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Galactic Gladiators #9
Guardian
Rescued from alien slavers, former cop Dayna wakes to discover she’s host to a powerful alien symbiont, and the only man who can help her is the mysterious and dangerous casino owner, Rillian.
Dayna Caplan has dedicated her life to protecting others…and now that she’s no longer a captive at the desert arena of Zaabha, she desperately wants to help find the last of the other human women who were abducted by the Thraxians. But now she has to deal with the intense hunger and powerful new abilities the alien living inside grants her…and the person forcing her to confront her new reality is the cool, enigmatic, and far-too-attractive Rillian.
Rillian has wheeled and dealed his way to the top of the food chain on the lawless desert world of Carthago. He lets no one close and keeps iron-clad control on his life…which vital to keeping the lethal power within him in check. But one human woman—tough, stubborn, and fascinating Dayna—works her way under his skin, and he finds himself obsessed with protecting her. But as dead bodies start appearing in his casino as a deadly warning, dangers are closing in on them.
With their allies, the gladiators from the House of Galen, Rillian and Dayna find themselves fighting for survival on every front. On the hunt to find Zaabha and the lost humans, they will face murderers, slavers, and the deadliest of all challenges…the aliens living within them.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and terrible murders), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a sexy, mysterious casino owner and a tough, stubborn cop from Earth). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!
Dayna Caplan has dedicated her life to protecting others…and now that she’s no longer a captive at the desert arena of Zaabha, she desperately wants to help find the last of the other human women who were abducted by the Thraxians. But now she has to deal with the intense hunger and powerful new abilities the alien living inside grants her…and the person forcing her to confront her new reality is the cool, enigmatic, and far-too-attractive Rillian.
Rillian has wheeled and dealed his way to the top of the food chain on the lawless desert world of Carthago. He lets no one close and keeps iron-clad control on his life…which vital to keeping the lethal power within him in check. But one human woman—tough, stubborn, and fascinating Dayna—works her way under his skin, and he finds himself obsessed with protecting her. But as dead bodies start appearing in his casino as a deadly warning, dangers are closing in on them.
With their allies, the gladiators from the House of Galen, Rillian and Dayna find themselves fighting for survival on every front. On the hunt to find Zaabha and the lost humans, they will face murderers, slavers, and the deadliest of all challenges…the aliens living within them.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and terrible murders), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a sexy, mysterious casino owner and a tough, stubborn cop from Earth). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!
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First published March 4, 2018
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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 158 reviews
June 9, 2020
Guardian is book nine in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett.
This series keeps giving me something new to fall love with. We are kept on our toes and surprised with new and interesting events.
We catch up with Dayna who underwent a truly awful captivity at the hands of a desert witch and she’s left struggling to understand how to live with this creature inside herself. She is not the only one with a creature inside and Rillian, the casino owner, vows to teach Dayna how to feed safely and live with this new reality.
Dayna is one who is not used to not being in control. She’s tenacious and stubborn, but will she learn to control this new thing insider herself?
Rillian is powerful, rich, sexy and has a dark side that no one knows about. With Dayna in his life his control will be tested!
Dayna and Rillian grow to trust each other and eventually fall in love. The symbionts connected them and brought a new element to the story. I will say the symbiont reminded me of Star Gate.
Most of the story takes place in Rillian’s casino, so we don’t get to see much of the plant, but we do get to see how the casino runs. We also get to see previous characters play parts in this story and we are getting hints as to who is hooking up. They’re where surprise and twists along the way and we also get to see the birth of a baby from one of our couples.
I can never get enough of the Galactic Gladiators series. It’s full of interesting characters, strong humans, and action that takes you away. Guardian was another enjoyable read.
Rated: 4 Stars
This series keeps giving me something new to fall love with. We are kept on our toes and surprised with new and interesting events.
We catch up with Dayna who underwent a truly awful captivity at the hands of a desert witch and she’s left struggling to understand how to live with this creature inside herself. She is not the only one with a creature inside and Rillian, the casino owner, vows to teach Dayna how to feed safely and live with this new reality.
Dayna is one who is not used to not being in control. She’s tenacious and stubborn, but will she learn to control this new thing insider herself?
Rillian is powerful, rich, sexy and has a dark side that no one knows about. With Dayna in his life his control will be tested!
Dayna and Rillian grow to trust each other and eventually fall in love. The symbionts connected them and brought a new element to the story. I will say the symbiont reminded me of Star Gate.
Most of the story takes place in Rillian’s casino, so we don’t get to see much of the plant, but we do get to see how the casino runs. We also get to see previous characters play parts in this story and we are getting hints as to who is hooking up. They’re where surprise and twists along the way and we also get to see the birth of a baby from one of our couples.
I can never get enough of the Galactic Gladiators series. It’s full of interesting characters, strong humans, and action that takes you away. Guardian was another enjoyable read.
Rated: 4 Stars
March 12, 2018
I was expecting much more of Dayna and Rillian! Instead I got a usual trope about I'm guilty for everything that went wrong about my life and I deserve to suffer for it!
Rillian is supposedly there to help Dayna manage her symbiont since he has one too, but he actually doesn't do anything but saying that she has to feed it.
Dayna, on her part, categorically refuses to feed hers, even if she knows that she'll go out of her head and hurt others when the symbiont gets too hungry.
They're both too stubborn for my liking.
Rillian is supposedly there to help Dayna manage her symbiont since he has one too, but he actually doesn't do anything but saying that she has to feed it.
Dayna, on her part, categorically refuses to feed hers, even if she knows that she'll go out of her head and hurt others when the symbiont gets too hungry.
They're both too stubborn for my liking.
August 19, 2018
4.25 stars.
The author loved NR’s books and it showed!
This is her version of Eve Dallas and Roarke story.
Our heroine is an Earth ‘Homicide Detective’ Girl and the hero is an Alien ‘Slick and Own Half The Planet’ Guy. 😘
All complete, with someone got killed in his fancy casino when she was around! You know where that will go! 😘
Rather different story theme than the previous ones in the series and I found it refreshing!
❤️❤️❤️
The author loved NR’s books and it showed!
This is her version of Eve Dallas and Roarke story.
Our heroine is an Earth ‘Homicide Detective’ Girl and the hero is an Alien ‘Slick and Own Half The Planet’ Guy. 😘
All complete, with someone got killed in his fancy casino when she was around! You know where that will go! 😘
Rather different story theme than the previous ones in the series and I found it refreshing!
❤️❤️❤️
October 6, 2019
Oh. So. Good.
Rillian is rich, powerful, sexy, and has a dark side no one knows about....intriguing isn’t it? He is completely in control. No one questions him. If he wants it he takes it. But Dayna has come into his life and all that control is gone. Now he wants her but if he takes her the dark side he has had under control for decades will be set free....because it wants Dayna just as much.
Dayna is finally free. Kidnapped and sold over and over again. Her last captor was a witch that imbedded her with a symbiont which needs to feed. Dayna does not want to except this new being in her life but Rillian seems determined to make her except it and to be the one and only she feeds from.
Hackett has done it again! Excellent MC and FMC! Storyline was sheer perfection! Secondary characters off the chart!
Ready for the next read!
Happy reading! DD💕
Rillian is rich, powerful, sexy, and has a dark side no one knows about....intriguing isn’t it? He is completely in control. No one questions him. If he wants it he takes it. But Dayna has come into his life and all that control is gone. Now he wants her but if he takes her the dark side he has had under control for decades will be set free....because it wants Dayna just as much.
Dayna is finally free. Kidnapped and sold over and over again. Her last captor was a witch that imbedded her with a symbiont which needs to feed. Dayna does not want to except this new being in her life but Rillian seems determined to make her except it and to be the one and only she feeds from.
Hackett has done it again! Excellent MC and FMC! Storyline was sheer perfection! Secondary characters off the chart!
Ready for the next read!
Happy reading! DD💕
June 8, 2025
Guardian immerses readers in a captivating sci-fi universe that masterfully weaves together an array of compelling elements. The narrative includes a diverse cast of alien creatures, skilled gladiators, and harrowing trials that put characters to the ultimate test. The story unfolds with an intricate tapestry of secret plans, deep-rooted mysteries, intense action sequences, and the raw emotions of frustration, pain, and suffering, all interspersed with moments of unexpected romance.
The multi-perspective storytelling is a significant strength of this narrative, allowing readers to explore the inner thoughts and feelings of various characters. This depth enriches the overall experience, creating a more immersive and well-rounded story.
If you are in search of a gripping and entertaining read that offers a blend of excitement and emotional depth, I highly recommend diving into this book.
The multi-perspective storytelling is a significant strength of this narrative, allowing readers to explore the inner thoughts and feelings of various characters. This depth enriches the overall experience, creating a more immersive and well-rounded story.
If you are in search of a gripping and entertaining read that offers a blend of excitement and emotional depth, I highly recommend diving into this book.
July 27, 2025
My Review:
Guardian by Anna Hackett is a story that features both very strong willed and abled fighters. Dayna was a former cop before she was kidnapped by alien slavers and she was later rescued by a man combined with an alien symbiont, and powerful an influential casino owner who has taken her own. As she has been recently combined with a symbiont, he is the only one that can guide her through her healing and to accepting her new status, where she eventually will have to feed energy from others in order to survive and she will go into a blood lust. Dayna is stubborn and doesn't want to admit her condition but Rillian is no weaking. He is a pure blooded alpha male who will stand his ground especially for both her state of body and mind.
This couple was just about everything, I couldn't seem to get enough of these two and what they were wanting to do for each other. Their chemistry was top notch and I really enjoyed this dynamic. Its basically a battle of wills for a bit but once they submit to what they are feeling for each other is where their relationship truly soars. I was captivated by these two. Their sexual moments were so much more than that, there is a deep emotional bond that forms within these moments that was fascinating. I loved how protective Rillian was while at the same time not reducing Dayna and her capabilities. You see a true partnership form between them and not just them but their symbiont's as well and finding a balance within themselves neither have had since joining with them. The plot of the story thickens as well as what is happening in the series. I definitely neglected this series for far too long though. I can't wait to get to the last few books here and see what happens with the other women and Galen.
Guardian by Anna Hackett is a story that features both very strong willed and abled fighters. Dayna was a former cop before she was kidnapped by alien slavers and she was later rescued by a man combined with an alien symbiont, and powerful an influential casino owner who has taken her own. As she has been recently combined with a symbiont, he is the only one that can guide her through her healing and to accepting her new status, where she eventually will have to feed energy from others in order to survive and she will go into a blood lust. Dayna is stubborn and doesn't want to admit her condition but Rillian is no weaking. He is a pure blooded alpha male who will stand his ground especially for both her state of body and mind.
This couple was just about everything, I couldn't seem to get enough of these two and what they were wanting to do for each other. Their chemistry was top notch and I really enjoyed this dynamic. Its basically a battle of wills for a bit but once they submit to what they are feeling for each other is where their relationship truly soars. I was captivated by these two. Their sexual moments were so much more than that, there is a deep emotional bond that forms within these moments that was fascinating. I loved how protective Rillian was while at the same time not reducing Dayna and her capabilities. You see a true partnership form between them and not just them but their symbiont's as well and finding a balance within themselves neither have had since joining with them. The plot of the story thickens as well as what is happening in the series. I definitely neglected this series for far too long though. I can't wait to get to the last few books here and see what happens with the other women and Galen.
March 6, 2018
Book nine set on Cathargo catches up with Dayna who underwent truly awful captivity at the hands of the desert witch and now she's left struggling to understand how to live with the creature that rests inside her. Luckily Dayna isn't the only one with a symbiont and uber contained casino owner Rillian has vowed to teach Dayna how to feed it safely. Trouble is Dayna isn't used to being not in control of her own life. She's a woman who has pulled herself up by her bootstraps but if she wants to help rescue her friends sister then somehow she will succeed or die trying. Well that's not happening with Rillian around because the more he gets to know the tenacious, stubborn human the more he feels his own control slipping away. Then an old enemy resurfaces and in his wake there is only death. As the murders increase Dayna and Rillian start to trust each other but perhaps the symbiont isn't the only thing on Daynas body because maybe there's a target on her back !
I do enjoy traveling in my mind to this desert planet but for me this book lacked the alien essence that marks this series out. A good deal of the story takes place in Rillians casino and unfortunately nearly all the characters appear practically human. I want aliens I guess when I read sci fi and I loved that the author included the symbionts as it added another dimension to the story but having Rillian in suits just took me out of the story as I kept imagining a suave model in an Armani tux !
Fear not though as it is a good, entertaining story with a very satisfying ending. Characters from previous books play a part and yes we are starting to get huge hints from the author about who is hooking up next . For now though it's all about this steamy couple who really do leave you wanting more .
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I do enjoy traveling in my mind to this desert planet but for me this book lacked the alien essence that marks this series out. A good deal of the story takes place in Rillians casino and unfortunately nearly all the characters appear practically human. I want aliens I guess when I read sci fi and I loved that the author included the symbionts as it added another dimension to the story but having Rillian in suits just took me out of the story as I kept imagining a suave model in an Armani tux !
Fear not though as it is a good, entertaining story with a very satisfying ending. Characters from previous books play a part and yes we are starting to get huge hints from the author about who is hooking up next . For now though it's all about this steamy couple who really do leave you wanting more .
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
March 13, 2018
Amazing... just like all the previous books in this series. Its no secret that I love a good alien romance book. Throw some action, suspense, ugly villains, gorgeous gladiator and equally strong heroines , simply a gem!
I loved the connection and love story of courageous, loyal former earth cop Dayna and se*y alien/dangerous casino owner Rillian. Both are survivors and had a depth to them.I also love how unique all her (author’s) characters are. And their names..a pleasure.
The author always tried to bring new ideas to the book and in this one it was symbionts. I really enjoyed the concept and how both MC’s were connected through their parasites . All the twists and turns were thrilling.
What I love most in Anna Hackett’s Galactic series is how beautifully she portrays the earth race. She made them equivalent to other aliens in all aspect. They fought every battle and came out victors and now they are thriving in Kor Magna.Even the aliens in the book respect them. I love how the author gave a new hope in the last chapter. I can never get enough of this series and i hope Anna hackett doesn’t stop writing it anytime soon. Waiting with much anticipation for Magnus’s book.
Highly recommended.
I loved the connection and love story of courageous, loyal former earth cop Dayna and se*y alien/dangerous casino owner Rillian. Both are survivors and had a depth to them.I also love how unique all her (author’s) characters are. And their names..a pleasure.
The author always tried to bring new ideas to the book and in this one it was symbionts. I really enjoyed the concept and how both MC’s were connected through their parasites . All the twists and turns were thrilling.
What I love most in Anna Hackett’s Galactic series is how beautifully she portrays the earth race. She made them equivalent to other aliens in all aspect. They fought every battle and came out victors and now they are thriving in Kor Magna.Even the aliens in the book respect them. I love how the author gave a new hope in the last chapter. I can never get enough of this series and i hope Anna hackett doesn’t stop writing it anytime soon. Waiting with much anticipation for Magnus’s book.
Highly recommended.
September 20, 2018
3.5 stars
March 16, 2018
Anna Hackett’s Galactic Gladiator series—like any other series of hers—are quick but and adventure-filled reads that, for the duration of the hundred-ish pages, have the arm-chair-travelling ability to immerse you straight into this desert world that expands as quickly as the universe itself with each book she puts out.
Back in Cathargo, ‘Guardian’ pairs former New York detective Dayna and über-rich (but cold and near-unfeeling) Casino man Rillian together, though Hackett gives a twist on the use of symbionts that gives their relationship an added dimension. The murders of Rillian’s old lovers oddly put Dayna in her element given her background, though it is the similarities of their physical makeup (post-capture and rescue) along with the pressing mission to find other Earth women that give the story its forward momentum, along with the copious amount of sexy times and the somewhat tiresome bit of instalove that Hackett writes in to satisfy even the most voracious of romance readers.
The brevity of ‘Guardian’ however, does short-change the richer world-building Hackett could have done on symbiosis; I would have loved to know more about the symbionts and the different ways they function besides invading human or humanoid hosts in Hackett’s Cathargo world at least—to what extent are they parasitic or psychic? How malevolent of a presence can they be, or are do they work in a co-operative fashion in human bodies? How many kinds are there and what forms do they come in?
My own niggling questions aside, ‘Guardian’ is a pretty decent addition to the series. Hackett’s setup of future pairings—thus far it’s a rather predictable mix of alien men with earth women—is hinted at again once more but damn if those aren’t the best hooks for her upcoming books.
*ARC by the author
Back in Cathargo, ‘Guardian’ pairs former New York detective Dayna and über-rich (but cold and near-unfeeling) Casino man Rillian together, though Hackett gives a twist on the use of symbionts that gives their relationship an added dimension. The murders of Rillian’s old lovers oddly put Dayna in her element given her background, though it is the similarities of their physical makeup (post-capture and rescue) along with the pressing mission to find other Earth women that give the story its forward momentum, along with the copious amount of sexy times and the somewhat tiresome bit of instalove that Hackett writes in to satisfy even the most voracious of romance readers.
The brevity of ‘Guardian’ however, does short-change the richer world-building Hackett could have done on symbiosis; I would have loved to know more about the symbionts and the different ways they function besides invading human or humanoid hosts in Hackett’s Cathargo world at least—to what extent are they parasitic or psychic? How malevolent of a presence can they be, or are do they work in a co-operative fashion in human bodies? How many kinds are there and what forms do they come in?
My own niggling questions aside, ‘Guardian’ is a pretty decent addition to the series. Hackett’s setup of future pairings—thus far it’s a rather predictable mix of alien men with earth women—is hinted at again once more but damn if those aren’t the best hooks for her upcoming books.
*ARC by the author
January 29, 2021
4 Sci-Fi Stars
Ok, I lied. I made a pit stop at Rillian’s book. (She REALLY likes R’s, Raiden, Regan, Rory, Ryan, Rillian.) I was intrigued by his dark and dangerous vibe, and the symbiont concept. * I read this out of order, and I’m assuming I missed part of her story from the last book, but it wasn’t really hard to catch up. She was held at Zaabha by a witch that placed an alien symbiont inside her chest.*
Initially, Dayna was off-putting with her childish “I don’t want it!! LALALALA 🙉🙉” attitude while attacking people, but she gets it together within a few chapters. (like 6 so be patient) There’s one TSTL scene where you’ll shake your head how dumb she is (especially for a cop) but it’s over fairly quickly. Regardless, from chapter 13… she’s great. 😊 Rillian is everything I hoped for… dark & dangerous, yet still protective and supportive. He’s also totally kick-ass.
The plot is different from what I’ve seen. Someone is murdering Rillian’s ex-lovers as a warning to back off the hunt for the Thraxians. We get several short cameos from several of the past mc’s. Like the others, they dance around each other for about ½ the book…. then they’re all in.
Bottom Line- I inhaled this before bed. It’s a quick, action packed read. I skipped books 3-8, but I felt like I followed along fine. Rory was still pregnant (she has a son at the end), and they’re still fighting the Thraxians. Next up is a pregnant Ever and Cyborg Magnus, who’s forgotten their time together.
Ok, I lied. I made a pit stop at Rillian’s book. (She REALLY likes R’s, Raiden, Regan, Rory, Ryan, Rillian.) I was intrigued by his dark and dangerous vibe, and the symbiont concept. * I read this out of order, and I’m assuming I missed part of her story from the last book, but it wasn’t really hard to catch up. She was held at Zaabha by a witch that placed an alien symbiont inside her chest.*
Initially, Dayna was off-putting with her childish “I don’t want it!! LALALALA 🙉🙉” attitude while attacking people, but she gets it together within a few chapters. (like 6 so be patient) There’s one TSTL scene where you’ll shake your head how dumb she is (especially for a cop) but it’s over fairly quickly. Regardless, from chapter 13… she’s great. 😊 Rillian is everything I hoped for… dark & dangerous, yet still protective and supportive. He’s also totally kick-ass.
The plot is different from what I’ve seen. Someone is murdering Rillian’s ex-lovers as a warning to back off the hunt for the Thraxians. We get several short cameos from several of the past mc’s. Like the others, they dance around each other for about ½ the book…. then they’re all in.
Bottom Line- I inhaled this before bed. It’s a quick, action packed read. I skipped books 3-8, but I felt like I followed along fine. Rory was still pregnant (she has a son at the end), and they’re still fighting the Thraxians. Next up is a pregnant Ever and Cyborg Magnus, who’s forgotten their time together.
May 19, 2020
I read quite a few of this series back to back then decided to take a break because after a while they were starting to blend together. The outline of the series is a space ship from Earth was attacked by a nasty group of aliens known as Thraxians and those they didn’t kill, they enslaved and make fight in gladiator type arenas. Each book is about one of the (mostly) earth women they have rescued. This is the story of Dayna a cop in her former life and Rillian, a rich and mysterious casino owner.
I think the might be the author’s homage to Eve and Roarke of the In Death series and a wonderful tribute it is. In no time at all Rillian becomes very protective of Dayna who was rescued near the end of the previous book. One of the reasons is they have something in common no one else does and that is a symbiont that was placed in each of them against their will. Rillian has accepted his but the one Dayna has is new and she wants nothing to do with it.
There is a mystery in this one, who is killing employees of Rillians and can they be stopped. I like both Rillian and Dayna. Rillian has been the mysterious unknown character in a few books now and I’m glad to read his story. As with the other books, previous characters make appearances in this book to move the story along; to help track the still missing women and stop the Thraxian’s from their evil plans.
These aren’t deep and serious books rather they are light and rather fluffy. But in dark days light and fluffy are what we need most and I’m appreciating this series.
I think the might be the author’s homage to Eve and Roarke of the In Death series and a wonderful tribute it is. In no time at all Rillian becomes very protective of Dayna who was rescued near the end of the previous book. One of the reasons is they have something in common no one else does and that is a symbiont that was placed in each of them against their will. Rillian has accepted his but the one Dayna has is new and she wants nothing to do with it.
There is a mystery in this one, who is killing employees of Rillians and can they be stopped. I like both Rillian and Dayna. Rillian has been the mysterious unknown character in a few books now and I’m glad to read his story. As with the other books, previous characters make appearances in this book to move the story along; to help track the still missing women and stop the Thraxian’s from their evil plans.
These aren’t deep and serious books rather they are light and rather fluffy. But in dark days light and fluffy are what we need most and I’m appreciating this series.
May 31, 2018
Hee! The ex-cop and the powerful owner of half of Carthago. I like Rillian. But, then, I like characters who seem cold and ruthless on the surface only to reveal their mushy center when someone gets close. Heck, that pretty much describes all the men we've met in this series. Which works for me, man. It works for me.
But let's talk about Rillian. He's sexy. He's powerful. He's filthy rich. Oh, and he has a powerful symbiont living inside him. Which works for Dayna, because she needs his knowledge on how to coexist with her symbiont if she hopes to ever having a chance at having a normal life. Or, you know, as normal a life as a person can have when they've been abducted to a planet halfway across the galaxy.
Anyway. Dayna and Rillian. She's fighting her new reality, he's trying to get her to see that eventually she'll have to figure out how to live in harmony with what's inside her. They have some sparks. They fight those. The sparks end up being too strong and they give in. AS ONE DOES.
I've enjoyed this series from the first and I'm loving where things are going. Unless there's another cache of humans somewhere on Carthago, the gladiators and their allies have almost rescued them all. Which actually makes me a little sad because I like these guys and the crazy situations they find themselves in.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But let's talk about Rillian. He's sexy. He's powerful. He's filthy rich. Oh, and he has a powerful symbiont living inside him. Which works for Dayna, because she needs his knowledge on how to coexist with her symbiont if she hopes to ever having a chance at having a normal life. Or, you know, as normal a life as a person can have when they've been abducted to a planet halfway across the galaxy.
Anyway. Dayna and Rillian. She's fighting her new reality, he's trying to get her to see that eventually she'll have to figure out how to live in harmony with what's inside her. They have some sparks. They fight those. The sparks end up being too strong and they give in. AS ONE DOES.
I've enjoyed this series from the first and I'm loving where things are going. Unless there's another cache of humans somewhere on Carthago, the gladiators and their allies have almost rescued them all. Which actually makes me a little sad because I like these guys and the crazy situations they find themselves in.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 6, 2018
There is nothing not to love about this latest offering from Anna Hackett. Loyal fans have had glimpses of Rillian in other Gladiator stories. Now...wow. We've got the whole damn view. Rillian is an intense, dangerous, and skilled man who ruthlessly runs his empire. Dayna is a strong woman who spent her former life protecting and serving as a detective on earth. The two of them together are explosive. No one creates such vivid imagery as Anna Hackett. The action sequences are cinematic in quality and the reader is drawn in to the narrative. Her books are like roller coasters slowly building the anticipation and then taking your breath away only to level you out and then thrill you again. The ride is so exhilarating you want to get back in line to do it again and again. The excitement never mellows either.
March 9, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
One of the things that I absolutely love about Anna Hackett’s writing, and particularly in her Galactic Gladiators series, is the way that so many tropes get set on their pointy little heads.
In fantasy, SF, and so many fairy tales, the woman is the reward that the man gets for finishing his quest, whether that’s fighting evil, finding treasure or simply surviving. In the Galactic Gladiators series, it feels like the gladiators are the rewards that the human refugees get for surviving all the crap they’ve had to deal with since the Thraxian slave traders kidnapped them from Jupiter Station and took them back to Kor Magna through that blasted temporary wormhole.
While in most of the stories, the human is female and the gladiator is male, the reversed trope really isn’t reversed in the one story where those boots are on the opposite feet. The gladiator Saff is Blaine Strong’s reward for surviving the hellhole that is the underground fight rings of the planet Carthago. But it can also be seen that he is her reward as well.
But in Guardian, as in most of the stories in this series, the human is female, and the one native to the Kor Magna side of the galaxy is male. But as is becoming increasingly common (and a nice change), the male in this particular entry is not a gladiator. Not that Rillian, the owner of the Dark Nebula Casino (and possibly half of Carthago) can’t fight with the best of them, but his skills lie outside of the Kor Magna Arena.
Which hasn’t stopped him from banding together with the gladiatorial House of Galen to wipe out the illegal slave trade and the underground fight rings that it feeds. Particularly now that one of those rescued humans, former police detective and security officer Dayna Caplan, is in his care.
She came out of her ordeal with a symbiont bonded to her body, and Rillian is the only person who can help her – because he has a symbiont of his own. He also suffered through a bonding process that he wasn’t expected to survive. He’s willing to use his experience to help Dayna, not just because he knows what she’s going through, but because she’s the answer to all the questions that he’s never dared to ask.
But when the Thraxians begin targeting women from Rillian’s past and his present to keep him from helping the House of Galen, he knows that Dayna is next. And that he’ll destroy anyone who threatens what’s his – even if he has to let go of his much vaunted control to make that happen.
If he can’t keep control of his symbiont, he’ll become the kind of killer of which nightmares are made. But if he can’t let go, he won’t be able to save Dayna from everyone coming after her.
And he’ll never be able to save her from the most dangerous predator that she faces – himself.
Escape Rating A-: As I said at the top, in this series it particularly feels like the gladiators (and the other oh-so-hot alien males) are the women’s reward for surviving their one-way trip across the galaxy and everything that Carthago has thrown at them. Especially as most of what’s been thrown at them has been pretty damn awful until the point where they get rescued.
But even though they are definitely in need of rescue, it’s not because they are weak women who have turned into damsels in distress. Anyone in their situation would need to be rescued, as is shown by the rescues of both their male colleague Blaine Strong and the rescue of the big blue alien warrior Vek.
There are times when everyone needs a little help from their friends, even friends they haven’t met yet.
One of the other things I love about this series is that while it may be moving towards its ending, there isn’t anything integral to this world or the situation that requires that it come to an end. (Unlike the Hell Squad series, where as much as I love it I also need the catharsis of kicking the invading Gizzida off our Earth).
Although there seem to have been a limited number of humans brought to Carthago, the real limit to the number of humans is the size of Jupiter Station, which has not been established. There could have been more ships in transit that got scooped up by the Thraxians.
And there are plenty of innocents trafficked into slavery by the Thraxians and their allies the Srinar. The series could branch out into saving other people. Or another wormhole could temporarily open up.
Unfortunately, while it looks like the House of Galen will eventually take the Thraxians down, the underground fight rings exist because there are beings who are willing to pay for the deadly “entertainment” they provide. Which means that taking down the Thraxians is not a permanent solution, because there is no permanent solution.
This particular entry in the series is interesting because neither Dayna nor Rillian follow any of the usual patterns in this series, so far. And because it expands the different types of people who got captured from Jupiter and who help them. Dayna was a cop, and has no desire to become a gladiator. She wants to work security and solve crimes – it’s what she’s good at. And Rillian still wants to buy the other half of Carthago one of these days. A casino owner can always use more good security people, and Dayna is one of the best.
They are good together. Rillian is someone who, of necessity, keeps everyone else at a distance. Dayna needs to be let in. They drive each other crazy, at least until they figure out why they drive each other quite so crazy. They’re a great match. And they’re terrifically fun to watch.
I’m looking for more great stories from this series. The next one, Cyborg, is obviously going to add a cyborg romance to the mix. And I think we’ve finally met the woman who will match Galen himself. I can’t wait!
One of the things that I absolutely love about Anna Hackett’s writing, and particularly in her Galactic Gladiators series, is the way that so many tropes get set on their pointy little heads.
In fantasy, SF, and so many fairy tales, the woman is the reward that the man gets for finishing his quest, whether that’s fighting evil, finding treasure or simply surviving. In the Galactic Gladiators series, it feels like the gladiators are the rewards that the human refugees get for surviving all the crap they’ve had to deal with since the Thraxian slave traders kidnapped them from Jupiter Station and took them back to Kor Magna through that blasted temporary wormhole.
While in most of the stories, the human is female and the gladiator is male, the reversed trope really isn’t reversed in the one story where those boots are on the opposite feet. The gladiator Saff is Blaine Strong’s reward for surviving the hellhole that is the underground fight rings of the planet Carthago. But it can also be seen that he is her reward as well.
But in Guardian, as in most of the stories in this series, the human is female, and the one native to the Kor Magna side of the galaxy is male. But as is becoming increasingly common (and a nice change), the male in this particular entry is not a gladiator. Not that Rillian, the owner of the Dark Nebula Casino (and possibly half of Carthago) can’t fight with the best of them, but his skills lie outside of the Kor Magna Arena.
Which hasn’t stopped him from banding together with the gladiatorial House of Galen to wipe out the illegal slave trade and the underground fight rings that it feeds. Particularly now that one of those rescued humans, former police detective and security officer Dayna Caplan, is in his care.
She came out of her ordeal with a symbiont bonded to her body, and Rillian is the only person who can help her – because he has a symbiont of his own. He also suffered through a bonding process that he wasn’t expected to survive. He’s willing to use his experience to help Dayna, not just because he knows what she’s going through, but because she’s the answer to all the questions that he’s never dared to ask.
But when the Thraxians begin targeting women from Rillian’s past and his present to keep him from helping the House of Galen, he knows that Dayna is next. And that he’ll destroy anyone who threatens what’s his – even if he has to let go of his much vaunted control to make that happen.
If he can’t keep control of his symbiont, he’ll become the kind of killer of which nightmares are made. But if he can’t let go, he won’t be able to save Dayna from everyone coming after her.
And he’ll never be able to save her from the most dangerous predator that she faces – himself.
Escape Rating A-: As I said at the top, in this series it particularly feels like the gladiators (and the other oh-so-hot alien males) are the women’s reward for surviving their one-way trip across the galaxy and everything that Carthago has thrown at them. Especially as most of what’s been thrown at them has been pretty damn awful until the point where they get rescued.
But even though they are definitely in need of rescue, it’s not because they are weak women who have turned into damsels in distress. Anyone in their situation would need to be rescued, as is shown by the rescues of both their male colleague Blaine Strong and the rescue of the big blue alien warrior Vek.
There are times when everyone needs a little help from their friends, even friends they haven’t met yet.
One of the other things I love about this series is that while it may be moving towards its ending, there isn’t anything integral to this world or the situation that requires that it come to an end. (Unlike the Hell Squad series, where as much as I love it I also need the catharsis of kicking the invading Gizzida off our Earth).
Although there seem to have been a limited number of humans brought to Carthago, the real limit to the number of humans is the size of Jupiter Station, which has not been established. There could have been more ships in transit that got scooped up by the Thraxians.
And there are plenty of innocents trafficked into slavery by the Thraxians and their allies the Srinar. The series could branch out into saving other people. Or another wormhole could temporarily open up.
Unfortunately, while it looks like the House of Galen will eventually take the Thraxians down, the underground fight rings exist because there are beings who are willing to pay for the deadly “entertainment” they provide. Which means that taking down the Thraxians is not a permanent solution, because there is no permanent solution.
This particular entry in the series is interesting because neither Dayna nor Rillian follow any of the usual patterns in this series, so far. And because it expands the different types of people who got captured from Jupiter and who help them. Dayna was a cop, and has no desire to become a gladiator. She wants to work security and solve crimes – it’s what she’s good at. And Rillian still wants to buy the other half of Carthago one of these days. A casino owner can always use more good security people, and Dayna is one of the best.
They are good together. Rillian is someone who, of necessity, keeps everyone else at a distance. Dayna needs to be let in. They drive each other crazy, at least until they figure out why they drive each other quite so crazy. They’re a great match. And they’re terrifically fun to watch.
I’m looking for more great stories from this series. The next one, Cyborg, is obviously going to add a cyborg romance to the mix. And I think we’ve finally met the woman who will match Galen himself. I can’t wait!
March 11, 2018
Guardian follows the formula set up in the first eights books of the Galactic Gladiators series. Dayna Caplan is a former cop who was captured with the others from the space station at Jupiter.
When she was rescued she had an alien symbiont. The only one who can help her is Rillian who has a symbiont of his own. He is also the owner the the largest casino on the planet. Both are very strong characters. Dayna tries to stand on her own while Rillian discovers he no longer wants to be alone. There is a lot of tension between the two. Added tension comes from the need to find Zaabha and the lost humans still held captive. Again there is a rescue but Zaabha still exists and at least one human is still held captive. Stay turned for more Galactic Gladiators as they work to destroy Zaabha and rescue the remaining human captive.
When she was rescued she had an alien symbiont. The only one who can help her is Rillian who has a symbiont of his own. He is also the owner the the largest casino on the planet. Both are very strong characters. Dayna tries to stand on her own while Rillian discovers he no longer wants to be alone. There is a lot of tension between the two. Added tension comes from the need to find Zaabha and the lost humans still held captive. Again there is a rescue but Zaabha still exists and at least one human is still held captive. Stay turned for more Galactic Gladiators as they work to destroy Zaabha and rescue the remaining human captive.
March 6, 2018
Maybe it was just the mood I was in when I read this, but I especially enjoyed this entry. Or maybe because Dayna was an exceptional heroine. She demonstrates expertise in her field well, she's otherwise pretty competent, and she's got no confidence issues concerning the fellow whose net worth is infinity times her own. The action and plot are clear and concise, and the love scenes sizzle. The final scenes are very filmic: I feel like I just watched a movie!
I do wish that the book explored the aspects of what the symbionts are and how they work a little bit more.
This book is not a standalone. I received a review copy.
I do wish that the book explored the aspects of what the symbionts are and how they work a little bit more.
This book is not a standalone. I received a review copy.
March 3, 2018
Symbionts, aliens, and humans - an electrifying combination!
Dayna Caplan is recovering from her devastating captivity in the hands of the desert witch. She’s staying @ Rillian’s Dark Nebulae Casino so that he can help her become accustomed to her new living partner. I was concerned about how the symbiont would affect Dayna’s life. She obviously didn’t want it, but needed to learn how to master it. Not an easy thing to do, but she’s a woman with a mission: to save others in danger. Rillian is a fascinating character. He’s very tightly controlled - and we learn why in this story. I loved seeing how Dayna and Rillian react to each other, and the teamwork they exhibit while working to find and rescue the two humans left behind in the desert. There is a load of excitement and danger in this story - yikes! Best of all, there is an all-consuming love story to enjoy! I voluntarily reviewed an author’s copy of this book.
Dayna Caplan is recovering from her devastating captivity in the hands of the desert witch. She’s staying @ Rillian’s Dark Nebulae Casino so that he can help her become accustomed to her new living partner. I was concerned about how the symbiont would affect Dayna’s life. She obviously didn’t want it, but needed to learn how to master it. Not an easy thing to do, but she’s a woman with a mission: to save others in danger. Rillian is a fascinating character. He’s very tightly controlled - and we learn why in this story. I loved seeing how Dayna and Rillian react to each other, and the teamwork they exhibit while working to find and rescue the two humans left behind in the desert. There is a load of excitement and danger in this story - yikes! Best of all, there is an all-consuming love story to enjoy! I voluntarily reviewed an author’s copy of this book.
March 21, 2018
Another winner. Love this series !!!! I highly recommend this series and author.
**** Gifted copy by author ****
L
**** Gifted copy by author ****
L
March 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this book!!
August 9, 2018
4 stars.
This is the story of rich and mysterious casino owner Rillian and Dayna, one of the women who was initially rescued by the House of Galen but was abducted again. Another action-packed sci-fi romance by Anna Hackett. Can't wait for the next one!
This is the story of rich and mysterious casino owner Rillian and Dayna, one of the women who was initially rescued by the House of Galen but was abducted again. Another action-packed sci-fi romance by Anna Hackett. Can't wait for the next one!
June 21, 2021
Guardian Guardian Guardian Guardian Guardian Anna Hackett
Reviewed by SFF Dragon*
Wow, this fantastic action packed sci-fi romance wasn't what I was expecting at all... and I absolutely loved it..
So, what was I expecting from 'Guardian', the ninth book in the Galactic Gladiators series? An exceptionally good story? well it's certainly that and I expect nothing less from Anna Hackett, one of my all-time favourite authors. Gladiatorial fighting arenas? yep, got two of those. Hot Gladiators? absolutely, and it has those by the bucket-load or maybe I should say the arena full. Ancient Rome moved to a far flung future on a distant planet? now that's what I didn't get, although it is a far flung future on another planet, ancient Rome it's not. What I got instead was a gritty, steamy, humorous, action packed sci-fi romance vaguely reminiscent of ages past in a setting that's a cross between Ancient Rome and modern day Las Vegas, a woman trying hard to overcome the horrors of her captivity and get back into shape so she can rescue other victims, a search for a hidden arena using a map where X would mark the spot, if only that part of the map wasn't missing, and an increasing body count as the enemy tries to gain control of her allies. And that's probably their biggest mistake, because with more than ten years as a New York homicide Detective, catching killers is what our feisty heroine did for a living on Earth. She was good at it and they are going down....
Kidnapped, along with many others, from a space station orbiting Jupiter and taken to the wild and apparently lawless desert planet of Carthago on the outer reaches of the galaxy, Dayna Caplan was forced to live as a slave and fight for her life in the Zaabha Arena by Thraxian slavers. She's managed to escape them twice, been tortured by an evil desert witch who forced a symbiont on her, and then rescued, she is now a resident of the Dark Nebula Casino. She's been there two weeks under the guardianship of it's wealthy owner, Rillian, and that's where this story begins, with Dayna contemplating all she's lost and looking out over the view of the city as it stretches to the desert in the distance, it could be Las Vegas, sadly for her it's Kor Magna and she can't even pretend... the two suns hanging in the sky are a dead giveaway she's not on Earth and there's no way home...
I was completely hooked and practically living in the story from the very first page and loved every single line of this terrific book. I really couldn't put it down and my emotions ran the gamut, from frustration and grief to joy and satisfaction as I gripped the edge of my seat desperate to find out what happened next. There is enough background in the story to know something, but by no means all, of what went before and it can easily be read as a stand alone, but as new or rather old characters came along, I did find myself wishing I'd read the previous books in this series so I'll be going back to the beginning soon and reading them in order. Then I'll read this one again and I'm certain it's one I'll be reading over and over. I absolutely loved it, gave it 5 well earned stars wishing I could give it more and added it to my list of books I'd rescue if the house was burning down. This is definitely one of those 'not to be missed' stories that will undoubtedly have a permanent place on my 'read again' list.
Reviewed by SFF Dragon*
Wow, this fantastic action packed sci-fi romance wasn't what I was expecting at all... and I absolutely loved it..
So, what was I expecting from 'Guardian', the ninth book in the Galactic Gladiators series? An exceptionally good story? well it's certainly that and I expect nothing less from Anna Hackett, one of my all-time favourite authors. Gladiatorial fighting arenas? yep, got two of those. Hot Gladiators? absolutely, and it has those by the bucket-load or maybe I should say the arena full. Ancient Rome moved to a far flung future on a distant planet? now that's what I didn't get, although it is a far flung future on another planet, ancient Rome it's not. What I got instead was a gritty, steamy, humorous, action packed sci-fi romance vaguely reminiscent of ages past in a setting that's a cross between Ancient Rome and modern day Las Vegas, a woman trying hard to overcome the horrors of her captivity and get back into shape so she can rescue other victims, a search for a hidden arena using a map where X would mark the spot, if only that part of the map wasn't missing, and an increasing body count as the enemy tries to gain control of her allies. And that's probably their biggest mistake, because with more than ten years as a New York homicide Detective, catching killers is what our feisty heroine did for a living on Earth. She was good at it and they are going down....
Kidnapped, along with many others, from a space station orbiting Jupiter and taken to the wild and apparently lawless desert planet of Carthago on the outer reaches of the galaxy, Dayna Caplan was forced to live as a slave and fight for her life in the Zaabha Arena by Thraxian slavers. She's managed to escape them twice, been tortured by an evil desert witch who forced a symbiont on her, and then rescued, she is now a resident of the Dark Nebula Casino. She's been there two weeks under the guardianship of it's wealthy owner, Rillian, and that's where this story begins, with Dayna contemplating all she's lost and looking out over the view of the city as it stretches to the desert in the distance, it could be Las Vegas, sadly for her it's Kor Magna and she can't even pretend... the two suns hanging in the sky are a dead giveaway she's not on Earth and there's no way home...
I was completely hooked and practically living in the story from the very first page and loved every single line of this terrific book. I really couldn't put it down and my emotions ran the gamut, from frustration and grief to joy and satisfaction as I gripped the edge of my seat desperate to find out what happened next. There is enough background in the story to know something, but by no means all, of what went before and it can easily be read as a stand alone, but as new or rather old characters came along, I did find myself wishing I'd read the previous books in this series so I'll be going back to the beginning soon and reading them in order. Then I'll read this one again and I'm certain it's one I'll be reading over and over. I absolutely loved it, gave it 5 well earned stars wishing I could give it more and added it to my list of books I'd rescue if the house was burning down. This is definitely one of those 'not to be missed' stories that will undoubtedly have a permanent place on my 'read again' list.
March 15, 2024
As always, Anna Hackett does a wonderful job writing an action packed romance. GUARDIAN was an enjoyable, fast paced read with a sexy romance and wonderful characters. From the beginning, the House of Galen has been on a mission to stop the evil Thraxians and their forced fighting arena. Through this endeavor they've picked up other allies like Rillian who want to stop what's going on; I love the gladiators but it's also nice to see some other people from Carthago. Rillian has been mysterious from the first time we met him and his dark, smoldering ways have left me wondering. Now that we have his story, it was so heartbreaking to learn about Rillian's past and realize how alone he has been in the world. Having Dayna come along really shook up Rillian's life but it was exactly what he needed.
Strong, compassionate, and fiery, Dayna was the perfect woman for Rillian. She calls him on his moods, never puts up with his arrogance, and has no problem going toe to toe with him. I loved her fire and determination even when she was struggling to accept the changes her symbiont had wrought on her body and soul. Having a symbiont of his own, Rillian understands what Dayna is going through and wants to help in any way he can. Dayna's resistance to feeding her symbiont says a lot about her honor and morals; she's more worried about hurting another person than having relief from her pain and hunger.
I know this series is probably closing in on its ending and I'll be sad when that happens. Until that time, I'll continue to enjoy this desert planet, its strong gladiators, and the humans who now call it home.
Strong, compassionate, and fiery, Dayna was the perfect woman for Rillian. She calls him on his moods, never puts up with his arrogance, and has no problem going toe to toe with him. I loved her fire and determination even when she was struggling to accept the changes her symbiont had wrought on her body and soul. Having a symbiont of his own, Rillian understands what Dayna is going through and wants to help in any way he can. Dayna's resistance to feeding her symbiont says a lot about her honor and morals; she's more worried about hurting another person than having relief from her pain and hunger.
I know this series is probably closing in on its ending and I'll be sad when that happens. Until that time, I'll continue to enjoy this desert planet, its strong gladiators, and the humans who now call it home.
February 9, 2025
Series: Galactic Gladiators #9
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Rescued from alien slavers, former cop Dayna is now host to an alien symbiont. The only man who can help her understand and control the symbiont is the mysterious casino owner, Rillian.
Finally we get the mysterious RIllian’s book! This book was a fast paced adventure with great romance and characters. I just love how this world continues to develop and expand with each book we get. Rillian has been mysterious since he was introduced and we finally get his history, which is heartbreaking. Having Dayna around makes him realize how alone he truly has been and how he doesn’t want to go back to that. Dayna was the perfect woman for Rillian because she shook up his life and never let him push her away.
Dayna is a strong, passionate, and capable woman. As a former homicide detective she knows how to protect herself and now having the symbiont just makes her stronger. She has a strong need to protect others which is why she struggles with feeding her symbiont. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone and fears she will not be able to control it. Dayna was just the perfect woman to break through Rillian’s icy exterior and he was the perfect man for her protective and assertive nature.
This series is coming to a close, which I am both excited and sad about. I can’t wait to see them find all the humans and close Zaabah but I don’t want to lose this amazing world and characters.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Rescued from alien slavers, former cop Dayna is now host to an alien symbiont. The only man who can help her understand and control the symbiont is the mysterious casino owner, Rillian.
Finally we get the mysterious RIllian’s book! This book was a fast paced adventure with great romance and characters. I just love how this world continues to develop and expand with each book we get. Rillian has been mysterious since he was introduced and we finally get his history, which is heartbreaking. Having Dayna around makes him realize how alone he truly has been and how he doesn’t want to go back to that. Dayna was the perfect woman for Rillian because she shook up his life and never let him push her away.
Dayna is a strong, passionate, and capable woman. As a former homicide detective she knows how to protect herself and now having the symbiont just makes her stronger. She has a strong need to protect others which is why she struggles with feeding her symbiont. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone and fears she will not be able to control it. Dayna was just the perfect woman to break through Rillian’s icy exterior and he was the perfect man for her protective and assertive nature.
This series is coming to a close, which I am both excited and sad about. I can’t wait to see them find all the humans and close Zaabah but I don’t want to lose this amazing world and characters.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
March 8, 2018
FASCINATING - SIZZLING - ACTION
GUARDIAN - SIZZLES with romance and danger. - I adore reading stories about big-hearted - honorable - powerful alpha aliens and strong human females in space; this story is quite a thrilling journey. Inside; a whole lot of suspense, murders, spine chilling action, humor, camaraderie, love, soul-stirring moments, fun moments, life-threatening moments and deep feeling sensuous romance.
Danya was lucky enough to be rescued from alien slavers; unfortunately, during her stay she had a powerful alien symbiont implanted in her body. Now she is living with a Guardian to help her understand the powers of this symbiont. Rillian, her Guardian is definitely a force of power and never lets anyone get close to him. He finds it difficult keeping his fiery desires under control when it comes to the sassy, intelligent, intriguing beauty who is now under his care. The two face many obstacles to get their happy ending which is quite an intense journey.
From the moment I started to read this story I was held captive to continue reading until the heavenly ending. The full cast of characters are not only engaging but fascinating scene descriptions bring them to life. I loved the banter between Danya and Rillian; and Danya certainly gets the powerful Rillian to let loose his desires and fall for her forever. I so enjoyed this exciting story - found it quite entertaining so; {Of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced reader copy.} Without reservations, I recommend this read.
GUARDIAN - SIZZLES with romance and danger. - I adore reading stories about big-hearted - honorable - powerful alpha aliens and strong human females in space; this story is quite a thrilling journey. Inside; a whole lot of suspense, murders, spine chilling action, humor, camaraderie, love, soul-stirring moments, fun moments, life-threatening moments and deep feeling sensuous romance.
Danya was lucky enough to be rescued from alien slavers; unfortunately, during her stay she had a powerful alien symbiont implanted in her body. Now she is living with a Guardian to help her understand the powers of this symbiont. Rillian, her Guardian is definitely a force of power and never lets anyone get close to him. He finds it difficult keeping his fiery desires under control when it comes to the sassy, intelligent, intriguing beauty who is now under his care. The two face many obstacles to get their happy ending which is quite an intense journey.
From the moment I started to read this story I was held captive to continue reading until the heavenly ending. The full cast of characters are not only engaging but fascinating scene descriptions bring them to life. I loved the banter between Danya and Rillian; and Danya certainly gets the powerful Rillian to let loose his desires and fall for her forever. I so enjoyed this exciting story - found it quite entertaining so; {Of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced reader copy.} Without reservations, I recommend this read.
March 6, 2018
Is an alien symbiont a curse or a blessing?
Dayna Caplan is dedicated on protecting others and naturally she wants to find the other Thraxian human slaves. But she is not the woman she used to be, she hosts a powerful symbiont and that comes with a prize, power always does. It seems the only one who can help her is mysterious sexy Rillian, who is forcing her to acknowledge what she desperately wants to ignore.
Soon those two are the hunted with danger closing in on them. Only from the outside? Can they trust their insides?
A totally captivating read, again. And finally we have Rillians story. I was wondering if there is a match out on Carthago and what a match he got.
Another great read in the Galactic Gladiators series.
Dayna Caplan is dedicated on protecting others and naturally she wants to find the other Thraxian human slaves. But she is not the woman she used to be, she hosts a powerful symbiont and that comes with a prize, power always does. It seems the only one who can help her is mysterious sexy Rillian, who is forcing her to acknowledge what she desperately wants to ignore.
Soon those two are the hunted with danger closing in on them. Only from the outside? Can they trust their insides?
A totally captivating read, again. And finally we have Rillians story. I was wondering if there is a match out on Carthago and what a match he got.
Another great read in the Galactic Gladiators series.
September 28, 2018
Dayna's story
I've really enjoyed this series and how these human women have turned this planet upside down. I have also enjoyed how different each of the hero aliens are and the struggles that bring them together. This book is no exception. The symbiont in these two individuals makes for a truly interesting twist. Well worth reading.
I've really enjoyed this series and how these human women have turned this planet upside down. I have also enjoyed how different each of the hero aliens are and the struggles that bring them together. This book is no exception. The symbiont in these two individuals makes for a truly interesting twist. Well worth reading.
October 29, 2021
Infected with Love
Dayna and Rillion were both infected with alien symbionts but Rillion has come to accept and embrace his. He takes Dayna home after she’s rescued to help her come to terms with her new body riding guest. What neither expects is to fall in love. Such an exciting book full of action and steamy, hot clashes. I loved it.
Dayna and Rillion were both infected with alien symbionts but Rillion has come to accept and embrace his. He takes Dayna home after she’s rescued to help her come to terms with her new body riding guest. What neither expects is to fall in love. Such an exciting book full of action and steamy, hot clashes. I loved it.
March 9, 2018
Dayna and Rillian’s story was very intriguing and contained all the right ingredients to make it an exceptional read. Rillian battles for control, because he knows what the consequences will mean if he lets his symbiont free; nevertheless, it doesn’t stop Dayna from forever testing him. As a former police officer and security expert, Dayna refuses to feed her symbiont; she is determined to control it, not let it control her, until the choice is taken away from her. There are plenty of twists and turns that make this such an appealing book, certainly one I would have no hesitation in recommending.
Dayna has been at the Dark Nebula for 2-weeks, working hard to get her strength and health back; she needs to be strong to free Sam and Ever from Zaabha, not weak. Dayna is a fighter, who has defied all logic, because the symbiont inside her should have killed her, but instead she survived. For Rillian, success at all costs wasn’t just a desire, it was a primal need; he had come from worse than nothing, before he clawed his way out and made his fortune. Having a symbiont forced on him had been a punishment from a rival. Rillian wasn’t supposed to survive, but he had, and by embracing his symbiont, it made him more powerful and successful. Rillian was a man who controlled every aspect of his life; he had spent a lifetime avoiding weaknesses his enemies could exploit. The Dark Nebula Casino was Rillian’s own private domain; he had never shared it with anyone before, but there is just something about Dayna he finds compelling. When Dayna finally asks Rillian for help so she can feed her symbiont, she encourages him to feed from her too; he may be controlling, but Dayna is not afraid of him, no matter what, and in some strange way his symbiont is soothed as their attraction to one another increases. When a spate of murders occur at the casino, it is more imperative than ever to find Zaabha and shut it down, but the map is missing a vital key; that is until it turns up in the most unlikely of places. The location in the desert at first yields nothing, but the reality of Zaabha soon becomes clear and explains how it has remained a secret for so long. Now all that remains is to free Sam and Ever, but there are just too many fighters and too many creatures to overcome. Rillian will do whatever it takes to ensure Dayna lives, but to do that he has to unleash his symbiont first. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Dayna has been at the Dark Nebula for 2-weeks, working hard to get her strength and health back; she needs to be strong to free Sam and Ever from Zaabha, not weak. Dayna is a fighter, who has defied all logic, because the symbiont inside her should have killed her, but instead she survived. For Rillian, success at all costs wasn’t just a desire, it was a primal need; he had come from worse than nothing, before he clawed his way out and made his fortune. Having a symbiont forced on him had been a punishment from a rival. Rillian wasn’t supposed to survive, but he had, and by embracing his symbiont, it made him more powerful and successful. Rillian was a man who controlled every aspect of his life; he had spent a lifetime avoiding weaknesses his enemies could exploit. The Dark Nebula Casino was Rillian’s own private domain; he had never shared it with anyone before, but there is just something about Dayna he finds compelling. When Dayna finally asks Rillian for help so she can feed her symbiont, she encourages him to feed from her too; he may be controlling, but Dayna is not afraid of him, no matter what, and in some strange way his symbiont is soothed as their attraction to one another increases. When a spate of murders occur at the casino, it is more imperative than ever to find Zaabha and shut it down, but the map is missing a vital key; that is until it turns up in the most unlikely of places. The location in the desert at first yields nothing, but the reality of Zaabha soon becomes clear and explains how it has remained a secret for so long. Now all that remains is to free Sam and Ever, but there are just too many fighters and too many creatures to overcome. Rillian will do whatever it takes to ensure Dayna lives, but to do that he has to unleash his symbiont first. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
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