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The Mate Index #7
Arobi's Queen
An Arobi pack needs a queen. It is instinctual, something that they yearn for until they finally find a female to complete their family. Exeri’s pack is no different, despite the fact that they’ve chosen to live far away from the rest of their kind. Although their post on Antari Minor is one filled with dangerous predators and unlawfulness that could only be found on a planet at the edge of federation space, they will use any means at their disposal to get their queen—even if that means making a bargain with a lone Edoka to use his accounts to order a bride from the Mate Index. When she arrives, Hayley is everything that they could ask for in a mate, but there is one little problem...their mate is plotting something. She will find that an Arobi pack is up to any challenge she presents them.
Hayley Benito was put in jail unjustly, but the Mate Index is the only way out of serving five to ten years for aggravated assault. She will marry an alien and fulfill the terms of her agreement, but there is nothing saying she had to stick with him. With a plan to give her “mate” the slip as soon as possible, she is surprised to find that one mate is actually four fiercely possessive males who are determined to keep her. Stuck on a planet full of wild beauty and many dangers, it is stupid to get attached and change her plans. Or is this everything she’s ever looked for?
Hayley Benito was put in jail unjustly, but the Mate Index is the only way out of serving five to ten years for aggravated assault. She will marry an alien and fulfill the terms of her agreement, but there is nothing saying she had to stick with him. With a plan to give her “mate” the slip as soon as possible, she is surprised to find that one mate is actually four fiercely possessive males who are determined to keep her. Stuck on a planet full of wild beauty and many dangers, it is stupid to get attached and change her plans. Or is this everything she’s ever looked for?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2020
224 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Sanders
91 books1,011 followersS.J. Sanders is a mom of two toddlers and one adult living in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BA degree in History, but spends most of her free time painting, sculpting, doing odd bits of historical research, and writing. While she has more research orientated writing under another pen name, her passion is sci-fi and paranormal romance of which she is an avid reader. After years of tinkering with the idea, and making her own stories up in her head, S.J has began to seriously pursue writing as an author of Sci-fi Romance utilizing her interests in how cultures diversify and what they would look like on a extraterrestrial platform to humans interacting with them and finding love.
She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...
And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com
She can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Author-SJ-Sa...
And follow her blog at https://sjsandersromance.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 6, 2022
Another decent addition to the series so the Arobi Antanga pack finally get their queen. Hayley was sent to prison when she defended her mother from her stepfather given the choice of hard time or enlisting as a human mate she obviously chooses the latter. But Hayley has no intention of seeing things through and plans to escape at the earliest opportunity. Her contact is purchased by an Edoka male but all is not as it first seems her so-called mate is actually acting as a broker for the Arobi pack who have paid him a small fortune to purchase them a queen for their pack.
So we have pack Alpha Exeri and then the betas Tanji Simah and Bilax all the males are rather sweet though deadly possessive and protective and they instantly fall hard for Hayley. This one is very slow burn there’s not much action until very near the end of the story this didn’t bother me but I was expecting a bit more heat if I’m honest.
It’s quite a straightforward read and the theme here seemed to be mostly about building bonds and family. We do get some slight danger as well but to me, it felt a bit like filler and then Hayley doesn’t really follow through with the whole escaping theme.
I mostly enjoyed this it was an easy read but I can’t help wishing we’d seen more of the pack's feral sides as they were a bit too nice at times. I also had a hard time seeing the pack as distinct separate entities and they did blur into one I’m afraid. Though I did appreciate the totally unique breeding aspect of this.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 28, 2022
This series is only getting better and better...
I'm so glad the day I ran across Ms. Sanders' first book of this series — The VaDorok — where I first discovered her mate index universe. And to think this is Book Eleven! Wow! And it's great to finally get the low-down on Exeri and his pack as they hunt down yet another human female — this time their personal mate which they call "queen". Damn! Wish I was a queen for an Arobi pack! Even though technically this would be called a reversed harem genre, it doesn't feel like one. After all, instead of trying to cram at least three males into one rocky relationship, this type of pack is actually a biological imperative as it takes an alpha Arobi to successfully implant the queen while the rest of the pack (the betas but no less ferocious than the alpha!) to prepare and maintain the pregnancy. Pretty cool physiology! It's not often I see serious research into alternative sexual evolution. (But if you look at our own world, you will find a ton of strange sex going on!)
Unlike another reviewer, I didn't see the angst to be distracting. I don't particularly care much for angst because I find most writers use it as a stalling device when you have nothing else interesting to write about but you need to add filler to justify the passage of time. I did find angst being used for character development and world-building. Nothing wasted or deferred. Sure, if you're looking for extreme erotica as in other books in this series, this tome might not be as steamy (only one sex scene period), but I did not find that disturbing. Please. If I wanted to read just sex, I have plenty of other books to turn to. I found nothing wanting with what I read as sex really wasn't to be the sole focus of this story.
The sole focus was on relationship and intimacy, and there were plenty of scenes developing and maintaining intimacy than other books in this series. That's why I really liked it. As hard as it is to be able to adequately focus on five (count 'em five) individuals in one story line, it's even harder to write intimate scenes involving all of these characters, usually not always all of them in the same scene. I give Ms. Sanders a ton of credit for doing a great job as she did.
And as for the bug hunt? Yeah, it might be a tad formulaic, but how else does a bug hunt end? For any book with an HEA, we would hope the big bad bug would be, at least, chased away if not just squashed. Again, these bug hunts are hideous to write. (Movies are definitely easier as long as you have the budget for something realistic.) But the heavy mystery is solved (like where do these bugs come from and why), and life on a frontier planet is back to as normal as you're going to get.
All the pack members and Haley are very believable and sympathetic characters, and I wish I could have a chance to meet them all! Amazing how all of the previous stories seem to weave back and forth, bringing back previously met friends and acquaintances, including Frankie and her beau, the Teril brothers, and Rodriguez with someone new and more permanent on his arm. (Hope we get a chance to see how that relationship came about!)
So at the end, I was left with a very warm a fuzzy feeling, perhaps to dream of future story lines that are what fantasies are made of. So if you have read the previous eleven volumes without purchasing them, BUY THEM! You got this far, and I know I'll be rereading this book a few more times in the following twelve months, especially with this pandemic around. They'll all be worth it! I can't wait for Volume Twelve!
I'm so glad the day I ran across Ms. Sanders' first book of this series — The VaDorok — where I first discovered her mate index universe. And to think this is Book Eleven! Wow! And it's great to finally get the low-down on Exeri and his pack as they hunt down yet another human female — this time their personal mate which they call "queen". Damn! Wish I was a queen for an Arobi pack! Even though technically this would be called a reversed harem genre, it doesn't feel like one. After all, instead of trying to cram at least three males into one rocky relationship, this type of pack is actually a biological imperative as it takes an alpha Arobi to successfully implant the queen while the rest of the pack (the betas but no less ferocious than the alpha!) to prepare and maintain the pregnancy. Pretty cool physiology! It's not often I see serious research into alternative sexual evolution. (But if you look at our own world, you will find a ton of strange sex going on!)
Unlike another reviewer, I didn't see the angst to be distracting. I don't particularly care much for angst because I find most writers use it as a stalling device when you have nothing else interesting to write about but you need to add filler to justify the passage of time. I did find angst being used for character development and world-building. Nothing wasted or deferred. Sure, if you're looking for extreme erotica as in other books in this series, this tome might not be as steamy (only one sex scene period), but I did not find that disturbing. Please. If I wanted to read just sex, I have plenty of other books to turn to. I found nothing wanting with what I read as sex really wasn't to be the sole focus of this story.
The sole focus was on relationship and intimacy, and there were plenty of scenes developing and maintaining intimacy than other books in this series. That's why I really liked it. As hard as it is to be able to adequately focus on five (count 'em five) individuals in one story line, it's even harder to write intimate scenes involving all of these characters, usually not always all of them in the same scene. I give Ms. Sanders a ton of credit for doing a great job as she did.
And as for the bug hunt? Yeah, it might be a tad formulaic, but how else does a bug hunt end? For any book with an HEA, we would hope the big bad bug would be, at least, chased away if not just squashed. Again, these bug hunts are hideous to write. (Movies are definitely easier as long as you have the budget for something realistic.) But the heavy mystery is solved (like where do these bugs come from and why), and life on a frontier planet is back to as normal as you're going to get.
All the pack members and Haley are very believable and sympathetic characters, and I wish I could have a chance to meet them all! Amazing how all of the previous stories seem to weave back and forth, bringing back previously met friends and acquaintances, including Frankie and her beau, the Teril brothers, and Rodriguez with someone new and more permanent on his arm. (Hope we get a chance to see how that relationship came about!)
So at the end, I was left with a very warm a fuzzy feeling, perhaps to dream of future story lines that are what fantasies are made of. So if you have read the previous eleven volumes without purchasing them, BUY THEM! You got this far, and I know I'll be rereading this book a few more times in the following twelve months, especially with this pandemic around. They'll all be worth it! I can't wait for Volume Twelve!
May 18, 2020
Good pack story
If you're in love with alien romances and one female with multiple mates, then this is a story you need to read. The themes of trust, freedom, and family are done well in this story.
If you're in love with alien romances and one female with multiple mates, then this is a story you need to read. The themes of trust, freedom, and family are done well in this story.
September 14, 2023
Arobi's Queen
Holy cow this was a great story. I just loved that the pack got their Queen. The Characters were well thought out and engaging. The world building was awesome. I would highly recommend this book and this series.
Holy cow this was a great story. I just loved that the pack got their Queen. The Characters were well thought out and engaging. The world building was awesome. I would highly recommend this book and this series.
September 8, 2024
Shallow angst, with instant lust, no seduction.
So cliché SyFi romance.
Very shallow and angsty.
This had so much good within in, and could easily have been an awesome story.
I loved the plot, I loved the concept of the world.
However, it completely lacked the world building, and emotional building required.
Angsty thoughts on repeat, that lacked the detailed emotional background to matter.
Lusty reactions that happened constantly without any seduction or believable scenarios.
The MMC’s could conceivably have accepted or interchanged any female as their mate.
An unknown alien species, yet the FMC asked no questions about culture, history, or biology. Never mind showed no curiosity about physical differences (wanting to explore, touch, feel, smell, etc.).
She is supposed to be a teacher, but spends weeks of doing nothing, and it’s never mentioned again after the intro.
Only 3 of the MMC’s were given story space, the 4th was just background, occasionally remembered. Their backstories are randomly dropped in, with no plot prep. We are ‘told’ about their resulting trauma, but never see it, or are aware of it within their personalities.
FMC attends market with so many aliens. The ground colour is mentioned … not the variety of aliens, not description of animals we are ‘told’ are present..
We are ‘told’ how dangerous the planet is, about many creatures and outlaws. But all we are shown is one bug with an irritating bite.. Even at the market, no criminals or feeling of danger.
The list of what is missing goes on and on..
I wanted to love this. The story and plot appealed immensely to me, particularly as when this author gets it right, I always love it.
Sadly, I’ve not really loved any of the mate index books I’ve read.
They’ve all been like this, shallow, superficial, SyFy romances that have no emotional strength, or plot depth.
I suspect this will be my last attempt at this series.
So cliché SyFi romance.
Very shallow and angsty.
This had so much good within in, and could easily have been an awesome story.
I loved the plot, I loved the concept of the world.
However, it completely lacked the world building, and emotional building required.
Angsty thoughts on repeat, that lacked the detailed emotional background to matter.
Lusty reactions that happened constantly without any seduction or believable scenarios.
The MMC’s could conceivably have accepted or interchanged any female as their mate.
An unknown alien species, yet the FMC asked no questions about culture, history, or biology. Never mind showed no curiosity about physical differences (wanting to explore, touch, feel, smell, etc.).
She is supposed to be a teacher, but spends weeks of doing nothing, and it’s never mentioned again after the intro.
Only 3 of the MMC’s were given story space, the 4th was just background, occasionally remembered. Their backstories are randomly dropped in, with no plot prep. We are ‘told’ about their resulting trauma, but never see it, or are aware of it within their personalities.
FMC attends market with so many aliens. The ground colour is mentioned … not the variety of aliens, not description of animals we are ‘told’ are present..
We are ‘told’ how dangerous the planet is, about many creatures and outlaws. But all we are shown is one bug with an irritating bite.. Even at the market, no criminals or feeling of danger.
The list of what is missing goes on and on..
I wanted to love this. The story and plot appealed immensely to me, particularly as when this author gets it right, I always love it.
Sadly, I’ve not really loved any of the mate index books I’ve read.
They’ve all been like this, shallow, superficial, SyFy romances that have no emotional strength, or plot depth.
I suspect this will be my last attempt at this series.
May 14, 2020
Plenty new characters
The gang are back in action although plenty new characters are introduced that may get their own part in the series. And what about that tidbit that the government is adding criminals to the mate index....
The gang are back in action although plenty new characters are introduced that may get their own part in the series. And what about that tidbit that the government is adding criminals to the mate index....
May 9, 2020
3.5
I enjoyed this book! There were some errors with minor details, specifically with the time line. I loved the concept of finding your family, and the new bonds of love.
Fun quick read.
I enjoyed this book! There were some errors with minor details, specifically with the time line. I loved the concept of finding your family, and the new bonds of love.
Fun quick read.
April 29, 2020
Pack
Screwed over by her mom . Bought under false circumstances Hayley life is changed for the better . Hopefully she gets to keep her guys .
Screwed over by her mom . Bought under false circumstances Hayley life is changed for the better . Hopefully she gets to keep her guys .
October 4, 2020
This could even be another book in which the female has to be the mate of several men at the same time, but the difference here is that the author does not focus on the sexy part of the situation, but on coexistence, her gaining confidence with the pack and the sad stories of each one.
Exeri was the leader of the pack, a position he knew he would have occupied since his birth.
Bilax was the one concerned with feeding the pack. That's because before, he had starved and was thrown into an arena to fight someone much bigger than him. When he had food, he ate too much (for fear of scarcity)
Tanji was the impulsive. He was spoiled when was a pup, but he was sold when his owner died.
The female of the group, their new Queen, was taken from Earth and handed over to them in a clandestine manner, because the Arobi aren't a registered species with the Intergalactic Union. They are a protected species.
Hayley was arrested for shooting the abusive stepfather, who beat her mother. But when the police were called, the mother defended her husband, making Hayley the only prisoner. In prison, Mr. Wallace, who represented Mate Index - the government's agreement on Earth to "sell" women willing to marry aliens at a high price - offers her that option. In order not to spend 10 years in jail, she accepts, and the payment would go to her grandmother, the only person who believed her story.
From her departure to this new world, they would have to know and adapt, if they wanted the mating to work.
A little strange, but cool.
4 stars
Exeri was the leader of the pack, a position he knew he would have occupied since his birth.
Bilax was the one concerned with feeding the pack. That's because before, he had starved and was thrown into an arena to fight someone much bigger than him. When he had food, he ate too much (for fear of scarcity)
Tanji was the impulsive. He was spoiled when was a pup, but he was sold when his owner died.
The female of the group, their new Queen, was taken from Earth and handed over to them in a clandestine manner, because the Arobi aren't a registered species with the Intergalactic Union. They are a protected species.
Hayley was arrested for shooting the abusive stepfather, who beat her mother. But when the police were called, the mother defended her husband, making Hayley the only prisoner. In prison, Mr. Wallace, who represented Mate Index - the government's agreement on Earth to "sell" women willing to marry aliens at a high price - offers her that option. In order not to spend 10 years in jail, she accepts, and the payment would go to her grandmother, the only person who believed her story.
From her departure to this new world, they would have to know and adapt, if they wanted the mating to work.
A little strange, but cool.
4 stars
March 4, 2025
I'll take a pack
This book was good and while it have a bit of everything and had an HEA I wasn't ready to leave these characters at the end. And reading this an wrong pack would definitely be on my list of possible mates if such a thing existed I would happily become a lack queen. This story had adventure, creative and alien but humanoid enough aliens, passion , romance sk.e suspense and even frustration. It also continues to build and expand on a universe,characters and concept I know I and many others have come to love. Very good book (one where if you haven't read the other books in the series and start here falls probably could even though there's lots of other good stories too) would recommend.
This book was good and while it have a bit of everything and had an HEA I wasn't ready to leave these characters at the end. And reading this an wrong pack would definitely be on my list of possible mates if such a thing existed I would happily become a lack queen. This story had adventure, creative and alien but humanoid enough aliens, passion , romance sk.e suspense and even frustration. It also continues to build and expand on a universe,characters and concept I know I and many others have come to love. Very good book (one where if you haven't read the other books in the series and start here falls probably could even though there's lots of other good stories too) would recommend.
July 8, 2025
Finally Exeri and the boys got their queen!
Hayley shot her abusive stepfather when he was beating her mother. Sadly, she didn't shoot to kill, and her mother lied in court so Hayley got a 10 year sentence and the bastard went free. Soon after the sentencing she got an offer from Mate Index and she agreed to be an alien's bride. Her plan was to escape her new groom as quickly as possible and find herself a safe place in the universe. She thought that she was bought by an Edoka male, but he was only a stand in for Exeri's pack. That was a bit of a nasty surprise for Hayley, her mate turned out to be four mates that were even bigger and scarier than the guy she expected ;)
Our favorite Arobi pack retired from their soldiering for Intergalactic Union and took a job on a dangerous frontier planet as hunters of the dangerous fauna that liked to attack farmers and miners there. The guys built themselves a beautiful home on their patch of land and the only thing missing from their lives was a mate. Exeri found a shady Edoka that was willing to buy a woman from the Mate Index for them. He surprised his betas with that, but they were all quickly onboard, they were all so excited to have a queen.
All of the guys were so cute! They were of course dangerous, possessive and a little wild, but they were all caring and sweet. Exeri was a silent protector type, he wasn't very talkative, but kept everyone safe by assigning his betas their responsibilities and being always watchful of any possible danger. Bilax was a foodie that expressed his love by feeding everyone freshly cooked meals and delicious snacks, he even learned how to make chocolates for Hayley! Simah was an overthinker that liked to be prepared to keep his pack safe, he turned into such an anxious mess when something unexpected happened that I wanted to crawl into the book and hold him to calm him down. Tanji was the fun, carefree one of the bunch, that seemed silly at times, but he would instantly snap into a vicious predator mode if Hayley was in any danger. They all had their traumas and bad memories from the years they spent in captivity, but they were healed enough to lead a full, happy life with their queen.
I was a bit pissed off at Hayley for taking such a long time to commit to them. They were lovely and hot, and after a week or two it should be clear to her that nowhere she would have a better life than with the four extremely dedicated to her males that she was VERY attracted to.
Hayley shot her abusive stepfather when he was beating her mother. Sadly, she didn't shoot to kill, and her mother lied in court so Hayley got a 10 year sentence and the bastard went free. Soon after the sentencing she got an offer from Mate Index and she agreed to be an alien's bride. Her plan was to escape her new groom as quickly as possible and find herself a safe place in the universe. She thought that she was bought by an Edoka male, but he was only a stand in for Exeri's pack. That was a bit of a nasty surprise for Hayley, her mate turned out to be four mates that were even bigger and scarier than the guy she expected ;)
Our favorite Arobi pack retired from their soldiering for Intergalactic Union and took a job on a dangerous frontier planet as hunters of the dangerous fauna that liked to attack farmers and miners there. The guys built themselves a beautiful home on their patch of land and the only thing missing from their lives was a mate. Exeri found a shady Edoka that was willing to buy a woman from the Mate Index for them. He surprised his betas with that, but they were all quickly onboard, they were all so excited to have a queen.
All of the guys were so cute! They were of course dangerous, possessive and a little wild, but they were all caring and sweet. Exeri was a silent protector type, he wasn't very talkative, but kept everyone safe by assigning his betas their responsibilities and being always watchful of any possible danger. Bilax was a foodie that expressed his love by feeding everyone freshly cooked meals and delicious snacks, he even learned how to make chocolates for Hayley! Simah was an overthinker that liked to be prepared to keep his pack safe, he turned into such an anxious mess when something unexpected happened that I wanted to crawl into the book and hold him to calm him down. Tanji was the fun, carefree one of the bunch, that seemed silly at times, but he would instantly snap into a vicious predator mode if Hayley was in any danger. They all had their traumas and bad memories from the years they spent in captivity, but they were healed enough to lead a full, happy life with their queen.
I was a bit pissed off at Hayley for taking such a long time to commit to them. They were lovely and hot, and after a week or two it should be clear to her that nowhere she would have a better life than with the four extremely dedicated to her males that she was VERY attracted to.
April 29, 2025
Probably one of the more annoying FMC I have read in this series. Mainly because the first half of the book is her being like "gotta plan my escape >:], not gonna get too attached" and then she proceeds to do nothing to try to shake the pack off her trail.
I guess it makes sense if she's always with one 24/7, but the lackluster buildup of her finally being able to escape and she's like sad and shocked she wants to stay.
I also was not a fan of the secondary plot being rushed through to finish and of course she was pregnant and fighting the giant space centipede or whatever.
I imagined this pack were alien werewolves but the cover artist really needs to learn to read the books because I fucking thought this was a pack of human looking horse things and not a pack of like werewolf aliens (the reason i say werewolf is because they kept referring to their young as pups and honestly horses are grody and imagining the cover image x4 is not pleasant.)
Overall one that I would probably not read again since you basically get a glimpse of each guy's personality but not enough to warrant loving each of them imo but whatever.
I guess it makes sense if she's always with one 24/7, but the lackluster buildup of her finally being able to escape and she's like sad and shocked she wants to stay.
I also was not a fan of the secondary plot being rushed through to finish and of course she was pregnant and fighting the giant space centipede or whatever.
I imagined this pack were alien werewolves but the cover artist really needs to learn to read the books because I fucking thought this was a pack of human looking horse things and not a pack of like werewolf aliens (the reason i say werewolf is because they kept referring to their young as pups and honestly horses are grody and imagining the cover image x4 is not pleasant.)
Overall one that I would probably not read again since you basically get a glimpse of each guy's personality but not enough to warrant loving each of them imo but whatever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2023
The theme and overall plot were interesting if generic but the execution was terrible. This book read more as a chapter outline than a complete novel. Nothing really happened for the longest time, no love developing, no true connections forming in my opinion. There were multiple opportunities for deep convos but a character would say something and then instead of communicating and bonding the conversation would end. It was just disappointing. The last chapter was anticlimactic and messy. The epilogue was lackluster and spoiler but I honestly think it would have been a better story if the epilogue scene added a member to the harem. Let’s be real he was much more intriguing than the other 4. While the packs backstory was tragic, it wasn’t fleshed out enough with the fmc to really matter. Everything seemed to lack depth. Trigger responses that were mentioned all of 2 times were unrealistic in how they were presented. I was just disappointed and am now wary to read other Mate Index books in the future.
April 28, 2020
I love this series by SJ Sanders! The Mate Index series is about very alien looking aliens finding their mates. The Arobi clan appeared in The Heart of Agraak (book 9) and I've been wondering about them since! Our Arobi pack consists of Alpha Exeri, and Betas Tanji, Bilax, and Simah. All have different personalities. Exeri procures a mate for them by bribing an Edoka. That mate is Hayley. Hayley had been imprisoned on earth for attempted murder on her step-father. The Mate Index offered her a way to freedom, so she took it. She never planned to stay with her mate, but the Arobi pack she was handed off to really grew on her. There is some good action in this book including a strange predator on the loose on Anteri Minor. The guys need outside help and you're in for a treat if you've been following the series. I won't say any more, but I loved the ending of this story! Fantastic read, 4 stars!
April 27, 2020
I've been waiting for this book for awhile now, and I can't even tell you how excited I was when it came out :D Our heroine is a no-non-sense, lay her cards out on the table kind of gal (except for the secret she's keeping, which is her plans to escape her mates). She agrees to take on an alien mate (not plural) to escape her fate on earth, boy did she not see what was coming. Not only did she not get the mate she expected, she got SEVERAL mates she didn't expect LOL.
This book stood out because the characters were fresh. Our male heros, were playful, sincere and genuinely caring (not that S.J's other books aren't), but they didn't play on the overly agreesive/jealous tendencies a lot of authors use to create angst in their relationship. They worked cohesively as a team (or pack ;) to care for their mate).
Good read, kept me up all night trying to finish it. Heart of the Agraak is still my favourite, but this comes as a CLOSE second.
This book stood out because the characters were fresh. Our male heros, were playful, sincere and genuinely caring (not that S.J's other books aren't), but they didn't play on the overly agreesive/jealous tendencies a lot of authors use to create angst in their relationship. They worked cohesively as a team (or pack ;) to care for their mate).
Good read, kept me up all night trying to finish it. Heart of the Agraak is still my favourite, but this comes as a CLOSE second.
May 3, 2020
DNF @45%
PLOT:⭐️
Minus one for not keeping me entertained long enough to finish.
I’m upset that I read 45% of the book without a damn thing happening. Except for that little hiccup in the hallway. It felt like the first half of the book could’ve been condensed into the first few chapters. So minus one for that.
Minus one, because I skimmed the first two chapters and they were unnecessary.
Minus one because there was no plot.
CHARACTERS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked the boys. They were possessive and considerate of her. However they didn’t have distinct personalities. It was just the alpha and the rest. So, minus one.
She annoyed me with her constant thought of escape, despite being happy with the group. Although, I guess that’s a natural response, so I won’t hold it against her.
Minus one for being unremarkable.
WRITING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This wasn’t the one for me, but I enjoyed Broken Earth ( which is another book by this author).
Average: 2.3
PLOT:⭐️
Minus one for not keeping me entertained long enough to finish.
I’m upset that I read 45% of the book without a damn thing happening. Except for that little hiccup in the hallway. It felt like the first half of the book could’ve been condensed into the first few chapters. So minus one for that.
Minus one, because I skimmed the first two chapters and they were unnecessary.
Minus one because there was no plot.
CHARACTERS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked the boys. They were possessive and considerate of her. However they didn’t have distinct personalities. It was just the alpha and the rest. So, minus one.
She annoyed me with her constant thought of escape, despite being happy with the group. Although, I guess that’s a natural response, so I won’t hold it against her.
Minus one for being unremarkable.
WRITING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This wasn’t the one for me, but I enjoyed Broken Earth ( which is another book by this author).
Average: 2.3
October 10, 2025
I really grew fond of this Arobi pack in the previous books and I needed to see their HEA, also, I love RH and needed more of it from this series. I'm still very confused (in a bad way) about their physical appearance. Also, weren't they supposed to have some telepathic abilities?
It was obvious from the blurb that it was going to be a slow-burn romance but damn, that was so so slow. Too slow for me but that's on me because, as I said, it was obious from the blurb. The smut was good enough but I would have liked more of it perhaps.
All in all, it was a good read with a proper HEA.
Favourite quote:
It was obvious from the blurb that it was going to be a slow-burn romance but damn, that was so so slow. Too slow for me but that's on me because, as I said, it was obious from the blurb. The smut was good enough but I would have liked more of it perhaps.
All in all, it was a good read with a proper HEA.
Favourite quote:
January 19, 2022
not one of the better books
I adore Sanders’ writing in general, I am making my way down her Mate Index books. Have read plenty more in her other series.
That said, I did not finish this book due to the female main character’s unrealistic plotting to escape. I just could not get into her or relate to her. I literally stopped before 50 or 40% of the book because her every thought was about to escape and when there was actually some opportunities to escape that I could see, it wasn’t taken. So it just dragged. I was super curious to see how this Arobi pack would be but I already feel like having Hayley was a massive injustice to them. I would not know if she redeemed herself at the end though.
Will continue to read other books by Sanders!
I adore Sanders’ writing in general, I am making my way down her Mate Index books. Have read plenty more in her other series.
That said, I did not finish this book due to the female main character’s unrealistic plotting to escape. I just could not get into her or relate to her. I literally stopped before 50 or 40% of the book because her every thought was about to escape and when there was actually some opportunities to escape that I could see, it wasn’t taken. So it just dragged. I was super curious to see how this Arobi pack would be but I already feel like having Hayley was a massive injustice to them. I would not know if she redeemed herself at the end though.
Will continue to read other books by Sanders!
January 29, 2022
Loved this just wish it was longer
Loved the dynamic. Four jackal like males looking for their Queen. A human female making a deal so she isn't imprisoned for protecting another. So with a lot of credits (money) and a really big lie bring them together. This story was really good just wish it could have been longer it feels like the books with multiple partners always seems short and moments cut out that could of been described instead. The spice isn't until the end so it's definitely a slow burn wish there had been more 😋but I would definitely read this again and hope we get to see more Arobi pairings in the future.
Loved the dynamic. Four jackal like males looking for their Queen. A human female making a deal so she isn't imprisoned for protecting another. So with a lot of credits (money) and a really big lie bring them together. This story was really good just wish it could have been longer it feels like the books with multiple partners always seems short and moments cut out that could of been described instead. The spice isn't until the end so it's definitely a slow burn wish there had been more 😋but I would definitely read this again and hope we get to see more Arobi pairings in the future.
April 27, 2021
Freedom finally for the Arobi
I was so looking forward to this book. The Arobi pack fascinated me from the first time they were introduced. I absolutely love how the author brought the intimate side of the pack to life, giving a backstory as well as a unique personality to each member. Their breeding rituals were very interesting as well but still hot. Great work with a new environment to bring to life, multiple protagonists and a reunion of the military family they left behind. Loved it. DanaLynn
I was so looking forward to this book. The Arobi pack fascinated me from the first time they were introduced. I absolutely love how the author brought the intimate side of the pack to life, giving a backstory as well as a unique personality to each member. Their breeding rituals were very interesting as well but still hot. Great work with a new environment to bring to life, multiple protagonists and a reunion of the military family they left behind. Loved it. DanaLynn
April 27, 2020
Well-written, action filled romance!
There’s a certain amount of chicanery going on here, as opportunists set high prices for rare commodities, and take no responsibility for ongoing problems. I admired the Arobi males in a previous book and am thrilled that we are getting their story.
I love the unique personalities of the 4 packmates. Four individuals, each with an appealing draw - such an exciting prospect for their Queen!
There’s a certain amount of chicanery going on here, as opportunists set high prices for rare commodities, and take no responsibility for ongoing problems. I admired the Arobi males in a previous book and am thrilled that we are getting their story.
I love the unique personalities of the 4 packmates. Four individuals, each with an appealing draw - such an exciting prospect for their Queen!
June 2, 2020
I enjoyed this very much
This was a refreshing romance adventure. The mates were loving, fierce, patient, and very protective warriors worthy of winning the love of their female. I absolutely loved this. She was a woman betrayed with some understandable barriers that were toppled over by her new mates. Brave in every sense of the word and deserving of gaining the love of such devoted men. This earned a detonate five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a refreshing romance adventure. The mates were loving, fierce, patient, and very protective warriors worthy of winning the love of their female. I absolutely loved this. She was a woman betrayed with some understandable barriers that were toppled over by her new mates. Brave in every sense of the word and deserving of gaining the love of such devoted men. This earned a detonate five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 21, 2021
Love this series
The Mate Index is one of my favorite series. Honestly if this series went into 20 + books I would get every one. The main and side characters are so well done you just want a story for every character. What’s really cool is a book is written by a secondary character that you wouldn’t even think about and the story ends up fantastic. I really hope the author just keeps on writing about the Mate Index until she exhausts all avenues and all characters. Great job!
The Mate Index is one of my favorite series. Honestly if this series went into 20 + books I would get every one. The main and side characters are so well done you just want a story for every character. What’s really cool is a book is written by a secondary character that you wouldn’t even think about and the story ends up fantastic. I really hope the author just keeps on writing about the Mate Index until she exhausts all avenues and all characters. Great job!
April 28, 2020
Consistent
Quality is what you come to expect of sj sanders. Falling for her heroes and heroines is so easy because she wrotes them so well. Thoroughly enjoyed hayley and her pack,and that reunion scene was to die for!! 5 stars,as always! I wish there were more books! The terils and the head of security were excellent side characters!!
Quality is what you come to expect of sj sanders. Falling for her heroes and heroines is so easy because she wrotes them so well. Thoroughly enjoyed hayley and her pack,and that reunion scene was to die for!! 5 stars,as always! I wish there were more books! The terils and the head of security were excellent side characters!!
April 29, 2020
excellent addition to series
besides the Voris' Mate, this is my favourite. I have so enjoyed learning about different species of truly alien aliens. also the vast variety of planets, not so much the wildlife, but most of all the true romances and how well written these books are. thank you S.J.Sanders
besides the Voris' Mate, this is my favourite. I have so enjoyed learning about different species of truly alien aliens. also the vast variety of planets, not so much the wildlife, but most of all the true romances and how well written these books are. thank you S.J.Sanders
June 11, 2020
Awesome
What a beautiful addition to the series ❤️ I love the Arobi's. Each individual makes up a greater of the whole group each a unique story of their own hurt and triumph. All to love their human mate they waited so long for. I can't wait to hear of their old units story. Now I want to know if Tar-denovak get a story to lol love me a gargoyl type
What a beautiful addition to the series ❤️ I love the Arobi's. Each individual makes up a greater of the whole group each a unique story of their own hurt and triumph. All to love their human mate they waited so long for. I can't wait to hear of their old units story. Now I want to know if Tar-denovak get a story to lol love me a gargoyl type
August 27, 2020
A mate to be cherished
This story was full of rip roaring action , intrigue and romance. The characters and main heroine exhibited wonderful loyalty and love as a unit which was very powerful. The romantic group sex was great in it's detail. I also enjoyed their fierce warrior friends whose diversity was entertaining. Recommend highly. Kudos to the author.😇
This story was full of rip roaring action , intrigue and romance. The characters and main heroine exhibited wonderful loyalty and love as a unit which was very powerful. The romantic group sex was great in it's detail. I also enjoyed their fierce warrior friends whose diversity was entertaining. Recommend highly. Kudos to the author.😇
September 16, 2021
It was only a matter of time
It was only a matter of time before Earth started using light felons for the Mate Index program. I'm glad Hayley finally found a good family and the Arobi found their perfect place in the community. The monster fight at the end was also a good bit of action.
It was only a matter of time before Earth started using light felons for the Mate Index program. I'm glad Hayley finally found a good family and the Arobi found their perfect place in the community. The monster fight at the end was also a good bit of action.
May 24, 2022
A good story
I stayed away from this book because of the bad reviews I read. I honestly liked it. It was a little slow sometimes and the sex scene was a little weird but hey we are reading about aliens so we are here for weird right? Not my favorite book in this series but still worth a read
I stayed away from this book because of the bad reviews I read. I honestly liked it. It was a little slow sometimes and the sex scene was a little weird but hey we are reading about aliens so we are here for weird right? Not my favorite book in this series but still worth a read
April 28, 2020
Another great mate index book by S.J. Sanders. I always like her writing. It's great that the Arobi pack finally got their Queen. It was great to revisit with characters from previous books. I look forward to whatever book this author does next especially the next mate index installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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