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Vaznik Warriors #1
Rekker
Rekker wasn't expecting to be matched.
On the eve of being sent to retrieve a mysterious artifact, he's sent something just as enigmatic.
A human woman, lush and curved.
His mate.
Even worse, she wants nothing to do with him.
His blood burns for her, but the need to make her happy overrides everything.
He'll find a way to set her free, even if it means he'll be alone. Forever.
But when danger comes from an unexpected source, they're thrown together. And when his mate turns to him, he'll protect her.
Keep her.
Claim her.
Lila Kanes never wanted any thing but a quiet life on her family farm. She certainly didn't want to be claimed by a massive alien mate.
Thrown into the stars, she'll do whatever it takes to find a way home.
Back to Earth.
Back to her family.
She couldn't possibly want to stay with the hot, horned alien with the amazing body, who made her feel like the most precious thing in the universe, could she?
Right?
Rekker is the first book of the Warriors of Vaznik, a stand alone series in the Warlord Brides universe. There's no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA for each couple!
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2019
1075 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Ava York
105 books132 followersReader, dreamer and frantic scribbler. I really do believe that love conquers all... and make terrible things for my characters to survive to prove it! (insert evil laugh here)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
never-reading-andor-finishing
April 15, 2020DNF 33% - just cannot get into it.
I've read too many books like this - aliens help defend earth in exchange for mates, so the government set up a bride/mate lottery, women have no choice but to be a part of it.
Acquired via KU.
I've read too many books like this - aliens help defend earth in exchange for mates, so the government set up a bride/mate lottery, women have no choice but to be a part of it.
Acquired via KU.
July 16, 2020
1.5 to 2 stars
Overall, I liked the characters (main, Rekker and Lila, and secondary, namely Rekker’s crew mates); but I had issues with some things.
I found the ending to Rekker and Lila’s romance way too abrupt! The story just stopped when I hit 90% on my Kindle.
So they finally get to Gravum IV, the planet that Rekker and his crew have been tasked by their Commander to retrieve something but we never find out what it is. Which is okay. I can understand that this is part of the overall story arc which will span the series. What’s baffling is that after they land, realize something is interfering with their comms, and decide to camp outside overnight for fun, Rekker and Lila’s story comes to an end. As in “The end”.
Wait. Am I missing chapters? I feel like this book is missing some sort of transitioning scene that sets up the next book. Heck, I would’ve preferred a cliffhanger compared to this fade-to-black abruptness.
Also, though they declared their love for each other, I would’ve wanted there to be a definitive acceptance/acknowledgement about them being true soulmates and about Lila’s new role in her life with Rekker. Again, I feel like these scenes were missing. Because for the better part of the book, Lila didn’t seem sold on being Rekker’s mate. She was very unsure of her place/role in her new life, was homesick, and wanted to go back to Earth. Suddenly, after orgasms and an exchange of I-love-you’s, she was fine? Hmmmm... a more detailed explanation would have been nice.
Lastly, I wish there had been more info about these alien, main, male characters. We learned that they have horns and they all have different skin colors. But we don’t know what their powers/abilities are, if any. And Rekker seemed to expertly know his way around a woman’s body —- Why? How? Do their tattoos do anything else?
So much potential for more. But too skippy in terms of details to suit my taste especially when it comes to a fantasy romance.
Overall, I liked the characters (main, Rekker and Lila, and secondary, namely Rekker’s crew mates); but I had issues with some things.
I found the ending to Rekker and Lila’s romance way too abrupt! The story just stopped when I hit 90% on my Kindle.
So they finally get to Gravum IV, the planet that Rekker and his crew have been tasked by their Commander to retrieve something but we never find out what it is. Which is okay. I can understand that this is part of the overall story arc which will span the series. What’s baffling is that after they land, realize something is interfering with their comms, and decide to camp outside overnight for fun, Rekker and Lila’s story comes to an end. As in “The end”.
Wait. Am I missing chapters? I feel like this book is missing some sort of transitioning scene that sets up the next book. Heck, I would’ve preferred a cliffhanger compared to this fade-to-black abruptness.
Also, though they declared their love for each other, I would’ve wanted there to be a definitive acceptance/acknowledgement about them being true soulmates and about Lila’s new role in her life with Rekker. Again, I feel like these scenes were missing. Because for the better part of the book, Lila didn’t seem sold on being Rekker’s mate. She was very unsure of her place/role in her new life, was homesick, and wanted to go back to Earth. Suddenly, after orgasms and an exchange of I-love-you’s, she was fine? Hmmmm... a more detailed explanation would have been nice.
Lastly, I wish there had been more info about these alien, main, male characters. We learned that they have horns and they all have different skin colors. But we don’t know what their powers/abilities are, if any. And Rekker seemed to expertly know his way around a woman’s body —- Why? How? Do their tattoos do anything else?
So much potential for more. But too skippy in terms of details to suit my taste especially when it comes to a fantasy romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2020
I hate giving these books a bad review, but…
I hate giving this book a bad review, because The writer isn’t bad. The story has good pacing and if there was more world building, I think she would be good at it. However this is an alien romance and there’s nothing alien about these aliens except their horns. How do they know what a sack of flower is, why do they call the markings they’re born with tattoos, why is there nothing awkward in communication and sexuality between an alien and a human. And how can they have a way of claiming a mate if they were completely male race that Never had mates until they came to this agreement with humans?
If this is not an alien romance and it was set in Utah, it probably would not be a bad book. A little fluffy with very little depth... but ok..
I hate giving this book a bad review, because The writer isn’t bad. The story has good pacing and if there was more world building, I think she would be good at it. However this is an alien romance and there’s nothing alien about these aliens except their horns. How do they know what a sack of flower is, why do they call the markings they’re born with tattoos, why is there nothing awkward in communication and sexuality between an alien and a human. And how can they have a way of claiming a mate if they were completely male race that Never had mates until they came to this agreement with humans?
If this is not an alien romance and it was set in Utah, it probably would not be a bad book. A little fluffy with very little depth... but ok..
January 8, 2020
2 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
I don't know, but the story wasn't holding my attention. At 84%, I started skimming & skipping -just to get done. The main characters, Rekker & Lila were ok, nothing memorable. The flow was slow. The world building wasn't very good, I felt like a missed a book or that maybe this was an off-shoot from another series that may have the world building. No, I won't be continuing on with the series, it really didn't get me interested to want more.
I don't know, but the story wasn't holding my attention. At 84%, I started skimming & skipping -just to get done. The main characters, Rekker & Lila were ok, nothing memorable. The flow was slow. The world building wasn't very good, I felt like a missed a book or that maybe this was an off-shoot from another series that may have the world building. No, I won't be continuing on with the series, it really didn't get me interested to want more.
December 28, 2019
Confusing
I was a little confused about this book. Not as well written as usual for Start Huntress books. The fight scenes were pretty lacking, weapons were used out of context, the word bashing during fight scenes was pretty elementary. It had great potential for a story line, just missed the mark.
I was a little confused about this book. Not as well written as usual for Start Huntress books. The fight scenes were pretty lacking, weapons were used out of context, the word bashing during fight scenes was pretty elementary. It had great potential for a story line, just missed the mark.
February 18, 2020
I just couldn't. From the very beginning I wanted Lila to have a little dignity. Yes I understand she did not want to be there but screaming and throwing a fit like a 2 year old was supposed to help how?
DNF.
DNF.
February 3, 2020
I liked it, but it was lacking in some areas that I just can't rate it higher. Predictable, but not in a bad way.
I wasn't crazy about Lila. I've read some alien abduction/forced marriage romances which handled the reluctant bride/PTSD/trauma subject matter much better. Lila just struck me as kinda whiny. Yes, it was a horrible transition, but she bounced back so completely, it was like a switch was flipped and now everything's hunky-dory, but with occasionally whiny/mopey periods. I mean, had she seriously never thought that they could communicate with or visit Earth? Even after Rekker started doting on her? I dunno, just never really warmed to her. She wasn't upset enough to really have a rough start to their mating (enough for story drama, at least) but she wasn't adventurous enough to really embrace it like her sister was ready to. And of course, she's a totally opposite personality to me - I'm living on a different continent from family, so living on the same farm I was born on, with no even inclination for travel... just rather foreign for me.
I also wasn't crazy about the world building. My usual issue with "un-alien" aliens. Yeah, they had horns and were bright colors, but there really wasn't a lot of issues with communication or culture or whatever. Especially for a race with only male births, there was a lot more possibility for culture clash, which I always find one of the most fun parts of a sci-fi/alien romance.
The ending was my biggest issue. The main storyline between Rekker and Lila seriously ended several chapters before the book did (about 30 minutes by my timer estimate on my Kindle). The ending was them still travelling on to Gravum IV - still with no information from their command - and just kinda got strung along into a cliffhanger. It was actually kinda boring after their story ended, and I had to push myself to finish that last little bit. It was really a weird feel to the ending. And yet, I'm not totally driven to go out and find out what happened, what's waiting on that planet.
Alternating POV. No cheating, no love triangle nonsense. No OW/OM drama. Rather irritating h and rather tamely "alien" alien H. Not badly written, but not my favorite Star Huntress book either. Abrupt/weirdly paced ending. While not a cliffhanger for the leads (they get their HEA), it's definitely a cliffhanger for the overall plot. I enjoyed enough of the book, though, that I'd still round up to 3 stars.
Would I read more in the series? I liked the other characters on the ship, so sure, particularly if it was another free Kindle find.
