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The Mating Games #1
Razar
Librarian note: An older cover for this edition can be found here: 17-Nov-2015.
Razar needs a mate but on his planet there are nine males to one female. Humans look like they are compatible but if they find out the secrets of his kind they will refuse to send them mates.
Lista needs money for her mother's operation or she will die. Her sister has volunteered her to be a bride for an alien. If she wins the mating game she will be free to keep the money and return home.
Can she outwit him or will he claim her heart before it's game over?
Note: For mature readers only.
Razar needs a mate but on his planet there are nine males to one female. Humans look like they are compatible but if they find out the secrets of his kind they will refuse to send them mates.
Lista needs money for her mother's operation or she will die. Her sister has volunteered her to be a bride for an alien. If she wins the mating game she will be free to keep the money and return home.
Can she outwit him or will he claim her heart before it's game over?
Note: For mature readers only.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
132 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 14, 2020
3.5 stars. Better than I would have otherwise assumed for a 50-page short story.
Yes, I know what Amazon says, but it's really 50 pages with additional pages devoted to a sneak-peak.
I bought this short novella because I was intrigued by the idea of an alien shifter. The concept this is how our own concept of "demon" might have started is entirely feasible if you believe that our early ancestors may have been visited by ancient aliens. For its limited number of pages, it's not bad for strictly brain candy, but it lacks in much needed substance.
Razar is a humanoid shifter whose "beast" does appear to be our description of a demon but with a far better disposition. He comes from a group of prisoners sent to a prison planet by an evil emperor bent on shipping out anyone who might oppose him, even in opinion. His mother followed his exiled father to a very harsh planet where you never get the chance of leave but you do get the chance to live as you would like (as long as you behave). So we have way too many males to too few females. Razar can get a mate if he signs up for a hunt in which he and other hunters "hunt" their mates. It's all based upon that the hunter will only see that one person meant by the deities to become his mate. (What an interesting solution to an otherwise beastly plot complication!)
Lista needs cash to fund her mother's healthcare needs, so she retires from the military and takes her chances in the hunt. If she makes it to a designated area, she gets money and can return to Earth. If she is captured by a hunter, she must stay with him for a year unless she decides to stay permanently. She finds the hunt to be far more psychological rather than physical... up until she and Razar is being chased by the planet's known predators, and the two must work together in order to survive. Lista is surprised by Razar's actions (in that he isn't trying to get into her pants immediately after capture) and by her own reaction to his presence. Perhaps she does have other options in her life...
For such a short story, (and it really is according to my own standards), it isn't bad. It's basically brain candy when you want something fun to read but don't want to commit too much time or risk. I feel sympathetic to both characters. I like the world-building though it is a long way from being anywheres close to complete. I'm curious to see how this series goes because I just might continue it if the price is right. I just don't like spending even $0.99 on 50 pages.
Editing-wise, it still needs help but is still so much better than what I'm currently reading. (I read anywhere from two to three books at the same time.) I just wish there was so much more. The entire hunt was "nice" for the limited pages it had. You can tell that this wasn't something the writer really wanted to write. I was waiting to figure out why one predator was far more friendlier than what one would supposed. I had thought this critter would be a more important player in this short story, but it wasn't. I probably won't even have the privilege of finding out later in this series... I would hope so. As a writer and an editor, I know you should never bring up something that will make the reader disappointed with you if the topic/character isn't better explored. And the plot was VERY predictable. At least I didn't have to put up with the usual templated plot complications often resorted to by many writers who feel something like that had to be done. I'd rather read a day-in-the-life-of rather than a forced action/suspense subplot.
If I can read it for free, I would advance to the next story in the pike. It would be strictly for brain candy when I can't stand for something suspenseful or stressful.
Yes, I know what Amazon says, but it's really 50 pages with additional pages devoted to a sneak-peak.
I bought this short novella because I was intrigued by the idea of an alien shifter. The concept this is how our own concept of "demon" might have started is entirely feasible if you believe that our early ancestors may have been visited by ancient aliens. For its limited number of pages, it's not bad for strictly brain candy, but it lacks in much needed substance.
Razar is a humanoid shifter whose "beast" does appear to be our description of a demon but with a far better disposition. He comes from a group of prisoners sent to a prison planet by an evil emperor bent on shipping out anyone who might oppose him, even in opinion. His mother followed his exiled father to a very harsh planet where you never get the chance of leave but you do get the chance to live as you would like (as long as you behave). So we have way too many males to too few females. Razar can get a mate if he signs up for a hunt in which he and other hunters "hunt" their mates. It's all based upon that the hunter will only see that one person meant by the deities to become his mate. (What an interesting solution to an otherwise beastly plot complication!)
Lista needs cash to fund her mother's healthcare needs, so she retires from the military and takes her chances in the hunt. If she makes it to a designated area, she gets money and can return to Earth. If she is captured by a hunter, she must stay with him for a year unless she decides to stay permanently. She finds the hunt to be far more psychological rather than physical... up until she and Razar is being chased by the planet's known predators, and the two must work together in order to survive. Lista is surprised by Razar's actions (in that he isn't trying to get into her pants immediately after capture) and by her own reaction to his presence. Perhaps she does have other options in her life...
For such a short story, (and it really is according to my own standards), it isn't bad. It's basically brain candy when you want something fun to read but don't want to commit too much time or risk. I feel sympathetic to both characters. I like the world-building though it is a long way from being anywheres close to complete. I'm curious to see how this series goes because I just might continue it if the price is right. I just don't like spending even $0.99 on 50 pages.
Editing-wise, it still needs help but is still so much better than what I'm currently reading. (I read anywhere from two to three books at the same time.) I just wish there was so much more. The entire hunt was "nice" for the limited pages it had. You can tell that this wasn't something the writer really wanted to write. I was waiting to figure out why one predator was far more friendlier than what one would supposed. I had thought this critter would be a more important player in this short story, but it wasn't. I probably won't even have the privilege of finding out later in this series... I would hope so. As a writer and an editor, I know you should never bring up something that will make the reader disappointed with you if the topic/character isn't better explored. And the plot was VERY predictable. At least I didn't have to put up with the usual templated plot complications often resorted to by many writers who feel something like that had to be done. I'd rather read a day-in-the-life-of rather than a forced action/suspense subplot.
If I can read it for free, I would advance to the next story in the pike. It would be strictly for brain candy when I can't stand for something suspenseful or stressful.
November 30, 2015
Making a run from it
Razar is the eldest of ten brothers and the first to enter the mating game in hopes to find his mate. But she’s only there because her sister talked and guilted her into doing it for the sake of her mother and brother. But she just got out of the military and plans on giving any man a run for his money. But as she tries to escape a wild beast she goes into a cove that is possible just a deadly as the beast she left outside. Well written and very entertaining story to read.
Razar is the eldest of ten brothers and the first to enter the mating game in hopes to find his mate. But she’s only there because her sister talked and guilted her into doing it for the sake of her mother and brother. But she just got out of the military and plans on giving any man a run for his money. But as she tries to escape a wild beast she goes into a cove that is possible just a deadly as the beast she left outside. Well written and very entertaining story to read.
November 4, 2016
I had to reread the prologue because of awkward phrasing and run on sentences. I kept reading because I like the mars needs women trope. The rest of the story was in similar shape and I had to force myself to finish. I noticed inconsistencies as well. Too bad because I liked the story.
This needs to be edited and updated. The color purple is used to describe way too many things. Earth culture from this century is referenced often even though it is supposed to be hundreds of years in the future.
Mature content
This needs to be edited and updated. The color purple is used to describe way too many things. Earth culture from this century is referenced often even though it is supposed to be hundreds of years in the future.
Mature content
December 13, 2020
This could be an amazing, five star story line! There are paragraphs were the plot is flawless, interesting and exciting to see what happens next. Then the author flat-lines all details and personalities of the characters and the reading becomes boring, tedious, predictable and unrelatable.
There are huge sections were it became apparent the author became bored and wanted to move on to something else so she didn't even try to bridge details together. The very last five pages weren't even toilet paper worthy as no attempt was made to make the happily ever after endearing. Either that or these characters are supposed to be emotionless robots making decisions based entirely on logic and nothing to do whatsoever with feelings.
There are quite a few spelling and grammar errors and even a few sentences where the 3rd person POV suddenly switches to 1st, only adding to the confusion. If repetitive syntax and misused grammar are your peeves, steer clear of this one.
I almost gave this story only two stars for the shoddy ending, but I am hoping this is due to novice publishing and the author will improve. I'll give the next story in this series a try but if there is no improvement, this story ship will be abandoned.
There are huge sections were it became apparent the author became bored and wanted to move on to something else so she didn't even try to bridge details together. The very last five pages weren't even toilet paper worthy as no attempt was made to make the happily ever after endearing. Either that or these characters are supposed to be emotionless robots making decisions based entirely on logic and nothing to do whatsoever with feelings.
There are quite a few spelling and grammar errors and even a few sentences where the 3rd person POV suddenly switches to 1st, only adding to the confusion. If repetitive syntax and misused grammar are your peeves, steer clear of this one.
I almost gave this story only two stars for the shoddy ending, but I am hoping this is due to novice publishing and the author will improve. I'll give the next story in this series a try but if there is no improvement, this story ship will be abandoned.
April 12, 2018
Книга, в которой автор постаралась ухватить и там, и сям... но не преуспела. Отношения героев не развиваются от слова совсем, Листа сначала упряма и не собирается отдаваться Рэйзеру, но потом вдруг секс (скучный!) и сразу любовь. Не поверила.
Особенно меня "впечатлило" перевоплощение Рэйзера в демона с эрекцией и крыльями. И когда только авторы перестанут фантазировать о демонах? Что-то в этом есть не совсем здоровое, ведь правда?
Звезды надбавила только за фантастическую составляющую (точнее, попытку ее показать). Выживание было интересным. Я даже почти стала надеяться на сюжет. Это было чтение в ожидании... и оно не оправдалось.
Наверное, дам серии еще один шанс и почитаю 2 книгу, но в целом, ощущения, увы, не лучшие.
Особенно меня "впечатлило" перевоплощение Рэйзера в демона с эрекцией и крыльями. И когда только авторы перестанут фантазировать о демонах? Что-то в этом есть не совсем здоровое, ведь правда?
Звезды надбавила только за фантастическую составляющую (точнее, попытку ее показать). Выживание было интересным. Я даже почти стала надеяться на сюжет. Это было чтение в ожидании... и оно не оправдалось.
Наверное, дам серии еще один шанс и почитаю 2 книгу, но в целом, ощущения, увы, не лучшие.
June 2, 2024
Razar and Lista
She's in it for the money; he's in it for love. Razar pulls out his best moves to win his mate. She runs, determined to return to her home planet. But his charms are hard to resist, especially when he cooks for her. Readers get a little action, a little sweet and a good bit of heat in this shorty. The editing could be much better. What happened to the commas?
She's in it for the money; he's in it for love. Razar pulls out his best moves to win his mate. She runs, determined to return to her home planet. But his charms are hard to resist, especially when he cooks for her. Readers get a little action, a little sweet and a good bit of heat in this shorty. The editing could be much better. What happened to the commas?
December 9, 2018
Good idea but Slightly disappointing
There was such a good idea behind this story I really thought it would be a great read, but it seems written by a novice author. It reads very simple, with no depth to the characters or situation, and skips forward in time too much without having the actual feel of time passing. Not horrible but could have been so much better!
There was such a good idea behind this story I really thought it would be a great read, but it seems written by a novice author. It reads very simple, with no depth to the characters or situation, and skips forward in time too much without having the actual feel of time passing. Not horrible but could have been so much better!
November 11, 2025
It's a short story and kind of sweet
It seems like it's the beginning of a new series. And it's a sweet story with need on both partners. I like the characters in the story except for the mean sister. As with any new series it's a little awkward in what their customs or beliefs are. I can adjust to that but it just seemed like it was more Of an interactive Introductory story.
It seems like it's the beginning of a new series. And it's a sweet story with need on both partners. I like the characters in the story except for the mean sister. As with any new series it's a little awkward in what their customs or beliefs are. I can adjust to that but it just seemed like it was more Of an interactive Introductory story.
December 8, 2017
Interesting
Quick short story about a planet of mostly males who need mates and the hunt to claim them. The series is mainly about one family of 10 males all looking for a mate. Razar as the eldest is First to hunt. Enjoyable.
Quick short story about a planet of mostly males who need mates and the hunt to claim them. The series is mainly about one family of 10 males all looking for a mate. Razar as the eldest is First to hunt. Enjoyable.
January 1, 2019
Razar
This book had fun characters and an enjoyable story line. My only complaint was it seemed a bit jumpy at times, not always transitioning smoothly. I did enjoy it, though, and want to read more in the series.
This book had fun characters and an enjoyable story line. My only complaint was it seemed a bit jumpy at times, not always transitioning smoothly. I did enjoy it, though, and want to read more in the series.
May 17, 2020
If you are looking for an entertaining quick easy to read book, this is a book for you. Both Lista and Razar have secrets to tell, but Razar has the biggest and potentially could make his mate refuse the match, despite their attraction to each other.
April 4, 2023
A bit short
I am guessing the author is fairly new. It is more of a short story than a book but with fully developed characters. There could have been a bit more detail and background, as well as editing but I think these issues will be resolved in future books.
I am guessing the author is fairly new. It is more of a short story than a book but with fully developed characters. There could have been a bit more detail and background, as well as editing but I think these issues will be resolved in future books.
May 8, 2023
Easy read
This was a fast paced story and easy to read. It seemed really rushed though so I didn't really feel a connection to either character. Also there wasn't much alien-ness in the story either.
This was a fast paced story and easy to read. It seemed really rushed though so I didn't really feel a connection to either character. Also there wasn't much alien-ness in the story either.
July 13, 2024
Hunting for a bride
I really enjoyed this one. It didn't feel like a novella at all...well until the end. The end felt a little rushed. I might have to check out the rest of the series.
I really enjoyed this one. It didn't feel like a novella at all...well until the end. The end felt a little rushed. I might have to check out the rest of the series.
September 18, 2024
Good read
Great premise and wonderful characters. Lista and Razar make a good couple, and I can't wait to read about his brothers getting their mates as well. I would recommend this story to any adult reader who enjoys science fiction romances.
Great premise and wonderful characters. Lista and Razar make a good couple, and I can't wait to read about his brothers getting their mates as well. I would recommend this story to any adult reader who enjoys science fiction romances.
January 24, 2025
No
It could have been a fine story if it was longer. Lista started off strong in her quest to evade her mate, but then just gives up and accepts him when he catches her? And pretty much instantly loves him? And the writing just had some confusing parts.
It could have been a fine story if it was longer. Lista started off strong in her quest to evade her mate, but then just gives up and accepts him when he catches her? And pretty much instantly loves him? And the writing just had some confusing parts.
July 11, 2019
Surprise
Very interesting and intriguing storyline. Yes, there were some leaps in time, but understood because of the short story, almost novella style.
Very interesting and intriguing storyline. Yes, there were some leaps in time, but understood because of the short story, almost novella style.
August 25, 2019
Good short story
The story was nice. Sometimes the story dragged a little but still managed to hold my I terest long enough to finish it. I want a big purple wolf of my thought!
The story was nice. Sometimes the story dragged a little but still managed to hold my I terest long enough to finish it. I want a big purple wolf of my thought!
July 13, 2020
Great story.
I always love a story with a surprise. Running for a mate or trying to escape from one is always exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I always love a story with a surprise. Running for a mate or trying to escape from one is always exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone.
January 8, 2022
Simple and straightforward
This is the romance fantasy to a tee! There is a bit of Cinderella in this one. A very quick and enjoyable read.
This is the romance fantasy to a tee! There is a bit of Cinderella in this one. A very quick and enjoyable read.
March 13, 2022
Hunting for your mate
Razar joined the hunt to find a mate. He scents her and follows her. She is hard to catch but he will have her.
Razar joined the hunt to find a mate. He scents her and follows her. She is hard to catch but he will have her.
February 10, 2023
A great book
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down. I laughed and felt the love they found. The characters are well written.
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down. I laughed and felt the love they found. The characters are well written.
May 3, 2025
Forced to go, willing to stay
A new world for a new beginning.
She was forced to go but eventually finds that he's exactly what she needs in this scary new place.
A new world for a new beginning.
She was forced to go but eventually finds that he's exactly what she needs in this scary new place.
October 6, 2016
Title: Razar
Series: The Mating Games
Destination: Book 1., 59 Pages.,
Author: Catty Diva
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #SciFi #Aliens
My Score: #4Stars☆☆☆☆
♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
Oh my goodness this is really a different kind of read for me. I've never read this author writings before, so we will check out the next book. The way she wrote this story it was like I was right in the cave and the flowers and pools, I could see it all.
Lista is soldier from Earth, her family is from a lower class, they really needed money for their mother's surgery the only way she could get the money is to leave the military, then to go on a different planet and play the game. The game is of being hunted by Mazlans males to find there mates. But Lista was a soldier used to running and training, she had to make it in 3 days across the desert, mountains to the assigned mark on the map, if she made it she would be free and didn't have to pay the money back. Not knowing the terrain really slowed her down. Way down, would she get caught?
Razar was born on this planet, his parents were banished too, where all there money was confiscated but now him and his brother's lived in a new part and he just built a house for his mate. As the women were coming off the spaceship they didn't realize the males were watching them to pick who they want as there mate. Razar didn't want any of them but then he saw her, yes she was his mate and he won't share with anyone. Then on the hunt day he saw her taking off and knew he was going to have to work hard to get her. But she was worth it.
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.
Series: The Mating Games
Destination: Book 1., 59 Pages.,
Author: Catty Diva
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #SciFi #Aliens
My Score: #4Stars☆☆☆☆
♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
Oh my goodness this is really a different kind of read for me. I've never read this author writings before, so we will check out the next book. The way she wrote this story it was like I was right in the cave and the flowers and pools, I could see it all.
Lista is soldier from Earth, her family is from a lower class, they really needed money for their mother's surgery the only way she could get the money is to leave the military, then to go on a different planet and play the game. The game is of being hunted by Mazlans males to find there mates. But Lista was a soldier used to running and training, she had to make it in 3 days across the desert, mountains to the assigned mark on the map, if she made it she would be free and didn't have to pay the money back. Not knowing the terrain really slowed her down. Way down, would she get caught?
Razar was born on this planet, his parents were banished too, where all there money was confiscated but now him and his brother's lived in a new part and he just built a house for his mate. As the women were coming off the spaceship they didn't realize the males were watching them to pick who they want as there mate. Razar didn't want any of them but then he saw her, yes she was his mate and he won't share with anyone. Then on the hunt day he saw her taking off and knew he was going to have to work hard to get her. But she was worth it.
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.
May 21, 2019
DNF - Quit at 50%
Just couldn't get into this, the plot just didn't hold my attention. There were a few places that info was lacking, or seems to skip a bit leaving holes in the story. I didn't really develop a feel for the characters to want to find out more about them.
At my age, life is to short & my time to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Just couldn't get into this, the plot just didn't hold my attention. There were a few places that info was lacking, or seems to skip a bit leaving holes in the story. I didn't really develop a feel for the characters to want to find out more about them.
At my age, life is to short & my time to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
September 16, 2016
Lista needs money for an operation for her mother to save her life. Her spoilt lazy sister has volunteered her to go as a potential bride for an alien with an rather usual test for potential mates - if she wins the mating game she can go home and keep all of the money. Lista had to ;eave the army to do this with no change of re-enlisting so has plans to go back and start a new life/business - she has no intention of not winning the game.
Razar is one of a large family who needs to find a mate. Due to circumstances on their planet there are 9 males to 1 female so he needs to find one using the mating game with women sent from Earth as they seem to be compatible. Will he be able to catch Lista and will she be able to handle the secret of what he really is?
I loved this book. It was well told and I could imagine myself being there and seeing all of what was happening. Now I need to know what happens next, Definitely recommended.
Razar is one of a large family who needs to find a mate. Due to circumstances on their planet there are 9 males to 1 female so he needs to find one using the mating game with women sent from Earth as they seem to be compatible. Will he be able to catch Lista and will she be able to handle the secret of what he really is?
I loved this book. It was well told and I could imagine myself being there and seeing all of what was happening. Now I need to know what happens next, Definitely recommended.
September 14, 2016
Slow
Very slow, rather boring. Seems like first attempt at writing. Dialogue was natural and flowing, think this author will be better in future with a more in depth story line.
Very slow, rather boring. Seems like first attempt at writing. Dialogue was natural and flowing, think this author will be better in future with a more in depth story line.
April 2, 2016
From Unwanted to Wanted
Given this book for an honest review.
What woman in her right mind signs up for a mating hunt? A desperate one that's who! The things I do for my family all I can do is try really hard not to get caught. I was in the military but it did not pay enough to take care of my family so a girl has to do what is necessary so my family does not suffer.
I was born on a penal colony it is all that I have know. My parents were sentenced because of their political beliefs but like here was not so bad. The mating games happen every quarter on my planet and I had intended to participate looking for a mate this quarter until I saw her walking down the ramp and I just knew she was the one for me. With nine other brothers at home waiting for their chance to get a mate I was glad there had been someone for me.
With Lista not wanting a mate and doing all in her power to avoiding it. Razar wanting a mate and willing to fight for her. Can these two make it work?
The story was short enjoyable read looking forward to reading about Lista's sister when she comes to Mazlan
Given this book for an honest review.
What woman in her right mind signs up for a mating hunt? A desperate one that's who! The things I do for my family all I can do is try really hard not to get caught. I was in the military but it did not pay enough to take care of my family so a girl has to do what is necessary so my family does not suffer.
I was born on a penal colony it is all that I have know. My parents were sentenced because of their political beliefs but like here was not so bad. The mating games happen every quarter on my planet and I had intended to participate looking for a mate this quarter until I saw her walking down the ramp and I just knew she was the one for me. With nine other brothers at home waiting for their chance to get a mate I was glad there had been someone for me.
With Lista not wanting a mate and doing all in her power to avoiding it. Razar wanting a mate and willing to fight for her. Can these two make it work?
The story was short enjoyable read looking forward to reading about Lista's sister when she comes to Mazlan
February 12, 2017
This is the first book I have read from this author. I was not disappointed. The writing was easy and the story was great. I will be finding more of Ms. Diva's books.
September 18, 2016
I saw mentioned in previous reviews that it need to be proof read for errors however I did not come across any errors so I'm guess those have been fixed. I read a lot ARC for several indie authors and asked to give this book a try. So with that said here is my review.
I enjoyed the premise of the book very much and the story flowed nicely. The for a short story the main characters had a good bit of development, you got to see what their true personality was like. For what this book is supposed to represent I believe it was well written. I don't believe this book would be for everyone, because you have to like reading about futuristic dystopia, alien travel, and shape-shifters. So with that said if you like a combination of those above characteristics you should enjoy this short read into a little fantasy.
I enjoyed the premise of the book very much and the story flowed nicely. The for a short story the main characters had a good bit of development, you got to see what their true personality was like. For what this book is supposed to represent I believe it was well written. I don't believe this book would be for everyone, because you have to like reading about futuristic dystopia, alien travel, and shape-shifters. So with that said if you like a combination of those above characteristics you should enjoy this short read into a little fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews