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Brides to Beasts #2
Zerberu
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
Probably not a good sign when you start reading the refund policy on your mail order bride…
Vera Kronus has only one choice after a long criminal career. Stay shackled and wait for her transport to a brutal prison planet or switch her ID and be sent to who knows where in the galaxy. She chooses the second option.
And wakes up on a planet where she’s the promised Companion to the most brilliant scientist in the Alliance. He’s been working on a new engine to bring parity against the Coalition. But his work life balance is suffering and his superiors determine that he needs a…Companion.
They thought they ordered the perfect mate. What they got instead was Vera - a human woman whose been sentenced for over twenty counts of grand larceny and fraud.
She has no idea how to cook food for an Alzhon. She has no idea about their customs. She’s sassy, independent, and fiery. With a figure that can send you into a supernova.
The sweet, caring, cosmically handsome and trusting Zerberu should be an easy mark then, right?
Wrong.
Because there’s one thing Vera never realized in her life of theft and crime.
That a quiet alien would steal her own heart.
Zerberu is the second book in the Trident 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.
Probably not a good sign when you start reading the refund policy on your mail order bride…
Vera Kronus has only one choice after a long criminal career. Stay shackled and wait for her transport to a brutal prison planet or switch her ID and be sent to who knows where in the galaxy. She chooses the second option.
And wakes up on a planet where she’s the promised Companion to the most brilliant scientist in the Alliance. He’s been working on a new engine to bring parity against the Coalition. But his work life balance is suffering and his superiors determine that he needs a…Companion.
They thought they ordered the perfect mate. What they got instead was Vera - a human woman whose been sentenced for over twenty counts of grand larceny and fraud.
She has no idea how to cook food for an Alzhon. She has no idea about their customs. She’s sassy, independent, and fiery. With a figure that can send you into a supernova.
The sweet, caring, cosmically handsome and trusting Zerberu should be an easy mark then, right?
Wrong.
Because there’s one thing Vera never realized in her life of theft and crime.
That a quiet alien would steal her own heart.
Zerberu is the second book in the Trident 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.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
201 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Athena Storm
187 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 127 reviews
October 21, 2019
A unique and fun mashup of characters from two different worlds. The human girl who uses sex to her advantage, is a thief, liar, and swindler. She's forced to use every skill she possesses to survive the harsh reality of life. Zerberu is an alien scientist, brilliant, isolated and forced to endure long grueling and boring hours improving his species' aircraft and technology. Innocent and nerdy in many ways, he's lived in luxury but led a life with a consistent and safe monotone existence. When they two meet, it's truly enjoyable and downright funny on occasion. Their live story was steamy and hard-hitting. I truly loved the story and their HEA. A wonderful sci-fi romance!
September 12, 2019
One heck of an amazing read that is a non-stop bundle of suspense! The nail-biting storyline will keep you on edge with anticipation for making the perfect choice and a great HEA! Emotionally engrossing, witty, exciting and enjoyable! Lip-biting hot chemistry! An amazing bad boy must read that will have you rooting for Mr. Right to take a hike!
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.
September 17, 2024
"Oh Zerberu!"
A to Z book club challenge was a hoot.
A to Z book club challenge was a hoot.
September 9, 2019
A NERD/HOOKER HOOK-UP
Zerberu is a highly classified engineer and he is working on the most top-secret project for the Alliance. He is becoming lonely and suffering for it. He believes he is sick. What he needs is a companion. Vera is a convicted felon who doesn’t want to do her ten-year hard labor sentence. She gets a stroke of good luck and is able to switch places with a cryo-companion destined to be sent to Zerberu. She has no skills, other than criminal and hooker ones. Somehow, the two find themselves compatible, but Vera knows that she will be caught, but can’t tear herself away from Zerberu. I was astonished at what she was willing to do to protect him and how far he would go to get her back. This story kept me turning pages until I was done.
I received this ARC for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Zerberu is a highly classified engineer and he is working on the most top-secret project for the Alliance. He is becoming lonely and suffering for it. He believes he is sick. What he needs is a companion. Vera is a convicted felon who doesn’t want to do her ten-year hard labor sentence. She gets a stroke of good luck and is able to switch places with a cryo-companion destined to be sent to Zerberu. She has no skills, other than criminal and hooker ones. Somehow, the two find themselves compatible, but Vera knows that she will be caught, but can’t tear herself away from Zerberu. I was astonished at what she was willing to do to protect him and how far he would go to get her back. This story kept me turning pages until I was done.
