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Vandalar Concubines #2
Never Cuff an Alien
My alien concubine refuses to please me.
That gruff, muscled Vandalar saikh I bought myself keeps running away. So I do what every lonely woman in her thirties would: I cuff him to my bed until he comes to his senses.
At least now I don’t have to chase behind him in high heels, and can concentrate on starting my mail-order-saikh business. What could possibly go wrong?
I tell you what: he frees himself.
Of course, he does.
Now I’m the one tied to the bed while he threatens punishment. I really should freak out about this, having so much work to do building myself a new existence and all — but I’m just happy he’s finally showing some initiative.
Never Cuff an Alien is the second book in this interconnected alien romantic comedy series, featuring concubines trained to cook, clean, and please their female in whichever way she wishes — or not. Some are stubborn like that...
That gruff, muscled Vandalar saikh I bought myself keeps running away. So I do what every lonely woman in her thirties would: I cuff him to my bed until he comes to his senses.
At least now I don’t have to chase behind him in high heels, and can concentrate on starting my mail-order-saikh business. What could possibly go wrong?
I tell you what: he frees himself.
Of course, he does.
Now I’m the one tied to the bed while he threatens punishment. I really should freak out about this, having so much work to do building myself a new existence and all — but I’m just happy he’s finally showing some initiative.
Never Cuff an Alien is the second book in this interconnected alien romantic comedy series, featuring concubines trained to cook, clean, and please their female in whichever way she wishes — or not. Some are stubborn like that...
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
October 22, 2020
Unfortunately I couldn't get past how the female lead acted in the beginning of the book. The author tried to play it off as "sexually empowered" but it read like callous bitch with a dubious grasp of consent.
April 19, 2021
3.5
Coulda sworn from the last book I wasn't going to be into this couple- but on some messed up level they totally worked together. I think it help that they were both really into the dynamic even from what seems like the beginning of the book.
So while I was not personally into the collar and cuff thing at the start-it kind of was written like a game they both liked playing so can I forgive it if the characters are down? Yeah.
Plus we got some more plot on the the Vandalar, and got to meet the ladies other friend Izzy- I am all interested to see how her multiple mate storyline goes.
"She’s crazy. I’m deranged. And together we’re so insanely good."
Coulda sworn from the last book I wasn't going to be into this couple- but on some messed up level they totally worked together. I think it help that they were both really into the dynamic even from what seems like the beginning of the book.
“You kept me against my will. I claimed you against yours. Let’s agree that we’re both insane and hope it’s not hereditary.”
So while I was not personally into the collar and cuff thing at the start-it kind of was written like a game they both liked playing so can I forgive it if the characters are down? Yeah.
Plus we got some more plot on the the Vandalar, and got to meet the ladies other friend Izzy- I am all interested to see how her multiple mate storyline goes.
December 18, 2021
4 stars. There’s def some dubcon right at the start of this book. It really dragged down my enjoyment of the story right at the start, but this book recovered tremendously. I ended up really liking this story and the couple.
Safe; no virgins, hero not a manwhore, mild OM drama, no scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.
TW: pregnancy
Safe; no virgins, hero not a manwhore, mild OM drama, no scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.
TW: pregnancy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
oh my word this was… got me feral. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THIS RELATIONSHIP DYNAMIC PLEASE?!!
absolute perfection. Zero complaints. 1000000000/10
if you were curious… the dynamic is “Playing the mistress so well until she meets her master.” (Direct quote). Got me gigglin and kickin my feet over here
absolute perfection. Zero complaints. 1000000000/10
if you were curious… the dynamic is “Playing the mistress so well until she meets her master.” (Direct quote). Got me gigglin and kickin my feet over here
October 26, 2020
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Steph and Varac's story at the beginning. I mean, she's NOT nice to him. At all. She literally cuffs him to her bed and does all sorts of other things to him and...whoa, dude. Just no. Not cool.
Except...it turns out our grumbly alien, well, he doesn't like it, but it does allow him to unleash his un-saikh side and be the him he wants to be. Which is a good thing, because being a saikh super didn't work out for Varac. Which isn't to say he wasn't a maser (literally, in this case) in all ways of bringing pleasure to a lady, but his heart was as far away from saikh-ness as a heart could get.
Which put him in a foul mood. As you can imagine. I mean, the guy studied for years to be the best and one wrong move on his part left him high and dry, all those years wasted. Or so he thinks.
As it turns out, Steph is the perfect foil for our grumbly hero. She pushes when he tells her to pull. She forces him to be himself or she'll run roughshod over him. And she LOVES when he takes charge. Loves it. She also loves the growling, which has some unexpected side effects. Unexpected, but welcome.
A whole lot of loving (some of the angry variety, all steamy to the max), a unique business proposition, a bunch of prank-loving saikhs (which, hahahaha, oh man), and two hearts unthawing enough to admit they're meant to be together. I like these concubines. They're fun!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Except...it turns out our grumbly alien, well, he doesn't like it, but it does allow him to unleash his un-saikh side and be the him he wants to be. Which is a good thing, because being a saikh super didn't work out for Varac. Which isn't to say he wasn't a maser (literally, in this case) in all ways of bringing pleasure to a lady, but his heart was as far away from saikh-ness as a heart could get.
Which put him in a foul mood. As you can imagine. I mean, the guy studied for years to be the best and one wrong move on his part left him high and dry, all those years wasted. Or so he thinks.
As it turns out, Steph is the perfect foil for our grumbly hero. She pushes when he tells her to pull. She forces him to be himself or she'll run roughshod over him. And she LOVES when he takes charge. Loves it. She also loves the growling, which has some unexpected side effects. Unexpected, but welcome.
A whole lot of loving (some of the angry variety, all steamy to the max), a unique business proposition, a bunch of prank-loving saikhs (which, hahahaha, oh man), and two hearts unthawing enough to admit they're meant to be together. I like these concubines. They're fun!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Did Not Finish
February 3, 2023This plot line just wasn’t to my personal taste
April 6, 2025
Cute enemies to lovers alien romance. I love how tender these two were together as their relationship progressed, and also their slightly heated hate fcking in the beginning.
The only things making this only a 3 star for me are:
1. The beginning was icky with the way she was rubbing on him and lusting over him as he was tied up. He got hard over her, and she used that as permission to continue when he clearly told her no. If it were the other way around, people would find issue with it, so I don't see why more don't when it's her doing it to him.
2. I can't explain this, but the ending was complete and was technically a HEA, but it still felt like a HFN.
‼️ Spoiler
“I know. Yesmy (His ex owner that he fell in love with) came to the hotel and told me (the FMC). I met with the council this morning and made your release a condition.”
Another tug on my horns, but it does little to clear the confusion. Yesmey did this for me?
This didn't have any bearing on my rating, but this part annoyed me so much. The FMC got him released from jail, and all the ex OW did was confirm that he was there, which she already suspected. But his first thought is about how the OW did that for him? Bro the FMC risked her entire trade deal to get you out...
The only things making this only a 3 star for me are:
1. The beginning was icky with the way she was rubbing on him and lusting over him as he was tied up. He got hard over her, and she used that as permission to continue when he clearly told her no. If it were the other way around, people would find issue with it, so I don't see why more don't when it's her doing it to him.
2. I can't explain this, but the ending was complete and was technically a HEA, but it still felt like a HFN.
‼️ Spoiler
“I know. Yesmy (His ex owner that he fell in love with) came to the hotel and told me (the FMC). I met with the council this morning and made your release a condition.”
Another tug on my horns, but it does little to clear the confusion. Yesmey did this for me?
This didn't have any bearing on my rating, but this part annoyed me so much. The FMC got him released from jail, and all the ex OW did was confirm that he was there, which she already suspected. But his first thought is about how the OW did that for him? Bro the FMC risked her entire trade deal to get you out...
April 19, 2024
Meh this was weird
December 18, 2025
Peak alien romance, no notes
April 11, 2022
I liked all of the other books in this series. Try one of the other books.
The heroine in this book is mean and crazy. She buys the hero to be her slave even after he tells her he does not want to have sex with her or be her saikh (lover and live in husband).
Hero keeps turning her down so she does mean things like walk around naked in front of him and bending over and begging him to have sex with her. Or tying him to the bed and touching herself next to him so he is forced to watch.
Hero said no. Heroine does not care. It was so awful. She tells herself she's doing him a favor because women are so rare where he comes from.
Hero keeps running away and trying to be free and she keeps forcing him back to her house.
The heroine in this book is mean and crazy. She buys the hero to be her slave even after he tells her he does not want to have sex with her or be her saikh (lover and live in husband).
Hero keeps turning her down so she does mean things like walk around naked in front of him and bending over and begging him to have sex with her. Or tying him to the bed and touching herself next to him so he is forced to watch.
Hero said no. Heroine does not care. It was so awful. She tells herself she's doing him a favor because women are so rare where he comes from.
Hero keeps running away and trying to be free and she keeps forcing him back to her house.
May 30, 2022
3.5 ⭐
Firstly, while this can be read as a standalone, if you haven't read Sign Here for Horns, the beginning is a bit confusing. Also, there are several reviews saying that readers didn't like the FMC. I say they didn't read carefully enough. It's called "character development." 😉
Nothing pleases me more than reading about two broken people who work through their vulnerabilities with each other and emerge on the other side transformed. Plus humor? Sigh. 🤌
.
Firstly, while this can be read as a standalone, if you haven't read Sign Here for Horns, the beginning is a bit confusing. Also, there are several reviews saying that readers didn't like the FMC. I say they didn't read carefully enough. It's called "character development." 😉
Nothing pleases me more than reading about two broken people who work through their vulnerabilities with each other and emerge on the other side transformed. Plus humor? Sigh. 🤌
.
December 29, 2023
Looks like he could kill you, is actually a cinnamon roll.
Because of course he’s turned on and finds the person for his dominance in the “crazy” woman how handcuffed him in her home.
These two were so cute because he just wanted to do what he wanted (aka rougher sex) and once he discovered she was his brand of crazy, he wanted to use his mastery to please her!
Because of course he’s turned on and finds the person for his dominance in the “crazy” woman how handcuffed him in her home.
These two were so cute because he just wanted to do what he wanted (aka rougher sex) and once he discovered she was his brand of crazy, he wanted to use his mastery to please her!
Read
March 4, 2022This one had even more problematic parts than book 1, so I share this review with a big disclaimer: slavery is prevalent in this book.
The hero of this book I *think* sold himself into slavery after attacking his former female’s other saikh, but he no longer wants to be a saikh (trained concubine) or to please women. Which is why the heroine, Steph, bought him. To be her… sex slave.
See? This is PROBLEMATIC.
It’s attempted to be done in a more lighthearted way… by about 30% in they’re on the same page, joking and laughing, but the first part made me super uncomfy. Not just the fact that she literally purchased him, but that he so clearly doesn’t want to be there and she literally chains him to her bed and threatens him with her male cleaning robot (who she says is a sex robot who glitched to want men instead of women… something the hero says is a problem on his home planet because men outnumber women). It just felt super icky.
I wish the author had gone about the concubine / former saikh storylines a bit differently because there’s so much potential and she writes in a funny way. But I’m not going to score this book.
The hero of this book I *think* sold himself into slavery after attacking his former female’s other saikh, but he no longer wants to be a saikh (trained concubine) or to please women. Which is why the heroine, Steph, bought him. To be her… sex slave.
See? This is PROBLEMATIC.
It’s attempted to be done in a more lighthearted way… by about 30% in they’re on the same page, joking and laughing, but the first part made me super uncomfy. Not just the fact that she literally purchased him, but that he so clearly doesn’t want to be there and she literally chains him to her bed and threatens him with her male cleaning robot (who she says is a sex robot who glitched to want men instead of women… something the hero says is a problem on his home planet because men outnumber women). It just felt super icky.
I wish the author had gone about the concubine / former saikh storylines a bit differently because there’s so much potential and she writes in a funny way. But I’m not going to score this book.
May 12, 2022
1st 1/2 off the book = 4.5
2nd 1/2 = 2
Steam: 1st 1/2 is 5/5, the rest is just freaking drawn out. These 2 are kinky, enjoying themselves, and are made for each other but there's definitely some dub-con going on.
Romance: 3/5 - I'm a broken record here.
Plot: 2.5/5
Rereadable: The first half definitely is, I recommend to myself to stop when I get bored though cuz the 2nd half took me 10 years to finish and nothing groundbreaking came of it.
Continuing with series/author: Yeah, after a forced break.
2nd 1/2 = 2
Steam: 1st 1/2 is 5/5, the rest is just freaking drawn out. These 2 are kinky, enjoying themselves, and are made for each other but there's definitely some dub-con going on.
Romance: 3/5 - I'm a broken record here.
Plot: 2.5/5
Rereadable: The first half definitely is, I recommend to myself to stop when I get bored though cuz the 2nd half took me 10 years to finish and nothing groundbreaking came of it.
Continuing with series/author: Yeah, after a forced break.
May 31, 2026
4 stars
This one was really good. This series should be way more recognized. It's proving to be right up there with the Clecanian, Ice Barbarians, and the Naga Bride series for me.
I loved Steph. And we love a supportive husband.
Looking forward to the rest of the books.
This one was really good. This series should be way more recognized. It's proving to be right up there with the Clecanian, Ice Barbarians, and the Naga Bride series for me.
I loved Steph. And we love a supportive husband.
Looking forward to the rest of the books.
September 6, 2021
This series is so good. Like Crazy Good.
June 21, 2022
Read : June 21, 2022
Rating : 3,5 Stars
Cutesy ending, wasn't sure if I would like this one.
Rating : 3,5 Stars
Cutesy ending, wasn't sure if I would like this one.
August 23, 2022
These books are sooo cute!!!! I usually get bored when reading series with the same types of aliens but so far I am excited to read more. The heroine is my fav she's so realistic and empowered and the Hero is rebellious but also vulnerable. They both made me literally LOL with their antics.
5/5!! Bring on the next one.
5/5!! Bring on the next one.
October 14, 2020
The writing and editing of the ARC version of the manuscript was clean, with no typos that I found and pretty sentence structure. The world building was very good, with me really appreciating the visit to the Vandalar home world and getting a better picture of the Vandalar culture and political waters. The characterization was excellent, as is usually the case with this author. The hero and heroine were both vibrant, sympathetic, complex individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The development of the romantic relationship was sweet, hot, and full of laughs and heartwarming moments. The plot and pacing were quick and exciting, meaning I read it in one sitting. There was low to medium well justified angst and fairly high stakes in the latter part of the novel that meant I enjoyed the narrative structure quite a bit. I tend to be a fan of romances with high stakes pretty much across the board. This novel used the Enemies to Lovers trope and the Sexually Confident Heroine trope, both of which I enjoyed. The world building, plot, and pacing were five stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also five stars. I therefore gave this novel a combined score of five stars. This novel ended on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger, which was a big plus. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy masterful characterization and laughs in their sci-fi romances. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series when it releases, and really hope it is set on the Vandalar home world, since I loved visiting it in this novel. I plan to buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2026
Unhinged bratty rich girl meets gruff dominant sex slave who has sworn never to touch a woman ever again. She finds morals inconvenient and is ready to blame it all on her childhood. He's a scorned male angry at females, all females.
I was a bit taken aback by the whole slave situation and how badly the FMC, Steph, seemed to be handling it. But I have read another series by the same author so I trusted her imagination and writing skills. I did expect dubious consent though. I was merely curious about how she was going to spin it. The rating of the book was also a good indicator that she made it work.
From the get-go you will understand that both of the main characters are damaged goods, at least in the eyes of their respective family / community. They are also two sick puppies. Varac is dominant and possessive when the society that raised him expects him meek and subdued. Steph? Well, at first we don't know much about what were the expectations set upon her. She's at ease with her own sexual needs and no afraid to voice what she wants. Or to cuff it.
Both characters are very lonely. And very horny. That is one of the reasons Steph won't calm down with all the edging and bondage: Vacar keeps getting erections. She considers setting Vacar free at first, when he runs away but she confides in a friend that she's worried because he will be re-captured easily and could be harmed. She feels that she's not the worst that can happen to him. She's still open to the idea of setting him free:
I was a bit taken aback by the whole slave situation and how badly the FMC, Steph, seemed to be handling it. But I have read another series by the same author so I trusted her imagination and writing skills. I did expect dubious consent though. I was merely curious about how she was going to spin it. The rating of the book was also a good indicator that she made it work.
From the get-go you will understand that both of the main characters are damaged goods, at least in the eyes of their respective family / community. They are also two sick puppies. Varac is dominant and possessive when the society that raised him expects him meek and subdued. Steph? Well, at first we don't know much about what were the expectations set upon her. She's at ease with her own sexual needs and no afraid to voice what she wants. Or to cuff it.
Both characters are very lonely. And very horny. That is one of the reasons Steph won't calm down with all the edging and bondage: Vacar keeps getting erections. She considers setting Vacar free at first, when he runs away but she confides in a friend that she's worried because he will be re-captured easily and could be harmed. She feels that she's not the worst that can happen to him. She's still open to the idea of setting him free:
“I’ll wait another week and see if things improve. There’s an interstellar flight going to Vandalheim, so I might just send him home and pay a guard to keep him from harm. Shame, really, because I think he’s worth the headaches.”
February 13, 2021
Can a book be totally smutty and totally sweet?
So after reading the first book in the series, I was super curious about how the author would get Steph and Varac together. She's a bit nutty and over-the-top, and he definitely seemed to want to get the heck out of dodge.
This book opens with another of Varac's escape attempts, and we get to learn why he keeps trying to escape. He had his heart broken after being the perfect Saikh, so he no longer wants to give himself on someone else's terms. Sure, Steph is a bit too forceful with her affections, and perhaps there is a little dubious consent in the beginning, but I think the author did a good job of showing that Varac was interested in being with Steph if she was interested in who he really was, not the Saikh he was trained to be.
I really just loved this couple. Steph was such a fun character, who never let anything get her down. The side story of her creating a matchmaking sevice to find mates for all the unwanted Saikhs was great. And I loved gruff Varac coming around and realizing that someone could love him for who he was.
Loved the couple, loved the story, super great alien smutty fun!
So after reading the first book in the series, I was super curious about how the author would get Steph and Varac together. She's a bit nutty and over-the-top, and he definitely seemed to want to get the heck out of dodge.
This book opens with another of Varac's escape attempts, and we get to learn why he keeps trying to escape. He had his heart broken after being the perfect Saikh, so he no longer wants to give himself on someone else's terms. Sure, Steph is a bit too forceful with her affections, and perhaps there is a little dubious consent in the beginning, but I think the author did a good job of showing that Varac was interested in being with Steph if she was interested in who he really was, not the Saikh he was trained to be.
I really just loved this couple. Steph was such a fun character, who never let anything get her down. The side story of her creating a matchmaking sevice to find mates for all the unwanted Saikhs was great. And I loved gruff Varac coming around and realizing that someone could love him for who he was.
Loved the couple, loved the story, super great alien smutty fun!
October 25, 2020
Varac has known the saikh life . . . which is why he refuses to ever go back to it. Too bad he's been purchased by Steph and she's got other ideas. Her best friend found passion and love with a Vandalar male and she wants some of that action for herself. However, keeping Varac might cost her more than she bargained for, literally. But as the power plays and dominance games heat up between them, they might just realize that the trouble they cause each other is more than worth it.
It's a rare day that I find myself cackling out loud because of things that characters do, say, or think, but I caught myself doing exactly that at multiple points in this story. Steph and Varac were devious and cunning. They always knew just the right thing to push the other's buttons. I'll admit that I was a bit worried about their dynamic considering how it was portrayed from an outsider's perspective in the previous book, but those fears were assuaged fairly early on. Their relationship actually ended up feeling perfectly balanced.
The moves made by Steph and Varac in this book are sure to have far-reaching consequences and set up the potential for tons of different types of pairings within this universe. Based on the tease for book three, I already know that I'm going to love what comes next.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for leaving an honest review.
It's a rare day that I find myself cackling out loud because of things that characters do, say, or think, but I caught myself doing exactly that at multiple points in this story. Steph and Varac were devious and cunning. They always knew just the right thing to push the other's buttons. I'll admit that I was a bit worried about their dynamic considering how it was portrayed from an outsider's perspective in the previous book, but those fears were assuaged fairly early on. Their relationship actually ended up feeling perfectly balanced.
The moves made by Steph and Varac in this book are sure to have far-reaching consequences and set up the potential for tons of different types of pairings within this universe. Based on the tease for book three, I already know that I'm going to love what comes next.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for leaving an honest review.
January 16, 2023
The opening chapters of this instalment are definitely not going to be for everyone. There's some serious dub-con/non-con/power-play shit going on which will, understandably, deter some readers. (This is why content warnings are important, authors!)
But if you've taken a walk on the darker side of smut, like me, then you might be able to get through those opening chapters and enjoy the way Varac definitely pays Steph back.
In fact, in a messed up way, these two somehow work really well. As the plot plays out, it becomes clear that they really are as bad as each other when it comes to their kinks and mind games.
Basically, Steph and Varac's relationship is what I would describe as "toxic but hot". They're obviously not something to model a real-life relationship from - at least in the beginning - but their ridiculous antics are fun to read about. Again, only if you're into this specific kind of content and aren't bothered by fictional dub-con.
Also, despite their dubious and somewhat rough exchanges in the beginning, the love that develops between them turns out to be pretty cute by the novel's conclusion.
Content warnings: dub-con, non-con, power play/exchange, bondage, punishment and orgasm denial, etc.
But if you've taken a walk on the darker side of smut, like me, then you might be able to get through those opening chapters and enjoy the way Varac definitely pays Steph back.
In fact, in a messed up way, these two somehow work really well. As the plot plays out, it becomes clear that they really are as bad as each other when it comes to their kinks and mind games.
"She’s crazy. I’m deranged. And together we’re so insanely good."
Basically, Steph and Varac's relationship is what I would describe as "toxic but hot". They're obviously not something to model a real-life relationship from - at least in the beginning - but their ridiculous antics are fun to read about. Again, only if you're into this specific kind of content and aren't bothered by fictional dub-con.
Also, despite their dubious and somewhat rough exchanges in the beginning, the love that develops between them turns out to be pretty cute by the novel's conclusion.
Content warnings: dub-con, non-con, power play/exchange, bondage, punishment and orgasm denial, etc.
October 13, 2020
I just received an advance reader copy of this book and absolutely couldn't put it down! My review was completely unsolicited, but I wanted to give fans of this author another reason to love her!
This is Book 2 in the series and it is even better than the first! This author has a way grabbing you within the first few lines of the book and won't let go until you finish! This is a stand-alone, but should be read in order, so you have the full back story of the situation and the characters. If you haven't read the first book, you should. ( you'll thank me for that) This writer doesn't leave you hanging, at all, like some writers do, which I appreciate.
In this book, sparks continue to fly between Steph and Varac, two characters introduced in Book 1. Varac, purchased by Steph at a slave market on the Planet Agari II is a saikh (male concubine) who no longer wants to be a saikh and spends all of his time trying to run away from his sexy, sex crazed new owner. Steph is one sassy, bold, rich 30 year old who is determined to keep Varac and will stop at nothing, including cuffing him, to make him stay. Their story is so funny, sexy, sweet, and beyond hot. I love these two characters and now just want to be a client with Steph's new business!
This is Book 2 in the series and it is even better than the first! This author has a way grabbing you within the first few lines of the book and won't let go until you finish! This is a stand-alone, but should be read in order, so you have the full back story of the situation and the characters. If you haven't read the first book, you should. ( you'll thank me for that) This writer doesn't leave you hanging, at all, like some writers do, which I appreciate.
In this book, sparks continue to fly between Steph and Varac, two characters introduced in Book 1. Varac, purchased by Steph at a slave market on the Planet Agari II is a saikh (male concubine) who no longer wants to be a saikh and spends all of his time trying to run away from his sexy, sex crazed new owner. Steph is one sassy, bold, rich 30 year old who is determined to keep Varac and will stop at nothing, including cuffing him, to make him stay. Their story is so funny, sexy, sweet, and beyond hot. I love these two characters and now just want to be a client with Steph's new business!
October 17, 2020
** 4.5 stars **
This is a standalone book in the series but there is cross-over characters from the first book. While the first book in the series had a smirk-hinting at the corners of my mouth for most of the book for to the innuendos and just good plain fun of it, this book has a different feel to it. Varac hates being saikh. It ruined his life so he sold himself into slavery to get away from it. Now he finds himself in the hands or cuffs of Steph and he is finding it hard (yeah there's an innuendo there 😘) to deny the chemistry between them.
Steph is more than a smiling face. Castaway by her politically-minded parents, she has been banished, but she had never let that keep her down. She has decided to use her parents' money to save saikh slaves and then help them find female mates. She thought that was what she was doing with Varac, but something about him calls to her; something broken in him calls to the thing that is broken in her, like two halves of a whole.
