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My personal fairy tale had almost come true. I bought my Mercantile House. I had a title, power, servants... and unimaginable wealth. The only things lacking were a fated mate, a Prince Charming if you will.

But life on Kartak is hardly like a storybook.

As I embarked on a dangerous mission to uncover an ancient technology, I began to look for my mate as well. Little did I know, I'd fall into the hands of my worst enemy, and his savage skinner forces that only wish me harm.

My only hope for survival is to trust a Tulani mercenary, a brawny alien with a short temper... and the fire of lust in his eyes. One touch, and he consumes me... I'm worried we'll both burn alive.

I want to believe he is my fated mate. But will this brutal alien keep me safe, or betray me to my enemy? My life is in the hands of my own personal Renegade.

Renegade Orion is a standalone romance novel set in the Shifter Kings of Kartak universe. No cliffhangers and a sexy happy ending guaranteed!

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2018

38 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Delores Diamond

2 books44 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews522 followers
May 31, 2016
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I'd like to preface with a note:

Dear authors seeking beta readers,

Don't waste my time if you don't actually want beta readers to help you better your books.


You're Only A First Time Author Once!

Since book one was a FIRST BOOK by this SELF-PUB author and only had a handful of reviews, I was very giving on the technicalities. That's a one-time only pass!

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Writing

Supposedly, this book was edited by a professional editor. So, what happened to it?

[image error]

Grammatical errors plague EVERY page.



"...but Orion's hand is chocking him.

"A moment later, Maya is by my side , unbuckling me from my seat. "

"I know there's no chance he's seen that flik , but I can tell he's..."

"I had allowed those humans brave enough to face the dangers of Kartak free passage , in hopes that the Tulani.."

"His legs are thick as stone columns , and covered in tight-scaled leather."

"Maybe when we're done , our boss will let you play house with your little princess."

"Astrid sits beside her , grinning at me , as if she knows some amusing secret. "

"There have always been rumors of other devices, but none has ever been found."


Every page is like this.

Inconsistent phrasing throughout.

Sometimes the author uses contractions (don't) and sometimes she writes it out (do not.)

The writing is partly a stiff, robotic voice and partly casual-friendly. It's an unhealthy combination that wrecks havoc on readability.

Even errors aren't consistent.

Of the 13 times the author uses "marine(s)," half are capitalized and half aren't.

Phrasing is awkward.

"I push my way through the crowd, and it parts easily before me, and Gemini follows in my wake."

"A final squeeze, and I hear bones breaking in his neck, and his body goes limp."


Again, readability is stifled as the reader is unnecessarily paused by poor phrases set off in commas.

Threads are rushed.

Every single plot thread is rushed. The arc is flat as a pancake vs 1) intro 2) build 3) climax & 4) resolve.

Edited my ass.

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The Plot Is A Discombobulated Mess

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The book opens with Rhea arriving back to alien town to visit her friend, trade, and hunt an apotheosis chamber. Two years of unwritten book have passed for the reader.

THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE STANDALONE BOOKS WITHIN A SERIES!!!

If I hadn't read book one, I'd have serious problems understanding and following a lot of the plot threads. Just from the opening chapters, I'd be wondering:

What is an apotheosis chamber? How does it work? Why is it important to Rhea? Who are Astrid and Rhea to each other? Why has it been two years since they've seen each other? Who the fuck are these people she's talking about assigning her an heir and why would that heir assassinate her? Etc etc.

Plus, even as a returning reader, I have very little to substantiate my answers to the above.

I have a ton of questions related to the gap between book one and two. Namely, how hell Rhea went from a rescued communications officer in book one -to- a princess sky captain who controls travel to an alien planet and has a fleet of ships at her disposal in book two...



"By laws of the Mercantile Empire, it was within my (Rhea) rights to control the travels of any humans to Kartak."

"Princess Rhea Tarkon"



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No? Moving on then..

Enter the alien MMC, Orion, and his friend. They claim to know a chamber's location.

Off Rhea goes with them.

Oops. Orion is a double agent, possible triple agent, sent to bring Rhea to Kole.

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And, here we are again at an impasse for new and previous readers alike.

New readers don't know Kole and are asking themselves:

Who the fuck is Kole? Why does he hate Rhea? Rescue; What Rescue? What Empire? What the hell is the "Recluse?"

Simply telling new readers the rescue party couldn't find his ass and he now blames her doesn't cut it for new readers.

For returning readers, simply skipping how Kole went from MIA to being the leader of some Void Seeker followers on an alien planet doesn't cut it.

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Slow Down And Tell Me WTF Is Happening!

So, Kole has a kidnapped Rhea. He tells her she is going "to trial" and it will be broadcast to the "Empire."

Trial starts:

"How do you plead?" Kole demands. "


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What's she charged with? By whom? Who decides her innocence or guilt? Etc etc etc.


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"I plead not guilty!" "And I choose trial by combat!"


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Maybe, I'll at least find out why this new leader of some hostile aliens feels the need to air this shit show to "the Empire" he feels abandoned him?

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"He's doing this because he understands the law. The law isn't going to protect a commoner raised to nobility. The law is written to keep us down."



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Nope! That did not answer my question as to WHY he'd give a rat's ass about airing this to the Empire. Let's try again...

"If he breaks the rules, he loses all legitimacy in their (the Empire) eyes."


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I understand so clearly now~

Moving on...

Ah, The Romance!!!

No fear! Orion is going to save Rhea from Kole, or will he?

Orion at 29%...



"I don't want to have to kill her (Rhea.)"


Orion ONE page later...

"She (Rhea) has awakened emotions in me that have long remained dormant.... I can't stand the thought of being away from her for more than a few hours."


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Annnnnd, a couple pages later... He's talking about wanting to rip apart a prison and claim her as his mate.

From killing her being an option -to- the endearment of one's fated mate in 1.2 seconds.

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It All Can't Be Nonsense... So, Let's Play Leap Frog AGAIN

We've already established you will not know what has happened to Rhea and Kole the two years between books, so why should I expect any different on Rhea's time in the Void from book one? I don't know; I guess I'm stupid like that for wanting a complete story?!?

"She (Rhea) too has spent time imprisoned in the Void and I remember how much it troubled her when I reminded her of it."


Thoughtful of the author to include this tidbit to remind us that in two books we've yet to hear a single detail r/t what happened to Rhea as she spent 90% of book one in the Void.

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Characters

Orion

Blue. Alien. 8-ridge cock that gets hard for Rhea. Can't shape-shift.

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Did I mention he sucks ass at being a fated mate?



"I won't leave your side."



Four pages later...

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"I sprint after him, no longer hearing the voice of my fated mate calling out to me. .... "All my thoughts consumed by my desire for glorious revenge. "


And, off he flies hanging off a ship while his fated mate is left unprotected IN BATTLE. The result? Only she & three from her side survive the battle.

Surprise....

The dumbfuck MMC wakes in a prison cell wondering how he could leave his mate unprotected.

Memo for alpha male authors:

This is a wiener ...

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This is a winner...

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Rhea

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She says she wants to be saved, protected, and coddled (storybook style) by her fated mate.

What she really means, though, is she's thirsty for her very own huge purple eggplant dick to do with as she pleases. She seems to have a preoccupation with outdoing her friend, Astrid.

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I feel NOTHING but lust coming off her for her fated mate. Romance? Where?

As a character, she alternates between an unsure damsel, cocksure sky captain princess, and nerdy geek. It's like spin the wheel on the scene to know which one ya get.

She all but takes Orion's dick as a pogo stick for their first sexual encounter. Second time she says, "I let him take charge.." She tells him he needs to go see the witch. She "marks" him. She tells orders him to go help her men fight. She has Orion so pussywhipped after just 24 hours that he even stops in battle to let her decide who lives and dies.

Some chick needs rescuing? Rhea makes plans. Rhea makes promises. Orion gets a nod for effort.

When Orion jumps on the ship seeking revenge, she cries for hours and ponders:

"Why would he leave me? He promised he would never leave my side. Is revenge so important to him? Did he feel like he has to prove himself to me? Is this all my fault?


No fear! It's cocksure Rhea to the rescue. She rides in on her ship to save him, immediately forgive him, claim him as her future husband, and level the whole goddamn combat zone with "orbital bombardment."

Someone needs capturing?

"I will be the one to capture him, with Orion by my side."


I think this best sums up Orion and Rhea's relationship:

"How did you know to carry me out of the chapel? I don't remember telling you to do that."


Do aliens have three balls? If so, I might've just found Orion's hiding in the corner of my "Wizard of Oz" book ...

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Beta, Beta, Beta, Here, Beta, Beta, Beta



*** I appreciate the author contacting me to apologize for the beta reading fiasco. Life happens and balls sometimes get dropped in the fray. Brings back "Be The BALL" coaching memories from my days as b-ball player lol. Anyway, I've put it in a spoiler because actions do matter, but they can most certainly be forgiven. I stand by my review, but I will gladly reread & review this if the author so chooses to rework it.

Bottom Line

This book reads like output, not quality, was the target. The characters and plot alternate between being undeveloped, skipped over, and/or nonsensical. The technical errors are abundant. The two main draw of book one were 1) the interesting, unique world and 2) the swoon worthy alpha male. Both qualities are absent in book two.

1 generous star.
Profile Image for Shasha.
939 reviews30 followers
June 7, 2016
I was expecting improvement after the first book but I can't say I liked this addition. Much of this story depends on information from book 1. Even after reading it, this story was confusing by its lack of details. The characters just knew things that I didn't know as the reader and things happened that left me with more questions. And the typos...

If you want a light adult read with instalust and a happy ending without using your brain, this will pass the time.

Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews439 followers
October 16, 2016
This is a fun next book in the series with a great hero. I love a smart heroine and we get one here. The world building is good.

The plot rolls forward nicely but there are moments that make little sense, however, the romance makes up for the faltering.

Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
771 reviews73 followers
June 5, 2016
Renegade Orion is the second in a new Sci-fi Alien Shifter romance series by Delores Diamond and she has really stepped up her game with this installment. In my opinion to fully appreciate this story, it is best to have read Renegade Leo first.

Now the head of her own prosperous House with exclusive trading rights with Kartak, thanks in no small part to her bestie Astrid’s union with the head of the Tulani Clan, Leo; Rhea has everything she ever dreamed off. Well, almost everything. What she wouldn’t give to find her own fated mate and somehow find the capability to have a child of her own.

Orion is one conflicted man-alien (you know what I mean!). Having left the Clan years earlier, he makes a living as a mercenary for the highest bidder. Only this latest assignment may be the hardest yet.

Lured by the prospect of uncovering some very sought after ancient technology, Rhea sets off on an expedition on Kartak which puts her very life in jeopardy. As old ghosts return to haunt her, will Orion turn out to be friend or foe!

Holy shizzballs!! What a high octane ride!! It’s chock full of action *coughs* (I never said a word!!), intrigue, suspense and a healthy dose of smexy romance. I seem to have developed a soft spot for blue sexy shapeshifting aliens with some interesting skill sets. All the techy sci-fi bits also appeal to my inner geek.

The author’s writing has just gone from strength to strength and I highly recommend you try out this entertaining world she has created and the colourful characters that inhabit it.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2016
This is a fantastic addition to the Kartak series and a book I highly recommend for sci fi romance lovers. I liked it even better than book one, which set the stage for the series. This book begins two years after book one ends and to fully appreciate this book I recommend reading book one first.
In book one, an approaching spaceship is attacked by the planet Kartak's defense system. Rhea, the ship's badly injured comms specialist is placed in an escape pod and crashes on the planet's surface. She is captured and later rescued. Her dream has always been to become a Mercantile Princess with her own ship and she now has her chance. This book tells the story of her return to Kartak as the Mercantile Princess Rhea Tarkon, ready to barter with the locals for goods to sell. A Tulani renegade, Orion, and his associate approach her with claims of knowing the whereabouts of a second healing chamber like that introduced in book one. They reach agreement, but a shadow assassin immediately makes an attempt on Rhea's life and Orion successfully defends her. This turns out to be a foreshadowing of the deadly trials to come, including an encounter with the Blind Witch, the prophet Orion has avoided since he came of age.
A copy was received in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Melissa.
670 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2016
I received a copy in return for an honest review. Oh to see these big blue guys again... This is Delores Diamond's second book and I found it to be even better than the first. We first caught a brief glimpse in the first book of Rhea, now it's 2 years on and we find her returning to Kartak. Enter Orion, though he seems to have some nefarious purpose, it turns out he's her blue knight in shining armour. However to find out more you'll just have to read the story. I strongly recommend reading book 1: Leo before this one, even though it can be read as a stand alone. If you enjoy syfy romance than this is a great read.
Profile Image for Miranda Whore.
937 reviews86 followers
June 3, 2016
Fate...

I am truly enjoying this series. It isn't what I originally expected, but I find myself hooked. I don't want to go into details since this is such a short book...I will say it's better than the first. I fell I love with the characters from the start and did a couple mental fist pumps as I read.

Four stars and three wet panties.

Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
Profile Image for Lorrie Moar.
578 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2016
This copy was given to me for an honest review and here it is...

Love this alien-shifter/human romance. Orion and Rhea are two awesome characters that I loved getting to know. With treachery, drama, fighting, kidnapping and very hot, very sexy romance this is a great scifi to get lost in. I can't wait to read the next part of this series, just wondering what the next shifter is gonna be, lol.
Profile Image for Puna.
1,319 reviews14 followers
June 11, 2016
The first book in this series had a horrible female lead but was redeemed, to an extent, by a darn good male lead...this book doesn't have anything to save it.
Profile Image for Sara MacRae.
261 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2016
This book was my first read in the sci-fi alien shifter genre and the first book I’ve read written by this author. I must say the storyline itself drew me in straightaway and I easily became interested in the evolution of the main characters, Rhea and Orion, both individually and as a couple. There was a realistic element to the vulnerability Orion experienced as he contemplated whether or not there was really a chance he could be Rhea’s fated mate. Even though he could just feel the connection between the two of them, she deserved someone much better than him, didn’t she? And Rhea would have to hate him considering the things he had to end up doing to her on behalf of Kole, wouldn’t she?

I particularly appreciated the author’s commitment to moving the story along steadily and logically, with minimal unnecessary angst and dilly dally. The chemistry and genuine romantic affection expressed between Rhea and Orion was almost palpable, and their passion for one another sizzled once they admitted and acted upon their true feelings for one another. Even when Orion followed through on his assignment to capture Rhea, he didn’t betray his primal devotion to Rhea, even going so far as to arrange a clandestine meeting to counsel her before her trial. Fortunately the trial scene concludes about midway between the book, which rewards the reader with the chance to forge deeper into the couple’s evolving relationship, which includes a visit with the Blind Witch to learn their fates (something Orion has been avoiding for a very long time) and Rhea’s emersion in the Aoptheosis Chamber. Will Orion and Rhea have a chance at happiness? And what comes next for the Merchant Princess and her fated mate? Do they have a chance at true happiness? The reader will definitely be rewarded with a satisfying HEA.
Profile Image for Laini.
150 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2016
I was given an ARC by this author in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I am really honored to have been given the task.

So, I have not read the previous book in this series so I don't know if that took away some of my enjoyment but it says it can be read as a stand alone.

The story is engaging, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I really missed the romance part of the book. Orion was protective of rhea but by the time the 'I love yous' were said I hadn't reached there with them. It felt more like once you found out one was your fated mate it was a forgone connclusion. You were in love.

When the action was going it was awesome but sometimes too many things were going for me to understand and the shape that orion was gifted with, I'm still vague on the explanation. I think in future books the author should consider some sort of glossary etc so that readers can aptly understand all the intracasies of this big beautiful world she has created without taking time from the actual story to go into it.

I really enjoyed the description of the tulani on the whole and would definitely read more in this series.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,326 reviews20 followers
May 31, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

First - thank you to the author for allowing this series to be part of Kindle Unlimited. As I had not read the first book prior to receiving this (the second book), I quickly borrowed, read, and reviewed the first book (Renegade Leo).

Second - I don't think you need to read the first book to enjoy this book but it will help out with fully understanding who Astrid and Kole are to Rhea (though a short explanation is given in Renegade Orion).

I like this series and I was glad to see that Rhea was not the easy pushover that she seemed in the first book. The Tulani of Kartak have given up hope of finding their fated mates. Orion is one of the Tulani that gave up hope and with his introduction to Rhea, soon discovers that there is hope for the whole planet. The story is well written and the characters are given enough substance to be enjoyable. I will be following the series as Rhea's prophecy alludes to big happenings in the Mercantile Empire.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
May 31, 2016
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*

RENEGADE ORION by Delores Diamond

Rhea almost has everything she's always wanted, the only thing missing is a mate. But life doesn't work like that, not on Kartak at least. As she embarks on a dangerous mission, she begins to look for her mate as well. But Rhea doesn't expect to be captured by her worst enemy and his forces, who only wants to harm her. Her only chance of surviving is trusting a short tempered alien mercenary who has fire in his eyes. One touch and they are consumed by their feelings towards each other. Rhea wants to believe Orion is her fated mate, but will he keep her safe or betray her?


This is the second book in this series and another great book. The storyline was entertaining and filled with action. And I loved the characters, Orion and Rhea. However I found parts of this story rushed and fell short in a few places. So overall it had some issues but still an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Anne Moore.
65 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2016
Honestly i wouldnt class this as a stand alone book it is part of a series which i didnt realise otherwise i would have purchased book 1. The first part of the book i didnt like at all it was very rushed and because i didnt know the characters or traits and universe from the first book there was stages i didnt have a clue what was going on. The author i think rushed this part but came into her own once the main characters interacted and you could tell she became far more confident in her writing style. The hero and heroine were both likeable and well done once the story developed. This was a good book if there was more of a background explaining the characters, tech and universe it would have been great. On the whole it was a good read and i think the author did well.
Profile Image for Kerry.
1,077 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2016
When the fight comes to find you sometimes you need to change tactics. Plans made, ambushes plotted and a women determined to stay alive; the question is: Does she have an ally or not? Can she fight against the ones who's goals are nefarious? Can she save her crew?
Picked up the first book Renegade Leo so I could follow in this book. I'm hooked. You don't want to miss this series. The book made me laugh, smile, cringe and a really enjoyable read. This is a new author for me, definitely adding her to my must reads list. **I received a advanced reader copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Areadne Andre  Geor  Petaal .
12 reviews26 followers
May 30, 2016
I have received an Advanced Review Copy from the author.
Renegade Orion by Delores Diamond was as good as the first book.
Rhea ever hopeful to find her fated mate, finds him in Orion
a Tulani renegade, that has abandoned hopes of ever seeking to fulfill the prophecy.
She believes that Orion is hers, and never strays from her belief that she has finally
found her mate. Orion vows to never leave her side when he finally realizes that she is his.
Both characters are strong, gutsy, humorous and courageous.
I really enjoyed reading the book very much and I strongly recommend it.
2,939 reviews15 followers
June 19, 2016
Renegade Orion is the second very entertaining sci-fi adventure romance in the Shifter Kings of Kartak series. Rhea, like Astrid in book one, is a bold and confident human woman. Rhea made her fortune and now she just wants someone to share it with. Orion is the magnificent and lonely big blue alien who steals her heart. He betrayed her trust now he is the only one who can save her. This book continues to successfully build on the world created in book one. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to book three.
I was provided with a copy of this book in return for a honest review.
Profile Image for Brandy.
755 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2016
I received an Arc Copy for Honest Review. This book is about Rhea and Orion. This book is a great read and I could not put this book down. It had me wanting more and I was on the edge of my seat. This storyline is full of Suspense and the chemistry between Rhea and Orion is definitely hot. I hope there will be more books to this series. I am definitely a fan and Highly Recommend this book for over 18 due to content.
Profile Image for Signi Siemens.
175 reviews
June 2, 2016
Delores Diamond is on to a "great" thing here!! I thought that Renegade Leo was great, but Renegade Orion is even greater!! I found Renegade Orion to be a solid read overall. I had really hoped that Rhea would have a story and here it is! I love it when Orion finds out what he can shift into!! It's totally awesome! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!!
Profile Image for Leona Bowman.
835 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2016
A great sequel to the first book, which I highly recommend you read first. Full of action and amazing twist and turn. I started this story this morning and did not put it down until it was finished. I just loved how Delores keep you on your toes. I was given this story for a honest review.
1,137 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2016
Renegade Orion(Shifter Kings of Kartak Book 2) By DELORES DIAMOND

Another Absolutely Wonderful Story to this TERRIFIC SERIES! Each book is going to grab your attention with her wonderful characters and captivating storyline. So DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY OF THEM!! I can't wait for the next addition to this series and neither will you! So Check out and enjoy it too!!
927 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2016
Rhea comes to face her future on Kartak an a prophecy for herself .

Some of the characters from the first book continue into the second book as Rhea finds her place as Empires Newst Mercantile Princess . She finds herself going back to Kartak to open a trade route between Kartak an the Empire . 18+
2,374 reviews20 followers
June 19, 2016
Loved It

Another great book and very well written. Loved everything about it, the characters, plot, action, romance, and that the characters from book one were there. Very enjoyable and keep them coming because they are awesome?
Profile Image for lucinda blankenship.
81 reviews
July 12, 2016
Read Me!!!!!

OMG. I thought she couldn't do it again but I was wrong.This is written as well as the first book. I loved the characters, I was so happy to find out m about Kartak.I am waiting for the next book.
356 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2016
Loved this series

I thoroughly enjoyed all the action and the strong women characters in these two books. I am looking forward to more books about the Kings of Kartak in the future.
Profile Image for Laura Wolf.
1,126 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2016
DNF
Got this as an ARC. It was boring me to tears I couldn't finish it!
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,355 reviews
June 8, 2016
This was a great edition to this series great story plot this book takes you on an adventure I loved the chemistry between both main character no spoilers I received this copy for an honest review
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
June 28, 2016
Renegade Orion

I couldn't wait to read this, it was just as good as the firs book. I'm glad the caught Kole and so glad he got what was coming to him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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