Stealing Mercury

Arena Dogs #1

by Charlee Allden

Born a slave, Mercury is an Arena Dog, genetically engineered to fight and die in the Arena for the entertainment of others. Trained as a gladiator from boyhood in a violent world, where men must form alliances and share what little bounty they have to survive, his only goal has been to keep his men alive. But two are dead and the rest are condemned to be hunted down and killed for sport. Worse, their demise will leave a woman Mercury has sworn to protect, alone and vulnerable. And then there is Samantha—a courageous human he has no right to claim. But she is his. He feels it deep in his soul and with an ache in his body he can’t deny.

Samantha Devlin is an indie-freight pilot who has lost everything: her ship, her crew, and her father. When an old friend hires her as an emergency replacement to pilot a cargo carrier for the Roma Company, she’s shocked to learn her cargo is three, living, breathing, and dangerously sexy Arena Dogs. When Samantha learns she’s taking the men to their deaths, she must decide if she is willing to risking everything for a man whose customs require that he share her with one of his men and demands he return to Roma to protect another woman. Mercury, their leader, and Lo, his emotionally broken arena-brother, challenge all her notions of honor, loyalty, and love. Her heart tells her Mercury is worth any cost, but her head sees nothing ahead but disaster.

Genres: Aliens, Science Fiction, Romance, Menage, Erotica, Paranormal, Science Fiction Romance

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2015

About the author

Charlee is a long time fan of love, adventure, and happily-ever-after. She grew up in Florida where a huge fallen oak tree in the swampy woods near her home served as her very own Star Ship Enterprise. Luckily the alligators were almost never a problem on her spaceship as the flight-deck was several feet above the muddy ground. She did lose a few tennis shoes on away missions, though.

Today, Charlee writes super sexy, intensely emotional, romantic adventure that takes readers to exciting new worlds, populated by tortured alpha heroes and heroines tough enough to tame them.

Reviews

[Sheena · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out so well...the first part of the blurb had me giddy.

DUDE! SOLD! Reminded me loosely of the Survival Races, hero is a gladiator-type (scars and emotional issues for sure!!!!) and a quick glance showed me it was a decent length so likely, no insta-anything (my assumption).

Ahh, but the blurb was longer and I should not have let my thirst for scarred emotional and physically exploited man-beasts cloud my good sense. I should have read the entire blurb. I missed the fine fucking print:

"she must decide if she is willing to risking everything for a man whose customs require that he share her with one of his men and demands he return to Roma to protect another woman"

Record scratch! Bish whet! Sorry, I don't usually go for polyamory HEA's. Threesomes and bed play is fantastic, but my HEA's - 1 on 1 please- I also weary of triangles. Anyway, I was completely blindsided! I find myself roughly 80% done, H/h have declared their love, mated, had at least 1 good fight and danger surrounded them. Suddenly shit got super weird and the heroine is all lusty and busty for a pack-mate! I dropped my nook and hit my nose. By this time it was like 2 AM and I could not believe the crap that was jumping off in this book. I did a few keyword searches- because by then I was so pissed I didn't care if I spoiled the end and it was as I expected.

Then I reflected on how duped I felt. The characters made mention of the Arena Fighters sharing their mates but I thought it was a symptom of captivity, of course they can not control who they are forced to breed upon. And then the context - the characters made it seem like it was slander and that maybe they did not share mates. You can share a BF, you cannot share a mate! And then the female mate is only shared with the un-mated pack members. So the single dude in the pack gets to have ass from of all the mated females?

Why jerk around with this great love that transcends species and then wham! Later, when heroine is pregnant and hero says to his bachelor pack-mate- "don't worry the next pup will be yours?? " Whaaaaaa???? Noooo!!!!!

Just no. Gotta make sure I read these blurbs entirely! *shivers*

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog

Copy received by author in exchange for an honest review

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Yes
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4


★Review★

I really enjoyed this. It had a truly great strong heroine, that at times was actually a lot more capable then the hero (heroes, this is m/f/m) and that was really refreshing in the alien romance type genre, where it tends to be more of a "alien men need women kidnapping" situation.

Instead the author has created an interesting sci-fi world, that is truly great. I loved the concept of the Arena Dogs, and how Sam helped them out, and even if they were strong and capable fighters there were other ways that Sam was stronger and able to lead them.

It is just chock full of action and drama, and has you guessing where it will go. Even the romance bit is not as straight forward, there are all sorts of issues and underlying feelings that surround Sam and Mercury, then Lo too.

I will certainly be reading more in this series.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arena Dogs, genetically engineered to be the ultimate fighting machines, for the entertainment of others. In kill or be killed battles, these warriors know very little about kindness or being treated with compassion, yet they have formed their own bond and their leader, Mercury has vowed to keep them alive and safe, but now they are being sent to their certain death until a replacement pilot with little left in her life discovers what she is transporting and decides this is NOT going to happen on her ship.

Stealing Mercury by Charlee Allden is an out of this world experience, part science fiction and space travel, part survival, part romantic heat and erotic adventure, I believe we have crossed more genres than stars in the galaxy!

Charlee Allden can tell a tale filled with tension, evil, deceit and raw and brutal scenes of barbaric proportions then flip it on the reader with that “special connection” between two people who trust no one and are determined to survive no matter what is obstacles are in their way. Imagine being billions of miles in space, onboard a ship and being locked into cages for the journey. Your “captors” are often sadistic and one tiny woman has the guts to stand up to them and fight for you. Charlee Allden has pulled all the right strings; hit all of the right buttons to hook my heart completely. Then she kicks in some fast-paced action, an unlikely alliance, and risks my Kindle over-heating with the new found passion and romance found between Mercury and Sam. Think that may be just a little hot? I guess just a little hot isn’t spicy enough for Ms. Allden, because she has more to share in the arena of love! The best part of her crisp and creative writing style? There is an intense story going on, non-stop and she managed to make all of heat feel like a natural progression in the lives of the Arena Dogs, who have so little and share what they have. Yep, her writing is that fleshed out, that real that these characters become real, their lives become real and one forgets one is reading fantasy. Beam me up!


I received this copy from Charlee Allden in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Arena Dogs - Book 1
Publication Date: May 11, 2015
Publisher: Charlee Allden
ISBN-13: 9780996179812
Genre: Romantic Sci-fi| slightly erotic
Print Length: 302 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[namericanwordcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up way too late last night finishing this book. Yea! Book drunk!

The writing is crisp and the characters have all little details that make them real. We get a complex science fiction universe that I can't wait to keep exploring.

The heroine is moral and brave. The hero is the same. They are both shaped by their pasts in away that makes them nuanced. There is a secondary romance that blooms because of the polygamous nature of the hero's culture that is very well done.

It is a sexy book with lots of action and plot twists. The heroine is a little slow on the uptake with a few things that I would have liked to see her work out before they became critical rather than after and there is the near rape that occurs in many books of this genre but overall so good.

Waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. Hurry!

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 4.5 Stealing Mercury Stars ~

Stealing Mercury is book one in the Arena Dogs series by Charlee Allden. It’s full of action, adventure, betrayal, hope and love.

Samantha, is a hard worker who is a little down on her luck. She has had a ruff time of it and well she has some Daddy issues. I liked her, but at times I was baffled by her. She lives in space in a world that is tough. She has surveyed on her own, but there was one point in the book I was wondering how she could have survived on her own. This world is not safe especially for a women. I would think that she would know how to defend herself, but she seemed to not know basic defense techniques nor does she carry a weapon. Mercury an Arena Dog, genetically engineered to fight. He takes on way to much responsibility and blames himself for the situation he and his pack brothers are in. All he wants is to protect his brothers and Sam. I found the Arena Dogs quite interesting with their animal/human nature, loyalty and their drive to be free. We are also introduced to Lo, Carn, and a few other Arena Dogs, so I hope we get to see more of Sam, Mercury, Lo, Carn, and Hera in this series.

Stealing Mercury is Gladiator meets Sci-Fi. The start of the book felt off or a little weird, with the Gladiator Arena scene off the bat, but the more I read the more it made sense, giving the reader information on the life of an Arena Dog and how they are used and manipulated. I got so into the book that I lost track of time. CAllden does a great job showing time passing, building the relationship between the characters and developing an interesting world. As we get into the story a mystery starts to develop about “The Mothers” women who where used to breed the Arena Dogs. We also get a little M/F/M (*here is your warning*), sharing between the pack brothers, but what I liked the most about this erotic element is that they respect their women enough to let it always be the women’s choice to be with one or more of the Arena Dogs. The scenes are erotic, but very tasteful done highlighting the love and passion that exists between the couple.

Stealing Mercury was fascinating and I look forward to more from this series. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a little M/F/M with love, passion, a dash of mystery, adventure, and hope mixed in.

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy free of charge from Charlee Allden with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a rollicking escapade, encountering aliens, new worlds, cool tech, and people trying to do the right thing along the way. Samantha Devlin is a freighter pilot who discovers her cargo are the scary but magnificent gladiators known as Arena Dogs. These genetically-manipulated men are scheduled to be terminated in a "hunt," and that doesn't sit well with soft-hearted and righteous Sammie.

While the slavery/ battle arena situation isn't all that new, I was intrigued by the refugee angle in Charlee Allden's Stealing Mercury. This was a story about escape, conditions that make asylum necessary, and finding those sympathetic to help. This thread runs throughout the book and affects more people than just the Arena Dogs. I personally know a refugee who spent most of his childhood in a camp, and some of the details of Haverlee Port reminded me of the experiences he related. Kudos to Ms. Allden for placing hints of the weird permanency of "temporary" shelter refugees experience into her story.

The slavery and refugee situations aside, Allden has crafted a fun and exciting space adventure with a strong love story. Aliens (of the humanoid variety) are everywhere, and a lot of actual-humans are the bad guys. Samantha is courageous, a little foolhardy, and a lot clever. Though Mercury and the other Arena Dogs are clearly warriors, they find themselves relying more and more on Samantha. They save her a few times, too. Nobody is the weak link in this story.

Amazingly, Charlee Allden made me like a menage book. Usually if I see the m-word or see those three little letters, M/F/M, I scroll right past, but somehow, in my anxiousness to get at a new science fiction romance book, I managed to overlook that not-so-tiny (pun intended) detail. Genetics and slave conditions predispose Arena Dogs to share mates. Gradualness, choice and acceptance were hallmarks of the relationship.

Though there is a clear ending to this book (no cliffhanger), I get the feeling Ms. Allden is just getting starting with her world building in the Arena Dog series. Roma and Gollerra are just the beginning. There are still little mysteries to solve, underground rebellions to foment and insurrections to ignite - just wait and see.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ++ Stars!

Stealing Mercury was my first experience with Charlee Allden’s writing, and it did not disappoint. I am a huge follower of sci-fi romance/erotica, so when I read the blurb for this book, I knew it was a must-read. There are so many things I loved and appreciated about this book. The world, characters, and plot were spot-on with what I typically look for in great science fiction, but the romance was what will keep me coming back for more!

Samantha Devlin is a cargo pilot hired at the last minute to haul a shipment for the Roma Company. Almost immediately after her assignment begins, she discovers that her cargo is actually three Arena Dogs, genetically engineered human-alien-canine hybrids, who are enslaved by the Roma Company and forced to fight to the death for entertainment.

Mercury, Diablo, and Carnage are being transported to a planet where they will be hunted for sport, which means almost certain death for the pack. In route they meet Samantha, who takes them under her wing and provides food and what protection she can from the sadistic trainers who accompany the Arena Dogs. Mercury in particular forms a bond with Samantha and soon recognizes her as his mate. Samantha knows that she must free Mercury and his pack for them to have any chance at survival. She is willing to risk her career, freedom, and possibly life to see the trio safe. Action, adventure, romance, and danger ensue as the Arena Dogs, aided by Samantha, fight for their survival and freedom.

I was completely blown away at the creativity and quality of writing in Stealing Mercury. The world and culture introduced in this series is unique and captivating. Although the story is very original, I recognized many tropes in science fiction romance that I just love: hybrids, stranded on a deserted planet, mating customs, men outnumbering women, awesome technology, etc. Basically, this book combined a plethora of sci-fi ideas in a way that just works. Also, I feel that it’s important to note that this book included plenty of steamy scenes that were tasteful without being trashy. My only issue was that the M/F/M aspect did not come until later on in the story. While I have no problem with menage relationships in novels, the fact that it was introduced later did make me feel like there was some “cheating” going on. This is all cleared up in the story, but I do wish the M/F/M relationship had been initiated from the get-go. Finally, I LOVE the fact that this is a full-length novel with no cliffhanger. So many of the new sci-fi romances are serials with many installments – I should not have to wait weeks or months to have a complete story! So, thank you Ms. Allden.

There does seem to be several openings for future additions to the series. I sincerely hope that there are more Arena Dogs books in the future. If future installments are half as good as Stealing Mercury, I will be reading them with no questions asked!

A free copy of this book was won by me through Goodreads First Reads. This does not affect the content of my review.

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!! ☆

I loved this book! It was like gladiator meets sci-fi, with a modern twist to boot!

For slave leader Mercury and his pack brothers, a day in the RomaRex Arena meant one thing--- “Kill or Be Killed.”

That is, until one fateful mistake leads to the lives of two of his men and marks the rest of them for death.

Now enter Sam.

Samantha “Sam” has nothing to lose, and yet, so much to prove.
She is hired to pilot these men or dogs to their demise, but in the end, it is she who must make a decision that could change all of their lives.

Fight or die. And in this brutal world of survival, Sam and this unlikely crew of men will have to fight their way out, while battling love, rescuing lost brothers and mates, and drawing up a war between what’s right and wrong.



My thoughts:
*For readers who don’t like MFM elements, be warned that there is. While I have no issues or qualms with this, I know some of you would like to be alerted beforehand as some don’t particularly like or care for it.*

As for the sexual content, yes, there are erotic scenes but there are only a tasteful few and they’re rather highlighting the love and passion that exists between the protagonists.

And lastly, my concluding thoughts? Well…

I really hope for Saber’s story up next and to hear from Rachel! Maybe Saber and Rachel? I highly doubt the author might go that route since Rachel has some, err, history but I think they would make an interesting combo!

Otherwise, I really enjoyed this story! Hope to still see Sam, Mercury, Lo, Carn and Hera, and “the fallen” in the mix!

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!! I am so happy that there w/be a second one in the series. ....

The heroine is smart and tough and sweet and perfect!

The heroes are PERFECT and alpha and kick-ass and take no prisoners....

The bad guys are BAD! You WANT the heroes to tear them apart!

I love that this story will continue!

I have a new favorite author to add to my list!

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant when I started STEALING MERCURY because I really had no idea what to expect. However, STEALING MERCURY is another example of how stepping outside of your comfort zone every once in a while, even in reading selections, can sometimes pay off and that's the case with this one. The love/sexual relationship in this one is ultimately a menage. Yet the way that it unfolds and the reasons for the menage works really well within the story. Samantha, Mercury, and Lo do not just fall into a licentious tangle of limbs trying to get to the nitty gritty. The relationship that develops between them is complicated and not at all comfortable for Samantha or even Lo. I really enjoyed the fact that there were realistic issues and emotional indecision that had to be overcome in order for Samantha, Lo, and Mercury to come together as a unit.

Mercury, Lo (Diablo) and Carn (Carnage) are Arena Dogs who are being taken to receive ultimate punishment after reaching their breaking point in the arena. The Arena Dogs aren't human and aren't treated with any humanity either. Strong, fierce, and loyal to a fault this trio of males aren't going down without a fight and will do whatever necessary in order to return and free those that they were separated from. Which is particularly important for Carn.

Samantha is a great female character. Intelligent and determined to achieve her career goal of having and piloting her own ship despite the obstacles and secrets that could ruin her chances. Samantha also proves to be courageous and inventive when faced with a dangerous challenges to her ultimate mission. As Samantha's real agenda is revealed, she and the Arena Dogs have to fight their way through some tough obstacles in order to simply survive.

Allden has created a truly interesting world in her Arena Dogs series and I look forward to getting more. There is still plenty to explore within this world that is still full of unrest, rebellions, injustices along with plenty of other Arena Dogs that will need their stories told. Dare I say it? A menage romance is going on my favorite reads list!

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/

[♡♡~Cyborg-Scifi-Lover~♡♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!

I cant wait for the second book and I hope that it will continue the story of Mercury, Sam and Lo.

If you are a fan of Laurann Dohner you are definitely gonna love this one too!

[L Bongiorno · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was recommended when I read Dark Horse, which I loved, they are not even comparable. This one focuses on ehhh long and multiple sex scenes (I skipped long parts of them) with multiple partners and has plot inconsistencies. E.G. They can design a species and impregnate surrogates, but apparently they can't run a basic sperm count... they said they 'thought' the guys had good swimmers AND the men were put in brothels and forced to have sex all the time with humans, but your telling us she is the first human to get pregnant... while on birth control? Then there are the mate/back up mate inconsistencies... And that whole pup line at the end... really bad call there!
I was disappointed:/ 2.4 Stars, even though as a whole, there was a decent plot line and details I would still like the answer to that were brought up in this book.... bringing up the ending that felt incomplete to me, it just cut off.

[Varied Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sci-fi ménage books. Yay!

I really liked this book. Author knows how to write. I loved Mercury, Sam & Diablo. Book is 3ppov alternating between Mercury & Sam. Diablo's pov was needed. Mercury & 'Lo are complete bad assess. They are awesome.

Sam I did like but I wanted to slap her when in the beginning she . I loved her courage. She was tough but not a bitch.

There are a few decent sex scenes but that is not the main focus.

I took off a star: I wanted hotter sex & 'Lo pov. He was a secondary partner in the relationship between Mercury & Sam. The story does end with all 3 together but I wanted 'Lo to be a mate not just h bonded.

I want the 2nd story know which focuses on a different H/h/H.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27, 2015

Born a slave, Mercury is an Arena Dog, genetically engineered to fight and die in the Arena for the entertainment of others. Trained as a gladiator from boyhood in a violent world, where men must form alliances and share what little bounty they have to survive, his only goal has been to keep his men alive. But two are dead and the rest are condemned to be hunted down and killed for sport. Worse, their demise will leave a woman Mercury has sworn to protect, alone and vulnerable. And then there is Samantha—a courageous human he has no right to claim. But she is his. He feels it deep in his soul and with an ache in his body he can’t deny.

Samantha Devlin is an indie-freight pilot who has lost everything: her ship, her crew, and her father. When an old friend hires her as an emergency replacement to pilot a cargo carrier for the Roma Company, she’s shocked to learn her cargo is three, living, breathing, and dangerously sexy Arena Dogs. When Samantha learns she’s taking the men to their deaths, she must decide if she is willing to risking everything for a man whose customs require that he share her with one of his men and demands he return to Roma to protect another woman. Mercury, their leader, and Lo, his emotionally broken arena-brother, challenge all her notions of honor, loyalty, and love. Her heart tells her Mercury is worth any cost, but her head sees nothing ahead but disaster.

**************

REVIEW: STEALING MERCURY is the first installment in Charlee Allden’s adult Arena Dogs romantic fantasy, science fiction series focusing a group of genetically engineered slaves and gladiators. This is Arena Dog Mercury, and space ship pilot Samantha Devlin’s storyline.

NOTE: STEALING MERCURY contains M/F/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from third person point of view STEALING MERCURY follows the rescue attempt and escape of three fighting Dogs of the RomaRex Arena-Mercury, Diablo (Lo) and Carnage (Carn)-three ‘brothers in arms’ and pack mates whose tortuous lives have been nothing but abuse, fighting and destruction. Due to a lack of females, their lifestyle requires the males of their species to share one female, and in this Samantha has caught the eye of Mercury and his pack mate Lo.

Arena Dogs are genetically engineered hybrids with animal and non-human alien DNA whose sole purpose is to fight for the entertainment of intergalactic patrons. The Dogs are bred to be hunted, tortured, destroyed and abused, and in this our heroine Samantha Devlin-who is not quite human herself- will make every attempt to free the captives now imprisoned in the cargo hold of the space ship she is currently piloting. What ensues is a crash landing on an uninhabited planet where the Roma Company will hunt the escaped slaves along with their female accomplice.

The relationship between Mercury and Samantha is one of immediate attraction although Mercury is considered an animal and a threat by the whip-master and his handler. Samantha sees something different-she sees a man whose pain and suffering pulls at her soul, and in this she is determined to free the men from bondage. Not only does Mercury desire Samantha as his own, Lo’s need for a mate finds Samantha falling in love with both men. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate, erotic and provocative. Mercury is the alpha male; Lo has sworn his protection and love.

Meanwhile, Mercury’s brother Carn is desperate to find his mate who has been imprisoned by the Roma Company, and Mercury has promised to return to the planet to rescue Carn’s mate. All does not go according to plan when the Roma Company recaptures the escapees with the sole intent to kill at the RomaRex Arena in the Earth Alliance Beta Sector.

We are introduced to Mercury’s brothers and pack mates: Diablo (Lo) and Carnage (Carn) ; the requisite evil comes in the form of whip master Drake, and handler Resler who have been entrusted to ship the Arena Dogs to another planet for ‘disposal’.

The world building follows the enslavement, abuse and history of the Arena Dogs from conception to training to Arena gladiators. Think of the storyline as ‘Spartacus’ meets Star Trek meets Science Fiction wherein the ‘Dominus’ is determined to control his slaves both in and out of the arena. There are some scenes of graphic violence due to the nature of the storyline premise. The Dogs struggle against discrimination and stereotyping, slavery and abuse resulting from a preconceived notion that the genetically engineered hybrids are animals or less.

STEALING MERCURY is a fascinating introduction to Charlee Allden’s ARENA DOGS sci-fi fantasy series. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; betrayal and revenge; romance and love. The characters are colorful, engaging, imaginative and inspiring. The premise is dramatic, powerful and intense.

Copy supplied by the author

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Nikki Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

Samantha Devlin is rebuilding her life, starting off with a new job. A job that will change her life forever. She is hired to carry some very special cargo. It is supposed to be a simply pick up and drop off. Only things get more complicated at the pick up when she finds out her cargo happens to be live and dangerous Arena Dogs. Samantha soon finds that her passengers may be of more danger to her than the cargo, and must find a way to keep everyone safe until a rescue ship can set her and the Area Dogs free. Risks are taken, bonds are formed, and that is just the beginning!

Charlee Allden takes readers to new worlds in Stealing Mercury. We are introduced to different forms of life with their very different customs. You get some clues as to what may happen with some of the characters, but it does nothing to soften the shock of when it does! But, while shocking, it is also beautiful in its own way. I loved this book, and I am really hoping there are more to come!

[Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so very much! I'd just wish it was longer, I'd have liked to know more about the creation of the Arena Dogs and many other things that were left hinted at or unanswered like what was the "pulsing thing" on the planet they crashed on?, or what happened to the mothers or breeders of the Dogs? I hope Miss Allden is answering all of it in the next installment of this series!
Note:This is a Menage.

[Spuffed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Tons of suspense! A pretty kick ass heroine who is still capable of mistakes. Hot alien Dudes. Hot sex and sharing with Hot "Brothers". A bit of a survival story. What's not to love? If Sci-fi erotica is your genre, check it out! I know I'll be buying the second one as soon as it comes out!

[Talltree · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was action, an alpha possessive hero, a smart heroine and a different plot. The bad guys are _very_ bad. I just wish the heroes would have smacked them down sooner. On to the next book in the series.

[Tiblu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Story,but a long dry slog that felt way too long...

I really appreciated all the hard work I could tell went into the book but even though I liked the story and its characters I NEVER could fall in love with its characters... Sam is a wonderful seemingly fearless female is has a good and brave heart ( long as it's just her live she's risking not her emotional heart) ,I mean honestly she always willing to jump in head 1st ( sometimes quite literally ) to Rick her life time and time again ( soo many times by the end it feels like 100"s of times instead of the 1/2 doz. or so times it truly is.... She felt like a contraction to me will to take on very dangerous men single handily or literally dive in head 1st in to a cave to save any of them not just Mercury but honestly despite her past I found her a real coward with her heart... I'll die for you but I'll take forever to tell you I love you or claim you to my VERY tolerant mother? Yeah,right.... Then we have a rather interesting story but not enough relationship development thru most of the book,even though I never was able to connect with her or Mercury I wish there'd been more time developing them and Lo honestly I'd have though Lo and her relationship with him would be really important but the spent more time in the 1st 3rd of the book with the evil Drake and Resler and talking to them than almost Mercury,Lo and Carn combined but defiantly Lo and Carn... And the way things with Lo were done kinda pissed me off, I mean was Lo a background character or a fellow main character ? Even thou he felt like an interesting main character like Sam and Merc we didn't get his pov which to fully connect with him he deserved and we needed, then theirs his place in Sam and Merc's relationship he didn't feel like just a spare tire to take Merc's place with Sam should something happen to Merc but he was no means and equal member in a menage with them either,only Merc was thought of as her mate and he always made sure he spent himself on her not in her to make sure only Merc could get her pregnant.... Oooooookay... Even dear sweet Merc was a contradiction while endlessly patient with the very skittish ( where her heart is concerned) he and Lo decide Lo with kinda join them in their relationship without one word to Sam... She finds out by waking from sex with Merc to find Lo going down on her and then is guilted into going to him( coz get this,he's the one who's feelings are hurt,when just literally days earlier he was still saying he didn't trust her) ok.... And then he says the weirdest thing that creeped me out a bit , he tells Sam he wants to go back down on her soo he can "taste Mercury's seed on her" ,for a guy who seems only into women that seemed a really odd statement to make....like I said we REALLY NEEDED Lo's pov... And then in the world needs she finally tells them both she lov s them and make a statement that still confuses me.... She looks at Mercury and says I love you then looks and Lo and says I Love you both! And this doesn't mean I'll ever let you go. What? Huh?
Like the story went,too many details in some places,not enough in others and often confusing in between... Would I recommend it ? Maybe but I'm off to delete it coz I don't wanna read it again...

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 star book for me.

Samantha is offered a job running special cargo to another port. Little does she know that the special cargo are genetically modified humanoids being sent to their death. When she finds out, she knows that she can't let this happen. There is something about Mercury, the leader of the trio that calls to her. One is very sick from abuse and a broken heart. She needs to help them be free. But can she? Will she risk everything to save Mercury, Diablo, and Carn from uncertain death?

Samantha hatches a plan that will help the trio escape, but when the handlers find out things get out of hand. Will Mercury and Samantha ever see each other again? Will they survive? Taking the risk Samantha proceeds with her plan. Carn needs to get back to Roma, the Arena planet and find his mate, Hera. Risking everyone life, but Hera is his mate, they need to be together. Or Carn will surely die. Thing heat up between Samantha and Mercury, causing the Mercury to rise in more ways then one.

The character building in this book is amazing. You learn about Samantha and her background, how she became the way she is and why. You also learn about the trio of men and how they came to be and why. Ms. Allden creates a very cool world that evolves and surrounds you, almost like you are there. The rich port of Haverlee, the Arena, and the uninhabited planet they land on. All place that sound real.

Can't wait for book #2 in the series!!
More at http://6feetunderbooks.blogspot.com/2...

[Cheesecake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercury and Samantha. Born into slavery, Mercury and his brothers were genetically created to fight in the arena for the pleasure of wealthy schmucks. He and his brothers are slated to die as prey on a hunting planet but there is a group of people dedicated to freeing all the gladiators from captivity. Samantha signs on as the pilot to take them to the hunting planet, but with the understanding that help would waylay them on route and free the 'Dogs'(as Mercury and his brothers are called). Right from the get go there is a connection between Samantha and Mercury, but she is forced to pretend indifference to fool the two arena guards, that she is also forced to transport. Of course nothing goes as planned and so begins the adventure from planet to planet. Even with freedom in their grasp, the brothers know they must return to the arena as soon as possible to rescue one of their mates. Samantha is forced to choose between helping the brothers and risking the revealing of her secret, or looking the other way. The characters were well developed and interesting and not as predictable as I expected. I got kinda tired and rolled my eyes every time Samantha insisted that they not kill anyone. The ending is an HEA but with plenty of loose ends so I sure hope there's another one planned and the adventure continues. There is some m/f/m action but it isn't as gratuitous as usual, but part of the character building.

[Nike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have passed this book off in several occasions; finally, a couple of days ago I decided to give it a try. You see, I’m not into M/F/M stories, and in general, they do not satisfy my romance craving, I’m more into kick-ass heroines and alpha heroes one to one.
This book had it all!!! Imagine Ms. Dohner “New species” series going futuristic and interplanetary. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fantasy world building, with and h who is not quite human. She is grieving her father, and while she is clever, her strong sense of right and wrong, doesn't always make life easy. The Hs are genetically bred hybrids, and she saves them from the bad guys. Exciting adventure, lots of twists and turns.

[Christina Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a great werewolf paranormal romance, mix in the movie Gladiator, add in some outer space science awesomeness, and top it all off with a kick-ass she-captain who can hold her own. That's STEALING MERCURY. Read it!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The world building was amazing, you were immersed into the world through the flow of the story and not with a huge information dump. I loved the characters which were three dimensional, Strong and multifaceted, and aware of their own flaws real or imagined. I liked reading a book where I wasn't continuously shaking my head at foolhardy actions of one character or another. Character development was subtle but meaningful. I look forward to reading more stories from this world.

[Katinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review posted at:
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/02/st...

[M. Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read quite a bit, probably due to it having an actual plot and characters you can root for, will be reading the next ones in the series!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book two and half years ago but when I was recently offered an ARC for the second book I finally decided to read the first one. I was familiar with Charlee Alden through NERFA but had not read anything written by her before.
The synopsis really tells you all you need to know. The Arena Dogs were genetically created by humans to be gladiators . They are slaves, dog fighters. They are abused, tortured, and killed for the enjoyment of the rich and powerful overlords that own them. They are treated as less than human.
I really enjoyed this book. I immediately went to read the second book before completing this review. I do love erotic sci-fi with aliens and this book did not disappoint. The story was well written. The female lead was strong. The whole premise is engaging. One cannot miss the underlying messages about racism, sexual slavery, and dog fighting.
There were a few typos but nothing that was so distracting that it ruined the book.

[Diana Wedhorn]

this was a very good book!