Cecily Griggs doesn't know what she'll do on the alien ship after she and her friends were sold by their old captain. When an old friend sends a distress signal from a planet of slave-traders, Griggs knows what has to happen -- she'll get Heidi back, or die trying. She's ready for a solo mission when the watchful, smoking hot Vrix insists on going with her. Griggs doesn't need the distraction of his silver eyes or rocky voice, but his muscles will definitely come in handy...
Vrix wants nothing more than to claim Griggs as his own. She's fierce and independent and so sensual she makes his scales rattle with just a look. A short rescue mission is the perfect opportunity to seduce her -- especially when Griggs has to masquerade as his slave so they can access the darkest secrets on the wild planet. But when someone kidnaps her and Griggs disappears into the underground, Vrix will do anything to get her back.
When old enemies ambush her and try to settle the score for attacking the Alliance, Griggs fights to save her friend and herself. Can she trust Vrix to help them escape, or will she spend the rest of her life fighting alone?
Overall, the book was awful. Read on if you want spoilers.
I had really high hopes for Griggs but her story was not executed properly. It was said she was damaged from her past but we don’t ever find out what really happened. She also did not behave in the strategic way you would expect a security officer to behave, especially one who could take out a Xaravian. She still came out as a completely helpless woman. She was just manipulated to think she was coming out on top. All of her potential was wasted. The sex scenes were awful. It was like a 12 year old boy wrote them. The amount of times her stomach “swelled” was crazy. Seriously, wtf! Does the author not realize how much she would have to drink to physically see her stomach swell? That is just disgusting to think about. Is she deathly thin and him large enough to rip her in two? How else would he be able to see himself move through her stomach? I want to puke just thinking about it. I couldn’t help but to just skim to see when it ended. In the end the transporter put their limbs on backwards and it was just glossed over. Who tf wouldn’t think it was a big deal that they couldn’t use their hands and feet properly?! A couple days later they were just magically healed. Sorry, that doesn’t work for me. This book was just one big NOPE for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a decent installment, but I liked the first book in the series better. I did love the concept of the heroine being strong willed and independent and able to fight her own battles. The romance I found to be lacking though. There was a lot of build up for them as a couple but I don’t feel it was executed well. They weren’t together in the romantic sense for most of this book, but then it just happened but I never felt the genuine chemistry between their characters. Also, while I do like a read that has some adventure, this one seemed to have a bit too much going on. It would have been nice if there had been more character and relationship development and a little bit less "adventure".
I am glad it was offered as a kindleunlimited and I'll likely check out the next book in this series.
I'm sure the author ment for Griggs to be a strong, though, kick ass woman. Unfortunately she came off as angry, reckless & TDTL. I had hoped somewhere in the story she would redeem herself, but she didn't. This story had a good plot but fell way short compared to the first book. Even the sex scenes were bad. This book was an epic fail.
Oh I enjoyed this read. Story line is written well and the characters are awesome. This is a standalone but I am falling for the series, can't wait for the next book
This is a delightful quick read. Fun humor, engaging characters, a plot worth following with interesting twists and unexpected turns. This story builds on a relationship that was seen in the background of the previous book, but their instant chemistry leaves me feeling this story can stand well on its own.
Vrix has great confidence in, and respect for Griggs, something that I felt was clear to the reader throughout, but was something that, because of her past, Griggs had to both discover and learn to accept.
Both stories in this series have dealt with a variety of trust issues, as well as a theme of people in positions of either power or responsibility needing to be able to be able to be counted on to behave in the best interest of those in their care, or those who are weaker.
I was gifted with a copy of this story, and switched to the Kindle Unlimited version when it was published.
Let me be honest: I don't know if it was me, if it was the book, or if it was this book at this particular time. I was so excited to read Griggs' and Vrix's story. The animosity between them in Vaant! I was so ready for more fireworks. Well. That was ... not what I got.
I know that I really liked Vaant, the first book in this series, (actually, that was the feeling I had but when I went back to read my review on it, I definitely rated it 3.5 stars. So, not truly "really liked?"). But you know when you liked something then it's a while before you can get to the next book so you have to refresh your memory? I hit that refresh button so hard in my brain when I started this book. Luckily, it was things like scales rattling (which makes me chuckle) and the beginning of each chapter doing a bit of a rewind (which irritates me a tiny bit) that brought it all fresh to my mind. I enjoy this world and the characters the authors created.
That said, I thought Vrix was a letdown. Maybe I built it up too high in my mind, but the sparks, the fireworks, the clashing just wasn't there. Griggs tends to be my favorite kind of heroine in science fiction romance: strong, a leader, hot-headed, and gives absolutely no shits though she can sometimes be vulnerable. Paired against a hero who has the exact same qualities and can go toe-to-toe with that kind of heroine, that stuff is my crack. I wanted it so bad for this book. I got a fizzle instead.
For a security specialist, Griggs came across as really immature and non-professional at the beginning of this book. She was supposed to be a character who was hot-headed and strong-willed, but there’s a difference between having those characteristics and not showing much competence or knowledge when it comes to safety and investigation. Some of her fighting skills were shown right at the beginning of the book when she's teaching a class in a specialized technique, but the security part of her job just seemed to be really lacking.
This just wasn't the Griggs that we were introduced to in Vaant. Add to that, her story line in Vrix wasn't consistent. It seemed as if the authors weren't completely on the same page when it came to Griggs' background or where they wanted to go with it.
As for Vrix, if you hadn't read Vaant you may have gotten a sense of insta-love. There was no buildup to the emotion or relationship. I also don't think he was as intimidating in his own book as he was in Vrix. There were a few points when he got dominating, but it just didn't seem natural when compared to the rest of the book. It was more as if the authors had a checklist of what they wanted to include in their book and that BDSM-lite scene fit the bill. If there had been some kind of lead up to that or other hints, it would have made complete sense.
Maybe it sounds like I hated this book. I didn't, really. Maybe it’s just because I wasn’t totally engaged with this book, but it felt very formulaic. I think there was a very good foundation, especially with the hints of it we got in Vaant for these two characters, but the authors never reached the full potential of what they had here, not only in the story line, but also in Griggs and Vrix.
WILL THE FIERCE SECOND IN COMMAND BE COMMANDED BY A WOMAN?
There is a reason why so many people write books with Juno Wells, and that is because she is the Queen of the Alien Romance. “Vrix” is another well written book by Juno Wells and Layla Nash. It is the second in the series of The Galaxos Crew. “Vrix” is about the story of Vrix, who is second in command to Vaant, and Cecily Griggs the human security officer that was one of the five women given to Vaant in the first book. Vrix knew when he carried Griggs off the Alliance spaceship that she was his mate. He had to take it carefully where she was concerned because she is fierce and self-resilient. A distress signal is received from an old friend who happens to be on a planet that notorious for roughness and slave traders. Of course, being who she is, Griggs is prepared to rescue her friend on her own, but Vrix isn’t having any of it. Since he wants to claim Griggs he decides to travel with her under the ruse that he owns her and she is his slave. Even though they made some lead way, on tracking her friend, Griggs is kidnapped by her old captain that had a score to settle with her. Vrix is prepared to turn the planet upside down to find Griggs, even if it means he must die trying. Will he be able to find Griggs and save her and her friend, or will she have to continue to fight alone? There are lots of surprises that lead to a GREAT book. You surely do not want to miss this book.
No Spoilers. Advanced Reader Copy read voluntarily and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Going from reading Vaant and Isla’s story to Griggs and Vrix kind of set my mind to expectations. And I can’t say I was surprised or upset. I was laughing out loud to myself and felt immersed in the banter between Vrix and Griggs. Storyline was more detailed with this one only because they are on a stationary planet with a mission. The tension between them is intense but it doesn’t explode like I was expecting which is understandable given the circumstances. One thing that drives me crazy and I really hope the entire story behind Griggs’ personality is answered later is the reason why she is so prickly and quick to fight. The small tidbits given during a moment she has with Vrix doesn’t sell it for me. Teenage angst and “wrong side of the tracks” would not make a person be who she is now. It almost is perceived by the reader that she had some form of sexual abuse by the implications only to find out that it wasn’t? Highly confusing and underdeveloped story writing.
Fair warning.. Vaant and Isla were lovey and mushy and has a “barely there” aggressive moment. When Vrix and Griggs become intimate it could trigger some people or be a complete turn off. Griggs goes from being a hard exterior to craving degradation in less than a week with Vrix? Not believable by any means. Just fair warning.. trigger situations can be perceived by this one.
Definitely liked this one more than the first, although the first was pretty good too. Griggs, she's a woman I'd wanna be BFF's with any day of the week. Strong in both body and mind, dedicated, and refuses to take shit lying down.
Vrix isn't very exciting to be honest, but it was nice having such a patient and determined H. everything about these guys sounds attractive as hell, although I'd be afraid of losing an eye on one of those spikes lol. The only thing I find more than a little ridiculous is the amount of cum they can produce; supposedly making the h's stomach swell just a bit as she swallows? Sounds like a bad animated porn (don't ask).
All in all, I liked this book and I have to give a shout-out to the space chickens; don't piss those girls off, they'll eat your ass under their house. <3
Griggs is amazingly strong and staggeringly sassy. but she's impetuous and acts on rage impulse. I wanted to shake her sometimes. It was a great suspense plotline full of angst and I was thinking this save the day was going to be epic. the humour in the story had me laughing especially the space chickens. the fight with the all in brawl was exciting and I simply didn't know whether to laugh, sigh or cry. Rachel music, is better in this book than the first, her voices for each character brought this story to life. It was fast and pacey with phew! wonderful steam . I don't know why the reviews were negative with Vrix as I really enjoyed this adventure. I'd go so far as to say this dialogue and story had more fun and action than book 1 I liked C.C. and Vrix's story better than Isla and Vaants. Their HEA was definitely more hard fought than the 2 in book 1.
Loved Vrix. Didn't really care for Griggs. She had little substance beyond an overwhelming secret that....to me... wasn't overwhelming at all. She showed a little character development (very little). The culture and the world were a little more developed and I like the tie into the first book. This book read like a TV show episode as well, and I would still be interested in learning more about the world itself. The sex was spicy but read as a little too much fantasy. I guess I like my sex more realistic and the effortless orgasms with cocks so big you can see their outlines in the woman's body doesn't seem too realistic to me. Or the bellies swelling with all the seed pumped into them. Maybe I'm just not as sexually knowledgeable but seriously, some of that read as painful!
On one hand Griggs is deaf to all logic and good advice and precipitous to the point of stupidity and I wouldn't have gone anywhere with her, let alone a mission where a wrong move could get me killed. On the other, Vrix is adorable.
Then, there is the fact that sex scenes are NOT sexy. I mean, not sexy to the point where I cringe and think "is she going to need a doctor after this?" But there are also three side characters - Thula, Bula and Mirti aka the "space chickens" who I thought were awesome.
This book deserves two stars, but I'm giving it three, because honestly, I want Thula, Bula and Mirti to be in every book I read from now on.
Griggs just knows what she wants and then goes for it. SHe's a powerhouse, and when her friend/fellow former Alliance member needs rescue, she's there! Nevermind that the rebel crew of Galaxos and their human female allies think it's a really bad idea... So Vrix, who somehow has taken notice of Griggs in a way no-one ever has, tags along on her rescue mission so he can "keep her safe." The laugh is on him, and the onus id on her, as the mission lurches from danger to danger. It's a heart-in-mouth read, with a seriously steamy side of sexy, and kept me reading cover-to-cover.
I love Vrix. He's so confused by his feelings and is convinced Griggs is the greatest person in the universe. He's so into her, while all the while supporting her and not underestimating her ability. Griggs is fun to read. She's hyper competent, but never over powered. They're both full characters, not just archetypes.
The spice is good, but there isn't too much. I wouldn't count this as erotic. It's more a sci-fi adventure that happens to have spice. There's plenty of plot.
I'm glad I continued the series. It sets up the next books really well and I think it would be hard to read the series out of order. You absolutely could, but you'd miss a lot.
The main female character to be a head of security sure did act stupid and immature. I thought heads of security would be able to put puzzles together and think with some common sense to come up with a plan. But when she gets down planet side all common sense just goes out the window. She just wants to step and run around like a head strong moron. She also did not really ever show any tenderness and love towards Vrix during their planetside adventure. It was the all about her show when he kept trying so hard. He deserves better. I did really like the 3 alien chickens though!!!
Griggs is not my favorite; she's a little too abrasive and brash for my taste. I love her fierce loyalty and protective nature, but her hot-headedness is a red flag for me. Vrix has the patience of a saint to put up with her. Like the first novel in this series, I appreciated that this one spent most of it focused on badass women and their actions on a mission, rather than just lust and smut, without any development of plot or character.
I really enjoyed book 1, Vaant, but this was somehow better - more intense, greater characters and page turning plot twists. The sexual tension between Vrix and Griggs was palatable and very entertaining. Lots of emotional highs and lows follows by a satisfying HEA. Here's to book 3...
I would actually give this a 4.5 but bumped it up. I liked the first book better. I really like Vrix and Cecily’s relationship. I don’t think Vrix would have been happy with a meek and obedient mate. He needs someone with fire that can challenge him and is his equal. Somethings were predictable but that’s okay with me. Overall I really liked this story.
These series are really well-written! Layla Nash is a good storyteller and I found myself I read this book for "so what happens next" even more than for smut, which is actually funny cause I pick up these types of books for smut :D I rate 3, simply because Griggs is not my type of heroine (bossy-kick-ass-good-at-martial-arts), so I can't say I fully enjoyed the book. Vrix is amazing, though.
Wonderful read. I really enjoyed this book. Romance adventure, comedy, great plot that keeps you guessing and surprises you at every turn. Once you start reading you don't want to stop. Can't wait to read #3 in this series.
Griggs is rude, tasteless and Annoying woman. I really tried to get into this story, but I couldn't. It was boring and I hated the heroine. She was missing feminine and charm. You can make her strong but she shouldn't lose her fascination.
Well got to say this series is really good. Love that it has strong intelligent women who aren't intimidated by strong hot aliens. It all works out in the end. Everyone gets lucky
Book 2 was as wonderful as book 1. I liked the fact that this book picked up where the first one ended. Vrix was an awesome lead. The fact that he recognized that Griggs needed to come to him in her time and way was great. The ending was perfect.
Vrik and Cecily is amazing story. Besides love trust and honor, the adventure and suspense is awesome. In among all of this you have added humor along the way! I can't wait to start the next book.
loving this series. love the two main characters how rough and tumble they are. they are perfect for each other. and how he let her move at her own pace in life and love. it is an awesome read! plenty of action. with some spice sprinkled in.