Sorta Seized By The Alien

Marauder Mates #1

by Athena Storm

I am Gurtal and I’m a dreaded Vakutan warrior…and I am collecting dust.

So what if I can kill countless fearsome Odex soldiers with my bare hands?
My dad, the General, sidelined me as a bodyguard to a scientist.
My friend Vera wants me to go on an urgent mission.

Rescue a beautiful human Companion named Xana from a prison planet.

An adventure to save the pretty girl who’s sure to be very, very grateful?
Or waste away on a boring task I’m overly qualified for?
Is there even a choice here?

I’ll have to go undercover, sneak in, grab her, and get out.
Well…I find Xana alright. I fall for the gorgeous woman instantly.
Mine, mine, mine, MINE.
Just one problem.

She doesn’t want to leave.

I need to get off this rock before my father and the Alliance discovers I’ve skipped out.
But there are some pretty nasty bad guys rankled by the rescue and now after us, and no way am I leaving this captivating human woman on this rock. There’s only one thing to do in this situation.

Be the hero that I always knew I could be.
Whether she likes it or not…

Sorta Seized by the Alien is the first book in the Marauder Mates 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, some characters from the wider Athenaverse, and a cute little many-eyed sidekick with lots of heart. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and HEA guaranteed.

Genres: Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance, Science Fiction Romance

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Athena 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?)

Reviews

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 3 out of 5]

THis story was just ok for me. I didn’t find it overly exciting or original. The chemistry between the MCs felt forced to me. It didn’t help that the hero has the least sexy name ever Gurtal. Gurtal goes off to rescue Xana who is basically a mail order bride. She’s trained her whole life on how to be the perfect wife and companion. She is not made for brutal living on a harsh and brutal prison planet which is where she ends up when she mistaken for another (wanted) woman. It didn’t seem to me Gurtal had much trouble locating her on an entire planet and even the few obstacles in their way didn’t seem too exciting or dangerous. His biggest problem is remembering where he parked his ship smh. Gurtal has a bad habit of verbally attacking when he’s uncomfortable and at times I wanted to throttle him. When Xana gives herself up in a bid to an enemy to save Gurtals life, suddenly Gurtal will do anything to get back his girl. Overall the story was ok, I just wasn’t blown away or sucked into their romance.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't really get into this and I don't know why. As a rescue goes it was okay but I never really had the alien vibe while reading. I am new to the aliens so maybe it's not a genre for me but nothing made me go wow or okay thats an unsual idea. It could have been a prison in the desert for all I cared.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh okay at best

Honestly the characters were just surface details. The story wasn’t like anything extra special. Everything just happened to work out perfectly basically at every instance. Meh

[Debbie Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue one companion

Gurtal was looking for an adventure and he found so much more. He's overly large, red skined, and has a hidden sensitive side. Xana is mistaken for a criminal and finds herself in a prison planet. So, Gurtal goes to rescue her. They have to fight through prisoners and a dark ops team. But they have to fight through their emotions most of all. When they thought all was lost, their love for each other emerged bright and glowing. I love the ending of this book! Swollen feet can be oh so sexy. But the enclosed epilogue doesn't fit with the book. It makes no sense and it has nothing to do with the characters of this book! But is an adult only book with sexy times and combat sences. But mostly a growing love story. I It's recommend this book because it is not the average alien abduction theme. It's a change of pace.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xana is sent to the prison planet, Jurtik, when her cryo-pod destination is switched with a criminal. Gurtal, who is the guard for Zerberu, Xana’s intended, is sent on a mission to free Xana from the planet. Excitement, attacks and friendships occur on the planet and on the mission. Attempted sacrifices are also made to keep others alive. A guaranteed HEA after many mistakes are made.

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

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Gurtal goes to rescue Xana, but the rescue gets kinda botched up. Xana despite being raised to be diplomatic has a little fire and fight her. I liked their chemistry, their personalities, and their interactions. The book was well written and kept me engrossed.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story and was very entertaining. Once I started I could not put it down. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is sizzling hot. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a great love story.

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

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story

This I a a good story with an interesting plot. What is a trained Companion to do when she finds herself on a prison planet with the wrong identity? What does the son of a general do to get his father's attention? There are a few grammar errors but they do not hurt the story. Enjoy the read.

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

Vakutan warrior Gurtal was sidelined by his general father to work as a bodyguard for a scientist. Then friend Vera asks him to go on an urgent mission to rescue the beautiful companion Xana from a prison planet. There's no real choice and he immediately agrees. Going undercover, sneaking in to grab her, and then falling for her instantly - then he hits a major complication - she doesn't want to leave. However, he really needs to get out quickly before the Alliance and his father both found out where he is but there are some nasty bad guys who seem hell-bent on stopping him from leaving. So he has no choice but to become the hero he was always meant to be!

This was a fun read that definitely had Gurtal come into his own and reach his true level of ability as he found, fought for and battled to save Xana. I loved the way she was a calm influence in their relationship and it was enlightening to imagine that a companion was not just a high-class prostitute but someone well educated, well rounded and eminently sensible. I loved the relationship between them and the fact that they got the result that they needed. Easy to read and understand. Contains explicit sexual content.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sci-fi romance with plenty of adventure. Gurtal is a very large and handsome Vakutan male. He has lives in the shadow of his deceased brother and wants to show his father there is more to him. When a dangerous mission comes along he jumps in head first. Xana is a human female that has been sent to a prison planet. Her identification was swapped and instead of becoming a companion for a brilliant scientist she now has to survive. The story has adventure, danger, romance and has a little heat. Add in a few twists and you have a great adventure with a happily ever after.

[Jeramie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

I was hesitant to read this book since usually a story under 200 pages moves to fast and is not able to really into the characters or plot but man was I wrong with this one! The characters were just so adorable and the way they made it so the hero had his own (cute or human) flaws made me love it more. There was insta attraction but the love was built and the plot I loved. It was funny as well. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It

Companions always land on their feet with a hunky alien! I just loved the characters in this book. The action is comical at times and the dialogue is as well. There is a lot of steamy scenes but nothing distasteful. I look forward to reading more books by Athena Storm!

[DemetraP · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read Zerberu's book, the criminal heroine in that book switched her identity with this Companion. That Companion was sent to a prison planet.

She asked Gurtal (Zerberu's bodyguard) to rescue the Companion, who was innocent and should not be in prison.

[Ruhan Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book.

This was a beautifully written love story. Action packed, kept you on your toes and even some steamy sexy time. This was my first Athena Storm book and it won't be my last!

[Margaret McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi romance at itsbest

This is a great read! Keeps you entertained, and engaged. Plot is different, with lots of dips and curves. Looking forward to the authors next novel.

[Rebecca Stigers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good just like I expected it to be... Athena Storm does not disappoint! She brings it every time! Definitely recommend this

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 60%. Clumsily written, characters were not fleshed. Just not great.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gurtal, a dreaded Vakutan warrior, was completely bored after a year on this assignment and described his job as “gathering dust”. Assigned as a bodyguard to a scientist who comes up with starship propulsion systems was not nearly as exciting as rescuing a female in an undercover operation from a prison planet. When Vera offered the new assignment, she asked if he remembered how she got there. She had switched places with a certified Companion before they were put in cryo sleep and Vera ended up on Teranus while the Companion was sent to the prison planet Jurtik. She had hoped they had realized their mistake and set her free. Instead, the woman had disappeared and Vera felt guilty. She wants Gurtal to find Xana and rescue her if she is still alive. This is the best assignment he could ever hope for – and it’s a secret that his father, the General, cannot know about!

Xana Uurtu comes out of the cryopod in a skintight outfit. With 3 suns, she recognizes the planet is not Teranus. The two guards won’t listen to her, having been warned that the expected prisoner Vera Kronus, a career criminal, will try any trick to escape. Pretending amnesia is so obvious! They have a good laugh at her trying to convince them of this mistaken identity!

When Gurtal shows up for the gallant rescue, things don’t go as smoothly as he thought they would. He is attracted to Xana – could the beautiful, feisty woman be his mate? However, she doesn’t want to leave and his decision that he is taking her anyway does not go over well. Will he be able to claim her for himself? How will they escape the prison planet and get back to Teranus before his father finds out he left?

I enjoyed this book with its touches of humor throughout the story line. Gurtal was my favorite character and I eager watched for what crazy things he would say or do next. Grab your copy and see if he can convince Xana to let him rescue her and return to Teranus, or will they both remain on the prison planet forever?

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much crazy.

[Tana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run run, slow, run run

I did truly love this story, although I felt it get pretty wordy in the middle, but then it picked up speed and I couldnt put it down. I had to know what happen, it's different from the other alien involved books I've read, it's not a out the capturing and owning. More of an alien love story gone crazy and wacky! Which is right up my alley, on to the next book and see where it takes me.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I quite enjoyed it.

This book was funny, action packed, drama filled and romantic. The world building was very well done. The characters were stubborn, strong willed, in some cases totally clueless, and we'll developed. I loved that both main characters learn from each other throughout the book.

Gurtal is asked by his friend Vera to go to the prison planet and rescue the woman who's identity she stole. Gurtal is bored with his current assignment and yearns for adventure so he agrees. He hires a smuggler named Zylan to be his pilot. They crash land on the prison planet, but Gurtal quickly stumbles across Xana being attacked and rescues her. Gurtal has no sense of direction so they wander around until they find a settlement. They only stay one night when Gurtal puts Xana over his shoulder and runs off trying to find the ship. They are found by several of the settlers who tell them they found the pilot who was tortured. They find the ship and manage to get off the planet. They are attacked in space by the group who tortured Zylan and the two women are taken aboard their ship. The men stage a daring rescue and they are able to get back to the Alliance. Gurtal and Xana are married and have their HEA.

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

[SuzyHD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Series Start

This "Marauder Mates" science fiction romance was entertaining and interesting to read. Gurtal a determined alien. Xana a very intensely trained companion. A story of adventure and drama as the characters start to develop within the story.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping Xana and Gurtal would get stories of their own... the two together, are dynamite!
by Goddess of Chaos

When we first met Gurtal in Zerberu, and heard about Xana, I hoped each character would get a story of their own. Xana's plight, accidentally being sent to a prison planet in place of a Con Artist, and Gurtal, the security guard with more going on that the rest of his ilk... a little bit devious, a bit too clever for his own good at times, but not always thinking thing through to the end, one was a plight that needed to be explored, the other was a character I simply wanted more of. Bring the two together, and voila, what a fun read!

Zylan proved to be a surprisingly fun pilot... with the adventure in this story being more than I ever could have hoped for, in part because Xana was more than I dared hope for. Not just a pretty face, not just trained in how to behave in polite society, this girl is no damsel in distress... even if she is trapped with no way of getting out... she can still take care of herself... or at least, she really wants to do everything she can. That strength and determination is both fun and inspiring.

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

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable, intriguing Sci-Fi alien romance with a humorous, well-written plot. The characters are well-developed & interesting with somewhat strong-willed personalities & discover they can learn from each other that even though they have opposing opinions. There are character crossovers from another series but this book is complete & standalone.
There is: a rather brutal Vakutan warrior (Gurtal) is asked by a human female friend (Vera) to rescue another human female (Xana) from a prison planet (Jurtik) & he goes there only to discover that (1) Xana is his mate & is very feisty (2) she does not want to leave & he promptly decides she will not have a choice in the matter, a somewhat crazy smuggler & pilot (Zylan) & his weird pet (Kleid), a woman (Jyt’lei) wrongful accused & imprisoned, drama, intrigue, twists & turns, intrigue, adventure, action, danger, threats, enemies, villains, confrontations, violence, conflict, defiance, compromises, nightmares, abduction, strange attraction, memories, compromises, misunderstandings, decisions, declarations, a proud General & father, friendship, love, contentment, some steam & a happy conclusion for this couple, there is a intriguing epilogue that will continue in the next book of this series.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book was the characters. Gurtal is not your typical hero type. 1) Yes, he’s big, good looking and very impressive in a fight, but he’s also vulnerable, especially I regards to his family. He believes himself unloved and not worthy to be a warrior. Why else would his dad assign him to such an unchallenging position? 2) He has no sense of direction. He wanders around a hostile desert in circles looking for his space ship which is only a short distance away. 3) He doesn’t think before he talk and usually unintentionally ends up insulting the person he was sent to rescue. 4) On the plus side he’s great at strategy. He knows how to find people who can help him in this seemingly impossible mission and can visualize potential attack plans from the enemy.
Xana, too is different. 1) With her unusual training, she can diffuse a difficult situation. 2) She has a much better sense of direction. 3) For being a frail human, she has managed to stay alive on a very hostile prison planet with very little food or water.
The book is almost half over before she gets her first proper kiss from Gortal! While both are attracted to each other, neither knows what to do about it.

[Sbblessedbe · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars. This was a good book. The H is an alien who is asked by a friend to rescue a woman erroneously sent to a horrible prison planet. The h, thinking she's going to meet a renowned scientist to be his companion wakes up from stasis only to find she's in he**. It's a desert planet with no readily available food, water, or shelter. She has no way to protect herself from the other inmates who are the worst of the worst. Just as she's getting attacked the H shows up and saves her. But there are problems, first he and his friend crashed after being fired upon when approaching the planet, then she's not the most biddable woman. Their conversations varied wildly from humorous arguments to speaking like best friends. Lots of things happen, passion, drama, action. The world building is good. The editing is tolerable, not great but tolerable. While there are steamy scenes there is plenty of plot, so if you're looking for erotica this isn't it. Overall, yes I do recommend this book

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

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gurtal is bored being a bodyguard for the scientist Zeberu, so when Vera who's feeling guilty asks him to rescue the companion from the prison planet that she switched places with by trading the ID with, Gurtal agrees. Gurtal is longing to prove himself to his family so he hires a smuggler and pilot Zylan with his pet Kleid to take him to the prison planet. While trying to land the ship crashes on the prison planet and Gurtal goes to search for the companion while Zylan tries to repair the ship. Meanwhile Xana wakes up after being frozen finds herself on a prison planet and is thrust outside learning to survive and defend herself from the prisoners. She runs into a group who are taking her prisoner when Gurtal shows up and rescues her. He tells her he is here to rescue her and take her to Zeberu but he does not remember which way to go back to the ship. Can they escape and return back to Teranus? Loved this comedy of errors, romantic, action pack alien romance with likable characters in this enjoyable story by Athena Storm. I volunteer to read and review this ARC via booksprout.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author and it was such an awesome read. The character, plot and word usage were so well written I couldn't stop reading! I fell in love with Grutal and Xana they were an awesome couple and I enjoyed watching them. It's a sci-fi alien romance. Gurtal has to go to the prison planet to rescue Xana after she was switched and sent there by mistake. He gets there and finds out that Xana is his mate and doesn't want to leave and form there the fun begins. There's plenty of humor, drama, action, suspense, villains, twists, turns, crashes, battles, compromises, abductions, love, friendships and a hot and steamy romance.I enjoyed their chemistry and their personality's and I highly recommend this book if you love hot alpha alien romance like I do it's a must read for any fan.

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

[Tara Heilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read from Ms. Storm. I loved it! I have no clue how I missed her. Gurtal was so many things. Naïve, charming, honest and I have to say....a bit ass backwards. No matter how hard he tried to explain his feelings, he seemed to screw it up. Xana was so much more than I expected her to be. She held her ground and proved herself time and time again. But together, these two were amazing. There was action, adventure and scandal. Zylan and Jyt, as secondary characters, brought so much to the story. I laughed, cried and a few times my heart broke. But all things worth having, gotta be worked for. This group nailed it. I really hope to see more of them in the future. This seems to be a spinoff from a previous series. Although it can be read as a standalone, I'm going to go back and purchase the others. I'm sure they are just as intriguing.

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