The Commander's Captive

Keepers of Xereill #2

by Alix Nichols

He saved her life. But he must hold her captive. Screaming and kicking. Hating him. Craving him…

Lady Nyssa Sebi lost her parents in a freak accident.
Her brother is unjustly condemned to death.
Locked away in Commander Heidd’s residence, Nyssa is the hostage of corrupt thugs who rule the land.
Oh, how she hates them!
But the one she abominates above all is her captor.
During the war, Heidd was her brother’s commanding officer. He was Nyssa's idol, her biggest crush…
Until he betrayed everyone.

Commander Jancel Heidd sacrificed his honor to protect Nyssa.
It’s killing him to see her so miserable, so disgusted with him.
But she’s safe.
Jancel will do anything to keep it that way.
He’ll shield his spunky captive from the depraved police chief, the ruthless governor, and the deadly cyborgs.
The only monster he can’t save her from is himself.

THE COMMANDER’S CAPTIVE is the second novel in a series of connected sci fi romances. This volume features Nyssa and Jancel’s complete story, and concludes Etana and Areg’s (THE TRAITOR’S BRIDE).

While each Keepers of Xereill book stands alone, it’s best if you start with the first in the series.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction

236 pages, ebook

First published April 18, 2018

About the author

Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances.
She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).
At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.
She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**

Series and Books:

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

It’s Raining Royals (newest series)

1. The Boss Prince
2. The Bastard Prince
3. The Beast Prince

La Bohème (complete series)

1. 
Winter’s Gift

2. What If It’s Love?

3. Falling for Emma

4. Under My Skin
You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)

The Darcy Brothers (complete series)

1. Find You in Paris
2. Raphael’s Fling
3. The Perfect Catch
Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)

Playing to Win (complete series)

1. Playing with Fire
2. Playing for Keeps
3. Playing Dirty

Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)


The Devil’s Own Chloe
Amanda’s Guide to Love
An Autumn in Paris

ROMANTIC FANTASY

Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)

The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella)
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
4. The Samurai’s Lover

5. The Vestal’s Steward

Reviews

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A entertaining Sci-fi romance. A solid plot, involving story and complex characters help to grab and keep your interest. Jancel and Nyssa have good chemistry and their romance is complicated and filled with drama, intensity, danger, deceit, and sizzling attraction. I'm posting a honest, voluntary review after reading this book.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book 📚, it has a great storyline. Can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and voluntarily leave this review.

[Darlene Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiantly worth the read. Everything seems 3D and the people are written so real. This is a really roller coaster ride I’ll have to read more from thisk author.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victim of 💘Love

Alpha Alien🐺 Adult Hostage Romance💕
A fine line between 💘Love and hate........

Lady Nyssa Sebi💃💋 ,is being held hostage as a pawn in a deadly game of a power struggle. Her parents are dead, her brother, Lord Areg, from Book One📑, captured and held hostage and tortured, accused of being a traitor, and stripped of his title. She is later told he is dead too, killed with his girlfriend by blaster fire🔫 during a firefight. Burned🔥 to a crisp🍟.
Her captors are corrupt thugs, even the police chief, Ultek👹, his hunter cyborgs, and the governor are involved. Her brother's former commanding officer, Jancel Heidd🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪, seems to have been the one who sold Areg out.

Now Nyssa💃💋 is the tall, handsome🐺 and ripped💪 Jancel's prisoner at his estate. She always looked up to Jancel🐺🍆🌋 and has crushed on him since she was 14. Now she hates him for betraying Areg. At the same time, she is still drawn to Jancel🐺🍆🌋. Can Nyssa💃💋 have him both ways?

ARC Provided by the Author For a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book📑 with KU.

This is another great sci-fi adventure with cyborgs, villains, psychics, time and matter mind control, heroes, intrigue, betrayal, and uncompromising 💘love! This an Adult Sci-fi romance with a real plot. There are some XXX scenes used appropriately when part of the story. Highly Recommend for fans of Sci-Fi Romance!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The story continues in the second book of the Keepers of Xereill series. The main focus is on Nyssa and Jancel but we get the conclusion for Areg and Etana's story. This has a great story line that just gets better and better as we dive into the series. There were some great twists that I was not expecting to happen.
Nyssa is held captive by Jancel and holds everything against him. At one time Jancel was her brother, Areg's, trusted friend. Or so she thought. Now she believes him to be just a coward who won't stand up for what is right. Little does she know Jancel is doing what is right by staying in the loop of the things that are happening. It keeps him torn in two. Put up with the scum controlling their world or put them down. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Joyce Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in this fantasy-alien-romance series. Again, Ms. Nichols hits the mark in terms of overall reader enjoyment. This is a good story with great characterizations; again, not just of the two main characters but of myriad characters involved in sub-plots. The main female character has gone through an excessive amount of emotional trauma, yet she forges on and keeps hoping for a better tomorrow. The main male character has also had his own personal tragedy and an ongoing dilemma of how to be true to himself, his family, his job and his nation. There is a very steamy romance between these two characters who have to learn to rely on each other. This was indeed an adventuresome novel riddled with angst, drama and adventure. I look forward to more writings by Ms. Nichols.

I received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I do recommend they be read in order. Nyssa is being held captive by her brother’s commanding officer and her crush. He didn’t help to save her brother and now Nyssa hates him. What will happen when sparks fly between Nyssa and Jancel. This story is fast-paced with loads of drama and suspense, I like the characters and the story really draws you in. The chemistry is steamy but with plenty of emotion. I really liked it and look forward to more in the series.

[Charity Chimni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved Nyssa's sass. This story brought some of the comedy and sass from Alix's Romantic comedy writing into the amazing Sci-Fi world she has written. I couldn't put it down once I started. I enjoyed seeing the motivations behind Jancel's actions we saw in The Traitor's Bride. And of course I loved the continuation of Areg and Etana's story. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series and what this world has to offer. Alix once again knocked it out of the park with The Commander's Captive!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕🔥🚀A great adventure continues!😱
April 19, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 stars
:-) I think I liked this second book in Alix Nichols' new🚀 sci-fi💗 romance series even better than the first. That may be because I am now more familiar with the characters and world the author built in the first story. The MCs from the first story, which ended in a cliffhanger in regards to their relationship, are back and working their way toward a reunion, but the MCs here are Jancel, beleaguered military commander, and Nyssa, his prisoner under house arrest and the beloved sister of Areg, the hero from the first book who everyone assumes Jancel betrayed.

Jancel and Nyssa can't resist each other, despite Nyssa's belief that her long unrequited affection for Jancel undermines her loyalty to her brother's memory. This internal conflict provides for great tension. But there is also great passion and heat despite Nyssa's intentions to merely taunt Jancel as payback for her brother's capture and torture.

Simultaneously, we get a great political intrigue story, with the evil police commander, the power-obsessed governor, and a new cyborg whose close work for the governor seems suspect. I found the warped workings of this trio just as enjoyable (though admittedly creepy) as the romance!I

In sum, a great example of the sci-fi romance genre and thoroughly enjoyable. Though the two principal romances have HFN endings, there are plenty more characters to highlight in subsequent stories, like Etana's brother and Jancel's trusted allies. And will the evil Ultek and the governor get their just desserts? Can't wait to see what Nichols has in store as the series continues.:-)

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and intriguing story, I loved the political pieces, and Nyssa and Jancel have incredible chemistry. It's a must read that I couldn't put down. I missed book 1 in the series and will be looking for it now. The author does an amazing job of world-building, and the characters are super strong. I can't wait to read more. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, romance
Standalone: No - Read book 1 The Traitor's Bride first. While Areg and Etana's (book 1's couple) and Jancel and Nyssa's stories end the overall story does not.
Part of a Series: Yes Book 2 of 5 planned books in the Keepers of Xereill Series
POV: Multiple
Steam Level: Quite Warm
4/5

In The Commander's Captive questions are answered and the intrigue continues. I can tell this is going to be one of those series that keeps you hooked. It is so well done that I'm okay with that. I cannot wait to see what happens. I hope to see more of Jancel/Nyssa and Areg/Etana in future stories and am excited to see what this is leading up to. Once again, no one can be trusted, or can they? Excellent work Alix Nichols! If you haven't read her, you need to pick up this series. It's an excellent mix of humor, steam, sci-fi, fantasy, romance and intrigue that few authors can pull off.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book ended on a MAJOR cliffhanger which is continued within this story PHEW! The story moves along and was exciting to read. This is a great series and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.

[mrs.s.m.oakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Commander and Captive

A new author to me...and I did struggle with the 1st book...but now the whole story is falling into place...it’s very different to most books I read about the future,space other alien life...cyborgs ruthless power crazy rulers..but I did enjoy Nasha storie...I hope that there’s a happy ending .

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this great series by Alix! The 1st book left us in a cliff hanger and I must say this 2nd book was worth the wait. This story is about Nyssa, Areg’s sister and Jancel his old friend. There are many political undertones in this series and this story takes those in charge continue to do wrong and bad things to many for power and greed. Nyssa has had a crush on Jancel since she was a young girl and due to the wrong dealings she is “captive” in his home. He is doing this to keep her safe from the dirty Sheriff. Jancel as the commander of the military has some power and did not step up to save Areg and Nyssa is not happy with him over it and her belief he is dead. Those with power make changes to their dealings and some will stuff those consequences. The heat between Nyssa and Jancel heats up and you learn about their struggles and how love and secrets affect them. Arge and Etana’s story is told along with this one and plays a part in it. Hopefully we will see them again in the next stories. Can Nyssa truly forgive Jancel and have a relationship with him? There are friends that help Jancel, will that help be enough to protect him and those he cares for? You will hate and then love Jancel and how his character grows as this story progresses is beautiful to see. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Tammy44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa is held captive by Jancel her brothers friend, she believes Jancel betrayed her brother Areg. She has always had a crush on him but believes her attraction toward him betrays her brother. Jancel is keeping Nyssa captive in his home to keep her safe from the dirty sheriff. Things heat up between them as she continues living in his home, especially after he reveals a big secret. This was a great read. There is plenty of action, secrets and danger in this book. The story is well written and the characters are well developed. There are even some good secondary characters in the story. A very interesting and engaging read that kept my interest from beginning to end. I voluntarily received an advance arc copy for an honest review

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earned 4.5 stars

Now, let me tell you that I enjoyed Nyssa and Jancel's story regardless of the fact that he chickened out when he found out she was in the family way. What happened to his first wife, happens to women worldwide, unfortunately. I can understand some concern, but he just needs to change the circumstances during future events. What he said to her when he got to the refuge, made me phenomenally happy. And completely redeemed him in my eyes.
Now, why did I take a half point away? I'm finding that there are so many players, and that each of them have their own motivations for their actions. We saw more into the mind of Governor Boggond this book, but there still seems to be so much out there that's unknown but important. Why are the Tetenum people attacking such a backward planet that has only certain habitable zones? Why is Governor Horbell really helping Boggond? I'm not expecting the complete answers because I want there to be some mystery, but some snippet into their motivations, so I don't feel so adrift as a reader would be nice. I mean I haven't even been able to infer or deduce anything about these other players. And these players are important because they interact with the main characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, and I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program too.

[Raychel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read! I love how it feels like you're
watching and not just reading. Jancel and Nyssa's romance was so romantic. The storyline is superb, the writing is good, characters well developed. And the moment Jancel went rogue, that was it for me.
Overall, its a must read

[Mrs E · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s highs there’s lows, there’s despair and elation! There’s everything you could possibly want from a sequel and more. Areg and Etana’s story continues whilst interwoven with the Nyssa’s struggle with her feelings towards her captor Jancel Heidd. Is he the traitorous monster that wronged her brother in so many ways in the past or has she got it all wrong; his behaviour towards her whilst she is in his care and under his protected would suggest the latter….or does it?
I found this book equally as gripping as its predecessor but way more easy to follow the Sci-Fi names of places, political factions etc. now that I had the background knowledge from The Traitors Bride.
Another triumph Alix and a definite recommended read!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashamed but decided to do what he thought was the best to protect those he care for, Commander Jancel Heidd was risking his life and his heart. His feelings for Nyssa were being tested and weakening him and he knew he had to control himself and think harder to keep them safe. Nyssa Sebi had been attracted to Jancel forever, but she was struggling with her feelings and the emotions he evoked in her. He was the enemy, but could there may be more about the man that she was not seeing? Intense and exciting second book with action, suspense, strong emotions, intriguing characters, distraught, violence, power struggling, romance and heated passion. Liked the strong protagonists, suffered with Jancel and Nyssa’s situation and their understanding of what had to be done. This interesting and entertaining story left me eager for the next book intrigued with the evil ones and what’s going to happen next. Kept me reading and enjoying the good plot development.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the addicting series is about Jancel and Nyssa I thought was better then the first. I thought Jancel and Nyssa's interactions were a hoot. There were a few spots that made me laugh and a few scenes that made me hate the bad guys even more and hope they really get what they deserve. I loved that we get a glimpse of what is going on off world and that Etana and Areg show up so we get to see their reunion. I did like the bit of suspense and mystery that is hinted int the story that make me really curious about what is going to happen next int the series. Basically I thought the story was well written and had me glued to the end as I read it in one sitting to see how Nyssa finds out that Jancel did not betray her or the people. There was a few sexy scenes as expected but felt they added to the story and did not distract.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story! It's the second story in the "Keepers of Xereill" and I highly recommend reading the "The Traitor's Bride" The first story is about Areg and Etana and ends with a cliffhanger that is wrapped up in "The Commander's Captive". In this story you have Nyssa and Jancel. Nyssa, Areg's sister, is being held captive by Jancel. Definitely against her will but for her protection. These two are entertaining but also passionate and the chemistry is great. The story has intrigue, action and suspense. It's a captivating read that sucks you in. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.*

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story answers the puzzlement of the cliffhanger left in The Traitor's Bride. The reveal wasn't all sweetness and roses like some cliffhangers but to tell the answer would be such a spoiler that I'm not going to be guilty of such a sin. This story is about the relationship or lack of to begin with between Jancel and Nyssa. Jancel has had to hide his motives from one and all much to his detriment. Undoubtedly he has earned the distrust of many and Nyssa in particular. She has had a crush on him from afar and now that she is his "house guest" her emotions are in a tailspin. The world of this sci-fi tale is quite remarkably depicted and all the characters, both good and evil, are uniquely lovely and abhorrent; namely the police chief and the governor. I was given an ARC for my review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read from Nichols. The plot wasn't simple. It had good twists in it that I didn't see coming immediately. I loved the character interactions as well. I think some more descriptions could be used!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know what to say. The political thriller aspect of this series is even more compelling than the romance between the lead characters. And since that’s hotter than the surface of a star, that’s saying something. I love that this book gives us the answers to what happened to Etana and Areg after the ending of the previous book, because it was driving me batty not knowing. I thought that some of the chemistry between Nyssa and Jancel felt a little rushed. However, as Jancel was the first one of her captors to be kind to Nyssa, I think there’s a bit of Stockholm Syndrome hurrying the emotions along. This has a ‘softer’ cliff-hanger ending but there’s still a lot of unanswered questions out there and I can’t wait to learn more.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend you read The Traitor's Bride first before this book. This second book is the story of Nyssa and Jancel and is part of the original story featuring Etana and Areg. It can be read as a standalone but is much better when read together after the first book.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a great choice for those who enjoy sci-fi romances. It is well written and has great characters. There is a lot of action and political intrigue mixed with the romance and you get a really well developed storyline.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Nancy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Commanders Captive is the secured book in this series of 5 books. Although book 1 had a cliffhanger, this second book answered those questions and gave us a new story about Nyssa, Areg's sister, and Jancel, Areg's former commanding officer and one time friend. Jancel had taken Nyssa captive at his home but, unbeknownst to her, he is keeping her safe. This is a good read and you will want to find out what is going to happen on Hentenext and to which fascinating character we have met thus far.
I volunteered to read an advanced copy and review this book.

[Am Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story for Alix fans. This story of Jancel and Nyssa is entertaining. Nayssa is smart and strong headed, which seems to give Jancel a hard way to go. There are some parts that will have you laughing with these endearing characters. As they build on their relationship, they deal with issues from both the past and current affairs. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 which carries on from etana and aregs story.
This time they are trying to make it back to each other.

It's also about nyssa and jancel.
Cancel is the enemy but they can't keep their hands off each other.

A wonderful book about about 2 people trying to find each other again.
About 2 other people falling in love.
I love these stories and cant wait to read more of your books:)
 "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review. This is the second of the series and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. This book tied up the cliff hanger from the first book while leaving another one. I hope by the time the author ties up the series, we can revisit the couples from both the first and second book. I really enjoyed learning more about Commander Heidd and Lady Sebi.

Nyssa Sebi is thought to be dead instead she has been held prisoner. Commander Heidd is the leader of the army and has convinced the Caretaker Governor to allow him to keep Lady Sebi. Lady Sebi cannot believe that Heidd is not corrupt. He didn't try to save her brother who was suppose to be his friend. But over time she sees a different side to him. Commander Heidd is doing what he must in order to protect the soldiers under him. They develop feelings for each other and must make a choice when trouble comes to their door.

I would highly recommend reading both books in this series.