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Brides to Beasts #1
Zuvok
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
I am Zuvok the Terror. Feared soldier of the Trident Alliance. And I will not do housework!
I relish the fury of combat. I love the adrenaline as I kill my enemies. Blood drips from my hands.
Until I go too far.
So my commanders send me a foe that I never expected.
My bride.
A comely, curvy, human woman. A princess. She must be insane.
She has to be if she agreed to be my mail order bride.
But I don’t want a bride. Zuvok the Terror will not be tamed. He will not be civilized!
He will not hang balloon valances on windows with pastel hued drapes.
He will not dry dishes as she washes them!
He will not sweep before he mops the floors!
But then, this tiny human woman does something more powerful than a killing blow from an Odex wielding a power-blade.
She gets on her tip toes and wraps her arms around me, squeezing herself to me. She coos. And giggles.
And kisses me on my nose.
And my heart melts for her.
Zuvok the Terror? More like Zuvok the Terrier.
Damn humans.
Zuvok is the first book in the Alliance Mail Order Bride science fiction romance series within the wider Athenaverse. It can be read as a standalone, but it still shares the same universe and situations you’ve found in other books. Each book features the romance of an alpha male alien warrior and a human woman who doesn’t put up with any nonsense. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and HEA guaranteed.
I am Zuvok the Terror. Feared soldier of the Trident Alliance. And I will not do housework!
I relish the fury of combat. I love the adrenaline as I kill my enemies. Blood drips from my hands.
Until I go too far.
So my commanders send me a foe that I never expected.
My bride.
A comely, curvy, human woman. A princess. She must be insane.
She has to be if she agreed to be my mail order bride.
But I don’t want a bride. Zuvok the Terror will not be tamed. He will not be civilized!
He will not hang balloon valances on windows with pastel hued drapes.
He will not dry dishes as she washes them!
He will not sweep before he mops the floors!
But then, this tiny human woman does something more powerful than a killing blow from an Odex wielding a power-blade.
She gets on her tip toes and wraps her arms around me, squeezing herself to me. She coos. And giggles.
And kisses me on my nose.
And my heart melts for her.
Zuvok the Terror? More like Zuvok the Terrier.
Damn humans.
Zuvok is the first book in the Alliance Mail Order Bride science fiction romance series within the wider Athenaverse. It can be read as a standalone, but it still shares the same universe and situations you’ve found in other books. Each book features the romance of an alpha male alien warrior and a human woman who doesn’t put up with any nonsense. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and HEA guaranteed.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
347 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Athena Storm
194 books238 followersAthena Storm is the pen name for two authors who fell in love with writing science fiction romance as they fell in love with each other.
She's the Athena. And he's the Storm. Athena hopes that one day it won't be a boyfriend/girlfriend writing duo, but a husband/wife team. But she's not pressuring at all. Not one bit.
Science fiction is the biggest love for the writing duo, and they've been doing the writing for quite some time now, building a universe that readers can get lost and explore in. Filled with big bad alien warriors, sassy human women who give as well as they get, hilarious situations, and enough steam to melt stars!
The duo have created the Athenaverse, where all books in all series are tied together. You can start anywhere but once you do, you'll want to explore them all!
When they get married, they plan to continue writing science fiction romance forever. But again, no pressure on the marrying part. Not at all. (Not like writing Happily Ever After ALL Day won't give you any ideas on its own, right?)
She's the Athena. And he's the Storm. Athena hopes that one day it won't be a boyfriend/girlfriend writing duo, but a husband/wife team. But she's not pressuring at all. Not one bit.
Science fiction is the biggest love for the writing duo, and they've been doing the writing for quite some time now, building a universe that readers can get lost and explore in. Filled with big bad alien warriors, sassy human women who give as well as they get, hilarious situations, and enough steam to melt stars!
The duo have created the Athenaverse, where all books in all series are tied together. You can start anywhere but once you do, you'll want to explore them all!
When they get married, they plan to continue writing science fiction romance forever. But again, no pressure on the marrying part. Not at all. (Not like writing Happily Ever After ALL Day won't give you any ideas on its own, right?)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 5, 2022
It appears I have fallen down the rabbit hole of alien romance. This happened right around the time I gave up on the human race.
I always scratch my head at reviews starting with "I really wanted to like this book". As if anyone buys a romance novel hoping to dislike it. (Anyone that does this is a monster who should be banned from buying books) Anyway - I really wanted to like this book. I paid for both a digital copy and the audiobook, so I truly did want a return on my investment. Sadly, this was a big miss for me.
Minor spoilers/no details
First Problem - the hero was supposed to be a badass warrior but he came off more of an incompetent dumbass. I think it was to insert humor into the story, but there are better ways...much better ways. Nobody wants to boink or marry the alien warrior equivalent to Homer Simpson.
Second Problem - The dirty talk. I know every prude ever starts with "I am not a prude but". Truth is, I like my books downright filthy. Bring on the graphic sex! Bring on the dirty talk! I live for the dirty talk! Bring on the kink! But this....this read like the most cheesy 1980s porn you can imagine. There was a hot sentence or two here and there but every time the heroine opened her mouth during the deed, I would swear her dialogue was ripped right off of an amateur video from the Hub. Also, some words should just never be used in a sex scene. The T word for her secret lady garden that rhymes with squat is one of them. I am totally fine with the P and C words for one's Hello Kitty but rhymes with squat? Just no. I would rather read that her panties were moist than hear her call her own dusty muffin (hey SNL's NPR Delicious Dish w/ Betty White) a twat. For the audio version, it is even worse because the female narrator sounds like she took voice lessons from a 1980s amateur porn short. I am not saying this to be mean. There is potential for improvement. The author just needs to work at it and the narrator could ease off the high barbie voice during sex scenes.
Third problem - The aliens use metric units of measure in their dialogue. I don't think aliens who have been cavorting around the universe for eons prior to Earth making it to the moon are going to adopt Earth units of measurement. They also aren't likely to use the same swear words. Other authors pull a made up word out of their dirty, dirty minds that us human romance readers universally understand is the equivalent of an F-bomb. "Kef me" - Ruby Dixon
I gave this two stars because while I obviously didn't enjoy it, I can see how just a few minor adjustments could have me loving this book. I don't think it belongs in a Covid infested dumpster. It just needs a better content editor and the female narrator needs to lay off the helium.
I always scratch my head at reviews starting with "I really wanted to like this book". As if anyone buys a romance novel hoping to dislike it. (Anyone that does this is a monster who should be banned from buying books) Anyway - I really wanted to like this book. I paid for both a digital copy and the audiobook, so I truly did want a return on my investment. Sadly, this was a big miss for me.
Minor spoilers/no details
First Problem - the hero was supposed to be a badass warrior but he came off more of an incompetent dumbass. I think it was to insert humor into the story, but there are better ways...much better ways. Nobody wants to boink or marry the alien warrior equivalent to Homer Simpson.
Second Problem - The dirty talk. I know every prude ever starts with "I am not a prude but". Truth is, I like my books downright filthy. Bring on the graphic sex! Bring on the dirty talk! I live for the dirty talk! Bring on the kink! But this....this read like the most cheesy 1980s porn you can imagine. There was a hot sentence or two here and there but every time the heroine opened her mouth during the deed, I would swear her dialogue was ripped right off of an amateur video from the Hub. Also, some words should just never be used in a sex scene. The T word for her secret lady garden that rhymes with squat is one of them. I am totally fine with the P and C words for one's Hello Kitty but rhymes with squat? Just no. I would rather read that her panties were moist than hear her call her own dusty muffin (hey SNL's NPR Delicious Dish w/ Betty White) a twat. For the audio version, it is even worse because the female narrator sounds like she took voice lessons from a 1980s amateur porn short. I am not saying this to be mean. There is potential for improvement. The author just needs to work at it and the narrator could ease off the high barbie voice during sex scenes.
Third problem - The aliens use metric units of measure in their dialogue. I don't think aliens who have been cavorting around the universe for eons prior to Earth making it to the moon are going to adopt Earth units of measurement. They also aren't likely to use the same swear words. Other authors pull a made up word out of their dirty, dirty minds that us human romance readers universally understand is the equivalent of an F-bomb. "Kef me" - Ruby Dixon
I gave this two stars because while I obviously didn't enjoy it, I can see how just a few minor adjustments could have me loving this book. I don't think it belongs in a Covid infested dumpster. It just needs a better content editor and the female narrator needs to lay off the helium.
February 4, 2025
Story was ok, but I didn’t like the writing!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: ☹️😮😋
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The Story: year 2338, humanity has become a space faring civilization and formed the interstellar human confederation. The Trident Alliance is composed of three races, The Ataxian Coalition has three other races and the two have been at war for a long time. There is also a League of Non-Aligned races and many races have created the Helios Combine which is located in the badlands between Alliance and Coalition, and they are a slave-based economy and capitalist caste system. Humanity ended up siding with the Alliance in the war and hasn’t fared well in the brutal war.
The Hero: Zuvok - he is one of the most highly decorated warriors of the Trident Alliance and is known as Zuvok the Terror. He recently became commander of a scientific vessel. The scientists are all scared of him and about have a heart attack every time he moves. He thinks he should be commander of a battle cruiser and figures this post might just be a punishment. His superior thinks he is not the brightest bulb in the pack and after he fires on a Coalition ship that is being used for Alliance training and war games, he is relieved of his command.
The heroine: Alundra - she is a princess whose parents died in a shuttle accident and her home went to her uncle Daniel. Now that she is at the age of adulthood, and he wants to marry her off to one of his associates. A seventy-year-old third cousin named Reinhold. She doesn’t have anything in common with him and the laws are against him. She can’t be forced into the marriage by law, though she really doesn’t have much choice, so she plans to get away without marrying Reinhold. She escapes to the spaceport and gets on a ship where she has signed up for the mail order bride program as she would rather be married to an alien than an old man.
Zuvok’s superior officer is able to get him out of the trouble he is in. It is worth it for them to keep him in the military, because the opposition fears his name. But they need him to settle down and have required him to get a bride. They want him to put his record to use and help make strategic decisions rather than being in on the action himself. Alundra is the bride that was chosen for him. Alundra isn’t too happy that the agency chose her an alien from such a brutal race. I did like Zuvok, though, he was actually pretty funny.
The book gets pretty steamy fairly quickly and the writing seems a bit too simplistic for my tastes. I was actually surprised when I looked at the list of books Athena Storm has written and found out she has written so many books already. I would have thought this was a book from early in an author’s writing career. Overall, the story and the action weren’t bad, it was just the way they talked that seemed not to flow as well as I would have expected. I kept thinking to myself that some of the things they said to each other sounded so silly, not like people would actually talk in real life.
I wasn’t sure I liked Alundra at first, she gets to Zuvok’s house and immediately starts making changes. Granted, the changes were needed, since he had quilts covering all his windows and he hasn’t kept up with any housekeeping. So, it was good that she wasn’t afraid to get down to it and do the work herself, but the way she just started yelling at him and putting him down from the get-go wasn’t the way to go about it. Though I did like her more as the story progressed.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Tristan James and Meghan Kelly. Tristan has a nice voice, and I like his narration, though he is a bit stiff and isn’t one of my favorite male narrators. Meghan Kelly isn’t one of my favorites either, she has a bit of a scratchy voice that I am not too fond of, though she does a good job.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: ☹️😮😋
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The Story: year 2338, humanity has become a space faring civilization and formed the interstellar human confederation. The Trident Alliance is composed of three races, The Ataxian Coalition has three other races and the two have been at war for a long time. There is also a League of Non-Aligned races and many races have created the Helios Combine which is located in the badlands between Alliance and Coalition, and they are a slave-based economy and capitalist caste system. Humanity ended up siding with the Alliance in the war and hasn’t fared well in the brutal war.
The Hero: Zuvok - he is one of the most highly decorated warriors of the Trident Alliance and is known as Zuvok the Terror. He recently became commander of a scientific vessel. The scientists are all scared of him and about have a heart attack every time he moves. He thinks he should be commander of a battle cruiser and figures this post might just be a punishment. His superior thinks he is not the brightest bulb in the pack and after he fires on a Coalition ship that is being used for Alliance training and war games, he is relieved of his command.
The heroine: Alundra - she is a princess whose parents died in a shuttle accident and her home went to her uncle Daniel. Now that she is at the age of adulthood, and he wants to marry her off to one of his associates. A seventy-year-old third cousin named Reinhold. She doesn’t have anything in common with him and the laws are against him. She can’t be forced into the marriage by law, though she really doesn’t have much choice, so she plans to get away without marrying Reinhold. She escapes to the spaceport and gets on a ship where she has signed up for the mail order bride program as she would rather be married to an alien than an old man.
Zuvok’s superior officer is able to get him out of the trouble he is in. It is worth it for them to keep him in the military, because the opposition fears his name. But they need him to settle down and have required him to get a bride. They want him to put his record to use and help make strategic decisions rather than being in on the action himself. Alundra is the bride that was chosen for him. Alundra isn’t too happy that the agency chose her an alien from such a brutal race. I did like Zuvok, though, he was actually pretty funny.
The book gets pretty steamy fairly quickly and the writing seems a bit too simplistic for my tastes. I was actually surprised when I looked at the list of books Athena Storm has written and found out she has written so many books already. I would have thought this was a book from early in an author’s writing career. Overall, the story and the action weren’t bad, it was just the way they talked that seemed not to flow as well as I would have expected. I kept thinking to myself that some of the things they said to each other sounded so silly, not like people would actually talk in real life.
I wasn’t sure I liked Alundra at first, she gets to Zuvok’s house and immediately starts making changes. Granted, the changes were needed, since he had quilts covering all his windows and he hasn’t kept up with any housekeeping. So, it was good that she wasn’t afraid to get down to it and do the work herself, but the way she just started yelling at him and putting him down from the get-go wasn’t the way to go about it. Though I did like her more as the story progressed.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Tristan James and Meghan Kelly. Tristan has a nice voice, and I like his narration, though he is a bit stiff and isn’t one of my favorite male narrators. Meghan Kelly isn’t one of my favorites either, she has a bit of a scratchy voice that I am not too fond of, though she does a good job.
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Read
October 6, 2022Well this was hmm !! It wasn’t bad but I have a certain level I expect from this kind of book.
*banter between Zuvok and Alondra *
Why would you call me Honey if it means insect vomit? Should I call you rodent piss?
Best line in the whole damn book. Alien human relationships are hilarious exclusively for the dialogue.
Too bad I didn’t love this one but I did complete it!! Still funny all in all.
*banter between Zuvok and Alondra *
Why would you call me Honey if it means insect vomit? Should I call you rodent piss?
