growth and maturity their writing has developed. This book really spoke on that growth. One of my top absolute favorites of the many series and can't wait for many more amazing stories.
March 30, 2026
4.00/5.00 star rating
2.00/5.00 spice rating
Tropes: alien, mf
Triggers: captive
Kinks: oral, anal, DP
Thoughts:
Enjoyed the slow burn romance which is still shocking for me with this author. Would have loved for more tension as the attraction seemed to come out of no where. Only one spicy scene though, which was extremely spicy, but wouldn’t have loved for one at the end.
2.00/5.00 spice rating
Tropes: alien, mf
Triggers: captive
Kinks: oral, anal, DP
Thoughts:
Enjoyed the slow burn romance which is still shocking for me with this author. Would have loved for more tension as the attraction seemed to come out of no where. Only one spicy scene though, which was extremely spicy, but wouldn’t have loved for one at the end.
April 15, 2026
So this was a surprise for me as I have only read very quick short monster erotica by Adrian Blue. I expected this to be the same and it wasn’t at all like that. Instead got a quite emotional story with characters with unexpected depth. I was impressed the author managed to convey so much in such a short book.
May 3, 2026
4 ½ Stars
This was a fun quick read. I love a good alien romance every now and then. Our MMC has tentacles...need I say more? 😂
Adrian Blue writes some off the wall romance stories but I like them. If there's a weird love interest and you think, I'm not sure about that. Trust this author to make it into a story you can't get enough of.
This was a fun quick read. I love a good alien romance every now and then. Our MMC has tentacles...need I say more? 😂
Adrian Blue writes some off the wall romance stories but I like them. If there's a weird love interest and you think, I'm not sure about that. Trust this author to make it into a story you can't get enough of.
August 9, 2026
I thought this was going to be similar to their previous erotica, but instead had a well imagined sci fi universe with intelligent, well written characters. The story itself was well written and I loved the secondary characters as well.
The way their home planet was described was so cool. Coral homes? Amazing.
TLDR: got for smut, stayed for a surprisingly compelling story.
The way their home planet was described was so cool. Coral homes? Amazing.
TLDR: got for smut, stayed for a surprisingly compelling story.
March 25, 2026
Back on her Game
2 for 2 from this series so far, which is such a delight after a wickedly dark year that really bordered on horror IMHO
Lovely romance story. Gentle and soft. 10/10
2 for 2 from this series so far, which is such a delight after a wickedly dark year that really bordered on horror IMHO
Lovely romance story. Gentle and soft. 10/10
April 9, 2026
I typically read her very short stories, which I love. She has a talent for drawing you in quickly. This was no different, only longer. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even got a bit teary a few times.
👽 Banter
👽 Kidnapping/forced proximity
👽 Banter
👽 Kidnapping/forced proximity
April 27, 2026
Captured freedom
Sometimes, what is forced turns out to be an unexplainably new beginning.
Renn is looking for a home, and Orla is seeking the same...found through a captive freedom.
Sometimes, what is forced turns out to be an unexplainably new beginning.
Renn is looking for a home, and Orla is seeking the same...found through a captive freedom.
May 22, 2026
GOOD!
This book is more about finding a new life than falling in love. It’s very technical and scientific. They do fall in love eventually but not until the end. The book is full of wonderful descriptions which makes it easier in my mind. Renn and Orla make a good couple.
This book is more about finding a new life than falling in love. It’s very technical and scientific. They do fall in love eventually but not until the end. The book is full of wonderful descriptions which makes it easier in my mind. Renn and Orla make a good couple.
June 12, 2026
The Captain’s Claim
I really loved the story, great read. But have question about Javo, why is he always referred by they, them, their? Is he two people? I don’t get it, please help me understand. Because no one else is referred that way.
I definitely recommend this book!
I really loved the story, great read. But have question about Javo, why is he always referred by they, them, their? Is he two people? I don’t get it, please help me understand. Because no one else is referred that way.
I definitely recommend this book!
July 3, 2026
One of the best stories in this genre that I have read in a long long time! Story and character development are both superb. The romance is a slow burn. It is fabulous all the way around! Highly recommend.
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March 27, 2026Why is this GOOD?? I would read another 500 pages about this couple!
April 1, 2026
This was adorable. Solid novella. Reminds me a little bit of some of Ilona Andrews work.
April 4, 2026
Love!
I don't know what made Adrian want to start these space sci-fi romances, but I freaking love them!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
So many great elements to the story, and a very nice slow burn. 😊
I don't know what made Adrian want to start these space sci-fi romances, but I freaking love them!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
So many great elements to the story, and a very nice slow burn. 😊
April 13, 2026
Simple and sweet and a pretty quick read. The slow burn with the stoic alien was exactly what I needed.
April 22, 2026
Great Story!
I really enjoyed this story..... Was sad, emotional but also had hope for a struggling species. Great ending with her co-workers, I was wondering about that!
I really enjoyed this story..... Was sad, emotional but also had hope for a struggling species. Great ending with her co-workers, I was wondering about that!
May 1, 2026
I liked this one, different plot, interesting spice, actually would have liked it if it was longer..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews