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Mated & Afraid #2
Alien Survivor
I'm stuck with a pushy alien dragon until we win or lose a reality survival show... and he's claimed me as his mate.
As if being put on an alien reality show and mated to an alpha dragon wasn't bad enough, now an unhinged AI has taken over the game. The challenges only get worse, they don't make any sense, we don't know how to win— and worst of all?
I'm in heat, and the only cure is mating permanently with my huge dragon alien partner. We're too stubborn, too grumpy, and too much alike to ever work as a couple, and I'm starting to doubt we'll ever get off this game show from hell.
But the stupid AI running things thinks we're perfect for each other. Every time it throws us into a new awful situation, the more I think it's either trying to kill us— or it might just be right. Maybe all that tension between me and my alien is something more than hate.
Either way, I'm determined to survive.
As if being put on an alien reality show and mated to an alpha dragon wasn't bad enough, now an unhinged AI has taken over the game. The challenges only get worse, they don't make any sense, we don't know how to win— and worst of all?
I'm in heat, and the only cure is mating permanently with my huge dragon alien partner. We're too stubborn, too grumpy, and too much alike to ever work as a couple, and I'm starting to doubt we'll ever get off this game show from hell.
But the stupid AI running things thinks we're perfect for each other. Every time it throws us into a new awful situation, the more I think it's either trying to kill us— or it might just be right. Maybe all that tension between me and my alien is something more than hate.
Either way, I'm determined to survive.
- GenresScience FictionRomance
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
January Bell
44 books574 followersJanuary Bell writes steamy sci-fi and fantasy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Combining pure escapism, a little adventure, and a whole lotta love makes for romance that's a world apart. For the latest updates, follow her on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive content. Is there a character you would like to see featured in a future novel or novella? Don't be shy! She'd love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 4, 2026
there’s one thing you should know about me and it’s that I love a good alien romance
April 20, 2026
3.5 stars
I liked Lily and her grumpiness contrasted by Zan’s golden retriever energy. They were a fun couple overall. The chaotic mated and afraid games were a wild ride and there was some good humor. I felt like the quality of writing in this particular installment was a bit disjointed and it took me out of the story a few times.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: blood, gore, violence, animal attack, risk of being eaten, animal death, drugging, fall from height, burns, lava, zombie attack, mating heat, venom, medically induced coma, abduction (off page), reference to alien invasion and mass death
I liked Lily and her grumpiness contrasted by Zan’s golden retriever energy. They were a fun couple overall. The chaotic mated and afraid games were a wild ride and there was some good humor. I felt like the quality of writing in this particular installment was a bit disjointed and it took me out of the story a few times.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: blood, gore, violence, animal attack, risk of being eaten, animal death, drugging, fall from height, burns, lava, zombie attack, mating heat, venom, medically induced coma, abduction (off page), reference to alien invasion and mass death
May 3, 2026
This book… was... what the actual hell was this? Sloppy, confusing, flat out inconsistent, insanity? Yeah, all of the above.
First, and probably up there in the egregious issues, was the fact that the mmc knew things he had no right or reason to know, that were only learned by the mmc in the last book through explanation from the human fmc. There has been minimal communication between the couples since they are just trying to survive in these death games. Yes, the women have tablets. But their communications have been VERY limited. Yes, they all agreed to refer to the AI as Ken. But the mmc in this book straight up referred to Ken as “Ken No Privates,” which is an inside joke between the couple in book 1. How in the hell did the mmc in this book know this term? Were they texting each other on their non existing phones? I swear to all the stars in the sky, this is only one of MANY things he should not have known, but seemingly did.
He also was simply TOO aware/understanding of her humanness and didn’t, for the most part, struggle to understand cultural differences. If I didn’t know he was an alien dragon from another planet, I would literally have no idea that they are not from the some world and culture.
Then there’s the fact that one of the “monsters” on this world was a giant rooster and chicken. Yup. No alien version. Not even an attempt at alien-ness. Just a plain old rooster about 50x bigger than normal. Then there was the final obstacle being a replica of IKEA. Down to the colors and fake toilets and check out lines. I get that this AI villain was pulling concepts from earth to boost viewership ratings for this tv show that apparently streams galaxys-wide… but what the actual hell was this? Not to mention that the IKEA was full of zombie humans that are never explained in any way. There were so many parts of this book that I seriously just said out loud “what the actual hell am I reading? What is happening?” I cannot emphasize enough how insane this book was. Like what were those competitions? They were actually trapped inside an hourglass with giant poison worms attempting to eat them and they only barely survived after somehow (I do not understand how at all) putting together a glass jigsaw puzzle while sand filled up the hour glass. Like honestly, as I am typing this review, I am genuinely wondering if the author was on an acid trip while writing this book.
Moving on past whatever the hell that was, we have major character consistency issues. I couldn’t tell you who these characters were one chapter to the next. Truly there was almost nothing that fleshed them out other than Zan being obsessed with Lily (for some reason) and Lily hating his guts, until she suddenly didn’t anymore.
The truth serum portion was probably the most consistent and interesting, fleshed out part of the entire book. And then we just jumped into an insane hour glass competition, where Lily decided she loved Zan because he… tried to save her life and not let her die. Lily had many many screaming meltdowns, and then we jumped into two back to back insane competitions to the death. And then Lily decided she loved him and never wanted to be parted from him.
At this point, when she is going on about her love for him, I actually wrote in my notes, “do I believe her? Does this even make sense? Is it believable? … sure, I guess. Whatever.”
Sure, I guess, whatever. That’s how I feel about this book. I was hoping to find out what the hell happened to Selene, but at this point, I’m like, who cares? lol. I truly cannot read another book in this series. I cannot read another book of nothing making sense and Ken the AI just dropping a human superstore into this space station as a death competition. I mean IKEA is not that bad. IKEA did not deserve to be disparaged like this.
Also, Zan’s wing was still in serious healing mode and probably needed to not be moved for another idk week when he wakes up and suddenly they are off to their suevan hut to finally have sex. For the first time. At the END OF THE BOOK. I mean yes, the pre-sex spice earlier in the book was better than the last one, considering there was none, but STILL. The one thing I should be able to expect from an alien romance is more than 2 pre-sex-sex scenes. I’m sorry. 2 is below the acceptable minimum.
Also, the tiny dose of characters from the authors previous series was more than enough. Bex continues to be the most annoying character I have ever read.
So there you have it.
I am done with this series. If you are still somehow reading this and choose to continue to read this series, well, may the force be with you.
First, and probably up there in the egregious issues, was the fact that the mmc knew things he had no right or reason to know, that were only learned by the mmc in the last book through explanation from the human fmc. There has been minimal communication between the couples since they are just trying to survive in these death games. Yes, the women have tablets. But their communications have been VERY limited. Yes, they all agreed to refer to the AI as Ken. But the mmc in this book straight up referred to Ken as “Ken No Privates,” which is an inside joke between the couple in book 1. How in the hell did the mmc in this book know this term? Were they texting each other on their non existing phones? I swear to all the stars in the sky, this is only one of MANY things he should not have known, but seemingly did.
He also was simply TOO aware/understanding of her humanness and didn’t, for the most part, struggle to understand cultural differences. If I didn’t know he was an alien dragon from another planet, I would literally have no idea that they are not from the some world and culture.
Then there’s the fact that one of the “monsters” on this world was a giant rooster and chicken. Yup. No alien version. Not even an attempt at alien-ness. Just a plain old rooster about 50x bigger than normal. Then there was the final obstacle being a replica of IKEA. Down to the colors and fake toilets and check out lines. I get that this AI villain was pulling concepts from earth to boost viewership ratings for this tv show that apparently streams galaxys-wide… but what the actual hell was this? Not to mention that the IKEA was full of zombie humans that are never explained in any way. There were so many parts of this book that I seriously just said out loud “what the actual hell am I reading? What is happening?” I cannot emphasize enough how insane this book was. Like what were those competitions? They were actually trapped inside an hourglass with giant poison worms attempting to eat them and they only barely survived after somehow (I do not understand how at all) putting together a glass jigsaw puzzle while sand filled up the hour glass. Like honestly, as I am typing this review, I am genuinely wondering if the author was on an acid trip while writing this book.
Moving on past whatever the hell that was, we have major character consistency issues. I couldn’t tell you who these characters were one chapter to the next. Truly there was almost nothing that fleshed them out other than Zan being obsessed with Lily (for some reason) and Lily hating his guts, until she suddenly didn’t anymore.
The truth serum portion was probably the most consistent and interesting, fleshed out part of the entire book. And then we just jumped into an insane hour glass competition, where Lily decided she loved Zan because he… tried to save her life and not let her die. Lily had many many screaming meltdowns, and then we jumped into two back to back insane competitions to the death. And then Lily decided she loved him and never wanted to be parted from him.
At this point, when she is going on about her love for him, I actually wrote in my notes, “do I believe her? Does this even make sense? Is it believable? … sure, I guess. Whatever.”
Sure, I guess, whatever. That’s how I feel about this book. I was hoping to find out what the hell happened to Selene, but at this point, I’m like, who cares? lol. I truly cannot read another book in this series. I cannot read another book of nothing making sense and Ken the AI just dropping a human superstore into this space station as a death competition. I mean IKEA is not that bad. IKEA did not deserve to be disparaged like this.
Also, Zan’s wing was still in serious healing mode and probably needed to not be moved for another idk week when he wakes up and suddenly they are off to their suevan hut to finally have sex. For the first time. At the END OF THE BOOK. I mean yes, the pre-sex spice earlier in the book was better than the last one, considering there was none, but STILL. The one thing I should be able to expect from an alien romance is more than 2 pre-sex-sex scenes. I’m sorry. 2 is below the acceptable minimum.
Also, the tiny dose of characters from the authors previous series was more than enough. Bex continues to be the most annoying character I have ever read.
So there you have it.
I am done with this series. If you are still somehow reading this and choose to continue to read this series, well, may the force be with you.
May 14, 2026
obsessed with this series
Goodness I love this series. It’s so much fun. This one was just as wild (if not more wild) than the first one and just as steamy and ridiculous.
Goodness I love this series. It’s so much fun. This one was just as wild (if not more wild) than the first one and just as steamy and ridiculous.
June 8, 2026
Not bad I just don’t think the 2 main characters have much chemistry together
April 28, 2026
Alien Survivor
I have to commend this MFC for her dogged resistance to the MMC. She doesn't put up with any shit from him. He's pretty annoying through a lot of their time together but I think this is the turning point,
““I am sorry that I was driving you crazy and not in a fun way.” I frown. I don’t like what she’s saying. I don’t like that I have been a problem for her. I do not want to be a problem. I want to be the solution to all her problems, not cause them.”
It's a simple realization and yet some people revel in causing problems. He has no game in the beginning - he's literally going to wait for the heat to drive her to him instead of making any real effort with her.
I really appreciated the truth serum. They seem to figure out some stuff about themselves as well as each other. He definitely moves from annoying little boy to grown man here,
“As much as her stubbornness annoys me, I can also appreciate it. It is her chosen armor, and since she does not have the skills of the Draegon or wings or talons, I will allow her her emotional armor until she is ready to admit how she feels.”
Still arrogant but he is paying attention and that's just gold.
I have to commend this MFC for her dogged resistance to the MMC. She doesn't put up with any shit from him. He's pretty annoying through a lot of their time together but I think this is the turning point,
““I am sorry that I was driving you crazy and not in a fun way.” I frown. I don’t like what she’s saying. I don’t like that I have been a problem for her. I do not want to be a problem. I want to be the solution to all her problems, not cause them.”
It's a simple realization and yet some people revel in causing problems. He has no game in the beginning - he's literally going to wait for the heat to drive her to him instead of making any real effort with her.
I really appreciated the truth serum. They seem to figure out some stuff about themselves as well as each other. He definitely moves from annoying little boy to grown man here,
“As much as her stubbornness annoys me, I can also appreciate it. It is her chosen armor, and since she does not have the skills of the Draegon or wings or talons, I will allow her her emotional armor until she is ready to admit how she feels.”
Still arrogant but he is paying attention and that's just gold.
April 27, 2026
I could live and breathe the chaos of the Mated and Afraid games each and every day. This chaos seeped into my pores the moment I laid eyes on January's Alien Jeopardy, Book 1 of her Mated & Afraid series of interconnected standalones. Picture this: an intergalactic reality TV show, a group of aliens ready to find their mates, and a group of human women who may or may not remember what they actually signed up for. Toss them into the wilderness, sprinkle in action, adventure, and chaos. Piece of cake, right? Wrong! But is it hilarious, swoony, and perfectly spiced? Oh yes.
Now, in Alien Survivor, we are gifted the story of the next Mated & Afraid couple, Lily and Zan. Another couple bound together, held back by translation and interspecies issues, made to survive obstacle after obstacle, all crafted by an AI that goes by the name Ken.
So, how will Lily, a grumpy human who never wanted any part of this game, and Zan, a Draegon warrior who just wanted to escape incessant wars, work together? Well, you'll just have to read Alien Survivor and find out for yourself. Trust me, it will be a wild (hilarious) ride.
Now, in Alien Survivor, we are gifted the story of the next Mated & Afraid couple, Lily and Zan. Another couple bound together, held back by translation and interspecies issues, made to survive obstacle after obstacle, all crafted by an AI that goes by the name Ken.
So, how will Lily, a grumpy human who never wanted any part of this game, and Zan, a Draegon warrior who just wanted to escape incessant wars, work together? Well, you'll just have to read Alien Survivor and find out for yourself. Trust me, it will be a wild (hilarious) ride.
May 3, 2026
it’s ok - def needs an editor but overall was decent
Not bad! Not her usual quality of writing but with a year of health issues that’s totally understandable - it’s crazy she even got books published!
So with that understanding in mind - this was decent. It’s a short story, for sure. Had some editing mistakes.
The spice and tension was def improved in this book. Lily is an incredibly irritating FMC however lol I felt like the story got better at 50% but it still felt like it was missing … something?? The whole truth telling was kinda weird and confusing too - how it was written… just felt stilted and like scenes were missing.
I do think this book has a better ending than the first one - like this one was a bit more put together and didn’t end as abruptly.
It’s interesting that we have the Suevans involved now - along with those girls from those books (like Bex, for example). Even tho the author called them “Savans”??
I’m excited that we will eventually get Arco stories and hope the quality is up to parr for those (since there is a previous book about them already out with an underwater competition)
Not bad! Not her usual quality of writing but with a year of health issues that’s totally understandable - it’s crazy she even got books published!
So with that understanding in mind - this was decent. It’s a short story, for sure. Had some editing mistakes.
The spice and tension was def improved in this book. Lily is an incredibly irritating FMC however lol I felt like the story got better at 50% but it still felt like it was missing … something?? The whole truth telling was kinda weird and confusing too - how it was written… just felt stilted and like scenes were missing.
I do think this book has a better ending than the first one - like this one was a bit more put together and didn’t end as abruptly.
It’s interesting that we have the Suevans involved now - along with those girls from those books (like Bex, for example). Even tho the author called them “Savans”??
I’m excited that we will eventually get Arco stories and hope the quality is up to parr for those (since there is a previous book about them already out with an underwater competition)
May 16, 2026
"I don't want you to be just anybody's either. I want you to be mine, but more importantly, I want to be yours."
3.75 stars
Lily and Zan's adventure was filled with January Bell's signature humor and spicy-turned-sweet romance. Neither Lily nor Zan wanted a mate when they signed up for the reality tv show, and both seemed determined to annoy the shit out of each other before they gave in to the forced heat between them. I loved seeing Zan's devotion and Lily's protectiveness slowly develop for each other as they fight to survive Ken's crazy ideas. This sequel was a little too ridiculous for me at times (one word: IKEA), but I look forward to the next book🖤
Tropes: fated mates, alien rom-com, grumpy x grumpier, hate-to-love-you, forced proximity, reality competition survival tv show, love-on-the-run, slow burn, steamy🔥
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
April 23, 2026
This book is unfortunately eminently forgettable, such a shame. The first book had such a charm to it that didn't carry over to this one. Maybe I should blame the fact I had a pinched nerve (and hadn't comfortably moved for most of the day because of it) for being so disgruntled. Maybe. It was a fun enough distraction from the dull throbbing pain that no shower, medicine, stretching, sleep, and massaging alleviated. The chickens were amusing? I can honestly tell you I don't feel like I knew either character though. Their pasts weren't explored much. Their personalities were more outlines than detailed sketches. The relationship felt rather flimsy built on a forced lust. It just didn't work for me. At least I laughed while reading it. I found the IKEA portion really entertaining. It did distract me from my pain. Points for that. Let's hope book three is better.
May 4, 2026
I enjoyed the grumpy x grumpy dynamic. Zan and Lily are both stubborn, grumpy, and snarky, so watching them clash and banter is so much fun. The chemistry between them is intense, and the story is pure escapism that is sure to break any reading slump. Perfect for readers looking for a strong FMC, a possessive (but actually really sweet) dragon alien MMC, and a plot that runs at full speed from the first page!
May 13, 2026
As hilarious as the first book. I never thought I would enjoy reading about a crazy AI named Ken terrorising contestants/couples in the name of a weird alien dating show and ratings but I sure did!
It had a few inconsistencies here and there and some dialogue that wasn't quite clear who said what, but that could mostly be overlooked.
It's still a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious rom-com. Can't wait for more!
It had a few inconsistencies here and there and some dialogue that wasn't quite clear who said what, but that could mostly be overlooked.
It's still a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious rom-com. Can't wait for more!
June 7, 2026
Loved this book !
just finished Alien Survivor and honestly, it was so good! The writing is great and the plot actually hooks you, but what I loved most was how much it made me laugh. The trials have so much comedy in them, yet you’re still totally stressed for them and cheering for the main couple the entire time. Plus, the MC is just brilliant loved the language barrier. Such a fun, comforting read
just finished Alien Survivor and honestly, it was so good! The writing is great and the plot actually hooks you, but what I loved most was how much it made me laugh. The trials have so much comedy in them, yet you’re still totally stressed for them and cheering for the main couple the entire time. Plus, the MC is just brilliant loved the language barrier. Such a fun, comforting read
June 10, 2026
These Need A Lot Of Editing
This is my second one from this series and the first one seemed rushed thru and this one is just full of misspellings, misused words, misplaced quotations, etc. I did like the story line, it was a bit shorter than I would have preferred but it didnt feel rushed as much as the first. This author NEEDS an editor. Badly.
This is my second one from this series and the first one seemed rushed thru and this one is just full of misspellings, misused words, misplaced quotations, etc. I did like the story line, it was a bit shorter than I would have preferred but it didnt feel rushed as much as the first. This author NEEDS an editor. Badly.
June 14, 2026
Ai game host
Gone wrong.
Overall enjoyed the book. Much better toward end then mid.
Only thing I was not fond is tendency to make dominant women submissive in relationships. Hero was definitely not dominating in relationship type. Believe they would have perfect with her leading in relationship.
Gone wrong.
Overall enjoyed the book. Much better toward end then mid.
Only thing I was not fond is tendency to make dominant women submissive in relationships. Hero was definitely not dominating in relationship type. Believe they would have perfect with her leading in relationship.
May 24, 2026
I really liked this installment. Sure she’s kinda a bitch but it’s fully understandable. He’s clueless but in the best way. I love how they learned to work together. Ken is insane and I hope the series ends with them fixing him somehow.
May 24, 2026
Less annoying than the first one in the series but also more disconnected, random, and just completely inconsistent. Got bored halfway through and just read the dialogue while skimming the rest after page 100
June 2, 2026
This was a fun read. The challenges like the IKEA maze are hilarious. I do wish it had been edited better. I found myself confused in some parts and rereading sentences quite a few times. It's still worth a read but compared to the first one, the bad editing took away a star.
April 26, 2026
Seriously these books are so FUN to read. I’m eating them up!! Also now I have to go back and read the other series?? I’m behind but hooked for sure.
April 27, 2026
I loved the first one of this series and had such high hopes for the rest but lily was so unlikable to me and just fell so flat.
May 24, 2026
Cute, not very spicy. The second installment in a series of women put on an alien reality show but they find their mates instead.
June 15, 2026
3.5! these books are so chaotic but in a fun way lol
June 18, 2026
Book two was also amazing enemies to lovers ,mmc and fmc had great chemistry right from the start .i love ruby dixon books and this series was a recommend after one i read and these two are great.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews