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The Vitruvian Chronicles #1
The Commander's Warrior Mate
She’s filthy, she’s murderous, and she lives in a cave.
She’s also his mate.
Kill or be killed. That was Jess’s life after the Ghul invaded. With civilization in ruins and her family dead, she fled to the woods and clawed for survival. Fifteen years later, the Alliance came in the dark of night and tore her life apart again.
Now she’s being held on an Alliance starship against her will. Its captain looks at her with a glint in his eye and says there’s a man on board for her, a man who’ll cherish her.
But why would she want that? Men are terrifying! No, all she really wants is her freedom. If the captain will just undo her cuffs - or come within reach so she can bash him over the head - she’ll let herself out and find her own way home. Surely it can’t be that hard to fly a spaceship!
Captain Pryce Adamson isn’t looking for a life mate. He certainly doesn’t expect to find one shackled in his ship’s interrogation room, spewing lies and threatening violence. But within minutes of pitting his wits against hers, he knows she’s his match. Shipboard tests merely confirm what he already knows: this feral, outrageous nymph of a woman is his shot at a lifetime of joy and passion.
But her time in hiding has left her badly scarred. A man is the last thing she wants. It’s going to take every bit of patience and cunning he has to win a chance with her … and even then, he may find a knife between his ribs!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2019
137 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Kayne
10 books8 followersI cut my teeth on the likes of science fiction, which my folks approved of, and the steamiest romance novels I could lay my hands on, which they did not. Naturally, my stories now blend the two.
My heroines roam the galaxy, flail through adventures, and seek their destinies. When they crash into love in the form of a virile, determined man (give or take a few horns or scales), they’re more inclined to run the opposite direction than to embrace it.
Fortunately, my heroes are determined to hold on to a good thing when they find it. If that means kidnapping their women or faking a spaceship crash, so be it! And if the women are furious or even vengeful when they discover the deception … well, the men will deal with that situation when it arises, even if it means dodging a few projectiles.
I live on the West Coast with my husband, my kid, and whatever animals wander up to our home and move in. I’m sure it’s purely a coincidence that the men in my novels have a gleam in their eyes and a growl just like my husband’s.
I hope that readers will enjoy my stories just as much as I enjoy writing them!
My heroines roam the galaxy, flail through adventures, and seek their destinies. When they crash into love in the form of a virile, determined man (give or take a few horns or scales), they’re more inclined to run the opposite direction than to embrace it.
Fortunately, my heroes are determined to hold on to a good thing when they find it. If that means kidnapping their women or faking a spaceship crash, so be it! And if the women are furious or even vengeful when they discover the deception … well, the men will deal with that situation when it arises, even if it means dodging a few projectiles.
I live on the West Coast with my husband, my kid, and whatever animals wander up to our home and move in. I’m sure it’s purely a coincidence that the men in my novels have a gleam in their eyes and a growl just like my husband’s.
I hope that readers will enjoy my stories just as much as I enjoy writing them!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 28, 2019
Tooo civilized H for me!
April 24, 2023
Ack! Pryce ruined this book. Reading his POV was exhausting. He sounded like man w no emotional intelligence. & I didn’t like the way Jess was portrayed, like a child. Which her experiences don’t make her. Even if there was some misconceptions w her world view, some of the side character’s treatment of her annoyed me half the time
Although w the length of the book I shouldn’t be getting so riled up about it. But I’m definitely riled
I didn’t like Pryce at all, I felt he was wolf in sheep’s clothing. Like there was something that hadn’t been revealed, not necessarily sinister but bordering on sketchy. Sigh idk
I did like the emphasis on mental health & counseling & Jess actually accepting help instead of trying to figure it out on her own (for the most part)
I really wish Jess had been able to flourish ALOT more on her own without romance. If the start of their romance had happened 3 books from now I’d be pleased bc her integration into society would be built on solid ground
& it w Pryce’s insistence she mate w him quickly that put me off him v v quickly (he was giving grooming vibes, maybe not intentionally but that’s how it read to me)
On the plus side Computer, I see you girl. I see you
Sigh. To read the next book or not to?
Although w the length of the book I shouldn’t be getting so riled up about it. But I’m definitely riled
I didn’t like Pryce at all, I felt he was wolf in sheep’s clothing. Like there was something that hadn’t been revealed, not necessarily sinister but bordering on sketchy. Sigh idk
I did like the emphasis on mental health & counseling & Jess actually accepting help instead of trying to figure it out on her own (for the most part)
I really wish Jess had been able to flourish ALOT more on her own without romance. If the start of their romance had happened 3 books from now I’d be pleased bc her integration into society would be built on solid ground
& it w Pryce’s insistence she mate w him quickly that put me off him v v quickly (he was giving grooming vibes, maybe not intentionally but that’s how it read to me)
On the plus side Computer, I see you girl. I see you
Sigh. To read the next book or not to?
December 29, 2019
A sci-fi romance that’s a mash up of Star Trek TNG and The Valley of Horses, and it works. Even though it’s a fated mates trope (not my fave), it’s pretty slow burn, which worked well. The world building was decent, although I wouldn’t have minded more of Jess’ hands-on learning chapters to get more of a feel for daily ship life. The leads had good chemistry, and the supporting characters were good for the little bit of time spent with them. The computer was the best. I did think the hero was a bit of a dbag; he made some major decisions about Jess without consulting or informing her, which was not ok.
I could have done without
I would read more in this series.
I could have done without
I would read more in this series.
November 15, 2019
What A Treat!
This was a very well written and entertaining novel with very few proof reading errors by a new author. Her choice not to follow the typical "formula" so many authors in this genre seem to use really paid off. I check those books out on KU, I read and enjoy them ---- but this book just seemed to have more depth. The characters are humans from a time after they have spread out from Earth and settled on other worlds? (Inferred from various clues in the book.) The author's character development left me feeling like I really knew the main characters. I just wish it had been longer because I was enjoying reading it so much! I can't wait to read the next Vitruvian Chronicles book.
This was a very well written and entertaining novel with very few proof reading errors by a new author. Her choice not to follow the typical "formula" so many authors in this genre seem to use really paid off. I check those books out on KU, I read and enjoy them ---- but this book just seemed to have more depth. The characters are humans from a time after they have spread out from Earth and settled on other worlds? (Inferred from various clues in the book.) The author's character development left me feeling like I really knew the main characters. I just wish it had been longer because I was enjoying reading it so much! I can't wait to read the next Vitruvian Chronicles book.
March 28, 2022
Great romantic sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fantastic, the story is a page-turner, and the characters are fascinating. Most of the adventures are Jess's as she learns to live in her adopted society. I won't lie; Pryce annoyed me often with his over-the-top possessiveness and behavior unbecoming a ship's commander. But the laugh-out-loud moments and supporting characters make Mate memorable. I read this book on KU but will buy it to reread. I'm hoping there will be a sequel.
The worldbuilding is fantastic, the story is a page-turner, and the characters are fascinating. Most of the adventures are Jess's as she learns to live in her adopted society. I won't lie; Pryce annoyed me often with his over-the-top possessiveness and behavior unbecoming a ship's commander. But the laugh-out-loud moments and supporting characters make Mate memorable. I read this book on KU but will buy it to reread. I'm hoping there will be a sequel.
July 11, 2022
Took a chance and loved it
This was recommended to me by KU, it looked interesting, so even though I’d never heard of the author, I figured why not?
I am *so* glad I did! This is a strange little story about a starship captain and the feral human he finds while rescuing an influential person’s son. It’s strange and sweet, and the writer did a great job of somehow creating a likable heroine who is a strange melange of naive ingenue, and dangerous scrapper. I really Hollis the writer decided to continue this series, because I would really love more in this universe!
This was recommended to me by KU, it looked interesting, so even though I’d never heard of the author, I figured why not?
I am *so* glad I did! This is a strange little story about a starship captain and the feral human he finds while rescuing an influential person’s son. It’s strange and sweet, and the writer did a great job of somehow creating a likable heroine who is a strange melange of naive ingenue, and dangerous scrapper. I really Hollis the writer decided to continue this series, because I would really love more in this universe!
December 2, 2019
Je ne suis pas une grande fan du "lust at first sight" mais de temps à autre, je peux le gérer. En fait je crois que j'avais besoin d'une pause mentale niveau roman. Aka le niveau de celui ci était parfait. Léger, improbable, contenant une marysue pour héroïne et un alpha ultra possessif et un peu dominant bdsm pour héros. En fait c'était assez bête comme histoire mais j'ai ris, ça m'a divertit et well, l'univers avait du potentiel. Comme on dit : why not coconut. 😂
January 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The character felt real instead of romance novel stereotypes. They have annoying habits and personality faults while also being brave and charming. The captain kind of reminds me of Jim Hopper in Stranger Things in that he's a good guy but he makes some bad decisions and he gets frustrated a lot. Either way, this book was very charming and I'm excited to read the author's next book.