I wasn't crazy about Lila. I've read some alien abduction/forced marriage romances which handled the reluctant bride/PTSD/trauma subject matter much better. Lila just struck me as kinda whiny. Yes, it was a horrible transition, but she bounced back so completely, it was like a switch was flipped and now everything's hunky-dory, but with occasionally whiny/mopey periods. I mean, had she seriously never thought that they could communicate with or visit Earth? Even after Rekker started doting on her? I dunno, just never really warmed to her. She wasn't upset enough to really have a rough start to their mating (enough for story drama, at least) but she wasn't adventurous enough to really embrace it like her sister was ready to. And of course, she's a totally opposite personality to me - I'm living on a different continent from family, so living on the same farm I was born on, with no even inclination for travel... just rather foreign for me.
I also wasn't crazy about the world building. My usual issue with "un-alien" aliens. Yeah, they had horns and were bright colors, but there really wasn't a lot of issues with communication or culture or whatever. Especially for a race with only male births, there was a lot more possibility for culture clash, which I always find one of the most fun parts of a sci-fi/alien romance.
The ending was my biggest issue. The main storyline between Rekker and Lila seriously ended several chapters before the book did (about 30 minutes by my timer estimate on my Kindle). The ending was them still travelling on to Gravum IV - still with no information from their command - and just kinda got strung along into a cliffhanger. It was actually kinda boring after their story ended, and I had to push myself to finish that last little bit. It was really a weird feel to the ending. And yet, I'm not totally driven to go out and find out what happened, what's waiting on that planet.
Alternating POV. No cheating, no love triangle nonsense. No OW/OM drama. Rather irritating h and rather tamely "alien" alien H. Not badly written, but not my favorite Star Huntress book either. Abrupt/weirdly paced ending. While not a cliffhanger for the leads (they get their HEA), it's definitely a cliffhanger for the overall plot. I enjoyed enough of the book, though, that I'd still round up to 3 stars.
Would I read more in the series? I liked the other characters on the ship, so sure, particularly if it was another free Kindle find.
May 11, 2020
LOVE A GOOD LOTERY BRIDE
Recker and Lila are awesome together. Even if neither realizes it at first. Lila is angry about being forced into a relationship not of her choosing and Rekker is al. About his Military responsibility to his race. Someone with influence has decided it's time for him to have a bride and contribute to the future of thier race. Lila is the results of a contract between Earth and the Vaznil Warriors to protect Earth from the Suhlik in return for genetically compatible females.
I love the crew of Rekkers ship the Calliope, its diverse and entertaining and the author has a great skill for describing alien environments. Looking forward to book 2. DanaLynn
Recker and Lila are awesome together. Even if neither realizes it at first. Lila is angry about being forced into a relationship not of her choosing and Rekker is al. About his Military responsibility to his race. Someone with influence has decided it's time for him to have a bride and contribute to the future of thier race. Lila is the results of a contract between Earth and the Vaznil Warriors to protect Earth from the Suhlik in return for genetically compatible females.
I love the crew of Rekkers ship the Calliope, its diverse and entertaining and the author has a great skill for describing alien environments. Looking forward to book 2. DanaLynn
December 27, 2019
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
January 29, 2020
Cliffhanger warning!
2.5 stars.
Abrupt ending with a lot of things unresolved. It was a good story overall.
2.5 stars.
Abrupt ending with a lot of things unresolved. It was a good story overall.
January 1, 2020
It was okay but
I didn't really get the ending it seemed like the captain's people were up to something fishy by sending them on that mission with no info and she just ended it once they got there very weird anyways if you're a KU subscriber check it out
I didn't really get the ending it seemed like the captain's people were up to something fishy by sending them on that mission with no info and she just ended it once they got there very weird anyways if you're a KU subscriber check it out
October 17, 2024
DNF 30%
I couldn’t stand the “heroine”. Everything she did, say or think infuriated me further. Really, she was immature, selfish, and mean. He and everyone around her bends over backwards to please her and she’s a bitch to everyone, if not in deed, certainly in thought. I read several reviews and it seems it won’t improve, and it has a rather abrupt ending. I don’t like cliffhangers, so I’m out. I don’t really want to read how this woman stomps all over her “mate” and he lets her, because of course he’s the exact opposite of her. Mature, calm, rational and so nice her attitude only made me angrier.
I couldn’t stand the “heroine”. Everything she did, say or think infuriated me further. Really, she was immature, selfish, and mean. He and everyone around her bends over backwards to please her and she’s a bitch to everyone, if not in deed, certainly in thought. I read several reviews and it seems it won’t improve, and it has a rather abrupt ending. I don’t like cliffhangers, so I’m out. I don’t really want to read how this woman stomps all over her “mate” and he lets her, because of course he’s the exact opposite of her. Mature, calm, rational and so nice her attitude only made me angrier.
March 12, 2021
Better than expected based on reviews
I found this book very enjoyable. I am really surprised that so many of the reviews are 2/3 stars. Granted, it didn’t blow me away, but I still really enjoyed it. Considering the premise is Mars-needs-women mandatory-bride-lottery, the romance is very low angst and cute. Sometimes a fluffy romance is exactly what I need and this is perfect.
Rekker and Lila has a quiet chemistry that I really enjoyed. They both have defined personalities, a shared sense of humor, and I understood their motivations. The romance doesn’t rely on big dramatic moments, but a instead slow progression of intimate moments. I think this is maybe why one reviewer called them non-memorable? I don’t agree. Also, it wasn’t a big deal to me that there wasn’t a dramatic reveal of “she’s going to stay” because that wasn’t how their relationship progressed. There was a clear progression of her changing her mind and cementing her opinion that she was happy where she was.
I think calling this a cliff hanger ending is a bit dramatic. No, it’s not wrapped up, but I also didn’t feel any tension to NEED to know what’s going to happen next.
I found this book very enjoyable. I am really surprised that so many of the reviews are 2/3 stars. Granted, it didn’t blow me away, but I still really enjoyed it. Considering the premise is Mars-needs-women mandatory-bride-lottery, the romance is very low angst and cute. Sometimes a fluffy romance is exactly what I need and this is perfect.
Rekker and Lila has a quiet chemistry that I really enjoyed. They both have defined personalities, a shared sense of humor, and I understood their motivations. The romance doesn’t rely on big dramatic moments, but a instead slow progression of intimate moments. I think this is maybe why one reviewer called them non-memorable? I don’t agree. Also, it wasn’t a big deal to me that there wasn’t a dramatic reveal of “she’s going to stay” because that wasn’t how their relationship progressed. There was a clear progression of her changing her mind and cementing her opinion that she was happy where she was.
I think calling this a cliff hanger ending is a bit dramatic. No, it’s not wrapped up, but I also didn’t feel any tension to NEED to know what’s going to happen next.
December 29, 2019
Spoiler. They never retrieve the artifact which is super annoying and not treated like an over arcing theme. Been waiting on this release and just like the build up of the mission in the book, im left incomplete. Will I read the next book, yes but Im not going to be biting my nails waiting for it to come out. That all said. I really liked the interaction with the secondary characters in the book. That can be really lacking, especially with the start of a series. World building was well done. The love build was decent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2020
The writing was fine and there weren't any editing errors (which is a plus, considering I read several error-ridden books right before this one). However, I didn't really feel much of a connection between the hero and the heroine. Also, there was a plotline that was left unresolved at the end of this book. I would call it a cliffhanger, but I'm not sure if I am intrigued enough to see if it is resolved in the next book. Overall, the story was OK but I'm not sure if I will continue with the series.
March 15, 2022
DNF
Although it was well written and some scenes were very absorbing, this book was impossible to finish. I couldn't stand the heroine, and the characters themselves had absolutely no chemistry. It was genuinely uncomfortable to read.
Although it was well written and some scenes were very absorbing, this book was impossible to finish. I couldn't stand the heroine, and the characters themselves had absolutely no chemistry. It was genuinely uncomfortable to read.
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February 10, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/27/2021)! 🎁
May 8, 2023
Written in first person by AVA YORK & STARR HUNTRESS, REKKER is book 1 of the VAZNIK WARRIORS series and switches perspectives between Rekker and Lila. Based in a time where aliens are known to humans, and there is a lottery that selects females for compatibility testing to the Mahdfel warriors in exchange for protection against the Suhlik.
Lila Kanes was raised on a farm with 5 sisters, with aspirations to become a veterinarian, but was matched in the lottery instead.
Rekker was Captain of the Calliope, bred to be a warrior, part Vaznik and Mahdfel. He received a new mission from Commander Strygan to extract a package from Gravum IV. We never got to see that mission completed because after he received Lila, they went on a rescue mission to rescue women and children abducted from Silva by the Suhlik. The book left off with the crew landing on Gravum IV, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the "package" they're supposed to retrieve is a human female, most likely a mate for one of Rekker's crew.
Both Rekker and Lila didn't want the match. Rekker because she was an added responsibility and Lila because she didn't want her choice taken from her, and she had no desires of leaving her family or farm. As the story progressed, the two grew close and eventually accepted each other as mates.
The Vaznik Mahdfel have mating tattoos that glow white when they are in the presence of their one true mate. Rekker's mating tattoos glowed after meeting Lila, confirming the lottery test results. The couple finally had intercourse for the first time around the 55% mark (too damn long of a wait!). While we were treated to 3 different sexual encounters (4 if you count the initial oral sex), none of the exchanges were very long or thorough. They were over almost as quickly as they began, leaving a "vanilla" (boring af) taste. For example, their second intercourse involved her giving him head before sex, and it was all explained in 4 short-ass paragraphs. Wtf? I read this genre specifically for the raunch. So far, this series is very much missing that key ingredient.
This book was longer than necessary. The adventure to romance ratio was unbalanced and left wanting. The adventure and drama was so boring that I don't know how the authors didn't fall asleep writing it. I think what really irritated me the most was how they summed up the romance in short paragraphs, but couldn't manage the same philosophy with the plot? If they edited out the unnecessary and repeated filler fodder, this book would've been ten times better. I will read the next book in the series to give it a chance for redemption, but if it's just more of the same, I will cut my losses. So far, I'm not sure if I recommend the read or not. 🤷🏼♀️
Lila Kanes was raised on a farm with 5 sisters, with aspirations to become a veterinarian, but was matched in the lottery instead.
Rekker was Captain of the Calliope, bred to be a warrior, part Vaznik and Mahdfel. He received a new mission from Commander Strygan to extract a package from Gravum IV. We never got to see that mission completed because after he received Lila, they went on a rescue mission to rescue women and children abducted from Silva by the Suhlik. The book left off with the crew landing on Gravum IV, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the "package" they're supposed to retrieve is a human female, most likely a mate for one of Rekker's crew.
Both Rekker and Lila didn't want the match. Rekker because she was an added responsibility and Lila because she didn't want her choice taken from her, and she had no desires of leaving her family or farm. As the story progressed, the two grew close and eventually accepted each other as mates.
The Vaznik Mahdfel have mating tattoos that glow white when they are in the presence of their one true mate. Rekker's mating tattoos glowed after meeting Lila, confirming the lottery test results. The couple finally had intercourse for the first time around the 55% mark (too damn long of a wait!). While we were treated to 3 different sexual encounters (4 if you count the initial oral sex), none of the exchanges were very long or thorough. They were over almost as quickly as they began, leaving a "vanilla" (boring af) taste. For example, their second intercourse involved her giving him head before sex, and it was all explained in 4 short-ass paragraphs. Wtf? I read this genre specifically for the raunch. So far, this series is very much missing that key ingredient.
This book was longer than necessary. The adventure to romance ratio was unbalanced and left wanting. The adventure and drama was so boring that I don't know how the authors didn't fall asleep writing it. I think what really irritated me the most was how they summed up the romance in short paragraphs, but couldn't manage the same philosophy with the plot? If they edited out the unnecessary and repeated filler fodder, this book would've been ten times better. I will read the next book in the series to give it a chance for redemption, but if it's just more of the same, I will cut my losses. So far, I'm not sure if I recommend the read or not. 🤷🏼♀️
March 23, 2021
Eh, this is not the worst read, but far from a good one either. The overall trope is the usual "Mars needs women " we are used to and I didn't really expect anything going in- thats a good thing, less dissapointment,when author didn't surprise me with anything new or unique. However, there were a ton of small things that took away from enjoyment of reading it. To name a few: author doesn't bother with world building or descriptions apart from some very vague ones like colour- hunter green- am i supposed to know what kind of green is that? I still have no idea what Lila looks like apart from hair colour and that Rekker thinks she is stunningly beautiful. There are also a lot of blanks author leaves for the anatomy of characters , like horns. I know that chairs on Calliope are uncomfortable and not adapted to Vaznik anatomy, but no descriptions on how beds accommodate that. Or how Rekker was able to sleep on the floor, or even what kind of horns he have. The crew i assume have the anatomical features of Vaznik mothers, but there is no information on their races original anatomy. Lilly had a change of heart so fast, I got a whiplash. How? Why? Small things like that can make or break a book and in my opinion, this book was not well thought out.
There is also the ending. I don't care if this is series. You can't base the whole book around a secret mission just to abruptly end it in the actual beginning of it. When author creates all this hush,hush around something and then ends a book without actually telling a reader anything, I am of opinion that author yet have no idea herself. Even the couple part of story ends abruptly. Where was the climax, where was the wrapping up part? The feeling I am left is that book ended at the part where author decided she had something better to do than write and just left the story at whatever part she was on. That is not a good incentive for reader to want to read the next book.
Anyway. The book is light, the pace is good and both story and writing are shit. There is nothing to connect the reader with characters. Do not recommend it.
There is also the ending. I don't care if this is series. You can't base the whole book around a secret mission just to abruptly end it in the actual beginning of it. When author creates all this hush,hush around something and then ends a book without actually telling a reader anything, I am of opinion that author yet have no idea herself. Even the couple part of story ends abruptly. Where was the climax, where was the wrapping up part? The feeling I am left is that book ended at the part where author decided she had something better to do than write and just left the story at whatever part she was on. That is not a good incentive for reader to want to read the next book.
Anyway. The book is light, the pace is good and both story and writing are shit. There is nothing to connect the reader with characters. Do not recommend it.
November 5, 2020
Surprised for both
The adventure of the Calliope. Rekker got an immediate message from the commander. So, Rekker went to find out what was so important. At the same time, Lila's birthdays was chosen for the lottery. Before she could even pack a bag, "they " was at the door to check her. When she got to the clinic, she was ushered in one room, examined and tellaported before she could refuse. When Rekker arrived, his commander was congregating him. As a reward, he was given a bride. A human bride! Rekker was just there when Lila arrived. Neither of them was happy. Lila threw a tantrum! She only wanted to go home to the farm. She didn't want to go with Rekker. He finally threw her over his shoulder and went to his rooms. She was still screaming when he plopped her on the bed. Then he locked her in and left. He had to get back on the Calliope to make sure it was ready to go. When he got back to Lila, she was still fuming. He talked to her through the door. As he told her that she would have to go with him on his mission. But he promised her after that was over, he would return her to her home. So, they walked together to the Calliope and readied it to leave. And the wonder has begun. But before they got even close to their mission, they had to stop at Silva for repairs. Utter chaos! The outpost had been ravished and most of the women and children were taken by their enemies. They were pure Evil! Lisa's heart ached and she cried for the families torn apart. She insisted that they rescued them. She asked each and every one to do something. Wasn't that what they were doing out in space? Wasn't they the " good " guys? Well, Rekker decided they would postpone their mission since they still didn't know what that was. Lila was growing fond of Rekker and adjusting her way of thinking. You will have to read the book to find out what happens and if they ever get back to their mission. This is a heart warming romance in space for two people who didn't want a mate. Or so they thought.
The adventure of the Calliope. Rekker got an immediate message from the commander. So, Rekker went to find out what was so important. At the same time, Lila's birthdays was chosen for the lottery. Before she could even pack a bag, "they " was at the door to check her. When she got to the clinic, she was ushered in one room, examined and tellaported before she could refuse. When Rekker arrived, his commander was congregating him. As a reward, he was given a bride. A human bride! Rekker was just there when Lila arrived. Neither of them was happy. Lila threw a tantrum! She only wanted to go home to the farm. She didn't want to go with Rekker. He finally threw her over his shoulder and went to his rooms. She was still screaming when he plopped her on the bed. Then he locked her in and left. He had to get back on the Calliope to make sure it was ready to go. When he got back to Lila, she was still fuming. He talked to her through the door. As he told her that she would have to go with him on his mission. But he promised her after that was over, he would return her to her home. So, they walked together to the Calliope and readied it to leave. And the wonder has begun. But before they got even close to their mission, they had to stop at Silva for repairs. Utter chaos! The outpost had been ravished and most of the women and children were taken by their enemies. They were pure Evil! Lisa's heart ached and she cried for the families torn apart. She insisted that they rescued them. She asked each and every one to do something. Wasn't that what they were doing out in space? Wasn't they the " good " guys? Well, Rekker decided they would postpone their mission since they still didn't know what that was. Lila was growing fond of Rekker and adjusting her way of thinking. You will have to read the book to find out what happens and if they ever get back to their mission. This is a heart warming romance in space for two people who didn't want a mate. Or so they thought.
July 15, 2021
This was meh.
It was enjoyable enough. The characters were fun. The writing was actually really great. The flirting and banter between the characters were awesome and so up my street. I definitely want to read from Ava York again because her dialogue style was really my kind of thing. I liked the lottery system in the books, but it took away from a lot of the fun tropes usually in sci-fi romances where they are unaware of each other and discovering things and the inability to communicate. So that was a bit of a downside for me because I love those elements usually. It meant the book was far more focused on the mate-ness of their relationship, which isn't usually a big yay for me because it tends to be a bit insta-lovey and stunt getting to know each other because it doesn't matter since their mates. But this wasn't too bad, was it a little quick - yes but nothing that was overly offputting.
My biggest gripe with this book was that the main plot that was building over the course of the plot didn't happen in this book. It just ended mid-way through. Not like a cliff-hanger because their romance plot stopped, but the main arc of the story continued into the next crewmate's love story. I don't mind an overaching plot in these series as long as there is a smaller plot within each one and I didn't feel like this had it. It was more a serious of random events to get you to know the characters in the series and get you accustomed to the world and obviously Rekker and Lila's romance. Reading it just felt me feeling like there was something missing which was disappointing.
But like I said, I'd like to read from Ava York again if I tried a different series or something that was a standalone because it had real promise.
It was enjoyable enough. The characters were fun. The writing was actually really great. The flirting and banter between the characters were awesome and so up my street. I definitely want to read from Ava York again because her dialogue style was really my kind of thing. I liked the lottery system in the books, but it took away from a lot of the fun tropes usually in sci-fi romances where they are unaware of each other and discovering things and the inability to communicate. So that was a bit of a downside for me because I love those elements usually. It meant the book was far more focused on the mate-ness of their relationship, which isn't usually a big yay for me because it tends to be a bit insta-lovey and stunt getting to know each other because it doesn't matter since their mates. But this wasn't too bad, was it a little quick - yes but nothing that was overly offputting.
My biggest gripe with this book was that the main plot that was building over the course of the plot didn't happen in this book. It just ended mid-way through. Not like a cliff-hanger because their romance plot stopped, but the main arc of the story continued into the next crewmate's love story. I don't mind an overaching plot in these series as long as there is a smaller plot within each one and I didn't feel like this had it. It was more a serious of random events to get you to know the characters in the series and get you accustomed to the world and obviously Rekker and Lila's romance. Reading it just felt me feeling like there was something missing which was disappointing.
But like I said, I'd like to read from Ava York again if I tried a different series or something that was a standalone because it had real promise.
May 31, 2020
Not great.
Descriptions of characters is minimal aside from the main 2. Everything in the story during the battle with enemies was just stupid and doesn't make any sense. They search an enemy station but no one knows because all but the the heroine have suits that block heat signatures but she's good as long as she stays close. They find the prisoners but have to go in groups to avoid detection. So apparently everyone thinks it's a good idea to let the unsuited, untrained, unarmed human lead a bunch of injured prisoners out even though they all will have heat signatures. (Cause gor whatever reason aliens don't have cameras) They somehow make it without issue but she goes back in instead of staying on the ship and then gets captured. Hero hoes after her shooting and beating enemies along the way but instead of just busting in and shooting the guy, author decides to on hand to hand fighting that hero almost loses. Not cohesive at all. I won't bother with the rest of the series.
Descriptions of characters is minimal aside from the main 2. Everything in the story during the battle with enemies was just stupid and doesn't make any sense. They search an enemy station but no one knows because all but the the heroine have suits that block heat signatures but she's good as long as she stays close. They find the prisoners but have to go in groups to avoid detection. So apparently everyone thinks it's a good idea to let the unsuited, untrained, unarmed human lead a bunch of injured prisoners out even though they all will have heat signatures. (Cause gor whatever reason aliens don't have cameras) They somehow make it without issue but she goes back in instead of staying on the ship and then gets captured. Hero hoes after her shooting and beating enemies along the way but instead of just busting in and shooting the guy, author decides to on hand to hand fighting that hero almost loses. Not cohesive at all. I won't bother with the rest of the series.
May 6, 2021
Earth has a peace treaty with the Mahdfel warriors to enter eligible females into a lottery to be sent to mates who match them. Lila lives on a farm with her parents and sisters. She wants to be a veterinarian and definitely does not want to be a mate to an alien but when her birth date is picked, government officials come and take her to the testing center. Before she knows what is happening, she has been matched and teleported to her mate. Rekker, a Vaznik warrior and Captain of his own ship, the Calliope, is equally startled that he has a mate as his superiors entered him into the mating lottery without informing him. He thinks he doesn't want a mate but since he and his crew are on a mission, Lila must first come with him before he can take her back to her family on earth unless he can convince her to stay with him. Their relationship blossoms during their travels and adventures and love wins out giving them their hea. The ending felt a little bit rushed, and I could have used some more closure towards the end. It definitely set us up for the book in the series.
November 30, 2022
Mahdfel treaty
Lila is a vet n was working on the family farm, feeding a lamb. But today is Friday, lottery day. Every Friday because of the treaty, women's birthdays are selected to report to the center for testing. So far she's been lucky. She hates that the government made it mandatory to register without her input. Who really wants to be a broodmare for an alien warrior sight unseen? But today she kicked out, her birthdays was drawn, her only hope , to test below 98.5%. So much for that hope as she's matched within a few seconds, inserted with a translator n teleported to meet her match.
Rekker is a Vaznik Mahdfel captain. They just returned from fighting the Suhlik n r waiting on further orders. When he's summoned to report to another ship. He's surprised to see a human female waiting on him n more surprised when his tattoos start glowing white on his shoulder. That only happens when a warrior finds his true mate.
I loved the interaction between them. Rekker was adorable.
Lila is a vet n was working on the family farm, feeding a lamb. But today is Friday, lottery day. Every Friday because of the treaty, women's birthdays are selected to report to the center for testing. So far she's been lucky. She hates that the government made it mandatory to register without her input. Who really wants to be a broodmare for an alien warrior sight unseen? But today she kicked out, her birthdays was drawn, her only hope , to test below 98.5%. So much for that hope as she's matched within a few seconds, inserted with a translator n teleported to meet her match.
Rekker is a Vaznik Mahdfel captain. They just returned from fighting the Suhlik n r waiting on further orders. When he's summoned to report to another ship. He's surprised to see a human female waiting on him n more surprised when his tattoos start glowing white on his shoulder. That only happens when a warrior finds his true mate.
I loved the interaction between them. Rekker was adorable.
February 20, 2020
Tested, paired, and tossed to the far end of the universe to meet the guy you're going to spend the rest of your life with is kind of a ROUGH start to a relationship. To say Lila reacts kind of badly to suddenly being an alien warrior's one and only might be understating it. Not that she was terrible to Rekker or his men, by any means, but she fought against what being chosen meant and it took a while for her and Rekker to find common ground.
As for Rekker, he was entered into the matching pool without his knowledge and suddenly having a mate who wanted nothing more than to go home was just the cherry on the extra-,mission sundae he and his crew were dealing with.
Yeah, it takes a while for Lila to get over the upheaval, but once she's in, she's all-in. You know, fighting beside her man, saving innocents, and everything. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
As for Rekker, he was entered into the matching pool without his knowledge and suddenly having a mate who wanted nothing more than to go home was just the cherry on the extra-,mission sundae he and his crew were dealing with.
Yeah, it takes a while for Lila to get over the upheaval, but once she's in, she's all-in. You know, fighting beside her man, saving innocents, and everything. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 18, 2020
Too formulaic to be memorable or, for me, enjoyable. Everything that happens is expected, with the only exception being the side-mission they went on.
The characters were bland to me and the heroine’s repeated insistence of going home was illogical after a certain point. Obviously her family won’t need her if they’re being paid enough to hire other workers. The truth of the matter is she missed them in a sentimental/emotional sense, but she continually pretends it’s to help them with the workload. She’s martyrizing herself for no reason. Just admit you miss them. It’s not a big deal.
Wouldn’t reread or keep on my shelf. I would only recommend it to a super-fan of alien romance who didn’t mind a lack of intrigue or new creative plots.
The characters were bland to me and the heroine’s repeated insistence of going home was illogical after a certain point. Obviously her family won’t need her if they’re being paid enough to hire other workers. The truth of the matter is she missed them in a sentimental/emotional sense, but she continually pretends it’s to help them with the workload. She’s martyrizing herself for no reason. Just admit you miss them. It’s not a big deal.
Wouldn’t reread or keep on my shelf. I would only recommend it to a super-fan of alien romance who didn’t mind a lack of intrigue or new creative plots.
January 4, 2020
Sensational sci-fi/romance .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Rekker .
This is book one in The Warriors Of Vaznik . This is a fantastic start to a new series . It's action packed , Suspenseful and steamy . Lila Kanes has the worse news . She's a perfect match in the mating lottery . She's sent off the planet . she's thrust into alien Rekker's world . Rekker is a warrior and he and his crew are preparing for a mission , when he gets a surprise he hit the lottery and receives
Lila a human mate . Rekker has his hands full . I highly recommend taking the time to read and enjoy .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Rekker .
This is book one in The Warriors Of Vaznik . This is a fantastic start to a new series . It's action packed , Suspenseful and steamy . Lila Kanes has the worse news . She's a perfect match in the mating lottery . She's sent off the planet . she's thrust into alien Rekker's world . Rekker is a warrior and he and his crew are preparing for a mission , when he gets a surprise he hit the lottery and receives
Lila a human mate . Rekker has his hands full . I highly recommend taking the time to read and enjoy .
February 2, 2020
Exciting
More exciting stories about the Mahfdel warriors by a new to me author.
Lila is happy working with the animals in her farm. When she finds out that she is a 100 percent match to a Mahfdel warrior she tries to escape.
Rekker doesn't want a mate either. His superior "rewarded" him by entering him and his crew into the mate database when they defeated a tough group of Suhlik. But he is also assigned a top secret mission as soon as she arrives.
The crew run into issues when the Suhlik kidnaps more people for their breeding program.
I love this crew and look forward to reading more books about them.
More exciting stories about the Mahfdel warriors by a new to me author.
Lila is happy working with the animals in her farm. When she finds out that she is a 100 percent match to a Mahfdel warrior she tries to escape.
Rekker doesn't want a mate either. His superior "rewarded" him by entering him and his crew into the mate database when they defeated a tough group of Suhlik. But he is also assigned a top secret mission as soon as she arrives.
The crew run into issues when the Suhlik kidnaps more people for their breeding program.
I love this crew and look forward to reading more books about them.
February 3, 2020
Anticlimactic, Almost DNF
The plot of this one just seems to trudge along. Nothing very interesting happens while you seem to be building to some big reveal/conflict at the end, but that never actually happens. The book just ends.
I have no interest in reading any more books in the series when this one was such a chore to get through that I almost DNF-ed it. I hung in there expecting a payoff in the end, but now I feel like I just wasted time that could've been spent reading something else. I don't feel invested in any of the characters, so I don't really care what happens in the next book.
The plot of this one just seems to trudge along. Nothing very interesting happens while you seem to be building to some big reveal/conflict at the end, but that never actually happens. The book just ends.
I have no interest in reading any more books in the series when this one was such a chore to get through that I almost DNF-ed it. I hung in there expecting a payoff in the end, but now I feel like I just wasted time that could've been spent reading something else. I don't feel invested in any of the characters, so I don't really care what happens in the next book.
April 8, 2020
A great start to a new series! I loved the way this story started. I got a clear vision about who Lila was before she was forced to meet her alien. It made a difference because as she grew with the story, so too did my understanding of what she was going through. Rekker was simple to get too, and it was not surprising that he fell so hard for Lila. She was pretty awesome, Since this was the first book in the series, there was a lot of exposition, but the story didn't drag. It was easy to read, hard to put down actually, I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. This one was definitely recommendable.
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