Alien Hunt

Mated & Afraid #3

by January Bell

I convinced my friends to sign up for an alien reality show—now we’re trapped in a deadly survival game, I’m in heat, and a terrifyingly devoted alien has decided I’m his mate.

I thought it would be a cute, dating or survivor game–style experiment. Instead, the show has gone violently off-script. The challenges are dangerous, the stakes are real, and the worst part?

This is all my fault.

I was the one who found the casting call, the one who pushed us to apply, and I thought it would be harmless fun. Instead, I landed on an alien planet, went straight into mating heat, and got claimed by a massive, possessive alien who refuses to let me out of his sight.

I need to focus on getting myself and my friends off this nightmare show in one piece.

But Vael-Torin is always there, watching me like I’m his, guarding me like I’m something precious. And the more he stays at my side, the harder it is to remember I need to make things right with my friends and get us home safe.

Because I don’t just want to win challenges anymore… I want him.

Genres: Aliens, Dragons, Romance, Science Fiction, Monster Romance

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

About the author

January 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.

Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy

Poppy was fierce and a bit devious, the catalyst to joining the mated and afraid show. She was on board the getting down and dirty with an alien train real fast, but also had some intense guilt for everyone ending up in a life threatening situation. Vael was intense and had a strong sense of honor. They connected well despite the language barrier, and made it through the gauntlet.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: violence, animal attacks, abduction, miscommunication leading to mating heat, controlling AI, past insults to FMCs body shape and intelligence, divorce proceedings (FMC is lawyer), inebriation, risk of falling in lava, controlled fall from height, fall from height where FMC is unconscious

[Shiro Kitana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I did not like this book. It could just be because I don't like Poppy. I thought that maybe seeing things from her point of view would make me like her a bit more, but it didn't.

I still don't like her because of how elaborately she set everything up for them to end up on the show in the first place. She saw the ad, got everyone's information, filled out the applications, and then invited everyone over for a pajama party. She waited until everyone had drunk six jugs of margaritas and was completely sloshed before saying, "Okay, let me try to convince them now." To be very honest, if I were Poppy's friend, I would've never spoken to her again. That kind of deception pissed me off in the previous books, and it irritated me just as much in this one.

I will say that Poppy is very resourceful. When she got snatched away by some kind of centipede monster, she didn't panic or freak out. She immediately went into survival mode and crafted a harpoon and a fishing rod so she could catch those shark-like creatures for food. I thought that was impressive, but it still wasn't enough to make me like her character.

As for Vael, he's a military guy who was framed as a traitor and sent here by the Mad Draegon King. Beyond that, he's basically just an honorable guy, and honestly, that's not enough for me to like him. Even after Ken revealed that Poppy was the reason all of her friends ended up here, Vael claimed he couldn't trust her anymore. That lasted all of two seconds before he was back to thinking, She's my mate. She's resourceful, and suddenly all of his doubts disappeared within a couple of pages.

The relationship between Poppy and Vale was bland, to say the least. I didn't particularly like them, but I didn't hate them either. They were just... okay.

Another thing that irritated me was how Poppy reacted whenever she saw her friends. Yes, she felt guilty, but every single time she would start crying and immediately apologize: "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I got us into this mess." It followed the exact same pattern every time, and it honestly started to feel like she was using her tears to manipulate them into forgiving her by showing how guilty she felt.

Don't get me wrong, if I had the chance to go on a reality show where I could find a fated mate, win money, and get a mansion on another planet, I'd absolutely do it. Just... not the way Poppy did.

Also, I don't know if it's just me, but I think Poppy had a much easier time than the first two couples. She really only had one bad trial, and the rest of them were fairly easy. Sure, she got kidnapped by that centipede monster, but in my opinion, she escaped way too easily. It didn't feel nearly as intense or high-stakes as what the previous couples had to go through.

I also think this book wasn't nearly as funny as the first one. I remember absolutely cackling while reading the first book, but I barely laughed at all during this one. The humour just didn't hit the same, and that made the overall reading experience a lot less enjoyable for me.

Fav Quotes
"We all love a romance arc, after all, don’t we? Especially the one who got all of her friends into this. I’m rooting for her to find love. She’s the real underdog. I mean, of course, Poppy Harrington. Poppy, it really will be wonderful television to watch you react to having to truly compete against the women you tricked into sign up for this."

[Carol Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars) — Not a literary masterpiece, but an absolutely fun and unapologetic guilty pleasure! 👽🍿**

Listen, these books aren't great. 🤷‍♀️ The editing isn't great, the writing isn't great, and the story premise is fun but definitely not unique. And yet... I keep reading them! Lol. They have officially become a guilty pleasure for me. They have these moments where I actually laugh out loud, shed a tear, or gasp in shock, and in those moments I think, *this* is exactly why I keep reading this series. ✨

In this one, we finally get Poppy's story. She is the one who tricked her friends into signing up for this alien survivor reality show. I'll be honest, in previous books, I was *so* mad at her for her manipulation. 😡 All her friends were thrust into a literal life-or-death situation because of her! But I am glad that in this book, we actually get a solid explanation. Granted, it was still wrong of her to do, but her intentions were genuinely good. She wanted her friends to live full, happy lives with males who loved them and were fully devoted to them. She found this reality show that could give them that, knowing her whole friend group already loved reality shows! She had absolutely no idea that a corrupt AI would take over the games and make them legitimately dangerous. 🤖🚨

Luckily, it all worked out in the end, so I'm no longer mad at Poppy. I actually thought she was funny, resourceful, and smart, and I loved that she was totally on board with her big alien mate with zero hesitation about sealing the bond. 💖

Vael is our alien MMC. He is convinced that he's been put in these games as a punishment for going against his corrupt king, and he is determined to stay alive and keep his newly found mate alive, too. ⚔️ One thing I really respected about him was his reaction when he found out about Poppy betraying her friends. He didn't just instantly forgive it or overlook it because of the mate bond. He told her straight up that he was disappointed and didn't know if he could fully trust her anymore. 👏 But despite that, he still stayed with her and protected her while they worked through it.

I don't know guys, like I said... these books aren't great. But I have so much fun reading them! 🛸📖

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy has a plan. Earth is a dumpster fire and her friends are clearly unhappy with their jobs and romantic prospects. So Poppy tricks her friends into signing up for an alien reality show where each contestant gets a devoted alien mate and the opportunity to live on an alien planet. Unfortunately, not only are her friends livid with Poppy, the reality show is hijacked by a murderous AI. Now Poppy has to do everything she can to undo her mistake while surviving the challenges with her new mate, Vael-Torin.

Poppy is a determined and capable heroine. While she shouldn’t have tricked her friends, her motivations were pure, and as a competent lawyer, she was unwilling to let her friends continue to suffer in their lackluster circumstances when there was something she could do to fix things. The fact that she has engaged in deception unfortunately makes Vael have second thoughts about their matehood. While the bond is permanent, he is unsure if he can trust Poppy as they work together through the challenges. Vael has a strong sense of valor and honor and honesty and forthrightness are core values for him. His steadfastness plays well with Poppy’s ruthless efficiency. As they navigate the death trap challenges, both trust and love flourish.

This book was delightfully unhinged while still cultivating plenty of heart. The quick pacing and continued chaotic challenges made for a truly delightful read. Every sentence was a beautiful mix of humor and romance. A fantastic read that I couldn’t put down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

This series has me in a chokehold! I seriously cannot get enough! It’s funny, sweet, and steamy. You’ll easily fall in love with Poppy and Vael. They’re two pieces of a puzzle that fits perfectly together and you can’t get enough. I love them so much and I fear this book will forever live rent free in my head.

I have a love-hate relationship with Ken. He’s hilarious, but he’s also just plain evil!🤣 He’ll make you wonder what he’s really doing, but he’ll also make you laugh with his smart-a$$ remarks.💀 Truly the best villain I’ve ever read about!

Poppy is that GORL! She is a baddie from the jump. All brains and HILARIOUS! She is down for the chaos and I loved every second of it! She also down the mate her man any time and almost any place.🤣 I mean who wouldn’t.👀 I don’t blame her. I love how it didn’t take long for her to accept her mate. She said she wanted a big boi and got it.🤣 Like girl, I see you! Go head with ya bad self! She knew what she wanted and took charge. That was nice to see.

Vael!!!!! He the perfect match for Poppy. He’s Mr. Cool, calm and collected, but also a protective warrior that doesn’t play about his mate! Ugh swoon worthy! He may not be unhinged like Poppy, but he can definitely hold his own when it comes to banter. I was dying laughing at his interpretation of human slang. Poor Vael🤣 He’s crazy about Poppy and I enjoy seeing her adored and loved publicly by him.

Lastly, the spice was a nice steamy flow. Not too steamy but just enough that’ll have you giggling and sighing.

I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read about Lucy and Ty’Rok!

*I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily leaving my review.*

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I may not trust her yet, may not know her - but she is mine."

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

What you'll find in this book:
• Forced Proximity
• Survival Reality TV Show
• Translation Issues
• Obsessed Hero
• Mating Heat
• Deadly Trials
• Rogue AI Villain
• Alien Planet
• Sci-Fi Monster Romance

This book was just what I wanted it to be, a steamy fast paced alien romance with a happy ending. Satisfying, spicy and positively chaotic as the characters take part in an off world game show to find love and a mate. I really enjoyed the game show aspect, especially when a sentient AI gets involved and further chaos ensues. This aspect stretches the character and helps bring a bit more depth to the story. This book sped by, but it fits perfectly with the nature of the story and the race to survive.

Poppy is perfectly chaotic but also knows exactly what she wants for herself, and it is the execution of this for herself her friends that is done not so tactfully. Vael is possessive with a desire to prove himself, he will stop a nothing to protect Poppy and escape what he has left behind. I enjoyed their dynamic and how this is shown during the story, while these two work to not only save themselves but also their friends and acquaintances.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.

Author: January Bell
Series: Mated & Afraid
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 30th, 2026
Pages: 181

[Bookfairymel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely my favorite book in the series so far! I immediately loved Poppy and Vael’s dynamic, plus I’m always a sucker for a lawyer baddie FMC. Out of all the FMCs so far, I relate to Poopy the most. Maybe it wasn’t the right choice but I would also want to sign all my friends up to get hot alien boyfriends, a million dollars and a mansion on a piece of land on a beautiful, not dying planet. Hey, it worked out in the end! I would also have held out about as long as Poppy did to satisfy the heat as well lol. I loved seeing her really fight to prove herself and try her best to not be a burden to Vael. Not that Vael would ever think that; he was absolutely devoted to protecting and taking care of her.

I loved that they hit it off immediately, which was the complete opposite for the dynamic of last book. Seeing them learn how to support each other as well as pleasure one another was very sweet and spicy. I always love when alien MCs get introduced to things like kissing and other spicy stuff for the first time too. Ultimately, I liked it! This series is a fun, fast paced, action packed sci-fi romance that anyone can enjoy.

[Bookwyrm_in_KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien Hunt is exactly what the synopsis advertises. It's silly (alien dating show), spicy (includes mating heat hijinks) and fun.

This is the book that tells the story from the perspective of Poppy, the one in the friend group who got everyone signed up for the show in the first place. She's sick to death of life on a dying planet and of watching her friends toil day after day in equally thankless jobs, so she figures the alien dating show is just the ticket to escape their lackluster lives.

Unfortunately, the show turns into a cluster of unimaginable proportions and Poppy is wracked with guilt over convincing her friends to sign up for the show during a drunken girls' night.

Poppy and Vael are surprises to each other. Vael initially thinks Poppy is fragile and Vael comes across as pretty stoic at first. But Poppy is intelligent, resilient and not about to give up without a fight. And Vael is much more caring than his warrior demeanor initially shows. They are well matched.

Alien Hunt is a very fun, fast read and I thoroughly enjoyed advance reading it.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I finish this book in two sittings, interrupted merely by the sheer need to be an adult? Yes. Did I laugh and giggle so hard people around me looked at me funnily? Also yes. Did I pester January with new additions to my vocabulary courtesy of my good friend Vael? Yup, I did. Will she continue to have me on her ARC team after this rambling nonsense? One can only hope.

The Mated & Afraid series is a balm to the heart. Well, it's also scorchingly, sizzlingly hot, dipped in the most masterfully executed interspecies miscommunication trope, and doused in some heavy-duty off-the-hook AI called Ken. Yes, it's all that and more, and I'm shamelessly begging for it and more.

January is my alien romance queen, and I will champion her until my dying breath. This isn't your typical alien romance, no. This is a rom-com/reality dating show that will captivate you, haunt you, and sink its claws into you. It may take some skeleton anchoring while you enjoy the story, but in order to understand what skeleton anchoring is, you might just have to read Alien Hunt.

My every thought is centered around the continuation of this series and my anticipation of what comes next. It will be hilarious, it will be perfect, and it will be just what the doctor ordered.

So, thank you, January, for being my alien rom-com queen.

[J.M. Dain · Rating 3 out of 5]

We finally get Poppy's story. The one who "tricked" the girls into signing up for the show. And she goes right for it. It was a fun, light little trip into this world. And I'm curious to read more.

Commentary (possible spoilers):
• Oh good, this story starts before the game. The 2nd one started in the middle, which was fine for it.
• I really need to read the "prequels" that come before this series...about the invasion/apocalypse
• "Call me a mermaid, because all I have to go on here is body language." Ha! I got that reference!
• Foot weapons lol
• Her shoes are "structurally compromised" 😆
• Ewwwwww gross bug. Big gross bug thing
• "Shark week motherfucker!" Lol yeah I laughed out loud
• There's always a bigger fish lol
• Noooooo....its called the Titanic Pose. Helloooooooo
• Artificial stupidity machine lol
• Ken sure loves the Gladiator movie 🤣
• Oh yay! Finally get to see more of Sueva

[Racheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I swooned and I laughed again. This book brought to life everything that I love about January Bell's classic unhinged humor. The AI Ken (who controls the show) thrived on chaos in this book, which left Vael and Poppy in for a wild ride. I loved how Vael and Poppy formed an authentic and romantic connection, learning more about each other through each challenge.
As far as side characters go, Serena (Serene?) gives off so much bitter black cat energy that it makes her really loveable! I honestly would love to have more of her story! As for Poppy's friends, I loved how they all made amends in the end and patched things up.
This book was a wild, chaotic ride and was so much fun to read! I definitely recommend this series!

I want to thank January Bell for the ARC and for the opportunity to read this early!🩷

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book in Mated & afrsid series and it's the story of Poppy.
Tired of seekng herlself and her four friends struggling in a dying Earth, she tricks them to enter in an alien reality show.
She has the best intencions but the reality is far from what she dreamed.
Enter Vael-Torin,the alien warrior that calls her mate at first look.
And to add to the thrill they have an unhinged AI changing the rules every moment and adding danger and limit situations.
I love the way January Bell blends a touch of humor,romance and action non-stop with an imaginative plot hooking me right from the start.
Can't wait to see what's coming in the next books of the series!

[Mood in Between pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book wasn’t perfect, but it had enough charm to keep me going. I loved the January Bell’s signature lost‑in‑translation humour and the way Vael and Poppy genuinely complement each other—their chemistry feels effortless in the moments where it matters. The emotional intensity, especially when a Draegon warrior completely unravels over a single look, was unexpectedly fun. And the crossover with the author’s other series? Easily my favourite part. A mixed bag overall, but the good bits really shine.

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.

Ok, Poppy seems pretty terrible for tricking her friends into a survival game on an alien planet but she did it from a place of love. As the book goes on you see more into why she did it.

I was definitely laughing out loud during a lot of this book. Some of the contests they have to go through are hilarious. I love that Vael works to learn about Poppy instead of seeing her just through a haze of insta-love and heat pheromones, he’s so sweet and I love him.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, with great verbal sparring and (very) heated looks.
Poppy has the right intentions but, in this case, poor execution. I like how she thinks she has thought of everything, but couldn’t be more off the mark if she tried, and that’s why this is a funny and sweet story. Poppy is headstrong and dedicated to her friends, whilst Vael-Torin, is lonely and loyal to those that deserve it.
This is a excellent read with Poppy getting into some hilarious situations and showing that you don’t always have to have claws to be deadly!

[Jen Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild, addictive ride from start to finish! Poppy is easy to root for—as the one who convinced her friends to sign up, she carries real guilt over the danger they're now facing. Vael-Torin is intense and possessive, and his devotion to her is genuinely sweet: protective and steady, watching over her and refusing to let her out of his sight in a way that feels touching rather than overbearing. The chemistry between the two of them is a great mix of heat and heart, and the story balances humor, danger, and romance so well that I didn't want to put it down.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure fun to read! Poppy is a fabulous FMC as she takes charge and plows ahead through any challenge or obstacle. So many favorite lines and situations in this book, but picturing her in a pink slip nightgown and feathered heels ready to be transported to an alien planet just had me dying laughing.

This storyline is wild and crazy with hilarious situations and interactions. I loved everything about it!!

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Caligirlkrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining book. I loved the plot of an alien dating survival game. Poppy is such a fun FMC and reading her thoughts gave me some lol moments. This is an instant mate trope so no slow burn here but you have to appreciate a girl who knows what she wants and goes after it. Vael-Torin is all alpha and an honorable warrior so what’s not to love? The characters had good chemistry and while this is a quick read it hit all the marks for an entertaining story with a HEA. I look forward to the next book.

[Rima-Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Poppy's side of the story. I even more enjoyed the conclusion and the promising development of the story towards a new chapter. I definitely hope to see more of that in the next book and can't wait to explore those new directions!

Poppy and Vael are totally love at first sight with a short interlude to doubt then back again to love at first sight. They're a pair of cuties. I enjoyed the posing challenge, definitely hilarious!

If you want a short and entertaining romcom with a healthy dose of crazy - you can't go wrong with this series.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy convinced her self and her friends that an alien reality show would give them freedom from the choss on earth only she goes from the frying pan and into the fire, as the show turns to chaos and she goes into hest she attracts the attention of Vael-Torin who swears shes his mate and will do anything to protect her, but will Poppy want to stay, if they make it out alove that is! Well written steamy, light hearted moments action and more!

[Teresa]

DNF'd @28%

With friends like Poppy who needs enemies? Honestly, I really hated how she tricked her friends into getting on the show, and her overall personality was a bit grating to me. I also kept getting thrown by editing issues that really should've been caught. Since I was really disappointed in the second book, I just didn't want to spend the time on this one since it wasn't looking much better.

[Klutzy Traveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Twisty

Another wonderful addition to this series! Poppy and Vael were a fun mix of miscommunication, heat, and strategy. Vael’s variations of Poppy’s name were lol funny! I love how they outsmarted Ken and the alien creatures. The world building was excellent. All the twists and turns of the plot kept me totally invested in what January’s wonderfully creative mind would come up with next. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alien Hunt by January Bell is a part of the Mated and Afraid series. Poppy gets her friends roaring drunk and signs them up for a tv reality show. Almost immediately they are transported and choose their alien partners, hot dragon males. The interfering AI Ken joins in making the game more of a survivor situation than find your mate show. Lots of great action and spicy scenes! Love the snarky and sassy gals!

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a quick easy read that will have you not wanting to put the book down and have you giggling at the hilarity that is January Bell. The personality that comes through on the pages is one of my favorite things. I was hooked and laughing out loud chapter one! I can ALWAYS rely on January Bell to provide me the perfect escape and Alien Hunt did not disappoint.

[Romance & Rhapsody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!

I love seeing things through Poppy's eyes as she is the reason for the kickoff of this series. I absolutely adore the continued crossover with accidental alien bride series. This is by far one of my favorite series
And hits all the mark, if you're in the mood for something fun, adventurous, funny with a HEA

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our girl Poppy, the one who roped her friends into this game finally gets her story! She’s kinda a badass when she puts her mind to it. I wish there was more about Vael though, we dont really know why he was branded a traitor and sent to the game. It’s a HEA though so obviously everything works out.

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's so much excitement in this story! Just when I feel things are settling down, another thrilling moment appears. The male main character is truly sweet, and the female main character is so eager and lively. They make a wonderful pair, and their story makes me excited to learn more about the others as well.

[booksandjessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favourite book in this series so far!

I felt like Poppy & Vael had the best dynamic so far and the overall pacing of this book felt more satisfying to me🙂‍↕️

As usual, we get some hilarious misinterpretations of human phrases from the alien MMC & pure chaos from Ken.

I’m super curious how this is going to evolve going forward considering the sneak peak 👀

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for thr ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4⭐️
3🌶

This next installment of Mated and Afraid was great! I had a lot of fun getting back into this world and I am even more psyched for the next books to come! Poppy and Vael were such a power couple and I loved that they got things done 🙂‍↕️

☆mates
☆game show gone wrong
☆evil AI
☆spicy

[Acacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

spicy and intense

So and spicy. Loved the pace and drama. Great characters that just bounced off of one another. Loved how they got through all of their trials together. Love this series, can’t wait for more