The story involves Varac fighting his instincts, the battle to give into the love that is growing for Steph. There is of course so steamy growling going on and hopefully some more books in this world in the future 🤞.
This is a standalone book in the series but there is cross-over characters from the first book. While the first book in the series had a smirk-hinting at the corners of my mouth for most of the book for to the innuendos and just good plain fun of it, this book has a different feel to it. Varac hates being saikh. It ruined his life so he sold himself into slavery to get away from it. Now he finds himself in the hands or cuffs of Steph and he is finding it hard (yeah there's an innuendo there 😘) to deny the chemistry between them.
Steph is more than a smiling face. Castaway by her politically-minded parents, she has been banished, but she had never let that keep her down. She has decided to use her parents' money to save saikh slaves and then help them find female mates. She thought that was what she was doing with Varac, but something about him calls to her; something broken in him calls to the thing that is broken in her, like two halves of a whole.
The story involves Varac fighting his instincts, the battle to give into the love that is growing for Steph. There is of course so steamy growling going on and hopefully some more books in this world in the future 🤞.
December 26, 2023
I almost gave up on the series after this book. I'm glad I didn't, but this book just made me all sorts of uncomfortable.
The MMC is a slave and was purchased by the spoiled rich FMC as a concubine, mainly because the FMC saw the relationship that developed between her friend and her own slave (the couple in the first book of the series) and wanted some of that. But the relationship in this book doesn't even remotely compare to the relationship in the first book. In the first book, the MMC WANTED to be with the FMC. In this book, the MMC tells the FMC repeatedly that he does not want her and most definitely does not want to have sex with her. He runs away numerous times in the first book and tries to in the second book.
In response, the FMC keeps a shock collar on him, ties him up to the bed, and threatens for one of her bots to sexually assault him.
Ick.
I just couldn't get over that at all, and I kind of feel bad giving the book even two stars. If the roles were reversed, this would be labeled a dark romance at the least. It's even worse because the tone seems rather light, like it is all a big joke, but it definitely wasn't a joke to the MMC.
The MMC is a slave and was purchased by the spoiled rich FMC as a concubine, mainly because the FMC saw the relationship that developed between her friend and her own slave (the couple in the first book of the series) and wanted some of that. But the relationship in this book doesn't even remotely compare to the relationship in the first book. In the first book, the MMC WANTED to be with the FMC. In this book, the MMC tells the FMC repeatedly that he does not want her and most definitely does not want to have sex with her. He runs away numerous times in the first book and tries to in the second book.
In response, the FMC keeps a shock collar on him, ties him up to the bed, and threatens for one of her bots to sexually assault him.
Ick.
I just couldn't get over that at all, and I kind of feel bad giving the book even two stars. If the roles were reversed, this would be labeled a dark romance at the least. It's even worse because the tone seems rather light, like it is all a big joke, but it definitely wasn't a joke to the MMC.
October 18, 2020
Steph is crazy.
Beautiful. Curvy. Funny. Brilliant. And crazy.
After watching her best friend Lilly fall madly in love with Jax, A Vandalar Saikh specially trained to pleasure his mistress, Steph decides that she has to have one for herself. Instead she gets Varac.
After making the mistake of falling in love with his previous mistress, Varac refuses to be anyone’s Saikh ever again. So Steph does what any desperate woman would do. She cuffs him to her bed and tries to change his mind.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to be on board with Steph’s special brand of crazy at first. I mean, don’t get me wrong. She’s exactly the kind of best friend any girl would want, but dude! She’s a little nuts. Which just happened to work perfectly with Varac’s moody personality. Watching these two fall for each other was epic! I was either laughing out loud or had my heart up in my throat. And when they finally got together?? Holy Hotness Batman. It was combustion!
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful. Curvy. Funny. Brilliant. And crazy.
After watching her best friend Lilly fall madly in love with Jax, A Vandalar Saikh specially trained to pleasure his mistress, Steph decides that she has to have one for herself. Instead she gets Varac.
After making the mistake of falling in love with his previous mistress, Varac refuses to be anyone’s Saikh ever again. So Steph does what any desperate woman would do. She cuffs him to her bed and tries to change his mind.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to be on board with Steph’s special brand of crazy at first. I mean, don’t get me wrong. She’s exactly the kind of best friend any girl would want, but dude! She’s a little nuts. Which just happened to work perfectly with Varac’s moody personality. Watching these two fall for each other was epic! I was either laughing out loud or had my heart up in my throat. And when they finally got together?? Holy Hotness Batman. It was combustion!
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2021
This. Was. INCREDIBLE.
I absolutely adored this book.
My favourite part was the relationship dynamic between Varac and Steph. This is a fiesty heroine, dominant hero pairing. They are so passionate with eachother and the spice was amazing (spice level 3).
I also loved the worldbuilding, it was so interesting learning about the levels of training for saikhs and learning more about Vandalheim. Overall, this series is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I hope the author writes more!!
Here are some quotes:
"Terrible attitude.” He yanks me off the counter by my hair, tail pressed over my mouth, the lopsided grin on his face the scariest yet. “Let’s fix that, huh?”
"I’m the only male you cuff and torture, do you understand, Steph?"
"Oh, but I like chasing you.” “You’re crazy!” “Look who’s talking.”
"You got that wrong.” Fuck, the way his tongue trails over the side of my neck doesn’t upset me nearly as much as it should. “Being a saikh doesn’t mean I’m nice. It means that I am whatever you need me to be. Give you whatever I know you need.”
I absolutely adored this book.
My favourite part was the relationship dynamic between Varac and Steph. This is a fiesty heroine, dominant hero pairing. They are so passionate with eachother and the spice was amazing (spice level 3).
I also loved the worldbuilding, it was so interesting learning about the levels of training for saikhs and learning more about Vandalheim. Overall, this series is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I hope the author writes more!!
Here are some quotes:
"Terrible attitude.” He yanks me off the counter by my hair, tail pressed over my mouth, the lopsided grin on his face the scariest yet. “Let’s fix that, huh?”
"I’m the only male you cuff and torture, do you understand, Steph?"
"Oh, but I like chasing you.” “You’re crazy!” “Look who’s talking.”
"You got that wrong.” Fuck, the way his tongue trails over the side of my neck doesn’t upset me nearly as much as it should. “Being a saikh doesn’t mean I’m nice. It means that I am whatever you need me to be. Give you whatever I know you need.”
October 23, 2020
Each book in the Vandalar Concubines Series by V.K.Ludwig could be read as standalone, but why would you want to. Aliens males trained to please women in all ways that are loyal, passionate, and se*y as can be, what's not to love about this series. Book 2 gives us Steph and Varac. Steph is Lily's best friend from book 1 and Varec is the Vandalar saikh coked up with Jax, also in book1. When Steph finds out more about saikhs and what they offer women, she buys Varec, who is not at all interested in fulfilling her desires at all. In fact the farther away from her that he can get, the better. But Steph is one determined women. I loved these two together, they are funny, strong, passionate, and there's so much chemistry between them. The book has great flow, some hilarious scenes and I cant wait to see what happens next with these Vandalar Concubines and the women they love. Great read.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 25, 2022
Oh MY STARS! I stayed up so late reading to 50% last night and it was SO FREAKING WORTH IT! This series has me hooked on Vandalar!
So this was very different from Jax and Lilly however I still felt that strange hollowness in my chest when reading about Varac and Steph! Especially with their backstories and the scared of rejection. It’s like VK Ludwig knows me!
How do you write such an amazing book that both moves you to tears, has you laughing out loud and has you wishing you could hear a Vandalar growl?
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the Saikh in this one and getting some back story! I’m so excited for Izzy’s story and to see where that leads. I’m definitely going to be reading her other books!
What I really enjoy about this series is that it uses humour and emotion to really draw forth and smooth pains from the past! All the character so far have had fractured pasts that are healed by their mates! What a joy it is to read good fiction!
So this was very different from Jax and Lilly however I still felt that strange hollowness in my chest when reading about Varac and Steph! Especially with their backstories and the scared of rejection. It’s like VK Ludwig knows me!
How do you write such an amazing book that both moves you to tears, has you laughing out loud and has you wishing you could hear a Vandalar growl?
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the Saikh in this one and getting some back story! I’m so excited for Izzy’s story and to see where that leads. I’m definitely going to be reading her other books!
What I really enjoy about this series is that it uses humour and emotion to really draw forth and smooth pains from the past! All the character so far have had fractured pasts that are healed by their mates! What a joy it is to read good fiction!
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