O'Rrin the Protector

Thoherian Barbarians #1

by Roxie Ray

A SciFi Alien Romance.

I’ve seen the pain a broken mate-bond can cause. I’m determined to never take a mate. But Hetta’s scent overwhelms me and sets my body on fire. I can’t control my instincts when I’m around her.

My planet is treacherous, and I must keep her safe on our journey. But everyday spent together makes it harder for me to ignore fate’s push to claim her. Nonetheless, all she seems to care about is proving herself to her people and family.

I can't resist any longer. I don't know what it will take, but I know Hetta will be mine.

O’Rrin The Protector is a steamy alien romance with warriors ready to explore your heart! Read this series where human women are claimed and loved in a world so far from home!

Genres: Aliens, Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2020

About the author

Roxie Ray is a group of writer friends who love to write Sci Fi Alien Romance and Paranormal Romance. They love to talk, read and write this lovely genre. They hope you love their books and strive to make sure you have a steamy, wonderful experience!

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

When their spaceship sounded out an alarm, the AI told everyone they had 8 minutes to evacuate! As Jackie tried to shove Hetta out of her lab – not wanting to leave it when it had taken two days to set up her experiment – Hetta asked questions Jackie wouldn’t answer. Jackie shoved her into an escape pod, but the AI said they had 8 minutes and that would not get them far enough away from the self-destruct blast. It made no sense. Jackie closed the door of the pod and the rotten-egg smell of a gas being pumped in was another warning that something wasn’t right. But Hetta passed out and couldn’t question her further.

When Hetta started to wake up, Jackie rapped on the door of her pod. Jackie was bruised and cut up a bit; Hetta just ached all over. The air outside was cold and they were surrounded by grass and snow! They were definitely not on Hotar. Her parents were ambassadors, so Hetta knew all the common settled planets – and this was nowhere she knew about! Out of sight, she saw steam rising which was probably their crashed ship if it hadn’t exploded, and it might keep them warm for a short while. The sun was high in the sky, three moons also spread out across the bright blue. Sunlight reflected off the patches of snow, and Hetta was freezing! They found Dana, but Erica was in a coma caused by her nanobots which were healing her; and Rachel was missing. All the men were apparently dead on the bridge of the crashed ship. None of this was making sense to Hetta. Dana sent Hetta off to look for edible plants, roots, and water. Dana set up tents with the blankets from their pods. And Hetta started out to see what she could find for them to eat.

The crash on the alien planet shook the ground and drew the attention of snake-like alien warriors who show up to investigate. Although they are on a mission of their own, will they help or harm the survivors? And why is Hetta, on this mission as an astrobiologist, so attracted to one of them? The warrior O’Rrin is aware of what happens when a mate bond is broken, so he has no plans to claim this woman, despite the pull to do so. He can barely control his instincts that push him to take her as his own, however. The planet is dangerous and O’Rrin needs to keep Hetta and the survivors safe for now. Yet each day those instincts tempt him to complete the bond. Will she remain here with him as his mate? Or will she insist on returning home with the others?

I found this pretty confusing. Hetta was noticing things, but there wasn’t an explanation. The aliens had their own situation to deal with, having to give a tithe which was a breedable female for them, even though their own race hadn’t had a birth in 5 years. There were lots of character names to remember. It made the story line a bit difficult to follow.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and editing of this sci-fi romance was clean, with no typos that I found in the ARC version of the manuscript but pretty awkward sentence structure. The world building was competent, though the alien world the heroine found herself on was definitely not a vibrant character in itself. The characterization was a little thin, with the romantic hero being somewhat of a cardboard character and the heroine being intolerable. She was such a timid person throughout so much of the book that I could not stand her. The development of the romantic relationship was okay, though it was hard for me personally to buy into a HEA where the hero ends up with this timid, passive heroine. *Spoiler* For example, the heroine is carrying around a deadly poisonous flower when the villain abducts her. She could have reached into her pocket at any time when the villain is carrying her slung over her shoulder and killed him with the contact poison. However, she waits to be rescued by the hero, never taking action to save herself, until it becomes crystal clear that the romantic hero will be unable to save her. Only then does she take any action to save herself. That is a perfect example of everything that is wrong with this heroine. *End Spoiler* The plot was not great. (See above spoiler) but the pacing was fairly quick, due to the high stakes present throughout and the fairly low angst. That tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Mars Needs Women trope, the Road Trip trope, and the Partner in Trouble trope. The world building was three stars. The characterization was two stars. The plot was two stars. The development of the romantic relationship was three stars. The pacing was four stars. The combined rating for this novel was therefore three stars. This novel ends on a Happy For Now ending with overarching plot elements left unresolved instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a plus. I recommend this sci-fi romance to readers who enjoy the Mars Needs Women trope and do not mind really passive heroines. I far prefer this author's Lunarian Warriors series, so I am unsure if I will read the next book in this series when it releases. I will not be buying myself a keeper copy of this novel.

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

[Katherine Ziebold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable but flawed

Liked the world building, the plot was ok, the characters had some really odd moments of growth and not always in the direction their emotions/patterns of behavior leaned towards.

A few times I had to stop and reread a section because I really lost the timeline of events. Spoilers below:

The most jarring timeline mishap happens when finding out two days after having incomplete sex for the first time that she’s pregnant and then immediately getting morning sickness...um...that’s not how it works generally (I don’t care for the vague explanation that the nanobots may have sped up the process - how? by hauling the sperm directly to the egg and shoving it in?). Another timeline issue I have is travel time. It supposedly takes two weeks from the crash site to travel to the city but for the sake of storyline urgency suddenly they can get back faster?

Another slight problem I had was with the choices that character made. Orrin is besties with Nashta but doesn’t even propose a plan/timeline to help recover Dana or deal with the tribute issue. Just point blank says sorry, gotta take care of my shit, glhf,*ninja disappear*. The urgency for the three issues was pressed upon but the other two just get left in the dust. Not very besties-like.
Another wide curveball change of mind is Yyrix’s ogling and lusting after the heroine but then at the end kidnaps her and calls her disgusting? Um...what the heck? And there was NOTHING to indicate he wanted/lusted for Landra anywhere until the end?
Oh and the slaves for the planet owners are beaten down mindless looking things, but suddenly cover up the market fight?

I want to read more about this world and characters, but I just can’t see suffering through trying to puzzle out and justify timeline issues and character personality shifts that make no sense.

[C.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust your gut. Hetta crash lands on the planet. She is smart enough to observe anomalies and put them aside. But she is slow in entering survival mode. She uses being the youngest as an excuse a lot. and goes into survival mode. O'Rin and his group are on a quest to deliver a sacrifice, L'Anna who volunteered to the Caterri. The Caterri require tithes every year. They were in control and all powerful, as they kept control of the various tribes. They always looked for sacrifices that were breedable. And they kept control of resources to maintain advantage. When Hetta and O'Rin met, they were unable to communicate. Why wasn't Hetta wearing one as soon as she landed? O'Rin is attracted to her but fears the consequences of a mate-bond. While trying to help, he also needs to fight his attraction. They got along well, comfortable with each other. Hetta, being the daughter of diplomats made her more open to new cultures. Hetta lives by her human emotions and doesn't pay attention to situational awareness. She seems to stay in human mofe and not explorer mode. She and O'Rin have an adventure that challenges Do they succeed on their quest? Is Hetta able to keep up? Are they successful? Good opportunity for everyone to grow. The world seemed a bit surreal to me. There was not enough strangeness of different worlds to me. Nicely done. I recevied an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Rrin is a faithful warrior for his people who know that he will never find a mate due to the shortage of females one his planet. Hetta left Earth to pursue her dream of learning botany on an alien planet. Sadly she never makes it to the planet and crash lands on different planet. Somehow she and all the females on her ship survive. While looking for something to eat she is approached by O'Rrin who is on a journey to Kohta to give tribute. Hetta and her colleagues have no choice but to go with O'Rrin and his entourage in order to get the help that they seek. Due to the harsh weathers on the planet they bond during their journey to Kohta. They face some difficult decision but will they be able to overcome it. Will Hetta's life be in danger on this strange new planet? Can she and her colleagues survive this unexpected trip? Is there a future for Hetta and O'Rrin? Did the males on their ship purposely crash on that planet? Definitely have to read to find out. I can't wait to read the next story for this series.

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

[ScavengedReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the romance in this story. The POV did switch between the two romance characters, but even without that I think we got know each person well enough, with their own traits and personalities enough to make me root for them. I'm not sold on their compatibility though, they did seem to be opposites - she's a socially awkward child prodigy from a well off but disconnected family, whereas he is a devoted soldier who's greatest desire is for a family: I think they are both suffering from a cases of "the first person to pay attention to me" and I didn't mind it

I have outstanding questions about the world building set up and some questions about the ship crash that were never answered. From the ending I gather this is a stand alone romance story in a series of connected stories so I some of my questions may be answered in the upcoming sequels.

Overall it's a fun read I enjoyed.

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

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hetta is a Astrobiologist. She gets a little flighty or extremely unfocused when it comes to Bonnie on different planets. The ship she was on for some reason self-destructive. All the men on the ship died. There wasn’t no more than about 15 people on the ship. It’s not really clear about why it crashed it. But it did. There are four women who survived the crash. O’Rrin is a scaly , tall, forked tongue, pointy eared and very perceptive alien. Feels a connection to Hetta. He is extremely protective of her and believes that she is his mate. But because there is anotherAlien group force demanding their women, he tries his best to resist her. They as a group or on an adventure to a week long travel back to the camp and to meet The Kowhta. Dangerous plants, other species and conflicts along with the whole adventure is seems to be the interesting. Differences start with Human skin versus scaly skin. Interesting first book for this proposed series.

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

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: O'Rrin The Protector
Author: Roxie Ray
Format: Audio
Narrator: Katie McAble
Genre: SciFI Alien Romance
Standalone: Kind of, not really
Part of a Series: Book 1 of Thoherian Barbarians
POV: Hetta and O'Rrin
Steam Level: Slow Burn to Steamy
4/5

This is the first book I've read by Roxie Ray. It was a fun alien romance, full of action, steam, humor and romance. While Hetta and O'Rrin's book is finished, the last chapter leads into the next book. Several questions are left unanswered and several potential storylines are started, leaving room for potentially several more books in this series in addition to N'ashtar's book (Book 2). I haven't read/listened to many alien romances but I was in the mood for something different. I enjoyed O'Rrin The Protector and this was a great introduction to Roxie Ray.

I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hetta and her crew crash landed on an unknown planet due to mysterious reasons. When Hetta wakes up there are only 4 other women with her. One of the women is in a coma and the other one is missing. None of the males on the ship have survived.
The native tribe called the N’Akron find them and help provide shelter and food. They are on their way to the capital where an evil overlord type of aliens called the Caterri. They demand a tithe of an unmated, fertile female or they will attack their tribe.

Is there a future for Hetta and O'Rrin? Will the Catterri capture the women or attack the N’Akron? There's plenty of romance, drama, danger, hot aliens to keep you turning the page.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a brand new series. These are Thoherian Barbarian Aliens. It's fast paced, and I was so engrossed that I couldn't put it down. Plenty of action, suspense, mystery, danger, drama, survival, fear, anger, pain and passion/lust and love. I loved the main characters of Hetta and O'Rin. These two faced a lot of danger, obstacles and betrayal's they face. This story had me smiling in places, and trying to get in the story to help them get out of some dangers. I love when a story pull you in enough that you are fight with the characters for survival. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ORrin The Protector is the first book in a series called Thoherian Barbarians. This is a well-written, fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish. These characters are well-crafted with growth throughout the story. There is action, adventure, drama, danger, twist/turns, some humor, family, pain, betrayal, possessiveness, guilt, abandonment, frustration, romance, passion/lust and love

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

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line is fast paced, imaginative and while its good, it could have been better for example Hetta carries a deadly poison flower in her pocket while abducted but she doesn't bother using it until she is rescued, she could have used it much earlier especially when she was untied to drink water. The characters were well developed and intriguing and I did enjoy the read and HEA.

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

[Dot Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Roxie Ray!

Regardless of whether she’s writing about dragons or aliens, I love Roxie Ray’s writing! I read N’Ashtar the Alien Prince before I read this book, but enjoyed it so much I knew I’d have to go back and read this one. I’m not sure which one I like the best as they’re both good!

If you like reading about alien and “hoo-man” (human) romances, then look no further! This book and the next one are really good and I highly recommend either or both.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in a new series called Thoherian Barbarians a well written story that kept me turning pages. This is O’Rrin The Protector and Hetta’s story there is suspense, drama, danger, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about a spaceship crash landing on a primitive planet and only the women surviving. The alien warriors they meet are protective and fierce and the romance for this first book is totally sweet.

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

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fab start to a new series I thought. Each character was developed so easy to read and follow and the storyline was fun. Thy crashed on a planet and then they came the barbarians. Can they survive it. I was hooked.
I recieved a free copy via Booksprout and I’m giving my review freely and honestly

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was good, the character work was terrific and the book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This was a great series starter and I was hooked from beginning to end.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sci-fi romance! I really liked it! It is filled with danger and adventure. I love this new world, and wouldn't mind reading more!

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

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it has a good storyline. This book is entertaining, filled with action, adventure, and intrigue. The chemistry and interaction between the characters of Hetta and O'Rrin is great. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Jennifer Ehninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great alien romance. Hetta is part of a small group that ends up crashing onto an unknown planet. They are rescued by O;rin and his people. Such a great story!

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

[Jeanne Kotsios · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect read.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing a review for an ARC I received and really enjoyed this supernatural book greatly! It;s hot and steamy with action all wrapped into one good book.

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

[RITA BOTTILLO · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting

Marvelous story of stranded women on an alien planet. When help arrives women’s rights take over their attitudes. Then enemy attacks and kidnappings. Really enjoyed reading this book. Now on to the next. Spoiler not available yet.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

These aliens have a softer side that you don’t usually see with these types of books. It was a refreshing change. The characters were written very well and likeable. Great storyline that flows into book 2 perfectly. Great performance from Katie.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining read.

This was an unusual, thrilling and surprisingly hot alien romance. Brilliantly written characters and storyline kept my engaged from start to finish.
Highly recommended.

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Rrin

Hetta is a science need and due to her intelligence was, not only much younger than her fellow students but, ostracized and ridiculed. So when O'Rrin showed interest in her Hetta was in disbelief.

[Melissa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

The storyline kept me wanting more and more. I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter. The characters were so incredible and the planet was just plain interesting. Such an easygoing transition from one character to the next.

[LuDena · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Rrin

I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to reading book 2 . I liked that O'Rrin and Hette work together and not against each other .

[Charlene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I really loves this alien romance...fun and sexy and kept me interested all the way to end. Can't read the next in series.