May 13, 2020
Not your typical alien romance
Original. Not your usual heroine (who the author insists is strong but is actually TSTL) and hero (who the author insists is perfect but is actually scary possessive). Instead, I found the reactions realistic and the adjustments to new situations well-described without being repetitive. The author manages not to fall back on stupid, overly dramatic scenes to advance the plot.
Original. Not your usual heroine (who the author insists is strong but is actually TSTL) and hero (who the author insists is perfect but is actually scary possessive). Instead, I found the reactions realistic and the adjustments to new situations well-described without being repetitive. The author manages not to fall back on stupid, overly dramatic scenes to advance the plot.
July 11, 2022
Excellent!
This book was different from my normal reading material. I picked it up because it was free but was really glad that I did. Jess was spunky, intelligent, strong, and independent. Pryce, was a little bit slow on the pick up that he finally got around to making his feelings known to Jess. An excellent book for a younger audience who is not at the age for a really naughty book.
This book was different from my normal reading material. I picked it up because it was free but was really glad that I did. Jess was spunky, intelligent, strong, and independent. Pryce, was a little bit slow on the pick up that he finally got around to making his feelings known to Jess. An excellent book for a younger audience who is not at the age for a really naughty book.
November 3, 2022
Pryce and Jess
What a great read. Jess is a fantastic heroine, independent, strong and very capable of protecting herself and those she cares about. Pryce... is ok. Their romance is a slow burner for sure as they only get together in the last chapter. Literally. Highly recommended
What a great read. Jess is a fantastic heroine, independent, strong and very capable of protecting herself and those she cares about. Pryce... is ok. Their romance is a slow burner for sure as they only get together in the last chapter. Literally. Highly recommended
December 9, 2020
Not an instant romance
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and second the review of Hate non consent but the mc didn't do that. The Strong , thoughtful characters were delightful. I look forward to the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and second the review of Hate non consent but the mc didn't do that. The Strong , thoughtful characters were delightful. I look forward to the next book.
July 19, 2022
Very Good Start to a series.
A different take on space romance. It was an easy read and very entertaining. I loved how she interacted with the crew. I also liked that Pryce let her socialize and date before she found out he wss her match.
A different take on space romance. It was an easy read and very entertaining. I loved how she interacted with the crew. I also liked that Pryce let her socialize and date before she found out he wss her match.
November 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️
I had a hard time getting through this book. The writing felt immature and simple. I did enjoy the FMC but the MMC was really annoying. This is not a series I will continue reading unfortunately.
I had a hard time getting through this book. The writing felt immature and simple. I did enjoy the FMC but the MMC was really annoying. This is not a series I will continue reading unfortunately.
May 23, 2024
The author doesn't like or sympathize with her ML, so how could the reader? The FL, on the other hand, is unrealistically perfect. The writing is very preachy. Stopped at about 40%. It's a shame because this author's attention to detail and sci-fi knowledge is actually quite good.
November 24, 2024
What a delightful surprise!!
Really enjoyed this book. Not the usual she was kidnapped crap as per 90%of alien sci fi trope aym
Great characters m world build. Very easy to read.
This would be a perfect holiday read
Really enjoyed this book. Not the usual she was kidnapped crap as per 90%of alien sci fi trope aym
Great characters m world build. Very easy to read.
This would be a perfect holiday read
December 11, 2019
Super good read!
This story and characters were enchanting. I was so sorry to come to the end! Please write lots more! 5 stars for sure!
This story and characters were enchanting. I was so sorry to come to the end! Please write lots more! 5 stars for sure!
January 18, 2020
Commander
The book was fun but not overly sexual. . It is an innocent meets her mate type of book though he tip toes around her until the end of the book
The book was fun but not overly sexual. . It is an innocent meets her mate type of book though he tip toes around her until the end of the book
January 25, 2020
Awesome
Lots of humor. The characters were realistic and the hero was very lovable. There are some triggers but they are dealt with appropriately.
Lots of humor. The characters were realistic and the hero was very lovable. There are some triggers but they are dealt with appropriately.
April 3, 2022
loved it!
I loved the story but truly hope I get to join them on some adventures and watch as they grow in love. This was a perfect beginning.
I loved the story but truly hope I get to join them on some adventures and watch as they grow in love. This was a perfect beginning.
December 29, 2023
Finally a sci-fi romance that does not involve abduction and an auction. An actual original concept for readers who are tired of the prior mentioned trope.
A.R. Kayne has a backlist written as Annika Kayne.
A.R. Kayne has a backlist written as Annika Kayne.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews