Forbidden

Centauri Captives #5

by Kallista Dane, Kate Richards

Kalani
I am forbidden.
Forbidden to feel a man’s touch.
Forbidden to taste his lips on mine.
Forbidden to know the savage thrill of making love.

Dedicated to the Goddess as a child, I led a sheltered life in the Temple. Until I woke on an alien starship.

Now a hulking seven foot tall warrior says I belong to him. He means to claim me. I tried to tell him my vows will not allow it. If he dares to touch me, we will both die.

But he doesn’t believe me…

Guryon
My world is gone. My people are dead.

Men, women, children—killed by the Rydek, an unknown enemy with unlimited powers of destruction.

We’re all that’s left of the Arythian civilization. One squadron of elite warriors and a small fleet of starships. The enemy is out there somewhere in the vast expanse of space. To defeat them, we must learn all we can about our foes. Discover their weaknesses. I am heading a mission to track down the Rydek and bring one back. Alive.

Our leader presented me with a beautiful human slave. He says it’s my duty to mate with her before I go, to assure the survival of our race. But I know the truth. I volunteered for what may be a suicide mission—and he wants me to have one final night of erotic bliss before I die.

The sight of this sultry, exotic female awakens dark hungers in me, hungers demanding to be satisfied. There’s only one problem. Though I ache to make her mine, she says I cannot touch her.

She says it will cost me my life—because she is forbidden.

Centauri Captives is a brand new sci-fi romance series from USA Today Bestselling Authors Kallista Dane and Kate Richards featuring masterful alien heroes and the captive Earth women they take as mates in a desperate attempt to save their race from oblivion.

Each book is a stand-alone, introducing a strong smart heroine and a super-hot alien hero in a battle of the sexes as old as the Universe. There's no cheating, no cliffhangers, and you're guaranteed a HEA.

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

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2019

Reviews

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst the basic captive alien bride/destroyed home world is nothing new, this series is building an interesting story arc to give it extra depth. I also liked that each individual story is very distinct from the others. Both Kalani and Guryon were different to the H and h's from the previous books. I really liked them both, though I would have liked more of Guryon's point of view and to see his character grow. He did develop but it felt a little disjointed.

Kalani was fairly accepting of the changes in her life and I felt the authors sold this well with the reasons given. It was also very refreshing that it didn't follow the usual 'formula' of conflict etc. Another thing I like is how the women are allowed to employ their skills and contribute in some way, rather than being kept like a trophy.

The Centauri Captives series is an entertaining read, each story is stand alone but there is a building back story that adds to the overall interest level. I'm 'Captive' to it now and can't wait to read the next book.

[Rose Howse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fifth book of the Centauri Captives has Kalani, a future priestess of the Goddess who has never been touched by man. She wakes up on an alien ship and is the gift of Guryon a big warrior who is told to breed her to help his people multiply after losing all their females. Their species ends if they cannot repopulate with the females they are given. Their world, their planet was destroyed by the Rydek so their goals are to kill the Rydek and breed the women they are given. Kalani, gift to Guryon tells him that should he try to mate with her, they will both die. Guryon is patient and considerate of Kalani and she survives their mating and helps with the Rydek when one is finally captured. I look forward to the next, sixth book to come and to see what the next couple is like and what they face as they learn their path in the life of the Centauri's Captives.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing😕

I tried to Like this book. I tried to read this book. I am trying to leave an objective review.
This is not really sci-fi, it's erotica with BDSM elements. There is no story except to set up the lead ins to the numerous ADULT scenes.

ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

I am so disappointed. The book is not interesting. In the future, I will try to remember not to read any more of this author's books.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

My only real complaint about this entry in the Centauri Captives series, is that it seemed much shorter than some of the others. I would have just liked a little more of Kelani and Guryon, especially since they started out as such opposites. Although, I must say I found it surprising how much Kelani was ok with the whole kidnapping/alien captive idea. Looking forward to future stories and how they will feature the alien prisoner.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in the Centauri Captives series. There is drama, danger, excitement and some hot sexy times. The world building in this series has been wonderful and it's easy to let you mind take you there as you read. Kalani and Guryon are perfect for each other. I'm loving this series and will be waiting for more!

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kalani and Guryon

Book five in the Centauri Warriors series.

The Arythian home-world, with all its inhabitants, has been destroyed.
Except for a few warriors, who were off world at the time, nothing is left and the only help the Interstellar Federation has put forward, was to send a group of human females for the survivours, to ‘see to the needs of their troops’.

An hereditary warrior in the Arythian military, Guryon is expected to produce heirs to repopulate their people.
Kalani is a Priestess, dedicated to the goddess, the touch of man is forbidden to her.
Can Guryon convince her to change her beliefs?

Like the other books in the series, we have some scenes with dubious consent, and some BDSM.
And like the other books in the series (it’s not a standalone, go read them first), it’s the overarching background story that really steals the show!
We have cameo appearances from several previous characters and a breakthrough in the hunt for the Rydek, the ones who destroyed their planet.

A dark sci fi romance, worth reading for the background story even more than the romances!

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining science fiction romance!

Totally enjoyed this wonderful sci-fi tale! The story and characters were worthy, exciting, and very entertaining! I'll be checking out more from these authors and this series! Recommended with five MUST-READ stars! Happy pages! 😉

[kathie rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the surprise ending

Can't wait to read the next book to see how the story progresses. I'm hooked. I like the amount of sensual to story line

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even a woman can help.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Pansy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again with the abrupt ending. Since I have read the next book, I kind of see why, but really? These are touted as stand-alone reads, but I find otherwise. There is the overarching theme to consider when advertising that. It does make a difference. My suggestion is to read these in order or you may miss something. Just a thought.

I have read these in order and I still think things end abruptly and there are too many dangling threads. This is feeling very much like a serial rather than a series. My opinion.

As for the story, good enough to keep me reading. I like how each of the females have very different stories and talents that they bring. Keeps things fresh.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this slightly dark Sci-Fi alien romance, it is the 5th book & an excellent addiction to the series “Centauri Captives” but is complete & standalone. The story-line is well-paced with a well-written plot, there is good world building & scene descriptions. The complex characters have unique individual characteristics , one of the characters displays a single-minded determination & deviousness to obtain his goals while the other character displays a determination to resist because of her upbringing
There is: a future priestess (Kalani) is given in trade to aliens & is chosen by an alien warrior (Guryon) as a breeder before going on a apparent suicide mission but things don’t exactly go as planned, various kinds of aliens, humans, friendship, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, some action, adventure, enemies, danger, threats, deceit, betrayal, vengeful feelings, a mission, memories, disorientation, confusion, unintentional defiance, religious beliefs, patience, consideration, devious plans, sexual manipulations, discipline, punishment, spanking, decisions, realization, compromises, helpfulness, acceptance, happiness, love & a satisfying conclusion for this couple with a interesting epilogue . I really enjoyed reading this Sci-fi alien romance & would recommend it to people who enjoy reading this genre.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guryon was on a mission for the slain Arythian people to capture and bring back a Rydek alien to find out how they had destroyed their planet and how to stop them...but his commanders wanted him to take one of the human women sent as his mate first. He picked Kalani as his mate, but figured he would not be around to help her raise a child, since he would probably be on a suicide mission to get a Rydek ship. She was a human who was not aware she was on a spaceship and given to the Centauri when they asked for help when their planet destroyed. She went with Guryon but told him she was promised to her goddess and could not be bred...of course he thought this was a superstition...but he wouldn't take her against her will. She did speak with the Archon who realized how perceptive Kalani was when he explained what happened to Guryon's people...but you will need to read this tale to see if Kalani and Guryon will have a future together...I voluntarily read this book through and Advanced Reader Copy.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalani has lived a sheltered life. She lived with the Goddess and would become a Priestess as long as she is untouched. Guryon is one of the best warriors and has been given the honor of choosing a mate among the Earth females. He will do what he must for the greater good of his race to live on. When he comes across Kalani, he finds that she is more of a gift than any of the others. But he first has to teach her the truth and show her the pleasures.
Kalani lived one heck of a sheltered life. She may have seen things but her beliefs that she was given is a bit jaded. I do love that Guryon has patience but he does find a way to tap into her sensuality. There is a funny part with Vyraz and the conversation he has with Kalani. I had to giggle. I do love that this was more of a romantic sweet story. It is a change of pace. I look forward to seeing who is next to find love. Will it be Aris?

[Shana81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read Kalani has been sheltered in the temple of the godless since she was a child when she has been told she is forbidden to be with a male that any sexual contact will kill him. When she wakes up after being given to Guryon on the Arythian spaceship she explains to him he will have to pick another. At first he does not want a mate he is a warrior who goes on dangers missions but when he sees Kalani things change can he convince her to accept him? After one night in her arms he is sent on the most dangerous mission of all trap and bring back a captive from the species that wiped out his planet. However the Rydek he finds is not what he expects and Kalani may play a bigger role is helping his species than just being his mate. These are such fun reads women stolen from their lives and given like gifts to an alien race find love and a purpose in space. I am really enjoying this series especially seeing the gruff dominant warriors changing for their human mates

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kalani, a future priestess of the Goddess who has never been touched by man, was dedicated to the Goddess as a child and lived in the Temple. She awakens to find herself on an alien starship as a gift to Guryon, a large warrior who is to breed her to replenish his people who were wiped out by the Rydek who destroyed their planet. Without breeding with captured females, their species will die out. But Kalani warns Guryon that both of them will die if he tries to breed her because of her priestess status. Guryon is patient – will he take her despite the possible “danger”? Or will he instead show her that she will survive as his mate?

I was disappointed to see BDSM elements thrown into a sci-fi book that would have been enjoyable without that. The story line otherwise was good and the characters likable. If you don’t mind kinkiness, which I seriously do object to, you will probably enjoy the book.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lalani's love was for her goddess and her mate!
by sewsummore

Kalani with many other women, were taken from Earth and given to the Centauri warriors The women were the only hope for this proud race of warriors to survive since their home planet destroyed with all the inhabitants includes wives, mothers and children along with it. As a member of the Elite Warrior class Kalani was given to Guryon as a breeder, but to him she was his mate and his love for her was profound. This book was special in many ways, Kalani had been a trainee priestess on Earth, her compasssion and love for her goddess was unwavering. Her mate Guryon, was a warrior with a harsh upbringing, he did not experience love until he was given Lalani's love. The storyline was one that flowed smoothly with graphic scenes their emerging love for each other.

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

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

They’re only hope for the future...
The all male crew are all that’s left of the population of their planet when Arythios is destroyed. The only survivors are the warriors who were away at the time of its destruction. When they seek assistance and asylum from the leaders on Earth, they are instead given female to impregnate and use as breeders. Unfortunately, no one told the Earth women. They are awakened to discover they’ve been given away without a choice. Guryon is ordered to choose a female to breed. He chooses Kaloni. Kaloni has led a very simple, very sheltered life. She’s grown up in a temple of women, training as a priestess, forbidden the touch of a man with the threat of death.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 of the Centauri Captives. This is a great series. This one features Kalani, who would have become a Priestess but Earth sent her with other human women for the Centauri Aliens. Guryon is a Centauri warrior who has been match with Kalani. They both go through a cultural shock. The men are all Alpha males and the women are all beautiful. Each book is a different story of couples. An alien race that has lost everything, world, women, children, and are given another chance with Earth Women to save their race. I hope there are more stories added to this series. Maybe the stories will build with children that are born of these warrior and humans. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Soscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Forbidden" is the 5th in the authors' "Centauri Captives", and the set up is much the same---initially unwilling human woman is forced into mating with the last-of-their-race Centauri warriors to continue their species. Not surprisingly, the Centauri warriors are all completely badass alphas with a creative penile configuration and a penchant for spanking their mates.

So, win-win for everybody, especially randy spanko readers.

A series like this tends to live-or-die on the overarching plot since the romantic setup doesn't really change between entries. "Forbidden" nails that and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[S Allred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before leaving on what he is sure may be a suicide mission to capture a Rydek, he is given a pick of a breeder and chooses Kalani, who has been secluded from the time she was given to the temple as a small child and is in training to be a Priestess of the Goddess. When she tells Guryon that she is to remain untouched or they would die he is patient and does not force her, it takes time for him to prove this belief wrong. And as she helps Guryon with his prisoner they connect and their love deepens. Though there are some moments of discipline their is no cheating and ends a HEA. I received and read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally enjoying this series. The books are not super long but they pack a bunch of story into them. And the couple's in each book are always unique.

I loved how because Kalani considers herself forbidden, because of her religion, Guryon decides to seduce her with other things to get her to give in eventually. This makes for some steamy reading leading up to that point. But you also get background about both the MC's.

I also love that you get to see the other characters from the other books. I always enjoy finding out what happens with them!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read that I really enjoyed. With the plot, characters and word usage it held my interest form beginning to end. It's a sexy alien romance story of Guryon and Kalani. She had been trained to obey as part of a priestly line of females. Guryon is a warrior and they went well together. There's drama, suspense, danger, adventure spanking, passion hot alpha male, and a hot sizzling romance you don't want to miss. I can't wait to read more from these authors!!!

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

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that there are other series in this gern but this one is trully outstanding. The characters and storyline make it memorable. I loved the iteraction between Guyron and Kalani, its hot and sexy. There are plenty to hold the readers interest, from hot sexy scenes to spankings to chats between the girls and don't forget missions. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. A great series but each book can easily read as a standalone but I don't recommend that. Read all of them.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Kalani is promised to be a priestess and has lived untouched. Kalani woke up on a spaceship, she was taken to be mated with one of the warriors. Guryon is a warrior, he lost his family and everyone else on his planet he wants to help bread and teach her the pleasure of intimacy. The connection between the two is great hot and steamy.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

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

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next warrior has been told to choose a woman to breed. Kalani was dedicated to her goddess. She believed it was forbidden to be with a man. But she was stolen and given to Guryon. They work to understand one another and find happiness with each other. Kalani also helps them figure out how and why their people were killed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and entertaining read. My only complaint is that this book seem much shorter compared to the other books in the series. Kelani was also way different from the other heroine she seem to handle the whole kidnapping/alien captive idea better than the other girls. Overall a good read. Looking forward to seeing what else is in store for this series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaloni was taken from the temple she was raised in and given to an alien warrior. Guryon’s planet was destroyed while all but a few of their elite warriors were away. Now it was up to them to replace their lineage. They were offered earth women. Kaloni was determined to not succumb to her warrior. Guryon was determined to conquer his bride.

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

[Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say the next book in the series is titled Captivated. Well i was captivated by this book. By this entire series. Even without the intense and oh so hot moments between Guryon and Kalani i fell hard for them and thier journeys. I can not wait to see what will happen next with Callo. I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars

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

[Anuschka-Marie' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I can not wait for the next one!

Kalani lived a sheltered life as a priestess in training, she just had to stay untouched. Guryon is one of the best warriors and has been given the honor of choosing a human mate. He is not keen, but will do his part in helping his race survive.
Will he succeed or will Kalani stick to her beliefs?

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