Best line in the whole damn book. Alien human relationships are hilarious exclusively for the dialogue.
Too bad I didn’t love this one but I did complete it!! Still funny all in all.
November 15, 2020
This was okay
August 18, 2023
3.75 stars
This book is awesome!!! Zuvok makes me laugh with his actions. He is so aggressive and has to learn to chill out. Alundra is a princess and she is very down-to-earth. I love the interaction between these two. They made me laugh out loud.
This book is awesome!!! Zuvok makes me laugh with his actions. He is so aggressive and has to learn to chill out. Alundra is a princess and she is very down-to-earth. I love the interaction between these two. They made me laugh out loud.
October 2, 2019
Wow this book get so hot you may need a cold shower I absolutely could not get enough of this I was hooked from the first page great writing job bravo loved it and if anyone is looking a steamy wonderful read then add this one to your list you will not be disappointed I was not, I loved it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
November 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2020)! 🎁
dont-want-to-read
January 8, 2022From reviews it sounds like it’ll have similar annoyances as the other book I read by this author.
January 18, 2022
It's funny and the hero likes to talk dirty.
September 19, 2019
He can defeat any enemy... except dust and grime...
Zuvok is a fierce warrior, a genuine Terror, just ask him, he’ll regale you with the stories that have made others fear his name... but when his mail order bride arrives, and challenges him to clean up his life, literally, he has to figure out if he is up to the challenge (and the challenger). Both Zuvok and his Princess were fun characters, impulsive, and a bit reckless, in different ways, resulting in them each having something to teach the other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zuvok is a fierce warrior, a genuine Terror, just ask him, he’ll regale you with the stories that have made others fear his name... but when his mail order bride arrives, and challenges him to clean up his life, literally, he has to figure out if he is up to the challenge (and the challenger). Both Zuvok and his Princess were fun characters, impulsive, and a bit reckless, in different ways, resulting in them each having something to teach the other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2019
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING ONCE YOU OVERCOME YOUR FEAR
A great strong woman story. Princess Aluna stands her ground and takes things into her hands where her future is concerned. Her stern disposition has the great warrior, ‘Zuvoc The Terrible’ cow-towing to her demands. She risks herself and eventually saves the world via an unfortunate accident and continues to stand up for herself in the process.
I received this story for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
A great strong woman story. Princess Aluna stands her ground and takes things into her hands where her future is concerned. Her stern disposition has the great warrior, ‘Zuvoc The Terrible’ cow-towing to her demands. She risks herself and eventually saves the world via an unfortunate accident and continues to stand up for herself in the process.
I received this story for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
May 13, 2023
*DNF* (I pretty much never dnf)
I listened the audiobook and made it about 3/4 through.
It's an interesting premise etc but it read to me kind of like the stories and lines from bad porno.
I thought I would make it through anyway but just couldn't do it. If Meghan Kelly was the only narrator I wouldn't even have gotten that far but I love Tristan James so I think he's the only reason I got that far lol.
Maybe I'll try again another time but so many of the lines were so *cringe*
I listened the audiobook and made it about 3/4 through.
It's an interesting premise etc but it read to me kind of like the stories and lines from bad porno.
I thought I would make it through anyway but just couldn't do it. If Meghan Kelly was the only narrator I wouldn't even have gotten that far but I love Tristan James so I think he's the only reason I got that far lol.
Maybe I'll try again another time but so many of the lines were so *cringe*
April 11, 2023
2 stars - An okay plot, but not enough character development and quick change of attitudes between the protagonists, coupled with truly awful sex scene descriptions mean this is probably a series I won't be continuing.
February 11, 2024
I’m sorry. I thought I could handle how many times I heard the word “twat” in reference to female genitalia but you totally lost me at “quivering mass of love jelly”.
September 17, 2022
3 1/2 🌟
I am catching up on a few older series I missed that looked like they might be intriguing for a short reality break.
If you are looking for a futuristic alien read, written with a sense of humor, then this may be the story for you.
** Contains subject matter that may be difficult for sensitive readers. A high-level list is included below. **
In this story, Zuvok is an alien Commander that is having trouble controlling his temper. He is a decorated hero that needs to modify his behavior, but he doesn’t see anything wrong with it, and that is where the issues begin. This has led to him being sidelined on the least problematic mission the Alliance leaders can devise. Of course, he still finds a way. Zuvok is prone to histrionics, or male hissy fits, which imho was the best part of the story. I just never knew what he was going to do next and I loved it!
Alundra is a minor Royal Princess that has been raised by her Uncle Daniel since her parents were killed in an accident. Now that she has reached a suitable age, he has arranged a marriage to their cousin. The cousin is an elderly ‘gentleman’ that she has absolutely no interest in at all. So she makes other plans and enters into a marriage contract through an agency.
At this point, Alundra doesn’t even care who she is matched to, which planet she is sent to, as it would have to be better than what her Uncle has arranged.
Zuvok is just as arrogant and clueless as the worst non-violent-to-females, male stereotype that you can imagine. He doesn’t do housework, which includes dishes (I.e. he just throws them away, or piles them up and buys more), has no idea what an old quilt should be used for if not to cover his windows, and I think you get the idea.
When Alundra arrives, Zuvok is chopping wood and she realizes who she has been paired with ... This leads to her potentially exposing her family’s secret (again absolutely hilarious scene). Alundra is interrupted when her betrothed opens the door. So she exits the car and goes into the cabin.
Alundra wasn’t sure what she would find when she arrived, but it wasn’t anything like she found. Or at least, what she can see of it doesn’t match. She decides to just jump right in and starts trying to clean up … Of course, Zuvok being Zuvok, doesn’t offer to help, but she quickly puts him to work anyway. So much so that he is convinced she is related to the Devil … which means that he calls his immediate Commander and wants a different bride. Yelling and screaming … That is when he learns that there is no one else that would agree to be matched with Zuvok The Terror! He either keeps Alundra or goes to the Brig!
He needs to think about it … Of course, he might change his mind while he takes a bath to relax …
I couldn’t rate this higher because of the editing it needs. As soon as I would get into the story, there would be another grammatical issue or data inconsistency. It was a little frustrating. I include this information for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
⛔️ Contains references and/or scenes that may be offensive or a trigger for sensitive readers. These include adult language; mental challenges; steamy, detailed, and 🔥 adult intimate scenes with dominance, spanking, breath play, ‘bottom’ play, etc.; violence such as murder, death related to war, threats, fighting, coercion, consensual / non-consensual acts, etc.
I am catching up on a few older series I missed that looked like they might be intriguing for a short reality break.
If you are looking for a futuristic alien read, written with a sense of humor, then this may be the story for you.
** Contains subject matter that may be difficult for sensitive readers. A high-level list is included below. **
In this story, Zuvok is an alien Commander that is having trouble controlling his temper. He is a decorated hero that needs to modify his behavior, but he doesn’t see anything wrong with it, and that is where the issues begin. This has led to him being sidelined on the least problematic mission the Alliance leaders can devise. Of course, he still finds a way. Zuvok is prone to histrionics, or male hissy fits, which imho was the best part of the story. I just never knew what he was going to do next and I loved it!
Alundra is a minor Royal Princess that has been raised by her Uncle Daniel since her parents were killed in an accident. Now that she has reached a suitable age, he has arranged a marriage to their cousin. The cousin is an elderly ‘gentleman’ that she has absolutely no interest in at all. So she makes other plans and enters into a marriage contract through an agency.
At this point, Alundra doesn’t even care who she is matched to, which planet she is sent to, as it would have to be better than what her Uncle has arranged.
Zuvok is just as arrogant and clueless as the worst non-violent-to-females, male stereotype that you can imagine. He doesn’t do housework, which includes dishes (I.e. he just throws them away, or piles them up and buys more), has no idea what an old quilt should be used for if not to cover his windows, and I think you get the idea.
When Alundra arrives, Zuvok is chopping wood and she realizes who she has been paired with ... This leads to her potentially exposing her family’s secret (again absolutely hilarious scene). Alundra is interrupted when her betrothed opens the door. So she exits the car and goes into the cabin.
Alundra wasn’t sure what she would find when she arrived, but it wasn’t anything like she found. Or at least, what she can see of it doesn’t match. She decides to just jump right in and starts trying to clean up … Of course, Zuvok being Zuvok, doesn’t offer to help, but she quickly puts him to work anyway. So much so that he is convinced she is related to the Devil … which means that he calls his immediate Commander and wants a different bride. Yelling and screaming … That is when he learns that there is no one else that would agree to be matched with Zuvok The Terror! He either keeps Alundra or goes to the Brig!
He needs to think about it … Of course, he might change his mind while he takes a bath to relax …
I couldn’t rate this higher because of the editing it needs. As soon as I would get into the story, there would be another grammatical issue or data inconsistency. It was a little frustrating. I include this information for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
⛔️ Contains references and/or scenes that may be offensive or a trigger for sensitive readers. These include adult language; mental challenges; steamy, detailed, and 🔥 adult intimate scenes with dominance, spanking, breath play, ‘bottom’ play, etc.; violence such as murder, death related to war, threats, fighting, coercion, consensual / non-consensual acts, etc.
March 21, 2025
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Narrator Performance: Female: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 Male: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.25
About the MMC: Zuvok wasn’t a bad guy but there were times that I found him really annoying. I do like that he was able to recognize his idiotic behavior when it was pointed out to him by Princess Alundra.
About the FMC: Alundra was extremely likable if a bit naive. I loved her reaction when she first realized who Zuvok was. She had a great attitude, fantastic spunk and a realistic head on her shoulders.
About the story: I could have done without the huge info dump at the beginning of the book. It was the author’s attempt a world building but a lot of it was unnecessary. The flow of the book was smooth and even paced. I found it really easy to get into the story.
*Cringe Alert*
In a world where women seem to differ greatly in which words we prefer in reference to female genitalia let it be said that I’m not a fan of the word “tw@t”. It was used quite a few times in the story.
Meghan Kelly is a narrator that I’ve come across multiple times. It always takes me a minute to adjust to her style. I’m not sure what it is but at first I always find her narration a bit abrasive. But then, without a doubt, I always come to enjoy her performance. This performance was no different. By the end of the book I was well satisfied by her.
Tristan James has a great voice. I love that he made sure to use a different voice and attitude when speaking the female characters lines. I enjoyed his acting. Zuvok’s braggadocios behavior was clearly portrayed in his performance. Unfortunately Alundra seemed more clueless than demure when James performed her lines.
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Narrator Performance: Female: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 Male: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.25
About the MMC: Zuvok wasn’t a bad guy but there were times that I found him really annoying. I do like that he was able to recognize his idiotic behavior when it was pointed out to him by Princess Alundra.
About the FMC: Alundra was extremely likable if a bit naive. I loved her reaction when she first realized who Zuvok was. She had a great attitude, fantastic spunk and a realistic head on her shoulders.
About the story: I could have done without the huge info dump at the beginning of the book. It was the author’s attempt a world building but a lot of it was unnecessary. The flow of the book was smooth and even paced. I found it really easy to get into the story.
*Cringe Alert*
In a world where women seem to differ greatly in which words we prefer in reference to female genitalia let it be said that I’m not a fan of the word “tw@t”. It was used quite a few times in the story.
Meghan Kelly is a narrator that I’ve come across multiple times. It always takes me a minute to adjust to her style. I’m not sure what it is but at first I always find her narration a bit abrasive. But then, without a doubt, I always come to enjoy her performance. This performance was no different. By the end of the book I was well satisfied by her.
Tristan James has a great voice. I love that he made sure to use a different voice and attitude when speaking the female characters lines. I enjoyed his acting. Zuvok’s braggadocios behavior was clearly portrayed in his performance. Unfortunately Alundra seemed more clueless than demure when James performed her lines.
August 14, 2020
Awesome book!
Okay, I loved this book. First time reading this author. I don’t know if I will continue. Looking at other books things get kind of confusing it seems. So many different takes on the aliens. Also there’s a mention of a new series with Caan? But I would figure he’d be book #2 but he’s not. I don’t see his book anywhere. Maybe it hasn’t been written yet. But that just confuses things more. Usually the reader is introduced to the people that will be in future books to get them excited for their book. Having no knowledge of the people in book two doesn’t give me any excitement thus it’s off putting. So I have yet to decide if I want to continue with these books. Also, I noticed that there’s a series of books Thats from the enemies point of view! What a plot twist! Back on subject. This book had me laughing so hard. Su ok was plain hilarious. His thought process had my sides hurting from laughter. Grabbing the light grenade launcher vs the heavy for instance. Spoilers ahead. One thing that bothers me is they didn’t tidy up the ending with crabby the ship. How can you mass produce a sentient vessel? Also is Alundra now a commander/battle pilot in the military? The ship,is clearly named after her and hers. Sorry for the spoilers but these are the things on my mind here. I would have liked a more definitive answer about her parents and the mineral deposits as well. This book was definitely worth the read. The humor was beyond great. The romance was good as well. Their first meeting had me rolling! Zuvok being scared lol. Brilliant writing.
Okay, I loved this book. First time reading this author. I don’t know if I will continue. Looking at other books things get kind of confusing it seems. So many different takes on the aliens. Also there’s a mention of a new series with Caan? But I would figure he’d be book #2 but he’s not. I don’t see his book anywhere. Maybe it hasn’t been written yet. But that just confuses things more. Usually the reader is introduced to the people that will be in future books to get them excited for their book. Having no knowledge of the people in book two doesn’t give me any excitement thus it’s off putting. So I have yet to decide if I want to continue with these books. Also, I noticed that there’s a series of books Thats from the enemies point of view! What a plot twist! Back on subject. This book had me laughing so hard. Su ok was plain hilarious. His thought process had my sides hurting from laughter. Grabbing the light grenade launcher vs the heavy for instance. Spoilers ahead. One thing that bothers me is they didn’t tidy up the ending with crabby the ship. How can you mass produce a sentient vessel? Also is Alundra now a commander/battle pilot in the military? The ship,is clearly named after her and hers. Sorry for the spoilers but these are the things on my mind here. I would have liked a more definitive answer about her parents and the mineral deposits as well. This book was definitely worth the read. The humor was beyond great. The romance was good as well. Their first meeting had me rolling! Zuvok being scared lol. Brilliant writing.
June 13, 2020
Zuvok and The Princess
She signs on as a mail order bride to an alien to get away from her Uncle and the old distant cousin he has betrothed her to. She gets away and makes it to an alien world only to paired up to a brutal warrior. It takes neither long to call in love. She goes to a dog site with him and accidentally triggers a crystal that connects her to an AI ship. She doesn't know this at the time and thinks she's having night terrors. Since Zurok destroyed the cavern that caused her to scream and pass out they hypnotize her to find the secrets now buried. Her unc!e and betrothed show up at the doc's office and take custody of her Zuvok goes crazy when he's told and punches his CO so he's out in the brig. She sees him there to say bye, both are heart broken. Later sirens go off, the CO has him released and manning a science vessel with artillery and she has allowed the dream to continue and finds the SO ship is only trying to communicate with her and goes to release th craft and flies into battle and wind the losing war for the Alliance. When her uncle shows and tried to make her leave with him the CO puts paid to that quickly. The princess and her warrior marry and honeymoon on the SO ship.
She signs on as a mail order bride to an alien to get away from her Uncle and the old distant cousin he has betrothed her to. She gets away and makes it to an alien world only to paired up to a brutal warrior. It takes neither long to call in love. She goes to a dog site with him and accidentally triggers a crystal that connects her to an AI ship. She doesn't know this at the time and thinks she's having night terrors. Since Zurok destroyed the cavern that caused her to scream and pass out they hypnotize her to find the secrets now buried. Her unc!e and betrothed show up at the doc's office and take custody of her Zuvok goes crazy when he's told and punches his CO so he's out in the brig. She sees him there to say bye, both are heart broken. Later sirens go off, the CO has him released and manning a science vessel with artillery and she has allowed the dream to continue and finds the SO ship is only trying to communicate with her and goes to release th craft and flies into battle and wind the losing war for the Alliance. When her uncle shows and tried to make her leave with him the CO puts paid to that quickly. The princess and her warrior marry and honeymoon on the SO ship.
December 6, 2020
I am unsure why so many people found this story enjoyable. It was very basic with both characters acting as pre-teens with their whiny temper-tantrums. The lead male was supposed to be an alien and yet every sentence of him described an immature being. None of his speech patterns nor his thought processes made me believe I was reading an alien POV. Phrases and words like buddy or SOB would not directly translate. And then for readers to believe he was a hot-shot military officer when he told his crew too bad and decided to attack known allies? How! How does one succeed down such a career path while also remaining a complete moron?
I could not get past chapter five and had to leave the book to write my review. Not only would I NOT recommend this book, but I would also go out of my way to actively discourage others from attempting to read it as well.
I could not get past chapter five and had to leave the book to write my review. Not only would I NOT recommend this book, but I would also go out of my way to actively discourage others from attempting to read it as well.
March 24, 2022
It wasn't bad but...
It wasn't exactly good either. It was too much of a world to take in and yet not enough development of the characters. The Heroine just straight up annoyed me and Zuvok? He felt like an overgrown toddler.
I guess this book is supposed to be lighthearted, which in truth, it did deliver, but at the expense of its characters and their believability. Even the tertiary roles... it just all made very little sense and yet I was supposed to believe they fell in love 😒 I didn't.
I gave it 3 stars because the writing was actually quite good, it was just much too much for me to follow. The biggest downfall is, again, the characters, I didn't care about them at all.
It wasn't exactly good either. It was too much of a world to take in and yet not enough development of the characters. The Heroine just straight up annoyed me and Zuvok? He felt like an overgrown toddler.
I guess this book is supposed to be lighthearted, which in truth, it did deliver, but at the expense of its characters and their believability. Even the tertiary roles... it just all made very little sense and yet I was supposed to believe they fell in love 😒 I didn't.
I gave it 3 stars because the writing was actually quite good, it was just much too much for me to follow. The biggest downfall is, again, the characters, I didn't care about them at all.
July 1, 2022
Zuvok is a warrior that is being put on notice for his extreme actions. The Alliance believes it is time for him to settle down and work in the war room. Alundra is less than pleased when she learns she will be mated to Zuvok, so much so that she nearly kills a man.
sample
The story so far...
The year is 2338. Humanity has weathered it's infancy and has navigated to the stars. They've colonized other worlds and become a space faring civilization and formed the Interstellar Human Confederation.
Along the way, they've come to discover that the galaxy is actually a pretty crowded place. There are several political entities in the galaxy.
Tired of the use of dirty little princess
It gets boring real fast
July 1, 2022
sample
The story so far...
The year is 2338. Humanity has weathered it's infancy and has navigated to the stars. They've colonized other worlds and become a space faring civilization and formed the Interstellar Human Confederation.
Along the way, they've come to discover that the galaxy is actually a pretty crowded place. There are several political entities in the galaxy.
Tired of the use of dirty little princess
It gets boring real fast
July 1, 2022
September 3, 2022
Trident Alliance soldier Zuvok the Terror lives for the battle and the fight - nothing else interests him. When he goes too far his commander sends him a new foe - a bride. Alundra is a human and a Princess. He is determined not to be tamed and not to be made civilised no matter how curvy and pretty she is. Then she uses her most deadly weapon - she coos and kisses him on his nose and so his heart melts and the terror becomes the terrier.
I found this story hard as Zuvok was so insufferable but then Alundra wasn't much different as she was determined to have her way. So apart from pride, a few complications and sex I felt like not much else happened. It was an easy and quick read plus it didn't need me to concentrate much on reading it. Easy to understand. Contains mature content.
I found this story hard as Zuvok was so insufferable but then Alundra wasn't much different as she was determined to have her way. So apart from pride, a few complications and sex I felt like not much else happened. It was an easy and quick read plus it didn't need me to concentrate much on reading it. Easy to understand. Contains mature content.
July 18, 2024
If I could give it a half star, I would. Not sure if it's just the narration that is grinding my gears or the level of cringe-worthy dialogue and plot holes.
Listened to the audiobook - the female narrator's rhythm and emphasis at the end of each phrase by ending with a lower tone is really distracting and at times sounds robotic/autotuned.
The use of the t word to describe the FMC's lady bits (as I've seen on another review here - rhymes with squat) was WEIRD. Not sexy at allllll. The characters were just super annoying. Both of them. The FMC's observations and stream of consciousness is cringey. The MMC is a big dope!
Listened to the audiobook - the female narrator's rhythm and emphasis at the end of each phrase by ending with a lower tone is really distracting and at times sounds robotic/autotuned.
The use of the t word to describe the FMC's lady bits (as I've seen on another review here - rhymes with squat) was WEIRD. Not sexy at allllll. The characters were just super annoying. Both of them. The FMC's observations and stream of consciousness is cringey. The MMC is a big dope!
December 12, 2024
I listened to this on Hoopla, and I cried in laughter because Zuvok gave no fux to ANYONE....I don't see him as arrogant as much as I do a big brute that loves battle. He has screwed up so much they have placed him on a scientific ship which he tries to use in a war that is actually an training and the get a human wife..that he absolutely hates for about 2 mins..then he becomes a complete cinnamon role.
This was a fluke to listen to for background noise, but I can't do anything but laugh!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
This was a fluke to listen to for background noise, but I can't do anything but laugh!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
December 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this listen! It was funny in a way that I think was intentional. The audio was free on Audible and it was pretty short around 5-6 hours so I gave it a go. I honestly laughed out loud at how ridiculous and funny the characters were! The word twat is liberally used, the dialogue was so cringe that it became good again. I wonder if I would have like it as much physically reading but I must say the narrators delivered with deadpan humor and dialogue. I was very much entertained and really isn't that all I am looking for!
June 13, 2024
I have never before had a struggle with a male narrator sounding like the comedic Trump impersonator. Also, the spicy scenes were terrible in a not supposed to be funny, but made me snort anyway, way. There were so many things with this story that were blech to me, and I read a lot of romance variety genres (alien, shifter, historical, poly, etc). I have also never heard the word twat so much in my entire life, and never as a "sexy" word. lmao
I don't think I'll try this author again.
I don't think I'll try this author again.
November 30, 2020
What fun! Hot headed alien warrior Zuvok is unknowingly matched with Princess Alundra- a strong willed 48th heir to the throne on Earth. The sassy banter between these two just made me smile. I also enjoyed Zuvoks’ unique way of interactive with his colleagues. A battle, a new discovery and recognizing what they both want all made this a good story to read.
December 7, 2020
Excellent plot twist
Really enjoyed reading Zuvok and intend on continuing through the remainder of this series. The plot twist near the end, which makes Alundra a hero, was inventive and unexpected.
I have read all the stories in a more recent series by Athena Storm, which Zuvok appeared in a cameo role.... now I know his story, too.
Really enjoyed reading Zuvok and intend on continuing through the remainder of this series. The plot twist near the end, which makes Alundra a hero, was inventive and unexpected.
I have read all the stories in a more recent series by Athena Storm, which Zuvok appeared in a cameo role.... now I know his story, too.
January 27, 2021
I love this book!!
This book is awesome!!!
Zuvok makes me laugh with his actions. He is so aggressive and has to learn to chill out.
Alundra is a princess and she is very down-to-earth.
I love the interaction between these two. They made me laugh out loud.
I reread this book if I just want a good, quick read.
This book is awesome!!!
Zuvok makes me laugh with his actions. He is so aggressive and has to learn to chill out.
Alundra is a princess and she is very down-to-earth.
I love the interaction between these two. They made me laugh out loud.
I reread this book if I just want a good, quick read.
February 26, 2024
The plot was like something out of a fever dream.
I'm sorry but the spicy scenes were so funny, at first I was stunned at how bad it was but by the last one I was laughing so much from the shock, I had tears in my eyes. The dirty talking was hilarious, and the audiobook narrators made it a hundred times funnier, it just sounded so cheesy.
I'm sorry but the spicy scenes were so funny, at first I was stunned at how bad it was but by the last one I was laughing so much from the shock, I had tears in my eyes. The dirty talking was hilarious, and the audiobook narrators made it a hundred times funnier, it just sounded so cheesy.
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