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The Condemned #1
Trapped
“Convicts don’t ask. They take.”
Marooned on a primitive prison planet , Bella West has one chance for survival until rescue arrives: trade her body for protection.
The ripped hulk who claims her is more beast than man. Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, ex-soldier Caine Anders has lost his humanity after eight grueling years on a hazardous planet of dirt, rock, and treacherous inhabitants.
He looks out for himself and never grows attached. So, when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects her touch to alter him. Or to feel something beyond lust.
But caring for someone on Dragath25 may be the greatest hazard of all. And, as the dangers multiply, it’s no longer certain whether she’ll be the key to his salvation or his destruction....
The first book in the Condemned Series, TRAPPED is a stand alone, action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance with a HEA, a strong heroine willing to do what it takes to survive, and a scorching hot, broken alpha hero you can’t help but fall in love with.
Marooned on a primitive prison planet , Bella West has one chance for survival until rescue arrives: trade her body for protection.
The ripped hulk who claims her is more beast than man. Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, ex-soldier Caine Anders has lost his humanity after eight grueling years on a hazardous planet of dirt, rock, and treacherous inhabitants.
He looks out for himself and never grows attached. So, when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects her touch to alter him. Or to feel something beyond lust.
But caring for someone on Dragath25 may be the greatest hazard of all. And, as the dangers multiply, it’s no longer certain whether she’ll be the key to his salvation or his destruction....
The first book in the Condemned Series, TRAPPED is a stand alone, action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance with a HEA, a strong heroine willing to do what it takes to survive, and a scorching hot, broken alpha hero you can’t help but fall in love with.
238 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
879 people are currently reading
2171 people want to read
About the author
Alison Aimes
33 books860 followersAlison Aimes is a USA Today bestselling author of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Omegaverse Romance. Her books are on the steamy side and full of strong heroes, brave heroines, loads of action, and happy ever-afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, her dog and a serious stash of chocolate.
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March 25, 2019
Trapped is book one in The Condemned Series by Alison Aimes. This is my very first book by Alison. I have to admit I’ve been staring at this series for awhile now. I mean, just gaze at this cover. I hoped that the book would live up to it’s cover but holy wow, I was not prepared for this! I could not stop reading. This book is hot enough to scorch your fingertips as you turn the pages. But it also is filled with hope. These characters find themselves in a race for survival. But along the way, they also save each other from themselves.
Cadet Annabella (Bella) West was orphaned at an early age and has been struggling to care for her younger brother and sister. She is all they have. Earth’s resources have died out. There is nothing but famine and blight. To protect her siblings, Bella has joined the Winthrop Humanity research mission on a trip to the Planet Dragath25 to search for resources that might help to save earth. But, Dragath25 is a penal planet. It is where all of Earth’s most horrendous criminals are sent. When Bella’s ship crashes onto Dragath25, an entirely new mission transpires. A mission for survival.
“There were no rules here on Dragath25. No honor. Only violence and might.”
Prisoner 673 aka Convict was sent to Dragath25 eight years ago for a crime he was innocent of. He learned quickly that he could only rely on himself for survival. In the long years, he has become more animal than man. He was out scavenging when the ship went down and he saw her. In his mind, he instantly called her “fighter girl.” She was so brave and tough. But, she wouldn’t survive five minutes without him. So he offers her a deal, he will protect her for a price. The price of her body.
“He wanted to be her everything. He wanted to be her hero forever.”
Something happened when Bella touched him, when skin met skin. He was reminded of the man he used to be, he was reminded of what it felt like to really feel. To be human. Bella never really feared Convict. He brought her pleasure like she had never experienced before. The more time they spent together, the more their feelings for each other grew. Dragath25 was filled with danger, though. There were horrible creatures that roamed at night, there was the gang of prisoners that brutalized everything in their path, and there was danger amongst her own, the other survivors of the ship. All Convict wants to do is keep Bella safe but Bella is his fighter girl, and constantly doesn’t follow instructions in her attempt to help.
This book builds and builds to a gripping conclusion that will leave you gasping. This is an intensely suspenseful story of survival but also filled with hope and love. You can’t help but to fall for these two and hope that they can find a way to be together.
This does come to a full conclusion with a perfect epilogue. The next book in the series will be Ava Davies story who was Bella’s shipmate. I can’t wait to continue. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. I hope that if this is a trope you enjoy, I’ve convinced you to read it. I hope you’ll love it as much as I did.
“Wherever we are, Bella, wherever we go, you’ll always be my home.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Cadet Annabella (Bella) West was orphaned at an early age and has been struggling to care for her younger brother and sister. She is all they have. Earth’s resources have died out. There is nothing but famine and blight. To protect her siblings, Bella has joined the Winthrop Humanity research mission on a trip to the Planet Dragath25 to search for resources that might help to save earth. But, Dragath25 is a penal planet. It is where all of Earth’s most horrendous criminals are sent. When Bella’s ship crashes onto Dragath25, an entirely new mission transpires. A mission for survival.
“There were no rules here on Dragath25. No honor. Only violence and might.”
Prisoner 673 aka Convict was sent to Dragath25 eight years ago for a crime he was innocent of. He learned quickly that he could only rely on himself for survival. In the long years, he has become more animal than man. He was out scavenging when the ship went down and he saw her. In his mind, he instantly called her “fighter girl.” She was so brave and tough. But, she wouldn’t survive five minutes without him. So he offers her a deal, he will protect her for a price. The price of her body.
“He wanted to be her everything. He wanted to be her hero forever.”
Something happened when Bella touched him, when skin met skin. He was reminded of the man he used to be, he was reminded of what it felt like to really feel. To be human. Bella never really feared Convict. He brought her pleasure like she had never experienced before. The more time they spent together, the more their feelings for each other grew. Dragath25 was filled with danger, though. There were horrible creatures that roamed at night, there was the gang of prisoners that brutalized everything in their path, and there was danger amongst her own, the other survivors of the ship. All Convict wants to do is keep Bella safe but Bella is his fighter girl, and constantly doesn’t follow instructions in her attempt to help.
This book builds and builds to a gripping conclusion that will leave you gasping. This is an intensely suspenseful story of survival but also filled with hope and love. You can’t help but to fall for these two and hope that they can find a way to be together.
This does come to a full conclusion with a perfect epilogue. The next book in the series will be Ava Davies story who was Bella’s shipmate. I can’t wait to continue. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. I hope that if this is a trope you enjoy, I’ve convinced you to read it. I hope you’ll love it as much as I did.
“Wherever we are, Bella, wherever we go, you’ll always be my home.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
July 2, 2022
4 Nothing Has Ever Felt As Right Stars ⭐
A story of survival and hope. Bella's welfare just went to pot when the science expedition she's on, crash lands on a prison planet. In a bid to survive she makes a deal with a convict. Because let's be honest, you would do anything just to get by on Dragath25.
“You fulfill your part of the deal. I’ll do what you want.”
The threats are everywhere, if the inhabitable climate doesn't kill you, the renegade convicts will do it. Our anti hero has been alone for 8 years. A female is an easy target, but a willing female is Nirvana. It just makes all his good sense disappear.
“And, fighter girl? You want to call me something other than 673? Call me Convict. Because from here on out,” he whispered, his breath a warm rasp against her ear, “that’s who owns your ass.”
There is something extremely sexy about hot loving under desolate circumstances. Well not really but I'm a sucker for prison and apocalyptic romances. Give me a tough and gruff hero and a feisty heroine and I'm loving life. Especially when the author brings the heat.
I read this years ago and loved it. I'm pleased that nothings changed. The dynamics between Caine and Bella was what I wanted. Two strangers working together to survive their harsh surroundings while learning to trust and falling in love while they trying to escape this hellhole. Trapped is definitely one of the better ones of this genre.
A story of survival and hope. Bella's welfare just went to pot when the science expedition she's on, crash lands on a prison planet. In a bid to survive she makes a deal with a convict. Because let's be honest, you would do anything just to get by on Dragath25.
“You fulfill your part of the deal. I’ll do what you want.”
The threats are everywhere, if the inhabitable climate doesn't kill you, the renegade convicts will do it. Our anti hero has been alone for 8 years. A female is an easy target, but a willing female is Nirvana. It just makes all his good sense disappear.
“And, fighter girl? You want to call me something other than 673? Call me Convict. Because from here on out,” he whispered, his breath a warm rasp against her ear, “that’s who owns your ass.”
There is something extremely sexy about hot loving under desolate circumstances. Well not really but I'm a sucker for prison and apocalyptic romances. Give me a tough and gruff hero and a feisty heroine and I'm loving life. Especially when the author brings the heat.
I read this years ago and loved it. I'm pleased that nothings changed. The dynamics between Caine and Bella was what I wanted. Two strangers working together to survive their harsh surroundings while learning to trust and falling in love while they trying to escape this hellhole. Trapped is definitely one of the better ones of this genre.
January 3, 2016
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love it!!! Whan an amazing sci-fi plot and story! And for this to be the author's debut novel, it's simply amazing. I'm a fan!
This story has just the right amount of action, romance, danger and angst. I loved how the author build the new futuristic world and the planet 'of death', Dragath25. If I'm honest it does remind me a bit of Mars, with how the atmosphere and landskape is portrayed. Also, the creatures that live there are unique and highly dangerous. I'm pretty sure that without convict 673 aka. Caine's help Bella and the rest of the surviving crew would be death in just a couple of days. Survival on such planet is harsh and unforgiving. Only the strong and smart survive.
On Dragath25, you take your pleasure where you can, when you can. Because tomorrow you might not be alive to feel anything at all.
I didn't judge Bella for the deal she made with Caine. In fact, I think that was a really smart thing to do. She was a survivor long before she even set foot on Dragath25. Since her early age she had to take care of her siblings and made sure they survived, despite everyone telling her that they will never make it. I love her character. She's a strong, smart, stubborn and passionate woman who has her morals set into stone.
She would never leave her friends behind, no matter how hopeless the situation may seem. Also, she's one badass chick! Especially near the end I was like, 'Who is she and what have you done with the old Bella?' And don't even get me started on the scorching hot sex scenes. ;)
As for Caine, I felt for him. He was sent to this horrible planet because he was only trying to do the right thing. And look where that got him! He carries so much guilt over what happened, that he over the years starts to believe he's one of the filthy convicts that really do deserve to rot on Dragath25. But he's so not! And I'm so glad he had someone like Bella, who shows him what an amazing and good person he truly is.
For eight years, he hadn't given a damn about another soul. It has kept him sane. It had kept him alive. Feeling something for this woman besides lust wasn't a part of the plan.
They made a crazy good team, who had each others backs at all times. They learned how to survive together, how to start trusting each other, how to feel again and above all how to start living again. Their story is beautiful and inspiring. They went through a lot, but in the end came out stronger than ever.
From the seeds of destruction and danger, something miraculous had grown.
A great read, that I definitely recommend!
Safety-gang: Safe.
I love it!!! Whan an amazing sci-fi plot and story! And for this to be the author's debut novel, it's simply amazing. I'm a fan!
This story has just the right amount of action, romance, danger and angst. I loved how the author build the new futuristic world and the planet 'of death', Dragath25. If I'm honest it does remind me a bit of Mars, with how the atmosphere and landskape is portrayed. Also, the creatures that live there are unique and highly dangerous. I'm pretty sure that without convict 673 aka. Caine's help Bella and the rest of the surviving crew would be death in just a couple of days. Survival on such planet is harsh and unforgiving. Only the strong and smart survive.
On Dragath25, you take your pleasure where you can, when you can. Because tomorrow you might not be alive to feel anything at all.
I didn't judge Bella for the deal she made with Caine. In fact, I think that was a really smart thing to do. She was a survivor long before she even set foot on Dragath25. Since her early age she had to take care of her siblings and made sure they survived, despite everyone telling her that they will never make it. I love her character. She's a strong, smart, stubborn and passionate woman who has her morals set into stone.
She would never leave her friends behind, no matter how hopeless the situation may seem. Also, she's one badass chick! Especially near the end I was like, 'Who is she and what have you done with the old Bella?' And don't even get me started on the scorching hot sex scenes. ;)
As for Caine, I felt for him. He was sent to this horrible planet because he was only trying to do the right thing. And look where that got him! He carries so much guilt over what happened, that he over the years starts to believe he's one of the filthy convicts that really do deserve to rot on Dragath25. But he's so not! And I'm so glad he had someone like Bella, who shows him what an amazing and good person he truly is.
For eight years, he hadn't given a damn about another soul. It has kept him sane. It had kept him alive. Feeling something for this woman besides lust wasn't a part of the plan.
They made a crazy good team, who had each others backs at all times. They learned how to survive together, how to start trusting each other, how to feel again and above all how to start living again. Their story is beautiful and inspiring. They went through a lot, but in the end came out stronger than ever.
From the seeds of destruction and danger, something miraculous had grown.
A great read, that I definitely recommend!
Safety-gang: Safe.
May 18, 2019
This is the first book in the Condemned series and I had such a fab time reading this.
Sci-Fi romance books are a guilty pleasure of mine add in it being a prison planet and I was sold and this one was certainly a great read.
So Bella West crash lands on this penal colony planet along with her fellow researchers and some soldiers sent along to protect them.
Making a deal with prisoner 673 her body for protection is the only logical way forward if she wants to survive in this harsh terrain.
I appreciated Bella's determination and resilience to make it whatever the cost and found her to be a pragmatic sort which is a quality of hers I really found myself admiring.
Prisoner 673 AKA Convicts humanity is still there despite him burying it so deep and I really enjoyed witnessing the blossoming bond developing between these two.
This was actioned packed throughout and had no trouble retaining my individual attention.
On a sidenote, I really appreciated that window where we get to jump forward slightly and see where are unlikely lovers ended up.
This in itself had quite a feel-good vibe for me and though I had to suspend my disbelief slightly as I don't think it would be that easy to receive a pardon and come out on top I found myself not really caring that much as I just wanted our twosome to come out on top and win.
This was also set up very nicely for the next story in this series of which I am looking forward to reading.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
December 5, 2019
Trapped was an ok read for me. It started out pretty good but I quickly lost interest, there was just something missing for me. I really liked Bella and her determination to survive and get home to her siblings. Caine has been alone trying to survive for eight long years. Although he claims to be a beast he actually is a good man which was my main issue with the story. We were told how much of a beast he is and the darkness he carries but it turns so quickly and he is a man in love. The dialogue became way to cheesy for me with them expressing all their love for each other. Now with that said I may be willing to give book 2 a chance and to see if the story telling gets better.
January 12, 2021
3 stars
It was less angsty and less dramatic than I thought it would be but it wasn’t a bad read. Just nothing memorable either.
It was less angsty and less dramatic than I thought it would be but it wasn’t a bad read. Just nothing memorable either.
January 21, 2025
I have read a few of these “prison” books, and usually find them pretty enjoyable. So, when I saw this as a freebie… I snatched it up. It ended up being “ok” I finished, but won’t continue on with the series. The book takes place in 9015, where Earth is ruled by a corrupt council, and dying out.
Caine/Convict/673 has been living on Dragath25 for 8-years after being wrongly accused of murder. Annabelle/Belle is a jr. scientist aboard a mission to gather data… this was a bit fuzzy, but I believe it is to find plant life) when her shuttle crashes killing most of the crew. The story started out similar to what I’ve read in the past; she offers to screw him in exchange for him protecting her and her friends. There’s plenty of sex; it’s not over graphic or gross.
Belle has layers, some are good, and some of them are annoying AF. She’s a big part of the book, so your enjoyment will probably depend on what your tolerance is with her. My only advice… if you find yourself twitchy early on… abandon ship cuz she doesn’t get a personality reboot.
Caine is ex-military, and described as a beast numerous times, but he’s not savage at all. He does “accept” the arrangement, but isn’t cruel or mean. I actually gave him props for not feeding her to the Tigos a couple times. He does have a “I’m not good enough” complex and is lugging around a suitcase of guilt over his ex-wife’s death. If that’s a trigger for you…fyi.
There’re some editing issues, like the pronouns were wrong several times which was confusing as hell. It took a bit for me to figure out that Winthrop was a dude, because this happened a few times.
“Bella, I’m so glad you’re okay.” Winthrop pressed her hand against the curve of his face, surprising her.
My biggest issue for not loving this was all the inconsistencies. Personally, to connect to these types of books; I need to feel a level a desperation to survive. Why else would she offer/and he accept sex for survival if they weren’t desperate? So many things conflicted with that and didn’t “jell” IMO.
Bottom Line- It was an “ok” read… good enough to finish, but I won’t be purchasing the next books. I wish there would have been more time on Earth, because that part felt really rushed, and we didn’t get a lot of backstory on the council.
Caine/Convict/673 has been living on Dragath25 for 8-years after being wrongly accused of murder. Annabelle/Belle is a jr. scientist aboard a mission to gather data… this was a bit fuzzy, but I believe it is to find plant life) when her shuttle crashes killing most of the crew. The story started out similar to what I’ve read in the past; she offers to screw him in exchange for him protecting her and her friends. There’s plenty of sex; it’s not over graphic or gross.
Belle has layers, some are good, and some of them are annoying AF. She’s a big part of the book, so your enjoyment will probably depend on what your tolerance is with her. My only advice… if you find yourself twitchy early on… abandon ship cuz she doesn’t get a personality reboot.
Caine is ex-military, and described as a beast numerous times, but he’s not savage at all. He does “accept” the arrangement, but isn’t cruel or mean. I actually gave him props for not feeding her to the Tigos a couple times. He does have a “I’m not good enough” complex and is lugging around a suitcase of guilt over his ex-wife’s death. If that’s a trigger for you…fyi.
There’re some editing issues, like the pronouns were wrong several times which was confusing as hell. It took a bit for me to figure out that Winthrop was a dude, because this happened a few times.
“Bella, I’m so glad you’re okay.” Winthrop pressed her hand against the curve of his face, surprising her.
My biggest issue for not loving this was all the inconsistencies. Personally, to connect to these types of books; I need to feel a level a desperation to survive. Why else would she offer/and he accept sex for survival if they weren’t desperate? So many things conflicted with that and didn’t “jell” IMO.
Bottom Line- It was an “ok” read… good enough to finish, but I won’t be purchasing the next books. I wish there would have been more time on Earth, because that part felt really rushed, and we didn’t get a lot of backstory on the council.
September 15, 2019
“Wherever we are, Bella, wherever we go, you’ll always be my home.”
The Story:
Takes place in the year 9015 on penal colony Dragath25. Earth’s resources have severely depleted and Bella and her research team head to the hostile planet of Dragath25 looking for a solution to Earth's problems. “If such findings proved real, Dragath25 might actually offer humans hope for survival. Hard as it was to imagine, what had been established over two thousand years ago as a human dumping ground for the worst of the worst might end up offering a new crop of hardy plants that could save a dying Earth”
Dragath25 is not a place anyone wants to be and when their ship crashes, Bella strikes a bargain with prisoner 673...sex for survival help.
Characters
Prisoner 673...aka Mud Man...aka Convict....aka Caine
We learn that through corrupt Council tactics, Caine was framed and convicted and has been living on Dragath25 for 8 years. He has learned to rely on himself for survival. ”He’d learned long ago not to stick his neck out for anyone else. Keeping himself alive was hard enough.” . He was a pilot and a soldier and there are glimpses of a good guy underneath the rough exterior, but he’s been alone, isolated and fighting so hard to stay alive against the threats from Pack 225 and the wild animals of the planet that he may not ever recover his true self.
Bella....aka Fighter Girl
Bella is a junior level scientist, which is the highest position a non-Council descendant can achieve (unless she marries a Council elite). She was orphaned at an early age and has struggled all her life to take care of her younger brother and sister. She’s strong willed with a backbone that doesn’t cave when the going gets tough.
My Thoughts:
At the end of Chapter 2 when Bella begs for help and says she'll do "anything", her fate is sealed. When she takes his hand in Chapter 3 so that he can lead her away to have his way with her, I was wondering how this was not going to be rape. I mean, she agreed to "anything” like 10 seconds ago and he is already wanting payment. If it wasn't rape, then I would have to buy into an attraction and hello....he's covered in mud and clearly a convict, so there must be something bad about him. So, my "uh oh" radar was way up because either something awful was about to happen or something unbelievable, and either would tank the story for me.
So, much to my surprise, when the deed was done I was pretty ok with what happened. I thought the author did a couple of things to counter the potential doomsday scenarios I was anticipating.
- Mud Man was portrayed as a person with some tenderness underneath all the surliness and I immediately felt sorry for him. “His gaze locked on their intertwined palms. Something that looked a lot like wonder etched in the hard planes of his face. It hit Bella then. Human contact. He was reacting to the sensation of touch. Cherishing something as simple as the heat of her palm against his. A wave of sympathy rippled through her. This man might be a criminal, but he was also a living being. One who had clearly been alone for a very long time."
- Mud Man gave Bella a choice. It was clear she had the ability to say no. “Your deal. Your choice. “Her mouth went dry. She understood. He wouldn’t force her. She’d been the one to suggest the trade. It was up to her to choose what happened next.”
- Bella owned up to the fact that the idea was hers. She felt no regret for the bargain because they were alive due to his help. Plus, with long hours of studying, she was used to "using" someone to scratch an itch. No emotion, just a simple transaction. Therefore, the fear or shame aspect was taken out of the equation.
- The bath brought an aspect of tenderness. A small connection was established before the sexual act.
- It was clear his intent was not to harm, but rather enjoy each other. "Life on Dragath25 is short. Ugly. Brutal. Every day you survive is a miracle.”
- "This is about pleasure. Not pain. I don’t get off on pain.” "
- "On Dragath25, you take your pleasure where you can, when you can. Because tomorrow you might not be alive to feel anything at all.”
- She understood his reassurances and offered him comfort. “She was comforting him. Soothing him like she might a wild animal, which proved just how insightful she was.”
So, after a couple chapters of establishing all of this, it didn't feel dirty but it also didn't have any type of insta-love feeling either. Just two people who made a bargain and were following through with the terms of the bargain. Ok. I can deal with that.
The story is action packed. If it's not the horrendous prisoner Pack 225 that's after them, then it's the wild Tigos, Sayback or Pythile, or even the other members of Bella's military team. These two must learn to trust each other and that’s not easy to do. But, along the way they begin to care for one another and there are plenty of hot and steamy scenes as they continue to “scratch that itch”.
During the story, there was quite a build up of what it would mean if Caine was actually able to leave the planet with the rescue team. Therefore, I was a little disappointed that this aspect of the story was just summed up with a couple sentences “8 months later”. I really wanted to see Caine’s adversaries pay for what they did.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It’s set in a world that is unfamiliar, but it didn’t take me much time to get acclimated to this world. The story is a pretty quick read and I was engaged throughout. Although the H/h have resolved their issues in this book, the epilogue sets up the next book which will be about one of the other researchers that was “lost” on Dragath25 which will most likely include this H/h and a love story for Ava. I would definitely read this story before starting book 2.
Quotes
“But with him, it hadn’t felt like that at all. She hadn’t felt like just another burden. She’d felt…she’d felt like she mattered.”
“On Dragath25, there are no names. No humanity.”
“Keeping you alive will be next to impossible. Even without the added stubbornness.”
“All it takes is one visionary psychopath with the ability to terrorize enough followers into doing whatever he wants and you go from a disorganized penal planet full of kill-or-be-killed criminals to a well-organized terrorist training center”
“That’s why I like to call you fighter girl. Not because I don’t see who you are, but because I do, Bella. I see exactly who you are. Someone extraordinary. Someone strong and kind. A true hero.” His hands skimmed up her neck to cup her face. “Someone worth living for. Someone worth dying for.”
“somehow, somewhere, you’ve become a necessity. You’ve become everything.”
“I’ll hold you together, just like you hold me.”
The Story:
Takes place in the year 9015 on penal colony Dragath25. Earth’s resources have severely depleted and Bella and her research team head to the hostile planet of Dragath25 looking for a solution to Earth's problems. “If such findings proved real, Dragath25 might actually offer humans hope for survival. Hard as it was to imagine, what had been established over two thousand years ago as a human dumping ground for the worst of the worst might end up offering a new crop of hardy plants that could save a dying Earth”
Dragath25 is not a place anyone wants to be and when their ship crashes, Bella strikes a bargain with prisoner 673...sex for survival help.
Characters
Prisoner 673...aka Mud Man...aka Convict....aka Caine
We learn that through corrupt Council tactics, Caine was framed and convicted and has been living on Dragath25 for 8 years. He has learned to rely on himself for survival. ”He’d learned long ago not to stick his neck out for anyone else. Keeping himself alive was hard enough.” . He was a pilot and a soldier and there are glimpses of a good guy underneath the rough exterior, but he’s been alone, isolated and fighting so hard to stay alive against the threats from Pack 225 and the wild animals of the planet that he may not ever recover his true self.
Bella....aka Fighter Girl
Bella is a junior level scientist, which is the highest position a non-Council descendant can achieve (unless she marries a Council elite). She was orphaned at an early age and has struggled all her life to take care of her younger brother and sister. She’s strong willed with a backbone that doesn’t cave when the going gets tough.
My Thoughts:
At the end of Chapter 2 when Bella begs for help and says she'll do "anything", her fate is sealed. When she takes his hand in Chapter 3 so that he can lead her away to have his way with her, I was wondering how this was not going to be rape. I mean, she agreed to "anything” like 10 seconds ago and he is already wanting payment. If it wasn't rape, then I would have to buy into an attraction and hello....he's covered in mud and clearly a convict, so there must be something bad about him. So, my "uh oh" radar was way up because either something awful was about to happen or something unbelievable, and either would tank the story for me.
So, much to my surprise, when the deed was done I was pretty ok with what happened. I thought the author did a couple of things to counter the potential doomsday scenarios I was anticipating.
- Mud Man was portrayed as a person with some tenderness underneath all the surliness and I immediately felt sorry for him. “His gaze locked on their intertwined palms. Something that looked a lot like wonder etched in the hard planes of his face. It hit Bella then. Human contact. He was reacting to the sensation of touch. Cherishing something as simple as the heat of her palm against his. A wave of sympathy rippled through her. This man might be a criminal, but he was also a living being. One who had clearly been alone for a very long time."
- Mud Man gave Bella a choice. It was clear she had the ability to say no. “Your deal. Your choice. “Her mouth went dry. She understood. He wouldn’t force her. She’d been the one to suggest the trade. It was up to her to choose what happened next.”
- Bella owned up to the fact that the idea was hers. She felt no regret for the bargain because they were alive due to his help. Plus, with long hours of studying, she was used to "using" someone to scratch an itch. No emotion, just a simple transaction. Therefore, the fear or shame aspect was taken out of the equation.
- The bath brought an aspect of tenderness. A small connection was established before the sexual act.
- It was clear his intent was not to harm, but rather enjoy each other. "Life on Dragath25 is short. Ugly. Brutal. Every day you survive is a miracle.”
- "This is about pleasure. Not pain. I don’t get off on pain.” "
- "On Dragath25, you take your pleasure where you can, when you can. Because tomorrow you might not be alive to feel anything at all.”
- She understood his reassurances and offered him comfort. “She was comforting him. Soothing him like she might a wild animal, which proved just how insightful she was.”
So, after a couple chapters of establishing all of this, it didn't feel dirty but it also didn't have any type of insta-love feeling either. Just two people who made a bargain and were following through with the terms of the bargain. Ok. I can deal with that.
The story is action packed. If it's not the horrendous prisoner Pack 225 that's after them, then it's the wild Tigos, Sayback or Pythile, or even the other members of Bella's military team. These two must learn to trust each other and that’s not easy to do. But, along the way they begin to care for one another and there are plenty of hot and steamy scenes as they continue to “scratch that itch”.
During the story, there was quite a build up of what it would mean if Caine was actually able to leave the planet with the rescue team. Therefore, I was a little disappointed that this aspect of the story was just summed up with a couple sentences “8 months later”. I really wanted to see Caine’s adversaries pay for what they did.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It’s set in a world that is unfamiliar, but it didn’t take me much time to get acclimated to this world. The story is a pretty quick read and I was engaged throughout. Although the H/h have resolved their issues in this book, the epilogue sets up the next book which will be about one of the other researchers that was “lost” on Dragath25 which will most likely include this H/h and a love story for Ava. I would definitely read this story before starting book 2.
Quotes
“But with him, it hadn’t felt like that at all. She hadn’t felt like just another burden. She’d felt…she’d felt like she mattered.”
“On Dragath25, there are no names. No humanity.”
“Keeping you alive will be next to impossible. Even without the added stubbornness.”
“All it takes is one visionary psychopath with the ability to terrorize enough followers into doing whatever he wants and you go from a disorganized penal planet full of kill-or-be-killed criminals to a well-organized terrorist training center”
“That’s why I like to call you fighter girl. Not because I don’t see who you are, but because I do, Bella. I see exactly who you are. Someone extraordinary. Someone strong and kind. A true hero.” His hands skimmed up her neck to cup her face. “Someone worth living for. Someone worth dying for.”
“somehow, somewhere, you’ve become a necessity. You’ve become everything.”
“I’ll hold you together, just like you hold me.”
February 9, 2021
It's the year 9015 and Earth is destroyed. Desperate to find new resources to replenish all that has been lost, Earth has sent scientists and soldiers to their prison planet to see if there's anything there that can help. After their ship crashed, killing most of the crew, Bella makes the sacrifice that enables their survival - anything Convict wants, he can have. And oh how quickly obligation turns to love!
Her body to preserve the lives of her friends seems like a noble sacrifice. Dragath25 is a danger zone and she needs someone who knows the terrain to keep them going until rescue can come. However, surviving soon turns into thriving and Convict may just be the most honorable, most kind, and most amazing male she has ever met.
Okay, so this story was steamily interesting and reaffirmed my love for all things Alison Aimes. I'm still new to reading from the scifi romance genre, but she has quickly earned a spot on my must-read list!
Her body to preserve the lives of her friends seems like a noble sacrifice. Dragath25 is a danger zone and she needs someone who knows the terrain to keep them going until rescue can come. However, surviving soon turns into thriving and Convict may just be the most honorable, most kind, and most amazing male she has ever met.
Okay, so this story was steamily interesting and reaffirmed my love for all things Alison Aimes. I'm still new to reading from the scifi romance genre, but she has quickly earned a spot on my must-read list!
April 5, 2025
2.5 🌟
I didn’t mind this sci-fi as much as Lori and Chris did.
It was actually a nice plot. I liked the premise. The characters. And especially the MMC.
He was actually a sweetheart.
The MMC was falsely accused of killing his wife and thrown into the "prison planet" by a Council member (the actual killer who was the MMC's wife's lover - go figure)
Anyway, the MMC learned to survive and atone for his "mistakes" in this uninhabitable planet.
After the crash of a ship carrying scientist and soldiers, the MMC gets to meet the MFC.
Now, this book would have deserved at least a 3.75 stars BUT I couldn't get past the annoying MFC who acts like a rebelious child who abuses the word NO as if she's a raging teenager who's constantly stomping her feet.
Instead of being an actual help to the MMC and go through character growth, she actually caused the death and misfortune of a few in this book.
Also, the ending was a bit rushed and all of the twisted plot magically unraveled thanks of course to the MFC's blackmail of the Council's corruption. Pretty far fetched but here we are.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
96) "Title starts with the letter T"
Squares Count: 42
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃43┃49┃64┃🔴┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃🔴┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
I didn’t mind this sci-fi as much as Lori and Chris did.
It was actually a nice plot. I liked the premise. The characters. And especially the MMC.
He was actually a sweetheart.
The MMC was falsely accused of killing his wife and thrown into the "prison planet" by a Council member (the actual killer who was the MMC's wife's lover - go figure)
Anyway, the MMC learned to survive and atone for his "mistakes" in this uninhabitable planet.
After the crash of a ship carrying scientist and soldiers, the MMC gets to meet the MFC.
Now, this book would have deserved at least a 3.75 stars BUT I couldn't get past the annoying MFC who acts like a rebelious child who abuses the word NO as if she's a raging teenager who's constantly stomping her feet.
Instead of being an actual help to the MMC and go through character growth, she actually caused the death and misfortune of a few in this book.
Also, the ending was a bit rushed and all of the twisted plot magically unraveled thanks of course to the MFC's blackmail of the Council's corruption. Pretty far fetched but here we are.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
96) "Title starts with the letter T"
Squares Count: 42
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃43┃49┃64┃🔴┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃🔴┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
April 20, 2018
Uneven in parts but interesting convict hero
Good characters, but the frame of the world building didn't live up to my expectations. The interactions of Fighter Girl and Mud Man in the beginning really pulled me in, and I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. Some of the sexy times overwhelm but the Dragath planet, the demise of Earth and the villains were interesting, if under developed. I would like to read the sequel, but it appears to be MIA for two years now.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Book source: Borrowed.
Good characters, but the frame of the world building didn't live up to my expectations. The interactions of Fighter Girl and Mud Man in the beginning really pulled me in, and I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. Some of the sexy times overwhelm but the Dragath planet, the demise of Earth and the villains were interesting, if under developed. I would like to read the sequel, but it appears to be MIA for two years now.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Book source: Borrowed.
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April 22, 2021
⤅ This is the book that kicked off my Alison Aimes marathon.
It was an unprepossessing start. The premise is rather cliched; it involves the heroine crash-landing on a prison planet and striking a deal with the hero for protection. I can think of at least two other books that have this plotline. But Aimes does it well, with vivid writing and great sex scenes.
Yes, the characters are a little flat. But on the whole, considering I was hooked enough to read the rest of the series, I can't much complain.
It was an unprepossessing start. The premise is rather cliched; it involves the heroine crash-landing on a prison planet and striking a deal with the hero for protection. I can think of at least two other books that have this plotline. But Aimes does it well, with vivid writing and great sex scenes.
Yes, the characters are a little flat. But on the whole, considering I was hooked enough to read the rest of the series, I can't much complain.
January 7, 2016
Sci-fi isn't something that I used to read a lot of but I find it's holding my interest more and more lately and I was so happy to discover Trapped by Alison Aimes. I was first drawn to it because the blurb reminded me of a book I read last year that I really enjoyed, not to mention that I've always had a thing for bad boys and prisoners are right up my alley, but all that aside, Trapped is definitely a book that stands on its own and held my interest until the very end.
Let's start with my main reason for loving this book... Bella! As soon as her shuttle crashed on Dragath25 she took charge and did what needed to be done. And as soon as she spotted Caine, no matter how dangerous he might be, she knew that she needed his help if she was going to survive and she was smart enough to offer up the one thing a man in his position would want... Anything.
And Caine... Sigh! He comes off as gruff and maybe a little scary in the beginning but the way he starts to soften for Bella from the get-go... That man is just perfect! He's a total alpha that's protective, possessive, jealous, and everything an alpha should be, but when it comes to his woman he knows when to push and when to apologize.
Okay and let's not forget the smoking hot sexy times between these two. Even though it started out as a deal between them, Bella's protection in exchange for Caine's pleasure, there was never a point where Caine forced Bella to do anything she didn't want to do. He offered her ample opportunities to back out, and when she stayed put, he let her experience pleasure in ways she's never experienced it before.
Of course, Dragath25 is a prison planet and their story isn't all sunshine and rainbows... There's very real danger lurking around every corner, and let's not forget the fact that Caine is a prisoner... How could they possibly get their HEA?! Luckily, thanks to some twists and turns, and a little persistence on Bella's part it all worked out in the end.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with Trapped and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Let's start with my main reason for loving this book... Bella! As soon as her shuttle crashed on Dragath25 she took charge and did what needed to be done. And as soon as she spotted Caine, no matter how dangerous he might be, she knew that she needed his help if she was going to survive and she was smart enough to offer up the one thing a man in his position would want... Anything.
And Caine... Sigh! He comes off as gruff and maybe a little scary in the beginning but the way he starts to soften for Bella from the get-go... That man is just perfect! He's a total alpha that's protective, possessive, jealous, and everything an alpha should be, but when it comes to his woman he knows when to push and when to apologize.
Okay and let's not forget the smoking hot sexy times between these two. Even though it started out as a deal between them, Bella's protection in exchange for Caine's pleasure, there was never a point where Caine forced Bella to do anything she didn't want to do. He offered her ample opportunities to back out, and when she stayed put, he let her experience pleasure in ways she's never experienced it before.
Of course, Dragath25 is a prison planet and their story isn't all sunshine and rainbows... There's very real danger lurking around every corner, and let's not forget the fact that Caine is a prisoner... How could they possibly get their HEA?! Luckily, thanks to some twists and turns, and a little persistence on Bella's part it all worked out in the end.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with Trapped and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2022
Bella and her crew members are stranded in a prison planet when her ship crashed while on mission to find vegetation for New Earth. She makes a deal with Cain/Criminal for safety in exchange for her body. I did enjoy this book although the "criminal" is a big brutish sweetheart with baggage and not so much an asshole alpha like I'm used to. I was so excited when he got his belt but then he apologized and told her that he would never raise a hand against a woman...way to kill the mood.
January 14, 2016
So this is my first foray into the imagination of Ms Aimes but it certainly won't be my last . I'm very surprised not to mention pleased at just how engaging I found this book. I seem to be reading a lot of sci fi recently but finding something a little bit different is always a challenge. So obviously the idea of mixing a prison planet with a marooned storyline caught my interest. The bonus of course is the hot romance running through it.
From the very beginning its obvious that the heroine Bella is a force to be reckoned with. She is clearly someone who is unafraid to make sacrifices and refuses to go down without a fight . After all she is there because she wants a better life for her family and if bringing home a means to feed a dying Earth is possible then Bella will fight tooth and nail to do just that.
The prisoner Caine has given up his humanity and embraced his more primal side as he struggles to survive . Yet a chance encounter sees him with a unique opportunity. Protection in exchange for 'anything' he wants . To hold and touch a female after so long is impossible to resist but to let her in and form an attachment is impossible or is it?
I liked both the lead characters although will admit Bella and her constant need to try to save everyone didn't make sense. It's as if no matter how people behave towards her she still claims them as hers to protect . Speaking of protection Caine sure does know his way around the inhospitable planet he lives on with its terrifying wildlife and of course his fellow blood thirsty prisoners. I thought in hindsight that I'd have preferred a little more interaction with the other prisoners but what we get is mainly about Bella and her fellow crash survivors.
Two people thrown together and you just know it's going be be a fiery tale, well it certainly has plenty of very descriptive sexy scenes. Yet it's Caines growth that stays with me although admittedly he doesn't ever force or abuse Bella. It's a fight not just to survive but to find a way off the planet but if rescue comes what will happen to Caine because after all he is a prisoner?
I wasn't happy with everything and particularly thought the ending just got sorted out perhaps a little too easily. That being said the next book features the mysterious Ava and I'm very curious about what's happened to her since the crash. This story captured my imagination and kept me wondering just what would happen as I couldn't see an easy answer. In spite of being a wee bit disappointed I'd still recommend this book as it's the first in the series and they are often the hardest to write.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
From the very beginning its obvious that the heroine Bella is a force to be reckoned with. She is clearly someone who is unafraid to make sacrifices and refuses to go down without a fight . After all she is there because she wants a better life for her family and if bringing home a means to feed a dying Earth is possible then Bella will fight tooth and nail to do just that.
The prisoner Caine has given up his humanity and embraced his more primal side as he struggles to survive . Yet a chance encounter sees him with a unique opportunity. Protection in exchange for 'anything' he wants . To hold and touch a female after so long is impossible to resist but to let her in and form an attachment is impossible or is it?
I liked both the lead characters although will admit Bella and her constant need to try to save everyone didn't make sense. It's as if no matter how people behave towards her she still claims them as hers to protect . Speaking of protection Caine sure does know his way around the inhospitable planet he lives on with its terrifying wildlife and of course his fellow blood thirsty prisoners. I thought in hindsight that I'd have preferred a little more interaction with the other prisoners but what we get is mainly about Bella and her fellow crash survivors.
Two people thrown together and you just know it's going be be a fiery tale, well it certainly has plenty of very descriptive sexy scenes. Yet it's Caines growth that stays with me although admittedly he doesn't ever force or abuse Bella. It's a fight not just to survive but to find a way off the planet but if rescue comes what will happen to Caine because after all he is a prisoner?
I wasn't happy with everything and particularly thought the ending just got sorted out perhaps a little too easily. That being said the next book features the mysterious Ava and I'm very curious about what's happened to her since the crash. This story captured my imagination and kept me wondering just what would happen as I couldn't see an easy answer. In spite of being a wee bit disappointed I'd still recommend this book as it's the first in the series and they are often the hardest to write.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
November 30, 2019
4.75 “I was terrified to need you. But somehow, somewhere, you’ve become a necessity. You’ve become everything” stars ⭐️
This was my first book by Alison Aimes and I must say she won me over just by looking at the cover ( I mean... can you get enough of that fine male specimen ? Fuck no 🥵).
I just love a good sci-fi romance especially if the action takes place in so called a prison planet.
I think miss Aimes did a wonderful job of describing this strange planet called Dragath25 and I felt like I was right there in the middle of everything.
Bella , the heroine, came with a team of researchers on Dragath25 but unfortunately their ship crashes there and in order to survive she offers her body to prisoner 673 (aka convict aka Caine 😍) .
What i loved most about this book was how their relationship grew stronger and stronger until love came in the picture. Caine tries very hard to remember and find his humanity after being in prison for so long and I think he did soooo good considering what he’s been thru there.
Bella is definitely my type of h, she is stronger , resilient determined but as well loving and sweet.
If you are looking for a action packed adventure but as well a sweet romantic sci fi story then definitely don’t miss this!
This book gave us a glimpse in the next story and since I already finished the first 3 books I want to strongly recommend this!!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was my first book by Alison Aimes and I must say she won me over just by looking at the cover ( I mean... can you get enough of that fine male specimen ? Fuck no 🥵).
I just love a good sci-fi romance especially if the action takes place in so called a prison planet.
I think miss Aimes did a wonderful job of describing this strange planet called Dragath25 and I felt like I was right there in the middle of everything.
Bella , the heroine, came with a team of researchers on Dragath25 but unfortunately their ship crashes there and in order to survive she offers her body to prisoner 673 (aka convict aka Caine 😍) .
What i loved most about this book was how their relationship grew stronger and stronger until love came in the picture. Caine tries very hard to remember and find his humanity after being in prison for so long and I think he did soooo good considering what he’s been thru there.
Bella is definitely my type of h, she is stronger , resilient determined but as well loving and sweet.
If you are looking for a action packed adventure but as well a sweet romantic sci fi story then definitely don’t miss this!
This book gave us a glimpse in the next story and since I already finished the first 3 books I want to strongly recommend this!!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
March 16, 2016
On a scientific mission, Cadet Bella West’s shuttle crashes on a penal colony inhabited by vicious criminals. Her only chance of survival is to seek protection from Convict 673 in exchange for sex. But their deal is tested when they begin to care for each other, and the risks to survival are greater than either of them realize.
I loved this book. The story concept hooked me from the start while the strong writing and plight of the characters kept me enthralled throughout. Caine, aka Convict 673, is the perfect bad boy hero: tough on the outside but with a strong core of goodness on the inside that won’t let him walk away from Bella when she needs him. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
I loved this book. The story concept hooked me from the start while the strong writing and plight of the characters kept me enthralled throughout. Caine, aka Convict 673, is the perfect bad boy hero: tough on the outside but with a strong core of goodness on the inside that won’t let him walk away from Bella when she needs him. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 2, 2016
4 heated, futuristic and delightful stars. This is my first time reading anything by Alison Aimes and she's got me added to her squad because I can't wait to read the next book. The story line is interesting, the writing is good and the characters are so real it is great. It's easy to feel their frustration, their desires and to take in what they are seeing. There's some wicked sex, some slow but steady progression between Bella and Caine and some action.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading this novel but I have to say I was left impressed. It's easy to like Bella and even Caine. Bella is a fighter, a survivor. She's struggled her entire life in order to achieve her current position and refuses to fail. She barters with Caine in order to survive.
Caine's been on Mars for over five years, becoming more beast than man in order to survive the harsh climate and dangerous terrain, and can't help but desire Bella. When she offers him anything in exchange for his protection, he knows exactly what he wants from her, sex. Slowly, he begins to feel more like the man he once was and give insight as to who he really is.
I loved the relationship dynamic between Bella and Caine. They fixed one another without really realizing that's what they were doing. Caine gave Bella something she's been missing all her life, passion, desire and romance love. Bella gave Caine back his humanity and one of the greatest gifts that can happen between two people, love. They struggle with dealing with each other, with their growing connection and feelings and surviving when allies turn to enemies.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading this novel but I have to say I was left impressed. It's easy to like Bella and even Caine. Bella is a fighter, a survivor. She's struggled her entire life in order to achieve her current position and refuses to fail. She barters with Caine in order to survive.
Caine's been on Mars for over five years, becoming more beast than man in order to survive the harsh climate and dangerous terrain, and can't help but desire Bella. When she offers him anything in exchange for his protection, he knows exactly what he wants from her, sex. Slowly, he begins to feel more like the man he once was and give insight as to who he really is.
I loved the relationship dynamic between Bella and Caine. They fixed one another without really realizing that's what they were doing. Caine gave Bella something she's been missing all her life, passion, desire and romance love. Bella gave Caine back his humanity and one of the greatest gifts that can happen between two people, love. They struggle with dealing with each other, with their growing connection and feelings and surviving when allies turn to enemies.
March 17, 2018
I am in love with another alpha hero...and his name is Convict! I Loved Loved Loved this story!
Alison Aimes has written a wonderful story full of adventure, danger, and blazingly hot sex... a wonderful story of what if? What if a beautiful, smart, brave woman was stranded on an alien world with ...humm hundreds of thousands of really bad men and really scary monsters that want to eat her? What if she is trying to keep her fellow scientists alive? What if the military who were supposed to protect them runs away? What is a girl to do?
She offers herself up to the most beautiful man on that planet. He is her only hope of keeping her fellow survivors alive on this unforgiving, violent world.
From the first touch ... I melted... Bella is a wonderful character that you will love...and Convict...humm you will want him... I promise.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series...
Alison Aimes has written a wonderful story full of adventure, danger, and blazingly hot sex... a wonderful story of what if? What if a beautiful, smart, brave woman was stranded on an alien world with ...humm hundreds of thousands of really bad men and really scary monsters that want to eat her? What if she is trying to keep her fellow scientists alive? What if the military who were supposed to protect them runs away? What is a girl to do?
She offers herself up to the most beautiful man on that planet. He is her only hope of keeping her fellow survivors alive on this unforgiving, violent world.
From the first touch ... I melted... Bella is a wonderful character that you will love...and Convict...humm you will want him... I promise.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series...
September 12, 2016
It likely should be a guilty pleasure but I like future prison science fiction romance.
I get tired of the idea that people are reduced to raping mindless animals, however, I also get sick of the idea that the moment a man can he will assault a woman (not the hero of course) But I also feel that these plots are a way for working out the constant threat and anxiety most women experience to some degree.
So, this is a pretty basic a man projects a woman (and in this case her colleagues too) in exchange for sex. They fall in love.
The survival aspects are pretty good as are the class issues. The action of the escape is well done but we have a lot of annoying baddies and the heroine makes me nuts by underestimating all threats.
I get tired of the idea that people are reduced to raping mindless animals, however, I also get sick of the idea that the moment a man can he will assault a woman (not the hero of course) But I also feel that these plots are a way for working out the constant threat and anxiety most women experience to some degree.
So, this is a pretty basic a man projects a woman (and in this case her colleagues too) in exchange for sex. They fall in love.
The survival aspects are pretty good as are the class issues. The action of the escape is well done but we have a lot of annoying baddies and the heroine makes me nuts by underestimating all threats.
October 28, 2021
This one was okay. I think I have just read too many prison books at once.
3/5 stars
3/5 stars
July 10, 2022
So this is my second prisoner planet book with the first being hold by Claire Kent. Hold was one of my favorite reads of last year so I was excited to read a book with a similar premise, but unfortunately this book was just not as good.
What I think I liked more about hold is the simplicity of the storyline; Woman gets sent to prison planet for a technicality, woman entices man to protect her, woman and man form bond and plan an escape.
On the other hand Trapped's storyline tries to jam to much into under 200 pages. The setup is very different because our heroine crash lands on the prison planet on her way to a mission that is supposed to help Earth, which almost has no natural resources left. The heroine meets our hero shortly after and strikes up a sexual deal to protect her and two of her colleagues. So now we have to follow our h and H and a bunch of side characters, who I am not really going to lie I wasn't really interested in. Also we are made to believe that h cares about them even though in actuality all of them have treated her at best like a second class citizen and at worst like shit. But because h is so nobel she will do anything to save them.
Throughout the story there are several villains (A huge gang of criminals, some evil army people, the ruling class of new Earth, and wild animals) and I feel like it would have been more effective if we had less people/things to hate.
But I think the thing that confused me the most is that two thirds into the book... so spoiler, we find out that Aliens might exist. I feel like this was only put in as set up for the second book, but it really came from out of nowhere.
Okay I no I have said a bunch of negative stuff about Trapped, but even though I found the plot cumbersome, it was an easy and fast-paced read. I would even recommend it, just go into it thinking more sci-fi and less dystopian.
What I think I liked more about hold is the simplicity of the storyline; Woman gets sent to prison planet for a technicality, woman entices man to protect her, woman and man form bond and plan an escape.
On the other hand Trapped's storyline tries to jam to much into under 200 pages. The setup is very different because our heroine crash lands on the prison planet on her way to a mission that is supposed to help Earth, which almost has no natural resources left. The heroine meets our hero shortly after and strikes up a sexual deal to protect her and two of her colleagues. So now we have to follow our h and H and a bunch of side characters, who I am not really going to lie I wasn't really interested in. Also we are made to believe that h cares about them even though in actuality all of them have treated her at best like a second class citizen and at worst like shit. But because h is so nobel she will do anything to save them.
Throughout the story there are several villains (A huge gang of criminals, some evil army people, the ruling class of new Earth, and wild animals) and I feel like it would have been more effective if we had less people/things to hate.
But I think the thing that confused me the most is that two thirds into the book... so spoiler, we find out that Aliens might exist. I feel like this was only put in as set up for the second book, but it really came from out of nowhere.
Okay I no I have said a bunch of negative stuff about Trapped, but even though I found the plot cumbersome, it was an easy and fast-paced read. I would even recommend it, just go into it thinking more sci-fi and less dystopian.
May 7, 2019
Prison Planet Passion!
Professionally written and fast-paced, “Trapped” portrays a dystopian future for humanity along with a quest to replenish both the flora and fauna of an overpopulated, dying earth. With one last attempt to revive the doomed planet, a team of scientists attempt to land on Dragath25. The most despicable of Earth’s criminal element are remanded to Dragath25, with little resources except the unwanted, secondhand, goods thrown away by the home planet inhabitants.
Life on Dragath25 is extremely harsh and only the strongest as well as the most resourceful prisoners survive. After crash landing on the planet, one of the surviving female junior scientists, Bella, enters into an agreement with prisoner 673 or Caine, to ensure the remaining mission members survival. Although Caine (ex-military) was sentenced to Dragath25 for a crime he did not commit, after eight long years, he has become more beast than man and Bella will pay the price for his protection with her body.
Imbued with danger, action and intrigue, “Trapped” balances the romance, world-building and adventure aspects of the story quite well, offering in-depth characterizations along with an incendiary chemistry between the two lead characters. Told from dual perspectives, the story-line flows seamlessly and is the initial standalone novel within the Condemned Series.
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over due to explicit sexual content
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar or misplaced commas.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 Steamy Stars
WRITING STYLE: 5 Professional Stars
PLOT: 5 Fast-paced Stars
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 Ex-Military Stars
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 Fulfilling Stars
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ***
Professionally written and fast-paced, “Trapped” portrays a dystopian future for humanity along with a quest to replenish both the flora and fauna of an overpopulated, dying earth. With one last attempt to revive the doomed planet, a team of scientists attempt to land on Dragath25. The most despicable of Earth’s criminal element are remanded to Dragath25, with little resources except the unwanted, secondhand, goods thrown away by the home planet inhabitants.
Life on Dragath25 is extremely harsh and only the strongest as well as the most resourceful prisoners survive. After crash landing on the planet, one of the surviving female junior scientists, Bella, enters into an agreement with prisoner 673 or Caine, to ensure the remaining mission members survival. Although Caine (ex-military) was sentenced to Dragath25 for a crime he did not commit, after eight long years, he has become more beast than man and Bella will pay the price for his protection with her body.
Imbued with danger, action and intrigue, “Trapped” balances the romance, world-building and adventure aspects of the story quite well, offering in-depth characterizations along with an incendiary chemistry between the two lead characters. Told from dual perspectives, the story-line flows seamlessly and is the initial standalone novel within the Condemned Series.
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over due to explicit sexual content
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar or misplaced commas.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 Steamy Stars
WRITING STYLE: 5 Professional Stars
PLOT: 5 Fast-paced Stars
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 Ex-Military Stars
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 Fulfilling Stars
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ***
May 16, 2016
The first book in Alison Aimes' series, The Condemned. Bella West is part of a scientific team going to Dragath25 but her shuttle crash lands on the penal planet, killing some and injuring others. When prisoner 673 appears, she makes a deal with him to protect them and she will give him sex.
Yes, there was definitely some smoking hot sex scenes but surprisingly it wasn't all a sexfest. There was actually a story. While I liked the hero quite a bit, I wasn't liking the heroine for the most part. She was annoying and borderline TSTL. She often did the opposite of what the hero told her and, of course, that caused problems. The hero had been on the penal planet for 8 years and was familiar with the terrain and wildlife. He knew the dangers and had survived all that time. And yet, the heroine seemed to think she needed to jump in and help. This tempted me to lower my rating but I'm not. Don't ask me why! It was a pretty fun and entertaining read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I should add there is sort of a cliffhanger. Or perhaps I should call it unresolved issues that need to be addressed in the next book.
Yes, there was definitely some smoking hot sex scenes but surprisingly it wasn't all a sexfest. There was actually a story. While I liked the hero quite a bit, I wasn't liking the heroine for the most part. She was annoying and borderline TSTL. She often did the opposite of what the hero told her and, of course, that caused problems. The hero had been on the penal planet for 8 years and was familiar with the terrain and wildlife. He knew the dangers and had survived all that time. And yet, the heroine seemed to think she needed to jump in and help. This tempted me to lower my rating but I'm not. Don't ask me why! It was a pretty fun and entertaining read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I should add there is sort of a cliffhanger. Or perhaps I should call it unresolved issues that need to be addressed in the next book.
January 11, 2021
This was quite a ride and I really enjoyed it.
Future Earth is decimated and the population is left struggling in the wasteland. Bella is on a mission to hopefully find life elsewhere and bring salvation back with her.
Unfortunately, they crash and she's left trying to protect her colleagues. She makes a deal with a prisoner and hopes for the best. Caine turns out to be everything she needed.
Very well done and super steamy.
Future Earth is decimated and the population is left struggling in the wasteland. Bella is on a mission to hopefully find life elsewhere and bring salvation back with her.
Unfortunately, they crash and she's left trying to protect her colleagues. She makes a deal with a prisoner and hopes for the best. Caine turns out to be everything she needed.
Very well done and super steamy.
January 9, 2016
For a first book it was really really good. Very well written.
Love the characters especially Caine!
I also love the storyline but at the the end it could be more.
But it was put / explained in the epiloque.
I definitly recommend it to all SciFiRom lovers.
And I would love to read the second book about Ava!
Love the characters especially Caine!
I also love the storyline but at the the end it could be more.
But it was put / explained in the epiloque.
I definitly recommend it to all SciFiRom lovers.
And I would love to read the second book about Ava!
March 28, 2025
2.75⭐️This was your average sci-fi romance. Entertaining, but not great.
There were parts that were pretty engaging and I did enjoy Caine and Bella‘s chemistry, but I wasn’t completely sold on their love for each other. After all, they were together for no longer than 2 or 3 weeks, and during that time, they barely spoke to each other. They did have plenty of sex though! Sadly, that’s not a solid base for a relationship, it’s not enough to develop true feelings for someone.
Also, here’s something else that bothered me:
- Bella‘s TSTL behavior at times.
- How quickly and conveniently Caine‘s situation was resolved.
BR with my darlings Olga & Lori!
There were parts that were pretty engaging and I did enjoy Caine and Bella‘s chemistry, but I wasn’t completely sold on their love for each other. After all, they were together for no longer than 2 or 3 weeks, and during that time, they barely spoke to each other. They did have plenty of sex though! Sadly, that’s not a solid base for a relationship, it’s not enough to develop true feelings for someone.
Also, here’s something else that bothered me:
- Bella‘s TSTL behavior at times.
- How quickly and conveniently Caine‘s situation was resolved.
BR with my darlings Olga & Lori!
April 10, 2016
I know everyone else seemed to love this story, but it definitely wasn't for me. How many times did Caine have to tell her to listen to him? That got really old fast. Honestly, I thought there was TOO much sex and not enough storyline.
January 10, 2022
Love Prison romance
Soo good!! Alpha male on prison planet saves girl and her colleagues when trapped on a prison planet. Great world building, lots of action, loved the storyline and ALL THE SMEXY TIMES!!!
Soo good!! Alpha male on prison planet saves girl and her colleagues when trapped on a prison planet. Great world building, lots of action, loved the storyline and ALL THE SMEXY TIMES!!!
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