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Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy’s lawless outer rim…
Raised from birth to be a soldier, Kace Tameron is a disciplined, military-trained gladiator. He is on contract to the Kor Magna Arena to hone his fighting skills on the blood-soaked arena sand and then return to the military. He lives for one thing: to protect his planet, and on his world, love is forbidden. But then he collides with a feisty redhead from Earth who threatens to shatter his legendary control.
One moment, Rory Fraser was an engineer on a space station circling Jupiter and the next, she is abducted by evil alien slavers. After suffering at the hands of the Thraxians, she is rescued by her friends—with the help of the tough gladiators of the House of Galen. Rory finds herself outrageously attracted to straight-laced Kace. He is a skilled fighter, ultra-disciplined, and a hero at heart—but she knows passion beats within him, if only he’ll let it loose.
Rory is obsessed with finding another fellow abducted female from Earth, but as she asks questions, she finds herself ducking bullets and explosions. Someone wants Rory dead. Kace steps in as her protector, and together, they embark on a dangerous mission that will take them deep into the bowels of the arena, and deep into a scorching desire…both of which could lead them to lose not only their guarded hearts, but their lives as well.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and daring rescues), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a feisty engineer and a disciplined, uptight gladiator). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!
Includes a preview of Marcus, the first book in the Hell Squad series.
___________________________________________________
Q & A with the Author
Q - How would you describe the Galactic Gladiators series?
A – Gladiators in space! The desert planet of Carthago is home to the Kor Magna Arena: it’s a mix of low and high tech. Think the Colosseum of Ancient Rome with a touch of professional sports and a side of Las Vegas glitz and temptation. You’ll see a lot of action-packed romance as women abducted from Earth clash with tough, gritty gladiators fighting for love, honor, and freedom.
Q - Why did you want to write the series?
A – It’s no secret that I love action, adventure and romance. And I love science fiction romance and all the endless possibilities. Raiden, the gladiator hero of Gladiator, stormed into my head and wanted his story told. I saw this big, tough man covered in tattoos facing off with an equally tough female space marine from Earth. That’s where it all began, and since then the planet of Carthago, the intrigues of the Kor Magna Arena, and an amazing band of gladiators came to life.
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A - All the Galactic Gladiator books will be stand-alone romances centered on the Kor Magna Arena, rescuing abducted humans, and making a life far from home. Here's the order I suggest:
- Gladiator
- Warrior
- Hero
More gladiators coming soon!
About Anna: I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.
Raised from birth to be a soldier, Kace Tameron is a disciplined, military-trained gladiator. He is on contract to the Kor Magna Arena to hone his fighting skills on the blood-soaked arena sand and then return to the military. He lives for one thing: to protect his planet, and on his world, love is forbidden. But then he collides with a feisty redhead from Earth who threatens to shatter his legendary control.
One moment, Rory Fraser was an engineer on a space station circling Jupiter and the next, she is abducted by evil alien slavers. After suffering at the hands of the Thraxians, she is rescued by her friends—with the help of the tough gladiators of the House of Galen. Rory finds herself outrageously attracted to straight-laced Kace. He is a skilled fighter, ultra-disciplined, and a hero at heart—but she knows passion beats within him, if only he’ll let it loose.
Rory is obsessed with finding another fellow abducted female from Earth, but as she asks questions, she finds herself ducking bullets and explosions. Someone wants Rory dead. Kace steps in as her protector, and together, they embark on a dangerous mission that will take them deep into the bowels of the arena, and deep into a scorching desire…both of which could lead them to lose not only their guarded hearts, but their lives as well.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and daring rescues), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a feisty engineer and a disciplined, uptight gladiator). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!
Includes a preview of Marcus, the first book in the Hell Squad series.
___________________________________________________
Q & A with the Author
Q - How would you describe the Galactic Gladiators series?
A – Gladiators in space! The desert planet of Carthago is home to the Kor Magna Arena: it’s a mix of low and high tech. Think the Colosseum of Ancient Rome with a touch of professional sports and a side of Las Vegas glitz and temptation. You’ll see a lot of action-packed romance as women abducted from Earth clash with tough, gritty gladiators fighting for love, honor, and freedom.
Q - Why did you want to write the series?
A – It’s no secret that I love action, adventure and romance. And I love science fiction romance and all the endless possibilities. Raiden, the gladiator hero of Gladiator, stormed into my head and wanted his story told. I saw this big, tough man covered in tattoos facing off with an equally tough female space marine from Earth. That’s where it all began, and since then the planet of Carthago, the intrigues of the Kor Magna Arena, and an amazing band of gladiators came to life.
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A - All the Galactic Gladiator books will be stand-alone romances centered on the Kor Magna Arena, rescuing abducted humans, and making a life far from home. Here's the order I suggest:
- Gladiator
- Warrior
- Hero
More gladiators coming soon!
About Anna: I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2016
601 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
162 books2,900 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
January 9, 2020
Hero is book three in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett.
Hero is another superb novel in the series and I loved it!
Kace is a soldier and follows the rules. His only purpose in life is his training to be the ultimate soldier for his planet. The author did a spectacular job with the battle between himself to stay strong and not fall for Rory. You feel his struggles with his duty and also with him wanting to find something more. I adored and felt for Kace.
Rory is a strong, intelligent, and feisty read headed woman. She’s gone through being kidnapped by aliens, sold into slavery, and survived a rescue by the House of Galen. Having her paired with Kace was lots of fun. These two are total opposites. Their romance is just a fiery as Rory. I loved seeing the gladiator fall for his woman.
The world building is amazing. It keeps expanding and giving us new characters to enjoy. The evil Thraxians keep causing trouble and you wonder what is next. All the secondary characters are wonderful and the friendships between the gladiators is a lot of fun.
Hero is a mixture of suspense, action, and romance. Hackett is an amazing science fiction romance author. I feel in love with this series and devoured it one book after another.
Rated: 4 Stars
Hero is another superb novel in the series and I loved it!
Kace is a soldier and follows the rules. His only purpose in life is his training to be the ultimate soldier for his planet. The author did a spectacular job with the battle between himself to stay strong and not fall for Rory. You feel his struggles with his duty and also with him wanting to find something more. I adored and felt for Kace.
Rory is a strong, intelligent, and feisty read headed woman. She’s gone through being kidnapped by aliens, sold into slavery, and survived a rescue by the House of Galen. Having her paired with Kace was lots of fun. These two are total opposites. Their romance is just a fiery as Rory. I loved seeing the gladiator fall for his woman.
The world building is amazing. It keeps expanding and giving us new characters to enjoy. The evil Thraxians keep causing trouble and you wonder what is next. All the secondary characters are wonderful and the friendships between the gladiators is a lot of fun.
Hero is a mixture of suspense, action, and romance. Hackett is an amazing science fiction romance author. I feel in love with this series and devoured it one book after another.
Rated: 4 Stars
January 31, 2017
Another good edition to the series - but not great. Kace was in denial basically the entire book (which is a pet peeve of mine) and Rory (for a tough chick) kept coming back when I really wanted her to make him suffer a bit. Kace was not interested in other women and did not use them against her (thank goodness). While Kace is not the manwhore Thorin was (hero from the last book) the story with Thorin and Regan was better and hotter than this one.
The next book is NOT looking good. An almost feminine "showman" magician hero and an uptight bitch heroine is not a combination that appeals to me.
Where the hell is Galen's book?!?!
The next book is NOT looking good. An almost feminine "showman" magician hero and an uptight bitch heroine is not a combination that appeals to me.
Where the hell is Galen's book?!?!
December 18, 2016
Another winner! So hooked on this series :-)
August 11, 2018
I like the heroine and the pretty boy!:)
❤️
❤️
December 31, 2019
Four and a half from me
Finally the book I knew this author could write. I loved the idea of combining sci fi romance with the more barbaric and ancient practice of gladiator's squaring up to each other in the arena and yet with both the previous two stories I have not been as totally convinced as I'd wanted. With this book the author steps slightly more away from the idea of slaves fighting in the arena and introduces the idea of warriors using the fights as extended training and a way to hone their fighting skills.
So here is Rory, abducted from the space station she worked on and now trapped on an alien world. Ok she is no longer a prisoner and resides in the House of Galen but it turns out she is still far from safe! It's a good thing that the taciturn gladiator Kace seems determined to protect her but this strong silent, type has an agenda that doesn't include having feelings . Now Rory might not be totally onboard with that and if it's up to her Kace will give in and indulge but as a male of principles Kace will have to decide for himself just what's really important .
So I really liked this book and if honest thought it ended too soon! What really worked for me was seeing the world expanded and new characters are being added. Unfortunately the sneaky Thraxians are still causing trouble and I'm starting to wonder if there's ever going to be a resolution there. Our leads are interesting with Rory being somewhat hot headed so pairing her up with Kace who has been raised without love made for an interesting twist. It's always fun seeing the gladiators interact and I'm impressed by the differences the author imbues her characters with. As for the title , well you just have to trust that Ms Hackett has a trick up her sleeve! A good mixture of suspense , action and of course romance so it's another book that happily helped me while away an afternoon
Finally the book I knew this author could write. I loved the idea of combining sci fi romance with the more barbaric and ancient practice of gladiator's squaring up to each other in the arena and yet with both the previous two stories I have not been as totally convinced as I'd wanted. With this book the author steps slightly more away from the idea of slaves fighting in the arena and introduces the idea of warriors using the fights as extended training and a way to hone their fighting skills.
So here is Rory, abducted from the space station she worked on and now trapped on an alien world. Ok she is no longer a prisoner and resides in the House of Galen but it turns out she is still far from safe! It's a good thing that the taciturn gladiator Kace seems determined to protect her but this strong silent, type has an agenda that doesn't include having feelings . Now Rory might not be totally onboard with that and if it's up to her Kace will give in and indulge but as a male of principles Kace will have to decide for himself just what's really important .
So I really liked this book and if honest thought it ended too soon! What really worked for me was seeing the world expanded and new characters are being added. Unfortunately the sneaky Thraxians are still causing trouble and I'm starting to wonder if there's ever going to be a resolution there. Our leads are interesting with Rory being somewhat hot headed so pairing her up with Kace who has been raised without love made for an interesting twist. It's always fun seeing the gladiators interact and I'm impressed by the differences the author imbues her characters with. As for the title , well you just have to trust that Ms Hackett has a trick up her sleeve! A good mixture of suspense , action and of course romance so it's another book that happily helped me while away an afternoon
March 3, 2025
3.75✨ (rounded to 4 for GR)
1.5🌶️
⚔️[humanoid] alien romance on gladiator planet
⚔️scrappy human woman x stoic alien gladiator
⚔️alien man who doesn't think he knows how to love (she proves him wrong)
⚔️protective mmc
⚔️trusty [robotic] animal sidekick
Hero is entry number 3 in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett, and when you find out why it's named 'Hero', you'll be DELIGHTED.
While the setting of this series, an alien gladiator planet, is already a heavily interesting foundation, the first two entries in the series failed to truly grasp me, story and romance wise. However, third time is the charm and this entry managed to keep the good vibes going with the setting as well as tell an interesting, compact story.
Rory is our human FMC, a dislocated Terran trying to make a home for herself on a new planet, along with the other human survivors of a hostile alien attack. In Hero she's paired with Kace, a tightly controlled alien gladiator from a planet that reveres its emotionless military force. She wants to undo him, and he's determined to keep his distance from her. But when Rory starts to face threats against her life because of something she knows from her time in captivity, Kace will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even knowing there could be no future between them.
Hint: there is❤️
1.5🌶️
⚔️[humanoid] alien romance on gladiator planet
⚔️scrappy human woman x stoic alien gladiator
⚔️alien man who doesn't think he knows how to love (she proves him wrong)
⚔️protective mmc
⚔️trusty [robotic] animal sidekick
Hero is entry number 3 in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett, and when you find out why it's named 'Hero', you'll be DELIGHTED.
While the setting of this series, an alien gladiator planet, is already a heavily interesting foundation, the first two entries in the series failed to truly grasp me, story and romance wise. However, third time is the charm and this entry managed to keep the good vibes going with the setting as well as tell an interesting, compact story.
Rory is our human FMC, a dislocated Terran trying to make a home for herself on a new planet, along with the other human survivors of a hostile alien attack. In Hero she's paired with Kace, a tightly controlled alien gladiator from a planet that reveres its emotionless military force. She wants to undo him, and he's determined to keep his distance from her. But when Rory starts to face threats against her life because of something she knows from her time in captivity, Kace will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even knowing there could be no future between them.
Hint: there is❤️
September 29, 2019
Loved it!
Kace was an up tight, rule following gladiator. He felt his only purpose in life was to train and be the ultimate soldier for his planet. Reading as his composer is chiseled away by Rory was exciting and humorous. The battle between him trying to keep his distance and Rory trying to break through was perfectly laid out.
Feisty, strong, intelligent and smart ass are words I would use to describe Rory and I loved her! She has gone through captivity, being sold as an unique being, survived a rescue and lastly fighting to break through to Kace’s heart. But in the end he has to choose his planet or Rory.... *shock and awe*
Fantastic storyline. Superb build up to the next installment. Exceptional secondary characters. If you haven’t read it you must!
Happy reading! DD💕
Kace was an up tight, rule following gladiator. He felt his only purpose in life was to train and be the ultimate soldier for his planet. Reading as his composer is chiseled away by Rory was exciting and humorous. The battle between him trying to keep his distance and Rory trying to break through was perfectly laid out.
Feisty, strong, intelligent and smart ass are words I would use to describe Rory and I loved her! She has gone through captivity, being sold as an unique being, survived a rescue and lastly fighting to break through to Kace’s heart. But in the end he has to choose his planet or Rory.... *shock and awe*
Fantastic storyline. Superb build up to the next installment. Exceptional secondary characters. If you haven’t read it you must!
Happy reading! DD💕
February 16, 2017
Welcome to the Assembly Line
This Galactic Gladiator series is fun and just my favorite mix of action adventure and romance. It is incredibly light on the world building, and my dissatisfaction with this aspect is growing as the series advances. The plot is totally recycled. Nothing changed from book two to book three except a few quirks of the main characters, their backgrounds and details of the fights. There is a SERIOUS formula going on here, with the story flow mapped out exactly the same as book two, Warrior, except instead of the scary fighting in the bio-genetic jungle of the second book, we get scary fighting in the pits and tunnels of the underground fight arena. The emotional paths are the same, the women have their independent TSTL moments, the heroes get all possessive, the villains use the women as leverage to get the gladiators to crumble, the House of Galen comrades save the day, and there is even a nearly identical "moment" between the two characters who will lead the next installment. By book three it was incredibly easy to predict even how/when the intimacy with the couple would progress.
Besides this series I've only read one other book by Ms. Hackett, but what I've learned is that though well-written, by book three I am done being surprised. Clearly I am frustrated with the formulaic tone. With that said, Hackett writes characters that you care about, and who deserve their HEA. The characters are kind, true heroes, and you feel kind of good reading about their deeds. The flow is smooth, grammar is solid, and the story zips by in a blink. And even knowing how the plot is likely to progress, I still want to read Galen's story. I will definitely hold out for that one.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription
This Galactic Gladiator series is fun and just my favorite mix of action adventure and romance. It is incredibly light on the world building, and my dissatisfaction with this aspect is growing as the series advances. The plot is totally recycled. Nothing changed from book two to book three except a few quirks of the main characters, their backgrounds and details of the fights. There is a SERIOUS formula going on here, with the story flow mapped out exactly the same as book two, Warrior, except instead of the scary fighting in the bio-genetic jungle of the second book, we get scary fighting in the pits and tunnels of the underground fight arena. The emotional paths are the same, the women have their independent TSTL moments, the heroes get all possessive, the villains use the women as leverage to get the gladiators to crumble, the House of Galen comrades save the day, and there is even a nearly identical "moment" between the two characters who will lead the next installment. By book three it was incredibly easy to predict even how/when the intimacy with the couple would progress.
Besides this series I've only read one other book by Ms. Hackett, but what I've learned is that though well-written, by book three I am done being surprised. Clearly I am frustrated with the formulaic tone. With that said, Hackett writes characters that you care about, and who deserve their HEA. The characters are kind, true heroes, and you feel kind of good reading about their deeds. The flow is smooth, grammar is solid, and the story zips by in a blink. And even knowing how the plot is likely to progress, I still want to read Galen's story. I will definitely hold out for that one.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription
February 5, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series so far. The heroine is a very cool engineer on a quest to find the other abducted human women and the hero is a gladiator on the planet to improve his fighting skills.
The series plot arc advances nicely and the world building is good but the romance needs to be more in balance with the action to make me completely happy.
The series plot arc advances nicely and the world building is good but the romance needs to be more in balance with the action to make me completely happy.
March 8, 2017
~2.5 star~
This will likely be my last book to read in this series. The first 3 books just all seem way too similar. Everything from the plot to the characters. They are just too much alike. Several times I caught myself thinking "have I already read this book"? I do still think the writer is skilled, and will check out her other work, but for me personally this particular series has run its course.
This will likely be my last book to read in this series. The first 3 books just all seem way too similar. Everything from the plot to the characters. They are just too much alike. Several times I caught myself thinking "have I already read this book"? I do still think the writer is skilled, and will check out her other work, but for me personally this particular series has run its course.
February 16, 2017
When I read the synopsis for the first book, I thought this would be a series that would be entertaining. The first book for the most part peaked my interest and I believed the second book would answer questions left by the first book.
Nope, the first couple was wrapped up in a haphazardly bow and it was on to the next couple with a wet, wash, rinse, and repeat plot. However I didn't enjoy these characters as much. I was really confused how they kept calling the aliens a man. You're the best man I ever known! But the man has scales....I don't know of any human that has scales or tattooed at the age of 16'with the promise to become the monarch of a planet. How about you're the best male I'd ever known?
The third book... I just found myself skipping pages, chapters, and eventually skipped to the end. Just like the other two it ends with them finding their lost human friend with one of them grievously injured yet they make it back in time to the med chamber where their bodies are healed in a matter of hours. But wait there is a another human we must save them too! Not yet one of us is injured and bleeding heavily we must get them back to house.
Where is the intrigue, the angst? I wanted to know where Rory and Regan's kidnapping lead them to. Instead it starts off the same they are watching their potential albeit eventual significant others in the arena about to fight their mortal enemy whom they are not allowed to kill because they can get a verbal warning.
So many questions with so few answers....There is potential here, but the author really needs to research and stretch her imagination and rebuild the worlds, characters, and the plots. Not horrible just a work in progress.
Nope, the first couple was wrapped up in a haphazardly bow and it was on to the next couple with a wet, wash, rinse, and repeat plot. However I didn't enjoy these characters as much. I was really confused how they kept calling the aliens a man. You're the best man I ever known! But the man has scales....I don't know of any human that has scales or tattooed at the age of 16'with the promise to become the monarch of a planet. How about you're the best male I'd ever known?
The third book... I just found myself skipping pages, chapters, and eventually skipped to the end. Just like the other two it ends with them finding their lost human friend with one of them grievously injured yet they make it back in time to the med chamber where their bodies are healed in a matter of hours. But wait there is a another human we must save them too! Not yet one of us is injured and bleeding heavily we must get them back to house.
Where is the intrigue, the angst? I wanted to know where Rory and Regan's kidnapping lead them to. Instead it starts off the same they are watching their potential albeit eventual significant others in the arena about to fight their mortal enemy whom they are not allowed to kill because they can get a verbal warning.
So many questions with so few answers....There is potential here, but the author really needs to research and stretch her imagination and rebuild the worlds, characters, and the plots. Not horrible just a work in progress.
March 9, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
Hero is the third book in the "Galactic Gladiators" and this is where we get the story between Kace and Rory's book which was teased at the ending of the previous book "Warrior". I really was intrigued for this one, because we see that Rory is such a strong heroine, can hold her own if she needs to but also is new to this world and Kace is a warrior and a military man. It definitely has a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with such a forbidden feel to this romance and it was fascinating to see the author building up this story that just instantly keeps you hooked into it.
Summary
Kace is a military man, and has been on contract to work with the Galen Gladiators to learn fighting techniques. He is forbidden to marry or have any romantic entanglements. When he along with his team rescue Rory, there is instant chemistry between them. Due to his culture, they both mutually decide on a casual relationship. While they embrace their own sexual fling, emotions get in the way of their relationship, and Kace will have to make a decision between his loyalty to his home or to the woman he loves...
My Outlook
Hero was such a wonderful read and I couldn't seem to get enough of this one. There is something about these books that I am so quickly falling in love with. I just love the setting of this one here and seeing these two find their way together. So this one has a mix of forbidden and fling tropes. I really love the forbidden trope and it was so interesting seeing them work their way together on this one, trying to find her missing friends, but at the same time purusing their relationship. While its not my favorite of the series so far, I had so much fun with this one and just couldn't put it down. If you love sci fi romance or a well driven plot with suspense, you definitely need to pick this author up!
Overall View
Hero is such a delightful, action packed romance that delivers the steam, the emotion and the dramatics that combined together, brings such a superb read!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4
Cover: 3
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:3
Ending: 4
Overall View: 4
May 26, 2017
Enjoyed in one gulp
The books in this series just get better and better. The characters are interesting, the action fast-paced. The heroine and hero of the next book are usually introduced at the end, leaving you looking forward to their story.
Haven't yet felt compelled to re-read this story or the two earlier ones but definitely want to read others by this author.
The books in this series just get better and better. The characters are interesting, the action fast-paced. The heroine and hero of the next book are usually introduced at the end, leaving you looking forward to their story.
Haven't yet felt compelled to re-read this story or the two earlier ones but definitely want to read others by this author.
April 30, 2018
Review to come
July 20, 2017
Series just gets better!
I'm in love with this series. Can't get enough of these alien gladiators!! Rory and Kace were perfect for each other!! Now I need the next one!!
I'm in love with this series. Can't get enough of these alien gladiators!! Rory and Kace were perfect for each other!! Now I need the next one!!
February 20, 2025
Кейс (гладиатор) и Рори (човек)
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Трета книга от страхотна поредица на Анна Хакет.
След като е отвлечена от извънземни и продадена като експонат в частната колекция на побъркан извънземен, живота на инженера Аурора, или Рори, както я наричат приятелите й, се променя безвъзвратно. Сега, благодарение на братовчедка й Рийган, приятелката й Харпър и гладиаторите от дома на Гейлан, Рори е свободна и започва малко по малко да се подрежда. От всичките гладиатори, Рори усеща силно привличане към Кейс.
Кейс не е роб, и никога не е бил. Роден и отгледан на военна планета, още от детството си, той познава само военния живот. На планетата му неща като любов и семейство са забранени. Още от три годишна възраст децата започват да се обучават, така, че да са най-полезни за армията. Нямат родители и нямат семейства. Чувствата са строго забранени. Дори сексуалните им контакти са точно определени от управниците. Хората се интересуват само от едно нещо. Просперитета и защитата на планетата.
Кейс е изпратен на Картаго, за да усъвършенства бойната си техника с договор за гладиатор за две години. Той е на планетата от половин година, и всичко, което иска е да се учи да бъде най-добрия воин, за да е полезен за планетата. Желанието, което изпитва към Рори е нещо непознато за него, и той се бори с всички сили срещу него.
През цялото време това ме дразнеше, колко упорито отблъскваше Рори. Правеше всичко по силите си да й помага в търсенето на Маделин, направи й страхотен подарък, защитаваше я и я ревнуваше и все пак постоянно я отблъскваше.
Края обаче беше страхотен. Не го очаквах и ми хареса супер много. Само заради сладурския край си заслужава книгата да се прочете супер бързо. <3
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Трета книга от страхотна поредица на Анна Хакет.
След като е отвлечена от извънземни и продадена като експонат в частната колекция на побъркан извънземен, живота на инженера Аурора, или Рори, както я наричат приятелите й, се променя безвъзвратно. Сега, благодарение на братовчедка й Рийган, приятелката й Харпър и гладиаторите от дома на Гейлан, Рори е свободна и започва малко по малко да се подрежда. От всичките гладиатори, Рори усеща силно привличане към Кейс.
Кейс не е роб, и никога не е бил. Роден и отгледан на военна планета, още от детството си, той познава само военния живот. На планетата му неща като любов и семейство са забранени. Още от три годишна възраст децата започват да се обучават, така, че да са най-полезни за армията. Нямат родители и нямат семейства. Чувствата са строго забранени. Дори сексуалните им контакти са точно определени от управниците. Хората се интересуват само от едно нещо. Просперитета и защитата на планетата.
Кейс е изпратен на Картаго, за да усъвършенства бойната си техника с договор за гладиатор за две години. Той е на планетата от половин година, и всичко, което иска е да се учи да бъде най-добрия воин, за да е полезен за планетата. Желанието, което изпитва към Рори е нещо непознато за него, и той се бори с всички сили срещу него.
През цялото време това ме дразнеше, колко упорито отблъскваше Рори. Правеше всичко по силите си да й помага в търсенето на Маделин, направи й страхотен подарък, защитаваше я и я ревнуваше и все пак постоянно я отблъскваше.
Края обаче беше страхотен. Не го очаквах и ми хареса супер много. Само заради сладурския край си заслужава книгата да се прочете супер бързо. <3
May 25, 2018
Recycled Plot
The first two books in the series were fun, light hot gladiator escapism This third book seems like a recycled plot of the first two books in the series, of lets go rescue our friend. There was nothing new in this book that propelled the series forward, so I will be jumping off the alien gladiator train.
Now if you like your escapism with loads of hot sex, then you might like this book. But FYI don’t read one book right after the other or it will seem as if you’ve read the book before.
Happy Reading. I read this via kindle unlimited.
The first two books in the series were fun, light hot gladiator escapism This third book seems like a recycled plot of the first two books in the series, of lets go rescue our friend. There was nothing new in this book that propelled the series forward, so I will be jumping off the alien gladiator train.
Now if you like your escapism with loads of hot sex, then you might like this book. But FYI don’t read one book right after the other or it will seem as if you’ve read the book before.
Happy Reading. I read this via kindle unlimited.
January 10, 2018
Another great one & this combo left me grinning. I love how we get to see all the previous book characters as well.
November 4, 2018
As I've read most of this series now, the rest are going to be more like mini-reviews than full fledged reviews. As a background the series is about a spaceship from Earth that was captured by an evil alien race and most of the survivors who are mostly women, are sold as slaves. The planet they've been sold to is a most interesting kind of place. Most of the heroes who rescue the women one book at a time are gladiators in the House of Galen. It's kind of a mash-up of ancient Rome, Medieval Times like meets Los Vegas.
In this one Kace is our hero. He comes from another planet and is working on a training assignment learning to fight better and with different types of weapons. His is a very militaristic planet, constantly at war. As such, love and affection and all that jazz aren't even a blip on his radar but that changes when the gladiators rescue Rory.
She was an engineer on the space ship and was rescued in the previous book. Kace is most astonished when he begins to develop feelings for Rory and they are returned. but there is a time limit on any kind of relationship as he has to go back and once again pickup the mantle of battling for his planet.
This is one of my more favourite books in this series. I love seeing a tough guy flummoxed and knocked over by love. As with the others of course, their issues are solved and as the fairly tale says, live happily ever after. This one gets a 4.5.
In this one Kace is our hero. He comes from another planet and is working on a training assignment learning to fight better and with different types of weapons. His is a very militaristic planet, constantly at war. As such, love and affection and all that jazz aren't even a blip on his radar but that changes when the gladiators rescue Rory.
She was an engineer on the space ship and was rescued in the previous book. Kace is most astonished when he begins to develop feelings for Rory and they are returned. but there is a time limit on any kind of relationship as he has to go back and once again pickup the mantle of battling for his planet.
This is one of my more favourite books in this series. I love seeing a tough guy flummoxed and knocked over by love. As with the others of course, their issues are solved and as the fairly tale says, live happily ever after. This one gets a 4.5.
April 14, 2025
After being abducted by aliens she may be damaged, but she is strong, sassy and takes no prisoners. All she wants is freedom
Hero has captured all the elements of a great SciFi story, creatures of all sorts, gladiators, deadly trials, secret agendas, mystery, action, frustrations, pain, suffering, romance, and much, much more.
The story is told in multiple POV which I think makes or breaks a story as you get inside their thoughts, feelings etc that make the story feel more rounded.
The life of a gladiator is a dark and dangerous place full of secrets and lies and is brutal and deadly it will either make or break them.
I recommend this if you are looking for an enjoyable read.
Hero has captured all the elements of a great SciFi story, creatures of all sorts, gladiators, deadly trials, secret agendas, mystery, action, frustrations, pain, suffering, romance, and much, much more.
The story is told in multiple POV which I think makes or breaks a story as you get inside their thoughts, feelings etc that make the story feel more rounded.
The life of a gladiator is a dark and dangerous place full of secrets and lies and is brutal and deadly it will either make or break them.
I recommend this if you are looking for an enjoyable read.
October 31, 2017
3 1/2 stars
This is pretty good scifi romance fluff. The thing is that it is blending in one with the other. Seems the Gladiators all fall for their human as "love at first sight" yet might be stand offish. Love is the lust of first meeting as they really don't know one another at all or their story. Still that is the way of these shorts that have a lot of world building too. At least this one makes pretty good sense even if the timing is so coincidental for some of the scenes and finding out stuff.
This is pretty good scifi romance fluff. The thing is that it is blending in one with the other. Seems the Gladiators all fall for their human as "love at first sight" yet might be stand offish. Love is the lust of first meeting as they really don't know one another at all or their story. Still that is the way of these shorts that have a lot of world building too. At least this one makes pretty good sense even if the timing is so coincidental for some of the scenes and finding out stuff.
April 30, 2019
Love vs. Loyalty and Duty
On the desert planet of Carthago, a group of gladiators secretly work to free enslaved beings not suited to the violent world they find themselves in. One of these vigilante gladiators becomes caught between his duty to return to the emotionless world where he's been trained his whole life to be a soldier, and his passion for a rescued Earth woman. Along the way he battles in the arena while also confronting the dangers and adventures involved in rescuing his love's captured friends. Fun adventure and hot romance!
On the desert planet of Carthago, a group of gladiators secretly work to free enslaved beings not suited to the violent world they find themselves in. One of these vigilante gladiators becomes caught between his duty to return to the emotionless world where he's been trained his whole life to be a soldier, and his passion for a rescued Earth woman. Along the way he battles in the arena while also confronting the dangers and adventures involved in rescuing his love's captured friends. Fun adventure and hot romance!
July 12, 2017
3.5 stars.
I found it funny that the title of this book is actually the name the heroine gave to her robot dog...
Nevertheless, another entertaining and sexy installment. These books seem to be following a formula that so far is working for me.
I found it funny that the title of this book is actually the name the heroine gave to her robot dog...
Nevertheless, another entertaining and sexy installment. These books seem to be following a formula that so far is working for me.
June 15, 2017
Straight laced military alien meets a fiery red head.
Rory has red hair with the temperature to match., Kace has been raised to show no emotion and to avoid it. Together they find a way to live and love.
Rory has red hair with the temperature to match., Kace has been raised to show no emotion and to avoid it. Together they find a way to live and love.
April 6, 2019
Loooved it!
Another wild and enjoyable story in the Galactic Gladiators world! Fast paced with loads of action and a few surprises, this high-chemistry romance will have you turning the pages as quickly as possible!!
Another wild and enjoyable story in the Galactic Gladiators world! Fast paced with loads of action and a few surprises, this high-chemistry romance will have you turning the pages as quickly as possible!!
September 23, 2017
Liking this series
I really liked the other books before this one in the series and wanted to know what happened to the missing people... so of course, had to keep reading.
Not a hardship to read, quite enjoyable :)
I really liked the other books before this one in the series and wanted to know what happened to the missing people... so of course, had to keep reading.
Not a hardship to read, quite enjoyable :)
May 3, 2022
This was a reread for me, but a new “listen” with the audio version narrated by Vivienne Leheny. I again enjoyed the alien world depicted in HERO. I especially enjoy the action scenes and settings. The sexual situations occur more frequently than necessary, IMO, and the FMC was at times a bit much but overall I found myself pulled into the story wondering what would happen next. Angst is low which I prefer and the heroes, though a rough lot, honorable, competent and worthy.
ORIGINAL POST ~
4 Stars - HERO is bk#3 in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett. I missed the GALACTIC GLADIATOR series when it was first publish. It’s a delightful mix of Action & Adventure and a bit of Steamy Romance in a Space Opera world, in the Danger/Proximity trope. HERO, #3 (and the entire GALACTIC GLADIATORS series/HOUSE of RONE series) is a great series/book for people who enjoyed Star Trek/SG-1 type television but wished or would have been okay with more romance/steam. I recommend HERO to readers who haven’t yet discovered Anna Hackett’s worlds in her various genres and series. HERO can be read as a standalone title yet the complete 12 book series includes an over-reaching story arc that is best enjoyed when they are all read in order, (especially after the 1st three books). The world building in this series is fascinating, the characters unique, and the storylines keep my interest - not wanting to stop reading until I am finished. I have purchased and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Kace/MMC comes is from a planet where everyone serves in some military capacity - selected and trained from childhood. Kace is a career soldier and has been sent to the Kor Magna Arena, the fiercest arena in the galaxy’s outer rim, on a 2 yrs contract to fine tune his fighting skills before rejoining back his home troops.
Rory Fraser/FMC (a fiery, red-headed human woman) is a martial-arts trained engineer who was working on the earth Space Station Fortuna orbiting Jupiter, prior to its attack. Following the unforeseen attack by the lawless Thraxians, the very few survivors (including Rory) were taken as slaves. Rory was then beaten and sold to a crazy but wealthy Vorn fancier as an addition to his “Pet” collection. Rory is rescued by the House of Galen gladiators in the conclusion of the previous book.
In HERO, the gladiators from the House of Galen are attempting to track down any other human survivors from the space station Fortuna. There are rumors of another small, earth woman being held captive somewhere in the alleys and dark holes of Kor Magna. The description matches that of the space station’s civilian commander, Madeline, who Rory saw last in a dark cell of Thraxian slaves before her own escape. While the House of Galen gladiators ask questions and quietly search the city, Mace desires to protect Rory. It seems someone wants Rory - dead or alive. Why? Is it the Thraxians, or another vile group yet unknown? Has she seen something she shouldn’t?
Reader Cautions - Not recommended to readers who prefer Clean fiction or to YA readers.
Violence - Yes. Sci-Fi and Gladiator action/fighting scenes (think Star Wars/SG-1 mixed with The Gladiator) but not written in an extremely graphic/dark manner.
Profanity - Yes. Occasionally strong language is used.
Sexual situations - Yes. Steamy sexual intimacy is present between the 2 main characters, plus other relationships are mentioned.
ORIGINAL POST ~
4 Stars - HERO is bk#3 in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett. I missed the GALACTIC GLADIATOR series when it was first publish. It’s a delightful mix of Action & Adventure and a bit of Steamy Romance in a Space Opera world, in the Danger/Proximity trope. HERO, #3 (and the entire GALACTIC GLADIATORS series/HOUSE of RONE series) is a great series/book for people who enjoyed Star Trek/SG-1 type television but wished or would have been okay with more romance/steam. I recommend HERO to readers who haven’t yet discovered Anna Hackett’s worlds in her various genres and series. HERO can be read as a standalone title yet the complete 12 book series includes an over-reaching story arc that is best enjoyed when they are all read in order, (especially after the 1st three books). The world building in this series is fascinating, the characters unique, and the storylines keep my interest - not wanting to stop reading until I am finished. I have purchased and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Kace/MMC comes is from a planet where everyone serves in some military capacity - selected and trained from childhood. Kace is a career soldier and has been sent to the Kor Magna Arena, the fiercest arena in the galaxy’s outer rim, on a 2 yrs contract to fine tune his fighting skills before rejoining back his home troops.
Rory Fraser/FMC (a fiery, red-headed human woman) is a martial-arts trained engineer who was working on the earth Space Station Fortuna orbiting Jupiter, prior to its attack. Following the unforeseen attack by the lawless Thraxians, the very few survivors (including Rory) were taken as slaves. Rory was then beaten and sold to a crazy but wealthy Vorn fancier as an addition to his “Pet” collection. Rory is rescued by the House of Galen gladiators in the conclusion of the previous book.
In HERO, the gladiators from the House of Galen are attempting to track down any other human survivors from the space station Fortuna. There are rumors of another small, earth woman being held captive somewhere in the alleys and dark holes of Kor Magna. The description matches that of the space station’s civilian commander, Madeline, who Rory saw last in a dark cell of Thraxian slaves before her own escape. While the House of Galen gladiators ask questions and quietly search the city, Mace desires to protect Rory. It seems someone wants Rory - dead or alive. Why? Is it the Thraxians, or another vile group yet unknown? Has she seen something she shouldn’t?
Reader Cautions - Not recommended to readers who prefer Clean fiction or to YA readers.
Violence - Yes. Sci-Fi and Gladiator action/fighting scenes (think Star Wars/SG-1 mixed with The Gladiator) but not written in an extremely graphic/dark manner.
Profanity - Yes. Occasionally strong language is used.
Sexual situations - Yes. Steamy sexual intimacy is present between the 2 main characters, plus other relationships are mentioned.
April 6, 2019
They are all pretty generic, but they are short & free.
December 6, 2016
Ah, this is better. After not really enjoying the last book in this series, I was a little worried about reading this one. I shouldn’t have been, because the latest Galactic Gladiators tale is much more of a classic Hackett book with a strongly determined heroine who is a perfect match for the honourable, brave, emotionally remote hero.
I do wish, however, that everything didn’t start right where the last book left off. All the human characters in this series may have started in the same place, but they have different stories for how they reached their current place and I would have liked to have seen a little more of that. Even a little recap of Rory being rescued in the last book might have been nice, because if you’re new to this series, this book doesn’t do anything to help you settle in.
Still, that aside, I liked Rory. She’s a feisty redhead with a constant need to fix things, and though she is small she’s also plenty capable of taking care of herself. Her pursuit of Kace bordered on pushy at times, but when she fully understands him she does back off. I might have liked a little more depth to her – especially her fix-it and fighting skills – but on the whole I liked her.
I liked Kace too, the strong, silent warrior. Again, it might have been nice to have known a little bit more about his life before he joined the House of Galen – and how that came about – beyond vague impressions of being turned into an honourable but emotionless warrior. He’s a good guy who struggles manfully to resist, but of course his ultimate surrender is everything you could hope for.
The overall plot continues to advance, though with every passing book I begin to wonder at the fact the Galen gladiators are never even close to beaten. I also question why the Thraxians haven’t been utterly destroyed yet, since nobody likes them. Regardless, a little more of the world is revealed and new leads are discovered that show this series is far from over yet.
Overall this was a quick, enjoyable read with plenty of heat and action. Kace is definitely my favourite hero so far, I just wish both he and Rory had been given a little more background and depth. The dog is pretty cute, though. If you’re looking for an easy, sexy sci-fi read, you can’t go far wrong with an Anna Hackett book.
(ARC provided by the author.)
I do wish, however, that everything didn’t start right where the last book left off. All the human characters in this series may have started in the same place, but they have different stories for how they reached their current place and I would have liked to have seen a little more of that. Even a little recap of Rory being rescued in the last book might have been nice, because if you’re new to this series, this book doesn’t do anything to help you settle in.
Still, that aside, I liked Rory. She’s a feisty redhead with a constant need to fix things, and though she is small she’s also plenty capable of taking care of herself. Her pursuit of Kace bordered on pushy at times, but when she fully understands him she does back off. I might have liked a little more depth to her – especially her fix-it and fighting skills – but on the whole I liked her.
I liked Kace too, the strong, silent warrior. Again, it might have been nice to have known a little bit more about his life before he joined the House of Galen – and how that came about – beyond vague impressions of being turned into an honourable but emotionless warrior. He’s a good guy who struggles manfully to resist, but of course his ultimate surrender is everything you could hope for.
The overall plot continues to advance, though with every passing book I begin to wonder at the fact the Galen gladiators are never even close to beaten. I also question why the Thraxians haven’t been utterly destroyed yet, since nobody likes them. Regardless, a little more of the world is revealed and new leads are discovered that show this series is far from over yet.
Overall this was a quick, enjoyable read with plenty of heat and action. Kace is definitely my favourite hero so far, I just wish both he and Rory had been given a little more background and depth. The dog is pretty cute, though. If you’re looking for an easy, sexy sci-fi read, you can’t go far wrong with an Anna Hackett book.
(ARC provided by the author.)
December 13, 2016
A HERO FINDS HIS DESTINY - SIZZLING ROMANCE
A melt-your-heart romantic tale with much action, suspense, life-threatening incidents, and filling your heart with feelings you never thought existed with a few added surprises.
Kace Tameron an Antarian soldier, is a visitor to the House of Galen to put more of an edge to his battle skills for his planet. He was raised without affection and brainwashed to believe that the only life he has to know is fighting for his planet. Rory Fraser captured by Thraxians and rescued by the House of Galen is the fiery red-head that rips Kace’s focus to pieces with her sassy Earth attitude and love of life. When Rory’s life is threatened daily and she refuses to give up the search to find another woman from Earth, Kace will not leave her side, the need to protect her life is necessary for his piece of mind.
The author has definitely succeeded in giving readers another book that they can stay glued to with a smile ending conclusion. The intriguing plot, sexual build up and picturesque vivid scene descriptions are wonderful as is the witty dialogue between Kace and Rory. I love the camaraderie among the Gladiators in the House of Galen; even though they are not family by blood they back each other up, protect the ones they love and help the less fortunate. The romance between Rory and Kace is certainly convincing; Rory challenges Kace and it is so fun to see how she takes up residence in his closed up heart as their passion and devotion for each other is more than sensuous and shines throughout the story. I did get a little teary in this story; the back stories are heartfelt and I adored these two together. If you treasure hot Gladiators with a desire to protect and sassy heroines this is definitely a fantastic book for your library. {This is a voluntary review of an advanced reader copy}. Without reservations, I recommend this book.
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