What do you think?
Rate this book
Anguis Defenders #1
Viper's Hope
Hope covered her ringing ears as she stared wide eyed at the molten rock strafing across the sky. It got larger and brighter with the smoke trail parting the horizon. The sudden eruption of water out at sea was cataclysmic as the meteor struck. The wave of water that barreled towards San Francisco a moment later was small at first but grew in size. Hope watched aghast as the water pushed aside massive buildings. She couldn't even fathom the level of devastation occurring in front of her.
As if the tragedy she'd witnessed wasn't enough, something lurked in the trees outside her campsite. Hope watched as a portion of the tree separated from the trunk. The colors morphed into a bronzed, earthy tan figure of a man. The camouflaged man was at least seven feet tall with well-built legs and a massive broad chest. He swayed hypnotically as he walked like some kind of sleek predator. His facial features were not human, yet not altogether frightening. He was an alien, a giant freaking alien, and he was abducting her!
Before the scourge of the universe struck Viper had never aspired to do more than rule his people, but his entire life had changed in the blink of an eye. The tragedy galvanized him with a single-minded purpose to see to it that he defended the Anguis and any other race unfortunate enough to cross paths with the plague and wipe it from existence.
Finding his mate was the farthest thing from his mind as Viper attempted to rescue the humans off the doomed planet. With his own planet in turmoil over aiding so many other species, and the universe at risk from the catastrophic plague, Viper never expected to find Hope.
Caution - This book contains a rough scene where our heroine is chained and taken against her will. However fear not, in the end Hope finds the experience mind blowing.
As if the tragedy she'd witnessed wasn't enough, something lurked in the trees outside her campsite. Hope watched as a portion of the tree separated from the trunk. The colors morphed into a bronzed, earthy tan figure of a man. The camouflaged man was at least seven feet tall with well-built legs and a massive broad chest. He swayed hypnotically as he walked like some kind of sleek predator. His facial features were not human, yet not altogether frightening. He was an alien, a giant freaking alien, and he was abducting her!
Before the scourge of the universe struck Viper had never aspired to do more than rule his people, but his entire life had changed in the blink of an eye. The tragedy galvanized him with a single-minded purpose to see to it that he defended the Anguis and any other race unfortunate enough to cross paths with the plague and wipe it from existence.
Finding his mate was the farthest thing from his mind as Viper attempted to rescue the humans off the doomed planet. With his own planet in turmoil over aiding so many other species, and the universe at risk from the catastrophic plague, Viper never expected to find Hope.
Caution - This book contains a rough scene where our heroine is chained and taken against her will. However fear not, in the end Hope finds the experience mind blowing.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2016
261 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie West
28 books245 followersThank you for your interest in my fairy tales.
Here's to the imagination and a little daydream.
https://www.amazon.com/author/stephan...
http://www.stephaniewestauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWes...
Writing is my hobby. As a child, I had a hard time learning to read, so anything I took an interest in was deemed acceptable. I have always enjoyed fairy tales, the older unsanitized versions, as well as the modern ones, mythology, science fiction, action and romance. As I read, my mind wanders, spinning its own tales. So, I figured I’d share my ramblings with you.
The books I write contain little snippets from my life. I leave it to you to decide which scenes are fact, fiction, or a bit of both. I am far braver and bolder than is likely sensible, so my heroines are just as gutsy. I'd probably be categorized as an adrenalin junky. My life has been an adventure. I've done archaeology in the hot sun, am well versed with power tools, took Tae Kwon Do in college, have ridden on a Harley with a dark stranger, but never met an alien, vampire or shifter, that I know of.
My stories are tawdry, feature a heroine who is gifted in some way, and will always end happily ever after. It is my opinion this is meant to be entertainment, and a depressing ending is not entertainment. Real life offers enough depressing crap. However, I have been called dark.
My apologies for my horrific grammar. It is something I struggle with. It is probably connected to the slow reading thing. Believe me people have tried. I truly hope that my fairy tales make up for it.
Here's to the imagination and a little daydream.
https://www.amazon.com/author/stephan...
http://www.stephaniewestauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWes...
Writing is my hobby. As a child, I had a hard time learning to read, so anything I took an interest in was deemed acceptable. I have always enjoyed fairy tales, the older unsanitized versions, as well as the modern ones, mythology, science fiction, action and romance. As I read, my mind wanders, spinning its own tales. So, I figured I’d share my ramblings with you.
The books I write contain little snippets from my life. I leave it to you to decide which scenes are fact, fiction, or a bit of both. I am far braver and bolder than is likely sensible, so my heroines are just as gutsy. I'd probably be categorized as an adrenalin junky. My life has been an adventure. I've done archaeology in the hot sun, am well versed with power tools, took Tae Kwon Do in college, have ridden on a Harley with a dark stranger, but never met an alien, vampire or shifter, that I know of.
My stories are tawdry, feature a heroine who is gifted in some way, and will always end happily ever after. It is my opinion this is meant to be entertainment, and a depressing ending is not entertainment. Real life offers enough depressing crap. However, I have been called dark.
My apologies for my horrific grammar. It is something I struggle with. It is probably connected to the slow reading thing. Believe me people have tried. I truly hope that my fairy tales make up for it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 13, 2016
Getting away for a vacation she really needed Hope is shocked when an astroid hits earth, if that isn't enough soon after she see's Viper a huge alien. Viper and his ship are sent out to keep the Morbo from destroying anyone else like they did to many of his people, when the astroid lands on a new planet Viper knows they don't have much time to save the lives of earth. Seeing Hope Viper is shocked and knows only that he needs to keep her safe and with him even if that means not following protocol.
Hope can't believe all she is seeing and being taken onto an alien ship against her will is just the tip of the iceberg. Viper the alien who took her isn't like anyone or anything she has ever seen, and though he is very different, and he is the very alien who took her against her will he's also compelling. When Viper recognizes why he is feeling the way he is Viper is shocked that this little earthling of his is his mate. Going into a crazed mating Viper does something he can never take back and Viper is sure that now that he has found her he is about to loose her.
Hope's life has been turned upside down in more ways than she can count and it seems when one obstacle is passed another is put in their way, now that Hope and Viper have finally found the happiness and love they always desired some on Vipers planet have huge problems with Hope and the humans and they plan to set it all straight by any means necessary, but Hope may be not only be what Viper needs but his entire planet.
This book was really fun, I loved the world building and the characters that weren't one dimensional. I loved Viper, he's possessive and strong, but he's also gentle and caring with Hope. She is his everything. Hope is funny and strong and no matter what is thrown at her she just keeps pushing through. I though their love story was really sweet, and though they face some obstacles that would be really hard to over come I think the author did a really great job with it and making it really work.
Some had a problem with what Viper did while in heat but I couldn't blame him, was it ok no but it wasn't really his fault and 1) he was truly repentant and did everything he could to make it up to Hope, and 2) Hope made him work for it. The only reason this book took so long to finish is because I am so busy right now with life otherwise I would have went through this way quicker. I can't wait to see what happens next, I was really excited when I saw who book two was about and I really hope we get to see more of the crazy possessive heroes this author is so great at writing.
* this book has a great hea, and no cheating, in fact no OW at all:}
Hope can't believe all she is seeing and being taken onto an alien ship against her will is just the tip of the iceberg. Viper the alien who took her isn't like anyone or anything she has ever seen, and though he is very different, and he is the very alien who took her against her will he's also compelling. When Viper recognizes why he is feeling the way he is Viper is shocked that this little earthling of his is his mate. Going into a crazed mating Viper does something he can never take back and Viper is sure that now that he has found her he is about to loose her.
Hope's life has been turned upside down in more ways than she can count and it seems when one obstacle is passed another is put in their way, now that Hope and Viper have finally found the happiness and love they always desired some on Vipers planet have huge problems with Hope and the humans and they plan to set it all straight by any means necessary, but Hope may be not only be what Viper needs but his entire planet.
This book was really fun, I loved the world building and the characters that weren't one dimensional. I loved Viper, he's possessive and strong, but he's also gentle and caring with Hope. She is his everything. Hope is funny and strong and no matter what is thrown at her she just keeps pushing through. I though their love story was really sweet, and though they face some obstacles that would be really hard to over come I think the author did a really great job with it and making it really work.
Some had a problem with what Viper did while in heat but I couldn't blame him, was it ok no but it wasn't really his fault and 1) he was truly repentant and did everything he could to make it up to Hope, and 2) Hope made him work for it. The only reason this book took so long to finish is because I am so busy right now with life otherwise I would have went through this way quicker. I can't wait to see what happens next, I was really excited when I saw who book two was about and I really hope we get to see more of the crazy possessive heroes this author is so great at writing.
* this book has a great hea, and no cheating, in fact no OW at all:}
May 5, 2020
4 Stars
February 24, 2018
A difficult one to rate. 4 stars, for the sake of how much I enjoyed the story. 1 star for writing quality.
Though it makes me actually angry that you'd write a story about aliens and then give them earth/snake-names like Viper. What a waste.
It very much reminds me of Venomous by Penelope Fletcher, one of my favourite alien romances (though another offender for aliens with earth-object names). That too features a scene of non-con between then H and h, but Stepanie West handled it in a much more satisfactory manner I think.
I love the angst and the sweetness of the romance all through the story
So why did I give it 2.5 stars in my original first-read rating? Because the writing is full of basic grammar mistakes! Obviously didn't have a proofreader and that made me want to quit so often.
This is story I really enjoyed, but I don't think I'll read other books by this author.
Though it makes me actually angry that you'd write a story about aliens and then give them earth/snake-names like Viper. What a waste.
It very much reminds me of Venomous by Penelope Fletcher, one of my favourite alien romances (though another offender for aliens with earth-object names). That too features a scene of non-con between then H and h, but Stepanie West handled it in a much more satisfactory manner I think.
I love the angst and the sweetness of the romance all through the story
So why did I give it 2.5 stars in my original first-read rating? Because the writing is full of basic grammar mistakes! Obviously didn't have a proofreader and that made me want to quit so often.
This is story I really enjoyed, but I don't think I'll read other books by this author.
April 6, 2020
This was a lot of fun! Can't wait to read more
September 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and continue to be impressed with this author's creative story telling. The characters are well developed and likeable and the world building quite interesting. The science fiction aspect isn't particularly heavy, but it was enjoyable - more a romantic sci/fi rather than a science fiction romance. The twist at the end was a good one and I didn't see it coming.
Unfortunately, although the story telling is great, this author's writing mechanics are not at all polished. One of the most noticeable problems is the use of double quotation marks for internal thoughts, which can get confusing, particularly inside a verbal conversation. The sentence tells you the words are internal thoughts, but it is still rather clumsy in my opinion. There are numerous incidents of incorrect words, extra or missing words, and a few awkward sentences which took me a moment to unravel before I could carry on with the story. To be fair, I could always figure out what was meant without too much trouble, but it still removed me from the flow of the story more than a few times.
Although most of the story took place away from Earth, it started in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I've spent most of my adult life there I really enjoyed that bit, particularly the part where our heroine is looking at San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. It is a gorgeous view over the Golden Gate Bridge and one I've seen many times. Unfortunately, the author should have done a bit more research on the geography of the area because San Francisco is referred to as an island several times when, in fact, it is on a peninsula. It is not at all difficult to find this out by looking at a map, and I had a difficult time letting that error go..... even though I realize it didn't really take away from the story.
Despite all that, I decided to simply rate this book on my enjoyment of the story. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series and future books by this very creative, new to me, author.
Unfortunately, although the story telling is great, this author's writing mechanics are not at all polished. One of the most noticeable problems is the use of double quotation marks for internal thoughts, which can get confusing, particularly inside a verbal conversation. The sentence tells you the words are internal thoughts, but it is still rather clumsy in my opinion. There are numerous incidents of incorrect words, extra or missing words, and a few awkward sentences which took me a moment to unravel before I could carry on with the story. To be fair, I could always figure out what was meant without too much trouble, but it still removed me from the flow of the story more than a few times.
Although most of the story took place away from Earth, it started in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I've spent most of my adult life there I really enjoyed that bit, particularly the part where our heroine is looking at San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. It is a gorgeous view over the Golden Gate Bridge and one I've seen many times. Unfortunately, the author should have done a bit more research on the geography of the area because San Francisco is referred to as an island several times when, in fact, it is on a peninsula. It is not at all difficult to find this out by looking at a map, and I had a difficult time letting that error go..... even though I realize it didn't really take away from the story.
Despite all that, I decided to simply rate this book on my enjoyment of the story. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series and future books by this very creative, new to me, author.
April 6, 2022
I never intended to read this book, and only did so because I realized that the next 2 books were on my TBR pile. I'm very pleased I did.
There is an insidious, sentient plague that has landed on Earth via asteroid. Followed by that is a race of beings actively fighting the scourge throughout the universe. They've seen a lot of sh@# and can't stand by while it happens to another race of people. So, our alien heroes take as many survivors as they can and also collect samples of wildlife and plant life, intending to repopulate on another planet.
Now here's where it gets dicey. It turns out the scourge is no match for the common cold, having never encountered it before. Not only does this mean Earth is NOT in danger, but now they have a way to kill these beings. But what about all the rescued humans? They are returned.
All the while, Hope and her would-be rescuer, Viper, navigate a relationship. (This is categorized a romance, after all. 😏)
I reluctantly read this despite the CW of non-con sex. Honestly, it's more dub-con and very well handled and profusely apologized for. Being an alien, our MMC gets a get-out-of-jail card due to an uncontrollable hormone induced mate-rage Hope induces in him.
There is an insidious, sentient plague that has landed on Earth via asteroid. Followed by that is a race of beings actively fighting the scourge throughout the universe. They've seen a lot of sh@# and can't stand by while it happens to another race of people. So, our alien heroes take as many survivors as they can and also collect samples of wildlife and plant life, intending to repopulate on another planet.
Now here's where it gets dicey. It turns out the scourge is no match for the common cold, having never encountered it before. Not only does this mean Earth is NOT in danger, but now they have a way to kill these beings. But what about all the rescued humans? They are returned.
All the while, Hope and her would-be rescuer, Viper, navigate a relationship. (This is categorized a romance, after all. 😏)
I reluctantly read this despite the CW of non-con sex. Honestly, it's more dub-con and very well handled and profusely apologized for. Being an alien, our MMC gets a get-out-of-jail card due to an uncontrollable hormone induced mate-rage Hope induces in him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2017
Good book, but....
OK here's the thing that drives me crazy, when aliens aren't alien. I felt like I read this recently only it was from another author but, whatever its a good book. However there needs to be some continuity. The alien H can not go from not understanding sarcasm and other figures of speech, to saying "awesome". I didn't dislike the h as much as others I found her attitude honest, considering the circumstances.
The first book by this author was amazing from beginning to end, aliens were alien all the way through. By the middle of this book the author got lazy and it lost some of its alien appeal. I hope the next book at least tries to maintain the alien feel.
OK here's the thing that drives me crazy, when aliens aren't alien. I felt like I read this recently only it was from another author but, whatever its a good book. However there needs to be some continuity. The alien H can not go from not understanding sarcasm and other figures of speech, to saying "awesome". I didn't dislike the h as much as others I found her attitude honest, considering the circumstances.
The first book by this author was amazing from beginning to end, aliens were alien all the way through. By the middle of this book the author got lazy and it lost some of its alien appeal. I hope the next book at least tries to maintain the alien feel.
July 20, 2017
First in series. First read by this author
Really liked this book, it had an original concept with the morbo virus bad guys crashing to earth. Started slowly but built up really well and I had many laugh out loud moments that were brilliant orchestrated....period in space 😂😂😂
Viper was a brilliantly written hero ( what a total sweetheart ) and hope was greatly sassy.
I will be reading more from this author.
Really liked this book, it had an original concept with the morbo virus bad guys crashing to earth. Started slowly but built up really well and I had many laugh out loud moments that were brilliant orchestrated....period in space 😂😂😂
Viper was a brilliantly written hero ( what a total sweetheart ) and hope was greatly sassy.
I will be reading more from this author.
June 8, 2018
I admit I did enjoy the story. How Hope the h copes with everything thrown her way that I felt she outshone Viper the H.
It was not surprising that the conflict was about a group of PURISTS not wanting an alien to be their leader. I had read books with the same conflict that I find this one lacking but I like the story anyway as I am not in a mood to read a dark and heavy book so this one suits me just fine. The reason it was lacking for me is because of the way the Anguis actually gets along with the Humans that the whole conflict was a little force and more like a riot made by one person.
I also find myself shocked that there were too many characters popping out in the book. There were so many that I sometimes find myself lost who the character, probably because there was time intervals when I was reading this. I have to put it down for a couple of hours then continue for 15 minutes then I have to put it down again and again.
Do recommend it to all especially those who are a fan of sci-fi erotica as there are a lot of bed scenes that can be seen in the book. I must say that Viper’s only role that I find in the book was only for that scene. LOL!
It was not surprising that the conflict was about a group of PURISTS not wanting an alien to be their leader. I had read books with the same conflict that I find this one lacking but I like the story anyway as I am not in a mood to read a dark and heavy book so this one suits me just fine. The reason it was lacking for me is because of the way the Anguis actually gets along with the Humans that the whole conflict was a little force and more like a riot made by one person.
I also find myself shocked that there were too many characters popping out in the book. There were so many that I sometimes find myself lost who the character, probably because there was time intervals when I was reading this. I have to put it down for a couple of hours then continue for 15 minutes then I have to put it down again and again.
Do recommend it to all especially those who are a fan of sci-fi erotica as there are a lot of bed scenes that can be seen in the book. I must say that Viper’s only role that I find in the book was only for that scene. LOL!
April 22, 2020
*WARNING* story contains explicit adult content
If this is the way alien abductions are to be, I wouldn't be afraid! As with most of these stories, communication is the biggest barrier for our possible couple. I enjoyed the story even though I easily figured out the traitor. The thing I like most about this story is the elements that mimic real life.
If this is the way alien abductions are to be, I wouldn't be afraid! As with most of these stories, communication is the biggest barrier for our possible couple. I enjoyed the story even though I easily figured out the traitor. The thing I like most about this story is the elements that mimic real life.
Want to read
March 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/28/2020)! 🎁
December 16, 2019
Its just ok. I feel like the human, who has had zero interaction with other SPECIES has a better understanding and empathy for the cultural differences that are brought up. Basically the aliens are like, we know you are different from us. next breathe. why are you acting THAT way! its ridiculous.
March 24, 2020
That's not a shooting star
Hope was just trying to enjoy her vacation. She'd packed her camping gear, drove hours, and was admiring the view of the bay when suddenly a burning meteor comes flying into the water in front of her. Luckily, not too close, but still, eek. But, as if that wasn't strange enough, she starts feeling like she's being watched. Then she's sure if it. Pretty sure, as a giant alien with camouflage scales comes out of the woods right in front of her. And that's when things go really sideways. Cue the kidnapping, crazy hormone crossovers, severe lack of a translator and some decidedly different cultural miscommunications. Oh, and did I mention that the meteor was carrying a species of aliens that reproduced like a virus? Yeah, fun times.
Spoilers ahead.
Hope was interesting. Having read her Warriors series, she's very much like Giselle. Sassy, owns her sexuality, not as brainy but no slouch and while not the fighter Giselle was, is still pretty kick butt. She's even a blue eyed blonde, like her. We get a much more in depth world building in that series, though, than the Anguis.
*Both humans and Anguis are rebuilding, but other than being pretty patriarchal, we don't get much about Anguis culture.
*How is society structured? What are typical careers, life goals (outside of finding a mate), how big are families, details. We know human American culture.
*Were there others rescued from other countries? There is a brief mention of the stay calm message played in multiple voices, but after that, nada.
*They were in orbit, filling the stasis pods for a week or better before leaving. Did no one check the feeds to see what was really happening after initial roundups?
*They have space travel, advanced medicine, replicators, how was security so easily breeched?
*Sure a fair society allows protests, but when the protesters start kidnapping, maybe some stronger measures than, "disperse" should be taken.
*I get keeping the Morbo close enough for study is important. But, did no one think that having them on a solitary craft, in orbit, where it could be programmed to fly into the sun (Morbo killers are fire and UV, so, yeah, sun) would be better than an underground bunker near their already decimated remains of civilization is attempting to rebuild?
*Hope is pretty accepting of everything going on. Including her mating. Trigger warnings. Anguis are predators with a couple venoms and some dominance issues. Hope triggers a response, falls victim to venom, and a well meaning but not swift thinking friend decides that making sure she can't right back is better than making sure he can't attack. His venom ensures a physical response, but there's no emotional response on her part till later on. They for him to slow with a dart. Another might have knocked him out enough to contain in a pod till his butt calmed down. Instead they let him pounce on Hope without her consent. She never blames the idiot friend, and forgives Viper a lot easier than most people would.
*There are some odd inconsistencies I highlighted while reading. Language being a big one. Viper uses some slang. In very odd moments. Most of his speech is more formal, precise, literal. And then he pops out a phrase like "busted!" It's jarring and doesn't fit his usual dialogue. It isn't a phrase used by Hope, either, that would explain him using it. In fact, his parents use some human vernacular in odd ways, too. And a background character uses a crass British slang term. It just didn't make sense.
*They're described as reptilian. Ok, some reptiles do live births not eggs. Sure. But they don't have mammary glands and feed their young that way. Pangolins have what looks like scales even though they're mammals. Maybe they're alien pangolins? Although, they have fangs, and pangolins are insectivores. There's some odd species traits that don't make sense without some more information lol.
The book was fun read. I've liked the majority of the Cadi series by her. And it was nice that this was a rescue, not the usual Mars Needs Women or black market breeding stories you find a lot of in sci-fi romance. I'm kind of hoping that JP gets his own story because he's a goofy mess and it would be hilarious. Especially as Viper still hasn't realized he's gay, something that those controlling hormones/pheromones don't do with Anguis matings (seems more centered on breeding pairs than pleasure pairings), and that hugging Hope is just friendship. There really were some fun language barriers and miscommunications that kept the reader going. I do have a question going into the next book that I'm curious to see how it's answered:
If sniffing Hope triggered Viper so deeply, why isn't Tara's guy having a similar reaction? Was Viper's abnormal? Or is hers?
My 3 stars is for the odd slang drops, some punctuation and grammar oopsies and the unusual lack of world building compared to her other series.
Hope was just trying to enjoy her vacation. She'd packed her camping gear, drove hours, and was admiring the view of the bay when suddenly a burning meteor comes flying into the water in front of her. Luckily, not too close, but still, eek. But, as if that wasn't strange enough, she starts feeling like she's being watched. Then she's sure if it. Pretty sure, as a giant alien with camouflage scales comes out of the woods right in front of her. And that's when things go really sideways. Cue the kidnapping, crazy hormone crossovers, severe lack of a translator and some decidedly different cultural miscommunications. Oh, and did I mention that the meteor was carrying a species of aliens that reproduced like a virus? Yeah, fun times.
Spoilers ahead.
Hope was interesting. Having read her Warriors series, she's very much like Giselle. Sassy, owns her sexuality, not as brainy but no slouch and while not the fighter Giselle was, is still pretty kick butt. She's even a blue eyed blonde, like her. We get a much more in depth world building in that series, though, than the Anguis.
*Both humans and Anguis are rebuilding, but other than being pretty patriarchal, we don't get much about Anguis culture.
*How is society structured? What are typical careers, life goals (outside of finding a mate), how big are families, details. We know human American culture.
*Were there others rescued from other countries? There is a brief mention of the stay calm message played in multiple voices, but after that, nada.
*They were in orbit, filling the stasis pods for a week or better before leaving. Did no one check the feeds to see what was really happening after initial roundups?
*They have space travel, advanced medicine, replicators, how was security so easily breeched?
*Sure a fair society allows protests, but when the protesters start kidnapping, maybe some stronger measures than, "disperse" should be taken.
*I get keeping the Morbo close enough for study is important. But, did no one think that having them on a solitary craft, in orbit, where it could be programmed to fly into the sun (Morbo killers are fire and UV, so, yeah, sun) would be better than an underground bunker near their already decimated remains of civilization is attempting to rebuild?
*Hope is pretty accepting of everything going on. Including her mating. Trigger warnings. Anguis are predators with a couple venoms and some dominance issues. Hope triggers a response, falls victim to venom, and a well meaning but not swift thinking friend decides that making sure she can't right back is better than making sure he can't attack. His venom ensures a physical response, but there's no emotional response on her part till later on. They for him to slow with a dart. Another might have knocked him out enough to contain in a pod till his butt calmed down. Instead they let him pounce on Hope without her consent. She never blames the idiot friend, and forgives Viper a lot easier than most people would.
*There are some odd inconsistencies I highlighted while reading. Language being a big one. Viper uses some slang. In very odd moments. Most of his speech is more formal, precise, literal. And then he pops out a phrase like "busted!" It's jarring and doesn't fit his usual dialogue. It isn't a phrase used by Hope, either, that would explain him using it. In fact, his parents use some human vernacular in odd ways, too. And a background character uses a crass British slang term. It just didn't make sense.
*They're described as reptilian. Ok, some reptiles do live births not eggs. Sure. But they don't have mammary glands and feed their young that way. Pangolins have what looks like scales even though they're mammals. Maybe they're alien pangolins? Although, they have fangs, and pangolins are insectivores. There's some odd species traits that don't make sense without some more information lol.
The book was fun read. I've liked the majority of the Cadi series by her. And it was nice that this was a rescue, not the usual Mars Needs Women or black market breeding stories you find a lot of in sci-fi romance. I'm kind of hoping that JP gets his own story because he's a goofy mess and it would be hilarious. Especially as Viper still hasn't realized he's gay, something that those controlling hormones/pheromones don't do with Anguis matings (seems more centered on breeding pairs than pleasure pairings), and that hugging Hope is just friendship. There really were some fun language barriers and miscommunications that kept the reader going. I do have a question going into the next book that I'm curious to see how it's answered:
If sniffing Hope triggered Viper so deeply, why isn't Tara's guy having a similar reaction? Was Viper's abnormal? Or is hers?
My 3 stars is for the odd slang drops, some punctuation and grammar oopsies and the unusual lack of world building compared to her other series.
December 1, 2017
IWas okay but everyone was stupid
I have read every one of this authors stories and this is my least favorite. I loved the Ageius characters and the author has a unique ability to create beautiful alien worlds, species, flora and fauna. I even liked Hope as a character pretty much. I thought her inability to accept or understand mates was a little ignorant and selfish. My biggest pet peeve was these main characters total blindness to who the bad guy was when it was obvious to every reader almost from the first chapter! Spoiler ahead: The fact that they didn't figure out how that parasite 's door raised to allow it to attack was just plain stupid. They didn't even ask about it. I get that it was a bad time, but everyone should have been wondering how the heck that could happen in a locked down secure location. The most secure location on the planet! There was only one way and that would have told them who. The fact that she had it nudge her but she just forgot it was crazy. The fact t that this guy kept trusting his subeos safety to someone he didn't trust or like was stupid. The fact that he left her alone and unguarded when the gates had been breached by haters was stupid. Yeah this book wasn't well thought out. Readers are too smart to be fooled here. There was no redirection of suspicious. There was really only one person it could have been. Lastly, the Mobo are a parasite, not a virus. I rolled my eyes every time they got described as a virus. Truthfully, I don't think this should be a series. I think it needs a serious rewrite with a follow-up novella added to the end for Tara and O. Then give us a Nameless sequel and continue on with your other series. Just because i disliked this story, I loved the authors other stories and this o e could be a great one with a rewrite. Fix the things i poi t out. Don't make our couple seem so stupid. Maybe give us a less obvious bad guy and have them actually inspecting how the no o breach happened with a darn good excuse with how it could be done.
I have read every one of this authors stories and this is my least favorite. I loved the Ageius characters and the author has a unique ability to create beautiful alien worlds, species, flora and fauna. I even liked Hope as a character pretty much. I thought her inability to accept or understand mates was a little ignorant and selfish. My biggest pet peeve was these main characters total blindness to who the bad guy was when it was obvious to every reader almost from the first chapter! Spoiler ahead: The fact that they didn't figure out how that parasite 's door raised to allow it to attack was just plain stupid. They didn't even ask about it. I get that it was a bad time, but everyone should have been wondering how the heck that could happen in a locked down secure location. The most secure location on the planet! There was only one way and that would have told them who. The fact that she had it nudge her but she just forgot it was crazy. The fact t that this guy kept trusting his subeos safety to someone he didn't trust or like was stupid. The fact that he left her alone and unguarded when the gates had been breached by haters was stupid. Yeah this book wasn't well thought out. Readers are too smart to be fooled here. There was no redirection of suspicious. There was really only one person it could have been. Lastly, the Mobo are a parasite, not a virus. I rolled my eyes every time they got described as a virus. Truthfully, I don't think this should be a series. I think it needs a serious rewrite with a follow-up novella added to the end for Tara and O. Then give us a Nameless sequel and continue on with your other series. Just because i disliked this story, I loved the authors other stories and this o e could be a great one with a rewrite. Fix the things i poi t out. Don't make our couple seem so stupid. Maybe give us a less obvious bad guy and have them actually inspecting how the no o breach happened with a darn good excuse with how it could be done.
October 20, 2025
2.5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐
This was just okay. There were some things I liked and others I didn’t. For example, I appreciated that the story put a new spin on the “abducted by aliens” premise. However, there wasn’t enough depth to the characters, plot, or world-building.
I expected this to be mentioned or explored in some way, but it’s completely glossed over.
Another issue is that, considering the massive threat the
I also found it odd that
There’s more, but it’s these little details (or the way they were overlooked) that add up and ultimately got in the way of my enjoyment of the book. I wanted to like this more than I did, but the overall delivery missed the mark. Now, some might ask about the romance, since that’s the real reason we’re all here. Well, it’s fine, I guess. We were warned in the beginning, but I still didn’t like the way everyone went about it.
This was just okay. There were some things I liked and others I didn’t. For example, I appreciated that the story put a new spin on the “abducted by aliens” premise. However, there wasn’t enough depth to the characters, plot, or world-building.
I expected this to be mentioned or explored in some way, but it’s completely glossed over.
Another issue is that, considering the massive threat the
I also found it odd that
There’s more, but it’s these little details (or the way they were overlooked) that add up and ultimately got in the way of my enjoyment of the book. I wanted to like this more than I did, but the overall delivery missed the mark. Now, some might ask about the romance, since that’s the real reason we’re all here. Well, it’s fine, I guess. We were warned in the beginning, but I still didn’t like the way everyone went about it.
January 30, 2024
The noncon scene towards the beginning of the novel was well warned ahead of time with the trigger warnings, but what surprised me the most while reading it was how little impact it actually had on the way the story played out. I mean, there are some knock-on effects, yes, but it didn’t really have the emotional gut-punch I expected, and the whole situation could’ve just been written out pretty easily, I thought. It wasn’t even the best spicy scene in the book 🤷🏻♀️ Speaking of which, all of the spicy scenes were just kind of okay. The overuse of the words “dark” and “carnal” as well as the MMC’s excessive size got old quick.
I highlighted a dozen proofreading errors over the course of my reading. Ideally that number should be zero, but in the era of self-publishing and Kindle Unlimited, I have given up pointing this out in my reviews unless the number exceeds double digits, which this book does.
I thought the ending kinda wrapped up all the plot lines a little bit TOO neatly, making me feel like there isn’t much point in reading the rest of the series (unless I were more invested in the characters, which I’m not really). Every problem kinda got deus ex machina’d in the end, and there’s a bit of cheesy dialogue about FMC’s name being Hope and how she brought hope into MMC’s life, you get it.
There isn’t much repartee between the MCs to really make you fall in love with them. I really feel like this relationship got sidelined by alien hormones and mating drama and refugee drama, and the MCs didn’t really get a chance to come together, start relying on one another, etc.
I highlighted a dozen proofreading errors over the course of my reading. Ideally that number should be zero, but in the era of self-publishing and Kindle Unlimited, I have given up pointing this out in my reviews unless the number exceeds double digits, which this book does.
I thought the ending kinda wrapped up all the plot lines a little bit TOO neatly, making me feel like there isn’t much point in reading the rest of the series (unless I were more invested in the characters, which I’m not really). Every problem kinda got deus ex machina’d in the end, and there’s a bit of cheesy dialogue about FMC’s name being Hope and how she brought hope into MMC’s life, you get it.
There isn’t much repartee between the MCs to really make you fall in love with them. I really feel like this relationship got sidelined by alien hormones and mating drama and refugee drama, and the MCs didn’t really get a chance to come together, start relying on one another, etc.
May 4, 2023
There are trigger warnings in this book. She is his fated mate. He is a snake alien who is also the Prince of his people.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
s
p
o
i
l
e
r
s..................................................................
There is a rape scene at the beginning of the book. The hero is overcome by his mating bond when the heroine leaves the room. He is tearing apart the spaceship to find her. His employees can't hold him back as he is too powerful. So to save everyone's life on the spaceship, they chain up the heroine naked and let the hero attack her. She tells him no and tries to get out of the chains but she can't.
The hero is horrified by what he did after he comes out of the rage. He tries to make it up to her. He offers her anything she wants or needs. He rescues her friends from earth to save them from the alien invasion. He also tries to rescue her family.
He tries to take her on a date and be nice to her after their initial mating.
He sleeps on the couch so she can learn to trust him again.
When they become intimate the second time, she ties him up to sort of get even. Then his father walks into his son's room without knocking and using the king's security override. His dad gives them the keys to unlock the hero's chains as they both forgot to put them within reach and he is knotted inside her at the moment. I didn't like that it was so embarrassing.
Also the author repeatedly uses the word "vagina" during love scenes and it felt very clinical.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
s
p
o
i
l
e
r
s..................................................................
There is a rape scene at the beginning of the book. The hero is overcome by his mating bond when the heroine leaves the room. He is tearing apart the spaceship to find her. His employees can't hold him back as he is too powerful. So to save everyone's life on the spaceship, they chain up the heroine naked and let the hero attack her. She tells him no and tries to get out of the chains but she can't.
The hero is horrified by what he did after he comes out of the rage. He tries to make it up to her. He offers her anything she wants or needs. He rescues her friends from earth to save them from the alien invasion. He also tries to rescue her family.
He tries to take her on a date and be nice to her after their initial mating.
He sleeps on the couch so she can learn to trust him again.
When they become intimate the second time, she ties him up to sort of get even. Then his father walks into his son's room without knocking and using the king's security override. His dad gives them the keys to unlock the hero's chains as they both forgot to put them within reach and he is knotted inside her at the moment. I didn't like that it was so embarrassing.
Also the author repeatedly uses the word "vagina" during love scenes and it felt very clinical.
December 11, 2019
SPOILERS. Most likely. Maybe. Viper can't be confused for a human-looking alien and I like that he's not a straight up bi-ped animal with sentience either. He's courageous, noble, and not lead or possessed by his "inner beast" like most authors make their males behave to excuse their toxic masculinity (even if they write their heroines to be into it and understanding at some point). He's an alien. He has his moments with justification (loss, death, loss, abduction) not convenience. Viper is my favorite male alien ever at this point in time and this book is my favorite romance novel after the Ice Planet Barbarian series. Period. Call it a slow burn after the initial hurdle typical of this genre, but the pace is good. Hope is a nice heroine who's reactions to the events that happen are believable (at some points) and I could actually see this as a movie with or without the aliens (and of course, cut the X scenes to R). It's an action/adventure/romance where the chemistry is there.
Also, twist! And it's a nice one. That's what I like about Viper's Hope (well played!) without giving a lot away. I hope you give it a chance.
Also, twist! And it's a nice one. That's what I like about Viper's Hope (well played!) without giving a lot away. I hope you give it a chance.
April 16, 2024
Viper's Hope
Be sure to notice the content warning at the beginning of the book. There is a problematic scene near the beginning that does get addressed throughout the book. It's difficult to accept because we live in a world of violence, especially against women. I'm not prepared to argue whether there should be scenes like this in romances or not. I will say that the author addresses various points of view through the characters.
The MFC is adaptable in the best way. She is victimized throughout the book but she doesn't ever play the victim. She is outspoken and bold, and moves through each difficult scenario with determination and willfulness.
I personally do not like weddings but there is one near the end. The ending was a bit too happy for me - I know that sounds ridiculous although it was a nice twist that humans could actually vanquish an enemy that our bigger, tougher alien neighbors couldn't.
I'm picky about spicy scenes. I want them to develop the characters and the relationship. There are several in here that don't really do that. I skimmed through those but others may enjoy them just fine.
Be sure to notice the content warning at the beginning of the book. There is a problematic scene near the beginning that does get addressed throughout the book. It's difficult to accept because we live in a world of violence, especially against women. I'm not prepared to argue whether there should be scenes like this in romances or not. I will say that the author addresses various points of view through the characters.
The MFC is adaptable in the best way. She is victimized throughout the book but she doesn't ever play the victim. She is outspoken and bold, and moves through each difficult scenario with determination and willfulness.
I personally do not like weddings but there is one near the end. The ending was a bit too happy for me - I know that sounds ridiculous although it was a nice twist that humans could actually vanquish an enemy that our bigger, tougher alien neighbors couldn't.
I'm picky about spicy scenes. I want them to develop the characters and the relationship. There are several in here that don't really do that. I skimmed through those but others may enjoy them just fine.
January 18, 2022
Keeps you on your toes kind of book
This book was great, I liked the culture of the Anguis and how the book started with a not-so-average kidnapping. I really enjoyed the characters as individuals, especially the main female chara. I lot of people mentioned something that the main male chara did and he didn't get enough punishment for it. To me I agree but also what else could she do? I think people were seeing it from a human real life perspective and not charas in a book perspective and its a little unfair to put outside rules on your imagination. Thats just my opinion though. This book really got to me in the end I almost stopped reading because of what happened. It took me about 3 weeks to come back and finish it and thankfully I was happily surprised I cried tears of joy!! Lowkey I get emotional over some charas and this book had one chara who I truly cared for!! All in all, definitely worth reading.
This book was great, I liked the culture of the Anguis and how the book started with a not-so-average kidnapping. I really enjoyed the characters as individuals, especially the main female chara. I lot of people mentioned something that the main male chara did and he didn't get enough punishment for it. To me I agree but also what else could she do? I think people were seeing it from a human real life perspective and not charas in a book perspective and its a little unfair to put outside rules on your imagination. Thats just my opinion though. This book really got to me in the end I almost stopped reading because of what happened. It took me about 3 weeks to come back and finish it and thankfully I was happily surprised I cried tears of joy!! Lowkey I get emotional over some charas and this book had one chara who I truly cared for!! All in all, definitely worth reading.
December 3, 2021
The book was ok, it held my attention for the most part. The flow was ok, except for a few places that moved slow. The plot was very predictable, making it a mindless read, when a person doesn’t want to focus too much. The world building was a bit twisted, since the FMC is learning as she goes, it’s ok looking from her point of view, but when switching to the MMC’s point of view, it was very confusing to still have no world building. I did feel the characters could have used more padding, they weren’t flat, but they weren’t developed enough. I did feel like too much focus on the sex between them as the relationship. The few “dates” described weren’t enough to push past the physical aspect of the relationship. Definitely not a book I would re-read, & not interested in continuing with the series.
November 1, 2021
Good read, sweet romance, and issues
I enjoy this troupe of human female and alpha alien romance, and this book was that with real world issues throughout the storyline. Both the lead female and male characters had family and their families were entertaining. The lead couple are both good people and work hard to understand each other. I appreciated that. That one scene where the lead female was bound, not by choice, but to protect her from trying to escape the lead male while he was in a mating frenzy was clearly explained in the story. The lead male apologized too, many times and explained the difference between species. This story was good overall. Read On!
I enjoy this troupe of human female and alpha alien romance, and this book was that with real world issues throughout the storyline. Both the lead female and male characters had family and their families were entertaining. The lead couple are both good people and work hard to understand each other. I appreciated that. That one scene where the lead female was bound, not by choice, but to protect her from trying to escape the lead male while he was in a mating frenzy was clearly explained in the story. The lead male apologized too, many times and explained the difference between species. This story was good overall. Read On!
August 12, 2017
This was the first book I've read by West, but I will definitely read more. I love this genre of books. MaNY are too short and not well developed when it comes to characters or world building, but this has a homerun for me. I loved the connection between the two characters and the building of their relationship.
I loved the heroine. She was a strong character and nicely balanced the hero. She wasn't nerve racking or silly she was calm and handled everything one day at a time. I loved the hero, he adapted well to the predicament. I loved the fact he was so disturbed in the beginning with his feral self. Even though, this primitive behavior was common among their people he didn't dismiss it or how it made her feel or the guilt that plagued him.
I will definitely read more from this author.
I loved the heroine. She was a strong character and nicely balanced the hero. She wasn't nerve racking or silly she was calm and handled everything one day at a time. I loved the hero, he adapted well to the predicament. I loved the fact he was so disturbed in the beginning with his feral self. Even though, this primitive behavior was common among their people he didn't dismiss it or how it made her feel or the guilt that plagued him.
I will definitely read more from this author.
April 4, 2020
***A fantastic Read***
I can't believe I missed this book but wow I'm glad I found it. Viper is an Alien who came to earth chasing a malignant virus who nearly eradicated his own people but failed to neutralise the virus and it crashes on earth. So Viper and his troops decided to rescue the humans and that's when he found hope his true mate.
This story tackles issues such as prejudiced about inter racial marriage and how Viper and Hope coped and how it impacted their relationship. I can't wait to dive straight to book 2. Five star *****
I can't believe I missed this book but wow I'm glad I found it. Viper is an Alien who came to earth chasing a malignant virus who nearly eradicated his own people but failed to neutralise the virus and it crashes on earth. So Viper and his troops decided to rescue the humans and that's when he found hope his true mate.
This story tackles issues such as prejudiced about inter racial marriage and how Viper and Hope coped and how it impacted their relationship. I can't wait to dive straight to book 2. Five star *****
January 1, 2022
An incredible journey with a talented author
If I were to teach a class on how to write sci-fi romance, this is the novel I'd first make required reading. This is my first journey with this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new favorite. The world building was well done without getting bogged down in the details, the characters had electric chemistry and the dialogue was laugh out loud funny. I cannot wait to download book two and find out if lighting strikes twice. If sci-fi romance is your jam and you're 18+, you'll kick yourself for missing this one!
If I were to teach a class on how to write sci-fi romance, this is the novel I'd first make required reading. This is my first journey with this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new favorite. The world building was well done without getting bogged down in the details, the characters had electric chemistry and the dialogue was laugh out loud funny. I cannot wait to download book two and find out if lighting strikes twice. If sci-fi romance is your jam and you're 18+, you'll kick yourself for missing this one!
September 4, 2024
This is the start of intertwined series with Cadi Warriors
You could read these 1 series at a time but, it flows better in the order the author has at the end of each book. The main species in each series interconnect. So the MMC is an Anguis named Viper. As the leader of his people, Viper has come to earth to help save as much Flora and Fauna(including humans) from a world destroying species.
Viper was going to “collect” Hope but finds out she is his true mate. They have a rough being. When she understands more about what is going on she becomes a lot of help.
You could read these 1 series at a time but, it flows better in the order the author has at the end of each book. The main species in each series interconnect. So the MMC is an Anguis named Viper. As the leader of his people, Viper has come to earth to help save as much Flora and Fauna(including humans) from a world destroying species.
Viper was going to “collect” Hope but finds out she is his true mate. They have a rough being. When she understands more about what is going on she becomes a lot of help.
May 22, 2017
Another great book!!
Viper rescues Hope after a virus is unleashed on Earth. Hope is a brave, sassy women who is not afraid to speak her mind. The chemistry between the two is electric and there are some very erotic scenes.
I have read all of Stephanie's books and have enjoyed every one of them. I hope there is going to be a second book in this series, continuing on about Hope's best friend Tara.
Viper rescues Hope after a virus is unleashed on Earth. Hope is a brave, sassy women who is not afraid to speak her mind. The chemistry between the two is electric and there are some very erotic scenes.
I have read all of Stephanie's books and have enjoyed every one of them. I hope there is going to be a second book in this series, continuing on about Hope's best friend Tara.
July 14, 2019
Holy hotness and adventure!
I loved Hope and Viper's journey. It was a passionate, edgy, romantic, hang on to the edge of your seat, hell of a roller coaster ride! Viper and Hope have a powerful chemistry and willingness to run into the unknown. Author West created a world through her writing that you can picture like a rolling movie. It is quite amazing. I can't wait to read book# 2 and beyond.
I loved Hope and Viper's journey. It was a passionate, edgy, romantic, hang on to the edge of your seat, hell of a roller coaster ride! Viper and Hope have a powerful chemistry and willingness to run into the unknown. Author West created a world through her writing that you can picture like a rolling movie. It is quite amazing. I can't wait to read book# 2 and beyond.
March 10, 2020
Who knew?
I liked this species of aliens. A little bit of the Predator with part chameleon and part snake. And a lot of human! On a rescue mission to Earth Viper finds his mate. Hope witnesses a meteor's fall to earth and the devastation of San Francisco. Next she's rescued by a 7-foot tall alien who can shift colors like a chameleon. Yep.
I liked this species of aliens. A little bit of the Predator with part chameleon and part snake. And a lot of human! On a rescue mission to Earth Viper finds his mate. Hope witnesses a meteor's fall to earth and the devastation of San Francisco. Next she's rescued by a 7-foot tall alien who can shift colors like a chameleon. Yep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews