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Galactic Courtship #1
Xacier's Prize
Xacier was once king of the proud Kell Empire, but after his cousin's betrayal he is enslaved in the fighting arena. The only way to survive? Kill everyone and be the champion. With his strength and skill, only a few battles now stand between Xacier and his freedom, and he will stop at nothing to get out and get his revenge. But when a human woman is thrown into the arena, Xacier will find himself fighting to defend her, at the risk of losing his freedom - and his life.
Samantha is crossing the galaxy to visit her ailing mother, when she is sold to the Frirens and tossed into the middle of an arena battle. Completely out of her element, her only hope of making it out of here alive lies with the strong and ruthless alien who claims her as his prize. Winning their freedom won't be easy, though, and even if they do make it out together, Samantha isn't sure she'll be able to part ways with this warrior who captured her body and her heart.
Samantha is crossing the galaxy to visit her ailing mother, when she is sold to the Frirens and tossed into the middle of an arena battle. Completely out of her element, her only hope of making it out of here alive lies with the strong and ruthless alien who claims her as his prize. Winning their freedom won't be easy, though, and even if they do make it out together, Samantha isn't sure she'll be able to part ways with this warrior who captured her body and her heart.
- GenresScience Fiction Romance
120 pages, ebook
Published November 25, 2016
69 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Lily S. Thomas
35 books19 followersLily Thomas is a world traveler who speaks Danish. Lily uses her experiences from other countries to bring her stories to life, drawing on the rich history and culture she enjoyed during her time in Europe, and in particular, her time in Denmark.
The Giant Wars series was inspired in part by the tales of Scandinavian folklore.
Ice Age Alphas was inspired by her love of all things caveman/early human history. She also loves shifters, so creating a paranormal ice age romance series was just perfect!
Her short story series, Galactic Courtship, is written proof of her love of sci-fi and romance.
You can now join her email list:
http://eepurl.com/dKEvvU
If you'd like to know more or follow her, you can find her on:
Twitter: @Lily_S_Thomas
Instagram: @author_lily_s_thomas
The Giant Wars series was inspired in part by the tales of Scandinavian folklore.
Ice Age Alphas was inspired by her love of all things caveman/early human history. She also loves shifters, so creating a paranormal ice age romance series was just perfect!
Her short story series, Galactic Courtship, is written proof of her love of sci-fi and romance.
You can now join her email list:
http://eepurl.com/dKEvvU
If you'd like to know more or follow her, you can find her on:
Twitter: @Lily_S_Thomas
Instagram: @author_lily_s_thomas
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 26, 2017
Fantastic. Loved the author's writing and the world she created. This is one of the first space romances I've ever read, but it was fun and different.
Overview of the story (don't read the below unless you're ready for some spoilers):
She is sold to an alien arena where she is the prize for the champion. Xacier is the champion, and at first he doesn't really want her, thinks she is a liability. But then decides its been a long time without a woman, so he defends her. Eventually, he wins the arena and is rewarded with freedom. She needs to get to her sick mother, and again he is reluctant to take her there, but they go and then her mother recovers, and she feels confident enough to return home with Xacier.
There's more to the story than I'm describing, a lot of little side things, and more story line. I just wanted to give a larger overview than give every single detail away. But its a great sci-fi romance, and I actually look forward to see if she publishes anymore.
Overview of the story (don't read the below unless you're ready for some spoilers):
She is sold to an alien arena where she is the prize for the champion. Xacier is the champion, and at first he doesn't really want her, thinks she is a liability. But then decides its been a long time without a woman, so he defends her. Eventually, he wins the arena and is rewarded with freedom. She needs to get to her sick mother, and again he is reluctant to take her there, but they go and then her mother recovers, and she feels confident enough to return home with Xacier.
There's more to the story than I'm describing, a lot of little side things, and more story line. I just wanted to give a larger overview than give every single detail away. But its a great sci-fi romance, and I actually look forward to see if she publishes anymore.
August 1, 2020
I don’t know if the heroine was supposed to be a little “dim” or not, but she was sometimes annoying when she didn’t think things through very well. Samantha pays for her mother’s medical costs, so she is making the trip home to check on her sick mother. She senses the Captain is not trustworthy, yet she boards the ship and is sold to the Frirens to be the winner’s prize in their arena contests. (At a later point, Samantha goes back to book passage again with the same dirtbag Captain that sold her in the first place!)
Xacier is a much more honorable and likable character. He was the former king of the Kell Empire who was betrayed and sent to the arena as a champion gladiator. With enough victories, he can win his freedom in the Friren arena, which is his goal. He must kill all of his competitors to become the champion. If he can earn his freedom, which is very close now, he will be released and can get revenge on his betrayer at last! But a human woman is thrown into the arena, and Xacier ends up fighting for her at great risk to himself. Will she accept his claim on her? Or will she get him killed with her lack of forethought and planning?
Grab your copy and see if Xacier is able to get his revenge for his cousin’s betraying him. Will Samantha return to the Kell Empire with him if he can get them away from the Frirens?
Xacier is a much more honorable and likable character. He was the former king of the Kell Empire who was betrayed and sent to the arena as a champion gladiator. With enough victories, he can win his freedom in the Friren arena, which is his goal. He must kill all of his competitors to become the champion. If he can earn his freedom, which is very close now, he will be released and can get revenge on his betrayer at last! But a human woman is thrown into the arena, and Xacier ends up fighting for her at great risk to himself. Will she accept his claim on her? Or will she get him killed with her lack of forethought and planning?
Grab your copy and see if Xacier is able to get his revenge for his cousin’s betraying him. Will Samantha return to the Kell Empire with him if he can get them away from the Frirens?
August 20, 2020
Absolutely Awesome Read, well written, great characters, Awesome story line, easy read to hold you on their journey, this genre might not be for everyone but its a really wonderful story cannot wait for more from this Author.
August 2, 2020
This is the 1st book from Lily Thomas that I have read but it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait to read more in this series. Ms. Thomas knows who to write a story line that grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let you go till the end. Her characters are so delightfully flawed that you can't help cheering for their happily ever after. It's so pleasant to enjoy a good book that leaves you feeling so good with the craziness of this world sometimes. Xacier and Samantha's story is one of survival and of somehow finding your soul mate while you are going through all the trials of your life. This story has everything that you could want in a book; comedy, action, drama, conflict and of course hot romance. You really don't want to miss this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2020
Loved the general story line, Samatha needs to go see her mother and Xacier needs to get his throne "company" back. When he takes Samantha to get passage to go to her mother, she sees the captain that tried to force her to have sex and then sold her when she refused. Loved that Xacier had a personal in depth arena champion style "discussion" with said captain - one for the good guys :)
Over all Xacier was a much better character and better developed, I liked him better but after the rewrite Samantha's character was not to bad and I can now say I enjoyed the book at the end.
Edited to update the author did a rewrite on some parts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Over all Xacier was a much better character and better developed, I liked him better but after the rewrite Samantha's character was not to bad and I can now say I enjoyed the book at the end.
Edited to update the author did a rewrite on some parts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2018
This is like a gladiator romance where he wins a prize and then has no idea what to do with the heroine.
It was a quick read and by the end it was a sweet ending.
It was a quick read and by the end it was a sweet ending.
August 28, 2018
A story you can read in one sitting. Gladiator style fighting, some steamy scenes and a fabulous couple that came together in a good way.
August 1, 2020
This very well-written book 1 in the Series of Galactic Courtship and the series builds great worlds and begins the series of stories: Galactic Courtship Series. It has a well-fleshed out couple that has depth and strength. This story is action-packed and has twists, turns, intrigue, suspense, mystery, chemistry, romance, and love. These must read story and I cannot wait to read more books in the series and from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2022
"a pause could get him killed."
Samantha is on a journey to see her ailing mother, straightforward and simple... until it is not.
Xacier is dealing with the consequences of betrayal. He is fighting tooth and nail to regain what was once his, he can't afford to be distracted, "a pause could get him killed."
This was a well paced, interesting quick read, with so many interesting encounters with others that I lost count of how many other characters I hope will get stories, including two that would be prequels. This is a touch and full Universe, with characters existing, not just to serve a purpose in the moment, but as part of their own arc/story, whether we encounter a single scene of it, a glimpse in the middle, or scenes after the magic that assure us, whatever work they did to get their happily ever after, they earned this. It brings this world alive, and adds depth to the entire story.
I was gifted with a copy of this book, and switched to the Kindle Unlimited version when it was released.
Second Review/Thoughts after listening to the Audible edition:
"How had her life gone from creating life to killing it?"
Samantha is on a journey to see her ailing mother... straightforward and simple, until it isn't.
Xacier is dealing with the consequences of betrayal, fighting tooth and nail to regain what was once his, and he isn't going to let anything or anyone stand in his way.
This is a well paced, interesting story, full of secondary characters who could have interesting stories all their own.
I don't typically go for male narrators of romance books, since these typically have a lot of female dialogue and perspective, but I really enjoyed the narrator/audio version of this book. This was an engaging reading.
Samantha is on a journey to see her ailing mother, straightforward and simple... until it is not.
Xacier is dealing with the consequences of betrayal. He is fighting tooth and nail to regain what was once his, he can't afford to be distracted, "a pause could get him killed."
This was a well paced, interesting quick read, with so many interesting encounters with others that I lost count of how many other characters I hope will get stories, including two that would be prequels. This is a touch and full Universe, with characters existing, not just to serve a purpose in the moment, but as part of their own arc/story, whether we encounter a single scene of it, a glimpse in the middle, or scenes after the magic that assure us, whatever work they did to get their happily ever after, they earned this. It brings this world alive, and adds depth to the entire story.
I was gifted with a copy of this book, and switched to the Kindle Unlimited version when it was released.
Second Review/Thoughts after listening to the Audible edition:
"How had her life gone from creating life to killing it?"
Samantha is on a journey to see her ailing mother... straightforward and simple, until it isn't.
Xacier is dealing with the consequences of betrayal, fighting tooth and nail to regain what was once his, and he isn't going to let anything or anyone stand in his way.
This is a well paced, interesting story, full of secondary characters who could have interesting stories all their own.
I don't typically go for male narrators of romance books, since these typically have a lot of female dialogue and perspective, but I really enjoyed the narrator/audio version of this book. This was an engaging reading.
July 31, 2020
Samantha seemed to be a dingbat. After almost getting raped she offer all her money to the captors to just let her go. She should have helped Xacier who is overthrown by his greedy cousin and get thrown into the arena. Now he has a human to protect and try to keep winning his fight so that he can gain his freedom. You'd think that somehow Samantha would be able to help in someway to earn her freedom. Don't even know if Samantha goes back to krel to be it's new queen. I might read the next book just to see if it gets better. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
This book to me was a really good read, and has no cliffhangers. The storyline was very well written and the universe in this books kept me fascinated with the different worlds and aliens. Samantha is trying to get to her sick mother and unfortunately She gets in some trouble and ends up being sold and put in with xacier, they both have to fight to get out. Exciting and thrilling read and loved every minute of this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
I loved this story it was well written and the characters were filled out to where you could see what was happening. I think those books are always best and not all are written in that way. I liked that she was a damsel in distress but not that much distress at times. It has great heat also it will get your heart pounding for sure .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2020
The first book in the Galactic Courtship series a story that held my interest until the end. This is human Samantha and Xacier's story, what a clueless woman! This is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2020
I gave this a 3 ½ stars due to Samantha’s stupidity. Samantha is a terraformer on a trip back home to check on her sick mother. She gets a bad vibe from the captain of spacecraft but goes ahead and books passage from him. She gets sold to the Frirens and thrown into their arena as a prize for the winner. Later she decides again to book passage with the same captain!
Xacier was a former king of the Kell Empire. Now he is a champion gladiator trying to win his freedom in a Friren arena.
I liked his character the best.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Xacier was a former king of the Kell Empire. Now he is a champion gladiator trying to win his freedom in a Friren arena.
I liked his character the best.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2019
Not bad but could be better.
My main issues with this book are inconsistent story line. When Samantha gets sold into slavery by the ship's captain she swears to get her revenge. Then she proceeds to offer her vast savings to her captors to just let her go.
Once she does get free of the slavers she has to secure passage on a ship and immediately starts acting broke and decided she will negotiate with the same frikin Capt that sold her because when she refused to have sex with him. So She is ok with it now and her savings is forgotten. Xacier is a King on his planet and was set up and kidnapped because of a greedy cousin and was suppose to be killed. So his people think he's dead for over 6 months. But in fact he has been a huge champion in the fight Arena and nobody back home has been told?
Character development and story felt rushed. The story ends before Samantha is brought back to Krel to be its new Queen. Well that right there was what I wAited the whole book for. Just saying. DanaLynn
My main issues with this book are inconsistent story line. When Samantha gets sold into slavery by the ship's captain she swears to get her revenge. Then she proceeds to offer her vast savings to her captors to just let her go.
Once she does get free of the slavers she has to secure passage on a ship and immediately starts acting broke and decided she will negotiate with the same frikin Capt that sold her because when she refused to have sex with him. So She is ok with it now and her savings is forgotten. Xacier is a King on his planet and was set up and kidnapped because of a greedy cousin and was suppose to be killed. So his people think he's dead for over 6 months. But in fact he has been a huge champion in the fight Arena and nobody back home has been told?
Character development and story felt rushed. The story ends before Samantha is brought back to Krel to be its new Queen. Well that right there was what I wAited the whole book for. Just saying. DanaLynn
September 28, 2018
Xacier's Prize was my first experience with "SciFi Alien Romance," and I was a fan. I liked this new perspective on this type of story.
While I liked both characters, Xacier and Samantha, I was disappointed a bit with things moving too quickly. This is a common issue I have with these kinds of books, and maybe I'm too nerdy for them, but I wanted more stretching of the story.
Xacier was great. From the beginning, he was likable and relatable and most especially, consistent. I appreciated that.
There was a portion of the story I thought a bit forced, and I was confused by its use, though I guess it was the catalyst for things to happen. Still, this point swallowed some of the rest for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be taking a look at more of Lily S. Thomas' work. If you're looking for a fun, quick read with elements of action and romance, this book is for you!
Happy Reading :)
Check out more of my reviews at CMMartens.com
While I liked both characters, Xacier and Samantha, I was disappointed a bit with things moving too quickly. This is a common issue I have with these kinds of books, and maybe I'm too nerdy for them, but I wanted more stretching of the story.
Xacier was great. From the beginning, he was likable and relatable and most especially, consistent. I appreciated that.
There was a portion of the story I thought a bit forced, and I was confused by its use, though I guess it was the catalyst for things to happen. Still, this point swallowed some of the rest for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be taking a look at more of Lily S. Thomas' work. If you're looking for a fun, quick read with elements of action and romance, this book is for you!
Happy Reading :)
Check out more of my reviews at CMMartens.com
July 25, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Samantha was trying to work and pay for her mother's medical bills so she was going to Drein to see her mother and check her health but something happened when she was on her way. Samantha was on the ship and then the captain tried to rape her and she fought him off and then he sold her to Frurens. Now would be the time to get the book. I will be getting more from this author.
March 19, 2019
Love alien arena battles
Aliens fighting like gladiators, yes please! I loved the action and the romance in this book. Samantha is thrown into the arena against her will and won by Xacier. Now that he has her, what's he gonna do with her? I did enjoy this book, but it needs a lot of editing. Some of the backstory is repeated as if we didn't already read it. Other than that it was good.
Aliens fighting like gladiators, yes please! I loved the action and the romance in this book. Samantha is thrown into the arena against her will and won by Xacier. Now that he has her, what's he gonna do with her? I did enjoy this book, but it needs a lot of editing. Some of the backstory is repeated as if we didn't already read it. Other than that it was good.
July 18, 2020
I enjoyed this book. Kept my interest from the beginning. Well written.
Xacier was ended up in a fighting arena, thanks to his cousin. Samantha ended up as a prize, because she refused to sleep with a slime ball. I enjoyed it when they run into the slime ball. Though it was sad about the friend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Xacier was ended up in a fighting arena, thanks to his cousin. Samantha ended up as a prize, because she refused to sleep with a slime ball. I enjoyed it when they run into the slime ball. Though it was sad about the friend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2020
Prisoner Xacier must fight to earn his freedom. Samantha is the reward he got for winning one. Only two more fights to win and he will have his freedom. He doesn't want to take her with when he leaves but he's starting to have feelings for her.
September 17, 2019
Awesome story!
Xacier and Samantha is a really great story about two people sold into slavery and Xacier protest Samantha when she is thrown into the gladiator ring as the prize of the last gladiator standing. Trust, compassion, court a d love follow.
Xacier and Samantha is a really great story about two people sold into slavery and Xacier protest Samantha when she is thrown into the gladiator ring as the prize of the last gladiator standing. Trust, compassion, court a d love follow.
March 29, 2018
A very different heroine.
June 7, 2018
Great
Wish it had more detail with the the two or possibly a baby in there other wise threw out the book it was smooth.
Wish it had more detail with the the two or possibly a baby in there other wise threw out the book it was smooth.
February 20, 2019
Xacier
Because of the cover I was pleasantly surprised that the story was 5 stars . I am going to read the next book in the series .
Because of the cover I was pleasantly surprised that the story was 5 stars . I am going to read the next book in the series .
October 7, 2019
Champion
Xacier is the champions of the arena and she's the human prize to be aware after being captured. But he must get his life together before he claims his human mate.
Xacier is the champions of the arena and she's the human prize to be aware after being captured. But he must get his life together before he claims his human mate.
March 28, 2020
Love
This was an intense story of survival and love. I liked how the girl didn’t want to be a damsel in distress. I also liked how he didn’t bully her. This was a great story.
This was an intense story of survival and love. I liked how the girl didn’t want to be a damsel in distress. I also liked how he didn’t bully her. This was a great story.
May 14, 2022
Samantha (h) finds herself sold to aliens who user her as a prize in their alien gladiator fight arena. Xacier (H) is a large terrifying looking alien who is fighting his way through numerous fights to battle his way to freedom and has no interest in a battle prize, much less a mate. When he wins and is awarded Samantha, Xacier finds himself stepping into the role of her protector. Their feelings and sexual tension between the two deepen. Lots of action and adventure with different battles along the way as Xacier and Samantha have to work together to get out of the area to win their freedom and find their HEA.
May 24, 2022
Xacier and Samantha!
My favorite part of scifi romances is when you can tell there is a language barrier. let the hilarious misunderstandings commence! This book is no different!! so cute! must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My favorite part of scifi romances is when you can tell there is a language barrier. let the hilarious misunderstandings commence! This book is no different!! so cute! must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2021
Great great!!
What an awesome book! Trying out new authors to me and I'm glad I did. This series has 21 books so that will keep me busy a couple days!
What an awesome book! Trying out new authors to me and I'm glad I did. This series has 21 books so that will keep me busy a couple days!
January 3, 2022
Good
Xavier’s and Samatha’s love story is filled with action, loving, and adventure. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a built red alien warrior king! Whew, it sizzles!
Xavier’s and Samatha’s love story is filled with action, loving, and adventure. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a built red alien warrior king! Whew, it sizzles!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews