Treasured by the Alien Pirate

Mates of the Kilgari #2

by Celia Kyle, Athena Storm

I’m a wanted woman. In more ways than one. I was arrested, then imprisoned in cryosleep, and finally rescued by a crew of horned, golden skinned aliens. Now my government has branded me a traitor. Whoever is after me is willing to kill--to destroy anything and anyone in their way. They’re powerful and without mercy. It’s enough to make me lose all hope. Until Grantian. He’s a dangerous man and he promises to protect me. Former mercenary with the Hael Hounds--more blood on his hands than he cares to recount. He’s experienced suffering. And pain. And loss. I can tell that he sees something in me. Something that makes him willing to kill again. Yet with him, I feel safe. And even if we travel to the ends of the galaxy, With him... I feel like I’m home.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Audiobook, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2020

About the author

Celia Kyle would like to rule the world and become a ninja. As a fall-back, she’s working on her writing career and giving readers stories that touch their hearts and *ahem* other places. Visit her online at http://celiakyle.com | http://facebook.com/celiakyle | http://twitter.com/celiakyle | http://pinterest.com/celiakyle

Reviews

[Somia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Super Bummed Stars

Aliens, a possibly corrupt government and true mates - these ingredients combined should have made this a lovely read for me... they really should have and yet they didn't.

Argh I was hoping for so much with this one but the writing and characters didn't transport me away. Even when it was clear that tension and anxiety for example should be manifesting, it just didn't happen for me. There's a moment where the heroine is anxious and scared, because of something she's overheard and yet all I did was roll my eyes because it felt so contrived, fake. I feel horrid for saying so, especially since I've enjoyed the author's books in the past but this just didn't float my boat, and a lot of what I read has already disappeared from my mind.

Acquired via KU.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows on from the previous book but actually I think could work without reading that because a lot is explained here about how the human women came to be on the Kilgari space ship. This time it's Lamira falling hard for first mate Grantian but what I particularly liked was the overall story happening around them. We know the women were drugged and kidnapped and here we start to find out possible motives as they investigate strange goings on on a moon that's supposed to be deserted.
For me the romance felt tame as these Kilgari males just don't feel very alien and I just wanted more from Grantian but I can say I much preferred this heroine here as she's pretty quick on the uptake and actually very likeable. It does end on a cliff hanger though which I feel some might find frustrating.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always on my mind

This writing mashup is two for two so far. I love how this book just flows so perfectly from the first book. It’s like there was never a break between them. The authors did an amazing job of bringing out the inner strength of sweet, quiet Lamaria. But when you have such an inspiring example of masculinity and gorgeous manhood such as Grantian as your fated I guess you don’t have to be afraid of much. I mean, the perfect defender is always going to have her back. Which is a good thing with the danger really ramping up for all aboard the Queen as the authors take us on a grand adventure to discover the people behind everything. This book is fast paced and engaging with a lot of endearing scenes between the different characters and the people they meet along the way. The action is intense and keeps you enthralled throughout the entire book and the ending makes sure that you are salivating for the next book in the series. Well I am anyway. I can’t wait to read the next book and see what the crew gets up to next.

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another pallet cleaner! I think 2020 is the year of these for me. I’ve needed more books that I don’t have to keep track of a million things. Or a million characters. I can just read about aliens, humans and the conspiracies they find themselves in. Enjoyed it! Happy to read more.

Also, I think these are some of the better of these types of books. I’m really enjoying the mystery part of these that span across all of the books in this series.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FATED MATE CAN MAKE A PERSON WILLING TO DIE TO SAVE THEM

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review

Lamira is a human that was enslaved and cryo encapsulated on a spaceship. She and 106 other women were aboard the ship. Grantian is a Kilgarian smuggler that found the ship Lamira was on. The story depicts their relationship and how their fated mate feelings led them to become fated mates. There is sex, love and the deep need to protect. Overall, this is one intriguing story that shows how humanity is not at its best and there are other ways and sentient beings who respect women to the utmost.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lamia and Grantian was a awesome read. Loved just as much as book 1 and it feels like I never left that world. Who doesnt love the big silent type? He's second in command and seems serious all the time except he holds a special place for Lamia. Their coming together isnt quick so it was a bit of a slow burn which I liked. Look forward to more.

[Averie]

DNF @ 40%

I was just bored :(
I don't think I will continue with this series

[Claire H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lol. Am I going to read the 3rd despite this one's lack of interesting spice? Yes. It ended on a cliffhanger.

[Brittany Duszczyszyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is just alien smut and the spice is good, but is it to much a ask for a better storyline?

The Queen is a pirate 🏴‍☠️ space ship yet these big golden aliens are apparently a more passive species, not many are fighters and that just seems so stupid. If your pirates I would expect them to be very skilled warriors not just skilled in bed like they keep saying they are known for 🤦‍♀️

Also the ship went from having about 100 of these golden alien men onboard to about 104-107 human females too. Every book they keep talking about how there’s not much to eat and they will run out of money soon but rather then doing a few jobs to earn money the females convince the men to just search for this shady place that apparently is where the girls were originally designated for. So a place for human trafficking run by the human government, so not a place you should be checking out when you’re running out of food & money. Not to mention they keep waking up more of the women who were asleep 🤦‍♀️ that’s just more mouths to feed. Honestly where’s the common sense.

The smartest thing these aliens could have done was her help, the second in command use to be a mercenary and he runs into an old comrade on an unsavoury planet to get information. When really he should if convinced him to help them and to get the other mercenaries together to help too! Especially since their race holds women to such high regard and some of those women could be their mates.

But nope running out of money & food well walking up more mouths to feed and going places and asking questions that puts a target on their back, it was only a matter of time before the human government was going to be after them! Especially since they also found they were doing illegal experiments one another alien race.

The spice & love story was cute & spicy I just wish the story was better thought through

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series that they wrote together and I totally enjoyed it. The plot of who kidnapped the women is further investigated in this story by Lamira and Grantian. It starts when one of the pods malfunctions and a lady is awaken abruptly. Barely conscience she fights and yells that she won't go back to Solace. Grantian who is wondering is Lamira his "jalshagar" asks Solair how he knew Varia was his. When on a supply run Lamira overhears two guards talking about a new base Solage looking for people to work. Lamira decides to approach Grantian about her attraction between them, then she volunteers for the mission to scout with Grantian on the planet Tartus,. When they return to the Queen; Zander, Fiona, Solair, Varia, Lamira and Grantian decide to check out the base on the moon Consolation. What do they find? I love that they write a little about the crew and the women from the first book as we get to know their ups and downs working on the starship. They also wrote likable characters and depth in the details of it's universe. This was a slower burn in the romance department because Lamira and Grantian were both afraid to admit their attraction. Then it deals with a mystery too, but I still enjoyed reading and review this ARC via the authors and Booksprout. I'll look forward to the next book in this series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grantian is a Kilgari smuggler, the 1st mate on The Ancestral Queen. Lamira is one of over the 100 women kidnapped and put into cryostasis, then fortunately rescued by these smugglers. Grantian is fairly sure that Lamira is his mate and he will protect her no matter what. But because he is shy, he makes no moves on her, barely speaks to her, so she assumes he has no interest. It is only later, when she is grabbed by a misshapen monster – a Vakutan-Odex hybrid -- and taken from him, that he steps up to fight for her and she realizes she had misjudged his true feelings.

In the meantime, the investigation into why the women were kidnapped, framed, wanted for acts of treason and espionage, and called “traitors” by the government, is revealing more and more that the Interstellar Human Confederation is involved in something they shouldn’t be. Immersed in danger, can Grantian and Lamira escape? With their feelings for each other now obvious, will they make time for a HEA, or is it too late now?

This story is full of action, mystery, and intrigue. The characters are well-portrayed and the story line moves at a perfect pace to keep the reader eagerly following the unfolding events. Grab your copy and enjoy as Grantian rescues his female and proves himself worthy!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery of who and why the human women were left floating in space in a derelict ship deepens. Sort of. I mean, given the...experiments Grantian and crew stumbled over things look like they're taking a very sinister turn. And the IHC looks to be in the middle of it. OH NOES!

But it's not all doom and gloom because Lamira and Grantian have some sizzling connections going on and they're both weirdly awkward about it. As in, Grantian goes practically non-verbal the first few times he's in Lamira's presence and Lamira's not AT ALL sure why she keeps seeking the big Kilgari out.

Honestly, I live for brawny, stoic aliens getting tongue tied around their human, so this worked out nicely for me.

The human women are working on meshing with the crew, the Kilgari are more than accommodating seeing as how the women basically descended on their ship and jumped in to start helping out, and human/Kilgari pairings are pretty darn fun.

Things might be dangerous out in the big, bad universe, but fated mates and burning loins find a way to make things work. (metaphorically burning loins because NO ONE wants literal burning loins. YIKES!)

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Debbie Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and beautiful

Lamira is kind of any but she feels compiled by an electric charge for Grantian. He's huge with a serious look on his face. He is second in command of the Queen and he takes his position behind the captain. You wouldn't think him capable of a loving side. But is where you found be so very wrong. Fated Mates, a myth or is it? As we saw in the first book of this series, the captain of the Queen, found his mate. So, can lightning strike twice? After a slow start, Grantian and Lamira go on a few missions together. Always knowing he has her back, she feels empowered and protected by the giant kilgari. This is a beautiful love story of opposites attract. She even has to them out of a scrap. But that's what mates do for each other. The kilgari mating ceremony is so beautiful and maybe better than our vows. You will have to judge for yourself. I highly recommend this book and author. It is obcourse for adults only because it has delious sex. Sorry about the typos. I give this series a thumbs up and ten stars. Yummy fun but some serious issues too.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lamira is a good girl with a fun sense of humor...

I have fallen in love with the sense of humor that is the hallmark of Athens Storm's writing. That all of her books take place in the same narrative Universe is delightful, it allows other stories to provide depth, and placed for interesting little events to happen, as a very real Universe, with multiple political powers, is fleshed out.

Lamira was a secondary character in the previous book, which provided some foundation for her as a character... it is possible of all the women on the Ancestral Queen she is the only one with a genuinely angelic, or at least non-criminal background.

When she and the first mate finally manage to no e past awkward tongue tied conversations, the overarching arc moves forward, and while the humans still don't know who put them into cryosleep on the Frontier of why... They are definitely not sitting idly by, or letting bygones be bygones.

This is a solid do e in one Kindle Unlimited quick read, that reaches a satisfying end, but concludes with a scene that left me wanting to turn the page and see what happens next.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! This one picks up right where the first one left off. The women have found out that they are being portrayed as terrorists and want to know why. Lamira and Grantian have been drawn to each other from the beginning but neither knows how to proceed or if the other one feels the same. They get closer and closer as the days go by and each get a little bit of a better idea that there is more there than just friendship. I really liked the way that this story developed. There is plenty of character development while the story moves forward. We get to see the characters get to know each other better and build a relationship in the midst of trying to untangle why the women were chosen and why they are being framed. There was plenty to hold my attention throughout this story and I am very excited to get the next book in the series and continue the journey with this group.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable & suspenseful Sci-Fi alien romance with a well-written, intriguing plot. The characters are well-developed with good chemistry between them. There is good support from the secondary characters,
There is: a young woman (Lamira) together with other women is arrested & placed in cryrosleep then they are discover by golden-shinned horned Kilgari aliens & one of them (Grantain) is determined to protect Lamira, Interstellar Human Confederation, Coalition/Alliance territories, mercenaries, aliens, fugitive human females, fated mates, strange hybrid creatures, intrigue, suspense, drama, mystery, twists & turns, adventure, action, attractions, decisions, violence, conflict, injuries, discovery, devious intentions, compromises, hope, steamy scenes, contentment & a very interesting ending. I look forward to the next book in this fascinating series.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say that I did not read the first book in the series. You don’t have to but to understand how it all started, it is always good to do. I will have to return to that. Lamira is Vaira best friend. Grantian is Solair’s second in command. Grant is an ex Hael Hound and trained military. These two from the beginning feel a connection but have no idea what to do about it. Grant asks for advice and you can almost feel the frustration of not knowing if he should just “go for it” or wait. Lamira is a flirt from the get go. She always has a small or wink for him. These two are a perfect match. It does take a while to get to them finally taking the leap. We have more of a back story going on with one of the other women waking too soon and what she says. Once all that is cleared up on that story, our cliff hanger is afoot. Till the next in the series.

[TIERN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big dissapointment

Lanita a human traveler with 106 of her own people has been kidnapped and rescued by hot and heavy golden horn hunks. The storyline was so bad at the beginning, but I got on the middle there was a sudden jerks. The female altbou6is best friend to the chief commander of the vessel, she on the other hand is not a fighter, she serves no purpose, why would the author paint her as such, as the other ladies have great strength. This plot had a lot of holes, and very bad decisions made by some of the women. Putting their lives at risks and being unable to help themselves, but hold and behold the big hot hunk is always there to save the day. He has no fault. Wow! Not great at all. I recommend the first book but this one is just weak in character. I skimmed a lot of pages just to make sense, the hot sex was better than the plot.

[Mochimolala863 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to clarify that I did not read the books in order, this was the first book in the series that I read and I loved it very much.💖


I really liked this book. I liked how the chemistry of the main couple was formed, the development of the plot, the setting, the hot scenes, the action scenes and the ending. I was satisfied to have an answer about who was behind all the mess, although the issue was not resolved, the course of it left me satisfied, Leave room for the following books to follow the course.

The ML is lovely, I love how rough and strong he is, and I fall in love with how in front of his partner he becomes a complete mass of trembling, nervous, clumsy and in love. I also really liked FL, she is sweet and cute, tender and affectionate, but also strong and determined, she gives off an innocent air but she is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it.

Obviously, I'm going to read the rest of the saga. I ended up so in love with the Kilgari that appear in this book that there is no doubt that I will love the rest of them.

This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I totally fell in love. I recommend it 100%.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Grantian and Lamira's story . Poor Grantian's reaction from the very first that he met Lamira is so cute ! He could hardly get a sentence out ! Lamira reacted to him also but was not sure about what exactly was going on . But the heat once he grew a set ?! Oh yeah ! When Lamira is taken Grantian goes kind of nuts trying to get his jalshagar back no matter what . Once she awakens from her faint she just wants to do nothing that will make the creature that has her hurt her and she also wants to know where and why it took her .Just gotta mention Big Maw because holy cow ! After he got hurt badly enough to be out for days the first thing on his barely awaken mind is only her hoping that she is safe . This is well written and recommended to all !

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lamira and Grantian’s attraction was obvious and they could not hide anymore the lust and passion they felt. The almighty Grantian had fallen to the not so innocent Terran woman who knew how to “work” him. But still, the women were in danger. They needed answers to their imprisonment in the Frontier ship and why they were framed. They had a plan to get them and it didn’t take much to get the males aboard. Exciting and dangerous adventure Lamira and Grantian got in. Seems it’s worse than they thought. Liked the action, the suspense, the mystery, the plot development and the heated passion. An intriguing end that left me waiting eagerly for the next book. Voluntarily reviewed this interesting and entertaining book that I enjoyed.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery surrounding the 107 human females rescued from the Frontier ship is still unknown but more and more it appears the IHC is involved in something illegal and secretive. While this mystery is ongoing, it appears another crew member Grantian has found his mate in the human Lamira. The interaction between them is fully charged and explosive. This story is full of action and danger. It is well written, entertaining and holds your attention. It will be interesting to see which of one the crew members finds their mate next. This was a great read and I would highly recommend it. At this moment, the danger is front and center.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this story. It's well written, suspenseful Sci-Fi and has a great storyline. Loved the chemistry between the two characters. Lamira is arrested and put in cryosleep with other women who were also arrested. They are discovered by Kilgari aliens who are golden-skinned and horned. Grantain has decided he will protect Lamira. Lamira is such a sweet and helpful human and her best friend Varia needs all the help she can get. Lamira also loves being around the second-in command Grantain. She feels safe with him around. Grantain might be gruff and too serious but Lamira makes tongue tied. Wish there were more books in this series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing and I loved all the characters aboard the Ancestral Queen but the chemistry between Lamira and Grantian is so hot it’s hard to believe that they finally worked out that are meant to be together. The journey they faced together and with the rest of the crew and all the women on board are all looking for information about why they where taken and where were they going before being saved. They are getting closer to the truth and the ICH wants to shut them down, so how does it all go for everyone on board read it and see.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grantian was a gruff, militaristic man but all of that goes out of the window every time he sees Lamaria. She is sweet and quiet, but a force when it comes to him. I enjoyed getting to know the back story on Grantian and start to see the personalities of the other Kilgorians and ladies. The story continues from the last one as we move further into the mystery of what happened that left all of the women on a crippled spaceship and who is to blame. While a quick read, I am really enjoying the stories and the match ups.

This is part of a series that features a different couple for each story. For the best enjoyment and understanding of the journey, reading from the start is the best.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lamira is one of the humans that were branded as traitors for no reason and is on the Kilgari ship and she was starting to lose hope until former Hael Hound and mercenary Grantian who has promised to protect her. Suddenly she feels perfectly safe and at home when she is with him. Can he really protect her and can they find out more about why she was in a pod and where it came from?

I found some aspects of this story boring and some were interesting and so overall it was just ok. It was easy to read and understand the plot, the characters and what they were trying to achieve. I did like the way that Lamira tempered hard man Grantian. Contains sexual content.

[S Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kilgari smuggler and ex mercenary Grantian wouldn't think that one small human female would tie him in knots. But Lamira wasn't just any female, she is his jalshagar and she wants to be in the middle of that action while the mystery of the female group gets even more dangerous.
There is no cheating and it ends in a HEA. Though part of a series this can be read as a standalone but to follow the larger story it would be best if read as part of a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just can't seem to really get into this series. The stories seem to drag along with not much happening until near the end. While I would like to know why the women were kidnapped, I don't know that my interested is peaked enough to keep reading this series. Unlike Varia in the first books who was proactive and a fighter, Lameria is just uninteresting. She isn't a fighter and there isn't anything that grabs your notice. This series is the first of Athena Storm's books I have read, but I normally read and like Celia Kyle's books.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do they find these women? 100+ women that were put basically. Crynosleep and such? I be they look good when they wake. But anywho, the IHC is at it again with the shanigans. Framing others, and throwing people together unknowingly. I’d a regular day in the Athenavera world. Instalove for Grantian and Lamira. Put in some action and terrorizing goofball aliens and there is another smash hit . Wait... I’ve said to much. This message should self-destruct after 30 secs. Lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story between Lamira and Grantian and who wouldn’t want a Kilgari horned alien with golden skin as their protector and their mate ✋🏼My hand is up, there’s plenty of action, adventure, suspense, danger, drama, twists and turns, passion and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages sorry guys I’m not going to give any spoilers so read the blurb and that will give you the gist to this story. Fantastic story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.