I received this ARC for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
September 12, 2019
I like these two because she's done what she's needed to survive and he's been ignored shoved off into isolation. They learn to care for someone other than themselves. He got lucky she switched tags with the actual companion. On to the next story and I can't wait.
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.
October 10, 2019
My first Athena Storm book and I got a kick out of this story! Good heavens, Vera is a hilarious hot mess, yet she's a good match for Zerberu. I thought he was a great character: sweet but nerdy with a serious sensitive side. Plenty of laughs throughout the story, and some seriously sexy times. Looking forward to reading the previous books in the series and each new release.
May 5, 2021
This book was funny too! It’s spicy and very cute. A straight laced guy falls for a bad criminal girl. The narrator or the writing is bad, I don’t know which one... or is it it really good. The way it’s narrated they sound like incredibly bad over actors, but that is part of the charm and makes it hilarious. This was pure entertainment! I loved it.
April 28, 2022
DNF after chapter 10. Vulgar and skanky career criminals aren't heroines I root for - she switched tags and sent another woman to a prison planet in her place, and thinks it's funny - and already the emasculated nebbish hero has cried on multiple occasions. There HAS to be some massive personality change afoot in the second half to make him an alpha, but I don't have the interest to keep going.
August 30, 2021
Very cute and at times hilarious. Cover does not match description of Zer, though.
Second read: cute little story which is only 25% of the book and the rest is sex. That’s my definition of Alien Erotica and not romance.
Second read: cute little story which is only 25% of the book and the rest is sex. That’s my definition of Alien Erotica and not romance.
August 18, 2022
Vera Kronushas had a long criminal career and so with over twenty counts of grand larceny and fraud is shackled and waiting for her transport to a brutal prison planet. Instead through a lucky break, she gets the chance to switch her ID and instead wakes up on a planet as a promised Companion to the most brilliant scientist in the Alliance. Zerberu is working on a propulsion system and has no work-life balance and so his bosses decided that he needs a Companion to give him some balance. Vera has no idea how to cook Alzhon food, no idea about their customs, and is sassy, independent and fiery - nothing like a real Companion. But she has a great figure and even though Zerberu should be an easy mark, what he actually does is steal her heart.
I enjoyed this book which was a classic switched identity which then goes wrong. In the meantime, they both had a great deal of fun together but the inevitable happened and the mistake is discovered. We then have a set of events that would be perfect for a slapstick comedy mixed in with a very clever guy who uses what he can to get what he wants. I enjoyed the writing which was clear and easy to understand. Contains mature content as they were definitely compatible physically.
I enjoyed this book which was a classic switched identity which then goes wrong. In the meantime, they both had a great deal of fun together but the inevitable happened and the mistake is discovered. We then have a set of events that would be perfect for a slapstick comedy mixed in with a very clever guy who uses what he can to get what he wants. I enjoyed the writing which was clear and easy to understand. Contains mature content as they were definitely compatible physically.
June 14, 2020
Zerberu and Vera
Cerberus is the big brain behind engineering in the Alliance and the brass decided to help him get over his block and back to work to get him a Companion. Vera Kruger was just convicted an sentenced to 10 years of hard labor in a prison planet. She switches IDs with the Companion being sent out and is placed in a cryopod to where else but to the nerdy scientist. They start off on the wrong foot but through everything they fall in love until she's found out. She erases the message on the datapad and writes him a letter explaining everything and takes off into the wilderness amongst all the fauna and flora. He can't find her in the house but finds her letter and takes off after her, saves her and takes her to a tower. She tells him she doesn't love him, knocks him out, ties him up and engaged the beacon in the tower. They arrest her and add kidnapping him to her charges and locks her up. He isn't allowed out of his workshop so he works on the engine design they want him to improve on by 30% only he does it to 200% then bribed them to release Vera and drop all charges against her. They agree to this and she is returned to him.
Cerberus is the big brain behind engineering in the Alliance and the brass decided to help him get over his block and back to work to get him a Companion. Vera Kruger was just convicted an sentenced to 10 years of hard labor in a prison planet. She switches IDs with the Companion being sent out and is placed in a cryopod to where else but to the nerdy scientist. They start off on the wrong foot but through everything they fall in love until she's found out. She erases the message on the datapad and writes him a letter explaining everything and takes off into the wilderness amongst all the fauna and flora. He can't find her in the house but finds her letter and takes off after her, saves her and takes her to a tower. She tells him she doesn't love him, knocks him out, ties him up and engaged the beacon in the tower. They arrest her and add kidnapping him to her charges and locks her up. He isn't allowed out of his workshop so he works on the engine design they want him to improve on by 30% only he does it to 200% then bribed them to release Vera and drop all charges against her. They agree to this and she is returned to him.
June 14, 2020
It beats only for you
Zerberu is book two in the series Brides to Beasts by author Athena Storm. This is one heck of a read- secrets abound - can a leopard change its spots, not completely sure(wink) yet maybe this one can.
The characters actually grow in this tale- one finds its voice and the other well I’ll let you read that for yourselves.
Enjoy!!
Zerberu is book two in the series Brides to Beasts by author Athena Storm. This is one heck of a read- secrets abound - can a leopard change its spots, not completely sure(wink) yet maybe this one can.
The characters actually grow in this tale- one finds its voice and the other well I’ll let you read that for yourselves.
Enjoy!!
April 30, 2020
He reminds me of a Care Bear
Vera had a hard life but that didn't excuse her life choices; she was going to be locked up. Fortunately this last bid to escape ended up being a better social rehabilitation than any prison could boast.
Vera had a hard life but that didn't excuse her life choices; she was going to be locked up. Fortunately this last bid to escape ended up being a better social rehabilitation than any prison could boast.
December 4, 2020
I couldn't put this one down. I loved the characters, their chemistry, and the adventure. It's not a very long read and it has a very fast pace, but it doesn't lack for anything that makes a great romance.
January 6, 2020
Yay!!
Somehow I managed to skip this one but I'm glad I found it. While the writer is a little wordy, I really enjoy the fast pace and story lines!!
Somehow I managed to skip this one but I'm glad I found it. While the writer is a little wordy, I really enjoy the fast pace and story lines!!
July 1, 2020
👍
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book but I did enjoy the characters. The story dragged a few times making it hard to get through at times.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book but I did enjoy the characters. The story dragged a few times making it hard to get through at times.
July 22, 2020
Gostei muito do livro,Sci fi é o meu gênero favorito e Athena Storm é a melhor.5 estrelas!😘
July 27, 2020
Wow! What this couple does for love!
Zerberu and Vera change their lives for ever.Both have grown and changed for the better because of this alliance. What an awesome story!
Zerberu and Vera change their lives for ever.Both have grown and changed for the better because of this alliance. What an awesome story!
December 15, 2020
Zerberu
Vera is a bad criminal and she switches IDs with another woman and is sent to be a companion to a reclusive brilliant engineer. Then she develops a conscience.
Vera is a bad criminal and she switches IDs with another woman and is sent to be a companion to a reclusive brilliant engineer. Then she develops a conscience.
April 7, 2021
For love not money
A nerd and a criminal make quite a pair. But by golly she gave him a backbone and he gave her a life!
A nerd and a criminal make quite a pair. But by golly she gave him a backbone and he gave her a life!
June 5, 2021
This book made me laugh! Why? Because our heroin can't do the things our hero wanted and she's making a mess. But it's instant love. When she gets hurt, he goes crazy!
November 14, 2021
I liked this more than the first one. The audiobook had some funny moments thanks to the narrators... I wish the ending was more fleshed out with a clear HEA.
January 18, 2022
He's a shy alien genius. She's a criminal.
April 26, 2022
Funny, Witty, was different to any other book I have read, thoroughly enjoyed this book.Well done to the Author-Laugh out loud book.
May 19, 2025
(Tristan James and Meghan Kelly are the narrators for the audio book)
July 2, 2025
Just, nope.
May 14, 2021
Interesting book, different and made for a good read
December 5, 2019
Vera is quite a character. She has lived a life of con after con to survive and thrive without other resources. When she sees a chance to escape her punishment, she takes it. It leads her to a man she never expected to encounter. He is someone she actually learns to care about.
The relationship between them is fun to watch. She encourages him to be bolder. She really changes too and grows very protective of him.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
The relationship between them is fun to watch. She encourages him to be bolder. She really changes too and grows very protective of him.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
May 15, 2020
This story was a lot of fun to read! It kept me on the edge of my seat. I am so looking forward to the next one.
September 9, 2019
Zerberu was working in a windowless room on the schematics of an Alliance battle cruiser’s main engine array. Using data captured from an Odex assault craft, he was trying to incorporate the technology into their own engines so the Coalition enemy would not continue to be able to outrun them. But he wasn’t making much progress lately because he was tired and not feeling well. He got up to answer the door to Commander Ryco, an older Alzhon starship commander. He has brought Dr. Tu’an with him who concludes Zerberu’s illness is stress-related! The doctor then explained that his work-life balance was askew and he had been isolated too long. They want him to take a Companion who can at least give him decent cooked meals. Afraid they will transfer him elsewhere if he refuses, and unwilling to lose his comfortable isolation, he agrees to the Companion.
Vera Kronus has only one desperate choice when considering her long criminal career. She has been found guilty of seven out of twelve cases of interstellar smuggling and one capital conviction of corporate espionage – and that doesn’t include the dozen or so prior convictions – so it’s not looking good for her. When the judge sentences her to ten years hard labor on a brutal prison planet with no parole, she snatches a prison shipping ID from the table, figuring it couldn’t be a worse destination than what she had been headed for! Unknown to Vera, this ID will send her “somewhere” in the galaxy as a Companion to their most brilliant Alliance scientist!
Zerberu has been pacing in nervous anticipation, hoping for a “demure and submissive” Companion. He has been assured that she will be fully trained in all Alzhonian and Alliance protocols, able to prepare and cook Alzhonian cuisine, and able to navigate Alzhon social situations (which had been a source of duels to the death in the past over minor slights or misunderstandings). And best of all, he would be able to get a decent meal. The brochure says she will greet him saying, “I am yours…”. Instead, his beautiful Companion opens her green eyes and sputters, “What the f---!!!!”, startling Zerberu, the doctor, and the Commander! He will also find out his sassy, independent, and fiery Companion’s skills don’t include how to cook food for an Alzhon and she knows absolutely nothing about their customs – but she’s resilient and will figure something out as she goes – or cause a global “incident” when she tries mingling with a party of high ranking Alzhon government officials coming for dinner! Regardless, their adventure is about to begin! Will she navigate this new life? Or has she finally taken on more than she can handle?
This book had a whole different tone from the others I have read so far. I loved the snarky heroine right from the start! She was smart, strong and resourceful – and easy to admire. I found myself chuckling throughout the story and thoroughly enjoyed it! Grab your copy and see how her new situation works out for Vera and Zerberu! Nothing will ever be the same for either of them!
Vera Kronus has only one desperate choice when considering her long criminal career. She has been found guilty of seven out of twelve cases of interstellar smuggling and one capital conviction of corporate espionage – and that doesn’t include the dozen or so prior convictions – so it’s not looking good for her. When the judge sentences her to ten years hard labor on a brutal prison planet with no parole, she snatches a prison shipping ID from the table, figuring it couldn’t be a worse destination than what she had been headed for! Unknown to Vera, this ID will send her “somewhere” in the galaxy as a Companion to their most brilliant Alliance scientist!
Zerberu has been pacing in nervous anticipation, hoping for a “demure and submissive” Companion. He has been assured that she will be fully trained in all Alzhonian and Alliance protocols, able to prepare and cook Alzhonian cuisine, and able to navigate Alzhon social situations (which had been a source of duels to the death in the past over minor slights or misunderstandings). And best of all, he would be able to get a decent meal. The brochure says she will greet him saying, “I am yours…”. Instead, his beautiful Companion opens her green eyes and sputters, “What the f---!!!!”, startling Zerberu, the doctor, and the Commander! He will also find out his sassy, independent, and fiery Companion’s skills don’t include how to cook food for an Alzhon and she knows absolutely nothing about their customs – but she’s resilient and will figure something out as she goes – or cause a global “incident” when she tries mingling with a party of high ranking Alzhon government officials coming for dinner! Regardless, their adventure is about to begin! Will she navigate this new life? Or has she finally taken on more than she can handle?
This book had a whole different tone from the others I have read so far. I loved the snarky heroine right from the start! She was smart, strong and resourceful – and easy to admire. I found myself chuckling throughout the story and thoroughly enjoyed it! Grab your copy and see how her new situation works out for Vera and Zerberu! Nothing will ever be the same for either of them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews